Tag Archives: America

last one left, turn off the lights

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Today, I heard of two news items that have really disturbed me.

The first was about the introduction of Christmas gift registries, along the lines of a wedding, or baby shower registry. An online list where you can list all the things that you want other people t o buy for you at Christmas.

It took me a long time to adjust to a wedding registry, but I have come to understand that in these days of  couples living together before marriage, that a registry will at least mean that you aren’t going to end up with duplicates or triplicates,  or in the one colour that makes you homicidal.

However, I don’t think I will ever accept such a process for Christmas gift giving, as it seems to go against the whole concept of Christmas. It seems to me, that such a concept means that we have learnt nothing from the recent economic downturn and the greed that lead us into our own downfall; not to mention all the chatter about distressing, and decluttering our lives of things and debt.

The second area of concern was a small item on CNN this morning which was almost celebrating the fact that America has shelved the introduction of government regulations to introduce low energy light bulbs. I suspect it was lack of government funds to carry through the policy that was at the bottom of action, but there were also a number of people who were celebrating the triumph of their constitution and their God given right to burn whatever bulb they wish too. One senator proudly declared he had 200 light bulbs stock piled at home. A politician who really has his constituents at heart; obviously not.

Well, can I say, hey guys, you aren’t the only ones on this earth? I have a God given right to a healthy planet. There are more than you in this sandpit, kid.

I have been using low energy bulbs wherever and whenever I can, because I recognise that my actions not only have a local impact, but a global impact as well. Plus it lowers my power bill costs!  I don’t think my individual rights are superior to any other individual in this world, or any future individual, I believe in equity.

So, if I adopt a self-centered attitude, and they continue their selfish ways, what is going to happen to our planet?  Nothing nice, that is sure.

As I said, both these new items I found disturbing, for it  appears that despite all the media, the education and the personal experience of economic downturn and climate change, we really haven’t learnt a thing. A sobering thought to take into Christmas and the season of goodwill and peace on earth.

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sheesh NASA

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10

So now I also have to worry about some American space junk hurtling through the atmosphere and ending my days on earth?

Sheesh, can’t we just mess up in our own backyards without trashing the universe as well?

Interesting that these “items” are frequently predicted to fall “somewhere in the pacific”. Well, a damn lot of people live in the pacific area and we are important too.

Not happy, NASA, not happy.

more than a little ANGRY

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10

Are any other Australians really, really ANGRY that BIG tobacco has enlisted the aid of Peter Allgeier , a former US ambassador to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to help it fight the Gillard government’s plan to introduce plain packaging for cigarettes? To do so they are enlisting other countries such as Malaysia to pressure the Australian Government.

Are any other Australians, and I hope a few Americans, really, really ANGRY that Republican Donald Manzullo, who sits on the House of Representatives congress committee on foreign affairs, sent the Australian government a letter criticising plain packaging, which states: “Not only does it violate Australia’s global trade obligations and undermine trademark protection, but it also has the negative effect of emboldening governments less committed to intellectual property right protection to dismiss global trade rules”?

Are any other Australians NOT SURPRISED that Big Tobacco are strong supporters of the National Liberal Party in Australia? No doubt also the Republican party in America.The federal government says that 97 per cent of British American Tobacco’s political donations worldwide in 2010 went to the Liberal and National parties.

Tony Abbott can ride his damn bike as much as he likes, but he doesn’t give one real care to the health of ordinary Australians. Hypercritical bastard.

These guys are threatening us, folks. Threatening us for trying to save lives!

BUTT OUT!

evil winds blow

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Condolences and prayers to the people of America suffering as a result of the recent destructive tornadoes.

This year, it seems the not a continent has escaped some type of natural disaster. Whether you believe in climate change or not, it does cause one to pause and wonder.

Certainly natural disasters happen all the time, but it does appear that they are happening more frequently and with greater intensity than in recent times. Whether that is reality, or a perception created from intense media coverage, will no doubt be borne out by scientific research as time goes by.

In the meantime, even if you are a non believer in climate change, does it hurt to be kind to our earth, by taking a little extra effort in your daily life?  Recycling helps society, not just the planet; turning off lights and other energy devices can save you money; walking instead of driving may help you live a healthier old age and  growing your own vegetables, or herbs not only reduces your footprint, but is so rewarding that I swear it is more beneficial than a day at an expensive spa!

It is a little like saying a few prayers just in case there really is a God – what have you got to lose? Keep your own patch clean and we all benefit – what have you got to lose?

Quite a bit if climate change is accelerated by humankind”s activities…

Having experienced a close encounter with the flooding in Queensland earlier this year, I can honestly say, that had I ever had any doubt about the power of nature, I would have none now!When a disaster is on your doorstep, when your family and friends are killed, or suffer as a result, then it is too late to regret all the steps that you could have taken, that maybe, just maybe, might have made a difference, however small.

Take that action now, for all our sakes – think about our homes, think about our earth and do something positive. Just as every journey starts with the first step, so does our support of our earth.  Start today.

Small changes make big differences.

idling into April

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14

Monday – wet and autumny. Wonderful! Honestly, it is my favourite kind of day, if I get to stay at home for that day, which of course I do, today!

I think I have shaken off the Ides of March. I never should have allowed them to linger until April. Bad Flamingo Dancer, Bad! And let us admit it, who can be depressed in a world that throws up Donald Trump and that exotic pet he keeps on his head, as a contender for President of the United States? I mean, that alone teaches me not to take life too seriously!

Last presidential election we had a wild time in the Basement of Discontent following it (sorry, but I still lament Hilary didn’t make it, but I do love Obama). We even had an election party with red white and blue cupcakes. Ah those were the days.

In a perverse way, I must say I am looking forward to the next twelve months of American campaigning. When it is not one’s own country one can have an odd level of detachment. However, it is difficult when America positions itself in the middle of so many world events, to not allow some frustration to rise, especially when I have to watch the rise of the tea party (I use small letters intentionally, out of a lack of respect) and learn of their total lack of social justice or sense of  equity. Man’s and woman’s inhumanity to others.

One thing I have noticed about the right of politics, in our country and America, is that they appear to think that if they shout over others that makes them right, and that makes them a winner. Since when is being a bullying ever right? Wonderful lessons we are teaching future generations.

Also, that it doesn’t matter if their remarks are supported  by evidence, or even sound silly, as long as they get a sound bite or a headline from it.  I often wonder how they can keep a straight face as they say the things that they do. I imagine them going home at the end of the day and saying to their partner “guess what porkies I said today, dear?” or “did you hear what I made up today?” It would be funny except there are those who accept it without applying any critical thinking skills.

Indeed we live in interesting times. No doubt, all times are interesting if we just choose to make them so.  Living in my moment, now.

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Today, I was told of a study that has shown that Norway, followed by Australia, are the most socially democratic countries in the world. America came in twentieth place.

The explanation for this appears to be that Norway and Australia have a deep and long standing belief across their societies of equal opportunity and that everyone deserves a fair go. In Australia, this is no doubt due to the enduring myth of mateship and that we view ourselves, rightly or wrongly, as a classless society.

I was not surprised that America rated so far down the scale, as it is obvious that there is no core belief in that everyone deserves a fair go, as the concept of equity does not appear to be a significant part of any public debate and that there are no real institutional arrangements to promote equity and equality, as is a part of Australia’s social democracy.

A search for a definition of ‘equity’ online, accessible to every free society, brought forth a line of economic definitions. It was a difficult task to find a social or cultural definition of the word ‘equity’ and that seems a sad indictment in our modern societies.

Additionally, this was interesting in the light of the recent public debates I have seen taking place in America attacking unions. I have to confess that I am a union member, and have been more than thankful to them working on my behalf, in the past. Unions safeguard rights. Unions mean that workers are no longer locked inside factories, to burn alive when fires start. Unions mean that we get annual leave. Unions mean that we have safe working environments. Unions safeguard our rights when we suffer work injuries. And yes, unions ensure we receive a fair days pay for a fair days work.

Once again, I have to offer gratitude that I was born into Australian society. It is not a utopia by any means, but compared to many other societies, it is. I can understand why people risk their lives for weeks at sea on leaky boats, to reach Australian shores. I am thankful that my German ancestors did the very same thing in the nineteenth century. I do not know if I would have the same courage, though if war or famine threatened my family, no doubt my lack of choice and desire for survival would shape my decision, if I was given the opportunity, legal or not.

Freedom from discrimination, freedom from the holders of abusive power, equity, social justice, and equal opportunities for all, including those with physical, mental or social disabilities have been hard won, and when a society does not honour and value unity and a sense of compassion for victims of injustice and inequality, but hand them to the owners of the means of production it is a time to stop, and think. Think about what it means to walk in those shoes, the shoes of those denied equity and social justice. It is just a step to the right.

 

Update from Snowy : Australia pips Norway .