i'm pretty sure jimmy v is referring to at least me ... as much as i've tried to explain to him the differences - he's pretty much made up his mind ... which is fine ...
americans are as nationalistic as they come ... it's beaten into them ... even the liberals here have an aversion to hearing what is wrong with the country ... they can't separate their defensive nature from the objective criticisms ...
I knew you'd be along soon enough. Thanks for chiming in with some broad generalities about Americans and helping to prove my point.
i'm pretty sure jimmy v is referring to at least me ... as much as i've tried to explain to him the differences - he's pretty much made up his mind ... which is fine ...
americans are as nationalistic as they come ... it's beaten into them ... even the liberals here have an aversion to hearing what is wrong with the country ... they can't separate their defensive nature from the objective criticisms ...
While it's true that a lot of Americans are VERY nationalistic (though not much more so that those from many other nations, such as France or Italy or Brazil), I have also noticed that a lot of Americans seem practically self-loathing to the point where I'm thinking "while America has negative points and a lot of room for improvement (to say the least), who the fuck brainwashed you into thinking America is THAT bad in the scheme of things?? Or are you just oblivious to the nature of the rest of the world by comparison?? Or just very susceptible to anti-American propaganda, and you have been made to feel guilty??." So I would agree that what you're saying here is a serious generalization.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy. ~ Desiderata
While it's true that a lot of Americans are VERY nationalistic (though not much more so that those from many other nations, such as France or Italy or Brazil), I have also noticed that a lot of Americans seem practically self-loathing to the point where I'm thinking "while America has negative points and a lot of room for improvement (to say the least), who the fuck brainwashed you into thinking America is THAT bad in the scheme of things?? Or are you just oblivious to the nature of the rest of the world by comparison?? Or just very susceptible to anti-American propaganda, and you have been made to feel guilty??." So I would agree that what you're saying here is a serious generalization.
well ... this is all i can say ... i have traveled to every continent on this planet except antarctica ... my girlfriend lives in New York ... I have also traveled to over 42 states from the big cities to the tiniest towns ... but all that means nothing if one can't think critically ...
do you understand the history of US foreign policy and its role in war, exploitation and suffering? ... what is your knowledge of US history to make you feel it's just another country? ... can you name another country that has had more of a negative impact on the world than the US with the exception of maybe the British Empire? ...
While it's true that a lot of Americans are VERY nationalistic (though not much more so that those from many other nations, such as France or Italy or Brazil), I have also noticed that a lot of Americans seem practically self-loathing to the point where I'm thinking "while America has negative points and a lot of room for improvement (to say the least), who the fuck brainwashed you into thinking America is THAT bad in the scheme of things?? Or are you just oblivious to the nature of the rest of the world by comparison?? Or just very susceptible to anti-American propaganda, and you have been made to feel guilty??." So I would agree that what you're saying here is a serious generalization.
well ... this is all i can say ... i have traveled to every continent on this planet except antarctica ... my girlfriend lives in New York ... I have also traveled to over 42 states from the big cities to the tiniest towns ... but all that means nothing if one can't think critically ...
do you understand the history of US foreign policy and its role in war, exploitation and suffering? ... what is your knowledge of US history to make you feel it's just another country? ... can you name another country that has had more of a negative impact on the world than the US with the exception of maybe the British Empire? ...
Yeah, I was going to say the British Empire. By far and away. But have you ever heard of the USSR??? How about Japan? Ask the Chinese how they feel about their history of foreign policy. It's all about perceptions really, and who you ask. And I will point out that American probably leads the way in terms of positive impact as well. Pretty sure they give by FAR the most in foreign aid as well, so really it's all about perspective. I think it's fairly ludicrous to basically label America as the nation that has the most negative impact in the world, since there is so much more to consider than what you are clearly considering, in a very biased manner at that. I'd definitely like to see some kind of methodical scientific study done to determine what nation, in all of history, has had the biggest negative impact in the world. I seriously doubt it would be the US, simply by virtue of 1) how young it is, and 2) the positive impact it also has to counter-balance.
In any case, I never said that the US was "just another country", and was not making a pro-American foreign policy argument (yes, I know the impact it has on the world... I'm not sure you have a very clear view of it though, just because you are clearly very biased on the subject, whereas I feel quite objective). My point was that there are plenty of Americans who are not super nationalistic like you claim, and there are even self-loathing Americans. Not sure how you made this conversational leap.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy. ~ Desiderata
Re-reading parts of this thread , I'm reminded yet again how absurd political boundaries are. How often do we stop and reflect upon the idea- the fact, really- that we live in bioregions? If you live in Ely, Nevada you live in the bioregion generally referred to as The Great Basin. If you live where that excellent band Pearl Jam was formed you live in what is now referred to as The Pacific Northwest (which encompasses part of the political boundary of what is called "Canada"). Land of the free? If I thought of my land in political terms rather than bioregional, I would not feel free.
“The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man [or woman] who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.”
Yeah, I was going to say the British Empire. By far and away. But have you ever heard of the USSR??? How about Japan? Ask the Chinese how they feel about their history of foreign policy. It's all about perceptions really, and who you ask. And I will point out that American probably leads the way in terms of positive impact as well. Pretty sure they give by FAR the most in foreign aid as well, so really it's all about perspective. I think it's fairly ludicrous to basically label America as the nation that has the most negative impact in the world, since there is so much more to consider than what you are clearly considering, in a very biased manner at that. I'd definitely like to see some kind of methodical scientific study done to determine what nation, in all of history, has had the biggest negative impact in the world. I seriously doubt it would be the US, simply by virtue of 1) how young it is, and 2) the positive impact it also has to counter-balance.
In any case, I never said that the US was "just another country", and was not making a pro-American foreign policy argument (yes, I know the impact it has on the world... I'm not sure you have a very clear view of it though, just because you are clearly very biased on the subject, whereas I feel quite objective). My point was that there are plenty of Americans who are not super nationalistic like you claim, and there are even self-loathing Americans. Not sure how you made this conversational leap.
uhh ... with all due respect ... i honestly don't think you understand the full scope of history here ... otherwise you wouldn't use Japan ... nor the USSR ... neither of those countries come close ... also, do you understand how foreign aid works!? ... the billions the US gives to israel in aid is in the form of military assistance ... war profiteering ... other aid packages come with conditions that infrastructure contracts go to american corporations ... so, in essence that aid ends up back in US corporations accounts ...
the fact you have come to a conclusion that i am biased just goes to show that you aren't even objectively approaching it ... how can you come to the conclusion when you do not even know how i've come to that conclusion ... just because you haven't doesn't make it so ... have i ever written anything that was false or a lie about america? ... please show me that ... otherwise, i'm not sure how you can call me biased ...
also - you do realize the purpose of generalizations correct? ... of course there are americans who aren't as nationalistic as others ... i'm not sure why i even have to point out that absurdity!? ... if we can't speak of generalizations ... what are we to do? ... you already said that the majority are nationalistic ... so, you've agreed with my assertation ...
the part where you take anything that can be mildly attributed as a criticism of americans and claim prejudice ... tell me ... are americans not nationalistic and proud people?
the part where you take anything that can be mildly attributed as a criticism of americans and claim prejudice ... tell me ... are americans not nationalistic and proud people?
You wrote:
americans are as nationalistic as they come ... it's beaten into them ... even the liberals here have an aversion to hearing what is wrong with the country ... they can't separate their defensive nature from the objective criticisms ...
That statement is dripping with prejudice. You lump all Americans in together, then lump all American liberals in together. There is no objective criticism there.
Are some American nationalistic and proud? Sure. So say some Americans. Don't paint us all with one brush and then claim to not have a bias.
Yeah, I was going to say the British Empire. By far and away. But have you ever heard of the USSR??? How about Japan? Ask the Chinese how they feel about their history of foreign policy. It's all about perceptions really, and who you ask. And I will point out that American probably leads the way in terms of positive impact as well. Pretty sure they give by FAR the most in foreign aid as well, so really it's all about perspective. I think it's fairly ludicrous to basically label America as the nation that has the most negative impact in the world, since there is so much more to consider than what you are clearly considering, in a very biased manner at that. I'd definitely like to see some kind of methodical scientific study done to determine what nation, in all of history, has had the biggest negative impact in the world. I seriously doubt it would be the US, simply by virtue of 1) how young it is, and 2) the positive impact it also has to counter-balance.
In any case, I never said that the US was "just another country", and was not making a pro-American foreign policy argument (yes, I know the impact it has on the world... I'm not sure you have a very clear view of it though, just because you are clearly very biased on the subject, whereas I feel quite objective). My point was that there are plenty of Americans who are not super nationalistic like you claim, and there are even self-loathing Americans. Not sure how you made this conversational leap.
uhh ... with all due respect ... i honestly don't think you understand the full scope of history here ... otherwise you wouldn't use Japan ... nor the USSR ... neither of those countries come close ... also, do you understand how foreign aid works!? ... the billions the US gives to israel in aid is in the form of military assistance ... war profiteering ... other aid packages come with conditions that infrastructure contracts go to american corporations ... so, in essence that aid ends up back in US corporations accounts ...
the fact you have come to a conclusion that i am biased just goes to show that you aren't even objectively approaching it ... how can you come to the conclusion when you do not even know how i've come to that conclusion ... just because you haven't doesn't make it so ... have i ever written anything that was false or a lie about america? ... please show me that ... otherwise, i'm not sure how you can call me biased ...
also - you do realize the purpose of generalizations correct? ... of course there are americans who aren't as nationalistic as others ... i'm not sure why i even have to point out that absurdity!? ... if we can't speak of generalizations ... what are we to do? ... you already said that the majority are nationalistic ... so, you've agreed with my assertation ...
I think you're missing my point. I mentioned the USSR (err, 10 million dead just within its borders during the Stalin years alone, their role in the Cold War, not to mention all the other shit), and Japan because I was pointing out that the most negative impact is determined by the perceptions of those who were harmed or helped by a nation's actions. I was not stating any kind of personal opinion. As I said, it is almost surely the British Empire that would win that race, but I don't think the USA would come in second, considering European history and the USA's positive impacts factored in.
I am in support of reasonable generalizations - otherwise we'd be qualifying shit forever. But your initial statement was too broad a generalization in my opinion, give how many Americans don't feel the way you said they do. I don't think the numbers justified your particular generalization, considering how many Americans are against US foreign policy... I think saying the MAJORITY of Americans are against it is a realistic estimate.
FYI, being biased does not mean that you have lied. It means that you ignore other relevant facts in order to bolster your opinion.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy. ~ Desiderata
I would say unless your independently wealthy or living off the land and totally off the grid ... then none of us are really free ... :( :(
I guess it's at this point when we need to explore definitions of freedom in the context of being human beings who live in organized societies. No need to go extremist on the subject IMHO. I personally feel pretty darned free, as someone who lives in Canada and isn't a prisoner of personal debt (remember, sometimes, we create our own lack of freedom too). I do wish pot was legal though. :think:
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy. ~ Desiderata
Re-reading parts of this thread , I'm reminded yet again how absurd political boundaries are. How often do we stop and reflect upon the idea- the fact, really- that we live in bioregions? If you live in Ely, Nevada you live in the bioregion generally referred to as The Great Basin. If you live where that excellent band Pearl Jam was formed you live in what is now referred to as The Pacific Northwest (which encompasses part of the political boundary of what is called "Canada"). Land of the free? If I thought of my land in political terms rather than bioregional, I would not feel free.
I really wish more people thought like you/me. I really think the world would be a better place. I personally think imaginary borders and nations is utterly ludicrous. it is the practice of DIVISIVENESS. that is ALL it is. dividing people and cultures and land.
I'm proud to be Canadian to a point (of our positive stereotypical traits), but I'd rather be known as an Earthling. Me, you, everyone, and every thing.
Then there'd be nothing to fight over.
Gimli 1993
Fargo 2003
Winnipeg 2005
Winnipeg 2011
St. Paul 2014
earthlings sounds good to me. the powers that be could not handle the free roaming & neither could many regular folks. besides all you fucking earthlings would be invading iowa by the fucking truck loads & i'll be damned if we turn our cornfields into housing developments & be forced into traffic jams like many of you frickin people have to deal with every moment of everyday. and thank goodness we aren't missourians up here.
Yeah, that'd be great and I'd totally get on board, but as long as religion and the human desire for power exists, that's just not gonna happen, so I don't even bother wasting my time thinking about it. It's just fantasy.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy. ~ Desiderata
So some of you want borders eliminated? good luck with that. Most countries have enough trouble operating now, It sure would be interesting without borders ...
I have certain rules I live by ... My First Rule ... I don't believe anything the government tells me ... George Carlin
"Life Is What Happens To You When Your Busy Making Other Plans" John Lennon
So some of you want borders eliminated? good luck with that. Most countries have enough trouble operating now, It sure would be interesting without borders ...
It would be a mess.... and probably a nice little set up for some genocide in some places.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy. ~ Desiderata
So some of you want borders eliminated? good luck with that. Most countries have enough trouble operating now, It sure would be interesting without borders ...
The only way I can envision the elimination of artificial borders would be if society broke down or changed drastically such that people were to live in a truly sustainable manner according to their local bioregion. Do I think this will happen any time soon? Not likely. Do I think it will happen eventually? Yes (unless A.I. takes over and runs things at which point it all becomes moot). Do I think the idea- unlikely as it is to happen any time soon- is worth discussing? Yes, very much so and I say that because it seems very possible that civilization could collapse at any time. It will happen- maybe tomorrow- may a hundred years from now but it will happen.
The other way to look at it, lukin 2006, is to look at how we view the world around us. We can choose to look at the artificial borders around us (which, in a sense, imprison us) or we can look at the world around us in the real terms of niche, ecological community, geography, geology, and bioregionalism- to be aware of the landscape around us and our place in it, to know the flora and fauna, the land forms and the weather with which we live.* Those are real and that kind of view of the world around us is liberating- it leads to a kind of freedom. To me this is not some kind of esoteric bullshit. I really believe that kind of thinking sense.
*And by the way, you can live in a city and do this. For some good examples read the "Urban Living" section of the book At Home on Earth edited by David Landis Barnhill, particularly Peter Sauer's contribution regarding NYC and and Alan Thein Durning's on Seattle.
“The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man [or woman] who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.”
So some of you want borders eliminated? good luck with that. Most countries have enough trouble operating now, It sure would be interesting without borders ...
I guess you'd have one central government for the entire world with a bunch of regional governments maybe...I don't know...the problem as you've said is people's quest for power and religion...just can't see it happening.
Unless people are looking to something similar to what they have in Europe...where (I believe in the European Union) people's are free to move about the countries free of passports. How does working European Union work?
I have certain rules I live by ... My First Rule ... I don't believe anything the government tells me ... George Carlin
"Life Is What Happens To You When Your Busy Making Other Plans" John Lennon
when someone consistently demonizes America then in my mind they have no more credibility than a racist who demonizes blacks or a sexist who demonizes women or a homophobe who demonizes gays. That you don't harbor this hatred Hugh does not mean that others do not.
I don't demonize 'America', and I don't hate 'America'. And none of my comments on this message board suggest as much. This is just a convenient fantasy you've concocted in your head so as to allow you to dismiss my comments wholesale without having to confront their content.
Nobody have anything to say about the OP? Nobody concerned that the government maybe keeping a record of every single telephone conversation and e-mail you've ever made? Nobody concerned about the FBI seizing the phone records of the Associated Press?
Not in the least bit concerned that the government might be tracking me ... I lead a regular and probably by some standards boring ... And about the the only thing the government would find out about me is that I don't trust them, politicians are corrupt and government is corrupt...but I suspect they already know the vast majority of citizens feel the same way ...
I have certain rules I live by ... My First Rule ... I don't believe anything the government tells me ... George Carlin
"Life Is What Happens To You When Your Busy Making Other Plans" John Lennon
I would say unless your independently wealthy or living off the land and totally off the grid ... then none of us are really free ... :( :(
Thank you.
Guessing by the sarcasm you must have been where I read it ... I know I read or heard it before ... And happened to agree ... So please accept my apology :oops: :oops:.
I have certain rules I live by ... My First Rule ... I don't believe anything the government tells me ... George Carlin
"Life Is What Happens To You When Your Busy Making Other Plans" John Lennon
So some of you want borders eliminated? good luck with that. Most countries have enough trouble operating now, It sure would be interesting without borders ...
it obviously won't happen. I'm not suggesting as such. you only see that in apocalyptic movies. I have no issue with people identifying with their culture. I just don't get identifying with borders. it's man made. it's dumb. to be frank, in the western white world, there's really no such thing as original culture except for natives. we're the cultural mutts of the world. I'm Scottish, Irish, English, and who knows what the fuck else.
it obviously is-as someone tried to insult us by saying it is-a fantasy, and of course it is. everyone dreams to an extent. that would be my lottery, to not pay taxes, to live with my wife and kids and family off the land and worry about ourselves, our food, etc.
then again I also enjoy the socialist environment of health care, and every other service I receive from paying taxes. so there's no real perfect way to live. much like, as I said, others dreams of winning the lottery. it's not what you think it is.
Gimli 1993
Fargo 2003
Winnipeg 2005
Winnipeg 2011
St. Paul 2014
So some of you want borders eliminated? good luck with that. Most countries have enough trouble operating now, It sure would be interesting without borders ...
it obviously won't happen. I'm not suggesting as such. you only see that in apocalyptic movies. I have no issue with people identifying with their culture. I just don't get identifying with borders. it's man made. it's dumb. to be frank, in the western white world, there's really no such thing as original culture except for natives. we're the cultural mutts of the world. I'm Scottish, Irish, English, and who knows what the fuck else.
it obviously is-as someone tried to insult us by saying it is-a fantasy, and of course it is. everyone dreams to an extent. that would be my lottery, to not pay taxes, to live with my wife and kids and family off the land and worry about ourselves, our food, etc.
then again I also enjoy the socialist environment of health care, and every other service I receive from paying taxes. so there's no real perfect way to live. much like, as I said, others dreams of winning the lottery. it's not what you think it is.
Hugh, either you and I have it figured out or we are a lot like our distinctive signatures.
“The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man [or woman] who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.”
So some of you want borders eliminated? good luck with that. Most countries have enough trouble operating now, It sure would be interesting without borders ...
it obviously won't happen. I'm not suggesting as such. you only see that in apocalyptic movies. I have no issue with people identifying with their culture. I just don't get identifying with borders. it's man made. it's dumb. to be frank, in the western white world, there's really no such thing as original culture except for natives. we're the cultural mutts of the world. I'm Scottish, Irish, English, and who knows what the fuck else.
it obviously is-as someone tried to insult us by saying it is-a fantasy, and of course it is. everyone dreams to an extent. that would be my lottery, to not pay taxes, to live with my wife and kids and family off the land and worry about ourselves, our food, etc.
then again I also enjoy the socialist environment of health care, and every other service I receive from paying taxes. so there's no real perfect way to live. much like, as I said, others dreams of winning the lottery. it's not what you think it is.
I'm not necessarily opposed ... But I have to agree with PJ Soul that as long as religion and people's quest for power exist it'll be tough.
As for your dream ... That's a lot of people dream and a good dream to have.
I have certain rules I live by ... My First Rule ... I don't believe anything the government tells me ... George Carlin
"Life Is What Happens To You When Your Busy Making Other Plans" John Lennon
Comments
I knew you'd be along soon enough. Thanks for chiming in with some broad generalities about Americans and helping to prove my point.
"...I changed by not changing at all..."
thanks for reading that whole thing and misinterpreting as usual ...
well ... this is all i can say ... i have traveled to every continent on this planet except antarctica ... my girlfriend lives in New York ... I have also traveled to over 42 states from the big cities to the tiniest towns ... but all that means nothing if one can't think critically ...
do you understand the history of US foreign policy and its role in war, exploitation and suffering? ... what is your knowledge of US history to make you feel it's just another country? ... can you name another country that has had more of a negative impact on the world than the US with the exception of maybe the British Empire? ...
Yeah, I was going to say the British Empire. By far and away. But have you ever heard of the USSR??? How about Japan? Ask the Chinese how they feel about their history of foreign policy. It's all about perceptions really, and who you ask. And I will point out that American probably leads the way in terms of positive impact as well. Pretty sure they give by FAR the most in foreign aid as well, so really it's all about perspective. I think it's fairly ludicrous to basically label America as the nation that has the most negative impact in the world, since there is so much more to consider than what you are clearly considering, in a very biased manner at that. I'd definitely like to see some kind of methodical scientific study done to determine what nation, in all of history, has had the biggest negative impact in the world. I seriously doubt it would be the US, simply by virtue of 1) how young it is, and 2) the positive impact it also has to counter-balance.
In any case, I never said that the US was "just another country", and was not making a pro-American foreign policy argument (yes, I know the impact it has on the world... I'm not sure you have a very clear view of it though, just because you are clearly very biased on the subject, whereas I feel quite objective). My point was that there are plenty of Americans who are not super nationalistic like you claim, and there are even self-loathing Americans. Not sure how you made this conversational leap.
And which part did I misinterpret?
"...I changed by not changing at all..."
uhh ... with all due respect ... i honestly don't think you understand the full scope of history here ... otherwise you wouldn't use Japan ... nor the USSR ... neither of those countries come close ... also, do you understand how foreign aid works!? ... the billions the US gives to israel in aid is in the form of military assistance ... war profiteering ... other aid packages come with conditions that infrastructure contracts go to american corporations ... so, in essence that aid ends up back in US corporations accounts ...
the fact you have come to a conclusion that i am biased just goes to show that you aren't even objectively approaching it ... how can you come to the conclusion when you do not even know how i've come to that conclusion ... just because you haven't doesn't make it so ... have i ever written anything that was false or a lie about america? ... please show me that ... otherwise, i'm not sure how you can call me biased ...
also - you do realize the purpose of generalizations correct? ... of course there are americans who aren't as nationalistic as others ... i'm not sure why i even have to point out that absurdity!? ... if we can't speak of generalizations ... what are we to do? ... you already said that the majority are nationalistic ... so, you've agreed with my assertation ...
the part where you take anything that can be mildly attributed as a criticism of americans and claim prejudice ... tell me ... are americans not nationalistic and proud people?
You wrote:
That statement is dripping with prejudice. You lump all Americans in together, then lump all American liberals in together. There is no objective criticism there.
Are some American nationalistic and proud? Sure. So say some Americans. Don't paint us all with one brush and then claim to not have a bias.
"...I changed by not changing at all..."
I am in support of reasonable generalizations - otherwise we'd be qualifying shit forever. But your initial statement was too broad a generalization in my opinion, give how many Americans don't feel the way you said they do. I don't think the numbers justified your particular generalization, considering how many Americans are against US foreign policy... I think saying the MAJORITY of Americans are against it is a realistic estimate.
FYI, being biased does not mean that you have lied. It means that you ignore other relevant facts in order to bolster your opinion.
"Life Is What Happens To You When Your Busy Making Other Plans" John Lennon
I really wish more people thought like you/me. I really think the world would be a better place. I personally think imaginary borders and nations is utterly ludicrous. it is the practice of DIVISIVENESS. that is ALL it is. dividing people and cultures and land.
I'm proud to be Canadian to a point (of our positive stereotypical traits), but I'd rather be known as an Earthling. Me, you, everyone, and every thing.
Then there'd be nothing to fight over.
Fargo 2003
Winnipeg 2005
Winnipeg 2011
St. Paul 2014
"Hear me, my chiefs!
I am tired; my heart is
sick and sad. From where
the sun stands I will fight
no more forever."
Chief Joseph - Nez Perce
"Life Is What Happens To You When Your Busy Making Other Plans" John Lennon
The only way I can envision the elimination of artificial borders would be if society broke down or changed drastically such that people were to live in a truly sustainable manner according to their local bioregion. Do I think this will happen any time soon? Not likely. Do I think it will happen eventually? Yes (unless A.I. takes over and runs things at which point it all becomes moot). Do I think the idea- unlikely as it is to happen any time soon- is worth discussing? Yes, very much so and I say that because it seems very possible that civilization could collapse at any time. It will happen- maybe tomorrow- may a hundred years from now but it will happen.
The other way to look at it, lukin 2006, is to look at how we view the world around us. We can choose to look at the artificial borders around us (which, in a sense, imprison us) or we can look at the world around us in the real terms of niche, ecological community, geography, geology, and bioregionalism- to be aware of the landscape around us and our place in it, to know the flora and fauna, the land forms and the weather with which we live.* Those are real and that kind of view of the world around us is liberating- it leads to a kind of freedom. To me this is not some kind of esoteric bullshit. I really believe that kind of thinking sense.
*And by the way, you can live in a city and do this. For some good examples read the "Urban Living" section of the book At Home on Earth edited by David Landis Barnhill, particularly Peter Sauer's contribution regarding NYC and and Alan Thein Durning's on Seattle.
I guess you'd have one central government for the entire world with a bunch of regional governments maybe...I don't know...the problem as you've said is people's quest for power and religion...just can't see it happening.
Unless people are looking to something similar to what they have in Europe...where (I believe in the European Union) people's are free to move about the countries free of passports. How does working European Union work?
"Life Is What Happens To You When Your Busy Making Other Plans" John Lennon
I don't demonize 'America', and I don't hate 'America'. And none of my comments on this message board suggest as much. This is just a convenient fantasy you've concocted in your head so as to allow you to dismiss my comments wholesale without having to confront their content.
Thank you.
"Life Is What Happens To You When Your Busy Making Other Plans" John Lennon
Guessing by the sarcasm you must have been where I read it ... I know I read or heard it before ... And happened to agree ... So please accept my apology :oops: :oops:.
"Life Is What Happens To You When Your Busy Making Other Plans" John Lennon
it obviously won't happen. I'm not suggesting as such. you only see that in apocalyptic movies. I have no issue with people identifying with their culture. I just don't get identifying with borders. it's man made. it's dumb. to be frank, in the western white world, there's really no such thing as original culture except for natives. we're the cultural mutts of the world. I'm Scottish, Irish, English, and who knows what the fuck else.
it obviously is-as someone tried to insult us by saying it is-a fantasy, and of course it is. everyone dreams to an extent. that would be my lottery, to not pay taxes, to live with my wife and kids and family off the land and worry about ourselves, our food, etc.
then again I also enjoy the socialist environment of health care, and every other service I receive from paying taxes. so there's no real perfect way to live. much like, as I said, others dreams of winning the lottery. it's not what you think it is.
Fargo 2003
Winnipeg 2005
Winnipeg 2011
St. Paul 2014
Hugh, either you and I have it figured out or we are a lot like our distinctive signatures.
I'm not necessarily opposed ... But I have to agree with PJ Soul that as long as religion and people's quest for power exist it'll be tough.
As for your dream ... That's a lot of people dream and a good dream to have.
"Life Is What Happens To You When Your Busy Making Other Plans" John Lennon
being that is part of man's nature, there is no way it will ever happen.
Fargo 2003
Winnipeg 2005
Winnipeg 2011
St. Paul 2014