Saturday, October 27, 2007

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Not In My Name? I Am An American; I am Culpable copyright © 2007 Betsy L. Angert. BeThink.org I hear the claims and the clamor. "This is George Bush's war!" This Administration instituted a "war on science." Federal funding for research was reduced in recent years. Laws meant to protect the environment were repealed. I would love to say that much of what occurs in America today is not done in my name. It is not my fault or folly. However, I cannot make this assertion. I am an American; I am culpable. Granted, I do not support the wars in Iraq or Afghanistan. The possibility of a mêlée in Iran, Korea, Lebanon, Israel, here, or aboard I think abhorrent. For me, armed combat is not an option. It never was or will be in my mind. Congress does not represent me when they continue to fund brutal battles. Nevertheless, I believe this war is mine. I cannot blame it on George W. Bush, the House, or the Senate. I am an American. My country is directly responsible for the havoc we see in Iraq and Afghanistan. By extension, I believe we, as a nation, are answerable for the attacks we initiated and the aftermath. My own certainty that I could do nothing more than I do allows those in office to act in my name. The sense of futility I feel gives credence to the concept that I cannot control the Commander-In-Chief, his counsel, or the Congress. Yet I am liable for my lack of initiative, for the lax I let be me. I do not understand why this nation went into debt to fund a futile war. Had the battle been a breeze and America retreated triumphant, I would feel no different. Financial obligations, purchases made on credit are not as I crave. Conservatives may declare fiscal responsibility; however,...
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Communication; Alone in a Crowd copyright © 2007 Betsy L. Angert. BeThink.org The world is crowded. Six billion, six hundred twenty seven million, three hundred and sixty six thousand, three hundred and fifty people populate this planet, or did a short time ago. In this moment, there are more humans than there were seconds ago. The number of inhabitants increases exponentially each day. Everywhere we look, there is another person being born. Yet, at least in America, people feel more isolated than they did in the past. Americans are more connected. Cyberspace calls us and draws us in. Electronic communiqués flood our online mailboxes. Cell telephones ring. It seems everyone has one and uses it to speak with someone, even when they are with another individual. Conversation is ubiquitous. However, when in a crowd, Americans feel more socially isolated. A horde of people feels hollow; a throng leaves us empty. Conversations abound. Yet, few communicate. Wherever we go we see smiles, hear laughter; and listen. Frequently, we initiate or participate. With all the chitter and chatter, certainly life must be a party. Yet, while engaged in the festivities many feel so very alone. People talk incessantly. Individuals prattle. Persons natter. Discussions abound; yet, something is missing. Small talk does not soothe the soul; it only fills the air. Folks imply, infer, interpret, insinuate, and insult. Humans coo and coddle. A few chuckle and chat. Still they do not dare speak of what concerns them. True conversation can be dangerous, or at least difficult. How often have we felt alone in a crowd even when we appear engaged? As children, we "played" with our peers; yet, often we marveled at what seem to entertain them. We went along to get along. At a certain age, we were enrolled school. Placed in a classroom with throngs of...

A being that believes . . . "thinking is the best way to travel!" [Mike Pinder, Moody Blues]

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