by Richard Thieme

The cornerstone of capitalism, it has been said, is a handshake.

The legal embellishments that constitute the law books lining the shelves of any lawyer, those laws are footnotes to the many ways people have betrayed trust, betrayed the letter of the law, the spirit of the contract, the meaning of the handshake.

Trust, not money, makes the world go around. Money is an emblem of the exchange of trust. It doesn’t exist except as an invention.

And trust has been broken.

Yes, it’s all smoke and mirrors, and everyone who looked already knew that. That isn’t news. The news, as Alan Greenspan said pathetically in front of Congress, was that the moguls and bankers and investment gurus did not act according to their own self interest. They did not just risky things but insanely stupid risky things and thought they could hide from their karma. They betrayed the
trust of one another when they made deals, invented bogus instruments or used good ones unwisely, and they betrayed the trust of all of us. Nor will they pay the penalty they should. They never do. They never do.

(Read the rest of this article at www.commondreams.org  )

As the dust settled, it became evident that the financial community did not use the money as the government assumed it would, and so as other sectors of the economy fail, the process of getting federal financing is much less forthcoming – as it should be and most certainly should have been at the first salvo of Paulson’s dire warning.

The reactionary mode of the Congress is not new. And much as we would hope they would have learned from a recent debacle they endorsed because they were warned of dire consequences if they did not, it is incumbent upon us to hold our representatives accountable for actions that jeopardize our country. The prior rush to action based on “irrevocable evidence” of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq cost us trillions of dollars and the lives and well-being of millions of people. Congress was sold a bill of goods then and was probably sold a bill of goods now with warnings of massive losses should the financial institutions not be immediately bailed out. Yet, this kind of knee jerk reaction is based on fear-based assumptions without due diligence, and we must demand better from  those who we rely on to be the overseers of our nation’s well being.  

Being caught up in a frenzy is a dangerous thing. We saw it when the doors of Walmart opened on the day after Thanksgiving when people were trampled in the rush to be the first to get bargains. People lose their sense of reason when they are inflamed by fear or whipped into frenzy by external prompting that sway impulses. It is again a reminder that rushing to action without due diligence and measured thought can ironically lead to the very negative consequences that were assumed would occur if action was not taken.

Washington D.C. is filled with drama and reactionary politics. We have seen it in the campaigns of the last election and we see it daily as one side accuses the other of oversight or incompetence…and the media feeds it with sensational reports that sell advertising. Yet, a voice of reason and a steady hand is needed during these very complex times. The stakes are too high for continuous bating and switching and all the rest of the petty squabbling that goes on ad nauseum. We need grownups in Washington who have reasoned self-discipline, and who are able to separate themselves from the rush to judge in favor of a more prudent line of inquiry that leads to solutions that are steady handed and lead to a meaningful recovery.

Let your congressional representatives know that you want mature leadership on their part, and that you expect nothing less than their best effort for the betterment of the country, not just for their party or re-election!

We are a nation that houses major religious differences and diversity, yet we have proven that we can accept one another’s right to religious freedom, and for the most part we coexist in a state of accommodation and mutual respect. Our forefathers wanted it that way.

In spite of our differences, and our individual preferences, we are a nation that has proven for over two hundred years that this formula can work. We have shown that people from all walks of life can live together in a free society that upholds the values of dignity, individuality, and possibility. It’s an enormous feat if you really think about it.

So…in spite of all the things that we constantly point to as “wrong” with our country and society, let’s take this next few days to count the many good things that we are privileged to have. Let’s put aside our petty bickering and finger pointing, and look at one another with pride and delight that we are Americans. We are living in an incredible country that offers us so much, and at this very special time of year when it is important to count our blessings – we give thanks for all the good that is ours.

Happy Thanksgiving to all, and many thanks to our magnificent country that has made it possible!

   What does this mean, the God of War? It is the Old Testament judgmental deity who elevates one group over another and inflames them to war against all that defile its identity or grip of power. This is a relentless “god” who never rests until vengeance is extracted. And the problem is that this God is viewed from several different perspectives- each claiming to be the only true inheritor of its divine stamp of approval. Yet there is no pleasing this god. Its lust for revenge is legendary. All one need do is read the bible or the Koran. A never ending fear based loyalty is demanded and extracted. The penalty for disloyalty is death – often through torture.

   When one strips away the indoctrinated level of fear, one has to ask – “how could this god have created the universe?” And the answer is…it did not. This is a subservient god to the Ego based identity of the tribal hierarchy. There can only be one king, one dominant figure, and the rest is subservient to that figure who rules by force and innuendo. Instilling fear and holding ruthless justice over one’s head can hold a tribe together – but it leads to resentment, bitterness, disregard for life, and it stifles the true potential inherent in all humans – the divine gift of creativity, love, and compassion.

   As long as we worship at the feet of the God of War, the earth will continue to go through the ravages we see of one group against another “in the name of God, Allah, Justice” As long as we allow this patriarchal view of god to lead the way, our road is filled with slings and arrows, because that is the only way this god controls.

   As we move into a new millennium, we move into a new vibration – and the possibility is to depose this warrior deity and replace it with the force of life, light, and forgiveness. This is the creator God that Jesus spoke of…the one who asks us to turn the other cheek, to love our enemies as ourselves, to forgive them – for they know not what they do.

   This God seeds life abundantly. This is the verdant green God that brings the lilies of the field and the rich forests and meadows. This is the God that clothes and feeds the earth in light and love. This is the One who holds us in the palm of hand and comforts us in times of trouble. This is a compassionate God – the only one who could forge creation into the living beauty it is. And until we claim and acclaim this Creator God, we will continue to extract an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth until the world is littered with the corpses of an insatiable war god who knows no peace.s

David Blume Interview II – Alcohol Fuel Advantages

An expert in alternative fuels and sustainable agriculture, David Blume discussed the advantages of using alcohol-based fuels, which he said are 98% pollution free. In addition to making us less dependent on foreign oil, using such fuels can help reverse global warming– the increased growth of plants used to make the fuels takes out CO2, he explained.

Many different plant sources can be used to make alcohol. Corn, he noted, doesn’t have that high of a yield compared to a plant such as sweet sorghum, which generates 1,000 gallons per acre. Reports that growing corn for making ethanol was leading to starvation were untrue, said Blume, who pointed out there was actually a surplus of corn, and the U.S. only uses 5% of its farm lands on corn.

The oil companies have employed multiple strategies to curtail the use of alcohol-based fuels, such as buying corn futures at high prices, and claiming alcohol can harm car engine parts, he stated. Cars can actually run on up to 50% alcohol without any conversion process, said Blume, who added there are some 2,000 alternative fuel stations in America. He encouraged people to start their own small plants or stills– such enterprises can inject money into local economies.

Our President-Elect will be facing huge challenges as he begins his term in office, and on top of all the other crises ahead,  he also has to face the roots of prejudice against him that is spilling into hate mongering among certain fundamentalist  and racist groups who see him as ending their view of what America should be.

For all of those who value democracy, regardless of whether we voted for him or not, our new President-Elect and his family need our prayers. Please keep him in your prayers and circle him in  a light of protection. This election has been of major importance on multiple levels, and we must be the guardians for the democratic process we hold dear. Where you see hatred, sow prayers of love and light. Where you see prejudice, speak up for inclusion rather than exclusion. And where you see the roots of potential violence, please report it to your local authorities.

Prayer is a powerful ally -  it shines a light before us to illumine the dark and clear the path ahead!

Now that oil prices have lowered, Americans do not feel compelled to support exploration of new clean energy sources because they can go to the gas station, fill up the car, and the cost is not prohibitive. So everything is “normal” again, and why invest money in something we don’t need right now?

It would be interesting if each of us would observe historically how the price of gas has always been manipulated related to the season. Have you noted how every May the gas prices suddenly rise, and as summer peaks, the prices lower? The notable difference was 2008 when the prices rose to such an extent that people rebelled, and this misstep of the oil companies world wide caused an outcry that forced them to lower prices as consumers stopped buying..

It’s not about how much oil is available or whether refineries are being updated or on maintenance that closes them down periodically just as we reach peak driving periods, it’s all about manipulating the public to be bound to oil. And as long as we have miopic vision and only want to deal with what’s in the moment, we are going to continue to be the pawns of a cartel that has us over its barrel.

In doing research for a book I’d written years ago, I found information about the Japanese that stunned me. They bought timber products with an eye to one hundred years in the future – not just what they needed in the moment. This long range view of needs is something we Americans have not thought about before because our natural resources seemed unlimited. But now we must. 

Countries that plan for the future will reap the rewards of their foresight, just as those who save for the future will have something to support them in their elder years. Living in the moment is fine, and when it comes to being conscious and present within oneself, that is all to the good. But there is a need for long range vision in order to create a seamless flow that allows for growth, innovation, and changes we need before we are faced with crisis.

Americans are an easy going bunch. We don’t like hassles, and for the most part, we give our economic well being over to companies and politicians without suspicion. Yet, in these coming months, we’re all going to have to reorganize our priorities and our spending habits. While we do that, we should not forget the summer of 2008 in which we were held hostage to oil. We need to prepare the way for new technology that is clean, cheap, and will move us into the remainder of this century in such a way that will enhance our lives without depleting the earth, and will offer new creative solutions that lead to remarkable growth and innovation in emerging industries.

Those who do not learn from the lessons of history are bound to repeat it, so let’s not forget!

There is something very special about being involved in the whole election process, and although it’s a long day (we were up at 4:30 and not home til 11:30), it was very rewarding. I heartily encourage anyone who can take election day to volunteer to help at the polls or in technical capacities to do so. You will feel the exhileration of being part of democracy in action.

Now that the elections are over, we take a “wait and see” attitude. Will President Elect Obama be able to project the leadership many have hoped for, and will he choose people who project the best our nation has to offer for the positions to be filled? This remains to be seen as he and his administration will face a daunting task. How ever we felt about the results, it would be good for us to pull together to give the man a chance, and to do our part in assisting in the recovery of our nation’s wellbeing through our own personal fiscal and community responsibilities.

Beyond that, it would be good for all of us to pray for our country, its leadership, and the movement of the ship of state to an even handed and enlightened path.

Amidst all the last minute tactics of fear mongering and intimidation, please do not let anyone keep you from voting for your choice of candidate in this important election. There are terrible e-mails and scams being perpetrated at this time, telling people that if they have parking tickets or other unsettled lawsuits, they will be arrested at the voting places. There have been false e-mails saying that because of the high numbers of voters expected, Republicans will vote on Tuesday and Democrats will vote on Wednesday. And the list goes on. Last minute television ads are in many cases character assassination – and fear mongering is a mainstay of one political group in order to get what it wants.

We profess to be a nation of fairness, yet we see tactics that imply one group is willing to stoop to any level possible to win what they believe is their divine right. Yet, in a democracy, it is incumbent upon each voice to be heard. When we give up this right and this obligation to continue our form of government, we have fallen to the level of corruption that we so easily point the finger at towards other countries and other governments.

Insist on your right to vote. If you have to fill out a provisional ballot, do so. And make sure that if you feel there is anything intimidating or illegitimate going on at your polling place, find someone in authority from your party to lodge a complaint with.

We need to be the nation of freedom we profess to be. We need to let democracy flourish, and voting is one of the only ways we can make our will be known.

God Bless America and the principles upon which we are supposed to stand!