Our Own Back Yard

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Other points of view

Today, I want to share with you some correspondence to illustrate some points of view from outside our own little nest.

I recently ran across an article at the China Daily website that was intriguing. I'd like to share some of that with you . The article was written by Chen Weihua. You can read it for yourself here. It's a different view of some of our actions. Compare them to your own worldview as ask yourselves: Can I see myself, or my nation, as others do? Is there value in trying to understand other points of view?

Food for thought.

Here's my response to his article:

To: Chen Weihua, China Daily
May 19, 2010

Ni hao.

I wanted to give you my comments directly on your article today.

You raise many valid issues. It is true that Americans have many doubts about the use of unmanned drones in warfare. It pains everyone, both us and the victims, when the blood of innocents is shed unjustly. However, war is an ugly business. Often, non-combatants are killed or injured. So it has been from the dawn of time. Innocents were killed in the thousands by the attack on New York City twin towers, yet this endless cycle of death hasn't taught the lesson of such futility. Centuries-old grudges are constantly brought to the present by those who would seek to control and dominate others. We see it every day, both in world events, and even in the neighborhoods where we live. You see it, I see it. Yet, we, as a species, persist in this insanity of the sacrifice of our young men and women to the gods of war. When will we grow up and realize that we are beating our own heads against the wall? When will we learn to channel our aggression into the problems we face as a species?

The Pakistanis are angry. The Taliban, Al Qaeda, the Palestinians, and others like them, who chose to kill innocents in the name of their deity, or for perceived past wrongs, are angry. Everyone is angry at everyone else, or so it seems. We, here in America, would be delighted to make peace with them all, if they could be trusted to abide by their agreements. Unfortunately, they have proven, by their actions, to be untrustworthy. We reach out the hand in entreaty, and they bite it off. Where is the future in that? We are then left with no choice but to remain strong and defend ourselves. If a thief breaks into your home, and commits atrocities upon your family, are you not correct to resist?

I realize this is a rather simplistic example, but we must begin somewhere to reach an understanding. There are no simplistic solutions to such complex problems, you and I both know this very well. But, that doesn't mean we should stop trying.

Since, by your words, you visit the US, you see how things work here. I often visit your great country as well. I am sure you have many friends here, just as I have many friends in China and other countries. I assure you, we don't like this war, or any other. Having our young men and women come home in a body bag, lost forever to their family and loved ones, is not something we like, or will ever grow accustomed to. Yes, they are all volunteers, they chose to serve their country. But, their sacrifice should mean something. Nothing would please us more than for this all to end. We are willing to end it, but those who seek our destruction have chosen otherwise. We value our liberty and freedom to chose our own lives too much to submit to the will of primitives. This "War on Terror" is more of a case of culture shock on the part of the fundamentalist Islamics, I fear. They have been thrust straight into the 21st century from the middle ages. They lack the will to learn or adapt to the world as it really is, clinging to the past and forfeiting what could be a bright future for themselves and their children. I believe we will all grow out of this infantile stage, and become adults. But is won't happen quickly, or painlessly.

We can continue to point fingers, blame others for our problems, spout nonsense about each one's higher value or superiority, and fling mud everywhere, or we can face the reality.

The reality is, we are all stuck here, marooned on this planet together. If we burn down the house, poison the well, and destroy everything, we will all face extinction together. Is that what we want? Are we really that stupid? Look at a map of our galaxy, try to find the Earth. You can't even see it. Now, imagine trying to see a single human being standing on that speck of dust. All our struggles and posturing is as nothing before the immensity of the universe. No one will mourn our passing, or even notice. Is that the future we want for our children, and their children's children? I think not.

You say we should build schools, help those in need--we are. We have. We will continue to do so, even though it seems futile at times. Terrorists, or whatever label you care to place upon the barbarians who murder little girls in the name of their cause, attack the schools and murder the teachers and children. For daring to get an education? For wanting a future, and a better life than squatting in a mud hut? It's not about belief, it's about power to these criminals. They are not deserving of our mercy, since they offer none. They have chosen to be merciless. They say we must conform to their beliefs, or die. So be it. We will not surrender to them. We will make peace if they sincerely want it, but will remain firm in our commitment to freedom and choice. We will remain vigilant, yet ready to offer the hand of friendship. It is up to them to chose what path to take. May they chose wisely.

We can have a future together, your land and mine. We are all in this together, each offering strengths to compliment the other. Together, we can become more than the sum of the parts. The human race is weary of war, pointless death and destruction. Will we say, "Enough!!!" One day in the future, all of our tribal idiocy will be nothing more than a footnote in history.

I hope we, the species, survive to write that history.

I look forward to reading your articles, my friend. Thank you for your insights.

ClearBrainZ
USA

What's the point, you ask? How will this help us to ClearOurBrainZ, to determine reality?

By making the effort to reach an understanding of the perceptions of others. Only if we make the effort will we learn to live together on this miserable rock. Ranting and railing, bemoaning the attitudes and ill-advised actions of others will solve nothing. We must accept reality.

We have a lot of hard work to do in order to make this world a place we want to live in, and we aren't doing a very good job of that right now. Only by trying to reach an understanding with our neighbors, and refusing to quit trying, will we succeed.

It will more than be worth the effort.

Your comments, please.

Reality or Rant? That is the question.

It's time to get back to basics. Our purpose here today is to face reality, but how do we draw the line between what the facts are, and the emotional bias inherent in today's issues?

Hard data, verifiable facts, repeatable results. Sound familiar? It's the scientific method. A method of inquiry must be based on gathering observable, empirical and measurable evidence subject to specific principles of reasoning. A scientific method consists of the collection of data through observation and experimentation, and the formulation and testing of hypotheses. The difference between saying something is so, and being able to prove it, is required. It's an especially difficult task when dealing with human affairs, but not an insurmountable one.

How do we get the facts? By hard work, perseverance, application of our intelligence, and the willingness to experiment. Objectivity. Logic. Many become wedded to their "pet" theories, and thereby contaminate their results. We've seen such public examples in the recent "Climategate" fiasco. The "Not Invented Here" attitude. "Bending" the data to fit the results you would like to see is a waste of every one's time and resources. Those who do such things forever lose credibility. As they should.

Back to our focus today: Reality is acceptance of facts. If you can't show us the math, verifiable results from experimentation, and useful applications of the same, then it's not reality. Just opinion, of which there are approximately as many as there are mouths. Show me the proof. That's what will bring home the bacon. Where's your data?

All of the shouting, protesting, sit-ins, posturing, finger pointing and other emotional carrying on won't change the facts, or the math. A plus B equals C. It's immutable and logical. I know this is a simplistic example, but it's true just the same. Try it for yourself. It's the best way to describe the real world. If you can't show the mathematical basis for your work, and the corroborating data, it's not science, it's opinion.

So, how are we going to apply this to the problems we face as a society?

There are no simple answers here. It's never easy to look for solutions to complex problems, even though it's attractive to many. The reality is, it will take a lot of work. Collecting the data. Experimentation. Forming hypotheses. Testing them. Trying again. If it were easy, we would have already done it. It's not easy or simple.

Time to ClearOurBrainZ !

How, you say? By leaving our egos and emotions out of the picture. Sure, empathy and concern will drive our efforts. But we must be willing to face the reality of the facts, and the results of our application of the scientific method. We might not like what we find, but it won't change the reality of it.

I hope we will have the courage to face it.

Your comments, please.

East Meets West: We both get lucky.

Finding the reality in human relations is extremely difficult, if not impossible. But today we will take a swing at it just the same.

Chinese and American relations have undergone a vast evolution in our lifetimes. The later half of the 20th century in the development of China, and it's relationship to the rest of the world, would be beyond the scope of this discussion, so we will confine ourselves to some of the relationships of China, meaning mainland China, the People's Republic of China, and the USA, as they are today.

Being the spouse of a Chinese national has given me a surprising view of modern China and it's people. You soon find that people everywhere are very like your neighbors in your home country. The value the same things, like family, peace, good food, their health, and the future of their children.

When I married into a Chinese family, I was welcomed into the family formally as their "new son" and gained much more than the love of my wife--I gained a new family, a very close one. Family is EVERYTHING in China....something we seem to have forgotten here in our own country.

Yes, there are differences. There are some things we find it hard to understand about each other's culture and system of beliefs. However, it's been my experience that we "ordinary" people have no trouble whatsoever in becoming friends and living together without conflicts. Everywhere I went in China, I have been welcomed and made to feel at home. You would never know you were in a "communist" country. It's like any nation, there are problems there just as there are here in the USA. No big deal, that's life, always something unexpected to deal with. Just a fact of life. Get over it.

More trouble is made by those "in charge" on both sides than is ever desired by the people of either nation, who just want to be left alone to live their lives without trouble. Unfortunately, many of those who govern us seem to have an overwhelming desire to maintain control and direct our affairs to their own benefit. Human nature, I guess. There will always be those among us who seek to dominate us. The trick is to ensure they do no harm. History is rife with megalomaniacs, petty dictators, and outright crooks. They all meet the same end, sooner or later. Ashes to ashes, etc...

Read the news and opinion columns from China and America. You will soon see that there is lots to keep your intellect engaged. The are some very insightful and thought provoking writers plying their trade in the PRC today. Freedom of the press, you say? The Internet has broken down most of those doors, and even the CCP, the government of China, has realized that the genie will never return to the bottle. All they, and we, can do is to hold on for the ride. It's already beyond our control.

There have been more changes in the past 5 years in China than in the preceding 50 years in this regard. Even concepts that were previously thought impossible are emerging: Private property, free market economics, reforms in education, the list goes on. Communist, you say? More like a union card, these days. Corruption, you say? We have just as much. Crime? They seem to have less. Certainty of punishment is very real there. Here, not so much.

As an outsider, it is not my place to criticize any policy or point fingers in regards to how the Chinese people chose to conduct their internal affairs. As Mark Twain once said, "People get the kind of government they deserve." Well, the kind of life the Chinese people think they deserve is changing relatively quickly. It's their business, and we should butt out.

Most officials and so-called "experts" here in the US don't have a clue as to what is going on in China today, and aren't smart enough, or care enough, to find out. Most of them still think the Cold War is still underway. They just keep plodding away on the same old path. They just can't seem to accept that the world has left them behind and no longer needs nor wants their services, at least not the way they are currently delivering them. Just listen to their statements and view their actions. They are hopelessly obsolete. Adapt, or perish, ye denizens of Foggy Bottom. You counterparts are already ahead of you in this regard.

I would urge you to visit some Chinese opinion blogs, and find out more. Here's some to get you started:

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/index.html

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/opinion/2010-05/19/content_9866042_2.htm

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/opinion/2010-05/19/content_9866042_2.htm

This will get you started, but I warn you; it's like eating potato chips, you won't be able to stop! There are some really talented people writing in China today. Explore other places, this is just the starting point. It will be worth your time. China is our largest trading partner, and largest potential market as well. Plus, we own them a lot of money, ha,ha. Give it some time, when you can.

Oh, by the way, it's in English. You can even post comments.

Time to ClearOurBrainZ !

What is the reality in today's post? It's that none of us, no matter how powerful we think we are, can stop the will of the human species to evolve. We can tilt at windmills all we like, but the forces are mostly beyond our control, or even our understanding. Mostly, we should just mind our own business and take care of our own problems. It's more than enough to keep us busy for a long time. The people of China are perfectly capable of dealing with their problems, and we should butt out, unless they ask for our help. We will certainly need their help one day, sure as the sun rises and sets.

Someday our descendants will look back into history, and marvel at our stupidity and pettiness. At least, I hope they will....if we survive as a species. I think we will. I'm sure our distant descendants will be both amused and disbelieving. Lots of us already are, right now! Sometimes I think the mediocre shall inherit the Earth!

Your comments, please.

LADIEEEZZZZ AND GENTLEMENNNNN!!! CHILDREN OF ALL AGES!!!(cue the clowns)

Yes, children, the circus is alive and well, nay, thriving !

Today's post abounds with flummery, stupidity, elite arrogance, and all the other joyous antics of some of our public officials and personages. It never ceases to amaze me how foolish and outright dumb some of these stalwarts can be. Sure, everyone makes mistakes. None of us are perfect, but surely a higher standard should be demanded of those we choose to manage our public affairs. An underlying theme to most of these seems to be an underestimation by those in authority of the intelligence, and the will to act, resident in the people they are supposed to serve. They seem to have lost touch with reality, living out a fantasy life untouched by any concern that perhaps the "people" might object.

There is so much to choose from, but I didn't want to write a book today. I've just chosen a few examples that tickled me the most.

You know, sticking your nose in other people's business can sometimes turn around and bite you in the butt. Many city councils, school boards, sports teams, and so on, have "butted in" to Arizona's attempt to deal with a difficult problem facing the residents of that state. Let's see what we have:

California: Always good for a wacky good time and a rollicking belly laugh.

LA city councilman Ed Reyes said although he understands the "inconvenience" caused by the boycott battles between Arizona and California, he said that"does not compare to the violation of civil rights"caused by the AZ law. Really? It's a violation of civil rights to show ID? Since when? Because you say so? Who helps you tie your shoes in the mornings? How do you feel about the Easter bunny and the Tooth Fairy? An inconvenience, Mr. Reyes? You call the loss of tens of millions of dollars by YOUR state and Arizona an "inconvenience"? What do you consider a "serious problem", Mr. Reyes? What business is it of the City of Angels how another state tries to deal with a problem? Deal with your own problems--you haven't been doing much of a job with that, a very poor one, in fact. Yet you feel qualified to tell ANOTHER STATE what to do?

Butt out.

Next, we visit the heartland, Illinois. Land of the "Chicago Deal".

A school board in Illinois suddenly changes the meeting agenda late yesterday to address parent's concerns over their decision to cancel a basketball team's trip to AZ. It seems, according to the statement issued, that Arizona's actions "are not in line with our beliefs and values" or some such malarkey. They did make some vague statement about safety, a statement so vague it's almost invisible. So, the people of Highland Park, IL., will put up with the school board using their children as pawns in a political game? I'd love to have observed this meeting last evening! This is idiocy in its perfect form, for such a body as a school board to use its power to make a political statement. It's none of their business how another state chooses to address an issue. You don't have enough to do there in Highland Park?

Butt out.

Some "sports teams", the pros, I mean, have also been just as guilty. They should remember that they are only entertainment, and stick to what they do best. Play ball, hockey, or whatever, and remember who pays the bills.

Butt out.

I was going to put Milwaukee, WI in this slot, but they wisely reconsidered at the last moment. Of course, I fully expect them to take a lick or two at this lollipop. Politicians can't resist candy, or cameras.

Let's journey now to the home of Wally World, the entertaining state of Arkansas.

At a press statement, Arkansas incumbent Sen. Blanche Lincoln, D-AR, is called on a false statement by a voter---she's totally poleaxed and left speechless that the people dare to speak out and call her on her bald-faced lies. Running scared, dodging for cover, she purported to be a "moderate" on her voting, despite the record indicating the EXACT OPPOSITE. The older gentleman who called her out, viewed by millions on ABC news this evening, was civil, but firm. Bravo, Sir. Senator Lincoln was shocked into speechlessness. VERY funny!!!

You've got a friend in Pennsylvania. It says so right here on the label.

Senator Arlen Specter, R-D-PA(which is he?) is in the race of his life, running against retired Admiral Joe Sestak. After switching sides last year, he's having a spot of trouble shoeing himself in to another term of hosing the voters out of their tax dollars. Caught telling the truth on camera, saying he switched sides so he can keep his job, he's tanking, it appears. President Obama has declined to appear on his behalf, soaring overhead aboard Air Force One today, on the way to Ohio to inspect a factory refurbished and expanded with TARP money. Really just a glorified photo op, you understand. How much does it cost to operate that aircraft, now? Who pays for it? The government? Isn't that us?

"Politicians are like diapers. They should be changed regularly," Marc Coleman 41,of Philadelphia, said.

Anyway, it's pretty clear that the WH has written Specter off, especially since their attempt to buy off his opponent with a position offer in the Administration as Secretary, or perhaps Undersecretary, of the Navy. Something like that--a juicy offer, for sure. Kudos to you, Admiral Sestak(ret.) for dismissing such an dishonorable offer. It's clear Adm. Sestak understood that acceptance of such an offer would reflect extremely poorly on him, and the Navy. You don't have to be an Admiral to understand that! I can hear Admiral Ernie King rolling over in his grave from here!

Historical side note: Fleet Admiral Ernest J. King (November 23, 1878 – June 25, 1956) was Commander in Chief, United States Fleet and Chief of Naval Operations (COMINCH-CNO) during World War II. As COMINCH, he directed the United States Navy's operations, planning, and administration and was a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He was the U.S. Navy's second most senior officer after Fleet Admiral William D. Leahy, and the second admiral to be promoted to five star rank. As COMINCH, he served under Secretary of the Navy Frank Knox and later under James Forrestal.--Wiki Encyclopedia en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ernest_King

He was a tight-lipped sailor's sailor, a two-fisted, flying, fighting Navy man with salt water in his veins. Although known for many pithy sayings, one of the best attributed to him was:"When the going gets tough, they always send for the sons of bitches". He denies every having said that, but offered once, "I wish I had." Appointed after Pearl Harbor to take things in hand, he was notorious for his dislike of the media. Rumored by sailors to shave with a blowtorch and eat razor blades for breakfast every day, his colleagues often said, that given his way, there would only be one press release during the war. It would be issued at the end after the surrender or destruction of the enemy, and would read:"We won." Such are legends born, especially in wartime.

History aside, the press does play a vital role in our society. And they are not immune to the change in the wind any more than the politicos. Nor are they without their own troupes of clowns and stuffed shirts. I was astounded by the coverage give by the Mainstream Media (MM) of the events playing in the center ring of today's political circus. I almost choked on my cotton candy when Diane Sawyer of ABC wryly commented on some of the political antics in today's broadcast. To see the MM skewer the Left is quite a change from the love-fest they were having with the Dems this time last year. After all, they NEVER miss a chance to skewer the Right, do they? You think they don't smell the coffee? Remember, they have to sell, sell, sell to stay on the air. Give the people what they want or they'll tune you out. It's not like olden times when there were only the Big Three controlling all that you see and hear. Now, anyone can be the media.....even me....and you. When ABC showed the gentleman calling out Sen. Lincoln in AR at her press conference, I could hear the laughter all over the country. Nothing like a little dinner-time buffoonery to make your day. I'm still chuckling.

So, how do we find the reality today?

Time to ClearOurBrainZ !

The reality today, is that we can affect these clowns. We can send them packing back to the farm, or off to the Wonderland on the Potomac for another term. WE CHOOSE ! Not the political "machines", not the media, not Evil Big Business. We choose. We choose to hire and fire. Of course, if you don't vote, well....you can't bitch. Well, yes you can, it's certainly your right. Free speech. But, you don't have much credibility if you didn't participate in the process. Just my opinion. I fully support your right to disagree.

The reality: We are really in charge, and therefore responsible. We can blame the rascals all we want, throw them out and put new rascals in, but WE are responsible. It's up to us to choose wisely, or to correct our error if we blow it. Personal Responsibility. A concept that could make a real difference to our future and way of life. We don't seem to embrace it much. We should.

Your comments, please.