Sunday, January 10, 2010
The Seiketsu Club
Keywords: economy-inflation, consumption, production, women- equity, management-planning, community, agriculture, internal trade, harvesting Initiative: The Seikatsu Club Community: Founded in 1968 by 200 women in Tokyo, the initiative has now spread throughout Japan and has 400,000 members.Problems/Opportunities Prompting the Initiative: inflation, consumerism, disassociation between consumption and production, environmentally harmful production and consumption patterns.Objectives/Strategies: The club attempts to bring consumers and producers closer together in order to promote the distribution of high quality environmentally friendly products at a better price than the market can offer, and to make explicit the individual’s role in the cycle of production, consumption and disposal. The movement is a reaction to the industrial society and attempts to reform structures of consumption. A sustainable communal society is proposed in the place of the industrial consumer society. The goal is to allow people to act as independently as possible to create a new civil society based on the slogan “autonomy in life”. The organization believes that the best avenue to changing society is outside of institutions, by focussing on individuals.Background: The organization began as a way to save money and has transformed into an organization emphasizing the need to address social concerns (empowerment of women, improvement of workers conditions, and improvement of the environment.)Products Distributed by the Club: The Seikatsu purchase primary products ( rice, milk, chicken, eggs, fish and vegetables) which make up 60% of the products distributed through the co-op. Seasonings, processed food and other merchandise are also available. Products are delivered directly to members.Harmful products are not handled by the organization (ie. synthetic detergents, artificial seasonings.The coop cooperates with local farmers and only purchases products grown with organic fertilizers and as few chemicals as possible. Members agree to purchase a set amount of produce and to overlook imperfections resulting from organic production.Products that have not been available at standards acceptable to the coop have been produced by the Seikatsu. (This has led to the operation of two dairy farms to produce organic milk.) Products are restricted to a single brand for each product (ie one brand of soy sauce). As a result, there are only 400 products available through the co-op yet they meet a diverse number of food needs.Produce is purchased directly from producers. This eliminates the elevation in price brought when dealing with food distributors. In addition, the direct connection has served to make the relation between consumers and producers explicit.Funding: Members make an initial investment of 1000 yen in the coop. Monthly contributions of 1000 yen are also made. The average investment each person has in the coop is 47,000 yen, which is returned when a person leaves the organization. It is the 9th largest coop in Japan (153,000 members) but is fourth in terms of investment capital (7.5 billion yen).Organization: The club plans its purchases through the requirement that members order one week in advance of expected delivery date. Purchasing is made through the basic organizational unit in the coop (the basic unit is a “han” which consists of 6-13 families) The han is the unit that helps to form policy decisions within the co-op as a whole. Co-op members distribute products on different schedules (milk twice a week, eggs, pork, processed food and seasonings once a week and other products once a month.)Each Han is headed by a leader elected by group members for a one year term. The leader from the han attends branch meetings and reflects views of individual member of the han, and is responsible for voting to direct policy at the branch level. There are approximately 153,000 members divided into 25,000 hans, who meet in about 100 branches in ten prefectures in Japan. Each branch develops its own policy and is represented by 10-20 committee members. Annually, a General assembly where group members’ views are heard through the group leaders is held. The board of directors, 10-20 members, is elected during this assembly by the General Assembly (80% are women). The Board of Directors is the policy making and management body for the co-op. As a whole. In such an organization it is believed that all members have an opportunity to have their views heard and see them reflected in policy.Staffing: There is a full time staff of 700.Benefits of the initiative:1. The cycle of production, consumption and disposal, and the individual’s relations within this cycle is made explicit. The initiative serves to educate people about the relation they have to production.2. The program brings together like-minded producers and consumers to create a strong network.3. The size of the organization has effectively challenged some production methods and caused certain changes in products.4. The organization is democratic and allows all to participate directly in the management and policy directions of the coop.5. Women are empowered and receive valuable training through the various labour activities done in the coop.New Directions: The organization has begun to launch political campaigns. (It has successfully boycotted certain soaps and has compelled some local governments to ban the use of synthetic detergents). They have begun to campaign for municipal office with the slogan “political reform from the kitchen”. Thirty-three members of the coop have been elected to municipal government The club also sells insurance to members to safeguard them in case of accident or illness.For more information:“Beyond the consumer society – Japan’s Seikatsu Club,” The Unesco Courier, March 1992, pp. 32-33.Shigeki Maruyama, “Seikatsu: Japanese Housewives organize,” Green Business: Hope or Hoax? Gabriola Island, B.C.: New Society Publishers, 1991, pp. 80-87.
Newsvine-Immigrants
Newsvine has nuked our past posts.If they done so to you, because of their Code of Homor policy. They destroyed your creativity and maybe we can launch a class action suit. This is an abuse of power.
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The immigrant situation is one that has tested us as a people and we seem to be failing.I went to Italy recently and found out that they had an immigrant problem also. When Communism fell in Albania many Albanians where left in dire poverty and they went to Italy. They saw Italy as if they where coming to America.The Italian government and the European Communities defused this problem by investing in Albania, help build its economy, and give the Albanians a better lot in life.The Albanians no longer immigrated.
It is a different situation here in America, our country is gripped is a crisis where we are failing on almost every level because of our right wing, unenlightened mentalities.America has become a huge cultural failure. We refuse to acknowledge that the reason immigrants are here is because they are unemployed and under employed in there own home lands. They come here and reap more exploitation.
We have this mentality of who is going to do the dirty jobs. I have done them; the dirty jobs are over rated. If you are concerned about the dirty jobs don’t worry who is going to do them- fill out the application. There was a time back in the 70’s when we where moving forward and many books about the future where published. We where suppose to perpetuate a better society where people where free and poverty was suppose to come to an end. And society would be more enjoyable and enlightened.
I went to a town called Pomigliano D Arco in Naples. My cousin showed me the “New”Accomplishments. It seems that there are no longer any ghetto’s. People aren’t persecuted for being poor. The Socialist Parties brought on a more Environmental and cultural consciousness in a city once having problems.
Italy, as the rest of Europe is now ahead of us Socially and Culturally, they are where we where 40 years ago.
Lets not pick on the immigrants, what we need is a new government. One that will bring in new enlightenment and progress. What we may need is a Confederation of American States, A Single Continental Currency, Universal Human and Civil Rights Laws. A Universal Living wage, Full expectance of the UN Charter for Human Rights. If the Immigrants where treated like human beings in there country they wouldn’t be here. If we treated them like human beings, we wouldn’t look at them as doers of the dirty jobs.
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The immigrant situation is one that has tested us as a people and we seem to be failing.I went to Italy recently and found out that they had an immigrant problem also. When Communism fell in Albania many Albanians where left in dire poverty and they went to Italy. They saw Italy as if they where coming to America.The Italian government and the European Communities defused this problem by investing in Albania, help build its economy, and give the Albanians a better lot in life.The Albanians no longer immigrated.
It is a different situation here in America, our country is gripped is a crisis where we are failing on almost every level because of our right wing, unenlightened mentalities.America has become a huge cultural failure. We refuse to acknowledge that the reason immigrants are here is because they are unemployed and under employed in there own home lands. They come here and reap more exploitation.
We have this mentality of who is going to do the dirty jobs. I have done them; the dirty jobs are over rated. If you are concerned about the dirty jobs don’t worry who is going to do them- fill out the application. There was a time back in the 70’s when we where moving forward and many books about the future where published. We where suppose to perpetuate a better society where people where free and poverty was suppose to come to an end. And society would be more enjoyable and enlightened.
I went to a town called Pomigliano D Arco in Naples. My cousin showed me the “New”Accomplishments. It seems that there are no longer any ghetto’s. People aren’t persecuted for being poor. The Socialist Parties brought on a more Environmental and cultural consciousness in a city once having problems.
Italy, as the rest of Europe is now ahead of us Socially and Culturally, they are where we where 40 years ago.
Lets not pick on the immigrants, what we need is a new government. One that will bring in new enlightenment and progress. What we may need is a Confederation of American States, A Single Continental Currency, Universal Human and Civil Rights Laws. A Universal Living wage, Full expectance of the UN Charter for Human Rights. If the Immigrants where treated like human beings in there country they wouldn’t be here. If we treated them like human beings, we wouldn’t look at them as doers of the dirty jobs.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Return to Hopelessness
Tens of millions of people where fooled into voting for Obama and the Democrats last November in the hope that the Democratic Party would reverse the policies of the Republican Party: militarism, attacks on democratic rights and the destruction of the living standards of working people. But the promises of "hope" and "change" have proven to be illusions. In this case, Obama has been a major disappointment.Some 13.5 million people are unemployed, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In addition, another 6.7 million people were working fewer that 35 hours a week because of "slack work or business conditions," and more than 2.1 million are classified as "discouraged" and not seeking work. That brings the total unemployed or underemployed to more than 22 million people. It is critical for working people to understand the political meaning of these figures. Obama has summed up his economic philosophy as putting an end to unsustainable levels of consumption spending. It is clear whose consumption is to be cut: Not the luxuries and perquisites of the super-rich, but food, shelter, clothing, transportation, education and other basic necessities of the broad masses of working people.In this manner Obama has betrayed us. He has taken Single Payer health Care off the table. Recently he appointed an Internet Czar. Clearly a patronage job with a frivolous endeavor.So I must ask, where is that Anti Poverty Czar? Where is the Hope for the working Class and poor? Working people must recognize the Obama administration for what it is—the spearhead of an assault by the financial aristocracy. Obama's policies are not the result of inadequate understanding or bad advice. He is a conscious and willing political servant of the multimillionaires, doing what is necessary to defend their class interests both at home and abroad. We have now another inflationary economy coming this way. With gas prices up more than 75% again. Now we have another right turn. The Obama administration said there would be Trails for the people who tortured detainees at Gitmo. Here is a clear violation of Human Rights. This is the worse occurrence in world history since Nazi Germany. Yet The Democrats will not prosecute.This is a clear display of how the Democrats are complicit with the Republicans. And it is the two party system duopoly in conspiracy.How can we continually support an administration and Government that doesn't understand us anyway? Affordable housing to these are home valued at $150,000 here in New Jersey. While the same home in other states are priced at $54,000.
Of course the Democrats say we must support the CIA and Pentagon. The CIA and Pentagon are Secret Governments that shouldn't exist in a Democracy.The Tea Parties had no credibility since they where an example of getting our government to spare the wealthy of taxes.I went to the Tea Party Protests. They seemed like a celebration of ignorance. The signs where racist, low minded, and generally insulting. No one carried signs saying that the wealthy costs New Jersey close to eight billion dollars in taxes. And the citizens. The poor and workers have to pick the tab. Many communities are paying $9,000 in taxes. And some have no Fire department or Police. Yet there is no money for State Police.The Mortgage Bankers Association reported that 5.4 million of the 45 million US home loans were either delinquent or in foreclosure in the first quarter of 2009. The 12.07 percent delinquency and foreclosure rate is expected to rapidly rise under the impact of rising unemployment and underemployment. The Subprime and adjustable-rate mortgages are no longer the principal force of the foreclosure crisis. In the first quarter of 2009, the foreclosure rate for prime fixed-rate mortgages doubled, in comparison to 2008. It is now 6.06 percent, and these loans for the first time make up the largest share of new foreclosures. Home prices dropped 18.7 percent in March, compared to2008, according to Standard & Poor's Case-Shiller Index, covering 20 largest metropolitan areas. The defense of jobs, living standards and basic democratic rights begins with a decision to break with the two party system. This political situation can play out over and over again. Remember, in the 1970's Gerald Ford pardoned Nixon's Criminal administration. Than Gas Prices went up and many never recovered. That much need hand up never seems to come but for the few, who are already privileged.
Of course the Democrats say we must support the CIA and Pentagon. The CIA and Pentagon are Secret Governments that shouldn't exist in a Democracy.The Tea Parties had no credibility since they where an example of getting our government to spare the wealthy of taxes.I went to the Tea Party Protests. They seemed like a celebration of ignorance. The signs where racist, low minded, and generally insulting. No one carried signs saying that the wealthy costs New Jersey close to eight billion dollars in taxes. And the citizens. The poor and workers have to pick the tab. Many communities are paying $9,000 in taxes. And some have no Fire department or Police. Yet there is no money for State Police.The Mortgage Bankers Association reported that 5.4 million of the 45 million US home loans were either delinquent or in foreclosure in the first quarter of 2009. The 12.07 percent delinquency and foreclosure rate is expected to rapidly rise under the impact of rising unemployment and underemployment. The Subprime and adjustable-rate mortgages are no longer the principal force of the foreclosure crisis. In the first quarter of 2009, the foreclosure rate for prime fixed-rate mortgages doubled, in comparison to 2008. It is now 6.06 percent, and these loans for the first time make up the largest share of new foreclosures. Home prices dropped 18.7 percent in March, compared to2008, according to Standard & Poor's Case-Shiller Index, covering 20 largest metropolitan areas. The defense of jobs, living standards and basic democratic rights begins with a decision to break with the two party system. This political situation can play out over and over again. Remember, in the 1970's Gerald Ford pardoned Nixon's Criminal administration. Than Gas Prices went up and many never recovered. That much need hand up never seems to come but for the few, who are already privileged.
Flavor of Revolution
When I was a teenage Marxist, I used to dream about revolution. I would hope that one day Americans would wake up and revolt against a Capitalist system. I grew up in Paterson New Jersey. It is a small industrial town; 16 miles outside New York City.My home wasn’t too far from the factories where my mother worked in the garment industry.I would watch people come out of work from her plant and other factories and I could remember the tired expression, the defeated look on every ones face.My father worked at Standard Packaging in Clifton NJ. He always express how work sucked and people did not get respect on the job.Paterson had stigma too it. We where a poor people, who where seen as publiens and constantly the source of ridicule. For instance, one could go to West Paterson, or North Haledon. Upper class Caucasian communities. The police would harass anyone from Paterson and ask what they where doing in there towns (according to my cousin, this still happens today) I could remember gangs from wealthier communities, such as Glen Rock and Ridgewood, coming to Paterson and beating up some of the locals. The wealthy got off beating up the poor. They never suspected we would retaliate. And that we did.They used to have something “Whack a Nig--- Day” where they would come to Paterson, find a black person and beat them with a broom stick. Even many of our Whites retaliated entering a gang warfare with these rich kids. This ended when we eventually won. We beat their asses pretty good. (No, I wasn’t involved).I could remember the vehicles coming down 5thAve in Number and the Paterson kids shouting from the cars. This never ended the riff between classes and communities. In the 1970 East Paterson changed it name to Elmwood Park. And in 2008 West Paterson became Woodland Park.East Paterson was one of the few working class towns in Bergen County. Even in High School one could help to notice class differentiations. I started reading Marx’s Das Kapital. Maybe I was 14 at the time. My best friend Nick was a Communist. Together we would hope for Revolution. In the 7th Grade Nick and I and a few other Classmates where severely scolded for wearing Caps with red stars on them. We where severely scolded by Mr. Greff, Our Seventh Grade teacher was livid.“Don’t you know that is the symbol of our enemy?!!!!” Sometimes during assembly, when we saluted the flag we would give the Hiel Hitler salute in Duration.We would also help the Socialist Works Party and Communists stick up their posters.One day I saw graffiti on the way to the Willow brook Mall in Wayne NJ. The Graffiti said, “The only Solution is Socialist Revolution” As an Italian American constantly persecuted because of my ethnicity and social position, this ran true.Getting a part time after school job was next to impossible. I could even remember Walter Kronkite with Cold War rhetoric speaking about who awful Das Kapital was. I was reading it. It wasn’t awful, it was about WORKERS!This is one of the reason I detest academics and intellectuals. Not intellectuals as smart people, but ersatz intellectuals who are theorists, philosophers, social experimenters and have Jobs in the Compassion Industry. I could go on, but this isn’t my Biography.This is about:
SOCIALIST REVOLUTION:
As a person influenced by European Socialism, I am deeply an advocate of Non Violent Change by Election. I believe in the Socialism of the Nordic Countries.All education is free in Denmark, right on through university. And students can take as long as they like to complete their studies."And we get paid to go to school actually. Instead of in the U.S. you pay to go to school, We get paid to go to school if we pass our exams,We're pretty much free to do whatever we want. We're secure from the day we're born. For a Dane who lives in Denmark," A Danish Socialist told me. Don't depend too much on the American dream. Yeah. I think you might get disappointed." Denmark also provides free health care, subsidized child care and elder care, a social safety net spread the length and breadth of the country. And workers rights!An Italian Socialist interviewed said, “It is about living life-Bon Vivance. The art of living.” In Capitalist USA that is impossible. But here in Europe, at least our Non Public transportation is cheaper than in the USA and we are actually Greener. ( I saw this first hand).I used Ryan Air and flew from England to Italy for $30.00. In America the same flight costs $400.00. Your wealthy people hate the poor so much, that they conceived the work ethic as a substitute for slavery.”He was amazed though, that most American are willing slaves. More on that Later.
So, we also have horrible election laws. And we are subject to ruthless politics. The Republicrats will not go away peacefully. One Politician told me in private. I would support alternative party goals, but my Party would get revenge on me.That is true, through out America Alternative party politicians and even insider get victimized by the system. Look a Rob Blagojevich and the former Democratic Governor of Alabama.So what is the solution? You already have the answer. And it seems most people in America want Socialism.Here is how it should take place. We should have all people converge on State Houses, Capital Buildings, Washington DC. And demand that the Democrats and Republican share the power and give power to the people. Temporarily replace them, change the election laws to fair and just elections and let the people vote their will.Civil disobedience is the active refusal to obey certain laws, demands and commands of a government, or of an occupying power, without resorting to physical violence. It is one of the primary tactics of nonviolent resistance. In its most nonviolent form (in India, known as ahimsa or satyagraha) it could be said that it is compassion in the form of respectful disagreement. (From Wikipedia.)Her it is-We should also be sparking this. We did the Million Worker March, and Day with Out The Pentagon. Now our future is in this. Along with Elections of course.The Dangers:Look at Tiananmen Square. The CIA and Pentagon will no doubt have some of mowed down. Look at Kent state. The Military can be expected to kill in behalf of the Government. Harassment, persecution, violence, and other things will happen. The Military may even declare martial law and in effect, even form a Junta.Good luck fighting for Socialism and Democracy.
SOCIALIST REVOLUTION:
As a person influenced by European Socialism, I am deeply an advocate of Non Violent Change by Election. I believe in the Socialism of the Nordic Countries.All education is free in Denmark, right on through university. And students can take as long as they like to complete their studies."And we get paid to go to school actually. Instead of in the U.S. you pay to go to school, We get paid to go to school if we pass our exams,We're pretty much free to do whatever we want. We're secure from the day we're born. For a Dane who lives in Denmark," A Danish Socialist told me. Don't depend too much on the American dream. Yeah. I think you might get disappointed." Denmark also provides free health care, subsidized child care and elder care, a social safety net spread the length and breadth of the country. And workers rights!An Italian Socialist interviewed said, “It is about living life-Bon Vivance. The art of living.” In Capitalist USA that is impossible. But here in Europe, at least our Non Public transportation is cheaper than in the USA and we are actually Greener. ( I saw this first hand).I used Ryan Air and flew from England to Italy for $30.00. In America the same flight costs $400.00. Your wealthy people hate the poor so much, that they conceived the work ethic as a substitute for slavery.”He was amazed though, that most American are willing slaves. More on that Later.
So, we also have horrible election laws. And we are subject to ruthless politics. The Republicrats will not go away peacefully. One Politician told me in private. I would support alternative party goals, but my Party would get revenge on me.That is true, through out America Alternative party politicians and even insider get victimized by the system. Look a Rob Blagojevich and the former Democratic Governor of Alabama.So what is the solution? You already have the answer. And it seems most people in America want Socialism.Here is how it should take place. We should have all people converge on State Houses, Capital Buildings, Washington DC. And demand that the Democrats and Republican share the power and give power to the people. Temporarily replace them, change the election laws to fair and just elections and let the people vote their will.Civil disobedience is the active refusal to obey certain laws, demands and commands of a government, or of an occupying power, without resorting to physical violence. It is one of the primary tactics of nonviolent resistance. In its most nonviolent form (in India, known as ahimsa or satyagraha) it could be said that it is compassion in the form of respectful disagreement. (From Wikipedia.)Her it is-We should also be sparking this. We did the Million Worker March, and Day with Out The Pentagon. Now our future is in this. Along with Elections of course.The Dangers:Look at Tiananmen Square. The CIA and Pentagon will no doubt have some of mowed down. Look at Kent state. The Military can be expected to kill in behalf of the Government. Harassment, persecution, violence, and other things will happen. The Military may even declare martial law and in effect, even form a Junta.Good luck fighting for Socialism and Democracy.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
The Homos
I never really appreciated gay rights in the past. But for anyone the Gay experience has become the most meaningful political experience.
First, the gay experience is the least alienating.
Second, the gay issue is meaningful even to straight people.
Third, The Gay Experience is teaching us more about liberation than any other movement.
Fist, the Gay experience is least alienating because gays and lesbians don’t seek out recruits. They don’t impose their values and will on people.
Second, the gay issue is meaningful to straight people, because straight people can learn about the Struggle to be allowed top love who you choose. People trying to be who they really, truly are.
Third, the gay experiences is a struggle because of past oppression. Gays where tormented, tortured, legally persecuted.
I changed my mind about the Gay issue when I saw a documentary about People in the service during WWII. Many men where put into Cages and beaten and tortured when they where found out. And Water Boarding was part of the torture.
Women joined the service because in the 40’s and 50’s, this was a quick way women could meet each other and find each other in a different way.
One women said after he Commanding Officer found out, “You would have to discharge the whole troop because all the women where lesbians.”
Here is where women can be different, many straight women on the service where more tolerant of their lesbian counter parts than men with Gay counter parts.
Obviously, many gay men had to live in even more secretive lives than women, though women where persecuted just as much. Many States mandates for both Gays and Lesbians where to be placed in mental institutions, where abused psychiatrically (Torture, Lobotomies, imprisoned, etc)
One story I was told about was how gays got there title New York has always been a bastion for Homosexual activity. Most of the Speak easies where Gays and Lesbians could meet where on Gay Street. Gay street is named after Revolutionary War General John Gay.
My view on Gay Rights: All people have the Liberty to be who they are and actuate their lives with out government interference. And have the Freedom to be Gay or Lesbian with out person or private infringement.
If Gays are so evil why are they part of Activist, Religious, and social movements?
The Gay and Lesbian life isn’t perfect. Unfortunately there ha been much abuse in Lesbian Relationships. Statistics show that domestic abuse and violence occur more frequently than with Gay or straight partnerships.
This was reported in a Lesbian Newspaper not long ago. But gays and Lesbians do have essential Social issues all human beings do. What we need is a Socialist Government to assist. Why, because under capitalism social problems go ignored.
How ever with a new openness, less stress, pressure, and discrimination people will be just fine.
I have known many gays and lesbians in my Life, from my life in Paterson and New York City. They have each told me different stories. Not being Gay, the 60’s line “Being free to be me.” means something here.
I watch a Soap called All My Children, A wealthy girl is in love with another, she seems to be wealthy too. But anyway, they fell into dispute when one questioned her Lesbianism. Obviously the other did not understand and she left for Paris. We should all be able to run away from our problems.
Well, as the other had a trauma, she confronted her true self and confirmed her Lesbian nature.
Coming to a conscious awakening and acceptance is very Buddhist, but very mindful.
Coming to terms with who we are and what we should be has made Gay Liberation even more Liberating the other isms.
Socialism should never have to many stems or isms. It should be Purely and Naturally, Socialism.
Maybe we can get Gays and Lesbians to jump on the Universal Income wagon.
Time to get to werk.
First, the gay experience is the least alienating.
Second, the gay issue is meaningful even to straight people.
Third, The Gay Experience is teaching us more about liberation than any other movement.
Fist, the Gay experience is least alienating because gays and lesbians don’t seek out recruits. They don’t impose their values and will on people.
Second, the gay issue is meaningful to straight people, because straight people can learn about the Struggle to be allowed top love who you choose. People trying to be who they really, truly are.
Third, the gay experiences is a struggle because of past oppression. Gays where tormented, tortured, legally persecuted.
I changed my mind about the Gay issue when I saw a documentary about People in the service during WWII. Many men where put into Cages and beaten and tortured when they where found out. And Water Boarding was part of the torture.
Women joined the service because in the 40’s and 50’s, this was a quick way women could meet each other and find each other in a different way.
One women said after he Commanding Officer found out, “You would have to discharge the whole troop because all the women where lesbians.”
Here is where women can be different, many straight women on the service where more tolerant of their lesbian counter parts than men with Gay counter parts.
Obviously, many gay men had to live in even more secretive lives than women, though women where persecuted just as much. Many States mandates for both Gays and Lesbians where to be placed in mental institutions, where abused psychiatrically (Torture, Lobotomies, imprisoned, etc)
One story I was told about was how gays got there title New York has always been a bastion for Homosexual activity. Most of the Speak easies where Gays and Lesbians could meet where on Gay Street. Gay street is named after Revolutionary War General John Gay.
My view on Gay Rights: All people have the Liberty to be who they are and actuate their lives with out government interference. And have the Freedom to be Gay or Lesbian with out person or private infringement.
If Gays are so evil why are they part of Activist, Religious, and social movements?
The Gay and Lesbian life isn’t perfect. Unfortunately there ha been much abuse in Lesbian Relationships. Statistics show that domestic abuse and violence occur more frequently than with Gay or straight partnerships.
This was reported in a Lesbian Newspaper not long ago. But gays and Lesbians do have essential Social issues all human beings do. What we need is a Socialist Government to assist. Why, because under capitalism social problems go ignored.
How ever with a new openness, less stress, pressure, and discrimination people will be just fine.
I have known many gays and lesbians in my Life, from my life in Paterson and New York City. They have each told me different stories. Not being Gay, the 60’s line “Being free to be me.” means something here.
I watch a Soap called All My Children, A wealthy girl is in love with another, she seems to be wealthy too. But anyway, they fell into dispute when one questioned her Lesbianism. Obviously the other did not understand and she left for Paris. We should all be able to run away from our problems.
Well, as the other had a trauma, she confronted her true self and confirmed her Lesbian nature.
Coming to a conscious awakening and acceptance is very Buddhist, but very mindful.
Coming to terms with who we are and what we should be has made Gay Liberation even more Liberating the other isms.
Socialism should never have to many stems or isms. It should be Purely and Naturally, Socialism.
Maybe we can get Gays and Lesbians to jump on the Universal Income wagon.
Time to get to werk.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Libertarianism
The concept of Libertarianism isn't new. It is largely based on the Philosophy of Ayn Rand. Who was an anti-Charles Dickens writer. She hated Compassion and was a wealthy person cheerleader. Now, Horatio Alger wasn't a libertarian, he was just a man who wrote books about adventurous people. Despite his remarkable literary output, Alger never became rich from his writing. According to history, he gave most of his money to homeless boys and in some instances was actually conned out of his earnings by boys he tried to help. His books expressed an optimistic wholesomeness.What is Libertarianism?Libertarian conservatism, also known as conservative libertarianism (and sometimes called right-libertarianism), describes certain political ideologies which attempt to meld libertarian and conservative ideas, often called "fusionism."Neo-libertarians usually have combined a generally neoconservative outlook with a more pragmatic method. Traditionally, Libertarians where for personal liberties, with out Government interference. Smaller Government.Many today are against abortion and other liberties. This makes them seem like the loony fringe of Republicanism. As if Republicanism isn't loony in itself.Libertarianism is a dangerous form of Politics. Especially its economic philosophy.Libertarians believe Corporations can take care of everything and government should be run by corporations. They even believe the military should be in the hands of the corporations. Their philosophy is, if you're wealthy hooray for you, if you are poor, boo for you.Ronald Reagan used libertarian economics in his "Tickle Down Economics" theory.He brought the Nation in deficit with record spending. George Bush sr. went along with it and by the Clinton administration Crashed our Economy.George Bush Junior went full blown on Libertarian economics and this caused a major depression. Deregulation caused massive greed and allowed for the wealthy to legally rip off the public in which millions are out of work and lost their homes. The taxes are excessive on the poor and almost completely alleviated from the Rich. Bolivia's conservative government tried Libertarian Economics and the National economy crashed. This sent the Nation into turmoil. Evo Morales, Socialist, is now President of Bolivia and has improved its economic state.Privatization is a core belief in libertarianism. That means The Public entity is sold to private hands. The Constitution and other items no longer apply. Also, corporations make a profit on once publically own land. The public loses a profit and income thusly making property taxes soar. Also under private control, corporations are not headquartered in the community and Community services soon deteriorate.Also, Social Justice plays no factor. Libertarians believe that if an employer wishes not to higher an albino just because that person is an albino, because that business is his, he should have to higher an albino.
Libertarians do not believe social justice is both an important issue in politics, religion and civil society. Most individuals wish to live in a just society. The term "social justice" is often employed by the political left to describe a society with a greater degree of economic egalitarianism, which may be achieved through progressive taxation, income redistribution, or even property redistribution, policies aimed toward achieving that which developmental economists refer to as equality of opportunity and equality of outcome.Libertarians believe in a sink or swim society. Sorting out winners from losers. One can admire their view of the work ethic, self suffiecncy, and self control, but feel no obligations toward society. They embrace Anarchic-Capitalism. Business and industry without rules.That means there could be no regulations for a industry that pollutes the environment. If a product is ill manufactured and causse harm to a family member, the company isn't responsible, you are because you bought the product and are responsible for your purchase. Libertarianism means no consumer protection. Landlords can charge what they want for rent. Restaurants can serve bad food, Contractors can screw up your house and get away with it. The Police and Schools would be in the hands of private enterprise There would be no labor protection. (as there is now)Libertarians are also gun nuts. Criminals prefer unarmed victims, governments prefer unarmed citizens. You never need a fire arm till you need it badly. Really? I should buy a gun and protect myself from Libertarians?Libertarians believe in smaller government. But smaller government is weaker government. Would you like to live in Afghanistan?Well, let's face it, who in the world is seeking Libertopia? Does anyone want to go with out Health Care, Public schools, Hospitals, a Police Department, Libraries, The Post Office?Libertarianism is a proven failure. There must be a admission somewhere, after all, isn't there symbol the Statue of Liberty? Which is a government owned entity. And they are against Government owned anything.
Libertarians do not believe social justice is both an important issue in politics, religion and civil society. Most individuals wish to live in a just society. The term "social justice" is often employed by the political left to describe a society with a greater degree of economic egalitarianism, which may be achieved through progressive taxation, income redistribution, or even property redistribution, policies aimed toward achieving that which developmental economists refer to as equality of opportunity and equality of outcome.Libertarians believe in a sink or swim society. Sorting out winners from losers. One can admire their view of the work ethic, self suffiecncy, and self control, but feel no obligations toward society. They embrace Anarchic-Capitalism. Business and industry without rules.That means there could be no regulations for a industry that pollutes the environment. If a product is ill manufactured and causse harm to a family member, the company isn't responsible, you are because you bought the product and are responsible for your purchase. Libertarianism means no consumer protection. Landlords can charge what they want for rent. Restaurants can serve bad food, Contractors can screw up your house and get away with it. The Police and Schools would be in the hands of private enterprise There would be no labor protection. (as there is now)Libertarians are also gun nuts. Criminals prefer unarmed victims, governments prefer unarmed citizens. You never need a fire arm till you need it badly. Really? I should buy a gun and protect myself from Libertarians?Libertarians believe in smaller government. But smaller government is weaker government. Would you like to live in Afghanistan?Well, let's face it, who in the world is seeking Libertopia? Does anyone want to go with out Health Care, Public schools, Hospitals, a Police Department, Libraries, The Post Office?Libertarianism is a proven failure. There must be a admission somewhere, after all, isn't there symbol the Statue of Liberty? Which is a government owned entity. And they are against Government owned anything.
Socialist Liberty
What kind of Socialists are we? There are many varieties. But I think Socialism itself is best manifested in a Democratic Socialist Movement. Why? Because Socialism is a workers movement and more.My own socialism is defined as Libertarian and Democratic. The aim should be less government in many cases. If people will be free, they must be free from the from the constraints of government. Such as the Universal Income or Basic Income Grant. People would have to feel humiliated and indentured to Government because of poverty.Poverty can be eliminated. But than what about the FCC? The FCC should exist because it is needed to regulate media. Regulation helps for many reasons. The FCC shouldn't be about censorship, what it should do is limit ownership of conglomerates and control by corporations because it is a guardian of the people's air waves. Experiencing Government when in need should not incur intrusiveness with a parental government running peoples lives.National Health Care would reduce Government because it would eliminate many departments.Also, there is a cure for addiction not approved by the FDA. There is one drug the cures addiction. This was shown on 60 Minutes.Capitalism forms bigger Government because patronage is important. Rich friends give other rich friends jobs. These jobs could be $100,000 to $2,000,000.Departments without the people's knowledge are created. Reagan created the Department of Domestic Affairs which spies on the public.Now we have the CIA, Pentagon, FBI, and Department of Homeland Security. State Police, the US Marshall. Local Police, Interpol and a few others.These can be merged for security purposes. Others can be eliminated, like the Pentagon and CIA. This should allow more funding for Local and State Police.The Departments of Homeland Security should be a State Level and be controlled by the States.But, Libertarian Socialism doesn't mean less Government, but more efficient Government. We should have a Department of Peace and Diplomacy. A Department of Social Welfare. Since Socialism is a Enlightenment Movement, this is a way of installing a National Enlightenment. (Not to be confused with Buddhist Enlightenment, this entertains those who have obtained Nirvana and Buddhood.)All government entities should have an Internal Affairs Unit (with forensic accounting), Public Advocacy, and local Direct Democracies. People should be included in the process.Rather than wasting time on frivolous TV, people could go to Town Hall and vote on their future. With fair debates and open forums.The Tenth amendment is very important. It gives States autonomy in dealing with issues. The National constitution Party is partly right, but mostly wrong with this.The states should be granted with enough money to adequately run and each community (entertaining home rule) should have its own choices.The Federal Government should mandate federal elections. Removing Ballot Access restrictions and petitions. They should monitor for clean and fair elections.Here in New Jersey there is no money for state police and once again our taxes go up to pay for communities with no Police Department.Now Nationalizing the Industries my be a good idea. They should be in the hands of the workers.The Government should run these industries; they should be privatized and placed in the hands of the workers who run these institutions and Co-operatives or ESOP's. The government should be a silent partner taking some income. And setting a few regulations. The people should vote on these regulations. A system of fairness should be implemented.Of course we need worker policy too free workers from Corporate Servitude. Like having a 32 hour work week, living wage, full workers rights. Union access and representation.Can Anarcho syndicalism be part of our future? Why not?! Syndicalism is an alternative economic system. Anarcho-syndicalists view it as a potential force for revolutionary social change, replacing capitalism and the State with a new society democratically self-managed by workersAnd that is what we Socialist want also, but there are small divides. Therefore, to liberate themselves, all workers must support one another in their class conflict. Anarcho-syndicalists believe that only direct action (Direct-Action gets the goods!)– that is, action concentrated on directly attaining a goal, as opposed to indirect action, such as electing a representative to a government position – will allow workers to liberate themselves.Socialist believe in Government representation.How ever Marx was right, capitalism must probably burn itself out. How ever, Unions can be Socialist too, and there should be enough room for both. Many believe we can only fight Capitalism with Capitalism using Capitalist methods. And why not? What is the sense of entering a war when only one side has weapons?Socialist Unionism must be in the middle of the class conflict freeing workers from the Bosses.Eugene V Debs once said (and I paraphrase), "I wish the industrialist would use their patents and free workers from the machine so we can compete as artists do."As a musician, I really appreciate that. Because playing an instrument and entertaining is work. (We are subject to Ergonomics and we have a Union)Socialism doesn't mean more or less government, but adequate government. Government that improves the quality of life gives us liberty and freedom with out always having to fight for it. Having Government in our lives with out intrusive government. Having people control their own lives.Abortion and Gay rights are just that way. Abortions allow women to control her own body with our government interference. Same with Euthanasia. Gays and Lesbians are people who want their own life with their own privacy and to be free to be who they are. The Gay and Lesbian Rights movement has taught us more about Democracy than any other so far. Out side of Co-operativism. Liberation of the individual is freedom and a point of democracy. Norman Thomas started the American Civil Liberties Union because we must keep fighting for Liberty here, in America. Amazing, the worlds greatest democracy and we still have to fight for freedom.
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