Human existence is such that we are forever seeking that which we do not have. This desire for a more decadent lifestyle is defined as materialism and capitalism and it is the fuel that drives our economy, pollutes our lives and is destroying the environment in which we coexist with more than 6 billion people and a billion other species.
This competitive race for greater wealth, or perceived ownership value, leaves us with a continual yearning for more. We can, therefore, never be truly happy following that spiral pathway of unfulfilled satisfaction.
It is not until we give up all such desire, to focus only on what we are and what we have within our being, that we will find true happiness. And it comes freely, at no cost to anyone, but with great benefit to ourselves and to the greater world around us.
This doesn't mean that we need to give up on our material life, our possessions or career; it means that by finding and focussing on the inner peace we will become less reliant on drawing happiness from the physical world.
As an Agnostic I'm not religious in the slightest, but a Jewish philosopher once claimed that "it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven".
The truth from that analogy is that the journey to physical wealth can cloud all that which offers real happiness in the journey of life.
Showing posts with label socialism. Show all posts
Showing posts with label socialism. Show all posts
America's growing enemy
Keep an eye on Venezuela.
According to reports like this and this, Chavez is being too much like a Robin Hood for the US and international bank boys to just stand by and do nothing.
He has already taken back the oil & gas fields, now they plan to ramp up production and hit foreign companies with a 50% tax on excess oil profits.
He also plans to nationalise the cement industry as well as the Argentinian controlled steelmaker and even take measures to ensure that the people of Venezuela have enough food for the future - no way!
And in the back of his mind is still the plan to introduce a Tobin styled tax on financial transactions.
How will they stop him? Rumours of impropriety? Another coup? Acts of terrorism? Assasination? Here's a start.
But there is also the growing concern about who should be the local sherrif of this region of the world. Perhaps The South American Defense Council?
At least that might explain why Venezuela and Brazil are spending big on arms. (Does anyone know why Greece is at the top of the list of big spenders?)
But despite all this, Chavez does appear to have some interesting friends ...
Belarus
China
Iran
Maybe it is a case of "the enemy of my enemy is my friend"?
And if that isn't enough to make you at least question the US stance on Venezuela, try reading the works of Eva Golinger, namely The Chavez Code and Bush vs Chavez - Washington's War on Venezuela or start by reading this review.
Of course, you are also welcome to ignore this and simply take the view that Venezuela deserves everything it gets for its socialist, anti-American, communist-loving, anti-semitic, Simpsons-hating philosphy.
According to reports like this and this, Chavez is being too much like a Robin Hood for the US and international bank boys to just stand by and do nothing.
He has already taken back the oil & gas fields, now they plan to ramp up production and hit foreign companies with a 50% tax on excess oil profits.
He also plans to nationalise the cement industry as well as the Argentinian controlled steelmaker and even take measures to ensure that the people of Venezuela have enough food for the future - no way!
And in the back of his mind is still the plan to introduce a Tobin styled tax on financial transactions.
How will they stop him? Rumours of impropriety? Another coup? Acts of terrorism? Assasination? Here's a start.
But there is also the growing concern about who should be the local sherrif of this region of the world. Perhaps The South American Defense Council?
At least that might explain why Venezuela and Brazil are spending big on arms. (Does anyone know why Greece is at the top of the list of big spenders?)
But despite all this, Chavez does appear to have some interesting friends ...
Belarus
China
Iran
Maybe it is a case of "the enemy of my enemy is my friend"?
And if that isn't enough to make you at least question the US stance on Venezuela, try reading the works of Eva Golinger, namely The Chavez Code and Bush vs Chavez - Washington's War on Venezuela or start by reading this review.
Of course, you are also welcome to ignore this and simply take the view that Venezuela deserves everything it gets for its socialist, anti-American, communist-loving, anti-semitic, Simpsons-hating philosphy.
Positively new blog description
The previous month has been a time of change for me ... a bit like an enormous spring clean - out with old and in with new. I start my new position with another recruitment firm on Monday, my domestic situation has taken an interesting, but positive, turn and my immediate family deciding to relocate to Brisbane in coming months.
I have had this week in between jobs to ponder a number of large and minor issues, one of which has been this blog. It had occurred to me that the previous description of this blog was rather negative and defensive. It stated simply what I was against, rather than what I stood for.
I have had this week in between jobs to ponder a number of large and minor issues, one of which has been this blog. It had occurred to me that the previous description of this blog was rather negative and defensive. It stated simply what I was against, rather than what I stood for.
This blog represents the voice of an Aussie from the libertarian left who is committed to fighting conservatism, nationalism, economic rationalism, fascism and religious fanaticism. If you disagree with my perspective, please state your case and have a rational debate. I don't care much for people using religious texts in an attempt to prove their argument. Try using reason and logic instead!So, out with the old and in with the positively new ...
This blog represents the voice of a left leaning Aussie who is committed to liberal democratic socialism, with a strong emphasis on pluralism throughout all facets of society - economic, cultural, political, demographic etc. I am particularly valiant when it comes to issues of rights, justice, and freedom from religion.
Walk the walk ... like an Egyptian
Speaking of conspiracies ...
What's the chance that the USA is behind the massive constitutional changes underway in Egypt?
The 34 ammendments will provide, amongst other things, a permanent invocation of emergency laws that have been in place since the assassination of Anwar Sadat in 1981, technically ending the longest "emergency" in history. The changes will also:
What's the chance that the USA is behind the massive constitutional changes underway in Egypt?
Human rights group Amnesty International has called the changes the greatest erosion of human rights in 26 yearsMeanwhile, the USA has only expressed "some concerns" about some of the amendments.
The 34 ammendments will provide, amongst other things, a permanent invocation of emergency laws that have been in place since the assassination of Anwar Sadat in 1981, technically ending the longest "emergency" in history. The changes will also:
- give police wider powers of arrest and surveillance.
- ban all religious-based political activity and parties
- remove judicial supervision of elections
- change the previously socialist state into one based on "freedom of economic action"
- give the president powers to refer terrorists to any judicial authority - including military tribunals, which are not subject to appeal
- allow authorities to override articles protecting individual freedoms and privacy
caveat civis
Further to my recent focus on Fred Phelps, the NSW Liberal Party and other Christian terrorists, I now draw your attention to the formation of Australia's first Islamic political party, The Best Party of Allah in Australia.
According to The Australian the party founder, Kurt Kennedy, believes that "all Australians should be living under Islamic law dictated by the Koran" and that we have nothing to fear because "The positive part of sharia law is (about) treating everybody fairly".
All well and good ... IF equality is the foundation stone. Unfortunately it may not be that simple - nor is it right and just!
Despite the spin, Islamic values are NOT exactly the same as those of any other religion, though they are more similar to Jewish or Christian beliefs than either of those religions would care to admit. As such, it is incomprehensible that a nation, especially Australia, should have to base its laws upon any one religion, even Christianity.
Islam, like any other religion (including Christianity) or political ideology, is subject to interpretation as well as the external forces that are invoked when trying to apply theory to a practical world. Communism is a great theory (true equality), but in practice it is unworkable and unjust. Capitalism is equally problematic.
Orwell's masterpiece, Animal Farm, suitably depicts how the forces of power, greed, discrimination and social politicisation of a community evolves from a genuine intent to provide equality, be it from a progressive or conservative perspective.
Evolutionary theory (the survival of the fittest) dictates that it is against our nature to believe anything other than that "some are more equal than others". If we add to these murky waters the widespread indoctrination that must naturally follow any implementation of a state-endorsed religion, then we will encounter a firestorm of fear and bigotry not unlike that seen in Nazi Germany, Apartheid South Africa, and the Crusades era in the Middle East.
Religion and politics are a chaotic mix, just as the suppression of religion in particular nations also breeds unnecessary suffering and malcontent. The separation of state and church is not only a cornerstone of democracy, it is the most fundamental of all human rights - the right to exist as an individual, with thoughts, actions and values of one's own choosing.
I don't deny the right of Kennedy and his supporters to establish an Islamic-based political party, and I have said as much previously on this blog here and here, but I cannot support the intent to establish any form of theocracy, whether it be Christian, Moslem or otherwise. I will also be the first one to stand up to oppose the possible election of any representative from such a group.
The Theocracy Alert - Early warning System is suitably on Orange status, the second highest rating.
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According to The Australian the party founder, Kurt Kennedy, believes that "all Australians should be living under Islamic law dictated by the Koran" and that we have nothing to fear because "The positive part of sharia law is (about) treating everybody fairly".
All well and good ... IF equality is the foundation stone. Unfortunately it may not be that simple - nor is it right and just!
Despite the spin, Islamic values are NOT exactly the same as those of any other religion, though they are more similar to Jewish or Christian beliefs than either of those religions would care to admit. As such, it is incomprehensible that a nation, especially Australia, should have to base its laws upon any one religion, even Christianity.
Islam, like any other religion (including Christianity) or political ideology, is subject to interpretation as well as the external forces that are invoked when trying to apply theory to a practical world. Communism is a great theory (true equality), but in practice it is unworkable and unjust. Capitalism is equally problematic.
Orwell's masterpiece, Animal Farm, suitably depicts how the forces of power, greed, discrimination and social politicisation of a community evolves from a genuine intent to provide equality, be it from a progressive or conservative perspective.
Evolutionary theory (the survival of the fittest) dictates that it is against our nature to believe anything other than that "some are more equal than others". If we add to these murky waters the widespread indoctrination that must naturally follow any implementation of a state-endorsed religion, then we will encounter a firestorm of fear and bigotry not unlike that seen in Nazi Germany, Apartheid South Africa, and the Crusades era in the Middle East.
Religion and politics are a chaotic mix, just as the suppression of religion in particular nations also breeds unnecessary suffering and malcontent. The separation of state and church is not only a cornerstone of democracy, it is the most fundamental of all human rights - the right to exist as an individual, with thoughts, actions and values of one's own choosing.
I don't deny the right of Kennedy and his supporters to establish an Islamic-based political party, and I have said as much previously on this blog here and here, but I cannot support the intent to establish any form of theocracy, whether it be Christian, Moslem or otherwise. I will also be the first one to stand up to oppose the possible election of any representative from such a group.
The Theocracy Alert - Early warning System is suitably on Orange status, the second highest rating.
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Masquerade Parties
Masquerade parties - the trickery of branding political parties
Published in Online Opinion on 24 September 2004 {long post}
As an Australian voter I am concerned at, what appears to be, an elevation of church-based politics in Australia. A trend is evolving that should have us reflecting on the history of relations between church and state in the United Kingdom as well as the rise of hate-inspired nationalism in many countries.
It is not that I oppose political parties formed on a set of beliefs. In a democracy such as ours we should embrace the freedoms of political affiliation and free speech. With such freedoms it is easy for me to debate with the likes of Fred Nile's Christian Democratic Party (CDP) purely on the basis of their open policies. What you see is what you get with the CDP! All fair play in politics, right?
Not so anymore, I fear. The conservative field is broadening and Australia's fastest growing church is posturing to become a dominant force in politics. I'm not talking about the CDP, whose success is limited by the shackles of the Nile legacy, nor do I speak of the (lessening) Catholic entrenchment in the ALP or the debateable Anglican influence within the Liberals.
The Assemblies of God (AOG), under the guise of the Family First Party, are set to take the place of the depleted One Nation as the new right-wing of Australian politics. The AOG's love of tele-evangelism and the media spotlight, together with a fanatical desire for religious influence on government, combine to create a potential force of unmeasurable strength.
Unfortunately the Family First Party have the considerable advantage of presenting, at least on the surface, a "family orientated" Christian niceness that may attract the hearts and minds of many unwary swinging voters. But their blinkered view of putting family first may spark more debate than a red head in a fish and chip shop.
The reality is that Family First is not dissimilar to New Zealand's Destiny Party, famed for their recent black-shirt marches of intolerance and hate. The Destiny Party is born out of the Destiny Church and the links between Destiny and the Assemblies of God are clear cut.
Family First and the AOG are careful to provide some distance between themselves, unlike their New Zealand counterparts. Candidates continue to inform the media that they are not a church-based party, but the facts speak for themselves. Each of the Family First lead Senate candidates hold high ranking or influential positions in their respective churches, all within the AOG ministry.
While the current media focus is on the fight between the Greens and the Democrats for the balance of power little attention is being paid to the growing possibility of right wing conservative control by fanatical churches.
In Australia's secular society, it is paramount that no religion, not even Christianity, should have the opportunity to eat away at the separation of Church and State. This is a fundamental principle of democracy and the Westminster system of government.
By all means, any group has the right to establish a political presence and I will defend anyone's right to free speech and participation in the political process. What I object to, and what all democratically-minded Australians should be concerned about, is the disguise that many political parties, new and old, are adopting in order to attract our votes.
The days of the Democratic Labor Party (DLP) confusing the electorate may have passed, but we continue to be bombarded by names of parties that speak more about well-devised branding, rather than being descriptive of policy. If this election is to be fought and won on the concepts of truth and trust, the average punter will need degrees in psychology and marketing to adequately assess the myriad of options.
It is commonly accepted that the Liberals have not been 'liberal' for many decades. They should at least acknowledge, like their British counterparts, that they are in fact Conservatives. Of course Labor is not any different, having rid itself of the 'u' in labour when Adam was a boy and continuing to drive the working class out of its caucus.
It can be argued that even the Democrats have ignored their namesake for political expediency and short-term gain. This election will determine if they suffer the near fatal effects of member and voter disenchantment.
One Nation is as divided as the "one nation" it originally tried to divide! As for the Greens, the only critical argument seems to be the watermelon theory - green on the outside, red on the inside. And while there's no doubt that socialism always attracts parallels with communism, the Greens have done so little as a significant minor party, that we are left to wonder if the concepts of Greens and "political party" are a tautology.
On the surface the latest entry to the field, Family First, heralds a welcome return to the traditional family values of nurturing, unconditional love, strong morals and inclusion of extended family. Scratch beneath that pleasant exterior, however, and you will recognise a familiar tone of religious indoctrination, intolerance, disregard for some human rights, and specific exclusionary practices.
There is no room in a Family First Australia for anyone other than god-fearing, bible-toting, Christian-blessed families. Whilst the party does not make any direct policy references to controversial issues like individual human rights, read between the lines and some crucial issues of social justice are blatantly avoided.
For a start Family First are heterosexist. They are incapable of respecting an individual's right to love anyone they choose. Their narrow definition of family excludes the thousands of happy and functioning members of alternative families. In treating homosexuals, bisexuals and transfolk with such contempt they aim to set back human rights advances of the last two decades.
Imagine a set of policies that discriminated against children on the basis of how they were conceived. Natural conception would mean you were part of a family, artificial conception would relegate you to second class non-family status. Sounds ridiculous? Of course it is!
It doesn't matter how one becomes part of a family, be it natural or artificial, fostered or adopted, same sex or opposite sex relationships, married or unmarried. The fact that we exist as a family unit should be the only determination of our rights and our treatment as valuable members of society. It is basic human rights.
I'm sure not to win any friends by issuing a critique of a so-called Christian organisation, and I could go on about the myriad of smaller parties that are failing to meet standards of truth, trust and decency in a modern Australia, but time and space prevail.
By this stage, my good reader, you are probably wondering if the author has nothing but cynicism for the state of politics, and perhaps religion, in this country. Relax, there is a lighter side to all of this and a simple moral in my preaching.
This election, I urge caution. What you see, is not necessarily what you get. In a case of reality imitating art, this election you will find yourself voting for Miriam's affection or confronted by an inadequate gaydar on "Playing it Straight".
However, there's no cash jackpot waiting for you, just two simple guarantees regardless of how you vote and who forms government.
Firstly, at least half of you will be disappointed by the outcome of the election. Secondly, there will be no major change to economic, social or foreign policy. Labor and Liberal are almost indistinguishable on the "what". It is only the "how" that differentiates them.
In deciding your vote, I suggest treating the exercise like buying a used car from some dodgy guy in a tweed jacket and jeans. Kick the tyres, look under the bonnet and turn on the ignition. Take it for a test drive and see how it feels. Make certain that you don't get landed with a P76 that's been done up to look like a Rolls Royce!
Remember, this vehicle doesn't come with free auto club membership when it breaks down! Someday soon you could find yourself at the wrong end of a bigoted political party with the balance of power and your basic human rights severely diminished. If you think it won't happen in Australia, you are probably thinking the same as the Germans 70+ years ago and US citizens only 4 years ago.
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