Hello world. Earlier today, while upstairs in my kitchen, I thought of a solution to two problems that have been plauging our nation as of late; that is the tendancy towards violent crime amongst certain members of our society and what I feel is an immigration policy that does too little.
Anyone convincted in a Canadian court of law of a serious violent crime (I'm thinking legitimate cases of armed robbery + but the details aren't too important) would be exiled. Where to? Well, they would be free to go to any country that would take them, but if they have no where to go we'll do a straight up trade, a convict for an immigrant. The convict will go to his new country with all his worldy possession (of the cash of their sale); if he has nothing, we'll provide him say... whatever the expense of holding him in jail for 6 months would be, say $50,000 (guesstimate, we can undoubtably find the real cost). If he has $25,000 we'll give him $25,000 more. The detials aren't important yet.
Instead of having criminals drainig our society with their crime and the fact that we have to spend an insane amount of money housing them in jails let's say... you don't like our societies laws, fine, you don't have to live in our society. Let's see how rapists and murderers like it when they're inducted into a third world militia and forced to eat rice five meals a day; not only do we get rid of a serious problem in our society we also give new hope for good, hard working honest people that would LOVE to live in a society like ours and follow all of it's rules.
A political impossibility you say? Well were human rights... once upon a time.
Sunday, April 8, 2007
Saturday, April 7, 2007
...
Agreement on Internal Trade Implementation Act
This looks good from the description, although I'm pretty suspicious (why all of a sudden the need for open borders in Canada in 1996?) anyway, I'm sure I'll hate their outdaded and inefficient implementation of this program, but there's so much to hate and only so little time, I'll give this a pass.
Agricultural and Rural Development Act (ARDA)
These laws are really demonstrating to me how the power in our government breaks down, everything is authorized by these ministers.
"The Minister may, with the approval of the Governor in Council, enter into an agreement with any province providing for the undertaking jointly with the government of the province, or any agency of such a government, of
(a) projects for the more efficient use and economic development of rural lands specified in the agreement;
(b) projects for
(i) the development and conservation of water supplies for agricultural or other rural purposes, and
(ii) soil improvement and the conservation of rural lands in the province or in any area of the province specified in the agreement; or
(c) projects for the development of income and employment opportunities in rural areas specified in the agreement and the improvement of standards of living in those areas."
I wonder if I have to source laws?
a) science can certainly help in production but I think corporations and farmers are the best judge of how to farm, not the government. The government can't really help farmers farm... so where does this money go? Why are we funding it? The money could be spent directly on things that help farmers, like books on farming or a direct infusement into agricultural sciences at universities... or given back to the tax payer.
b) conservation of water is something that should absolutely fall under government scope. I don't mind this bit. Likewise looking after the land and the soil will benefit everyone.
c) This is terrible of course. The government cannot provide jobs or create jobs, aside from the jobs within the government itself. Stop TAXING THESE PEOPLE and their companies and they will have more money and more jobs; every bit helps, so stop the taxes that are responsible for these programs and give that money directly back by lowering the taxes in rural areas. Unfair? Yes, but certainly no MORE unfair than the current system and more effective. Eventually this should be stopped as well... people should be treated equally in the eyes of the government no matter where they live.
Well... this law has already lost it for me. I really don't think this bodes well for the rest of the laws... but I will soldier on.
This looks good from the description, although I'm pretty suspicious (why all of a sudden the need for open borders in Canada in 1996?) anyway, I'm sure I'll hate their outdaded and inefficient implementation of this program, but there's so much to hate and only so little time, I'll give this a pass.
Agricultural and Rural Development Act (ARDA)
These laws are really demonstrating to me how the power in our government breaks down, everything is authorized by these ministers.
"The Minister may, with the approval of the Governor in Council, enter into an agreement with any province providing for the undertaking jointly with the government of the province, or any agency of such a government, of
(a) projects for the more efficient use and economic development of rural lands specified in the agreement;
(b) projects for
(i) the development and conservation of water supplies for agricultural or other rural purposes, and
(ii) soil improvement and the conservation of rural lands in the province or in any area of the province specified in the agreement; or
(c) projects for the development of income and employment opportunities in rural areas specified in the agreement and the improvement of standards of living in those areas."
I wonder if I have to source laws?
a) science can certainly help in production but I think corporations and farmers are the best judge of how to farm, not the government. The government can't really help farmers farm... so where does this money go? Why are we funding it? The money could be spent directly on things that help farmers, like books on farming or a direct infusement into agricultural sciences at universities... or given back to the tax payer.
b) conservation of water is something that should absolutely fall under government scope. I don't mind this bit. Likewise looking after the land and the soil will benefit everyone.
c) This is terrible of course. The government cannot provide jobs or create jobs, aside from the jobs within the government itself. Stop TAXING THESE PEOPLE and their companies and they will have more money and more jobs; every bit helps, so stop the taxes that are responsible for these programs and give that money directly back by lowering the taxes in rural areas. Unfair? Yes, but certainly no MORE unfair than the current system and more effective. Eventually this should be stopped as well... people should be treated equally in the eyes of the government no matter where they live.
Well... this law has already lost it for me. I really don't think this bodes well for the rest of the laws... but I will soldier on.
Yes, I'm going to review all the laws in Canada
Access to Information Act :
Looks great.
Advance Payment for Crops Act :
Reeks of government intervention in the market to satisfy some upset farmers at the eventual cost of the consumer. The government should not be involved in lending money or making good on farmers loan defaults. The problem isn't that we're not growing enough food... we are, so let's stop babying farmers. Deemend likely negative: suggest look into the effects of this act on the farming economy.
Aeronautics Act :
This one deserves further study.
4.2
a) and I'm already hating it. Why should the minister be promoting Aeronatics. There's too much damn promotion going on in this country. If people need it or want it, they'll get it, don't worry about that mister.
b) why is a minister building aerodomes? Can private industry not do this? Why does he have the power to do this? What is an aerodome anyway?
c) yes, information is good, but let's get this automized and not spend millions on it please, computers CAN do all the work but don't pay millions, you can do everything with LINUX FOR FREE.
d) again with the development... stop with that. You want industry to develop, stop taxing it and using that money to "promote" it.
Anyway... this law is ridiculous already; a symptom of a government trying to do far too much and misunderstanding basic economics.
Looks great.
Advance Payment for Crops Act :
Reeks of government intervention in the market to satisfy some upset farmers at the eventual cost of the consumer. The government should not be involved in lending money or making good on farmers loan defaults. The problem isn't that we're not growing enough food... we are, so let's stop babying farmers. Deemend likely negative: suggest look into the effects of this act on the farming economy.
Aeronautics Act :
This one deserves further study.
4.2
a) and I'm already hating it. Why should the minister be promoting Aeronatics. There's too much damn promotion going on in this country. If people need it or want it, they'll get it, don't worry about that mister.
b) why is a minister building aerodomes? Can private industry not do this? Why does he have the power to do this? What is an aerodome anyway?
c) yes, information is good, but let's get this automized and not spend millions on it please, computers CAN do all the work but don't pay millions, you can do everything with LINUX FOR FREE.
d) again with the development... stop with that. You want industry to develop, stop taxing it and using that money to "promote" it.
Anyway... this law is ridiculous already; a symptom of a government trying to do far too much and misunderstanding basic economics.
Please God, I don't ask for much
I just really want Fred Thompson to be the next President of the United States. Do I agree with his stance crucial issues? Do I really care? He's a tough hard hitting fake D.A. I've seen him hob knob with the brass and make an intimidating threat when he had too. He's been providing pithy wisdom for years and his quaint stories about his life make me feel like he's my friend.
Bottom Line? The Fred Thompson - Jack McCoy ticket has my vote... or would have my vote if I wasn't a felon. I mean Canadian... yeah that's it. I just hope he's... tough on crime.
Bottom Line? The Fred Thompson - Jack McCoy ticket has my vote... or would have my vote if I wasn't a felon. I mean Canadian... yeah that's it. I just hope he's... tough on crime.
If you only listen to one thing I ever say
It's a game I like to play called, if there was one thing you could say, just one thing, and everyone would listen, what would it be. Up until seventeen seconds ago that one thing was this :
"Free Will is an Illusion".
This is a heavy statement, and I invite you to look into it. After a long philosophical debate with myself I have deemed this matter is not worthy of discussion. Free Will is a metaphysical concept and it has no place in a scientific world view. Perhaps this is the final proof that science cannot provide any useful answers for society and man (although I'll have you note it's done WONDERS for the social science called economy (talking about evolution and capitalism here folks)... it akes you wonder, what other complex scientific theories could be applied to economics? Let's see... how about relativity? Too trite... Chaos theory. That's the next big one folks... you heard it here first, our next economic system past capitalism WILL be formed through Chaos theory. But even that's not the big news...
There is no evil, there is only ignorance. You see? You understand? Evil is a fiction... created by man. It's not real. You can't defeat Evil... and yet we've been trying for years. Evil doesn't exist. We have to defeat ignorance. We have to wage a war on stupidity. LETS STOP MAKING GUNS AND START PRINTING BOOKS PEOPLE. Now don't get me wrong... I'm not a pacifist. Ignorance may very well attempt to destroy us in the process; that's how all the books go and let me tell you something, books know things. I mean, one ignorant Ayatollah (the excesses of that religion are almost forgivable for the joy that name elicits when I speak it. I A TOLLA! Sounds like a phrase shouted on mid afternoon hispanic dramas) with a couple nukes and it's lights out for a couple hundred million citizens, which may be just a statistic but it's one I'd give almost anything to prevent.
Listen, here's the point. Let's forget the irrational context of morality and stop thinking in terms of good and evil. Let's work on educating the world and making them rich so they are too busy reading, working and eating well to hate people. Let's also look rationally at the resources this planet has before we expend them all. Capitalism is great for momentary wealth... but perhaps we should look to the first law of thermodynamics instead of Chaos theory (which would ultimately make our economic system more effective and thus more deadly (because we use up all our resources and cant do anything and are stuck on this damn rock)).
"Free Will is an Illusion".
This is a heavy statement, and I invite you to look into it. After a long philosophical debate with myself I have deemed this matter is not worthy of discussion. Free Will is a metaphysical concept and it has no place in a scientific world view. Perhaps this is the final proof that science cannot provide any useful answers for society and man (although I'll have you note it's done WONDERS for the social science called economy (talking about evolution and capitalism here folks)... it akes you wonder, what other complex scientific theories could be applied to economics? Let's see... how about relativity? Too trite... Chaos theory. That's the next big one folks... you heard it here first, our next economic system past capitalism WILL be formed through Chaos theory. But even that's not the big news...
There is no evil, there is only ignorance. You see? You understand? Evil is a fiction... created by man. It's not real. You can't defeat Evil... and yet we've been trying for years. Evil doesn't exist. We have to defeat ignorance. We have to wage a war on stupidity. LETS STOP MAKING GUNS AND START PRINTING BOOKS PEOPLE. Now don't get me wrong... I'm not a pacifist. Ignorance may very well attempt to destroy us in the process; that's how all the books go and let me tell you something, books know things. I mean, one ignorant Ayatollah (the excesses of that religion are almost forgivable for the joy that name elicits when I speak it. I A TOLLA! Sounds like a phrase shouted on mid afternoon hispanic dramas) with a couple nukes and it's lights out for a couple hundred million citizens, which may be just a statistic but it's one I'd give almost anything to prevent.
Listen, here's the point. Let's forget the irrational context of morality and stop thinking in terms of good and evil. Let's work on educating the world and making them rich so they are too busy reading, working and eating well to hate people. Let's also look rationally at the resources this planet has before we expend them all. Capitalism is great for momentary wealth... but perhaps we should look to the first law of thermodynamics instead of Chaos theory (which would ultimately make our economic system more effective and thus more deadly (because we use up all our resources and cant do anything and are stuck on this damn rock)).
The eternal question answered : fire officially foe
Recently in the Phillipines a fire raced through a village destroying according to CNN "400 homes which housed as many as 1200 families". Apparently the duplex (or triplex) is a universal evil. Just remember... when you bake your potatoe over a campfire, you're baking that potato in something that hates freedom and the Phillipines.
I demand the immediate invasion of the Phillipines and a war on fire and also change the 'terrorist of the month' to catcholic fundamentalists who are harbouring the fire in the Phillipines. Who's with me!
I demand the immediate invasion of the Phillipines and a war on fire and also change the 'terrorist of the month' to catcholic fundamentalists who are harbouring the fire in the Phillipines. Who's with me!
Contact Me!
Are you reading my blog? Do you agree or disagree with what I say? If so (and in case you didn't realize it the answer is guarenteed to be yes for both questions) contact me! Let me know what you have to say. Tell me where I can improve and where I am doing well. Tell me what you as a reader think! Is there any area of international news I'm not covering but you want to know about? Let me know and I WILL cover it just accept the caveat that most of the time I'm not going to agree with you!
Contact me by e-mail at curlyhairedmessiah@hotmail.com or MSN by the same address. I look forward to hearing from you.
Contact me by e-mail at curlyhairedmessiah@hotmail.com or MSN by the same address. I look forward to hearing from you.
Preventing Climate Change as a Consumer
One of the most serious powers we as individuals have in our society is the ability to effect change by our patterns of spending. Companies are not autonomous units, they live to serve their customers. Pollution in industry is a product of only certain types of industries; my blog, for example, emits almost 0 CO2!
We should identify the worst offenders and boycott them until they find ways around their production without emitting green houses gasses. If they don't change, they die out because no one is buying their product and if they do change, the problem is solved. I will be launching a website : "Boycott Climate Change" to co-ordinate these matters, look for a launch in early fall of 2007.
We should identify the worst offenders and boycott them until they find ways around their production without emitting green houses gasses. If they don't change, they die out because no one is buying their product and if they do change, the problem is solved. I will be launching a website : "Boycott Climate Change" to co-ordinate these matters, look for a launch in early fall of 2007.
Good and Evil
All the greatest stories of mankind are about two things. Love and the battle between good and evil. We have become so wrapped up in the story lines here we have lost track of one crucial point; evil does not exist.
Perhaps this isn't exactly true, perhaps a more accurate summation would be "evil is as you define it" but the consequences of either statement are the same. We need to reinvent the language used in governing society in order to more accurate represent what is going on.
Evil is a function of a moral system; that is things become evil when they oppose standards of morality. Moral standards change; if there is any doubt in that you can merely examine the last 100 years in our society in which some of the most rapid changes in moral traditions have occured in our society. Without a system of morals evil cannot exist.
All moral systems currently in place are fundamentally flawed. One flaw is generally they attempt to derive authority from fictional entities (God); this works until people realize there is no God (and they eventually will always stop believing lies). Another flaw is that because they essentially evolve to suit the needs of a nation is there is a great lag between moral philosophies and the needs of the nation.
Are moral systems neccessary? Yes, for the simple reason that a nation without them will not in the long run survive. Let's modernize. Forget outdated systems of morality that are in place and let's design a rational one based on philosophy and accepted base statements that everyone can agree too. Statements like
Freedom should, wherever possible, be increased.
Harm from one individual, wherever possible, should be decreased.
etc.
There is a trend amongst societies. First, they lesser moral restrictions and a period of great productivity occurs. We saw this in greece, rome and the renaissance as well as countless other times throughout history. It is inevitably followed by the break down of social order and eventually the society itself. Our culture must adopt a rational moral philosophy if we hope to survive in the future.
Perhaps this isn't exactly true, perhaps a more accurate summation would be "evil is as you define it" but the consequences of either statement are the same. We need to reinvent the language used in governing society in order to more accurate represent what is going on.
Evil is a function of a moral system; that is things become evil when they oppose standards of morality. Moral standards change; if there is any doubt in that you can merely examine the last 100 years in our society in which some of the most rapid changes in moral traditions have occured in our society. Without a system of morals evil cannot exist.
All moral systems currently in place are fundamentally flawed. One flaw is generally they attempt to derive authority from fictional entities (God); this works until people realize there is no God (and they eventually will always stop believing lies). Another flaw is that because they essentially evolve to suit the needs of a nation is there is a great lag between moral philosophies and the needs of the nation.
Are moral systems neccessary? Yes, for the simple reason that a nation without them will not in the long run survive. Let's modernize. Forget outdated systems of morality that are in place and let's design a rational one based on philosophy and accepted base statements that everyone can agree too. Statements like
Freedom should, wherever possible, be increased.
Harm from one individual, wherever possible, should be decreased.
etc.
There is a trend amongst societies. First, they lesser moral restrictions and a period of great productivity occurs. We saw this in greece, rome and the renaissance as well as countless other times throughout history. It is inevitably followed by the break down of social order and eventually the society itself. Our culture must adopt a rational moral philosophy if we hope to survive in the future.
The truth about Falwell
Jerry Falwell Makes Sense :In an interview on CNN (the segment "What Would Jesus Really Do") Falwell is quoted as saying "I would rather have an atheist who is a top neurosurgeon perform brain surgery on me than the most devout Sunday school teacher". He then goes on to extend this metaphor to the current presidential 'race' going on in America. Of course it is common sense that the best man for the job be elected president (although no one seems to realize that this is probably NOT the person who raises the most money and puts on the most convincing display) and that their personal face should not have anything to do with it but it is refreshing to hear Falwell admit it. There has been a great deal of criticism of the Reverend but I have a rule which is in my blog you are judged strictly on what you're doing now and not what you have done in the past.
I salute Falwell's recognition that America needs a president who is capable and competent not someone selected based on their personal faith; this is one step forward in removing the influence of image in democracy. There is much to be said about how politics has become a competition between sound bites and television appearances. Is this the truth? At no point before in the history of the world has so much information been available about politicians and their policies and at no point before could you hear such an incredible amount of dissenting viewpoints. Has politics become a battle strictly of image? For some perhaps but not for me and if you so choose, not for you.
I salute Falwell's recognition that America needs a president who is capable and competent not someone selected based on their personal faith; this is one step forward in removing the influence of image in democracy. There is much to be said about how politics has become a competition between sound bites and television appearances. Is this the truth? At no point before in the history of the world has so much information been available about politicians and their policies and at no point before could you hear such an incredible amount of dissenting viewpoints. Has politics become a battle strictly of image? For some perhaps but not for me and if you so choose, not for you.
Space Tourism
Chanes Simonyi has been scheduled to take a 25 million dollar spin into outer space on Saturday. It is impossible for me to overstate the importance of anything to do with space travel and eventually space colonization but this is a step in the right direction. Fostering private industry and private investors into the arena of space is the right move; we should work on making a trip to the space station and back much, much less expensive.
Chanes, I salute you, for encouraging the pioneer spirit that founded North America and has brought so much greatness in this world. Mankind must colonize the world and every step into space is one step closer to this goal. Is it a long way away? Yes. Is it possible? No one is sure. Do we have to try? Yes because to do otherwise is to guarantee the eventual extinction of the human race.
I call on all the governments of the world to acknowledge the importance of the colonization of Mars or other extra-terrestrial bodies and to begin the slow process of achieving these difficult but necessary goals. Create an international body to co-ordinate efforts between countries. Let's start feasibility studies, cost analysis break downs, find out how to make it cheaper and safer and more important sooner; let's make the colonization of outer space the great cause of our time.
Chanes, I salute you, for encouraging the pioneer spirit that founded North America and has brought so much greatness in this world. Mankind must colonize the world and every step into space is one step closer to this goal. Is it a long way away? Yes. Is it possible? No one is sure. Do we have to try? Yes because to do otherwise is to guarantee the eventual extinction of the human race.
I call on all the governments of the world to acknowledge the importance of the colonization of Mars or other extra-terrestrial bodies and to begin the slow process of achieving these difficult but necessary goals. Create an international body to co-ordinate efforts between countries. Let's start feasibility studies, cost analysis break downs, find out how to make it cheaper and safer and more important sooner; let's make the colonization of outer space the great cause of our time.
Friday, April 6, 2007
Ironic Twist to Global Warming Consequences
A new U.N. panel on climate change today announces that parts of Latin America and Equatorial Africa will be among those affected most severely affected by the consequences of global warming; the irony is that these nations have the least to do with causing the problem.
Is Global Warming real? Pretty much everyone concedes the Earth is heating up but what is the cause? Some argue man kind, other argue that the Earth under goes climate shift on a regular basis. There were over 100 nations involved in the production of the final text of this panel; despite some of the radical language of this panel there were accusations that the science within was 'watered down' so that it would be acceptable to a few more hardline governments.
"The report said warming, widely blamed on human emissions of greenhouse gases from burning fossil fuels, would cause desertification, droughts and rising seas and would hit hard in the tropics, from sub-Saharan Africa to Pacific islands"
Personally, I see no proof that raising the global temperature is going to cause freak storms; why couldn't it stop some of the freak storms that are occuring? While changing the input into a system like the weather is going to make some radical changes, I don't think they will be as dire as scientists predict; also I've yet to witness clear and convincing proof as to how much of the climate change is mankind's doing. Still the doomsday song sings on...
Is Global Warming real? Pretty much everyone concedes the Earth is heating up but what is the cause? Some argue man kind, other argue that the Earth under goes climate shift on a regular basis. There were over 100 nations involved in the production of the final text of this panel; despite some of the radical language of this panel there were accusations that the science within was 'watered down' so that it would be acceptable to a few more hardline governments.
"The report said warming, widely blamed on human emissions of greenhouse gases from burning fossil fuels, would cause desertification, droughts and rising seas and would hit hard in the tropics, from sub-Saharan Africa to Pacific islands"
Personally, I see no proof that raising the global temperature is going to cause freak storms; why couldn't it stop some of the freak storms that are occuring? While changing the input into a system like the weather is going to make some radical changes, I don't think they will be as dire as scientists predict; also I've yet to witness clear and convincing proof as to how much of the climate change is mankind's doing. Still the doomsday song sings on...
Dear Ottawa : Want $200 million in free revenue?
While it is unlikely the "family values" oriented conservative party that has clawed it's way to a minorty government victory would consider such a "radical" proposal as the one I suggest I none the less feel it is my duty to make such a proposal.
At the moment there is a brand new industry online casino's and poker rooms. The casino's are the somewhat shady sister of the poker room's, which often exceed the service, quality and fairness of their "brick and mortar" brothers. The United States has put the online poker world into a frenzy by enacting some legislation to prevent the funding of poker sites.
If Canada were to be pro-active here there is much to gain. The free trade treaties we have signed with the United States mean if our federal government were to host an online poker room the United States could not prevent their citizens from signing up. With government planning we could create a safe, friendly, honest form of online gambling and capitalize on the billions of dollars of gross revenue in this industry every year.
The costs of this industry are incredibly low and the return on your dollar incredible. There is some tenuous legal ground, which is why the government should control it as they do liquer in Ontario. Online gambling is going to occur, we should license it and make money off it and also control any damage it might cause.
How big could it go? With the proper investment in software design and marketing as well as setting up or working within various electronic transfer companies (usemybank etc.) for safe, secure and convienient deposits.
The Canadian Government already does this with "normal" casinos. There are hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue that we should be earning; we should not pass up this incredible opportunity.
At the moment there is a brand new industry online casino's and poker rooms. The casino's are the somewhat shady sister of the poker room's, which often exceed the service, quality and fairness of their "brick and mortar" brothers. The United States has put the online poker world into a frenzy by enacting some legislation to prevent the funding of poker sites.
If Canada were to be pro-active here there is much to gain. The free trade treaties we have signed with the United States mean if our federal government were to host an online poker room the United States could not prevent their citizens from signing up. With government planning we could create a safe, friendly, honest form of online gambling and capitalize on the billions of dollars of gross revenue in this industry every year.
The costs of this industry are incredibly low and the return on your dollar incredible. There is some tenuous legal ground, which is why the government should control it as they do liquer in Ontario. Online gambling is going to occur, we should license it and make money off it and also control any damage it might cause.
How big could it go? With the proper investment in software design and marketing as well as setting up or working within various electronic transfer companies (usemybank etc.) for safe, secure and convienient deposits.
The Canadian Government already does this with "normal" casinos. There are hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue that we should be earning; we should not pass up this incredible opportunity.
Why yes I have been up all night
But I've been up all night not smoking :) Will I break down the next time I go to the store? Or when a friend comes over with a pack? The first 12 hours are the hardest and I've gone that far. The way to stop smoking is view it as a long distance marathon. Every second a little further. And distractions of course.
I haven't jogged in a few days, but in my defense there is now SNOW ON THE GROUND! The wack weather continues... summer please come soon! My diet is improving over all and I am balancing my time better. I've been out of focus the last few days but my sleep cycle has been really strange which is part of it. This week has really flown by.
It's Easter this weekend. A quaint tradition from a culture I don't belong too. Will I celebrate? Will I scoff? I say let's ignore the crazy people but take don't forget to take advantage of their cheap chocolate bunnies.
I haven't jogged in a few days, but in my defense there is now SNOW ON THE GROUND! The wack weather continues... summer please come soon! My diet is improving over all and I am balancing my time better. I've been out of focus the last few days but my sleep cycle has been really strange which is part of it. This week has really flown by.
It's Easter this weekend. A quaint tradition from a culture I don't belong too. Will I celebrate? Will I scoff? I say let's ignore the crazy people but take don't forget to take advantage of their cheap chocolate bunnies.
My Conclusion?
The second cup of coffee doesn't taste as good as the first and CNN sucks at 9am. I guess I'm spoiled by my mid afternoon Lou Dobbs followed by Wolf Blitzer and an overdose on American politics but this soccer mom crap they're airing right now is enough to make me start tearing hair.
Is Iraq currently self sufficient? The elected Shia government wants to remove the MEK from their lands. This isn't surprising... they consider them a terrorist organization, much as the United States views Al Qaeda. The U.S. military still has use for this para-military organization so it stays.
You cannot give an opressed culture freedom and expect them to fully embrace and understand it in a day. This war has a shelf life and that is 2008. This war will end with this president.
Is Iraq currently self sufficient? The elected Shia government wants to remove the MEK from their lands. This isn't surprising... they consider them a terrorist organization, much as the United States views Al Qaeda. The U.S. military still has use for this para-military organization so it stays.
You cannot give an opressed culture freedom and expect them to fully embrace and understand it in a day. This war has a shelf life and that is 2008. This war will end with this president.
Iran Releases British Soldiers
After a few weeks of posturing and non stop television feed of the sailors apologizing Iran has sent the Brit's home, in one piece none the less. Situations are calm... where's the story? Perhaps it is in the fact that diplomacy worked; that Iran has hopes for peace in the coming years. They are very close, if in fact they do not have already, nuclear power and it would be irresponsible not to accept whatever possible avenue's of peace availible. Is there a correlation between Pelosi's visit to Syria, the soldiers release and the Syrian's claiming their quiet diplomacy helped? Perhaps but we are in no position to judge the accuracy of that theory.
Developing inroads into Iran has been on the White House's plate for years now; perhaps it has been a while but we should not have forgotten the Iran-Contra scandal. For now let's be happy the soldiers made it home safe and the situation didn't escalate.
Developing inroads into Iran has been on the White House's plate for years now; perhaps it has been a while but we should not have forgotten the Iran-Contra scandal. For now let's be happy the soldiers made it home safe and the situation didn't escalate.
Thursday, April 5, 2007
Beauty
What is beauty? I suppose you should first ask what is beautiful. A pretty girl or complicated painting can both be considered beautiful. Plato might have claimed the closer the reality of things came to their 'ideal' form the more beautiful they become. Others associate beauty with that which is good and right (ugliness naturally being a product of evil). In our modern world we associate beauty with anorexic magazine models. Idealists may claim that "truth is beauty".
Beauty is a subjective standard; we define what is beautiful and what is ugly and these definitions vary from person to person. Is there inherent beauty in art that anyone can recognize? I think the rational mind must conclude no, there is not. Like morality and other social constructs, ultimately they are useful only so far as they are useful and no more.
What is beautiful? The answer has been known for a long time of course, but it's not me you have to ask, it's the beholder.
Beauty is a subjective standard; we define what is beautiful and what is ugly and these definitions vary from person to person. Is there inherent beauty in art that anyone can recognize? I think the rational mind must conclude no, there is not. Like morality and other social constructs, ultimately they are useful only so far as they are useful and no more.
What is beautiful? The answer has been known for a long time of course, but it's not me you have to ask, it's the beholder.
A question of values
I'm going to make a statement that the most important single thing for the human race should be the continuation of the human race. Compared to survival every other thing is secondary. Does this make sense? Is anything more important than staying alive? Television and literature are filled with stories of heroic self sacrifice... allowing a great number of people to live by dying. In truth, this really just emphasises how important the survival of the species is.
All true threats to mankind's survival can be lessened by a factor of a hundred fold by a serious dedication to interstellar colonization. Once Man has spread to every corner of the galaxy, a nuclear war may kill billions... but still trillions more will live on. It's the ultimate insurance policy. A thousand years ago, the Vikings found North America and 500 years later Columbus followed in their footsteps for the same reason.
OK we've identified perhaps the most important issue of our time but what can we do about it? The first step is public pressure for feasibility studies. Let's find a dollar figure, no matter how expensive, to terraform mars. Let's start looking into faster engines and habitats in space. And let's start.
There is no more important concern than the safety of the human race and there is no better way to protect humanity than to spread out and colonize this great universe of ours.
All true threats to mankind's survival can be lessened by a factor of a hundred fold by a serious dedication to interstellar colonization. Once Man has spread to every corner of the galaxy, a nuclear war may kill billions... but still trillions more will live on. It's the ultimate insurance policy. A thousand years ago, the Vikings found North America and 500 years later Columbus followed in their footsteps for the same reason.
OK we've identified perhaps the most important issue of our time but what can we do about it? The first step is public pressure for feasibility studies. Let's find a dollar figure, no matter how expensive, to terraform mars. Let's start looking into faster engines and habitats in space. And let's start.
There is no more important concern than the safety of the human race and there is no better way to protect humanity than to spread out and colonize this great universe of ours.
Free Will
The search for free will has been perhaps the biggest intellectual struggle of my adolescent's and in a very real fashion my acceptance of fatalism marks my advancement to intellectual adulthood. I am a determinist; I do not believe you have the ability to choose between options. There is only one future. Why do I believe this? Certainly not for the reason most people choose their beliefs (that reason being that it appeals to me at a base level). I find fatalism repugnant... yet see no solution to the problem I will outline below.
Allow us to assume, as a rational scientific examination of man must, that the brain is responsible for our decisions. Could the brain give you free will? How? Your brain operates on a basis of causality, that is it is subject to the laws of cause and effect. The reason you do what you do is because of a complex web of nature and nurture... who you were before you were born and what has happened to you since, essentially. The rules that govern who you begin are complex... some we are starting to understand for the first time; none the less they are there.
Let us take another thought experiment for a moment. Imagine a world that is the exact same, to every degree, as our world. In world A I lift up my bottle of water and take a sip. World B is the exact same; do I have a choice in whether or not I lift up the bottle and take sip?
It's a frightening thought. If a murderer had no choice in his murder, who are we to cast judgement on him? We might as well judge the sea for drowning a sailor... I almost reject determinism out of hand, on the basis that it prevents such a frightening reality but the world being a frightening place is no reason to cower in a corner and hide.
Allow us to assume, as a rational scientific examination of man must, that the brain is responsible for our decisions. Could the brain give you free will? How? Your brain operates on a basis of causality, that is it is subject to the laws of cause and effect. The reason you do what you do is because of a complex web of nature and nurture... who you were before you were born and what has happened to you since, essentially. The rules that govern who you begin are complex... some we are starting to understand for the first time; none the less they are there.
Let us take another thought experiment for a moment. Imagine a world that is the exact same, to every degree, as our world. In world A I lift up my bottle of water and take a sip. World B is the exact same; do I have a choice in whether or not I lift up the bottle and take sip?
It's a frightening thought. If a murderer had no choice in his murder, who are we to cast judgement on him? We might as well judge the sea for drowning a sailor... I almost reject determinism out of hand, on the basis that it prevents such a frightening reality but the world being a frightening place is no reason to cower in a corner and hide.
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Democracy
I support Democracy in a real format; that is if 51% of the population supports a party they should be placed in power. You'll note I say population and not popular vote. Without the support of the majority of the people of a nation you do not have the authority to speak for that nation. Instead of getting around this through minority governments and coalitions when the majority of the people do not vote for one party we'll just continue on; no house, no parliament, no new laws. We'll still have government... just no changes.
While I'm overturning hundreds of years of tradition I might as well go full circuit. With modern technology we can turn away from the outdated and expensive traditions of our parliament. There's no need to government from Ottawa; with video hook ups everyone elected representative could have complete (and infact, much fuller) access to every member of their party at a much lesser cost to the tax payer. And of course... complete transparency. Video records of everything politicians discuss. Parliamentary procedure could be completely followed.. only the person supposed to be speaking will be given audio out.
Don't mind me... just changing the world.
While I'm overturning hundreds of years of tradition I might as well go full circuit. With modern technology we can turn away from the outdated and expensive traditions of our parliament. There's no need to government from Ottawa; with video hook ups everyone elected representative could have complete (and infact, much fuller) access to every member of their party at a much lesser cost to the tax payer. And of course... complete transparency. Video records of everything politicians discuss. Parliamentary procedure could be completely followed.. only the person supposed to be speaking will be given audio out.
Don't mind me... just changing the world.
U.N. Human Right's Council
The U.N. Human Right's Council (how exactly are countries such as Cuba, China and countless other countries without free elections allowed to tell other countries they are commiting human right's abuses?) recently passed a resolution urging for the global prohibition of the defamation of religion, or more specifically of Islam.
Freedom of speech is not an absolute; you are not allowed to yell 'Fire' in a crowded theatre because it is a danger to other people. What exactly constitutes defamation? Let's look to the words of the U.N. Council itself.
Freedom of expression "may ... be subject to limitations as provided by law and necessary for respect of the rights or reputations of others ... or morals and respect for religions and beliefs."
Well, U.N., I've got something to say to you. I don't take no guff from useless, bloated, corrupted, asylum ran by the inmates NGO's and I certainly don't like it when they think they can toy with my freedom of speech. Aren't there genocides you should be arriving on the scene years too late for?
Freedom of speech is not an absolute; you are not allowed to yell 'Fire' in a crowded theatre because it is a danger to other people. What exactly constitutes defamation? Let's look to the words of the U.N. Council itself.
Freedom of expression "may ... be subject to limitations as provided by law and necessary for respect of the rights or reputations of others ... or morals and respect for religions and beliefs."
Well, U.N., I've got something to say to you. I don't take no guff from useless, bloated, corrupted, asylum ran by the inmates NGO's and I certainly don't like it when they think they can toy with my freedom of speech. Aren't there genocides you should be arriving on the scene years too late for?
The Grand Old Footrace
The smell of money is in the air as Presidential hopefuls announce modest figures. Hillary Clinton leads the pack with 26 million dollars raised (and an additional 10 million dollars she found lying around in her senate campaign pants). It is a sad day when a Democrat (and a woman at that!) can out fund raise old rich white men. Won't anybody please think of the children!
McCain has been sucking up to Pat Robertson, perhaps an ironic twist on the message that he will be able to deal comfortably with other religious fundamentalists (anyone remember that place called Iran?) but it leaves this reporter with a sour taste in his mouth. Still he's a proven asset on the hill and a very capable politician. If he's playing it cool there's probably a reason.
There's a bit of an unknown quality involved in this race Mitt Romney, Governor of Massachusetts. He has raised $23,000,000 to date which almost rivals Clinton II's take and as any Scarface aficionado knows, first you get the money and then you get the power. People may not know a whole lot about Mitt Romney right now but I have a feeling that is about to change. He's opposed to gay marriage and pro-life which in this day and age may prove to be a powerful motivator if he does make it to become the Republican candidate.
And of course Giuliani. While he is running high on public opinion at the moment, this ship has long since sailed. There is almost no chance this man will be elected president.
McCain has been sucking up to Pat Robertson, perhaps an ironic twist on the message that he will be able to deal comfortably with other religious fundamentalists (anyone remember that place called Iran?) but it leaves this reporter with a sour taste in his mouth. Still he's a proven asset on the hill and a very capable politician. If he's playing it cool there's probably a reason.
There's a bit of an unknown quality involved in this race Mitt Romney, Governor of Massachusetts. He has raised $23,000,000 to date which almost rivals Clinton II's take and as any Scarface aficionado knows, first you get the money and then you get the power. People may not know a whole lot about Mitt Romney right now but I have a feeling that is about to change. He's opposed to gay marriage and pro-life which in this day and age may prove to be a powerful motivator if he does make it to become the Republican candidate.
And of course Giuliani. While he is running high on public opinion at the moment, this ship has long since sailed. There is almost no chance this man will be elected president.
The Latest From Capital Hill
Currently the Democratic representatives in the house and the President are deadlocked on the issue of funding for troops in Iraq. President Bush has warned he will veto any bill that sets a deadline for withdrawal while House Democrats argue that America wants the war to end. The last thrashes of a lame duck president or unfinished business in Babylon?
It is clear that the war in Iraq was not justified on the merit of the evidence given but this does not in and of itself make the war a bad idea. Was Iraq ruled by a dictator? Yes. Why? Usually the socio-political-economic factors that lead to a dictatorship are broad but in this case it is clear; he was installed as a U.S. puppet. In a very real sense Saddam Hussein was the responsibility of the U.S. government in the first place and perhaps it is justified that they have finally corrected their error. We must of course remember that the sin's of the father are n0t instinctively the sin's of the son.
Even if you, like myself, accept that the reasons presented for the war were not sufficient, this does not also automatically conclude that with drawl now is prudent. We have the opportunity and I would say the responsibility to take that opportunity today. We can turn Iraq into a great nation one that stands for democracy and freedom in a land of authoritarian regimes and repression or we can turn our backs and allow a wounded people to be sent out like lambs amongst the wolves.
It is clear that the war in Iraq was not justified on the merit of the evidence given but this does not in and of itself make the war a bad idea. Was Iraq ruled by a dictator? Yes. Why? Usually the socio-political-economic factors that lead to a dictatorship are broad but in this case it is clear; he was installed as a U.S. puppet. In a very real sense Saddam Hussein was the responsibility of the U.S. government in the first place and perhaps it is justified that they have finally corrected their error. We must of course remember that the sin's of the father are n0t instinctively the sin's of the son.
Even if you, like myself, accept that the reasons presented for the war were not sufficient, this does not also automatically conclude that with drawl now is prudent. We have the opportunity and I would say the responsibility to take that opportunity today. We can turn Iraq into a great nation one that stands for democracy and freedom in a land of authoritarian regimes and repression or we can turn our backs and allow a wounded people to be sent out like lambs amongst the wolves.
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