Friends, this morning I heard the most powerful semi-human in the world, George W Bush, use the term ‘Democratic Capitalism’. Excuse me for being somewhat baffled but I thought that democracy was a political system and capitalism was an economic system. Of course, in George’s tortured mind, such distinct distinctions have no meaning.
From the balance of what he said it seemed that he was still extolling the wonderful virtues of free markets but cautioning that they needed a bit of regulation now and again to save them from their excesses or, more correctly, from the excesses engaged in by a mere handful of folk who, unwittingly, had made a few dubious investments. By joining capitalism with democracy perhaps he hoped to lift the meaning of capitalism from its current putrid low? But perhaps he didn’t go far enough!
Now look, I don’t want to be presumptuous here. Surely it’s not my place to offer advice to the Commander of the World. However I suggest that he adds ‘Faith-based’ to the mix and, in the future, talks about Democratic, Faith-based Capitalism. I’ll explain why later.
Now I realize that there will be some among you, smart people that you are, who will be scratching your heads. There will be those who will be asking yourselves questions like:
- Hasn’t capitalism brought about great inequality in the world and a selfish me-first attitude and, currently, a financial crisis?
- Hasn’t unregulated capitalism led to, dare I say it, global warming?
- Hasn’t capitalist greed generated wars like those in Afghanistan and Iraq?
- Hasn’t capitalism ripped off people all over the world, led to deforestation, genetic modification of our food, the poisoning of the air, soil and water, even lung cancer, etc?
Well the answers to these questions must surely be in the affirmative. But if you link capitalism to ‘democracy’ then the warmth and fuzziness of the word ‘democracy’ kind of white-washes away some of the evils…sorry, minor flaws of capitalism. But does it? The more astute among you will already be asking questions like:
- Isn’t democracy what the U.S. brought to Iraq and Afghanistan, a process that has killed millions of their people and destroyed their countries and infrastructure?
- Didn’t Bush take away citizens’ rights in the so-called democracy that is America, tap their phones, institute the provision of martial law, build incarceration camps, bring home troops from Iraq to quell possible protests, set up the procedures of rendition and torture, etc?
- Didn’t Bush take billions of dollars of taxpayer’s money to bail out Wall Street Bankers and Investment Houses who’d engaged in shady practices and extremely dodgy risk-taking?
- Hasn’t Bush and his Republican Party sent 4,000 plus young Americans to die so that American oil supplies could be guaranteed and so oil companies and altruistic businesses like Haliburton could make mega-profits?
- Isn’t there some doubt about the honesty of the counting in American Presidential elections?
Alright, perhaps the joining of ‘democracy’ to capitalism is not so wise. But here’s where my genius shines. If you add Faith-based to the mix that brings God into the equation, He who is perfect, He who can do no wrong. There, the white-wash is 100%. Am I divinely inspired or what?
But hang on a minute! Perhaps some of you are already asking yourselves questions like:
- Doesn’t religion divide people, set them against each other, kind of like Christians versus Muslims or Jews versus Muslims or even Catholics versus Protestants?
- Aren’t the Churches very rich and don’t they have a lot of investments which means they want capitalism to prevail despite the fact that it divides society into two classes: the rich and the multitudinous poor?
- Don’t some evangelicals want a nuclear war so they can get to heaven without dying?
- Aren’t religions guilty of terrible things like child molestation and rape and killing?
– Isn’t it a fact that all religions are based upon a total absence of scientifically proven facts?
Hmmmmmmmm! Perhaps my idea isn’t so good after all. There seem to be lots of flaws with capitalism, democracy and religion. The truth is that, like long dead cats, they are all on the nose!
But then, what the hell, the sheeple won’t work that out.
Let her rip, George. Democratic, Faith-based Capitalism Forever!
Right on, brother.
Nothing more to add.
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Adina, thanks for your endorsement. It means a lot!
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You said it, DG. Everything this week.
This line in particular gets to me:
“Hasn’t unregulated capitalism led to, dare I say it, global warming?”
The answer is Yes, and the solution is: (drum roll)… more Capitalism to save us from the ravages of Capitalism.
Example: If you Really care about the planet you can afford a Hybrid car, organic food and clothing, purchasing carbon-credits, hemp shopping bags, adopting a third world child, etc, etc.
Poor people become toxic villains in their old and polluting cars. Devils and Saints, rich and poor, black or white, with us or against us.
Its a frickin prison of judging one another in society.
Just try and be autonomous, you will be like Christ or Ghandi, living your message and morals. I think what makes Obama the Obamassiah, is the fact that he is essentially putting his life on the line for what he says he believes in. And he is doing it for us all as well as himself, in true saviour fashion.
From MLK’s speech: “I have a dream that my four little children will one day
live in a nation where they will not be
judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”
Obama is the present day embodiment of MLK’s dream. Say what you will.
Nevertheless, (we) dare to hope.
Peace all
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Grace, when Obama first burst upon the scene, I too felt hope. Then I remembered the old saying about ‘power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely.’ American Presidents appear to have absolute power.
If Obama wasn’t so much a part of the ‘Establishment’ I’d feel more confident.
But I agree, we dare to hope.
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That is why a media rep said that Obama would be installed as president. That’s why the Democrats did not much gripe about all the power grabbed by Bush. They were just waiting their time to get in on the action. “Back to the Future” by Justin Raimondo at antiwar.com states many reasons for fears about an Obama presidency.
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Swan, it’s amazing to this mere Australian just how often America, despite having the most complex, convoluted political system in the world, comes up with dummies to lead them.
B-grade actors, crooks, mumbling fools, sex maniacs, you name it, they elect them.
How come?
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“B-grade actors, crooks, mumbling fools, sex maniacs, you name it, they elect them.”
David, we are ‘just’ free enough to suspect we have kinky desires, and just repressed enough for alot of it to be just below te level of full consciousness.
So we act shocked when our leaders like kinky sex, yet look at someone like Kucinich, who has an openly Hot wife with her tongue pierced, he is probbly the most chaste and honorable man in politics. Can’t elect him.
Secretly kinky, but acts pious – American people can’t seem to get enough of that type!
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Grace, the ‘kinkiness’ of the American people is a subject that is beyond me. I have enough trouble understanding their political behaviour!
Cheers.
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And that picture you presented, David G. is so chilling.
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Maybe it is not a subject for this forum, but there has been incredible sexual hypocricy from politicians in particular.
I recognize this is off-subject, but on-subject in a round about way. Most of the politicians are usually caught doing the very thing they actively sought to create Draconian laws to punish others for doing. Larry Flynt is a true hero for exposing this kind of hypocricy. Ok, I won’t torture you all anymore with this subject : ).
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Grace ,
I can only speak for myself, but you are not torturing me with this subject. and I think everybody here would agree..
I read your posts with interest. I find that unlike me, you are wise in your views, genuinely compassionate and balanced.
And I do really hope your back pain has lessened.
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Swan, I love searching for the right image. Sometimes I find something that’s just right!
Grace, we can only guess at the true depths of human sleaziness.
Adina, I agree but not with the ‘unlike me.’
Cheers.
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Thank you Adina. I haven’t commented in every post, but I especially enjoyed your poetry. I also appreciate the principled you have shown. Very kind of you in offering your concern. It is hard, they try experimental injections in my neck that disrupt my life for weeks, give temporary relief of migtaines and then this time (10 days later) all the pain returns with a vengeance, then calms down again to mild headaches all day. Can make me a cranky lady, probably why I like to comment on politics; in my perpetual crankiness. However, it is a discipline, to stay calm and positive, which I strive for and have made progress over these years.
Well put David,
Peace, all.
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corr: principles. migraines. :b
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Grace, my dad suffered from a Neuralgia which almost led him to considering suicide, so unbearable the pain was. Most mainstream consulted doctors, (one top top neuro surgeon) considered the disease incurable.. Well.. My dad had recovered, and had no episode of pain in years.
Knowing what constant intense pain can do to people, why I am amazed and happy that you manage to keep a positive spirit, and other than cranky, you always sound uplifting. Keep up your positive spirit, and I hope so much so much you ll be cured.
some people who suffered no physical pain or had no one in their family to suffer it (even me, before my dad’s situation) do not imagine how much strength it takes to cope with. Thanks to my dad’s experience I have become more aware… I really do wish you well.
Take care
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A few weeks ago they started me on a new pain medication. I got incredibly ill; even my selfish mother felt sorry for me. Turns out they prescribed the wrong med. and it could have killed me. I was laying there thinking I should write my will and make sure my son has “Godparents” Fortunately, I am resilient and made it. The doctor just said “oops.” The moral of the story is that each person, and if you are lucky, your family too, must be (their own) best advocate. I never understood the pain people experience til this all happened: after a trip to the chiropractor and a bone in my neck popped out. Know thine self. My own instinct was right, but I chose to obey the “doctor”. I know this is not comforting advice, but it may save a life. There is a fine line in obeying authority and following your instincts. At the very least, if in doubt, ask as many questions as you need to.
Bless you, and your father. Empathy for others is one of the greatest gifts that can come from the kind of tragedy you experienced with your father. I am very happy to hear he healed himself! My dad did something similar with his kidney disease, defying doctors and living many years beyond what had been predicted. Thank you, and Big hug to your whole family, Adina.
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Dearest Grace, thank you so much! Told you , you have a gift. Your words are always uplifting.
I was immensely lucky to be born in a family where empathy was thought. Stranded animals always ended up at our doorsteps.. talking about instinct.. how did they know they ll be taken care of there and not next door?
But…Dealing with the humans/school/workplace etc.. made me lose most of it. The little I have left I save it for the undefended, as abused animals, innocent children, helpless old folks.. Luckily tough, again, I get to experience it when i meet genuine people.. like yourself. they bring the empathy back in me.. So thank you, my dear, you are a gift to me.
The lesson that I have learned from Dad’s experience, beyond the understanding of physical pain and its effects, is believing in miracles. against all odds. against all predictions. Like your dad. like my dad.
SO PLEASE
DO BELIEVE YOUR MIRACLE WILL HAPPEN TOO
PLEASE DO.
I wish it to you with all my heart!
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