Am I just tilting at windmills now?
Friends, I have been running this blog (and Seeking Utopia before it) for a long, long time. It is obvious to me that, based on visits, comments and page views, interest in this blog has been steadily declining.
Whether it has to do with the growth of Facebook and Twitter I don’t know. Whether it has to do with me losing my edge, I don’t know. Perhaps it has to do with my atheism or my hard-hitting revelations about America. Perhaps people are just too busy trying to survive the current economic disaster to spend time reading blogs and writing comments. Perhaps it’s just there are better blogs than mine or perhaps mine has simply reached its use-by date.
Anyway, whatever the reason or reasons, I am not going to wait for the time to arrive when I am writing posts for two or three occasional visitors.
I will leave this post open for a week and write no others. Perhaps, when or if you visit, you might be kind enough to give me some feedback as to what you think might be wrong, what might be contributing to the unexpected malaise.
This information will help me to work out what to do and/or what to change.
In the interim, take care of yourselves!
Add humor. Lie to us, we’ll understand. Promise us the Moon, immortality, an early pension, vegan jelly beans (jelly babies to you Brits), mega-stardom. Use modern terms, like “surge.” It works for people like Bush and Obama. Tell us you need a surge of readers and if each of us doesn’t deliver one friend/family member for one comment this week–even a “hello, goodbye” a la the Beatles would do–we’ll lose the jelly beans! Horrors!
You are the captain of this ship. You are not yet at port. Maybe the deck has fewer hands, but the voyage is more important than mere numbers. Chaos is important to loosen the death grip of Damnable Stagnation, so that a better order–nature–can be discerned and renewed in our hearts. You see the Chaos more–focus on the order that all creation (save Man) enjoys that surely must remain after we fall–it will be the Hand that picks up the wise left from the winnowing of the fools.
This malaise as you call it is a darkness descending upon all of humanity. We sense that our collective efforts have an element of rot that is now unavoidable to see and smell. We wretch from our incessant wars, assault on the environment and free-fall into immorality that gathers up even our children.
The Darkest hour comes just before the dawn. Sail on, Sailor, sail on.
“I don’t know why you say “Goodbye,” I say “Hello!”
Hey, La, hey, hey Lo La!
Hey, La, hey, hey Lo La!
Hey, La, hey, hey Lo La!
BEATLES
“Material Plane”
Ted PanDeva Zagar
Why have we forsaken the art
Of speaking straight with healing tongue
And calming the restless seas with tranquil love?
War’s the wheel that turns our cart
Bringing blackened soil, sky and lung
And poisoning the golden manna from Sol above.
From whence comes this cheating barely beating heart
That makes whore and soldier of our young
While offering our Shadow Gods a charcoaled dove?
Fools are they who play the part
Of Master with nature’s deft angels
wearing a weighted glove
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coco Reply:
July 30th, 2010 at 10:17 pm
wonderful poem ted….I often think about the road to hell. I heard it through the grapevine, that if you have sweet dreams and stroke a black cat, then hell is just like a long train running. I’m a believer and I’ve been all around the world – I’ve drank strawberry wine, eaten brown sugar and sniffed cocaine. I love the night life and some people call me proud Mary, but I have an objection to that.
All night long I play that funky music and I’m totally addicted to love. But I can’t buy me love, so I put on my black velvet and boogie oogie down to the YMCA. It’s a family affair there and everyone’s moving on up. Anyway, what’s love got to do with it? It just gives you a fever. So I’m going back to put another brick in the wall of my sweet home Alabama.
Of course I can’t get you outta my head, but they say tomorrow it’s raining men. Maybe I’ll go to Venus or take a holiday on La Isla Bonita. Either way, I’ll not walk like an Egyptian. And really, you ain’t seen nothing yet because even though I can’t take my eyes off you and you’re simply the best, I sense a bad moon rising and I want to break free. But in the end everyone’s a winner Baby!!!! See you on Broadway
coco
…..
here’s something i made up a while ago. see how many song titles you can find.
david, don’t despair. you have your faithful followers…….
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One thing you might do differently is realize that just because I don’t write back doesn’t mean that I am not out here looking forward to what you have to say.
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Hi David and all,
I’ve been stopping by to read the blog just about daily. But I feel like an outsider looking in. I still don’t have a place of my own since I moved in May so I have to sign in as a guest on my sister’s computer to check my emails and read some news. I don’t have as much time right now to write because sis is really uptight about anyone lingering on her computer too long.
The blog is still very good to read. Comments have been wonderful lately. I hope you will keep it going David. I’m one American who isn’t put off by the posts exposing the American government as the imperialists that they are.
I wish I had time to write more. I will try to add something if I can get back on later today or tomorrow.
Hello to sister Grace if you’re out there reading. Thanks for all the comments all of you…Ted, Coco, 76, Robo….. I love this place!
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I wish I had an answer that would solve your problem!
I see more and more of americans turning to the right as conditions continue to get worse with so many struggling to make ends meet. They do not seem to want to hear the real truth of why they are in such a mess, preferring the garbage rightwing blowhards spew on a daily basis. The MSM, of course, helps by being a mouth piece for government/corporate PR which is everywhere. There is no way to avoid all the propaganda and it takes effort to look for alternative views. So many people seem worn down by the struggles of just getting by to have the energy to make that effort. It is easier to just go along and beleive what everyone else does.
Though I do read everything I don’t always comment in the summer because I am busy and just don’t have the time and energy to do so.
I would miss this blog so very much if it were gone. You post moving pictures which often say as much or more than your words and your words contain truths that desperately need to be spoken!
The comments have come to be almost like a family that agrees or challenges me to see things in new and different ways. I may not always agree, but it helps me to think about things much more clearly.
I hope someone else has the answers that I don’t.
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Although I have never commented before, your site is the first one that I go to every morning to see if you have posted anything new. Your comments are insightful and photos do a great job of capturing the theme of the day. You don’t have to change anything, just continue what you are doing. You will be missed if you stop.
Do what you need to do and I wish you good luck with whichever decision you make.
Thanks for what you have done
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David -
You are doing nothing wrong! You have produced a website that is great to look at and has many, many salient comments from you and your readers about the state of the world. It may be a combination of the factors you proposed. I believe that part of it may be your deep support of the Palestinians and your continued and correct criticism of Israel. It is possible that some who might have otherwise stayed were put off by that. I have seen the most amazing and uncritical support for Israel here in the States. When I attended the first San Francisco anti-war rally against the proposed invasion of Iraq back in March of 2003 I was very much put off by a large group of people who stood off to the side behind the speakers’ platform and booed the speeches that condemned the invasion. They WANTED war with Iraq and seemed convinced that it was a deadly enemy. I have also noted with disgust the persecution of Rabbi Michael Lerner who started Tikkun magazine. He also criticizes Israel when she is wrong and he was rewarded with death threats by fellow Jews who published his address in one of their publications. I’m using one example to imply many others here. This seems to be a time when people are becoming increasingly polarized about their positions on many things. Noam Chomsky has called it the “atomization” of our society. David, you are a brave man who envisions a much better and more just world. However, this is an era when people don’t want that kind of honesty and criticism.
I’m sorry to see that you may give up the blog but I have very much enjoyed reading your submissions and also the letters in response. This is a good group of folks who have read your blog regularly and shared their views. And, don’t be afraid to be seen as tilting at windmills. I’d rather do that than be the typical hapless consumeroid who actually believes that Faux News tells them the truth.
Thank you for all you have done and best wishes about your health.
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Friends, thanks for the supportive, constructive comments. I’ll wait until I get more feedback before I respond but let me say that, this morning, I am uplifted (which isn’t easy in this troubled world).
Could I throw this into the mix? How about I introduce periodic guest posts. You write a post and I’ll edit it (if required) and find a suitable image or images to accompany it. That way Dangerous Creation will have more voices, more different points of view.
This could expand the blog’s appeal and bring a wider audience of folk who also want to change the world by deposing the Villains who currently control everything for their own benefit.
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David- I have been away for a couple days, Dr.s appt. 175 miles from where I live. No internet access available. I do greatly look forward to reading your site. And I also am not bothered by hearing how impearialistic America is. Your suggestion of excepting reader posts might be a good way to expand your site without creating more work for yourself. But please don’t give up!! People are busy so a lax in responces is not a bad sign. You offer refuge from the storm that is welcomed. Peace and cheers to you my friend.
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David G Reply:
July 31st, 2010 at 2:46 pm
76-water, the importance of this blog is not determined by me but by its readers, especially the ones who comment. I see myself as just an enabler, a person who raises issues, who asks questions. It’s the reaction to the issues I raise that is important, not me.
And the greater the reaction, the more important is the blog because people start asking questions and, hopefully, other people start talking and discussing and questioning.
I want nothing for myself. That’s part of the reason why I write under a pseudonym. It’s enough for me to feel that I’m doing something that might make things a little better for others.
P.S. Hope your medical check was O.K.
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good idea david…………
i’ll write something in the next few days and await for your instructions as to how to get it to you. (or do we just post it on the site?)
cheers
coco
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David
Your site is Great , and i for one always look foward to visiting and reading it along with comments that the wonderful people who visit your site make . Unfortunately people would rather watch acess hollywood than educate themselves about the larger world and how the horrible way we think and live causes the current conditions we all live under. Keep going David we need you .
WITHOUT EARTH , THERE IS NO HEAVEN
STREETS OF GOLD ,ANGELS WINGS ETERNAL LIFE
CORPORATE REICH NUCLEAR REGIMES ,
PLUNDERING NATURAL ALLIES , AS THOUGH EARTH IS DEAD
ALLOWING RELIGIOUS RITE ,COLLECTION PLATE TRIBUTES
TO CHURCH AND STATE ,WITH CHRIST STILL HANGING FROM THE CROSS
ECHOING INDUSTRIAL WAR CRIES ,WARRING AGAINST BODY AND SOUL
WARRING AGAINST BODY AND SOUL,ATTACKING SPIRIT ,LYING TO ENSLAVE
WITH AN ILLUSION ABOUT FREEDOM ,
WITHOUT EARTH THERE IS NO HEAVEN
EARTH AND SKY UNIVERSAL POWER ,
LIFE ENERGIES CREATIVE FLOW , IN WHICH WE ARE A PATTERN
TO KEEP BALANCE ,HARMONY A GIFT ,AN APPRECIATION TO ENJOY
HONOR LIFE , WITHOUT EARTH THERE IS NO HEAVEN
JOHN TRUDELL -
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Your idea for guest posts sounds like a good idea. I am sure there are plenty of people out there that have ideas they want to express.
I just hope that this site continues!
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David,
I stop-by daily… at least once, and enjoy your comments much.
Truth be told… when the usa democrats are power, it becomes harder to maintain an opposition. Perhaps, out of exhaustion… people relax or give up.
Truly understand the efforts and toil to produce a daily quality page like your. I read daily – moon of alabama – and was at a lost when it closed.
My appreciation and support, whatever your choice.
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David Grayling, the man, the alias, the legend.
One squeaky wheel to another: Gee, ‘ya think nobody wants to hear us?
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O Lord, I love that this is a non religious site. I keep my spiritual views to myself.
I have serious concerns about the world and am tired of fighting others. I am happy to rationally discuss nearly anything. This is a respectful site you operate. For so many reasons, it is nice to have this kind of place.
I have been unavailable to write recently. I will be happy to discuss this more.
DG, you have some good ideas. any of them could be fun.
Thanks.
Kathy! Omg you stay strong. So much more to say, now and often.
Grace
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Friends, thanks for the flood of reassuring comments. My self-doubt is largely dispelled. It’s the last time I’ll take any notice of page views and visits.
I guess when all is said and done, it’s the quality of the visits and the comments which people leave that is important not the quantity. But, of course, the number of comments does show clearly how relevant a blog is. And comments also show how involved the blog’s readers are in working towards change.
Let’s work together to make this blog a real voice for change in the world as well as a place that offers mutual support and understanding in an often difficult world.
P.S. Regarding Guest Posts, the details of how to submit them are now in the top of the sidebar. So get your keyboard going and get your name or pseudonym out there in cyberspace!
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David, don’t go away. I visit you often. Sometimes I can’t read your words because they tell me about the horror and I know about the horror but I can’t look at it. I care about the devilish nature of the few who cast their spell of power on the rest of us. I am just like anyone else, I am crying inside, I am ashamed of humanity’s callous turn against itself. I need to know you will hang in there like the rest of us are hanging on in our own way, so what if only a few return to you, you are vital to all of us who know you, but these times are hurting and painful and we can’t look perhaps, but, your words must not vanish, the terms are no longer yours to make, we need each other whether you know we are present or not, it is knowing that you and others are witnessing, feeling, hating the dreaded deeds of the powerful that keep us focused and connected. God knows we need to feel connected. Your photos sometimes startle me, I can’t look, but, I know your intent is to bring the truth to the surface. We may not be responsible for the neglect and hatred and murder in the world, but, we are responsible to face it, speak of it, find a way to change it, stop it, end it. David, don’t go away just because you don’t think you have a big enough crowd.
I’m an American and I want your words to live for you and me and all believers in justice and the pursuit of happiness which means, of course, all crimes against humanity and Mother Nature must meet accountability without political persuasion, without procrastination, without delay. Stay with us, dear one.
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David G Reply:
August 1st, 2010 at 3:07 am
Patty, I feel humbled by your comment yet I never knew you were there. I hope you will comment again for comments are the only way I can gauge whether my words and images have meaning or worth.
Remember, a beautiful song heard by no one but the singer has no impact. It’s the same when I write a post. Until someone comments it means nothing.
And if only a few people choose to comment I don’t really know why. I have to guess whether I’m missing the mark or alienating people or getting something wrong or whether people agree.
Comments are to me like an audience is to a singer. They tell me how I’m going!
Take care.
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PATTY Reply:
August 3rd, 2010 at 5:27 am
Thank you for responding to me personally yet in the fish bowl with other like minded fish, HA! Yes, you are right, I have not jumped into the water with everyone but I had no hesitation trying to save you. I will be more mindful in the future to listen to your voice and let you hear me clapping. You and all of us deserve a thank you and comment on our good deeds, always…..
thank you,
Patty
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David G Reply:
August 4th, 2010 at 12:31 am
Patty, I really don’t need to hear clapping. All I need is to see that readers join in and share with me and the other regulars on D.C. the common goals which we share.
Everyone has something positive to contribute so let’s hear from you!
thank goodness david, that we have lifted your spirits.
but i’m sure you know, in our own way, we are all in the same boat. that means, we, the few who appreciate what is going on (behind our backs).
oh to be a fly with compound vision………..
i’ll try to get an article off to you shortly to the sos link………….
does it stand for: save our submissions?
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David G Reply:
August 1st, 2010 at 2:54 am
Coco, I choose ‘sos’ for the email address because I hoped this blog would provide rescue for those who were drowning in our greedy, capitalist, warmongering world.
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coco Reply:
August 1st, 2010 at 11:27 am
i know, i was joking……….:)
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I most humbly apologize for not stopping by more often myself.
Life tends to toss “things” at us, and we all deal with them in our own way.
Yes, the economy and working for the “man” is one aspect, as is family.
Been trying to hang in there myself, although never worried about comments,
since it’s no big deal anyway. For me.
Too many blogs that are interesting and not enough time to see them all,
be it a day, week or month.
Glad to see you’ve received a response…………
Hope all is well! Cheers!
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Dear David, i was devasteted when i read you will end your blog.
English is not my mothertongue and it is hard for me to write something
meaningful. May i say i need your blog, with all the comments ?
It’s like a light in a dark night. Please keep on with the good work you are doing.
All the best to you from Herbert
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David,
Please don’t stop.
We need every voice in the opposition that we can muster as this time in history.
You are a marvelous writer and I support your blog.
Now, if only I had enough money to support my own, I would send you some if that’s what you need.
But don’t stop writing!
Suzan
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David, all, I have to go away again. I should have never come home.
Stay strong. I look forward to more normal times, discussing the implications of life in Modern Day RomexPalestine, DC v USoA. The usual.
Love. Peace.
Grace
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David G Reply:
August 1st, 2010 at 11:24 pm
Grace, I’m so sorry to hear of your continuing troubles. Please take care and call in again when you can. Our thoughts are with you!
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Grace Reply:
August 4th, 2010 at 3:01 am
David,
Youd think getting help would be easier than it is. It is grueling work. In a town where Insurance is scoffed at and cash money gets everything. I have never thought about dying or disappearing myself more than I have since I sought help. Just finished reading Olive Farmer’s post: Thursday, July 22, 2010 What’s next for you and I? .. how they of no light, want the beauty that is the light of humanity, dead. I am here to say this is true. Yet I also saw how those of darkness will crumble like dust in the light of goodness. We must all lift each other these days..
Thanks for being here.
Grace
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David G Reply:
August 5th, 2010 at 1:50 am
Grace and Jeannie, unless this blog folds because the support drops away I will be here for you both as you are here for me.
Cheers.
Dear friends, I am overwhelmed by your support. I won’t respond to each and every comment but suffice to say that I seriously underestimated just how much support there was. A blog author, working alone in an office with only the comments and sitemeter stats to guide him, can get the wrong idea as I obviously have.
Anyway, I think writing this post has cleared the air and may have led to a renewal of enthusiasm for the task at hand: to make our world a better place.
Peace and love to all of you!
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Thank you David for continuing this blog!!!
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Reading from Australia! Don’t read it everyday, but your blog is on my favourites bar… Please continue writing and hopefully silent readers like myself will contribute more in the future.
Thanks
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Billykat, your voice is important. There’s strength in numbers and caring people need to stand up and be counted. We look forward to your continuing input!
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Ha, I was happy when I thought only three people were reading what I have to say! Numbers don’t matter to me in that sense. I’ve had to live, “despite” certain people in my life. It has made me defiant. Even if consumed with fear. I am like the chihuahua that barks ferociously at the pack of great danes.
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David G Reply:
August 7th, 2010 at 5:13 am
Grace, despite the number of people who responded to this post now, a few days later, we are back to the loyal handful of regulars.
I really don’t know what to do.
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Grace Reply:
August 17th, 2010 at 11:26 pm
David, you are going to just have to get used to the existential reality that you have no control over others.
Love and peace, real peace, : )
Grace
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David G Reply:
August 18th, 2010 at 9:40 pm
I have no wish to control others, Grace. But to be part of a vibrant group of people who are determined to work towards changing the world, that is another matter.
“to be part of a vibrant group of people who are determined to work towards changing the world, that is another matter”
I hear you. That is healthy. I have been in and out of the hospital in the last month. I am ok, now, but I want you to know that places like this are a REFUGE in this world. I used caps to emphasize this. World peace will come one person at a time. That challenges the logical mind that currently works in billions and trillions. Sometimes you can be a “hundred thousadandaire” and be successful and happy. Or be a beggar in the streets, but be aware of the illusion we are all living in and still be happy.
I know it is alot of work to keep a blog going. If you want I will start to mention this site. I just have never done that. It has always been for me, a refuge where I could express some unpopular points of view, and not forget, foir example; the Gazan people. We live in a world where people don’t want to talk about bad things and they run when things are bad. I am the type to stick with it if there is enough there to continue – no matter how bad it can get. I know that is general, but I have learned alot lately and I look forward to having more time to visit this blog and others.
Anyway, there’s my two bits.
Love and peace.
Grace
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