One should always have a motto or a motivation that provides order and
rule for any and all of his activities. As I am now at "retirement"
age, I have reordered my priorities and settled upon the new
challenges before me. I am now and henceforth committed to that
somewhat masochistic perversion, known as 'Golf ," and to rededicate
myself to the pursuit of effectively striking the white and dimpled
'agate', upon the fairways of our local and regional golfing facilities.
My simple motto and priority, for the balance of my time on this
mortal coil, and of my every effort from this day forward shall be; "
I Golf therefore I am! "
This may well result in pity from many quarters, as there are those
who, knowing Golf, will recognize that the path I have now chosen will
never afford me complete satisfaction, nor any real sense of perfect
achievement?
I can only reply............... SO WHAT? and FORE!.............. See
you on the greens!
******************************
James M. Convey
While one can certainly express sympathies to those personally affected by the passing of this once strong and vital woman. Nonetheless one must also reflect, upon the subsequent economic damage done to Global capitalism, by the Anglo American model of economic idealism, as of the end of the cold war. In her ideological partnership with Ronald Reagan, they stood together unchallenged and admired on the world stage, and set in motion economic and political policies that would eventually see the ultimate near destruction of Global capitalism!
Their combined fervor for a desperate and terribly soul destroying brand of what is now euphemistically called "trickle down economics", has ultimately left the new generations of the 21st century, to deal with an out of whack economic system, that has spread vital sovereign wealth only upwards, to enrich but a few, and dissembled their own nations once powerful engines of growth and the bastions of their once strong and vibrant middle class!
Many seem to forget that when actions become outcomes and results, history tells the ultimate truth. As an analyst I cannot avoid these facts. The class issue I do agree was a valid target of Margaret Thatcher, but that was also the desires of the populace as a whole and a viewpoint that helped her get elected! The ' to the manor born' structures of British society had too long been a financial and restrictive burden on their nation.
Thatcher however, in her principled and charging 'bull in the China shop' approach and idealistic manner, which was also much admired by American political factors at the time, without thought as to it's social consequences, ripped the bastions of British manufacturing and it's core industries, out of the hands of the public sector and promptly privatized them! Throwing millions out of work!
Today not one of those industries, if they exist at all, are even a shadow of their former selves, and the jobs of millions were eventually outsourced to cheaper labor markets in The European Union, most notably Germany and France. Later to be further taken by India. Unemployment and poverty in the UK in this sector, remains at extremely high levels to this day. So much for the "free market" and the non existence of society, or any communal responsibility one to the other, as she posited again and again in her naivete'
I ask everyone to be honest and while they may admire her righteous tenacity in many areas, to look at the comparative dynamic of the same ideology that has also occurred in the United States. Again as a result of a too hasty charge toward elimination of Government, in favor of the private sector. The American middle class has been decimated by these same Thatcher/Reagan policies and American industry came near to collapse, under the strain of the outsourcing of jobs! All this in a relatively short time span of 35 years.
Thatcher's good or badness is of course relative to ones views. My comment, as I hope is noted, is based upon economic realities as to the end result, or as we in the trade call it the "ripple effect".
Her decisions, while seemingly attractive at the time, must be judged through the lens of historical reality and results. As an economic analyst I can assure you her faux pas are well documented. The frightening thing for me is to see how many today, in modern day America, would copy her radical approach and continue to enforce it to effectively dissemble an American society, that has been hard won by innovation and entrepreneurial genius, from both the private and public sectors. To lead the world as the most admired society and community on earth, at it's peak.
To me this is the danger of continuing an economic policy which seeks to abuse so terribly, the social system of the relatively young U.S, and replace it with a new elitist class, not unlike that very "to the manor born uber class" that even Thatcher abhorred.
The "crustiness" of British and even some Euro economic structures in the 70's, had more to do with centuries of cultural elitism (Class society) than with progressive 20th century economics. That is a well recognized fact, and while I applaud Thatcher for her modern approach to the erasure of old style British snobbery, it is unfortunate that her insistence on the economic adaptation of Hayek's radical labor and capital theories, almost exclusively as her answer to the U.K's ills, were as equally destructive as they were constructive.
The result was that British society splintered and it has never fully recovered even to this time. Unless of course one considers the success of "The City"(London) and it's leadership role in the banking fraternity as the sole measure of a nations success?? The new elitist class of "The unspeakable in pursuit of the inedible," that Thatcher herself had sworn to eliminate as any economic force in the U.K?
History will reflect no doubt, that this was a strong willed and powerfully persuasive woman. But it will also hopefully urge us to learn, that it is highly dangerous to allow any ideologue to imprint only 'their stamp' on any nation! We cannot afford dictatorial currents in politics to so easily again arise, without restraints on their ability to dictate what is economic common sense for the longer run, and the protection of future generations!
Surely the time has come when we must rely more readily on the historical and real scientific lessons of our society, than to be persuaded by the whims and fancies of individual characters at large in the body politic?
James M. Convey
A letter to an unnamed Op editor in the United States..............
Dear..........
It would appear that once again in the history of your nation that the American majority will need to act, not only to protect themselves, but to protect the minority from themselves, and from those disingenuous and dangerous lunatics amongst them!
In it's simple essence your 2nd amendment would appear to truly restrict weaponry to a "militia"...... the modern version of that being of course, to any sane person, the armed forces of the United States of America?
American gun owners shortsighted attitudes, toward the underlying and natural tendency toward violence, by all humans in a variance of situations and dynamics, leads them to believe that responsible gun owners pose no threat to the community? I beg to differ!
Every day "responsible" and seemingly sane people do irresponsible and yes even dangerous and life threatening things. Ask any police department. One only has to look at the carnage on the roads to realize this? And yet that is an area we all cheerfully accept the need for restrictions and controls. One cannot forecast when someone will choose to "go off the rails" and simply asking for better mental health services, will not address that problem either.
Simply said, Americans need to get their heads out of the sand as regards the truth about their own society and see, that on average 11,000 of their own citizens die each year from gun related issues. Based upon the actions taken by other nations faced with a similar escalation of these factors in their own societies, the vast majority of these incidents appear to be avoidable, with the implementation of common sense laws and restrictions.
No it is not possible to eliminate the human condition entirely, and there will always be the exception to the rule, but common sense and democracy has always taught us to take the necessary steps toward reasonable prevention!
It is also impossible to stop all those intent upon doing evil and they will always disregard the law in any event, but your laws currently do absolutely nothing whatsoever to hinder these lunatics, or the ability for them to practice their evil and mayhem! That is what is the essential condition that must be changed is it not? Their ease of access to the weapons they would choose to carry out such mayhem, must be controlled by new and stricter gun laws! President Obama is on the right track and the majority of Americans and honorable Gun owners seem to support him?
The lunatic fringe are the ones that should never have any access to guns in the first place! And as is witnessed by their ranting and delusional ravings on the issue, neither should the NRA be permitted to claim blanket representation of American gun owners and their opinions! Sane and sensible Gun owners would appear to wholly support their president, in his efforts to find a logical and legal solution
To deny these realities or to allow things to continue as they are, simply upon the strength of a dubious interpretation of a constitutional amendment, is nothing less than social irresponsibility and in fact for outsiders looking in, is paramount to being the accessory to the mass murders of fellow citizens!
God help America and thank God and Greece for democracy! And for your President Obama and Vice president Biden, and those other honorable men, who work diligently for the progress of the real and true American values. Democracy all over the world depends upon this sort of leadership on the hard issues. I wish them God speed in their efforts!
With deepest respect,
James M. Convey
Senior analyst (retired)
Vancouver, Canada.
"Faith is not about everything turning out OK. Faith is about being OK,
no matter how things turn out!
I would rather live my life as if there is a God and die to find out
there isn't, than to live my life as if there is no God,
and die to find there is!"
- James M. Convey
"When fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped in the flag and carrying a cross"
- Sinclair Lewis
"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly"
-Rev Martin Luther King.
The Bonobo factor
Political intransigence explained..............
The Bonobo Factor: Is this a possible explanation for the increasingly
defined political schisms, experienced in the American political
conflict. Left vs Right?
I closely observe and always with great fascination, the ongoing and
seemingly never ending American electoral 'circus'. With passing time
I have become ever more constantly amazed, at the evenly split and
seemingly intransigent divisions, between the opposing ideologies of
the participating parties.
Each side seems to express, and are entrenched in their opinions as to
completely differing and opposite viewpoints, about how life and
community should be managed and lived!
That such an abyss has appeared and grown wider with time, between the
belief systems of the Right and the Left, during this process over
time, has led me to the only conclusion that seems to make any sense
at all? That the two almost equally divided parties are actually not
part of a common species!
In other words are we in the process of observing a truly historic and
actual dividing or splitting, of what was once a common people or
species? An analysts dream come true.
Doing research into this matter, I found that there is actual
historical and modern evidence that supports that such "species
splitting" has actually occurred, and quite often, along the
evolutionary path of earths creatures.
Equally to my surprise, I found that it had occurred and not that long
ago in real time, in that very species of great apes with whom
humankind has most in common. At least on a social and biomedical
basis, as we actually share some 99% of the same DNA factors with,
believe it or not....The Chimpanzee species!
Apparently a splitting of that species, into two distinct societies of
the same family, occurred some 1.5 million years ago. One segment
became known as the 'Bonobo' Chimpanzee and the other more familiarly
known as simply the 'Chimpanzee'. The traits of these two now distinct
species, has been studied and surprise, surprise, they developed their
own unique viewpoints, about how to get along in life and how to in
essence, do "community"!
The simple Chimpanzee remained and developed the more aggressive
reputation of the two. Lacking in any altruistic talents and treating
it's Chimpanzee neighbors and other Ape tribes as enemies, who were to
be attacked and whose territories were to be conquered. The tribal
instincts of a male dominated class system were maintained, as was the
submissive role of females and youths to the adult alpha males.
The 'Bonobo' on the other hand, are actually renowned for their more
peaceful and altruistic natures. Apparently preferring intimacy as a
tool for settling differences within their own clan, as well as with
neighboring clans. The female becoming the central focus of family
within the group of this now entirely separate species.
I am therefore convinced that the 'Bonobo' in this historical dynamic,
has much in common with that modern 'human' Ape, that espouses what
are known as 'left wing' or the more decidedly altruistic tendencies
of the modern Democrat. The moral codes of the Bonobo species are also
more akin to a " live and let live" ethos. Which is certainly more
recognizable in the human left leaning ideological beliefs.
While the more simple ' Chimpanzee ' clings to the vitriolic and right
sided male dominated ' winner takes all ' or 'only the strong will
survive' methodology, of the more seemingly aggressive natured human,
and certainly a more common trait in the current ideologies of the
American right, or the G.O.P. as they are known.
I am not quite sure as to where this may lead. But perhaps it is time
to have the politicos begin to debate, that agreement between two such
"distinct species", with such constantly differing viewpoints on
almost every issue, should lead to 'our going our separate paths', as
did the Bonobo and the Chimp?
I believe it would take a series of referendums to decide the
territorial aspects of such an outcome. But once the decision has been
reached, that no compromise is ever available, and that we are simply
condemned to agree to disagree at every turn, or to live in a constant
state of 'impasse" as we have currently! Therefore should we not now
move forward and away from each other. Seems logical don't you think?
At least it did for the animal species that we belong to.
The territorial matter for the Bonobo and the Chimp was decided
apparently 1.5 million years ago, by a natural event, which split them
apart from each other, without choice playing any role
whatsoever............. We should be so lucky!.
The current stalemate 'politics as usual' in the U.S. will certainly
not solve this problem............ or any other apparently? Meanwhile
the world waits and it's economies stumble along!
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Happy Hannukah, Swansee etc etc
etc .....
James M. Convey
GEORGE CARLIN American comedic icon (His wife recently died...and George followed her, soon after dying in July
2008)
A Message by George Carlin:
The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but
shorter tempers, wider Freeways , but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but
have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller
families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less
sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems,
more medicine, but less wellness.
We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little,
drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too
little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.
We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much,
love too seldom, and hate too often.
We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life
not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have
trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbour. We conquered outer space
but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things.
We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but
not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish
less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold
more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less
and less.
These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small
character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two
incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of
quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands,
overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill.
It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the
stockroom.
Remember; spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to
be around forever.
Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that
little person soon will grow up and leave your side.
Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only
treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.
Remember, to say, ' I love you ' to your partner and your loved ones, but most
of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep
inside of you.
Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not
be there again.
Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious
thoughts in your mind.
AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that
take our breath away.
George Carlin
".................... Not to know what has been transacted in former times is to be always a child. If no use is made of the labors of past ages, the world must remain always in the infancy of knowledge...............The welfare of the people is the ultimate law! (Salus Populi Suprema Est Lex)...... Cicero " The American Governing structures under the GOP have been by design, through internal and disingenuous control of the peoples government, steadily and deliberately neutered by GOP economic policies over several decades! The American economy, as a once properly monitored and socially broad beneficial capitalism, of the 50's thru the 70's, was reformed over this modern period by their sole efforts! Into a Randian, Laissez faire, anything goes system, (trickle down) whereby only those with great wealth, controlled the Development of the corporate sector, both domestically and globally for the last 35 years,
They have been, unfortunately for the American worker, solely focused upon advantaging themselves of cheaper emerging market labor, in a free trade market dynamic, purely in order to maximize 'profits'. This meant as a consequence, the systemic destruction of the manufacturing industries, and the core of American industrial power. The beneficiaries of this quantum shift and sell out, has obviously not been the American middle class, or democratic society in general!
Rather the working class and prime consumer dynamic, has been decimated and remains so, by the effects of technological advances in the financial sector, which allowed for only that sector of the American economy, to prosper during that same period!
Even then, that was insufficient for them, as they proceeded to turn the economy, via ongoing deregulation, into a gamblers and speculators paradise. So much so that today the top 50 most interconnected companies on the planet, are all in the financial services industry. Where once American and British industrial giants had ruled? The so called bastions of the nations.? Where are they now? China, India, Brazil etc.
Ryan and Romney continue to issue snippets of spin statements, meant it seems to salve the conscience of those few that benefited the most, from this unhealthy model of capitalism that we suffer from today. They must know, unless they are totally inept, that their great wealth has come at a severe cost to their own nation and civil society in general?
Romney and Ryan's bluster about government corruption and waste 'ad nauseum', is nothing more than an ideological coverup for the real factors at play, in todays realignment of the power brokers, and the creation of ever more safe havens for their wealth creation. None of which pays any mind to the social needs of any community, let alone their own American populace.
That some few, (Buffett etc), of the truly lucky that profited from this evil economic system, have now the courage to admit to the capricious nature of the fixed casinos, that our banks and financial services giants actually represent. Is for me a breath of fresh air and tells me that there is still hope, that others may still see the need for a 'mea culpa' and join the majority of feeling people, that see the evil for what it is and has become! The wholesale theft of the American dream!
The stench of private sector corruption during the period of my own career of 45 years in economic analysis, overwhelms any possible comparison to any public misdeeds by this or any democratic government!
Via their "Trickle down" inanity, GOP administrations of the past and recent history, have consistently laid waste to the nations economy, with their constant insistence upon enriching only a tiny % of the nation, with this supply side economic idiocy, which so clearly continues to fail, as any supportive economic model for the true health of the entire nation ............
.............. Why so many people and conservatives at that, would continue to support this valueless ideology is a source of constant amazement to me............? James M. Convey
George your pietistic prose notwithstanding, the radical crazies are clearly housed in the current GOP . They are also not the answer to Americas needs. They are and always have been the main problem in American progressive democracy.
I turned 65 just recently.( I know happy birthday and all that.) My point is that I have been around and witnessed each American administration since the Eisenhower/Kennedy/Johnson/Nixon era. Looking back over my not unsubstantial career in business, I can with all honesty and candor truly ask the question;
"..Who, given the history of the period (45years), would ever in their right minds vote any GOP republican administration into the White House?......... Particularly not this current model!!
The record is clear, at least in my lifetime, that since the election of Reagan, the U.S. nation began to experience a serious decline. It was somewhat reversed during the Clinton/ Gore period, only to begin unraveling again with the election of Bush 2. This record of destructive objectivist theorizing and the implementation of trickle down lunacy, must never be allowed to darken the doors of the nation ever again!
Setting aside the inane evangelical furies and the racist dimensions of GOP politics in this era. It is their constant theme and an insistence upon the survival of this maniacal economic model, of accumulation of wealth at all costs, that will bring further destruction down upon the heads of the next several generations of Americans.
The inane wedge issues mentioned have only served to confuse the voting populace and dissuade them from relying upon the historical truths, about the ignominy brought down upon America, by this greed driven cadre in the heart of the GOP political machine.
Theirs is the party of greed and the sustaining of a dimension of national bankruptcy for the middle class. All to serve their own elitist ideals of using the power of capital to enslave the populace and create a society that is dependent for their very lives, upon meeting these elitists demands.
That is not an American ideal. That is what the nations founding fathers nurtured a revolution to escape from!
******************************
James M. Convey
"............ People who dismiss the unemployed or disabled, or others
dependent upon the decency of their society, as parasites, fail to
understand either economics or parasitism?
A successful parasite is one that is not recognized by it's host. One
that can make it's host work for it without appearing burdensome in
any way, until it is too late!
Such are the ruling class in this current trickle down objectivist
model of capitalism............."
Parsed and enhanced from a speech by Dr Jason Read, professor of
philosophy. (American)
"...........Trade and marketing under the guise of Capitalism is as a tool, more rightly designed for the benefit of the entirety of a society. However one must be always wary of the merchants enhanced abilities over the ordinary citizen, via their benefits toward the accumulation of greater wealth, to widen the market to their own designs, which may well stand against the good of the society's structure itself.........."
James M. Convey
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