Capitalism With a Conscience?

So much has been said lately concerning Obama's supposed socialistic agenda that I think that it is important to step back and think about his critic's remarks, and the ideology that we ALL have been socialized to believe. In America, there is great importance put upon "self made success" and being rewarded for one's merit.
Indeed, I feel that someone who can "pull themselves up by their own bootstraps" is a person that usually deserves great respect and our admiration for beating the odds in becoming successful. I say beating the odds because, unlike the movies and the "bright-siding" of the news media, with an occasional success story, it just does not happen enough to make these adages even partly factual. "Work hard and you will be rewarded" is a hard sell to many people who experience otherwise.
After years of working hard, they do not see the truth to this. Their jobs get outsourced to another nation because American companies can exploit the labor of the host nation's people and resources, thus, corporate profit skyrockets. Other working class Americans, though, they make twice the minimum wage, are still below the poverty line and barely survive, much less succeed. They see the gap between themselves and the middle class increasing, just as the gap between the elite and everyone else is.
What the middle class sees is the price of everything, from their medical bills to the food they buy, from the insurance policies they must maintain, to the utility bills they pay monthly, increasing faster than than their salary. Some see the wealthy of this country becoming wealthier at everyone else's expense. Others? Well, it is obvious to them that they are inferior to the "majority" of people, whom they feel are capable of success. And, of course, they have some members of the elite, who deserve nothing more than our scorn and a kick in the ass, to back up their claim. This is where the ideology- the rewarding of merit- comes into play.
I think that this serves the elite of this nation by maintaining their superiority in the minds of those less privileged. If merit is rewarded, and the elite have the most money, power, and prestige, the less privileged, while believing this ideology, come to feel that they are incapable and that they themselves have little worth. Secondly, the elite benefit by maintaining the exclusive superiority of their class. It allows some to pat themselves, and each other, on the back for being worthy fellows in comparison to the less privileged, though, some had no hand in making their inherited fortunes. Their elite status, in addition to the widespread belief in their "merit," allows those elite, who are inclined, to steer political outcomes in their favor. So, power begets power. In sum, whether "ready-made' or self-made, their experience and status become the standard to which the elite and the less privileged measure themselves and others. An ideology that most all Americans have been taught since they learned to talk.
Now, when the rich, powerful, and prestigious accuse Sen. Obama of socialism, and as a threat to capitalism, one must think carefully before supporting their position. Obama says that his plan calls for tax increases for those making $250,000 or more a year, while, people who make less will receive tax reductions. After the media recorded a sound-bite between Obama and "Joe the dumber," Obama's proclamation "to spread the wealth around" brought this "socialism" critique from his republican rivals who, most agreeably, supported the partial nationalization of our banking system recently. These shouts of socialism by conservatives were met by Obama, with the claim that their is nothing more American than "providing opportunity." Well said.
As Americans, we all have been raised to wholeheartedly believe in capitalism, while forsaking other ideas, such as universal health care, free education, "spreading the wealth," and even the safety net for old age that is social security, as "evil" socialism. If someone brings up one of these ideas, they become the "enemy," violating our American values and economic system [have they become the same yet?].
I am an American, with great love for my country. I come from a family that taught me to value capitalism and "the American way of life." I will not, though, believe the arguments linking the fall of our capitalistic system with the act of providing the above mentioned to American citizens. How in the hell could anyone argue that, while making $250,000 or more a year, a modest tax increase would cause them hardship? They have, and will continue, to prosper. Likewise, who would be against free health care and education? Does it not serve the future interests of this nation by, among other things, providing an intelligent, innovative, and healthy workforce? How about helping people who are disabled or elderly? In the absence of social programs for them, could we justify their living on the street and eating garbage, as we sidestep them on our way to work?
I will tell you who primarily fights against these programs, those who stand to maintain or increase their profit from limiting the quality of life in America. Instituting social programs like these in America would correct a problem that was created when we allowed capitalism, and its overriding goal of maximizing profit, to invade education, health care, and the majority of our politics.
As much as I believe in making a buck, safeguarding capitalism should not justify excluding the less wealthy from these pursuits of happiness and security. It is absurd to believe that capitalist have any other concern than profit. What does it take for America to understand that business is not concerned, until it is too late, if America's populace is educated, healthy, and secure?
America has the ability, one of its better ones, to be critical of itself. When we stand back and look at our ideologies, such as the one about rewarding merit, or that one about all people "being created equal," reality just does not prove their truth. Unfortunately, this inconsistency is displayed in our history, as well as presently. One needs only to look back at how women, minorities, and immigrants have suffered from inequality and the mechanism of "merit" that excludes them from opportunity. Today, although things are better, these groups still experience it, as do those outside the elite class. As a nation, if we want to prosper, I advise that we stop sweating about the names of things and develop capitalism with a conscience.

Bipolar Campaign

I cannot understand the lack of forethought within the McCain campaign. A campaign that has set Sarah Palin's mouth on "overdrive," with accusations painting Obama as supportive to terrorists vomiting from her face. A campaign that would obviously deny any responsibility for instigating the hatred of Americans for Obama, partly because McCain has suggested his supporters be "respectful" towards Obama.
How does this work, though. As the vice presidential candidate on McCain's ticket, Palin takes direction from McCain. Her attacks are not the result of her own planning, but of a strategy conceived by the campaign itself. So, as McCain calls Obama a "decent" American from one side of his mouth, from the other side, he is telling Palin to assault Obama's patriotism and religious affiliations. Honestly, I think that McCain is either extremely bipolar, or extremely desperate to win.
Although, McCain is indeed desperate to find any issue that he can use to become elected, he is alternating between his need to be president and the harm that can befall this nation through his inciting some of my fellow idiots [not you, of course] towards hate and, its ultimate outcome, violence. I see McCain as being smart enough to see that his current strategy requires that he must continue to fan the flames of hate, or lose the support of his most radical supporters. At the same time, those of us that would vote for a candidate because of their ideas, rather than voting for their party, are sitting at home alienated from McCain and his ideas, remembering the promise of a clean campaign. What was it McCain said about five months ago- something about the American people realizing that a candidate using this divisive tactic "has no vision of the future, or way to articulate it." Well said Senator McCain, but what happened? Why did you start down this road if you were not going to continually increase your message of difference and hate?
It is not that I am surprised by what has happened this election year. It was expected, and this is the problem that politics in America has. No one believes politicians. Whenever we discover that the person we voted for will not keep their campaign promises, a little part of government's legitimacy falls away. It begins to make people feel that the election process, as well as democracy as a whole, is a sham.
It hurts me to talk this way, but it needs to said. I am hopeful that whoever wins the election will follow through with their declarations of change. If they do not, I can already hear the big chunk of legitimacy falling from our belief in government. This is severe, indeed, when we consider how much legitimacy the government has left, especially after Bush.

Unique, to a Point

As a child growing up, I remember many instances when I disagreed with my parents. My over-riding belief, at least then, was that adults cannot understand what teenagers are going through. My feelings were that, because I am unique, it was impossible for anyone to properly advise me as to what the best way to think or act in a given situation was. For example, my mother, and older siblings, frequently reminded me of the importance of getting good grades and staying in school, which, before the age of 15, I gladly accepted as good advice.
Once I reached the age of 15, however, something happened to me that is still confusing. Suddenly, I began to feel woefully abnormal, especially when I compared myself to anyone else. I found myself consumed with worry about what my friends thought of me. Yet, with typical teenage coolness, I managed to keep up the charade of coolness to my friends so that they would accept me. Unfortunately, this meant that, when asked by one of them, for example, to ditch school so that we could party or commit some other socially frowned upon act, my need to be accepted compelled me to go along with the "cool" kids. This need to be accepted by my peers became a priority that I held above all others in my youth.
No longer did I listen to the advice of my family. To do so would mean that they were right, which, was impossible. How could they be correct in telling me to go to college, when all that I wanted to do is hang out with my friends? How can they decide that going to college is the best thing for me? With these questions in my mind, and a bellyfull of, what I considered, their hypocrisy, I decided to drop out of high school at seventeen to find work.
And, I did exactly that. After a few years, though, of working in the feast or famine environment of construction, as well as many other lower wage jobs with no opportunity for advancement, I began to experience the results of not following my family's advice. Whereas, I once thought of myself as unique and capable of choosing the best path for myself, I came to view the life that I had created as dismal and disappointing. The friends that I worked so hard to fit in with rarely ever contacted me. Gone were the days when socializing with my friends was my life's priority, replaced by the consuming urgency of how to pay for my rent, food, utilities, and everything else that I needed to survive. Reality bites hard, and harder still for the person in extreme denial.
Remembering this stage in my life was spurred on by my overhearing a teenager angrily tell their parent that they did not understand what the teen was going through. I felt, both, amused and pained by the similarities between the angry teenager and myself of twenty-plus years ago. Amused, partially because the feeling that teens have, of being so unique that the normal rules do not apply to them, are unoriginal, with almost every adult having experienced the same feeling during adolescence. It pained me, though, to remember my own stupidity and arrogance. Yet, maybe it is useful to look back at one's teenage years, so that one is more compassionate towards the feelings of today's teenagers. In their freshly forming world, they are unable, for the most part, to understand that they are special and unique, to a point.

It's All About ME

How many of us have those special people in our lives that require great attention? These lovely people insist that the world's focus should be on them. Frequently, these special people can be observed whining because others do not understand their greatness, and, sometimes, this leads them into a state of rage. Yes, folks, I am talking about the narcissist.
A few facts, provided by Wikipedia, about our topic:

"'Narcissism' describes the trait of excessive self-love, based on self-image or ego.
The term is derived from the Greek myth of Narcissus. Narcissus was a handsome Greek youth who rejected the desperate advances of the nymph Echo. As punishment, he was doomed to fall in love with his own reflection in a pool of water. Unable to consummate his love, Narcissus pined away and changed into the flower that bears his name, the narcissus.
In psychology and psychiatry, excessive narcissism is recognized as a severe personality dysfunction or personality disorder, most characteristically Narcissistic personality disorder, also referred to as NPD.
Sigmund Freud believed that some narcissism is an essential part of all of us from birth and was the first to use the term in the reference to psychology.[1]
The terms "narcissism", "narcissistic" and "narcissist" are often used as pejoratives, denoting vanity, conceit, egotism or simple selfishness. Applied to a social group, it is sometimes used to denote elitism or an indifference to the plight of others" .
Andrew Morrison claims that, in adults, a reasonable amount of healthy narcissism allows the individual's perception of his needs to be balanced in relation to others" (Wikipedia.com).

But, what is a healthy amount of narcissism? Surely, the amount that entails loving one's self is good. Yet, in my experience, many people exceed the healthy and appropriate amount of self love. Narcissists automatically expect others to see and feel the same amount of love and admiration that narcissists have for themselves. These unfortunate people delude themselves into believing their own greatness, even in the absence of accomplishments or success that would serve as proof for their claims.
Many of us have experienced a narcissistic co-worker or boss. They are the ones that spend a lot of energy belittling what others have done without them, as well as discrediting anyone to whom they feel might shine a little brighter than themselves. Sometimes, they are preoccupied with using whatever power that they have to subjugate others, thus, perpetuating their own self love. If one were to believe in 'evil,' these maniacal bullies would be in the dictionary as an example.
Yes, these special people are to be pitied. They spend much of their time selling their own greatness to themselves and everyone who can be forced to listen. And, then, when they can no longer make others listen or follow their self serving plans, some fly into a rage that is directed at all who remain closest to them, if, there is anyone still willing to take the abuse. Then comes the greatest evil, their propensity for exacting revenge on whomever they vilify. More than one good human being has been wrongly injured by this diabolical act of the narcissist.
It seems like a very lonely world, especially later in life, for the narcissist. Given the chance to reach old age, it seems that most people would, quite naturally, evaluate their life. What could the narcissist honestly say about themselves? I guess that they could claim that their preoccupation with themselves made a positive difference to the world. Yet, since they invested most of their energy into promoting themselves, all of this energy is lost once they die. It serves nothing. Nobody remembers the narcissist for anything more than her or his tendency to create animosity, pettiness, and abuse. Indeed, we can love ourselves too much.

Keep Your Eye on the Ball

I have tried to be unbiased in my views of the McCain and Obama campaigns for President. The reason for this is my philosophy that one must listen to both sides to make an informed voting decision. This philosophy, though, is being tested with McCain's latest strategy.
It seems that McCain, realizing the popularity of Obama, has recently broken his agreement with his opponent, as well as the American people, to focus on the issues without disrespecting his opponent. In his attempt to discredit Obama through selective and incomplete quotes, McCain has begun to sarcastically mock his opponent's suggestion for Americans to keep their vehicle tires properly inflated to maximize fuel mileage. According to a recent Time magazine article, appropriately entitled 'A whole New McCain,' he is reported as saying "My opponent doesn't want to drill ... He wants to inflate your tires." He has even been passing out tire gages in his attempt to discredit Obama as out of touch politician.
The problem here is, though, that proper tire inflation, especially when we consider the millions of vehicles driven everyday in America, is an appropriate strategy to increase gas mileage and lower our oil consumption, period. Yet, McCain, supposedly wishing to make Obama look silly, or to keep the oil corporation's profits at their current record breaking pace [you decide], continues to run television ads about Obama's celebrity status, thus, his inability to understand or relate to the problem that the less affluent American voter has affording health care or fuel for their car. And, as history has shown time and again, it is far easier to win an election by discrediting an opponent than it is to win on the merits of one's proposed solutions for a problem. So much for the informed voter.
I think that the McCain camp realizes that the only way to keep in this race is to make people, whether they are poor or rich, fear a new direction that entails abandoning policies that prioritize big business before the collective good of the American people. I believe that many people, who previously touted the obvious immediate benefits of the "trickle-down" philosophy during, and since, the Reagan years, have noticed the shrinking of the benefits trickling down from the success of America's biggest corporations, such as the oil companies. Many people understand that new drilling is only a short term fix that will not make any positive difference at the pump until about 2012, and, even then, it won't last long.
So, whatever direction you are leaning in the debate on new oil drilling, please keep in mind the tactics used by political candidates. Try to objectively focus on the issues, not the sarcasm or suaveness of our next President. It is the only way to keep McCain, Obama, and the media focussed on presenting solutions for our environmental, financial, and social problems.

Dividing the United

I was reading some replies on a forum about the negotiations between Obama and McCain concerning the presidential debates coming this fall. To get some of you up to speed, McCain's camp has proposed the smaller "town hall" type venues for the candidate's debates, whereas, Obama wants the larger, more typical debate structure.
What caught my eye, though, were the many replies within the thread that sounded so childish. They resembled the arguments and anger displayed on the schoolyard when we were young. One person, attempting to discredit the beliefs of another, mentioned that their opinion meant nothing because they were from a certain state. This, to me, is about as logical as discriminating against people with the letter "E" in their name. Similarly, other comments on the same thread were so busy putting labels, such as liberal and conservative, on one another that the valid points made by both about the topic were dismissed without thought or discussion.
Then, I began to think about how much we condemn politicians for behaving the same way. Much has been said recently about American's dislike for political mudslinging and attacks on opponents that do not concern the issues [e.g. a candidate's name, age, marijuana use as a youth, etc.]. Yet, we, the people, debate the issues and partake in the spreading of misinformation in the same manner as politicians. Usually, nothing is talked about in a way that is helpful to finding solutions for the problems that we all share.
Whether potential solutions come by way of conservatives, liberals, independents, or equally important others, who cares? It is past due that we begin to erase the bias that keeps us divided. It is obvious that an open mind is needed, yet, less obvious is the fact that issues, such as health care, must be approached in a way that benefits ALL members of our society, not just the groups lobbying our leaders for ways to make more money or increase their power.
In the end, trust and respect for one another is the glue that keeps us united. Trusting each other, regardless of political affiliation or philosophy, will only come when the supposed solutions to our problems do not entail favoring one group over another. It allows us to say "okay, let's try it your way," though, we might question the outcome. Respect for one another, on the other hand, keeps communication open and concentrates our energy on finding ways to benefit everyone. All that respect entails is to listen and validate each other's concern for the topic, though, we believe differently.
It is time to grow up. The schoolyard mentality is seldom productive in solving arguments and frequently contributes to the hatred and violence within our culture. Once we get past this way of approaching things, it is possible that our society might become far greater than we ever imagined it could.

True Dignity

It is rare for me to lose hope in humanity. I have always thought that our species would overcome our tendency to allow the powerful people of the world to subjugate the weaker. That people would get over their narcissistic need to dominate others for the simple purposes of building their own self esteem or satisfying their lust. That, given the choice, the average human being is capable of maintaining compassion for others, rather than committing acts that scar and terrorize innocent people for the rest of their lives. This, among a few other thoughts, have allowed me to remain optimistic about humanity.
Optimism begins to disappear, though, after one reads stories such as the one about the man who decapitated a fellow bus passenger while he slept, much to the horror of the surrounding people. It is simple to claim that this was the result of the actions of an insane person, and, undoubtedly, I think the claim is valid. Yet, another story that I read yesterday horrified me to a greater extent.
The story concerns our American service women being raped by our servicemen. According to CNN, Rep. Jane Harman, D-California reported that her "jaw dropped when the doctors told me that 41 percent of the female veterans seen there [Veterans Affairs hospital near L.A.] say they were victims of sexual assault while serving in the military." My jaw, in addition to my heart, dropped as well.
Reading on, I discovered that, according to CNN, "the Pentagon's top official on sexual abuse, Dr. Kaye Whitley, was ordered not to show up despite a subpoena" by the House of Representatives.
Seeing the military attempting to obstruct this investigation was more than enough to turn my stomach, if, it were not already turning from the actions of some of our servicemen. I have to ask the pentagon, and all the servicemen who have committed rape, what the hell is wrong with you people? Is it a deficiency of respect for others that allows you to take and do whatever you want? Or, are you no different from a rabid, diseased, dog, spreading its affliction and sorrow to others?
Some days, I have my doubts about our species. Then, almost miraculously, I see or hear of, both soldiers and civilians, doing something heroic. Jumping into harms way to save someone that they don't know, or, giving to others, when they barely have anything to give. Or, those that tell the truth, even though it sacrifices what they hold dear. These are the finer examples of humanity that display compassion, honor, and the true dignity of our species.

Believe and Prosper?

Have you spent your economic stimulus check yet? I paid a few bills with mine, so, it was practically spent before my wife and I received it. It was nice to have a little extra money to pay our bills a little earlier than normal. As appreciative as we, and I suppose others, are to the government for this "bonus" of sorts, it is most unlikely that consumers have seen the light and gained confidence in our economy. After all, this stimulus check was the equivalent to one or two paychecks for some, and a single pair of shoes for those a little more affluent.
According to the LA Times,"Consumers across the country say they have used their stimulus checks to pay bills and to stay afloat. The money has done little to boost their confidence in the economy." I did not think that my family was unique in this respect, and it seems like I was correct. It is difficult to believe that the economy will recover soon, when the prospect is blurred by a Republican President who is bound to be branded by Americans as one of the worst in history. Additionally, Americans know that we have Democrats in Congress with majority control that have had little success in passing anything but hot air. What are they waiting for, Barrack Obama? Realizing that their majority control is fragile, it would be logical that they are waiting for a President who will work with them to get things done, instead of threatening to veto legislation at the mere thought of necessary compromise [this not including the recent emergency housing bill]. Yet, there may be one other factor relating to the lack of consumer confidence.
It is possible that many US citizens are becoming more aware of the Federal debt. According to Wikipedia, "[a]s of April 2008, the total U.S. federal debt was approximately $9.5 trillion, about $31,100 per capita (that is, per U.S. resident)." After digesting this and the fact that this total does not include most of the major social programs [e.g. social security, Medicare, etc.] the present and future of our economy does not seem so bright. It is a far cry from the days of Clinton, when the national debt was decreasing by about $30 per second.
If the government wants it's people to have confidence in the economy, why not start by fostering our confidence in our leadership? They, after all, are the one's who are supposed to have a direction that will make things better, even, if it is in a small way. When, though, we are told that we will have to sacrifice prosperity to pay the deficit, our daughters and sons to fight wars, and our privacy for the never ending war on terrorism, leadership leaves us almost nothing to be confident about.

American Pride

Well, remember back when Obama and McCain both agreed to run campaigns that constructively debated the issues, rather than slinging mud and assassinating each other's character? After reading a story on Fox news, I think McCain has decided to disregard the agreement. Mentioning that Senator Obama voted once against funding the war in Iraq, McCain equated this to "legislating failure" for the war. As usual with politicians, McCain, presumably believing that he trails Senator Obama in popularity, has decided to step-up the accusations so as to paint Obama as unpatriotic, or worse, somewhat traitorous. How destructive is it to our citizens belief in our electoral system, and nation as a whole, to insinuate that one's opponent for the Presidency of the United States is so cold as to jeopardize human lives without reason? Is it possible that something attached to the funding was not to Senator Obama's liking? All politicians, at one time or another, vote against Bills that, in principle, seem good. Yet, as McCain fails to mention, Obama voted for funding the war on "at least ten" other instances. Getting back to the way that the candidates agreed to conduct their campaigns, would it not have been better for McCain to acknowledge this, rather than providing partial truths in his attack on Obama?
At this point in time, Americans seem to be disenchanted. We are coming to grips with the history of our nation that we were taught, and the real history that propaganda and false patriotism have failed to obscure. Yet, make no mistake; most of us still believe in this nation and it's future. In my opinion, though, Americans want, but do not expect, honesty instead of partial truths from our candidates and elected leaders. Every instance, such as Watergate, the Lewinsky affair, or vicious attacks between candidates, that the public becomes aware of degrades our collective self-esteem as a nation, as well as our trust in the system. Add to this the increased access to information and foreign opinions of our country that the internet provides, and one can understand why many Americans find it difficult to feel extremely proud of ourselves presently.
However, there is pride in this country. If not rooted completely in our history, it lies in the present sacrifices of our military forces and the belief in our own abilities to create a brighter future for all.

Oil Rich History

In the US, many of us are breathing a sigh of relief from the recent drop in oil prices. I know that a smile crosses my face at the possibility of using the money that I save at the pump to help pay for something else that my family needs. Fuel, as well as other necessities like food, water and housing, have steadily become more expensive in the last few years, making many people believe that $5 a gallon for gasoline would be typical by the end of the summer of 2008. Yet, according to an Associated Press story on CNN , the price reduction has been spurred on predominately by two factors: the stronger dollar and less American demand for oil. It is nice to think that this lowering of oil prices might become a trend. Yet, as the same article mentions, "in the past four-plus years of oil's bull run, the market has seen significant downward corrections before. Each time, the market has come back and moved higher and established new highs."
This is the maddening part. Some of us remember the gasoline rationing of the 1970's. At that time, the limitations put upon the amount of fuel people could buy created much interest in renewable/alternative fuel sources. But this interest mostly disappeared after oil prices fell a little and automakers began to build more fuel efficient vehicles. If the US, or the global community, would have continued to focus on advancing alternatives to oil, how much better off would we be now? In my opinion, probably considerably better than we are currently.
The main point to this is, if we once again allow ourselves to become sidetracked from developing alternative fuel sources because the price of oil is affordable, we will continue to be at the mercy of the world's oil producers, as well as continuing the pollution that results from burning fossil fuels.
These words are definitely not meant to vilify anyone, especially those from the Middle East. Oil producers in this region rely on the same business practices that are relied upon globally; profit as much as possible, whenever possible. Here in the US, ignorance is commonplace, in that, we make villains out of people who are only doing what is common practice for corporations worldwide.
So, my biggest fear is that we, as a nation and as a global people, will not learn from history. After oil prices have settled and the interest in finding viable fuel substitutes subsides, we only have our own complacency to blame for allowing our addiction to oil grow. Yet, if we are determined to make the change to a clean, renewable, fuel source in the near future, it will require consistent pressure from ordinary citizens to keep their leaders focused on solving the problems with our present and future oil consumption.

It just Works for Free

I remember the first computer that I ever owned. The operating system was Windows 98 and it was given to me by my brother. I remember my amazement the first time I surfed the Internet. With so much information easily accessed through the Internet, it was difficult to see any downside to it. Then, I started reading about Microsoft and their attempts to monopolize every aspect of computing, from file formats to accessory programs needed to enjoy Internet content as well as computing productivity for work. If you did not have the money to pay Microsoft an exorbitant amount of money for using their product, content and workability were denied to you. I will not even begin to talk about all the hours that I have spent the last decade trying to fix glitches in my Windows operating system, as well as all the time spent downloading and installing the infinite number of program patches to make the damn thing secure. Thank heavens, those days are over.
A few years ago, the same brother turned me on to Linux. To my amazement, as soon as we installed Kubuntu on my computer, it came with all the drivers for my hardware and it worked without spending 45 minutes downloading updates [or uploading my personal information to Microsoft]. Suddenly, the computer world seemed a far better place than before. I no longer felt that I, as well as others, were being forced to use and pay for an operating system that, in my opinion, was always less than secure, both from hackers and Microsoft. I have depended on Linux for two years now, and I have never had to worry about worms, Trojan horses, or viruses. As a matter of fact, I don't run any anti-virus program because Linux is a more secure, stable, and, because of it's price [free], a more satisfying operating system to work and play with than Microsoft's. It is even more satisfying when you know that the operating system is created and maintained by diligent volunteers. That's right, people who care enough about freedom and liberty to sacrifice their own time to build it!
As for me, I will NEVER go back to using Microsoft's products. This is especially true when I see all the release problems that Vista has had, which has forced many users into paying Microsoft so that they could revert back to XP. While, Window's users are going backwards, the Linux community is growing and leaping forward. For myself, it is rare that a problem arises with Linux in comparison to my Windows days. I no longer spend time trying to fix/patch up the problems with windows. Linux just works.
For those of you wishing to learn more about Linux and the open source community, I suggest these sites --
http://www.LinuxLatitude.blogspot.com/
http://www.DIYComputerHelp.com/

Mass Education

How many parents out there want their children, or grandchildren for that matter, to have a chance at going to college? There are many studies readily available supporting the fact that a college education increases a person's lifetime income far beyond others who only have a high school diploma, or less. Sometimes, we hear the story that many of America's millionaires were able to make their fortunes without ever finishing high school. Looking back at my own life, as well as every single person that I have ever known that did not earn a college degree, I would judge this story a possible outcome for only a very few lucky individuals. Unfortunately, many young people, including myself once upon a time, dupe themselves into believing that their uniqueness and luck will create the income/security that they feel they are entitled to as Americans. They hear tales of poor people winning multi-million dollar state lotteries, while dreaming of trading places with the actual winner. Denial anyone?
Now, let's add more obstacles to gaining an education. Let us keep raising the price of tuition and textbooks to the point where people, though thirsting to learn and prosper from the hard work that it takes to earn a degree, cannot afford it. The reasons for this could be as simple as the person is a single mother, or, possibly, they are working two jobs so that they can keep their families fed, housed, and clothed. And, let's not forget that the working poor, while not being able to afford insurance premiums and deductibles, slip into debt in the wink of an eye by merely trying to keep themselves or their family healthy. Anyway that you look at this very real scenario, the prospects for these people are limited.
Then, let us think about the effects of globalization. It is a small world that is increasingly becoming smaller. Manual labor jobs for Americans are disappearing because corporations, both domestic and foreign, can find cheaper workers in other countries, as well as more lenient regulations that allow greater profit. Manual labor jobs in America, for the most part, are disappearing. Add to this the increasing discussion in this country about America falling behind some other nations in various educational categories [such as math] and the future seems potentially bleak for many Americans.
To get to my point, many people, ranging from government leaders to the nobody like myself, voice their worries that America lacks the education that is needed to spur innovations in the field of technology, as well as others. Yet, education is an industry, like so many others, which requires profit to stay afloat, thus, fewer people can afford the rising costs. Would it make sense for our government to increasingly subsidize people's education? The mere mentioning of this brings some to envision a Communistic state. However, if educating the masses is considered healthy for a society, through creating new industries, jobs, ideas and technology, is it not in our nation's best interest to help each citizen wishing to learn accomplish their goal without sacrificing the basic needs of life? I for one believe that America would greatly prosper from doing so. Who knows, maybe the next Einstein or Ben Franklin is waiting to be discovered. What do you think?

Helping "The Politics of Fear"

During my news reading yesterday, I happened on to a few articles that were talking about the cartoon in The New Yorker depicting Barrack and Michele Obama as terrorists with a burning US flag in the fireplace. The finishing touches of this supposed satirical cartoon contained a portrait of Osama Bin Laden over the fireplace mantle, a turban on Senator Barrack Obama's head, and Mrs. Obama dressed in fatigues with an AK assault rifle slung around her back. According to Elizabeth Moore of Newsday.com, The New Yorker claims "[t]he image by cartoonist Barry Blitt, titled 'The Politics of Fear,' is meant to caricature the use of scare tactics and misinformation against Obama."
Now, to begin with, I generally object to censorship, unless it is used to protect children from hateful, sexual, or violent content in which children are unsupervised during their consumption of the media. With this being said, I also think that news sources have a responsibility to safeguard their readers from being misled. Would it have been that difficult to display the cartoon's title, "The Politics of Fear," at the bottom of the magazines cover? I suspect that it would be, if, the magazine's intent was to spread the same fear and misinformation that the cartoon is supposedly lampooning.
Americans, in my opinion, generally know that "image is everything," as the adage goes. The same can be said for the media. The infinite amount of public opinion polls inform these news sources that millions of Americans believe Mr. Obama is Muslim (and judging from many of the forums concerning this cartoon, many do not know how to spell 'Muslim' . . . [sigh]). At any rate, Senator Obama is a Christian, to the best of my knowledge.
And even if he was Muslim, I could not agree with vilifying those who practice this faith. To do this is the equivalent to claiming all Christians are bad people because some members of the Ku Klux Klan are God fearing Christians. It is absolute nonsense. There are good, bad, and people in between of every group, regardless of their heritage, political association, religion, or gender.
To his credit, John McCain has even condemned the cartoon, as I am sure that many other conservatives have as well. In a world where propaganda and misinformation are relied upon by government, corporations, and next door neighbors to sell political, social, and consumer ideals to others, it is refreshing to realize that there are still people who are willing to stand for what they believe is correct, despite great opposition to maintain the status quo.

Cleaning for College Credit

While driving home one day during spring break, I found it necessary to stop at a local park's restroom. Upon entering the facility, I realized that the restroom was very filthy. Little pieces of toilet paper littered the floor, while the sink looked like it had not been cleaned in many weeks. The restroom's condition made it an obvious choice for this extra credit assignment. I decided that I would hurry home to grab my cleaning supplies so that I could come back and clean the mess.
When I returned, I immediately started to sweep the floor. I felt happy as I cleaned, although, I was not responsible for making the mess. Taking responsibility for it increased my self esteem, in that, I felt that I was actually doing something that needed to be done. The thirty minutes that the cleaning took was time well spent. Yet, judging from the reaction of one of the two individuals who observed me cleaning the restroom, not everyone would agree with me.
As I finished cleaning the sink, a middle aged man in a business suit walked in. I told him hello, to which, he did not reply, as I moved to the stall doors so that I could wipe them down, in addition to giving the man some privacy. After finishing his business, the man walked to the sink. I wanted to tell him why I was cleaning, yet, he was trying very hard to ignore me. After the man washed his hands, he proceeded to dry them with paper towels. To my amazement, this man dropped each of the used paper towels on the floor around the sink. I was speechless. Why would he do this? Before I could ask him, he hurried out the door.
The next person was also a middle aged man, though, he was dressed in jeans and a thick winter jacket. Walking toward the sink, he glanced at me and asked if the city was "working me hard". I replied that I was not a city worker, and I informed him about my reasons for cleaning. The man seemed confused. He asked me if I thought that I was a little too old to be a college student. I mentioned to him that I did during my first college semester, but, upon finding that many people my age were going, my beliefs changed. He smiled and then said that he was glad because the restroom had never looked cleaner. He said goodbye and good luck, as he walked out the door. It seemed that he liked the results of my taking responsibility for the mess.
On the other hand, the first man seemed unimpressed and highly intent on creating more work for me. Whether his mood or bad habits caused him to blatantly dirty the freshly cleaned floor in front of me is unknown. It seems that this man, if he was conscious of what he was doing, might have been trying to amplify my supposed subordinate status of janitor. Indeed, I have experienced many people who do these types of things to boost their own self esteem. If he did it through habit, I feel sorry for those who clean any of the places he frequents. His reaction to my cleaning the restroom was a far cry from the somewhat supportive reaction of the other man.
Initially, I predicted that people would be supportive of what I was doing, yet, there would also be some that did not care. I was not prepared for the actions of the man who dirtied the floor in front of me. Since I do not know the reasons for what he did, I have to classify him to the "did not care" group of my mini theory. The reaction of the second, and nicer, man was supportive, though, he thought I was too old to be a college student. The compliment he gave me for the cleanliness of the restroom is not as supportive as him helping me to clean, yet, it was greatly appreciated.
In addition to allowing some study of the human reaction to someone going outside the norm of our society, the bathroom cleaning study reminded me that, whether a problem is my own or another person's, it is satisfying to take responsibility for it, working to solve it, and knowing that, in some very small way, my effort has made the world a better place. If the majority of people on Earth hungered for this feeling of accomplishment, and the resulting benefit to their self esteem, can you imagine the impact that these random acts of responsibility could have?

Juvenile Death Penalty?

. . . And Justice for All, We Hope

It is necessary that I begin this essay by stating my personal beliefs concerning the death penalty. Fundamentally, I am not opposed to the death penalty for the most violent of offenders. I believe that, if a person, such as a serial killer, admits to committing heinous murders, and law enforcement has the evidence supporting the murderer's confession beyond a reasonable doubt in a juries collective mind, I do not have a problem with the use of the death penalty. Yet, when I consider that there is the slightest possibility that even one innocent person could be executed mistakenly, I am forced to admit that the death penalty is unjust and potentially cruel for adults, as well as juveniles. I think that murderers, whether adult or juvenile, are both dangerous and, to different degrees, mentally disturbed. Both have proved that they lack the self control to remain in society. Yet, juveniles have not developed mentally enough to be considered the same as their adult counterparts.

In Roper v. Simmons, the Supreme Court ruled that the death penalty for juveniles under the age of eighteen at the time of committing the crime was "a violation of the Eighth Amendment's protection against cruel and unusual punishment." Researchers and authors, Regoli and Hewitt (2006), mention three "differences between adults and juveniles" that helped to bring the Court to their decision: "juveniles lack maturity and responsibility", they "are more vulnerable to outside influences", and their "character is not as fully formed as that of an adult." I agree with this decision. Juveniles are not completely developed mentally, nor should they be considered "adults" at this age. The effect of "outside influences" should be apparent to anyone remembering their adolescent years, when, lacking the establishment of personal values, we all have done things that we would not have done without the pressure of our peers and negative role models. We, as individuals, are unique, thus, we all develop mentally, and physically, at different rates and to varying degrees of ability. Seemingly, this incomplete developmental stage of juveniles led the Supreme Court to voice its opinion "that juvenile murderers could be rehabilitated." Yet, is this true?

Regoli and Hewitt admit that "we have not obtained the knowledge we need to design, or even agree on, effective methods of reforming individuals." It is possible that certain juveniles could be rehabilitated after murdering, though, the previous admission makes it seem unlikely. Sentences of life without parole seem appropriate for juveniles who commit heinous murders because we can not reliably rehabilitate them at this time. Additionally, this life sentence can, at anytime, be changed by a judge. It is possible that the future will bring new technology or theories that facilitate the rehabilitation of adult and juvenile "lifers". For now, though, we must maintain our safety by locking murderers, of any age, safely away.