See more Jack Black videos at Funny or Die
Greatness.
04 December 2008
26 November 2008
Socialism Is Not A Four-Letter Word
(This essay first appeared in Trinity Christian College's student newspaper, The Courier a few weeks ago)
On October 3rd, 1993, a date many of us are too young to remember, forces of the Russian army loyal to President Boris Yeltsin opened fire on the Russian parliament.
After his radical and unpopular economic reforms had met resistance in the Russian legislature, Yeltsin had dissolved the Congress of People's Deputies and the Supreme Soviet, the constitutionally-established legislative bodies of the Russian Federation on September 21st. In response to this direct violation of the Russian Constitution, the legislature had impeached Yeltsin, and Yeltsin had refused to leave.
Tank shells eventually resolved the conflict. While the country reeled in shock, Yeltsin rewrote the Russian constitution and pushed through his economic reforms.
These actions were hailed by the West, including U.S. President Bill Clinton, as an important victory for democracy and for capitalism; the democratically-elected legislators were demonized as anti-government communists.
The irony is that despite the wishes of President Yeltsin and Western leaders, the Russian people had it made it clear that they did not want laissez-faire capitalism, what Yeltsin gave them, but a mixed economy welfare state. The principles of democracy state that a government's power lies ultimately with its people, but with the aid of military muscle, President Yeltsin found his way around public opinion and instituted his version of Chicago School economics.
The desires of the Russian people in 1993 were founded upon solid historical evidence. In nation after nation—America in the Great Depression, Chile under Pinochet, Britain in the 1980s—the effects of deregulated capitalism were plain: the rich got richer, the poor got poorer. Their fears have since been confirmed. Today the majority of wealth in Russia is held by a small group of wealthy capitalists, euphemistically known as oligarchs.
In this country, the lessons of the Great Depression are being forgotten. Followers of Milton Friedman, father of the Chicago School of economics, those who adhere to his utopian vision of a free market left entirely to its own devices have consistently attempted to deregulate the American economy. They promise this system will benefit the whole nation. The wealth of the top will trickle down to the rest of us.
The facts tell a different story. In the richest nation on Earth, approximately 47 million Americans do not have health insurance and 37 million are living below the poverty line. Under the Presidency of George W. Bush, a proud proponent of economic deregulation, these numbers have grown.
Opponents to economic regulation, when the trickle-down myth is not enough to satisfy their questioners, will often claim that government regulation in the economy is a form of socialism. Nationalization, too, whether it is of banks or health insurance, is tainted red.
Yet, in the midst of what is being called the worst economic disaster since the Great Depression, when deregulated capitalism has again thrown the world into crisis, perhaps we would do well not to reject an idea simply because we have been inundated since birth to regard it as some sort of demon-spawn. Perhaps we would do better to remember the facts.
Bad mortgages began this economic crisis. Banks made risky investments that, had the real estate bubble continued to expand, would have netted them a profit. Rather than expand, however, the bubble popped. Had regulations been in place to prevent banks from offering those bad mortgages, the crisis would not have occurred.
And if those regulations constitute socialism, then socialism would have saved this country $700 billion.
When an industry or other societal faculty is privatized it becomes a for-profit institution. In many cases—IPods, DVDs, Big Macs—this method works. So long as regulations are in place to protect the rights of the workers employed in producing these products, for-profit corporations can meet the needs of their consumers and their employers. But when the discussion moves from commodities to utilities, to the necessities of life, for-profit has proven it is not up to the task.
Six million people die every year from hunger, according the United Nations. Over two billion people live on less than $2 a day, according to the World Bank. Yet the capacity to end world hunger and world poverty exist at this very moment.
Why do these injustices persist? Because enough people have bought into the lie of trickle-down wealth and unrestrained capitalism. Because the economy of the West, in service of these principles, venerates the god of Profit before all else. And it is simply not profitable to fight hunger or poverty. Poverty creates cheap workers. Food given to the starving does not yield a profit. So sweatshops remain open for business and stores of surplus food rot in warehouses.
In the face of unrestrained capitalism stands the successful record of mixed economies, Keynesian and social democratic system. It's a simple idea. The free market is a powerful engine, but left alone it turns workers into a resource and seeks profit at their expense. Thus one seeks a balance between free market productivity and workers rights through regulation of the economy. In countries around the world, such a balance has been achieved.
This kind of middle-of-the-road policy is opposed in America because it means smaller profits for the rich, and they've managed to get the rest of us to believe, despite strong evidence to the contrary, in the myth of trickle-down prosperity. While we plunge into economic crisis, the wealthy soar safely overhead on golden parachutes. If the crusade for deregulation continues the situation can only worsen.
The victory of laissez-faire capitalism in America and the counterpart ascension of American oligarchs requires something far less dramatic than tanks. It requires only that we care more about cheap shoes than the plight of sweatshop workers; that we believe the insidious lie that all Americans can be rich if they work hard enough; that we believe the counterpart falsehood that if someone is poor it is his own fault; that we, with our voices or by our silence, continue to support a system that values the bottom line more than the life, liberty and happiness of human beings. To our great detriment, the religion of profit-worship will prevail in this nation unless we, the people, oppose it. And if we fail in this task, when our delusions of the American Dream crumble around us, we will have no one to blame but ourselves.
On October 3rd, 1993, a date many of us are too young to remember, forces of the Russian army loyal to President Boris Yeltsin opened fire on the Russian parliament.
After his radical and unpopular economic reforms had met resistance in the Russian legislature, Yeltsin had dissolved the Congress of People's Deputies and the Supreme Soviet, the constitutionally-established legislative bodies of the Russian Federation on September 21st. In response to this direct violation of the Russian Constitution, the legislature had impeached Yeltsin, and Yeltsin had refused to leave.
Tank shells eventually resolved the conflict. While the country reeled in shock, Yeltsin rewrote the Russian constitution and pushed through his economic reforms.
These actions were hailed by the West, including U.S. President Bill Clinton, as an important victory for democracy and for capitalism; the democratically-elected legislators were demonized as anti-government communists.
The irony is that despite the wishes of President Yeltsin and Western leaders, the Russian people had it made it clear that they did not want laissez-faire capitalism, what Yeltsin gave them, but a mixed economy welfare state. The principles of democracy state that a government's power lies ultimately with its people, but with the aid of military muscle, President Yeltsin found his way around public opinion and instituted his version of Chicago School economics.
The desires of the Russian people in 1993 were founded upon solid historical evidence. In nation after nation—America in the Great Depression, Chile under Pinochet, Britain in the 1980s—the effects of deregulated capitalism were plain: the rich got richer, the poor got poorer. Their fears have since been confirmed. Today the majority of wealth in Russia is held by a small group of wealthy capitalists, euphemistically known as oligarchs.
In this country, the lessons of the Great Depression are being forgotten. Followers of Milton Friedman, father of the Chicago School of economics, those who adhere to his utopian vision of a free market left entirely to its own devices have consistently attempted to deregulate the American economy. They promise this system will benefit the whole nation. The wealth of the top will trickle down to the rest of us.
The facts tell a different story. In the richest nation on Earth, approximately 47 million Americans do not have health insurance and 37 million are living below the poverty line. Under the Presidency of George W. Bush, a proud proponent of economic deregulation, these numbers have grown.
Opponents to economic regulation, when the trickle-down myth is not enough to satisfy their questioners, will often claim that government regulation in the economy is a form of socialism. Nationalization, too, whether it is of banks or health insurance, is tainted red.
Yet, in the midst of what is being called the worst economic disaster since the Great Depression, when deregulated capitalism has again thrown the world into crisis, perhaps we would do well not to reject an idea simply because we have been inundated since birth to regard it as some sort of demon-spawn. Perhaps we would do better to remember the facts.
Bad mortgages began this economic crisis. Banks made risky investments that, had the real estate bubble continued to expand, would have netted them a profit. Rather than expand, however, the bubble popped. Had regulations been in place to prevent banks from offering those bad mortgages, the crisis would not have occurred.
And if those regulations constitute socialism, then socialism would have saved this country $700 billion.
When an industry or other societal faculty is privatized it becomes a for-profit institution. In many cases—IPods, DVDs, Big Macs—this method works. So long as regulations are in place to protect the rights of the workers employed in producing these products, for-profit corporations can meet the needs of their consumers and their employers. But when the discussion moves from commodities to utilities, to the necessities of life, for-profit has proven it is not up to the task.
Six million people die every year from hunger, according the United Nations. Over two billion people live on less than $2 a day, according to the World Bank. Yet the capacity to end world hunger and world poverty exist at this very moment.
Why do these injustices persist? Because enough people have bought into the lie of trickle-down wealth and unrestrained capitalism. Because the economy of the West, in service of these principles, venerates the god of Profit before all else. And it is simply not profitable to fight hunger or poverty. Poverty creates cheap workers. Food given to the starving does not yield a profit. So sweatshops remain open for business and stores of surplus food rot in warehouses.
In the face of unrestrained capitalism stands the successful record of mixed economies, Keynesian and social democratic system. It's a simple idea. The free market is a powerful engine, but left alone it turns workers into a resource and seeks profit at their expense. Thus one seeks a balance between free market productivity and workers rights through regulation of the economy. In countries around the world, such a balance has been achieved.
This kind of middle-of-the-road policy is opposed in America because it means smaller profits for the rich, and they've managed to get the rest of us to believe, despite strong evidence to the contrary, in the myth of trickle-down prosperity. While we plunge into economic crisis, the wealthy soar safely overhead on golden parachutes. If the crusade for deregulation continues the situation can only worsen.
The victory of laissez-faire capitalism in America and the counterpart ascension of American oligarchs requires something far less dramatic than tanks. It requires only that we care more about cheap shoes than the plight of sweatshop workers; that we believe the insidious lie that all Americans can be rich if they work hard enough; that we believe the counterpart falsehood that if someone is poor it is his own fault; that we, with our voices or by our silence, continue to support a system that values the bottom line more than the life, liberty and happiness of human beings. To our great detriment, the religion of profit-worship will prevail in this nation unless we, the people, oppose it. And if we fail in this task, when our delusions of the American Dream crumble around us, we will have no one to blame but ourselves.
19 November 2008
Who Says White Guys Can't Dance?
One of my favorite songs from one of my favorite bands. Live. Gotta love the 80s synth.
08 November 2008
Important Advice for Us All
Here it is, something for which I know we've all been anxiously waiting.
The Mormon guide for overcoming masturbation.
I would have lolled if I weren't presently at work.
The Mormon guide for overcoming masturbation.
I would have lolled if I weren't presently at work.
Good News About Proposition 8
Proposition 8 passed in California on Tuesday adding fifteen words to California constitution: "Only a marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California." This after the California supreme court in May overturned an earlier, similar ballet initiative that had banned same-sex marriage. Over 18,000 gay couples have been married in CA since may.
For me, this soured the otherwise euphoric mood on Tuesday night. The total number of states with constitutional or legal bans on same-sex marriage is now up to 40. (Source)
But there is hope.
The ACLU is suing. On several grounds they argue Proposition 8 is unconstitutional. You can read the full complaint here.
There's also a movement to have the IRS revoke the tax-exempt status of the Mormon Church, a major player in the campaign to pass Proposition 8. Details here.
Finally, the LGBT community is not taking this one lying down.
I hold out hope that proposition 8 will be short-lived.
For me, this soured the otherwise euphoric mood on Tuesday night. The total number of states with constitutional or legal bans on same-sex marriage is now up to 40. (Source)
But there is hope.
The ACLU is suing. On several grounds they argue Proposition 8 is unconstitutional. You can read the full complaint here.
There's also a movement to have the IRS revoke the tax-exempt status of the Mormon Church, a major player in the campaign to pass Proposition 8. Details here.
Finally, the LGBT community is not taking this one lying down.
I hold out hope that proposition 8 will be short-lived.
05 November 2008
Facebook: Post-Election
I watched it all last night, excited and elated.
This morning I get up and scan Facebook. Not surprisingly most statuses are related to the election. There's plenty of "yes we can" and "Obama wins!" and "I'm so proud to be alive right now."
But there's also plenty of grade A dumbassery out there. "At least the world won't end until January", posted by a guy whose profile pic is Obama with the word Communist beneath. "I'm now afraid to live in this country." "Just shoot me now..." posted by a guy with a Reagan '08 profile pic.
Then there's the people that are just posting Bible references, mostly Romans 13, which says to obey your authorities. There's others who say something more or less like "God is still in control of this country." My question: if God is in total control, why do you vote? Shouldn't God's will happen anyway?
Oh, and just because it bears repeating, often: we were not founded as a Christian nation. So please stop bringing up the phrase "under God." It's just a typo.
Smartest one I saw was probably "He did it...now let's see what he can do." A tempered response and one I would agree with. Last night was historical and euphoric, but now life goes on. Obama's going to take office with hard times ahead of him. I am hopeful, but I know Obama is not a panacea.
This morning I get up and scan Facebook. Not surprisingly most statuses are related to the election. There's plenty of "yes we can" and "Obama wins!" and "I'm so proud to be alive right now."
But there's also plenty of grade A dumbassery out there. "At least the world won't end until January", posted by a guy whose profile pic is Obama with the word Communist beneath. "I'm now afraid to live in this country." "Just shoot me now..." posted by a guy with a Reagan '08 profile pic.
Then there's the people that are just posting Bible references, mostly Romans 13, which says to obey your authorities. There's others who say something more or less like "God is still in control of this country." My question: if God is in total control, why do you vote? Shouldn't God's will happen anyway?
Oh, and just because it bears repeating, often: we were not founded as a Christian nation. So please stop bringing up the phrase "under God." It's just a typo.
Smartest one I saw was probably "He did it...now let's see what he can do." A tempered response and one I would agree with. Last night was historical and euphoric, but now life goes on. Obama's going to take office with hard times ahead of him. I am hopeful, but I know Obama is not a panacea.
30 October 2008
I think they've confused love and hate
This is truly one of the most terrifying videos I've ever seen.
My revulsion is made all the greater by the realization that not too long ago I would have supported this kind of movement, have been glad to stand in that stadium, fasting and praying that homosexuals might be cured. To my senses, now liberated from fetters of dogma, the very idea of wanting a homosexual to be cured, a notion which implies that a sort of love can be a sickness, makes me ill.
If Proposition 8 passes it will be a drastic step backward for this country.
My revulsion is made all the greater by the realization that not too long ago I would have supported this kind of movement, have been glad to stand in that stadium, fasting and praying that homosexuals might be cured. To my senses, now liberated from fetters of dogma, the very idea of wanting a homosexual to be cured, a notion which implies that a sort of love can be a sickness, makes me ill.
If Proposition 8 passes it will be a drastic step backward for this country.
28 October 2008
Two Fascinating Articles from The New Yorker
First, Red Sex, Blue Sex, how studies show that despite their rhetoric to the contrary, white evangelical Americans have lots of premarital sex and teen pregnancies.
Second, Adam Smith advocated the sort of "sharing the wealth" that Obama is now being criticized for.
Second, Adam Smith advocated the sort of "sharing the wealth" that Obama is now being criticized for.
27 October 2008
26 October 2008
It's all fun and gaffs until the idiot gets elected.
You've probably heard this story. Sarah Palin gave her first policy speech the other day. She began by saying something good: education for special needs children needs more funding. To secure the funds for this increase, Palin pointed to earmarks. Her specific example: fruit fly research. Here's the hilarious/tragic part. The research she was referring to at the University of North Carolina is using fruit flies to research a protein that is essential to nerve development. This research may very likely lead to new breakthroughs in the understanding and treatment of autism. But Palin says that's a waste of money.
Oops.
Here's the video.
Edit: It's possible she was referring to this research, which while it is not directly related to autism or any mental condition, is still important scientific research. Palin's offhand dismissal, like McCain on bear DNA and planetarium projectors, shows a callous disregard for science.
Oops.
Here's the video.
Edit: It's possible she was referring to this research, which while it is not directly related to autism or any mental condition, is still important scientific research. Palin's offhand dismissal, like McCain on bear DNA and planetarium projectors, shows a callous disregard for science.
23 October 2008
11 October 2008
3 down, 47 to go
Conneticut is now the third state to legalize gay marriage. The ruling came on Friday, just in time for today, National Coming Out Day.
One more important step forward for civil rights.
One more important step forward for civil rights.
08 October 2008
Myth of the Maverick
John McCain portrays himself as a maverick, the guy who's not afraid to go against his party. (He also says "friends" far too much.) In reality, McCain's record shows him to be reckless and dishonest.
Tim Dickinson, of Rolling Stone, lays out the full details.
Tim Dickinson, of Rolling Stone, lays out the full details.
01 October 2008
Truth Kicks Palin's Ass
Because of the damage she is doing to the republican party, I love Sarah Palin like I love Bob Barr (a.k.a. the Republican' Nader).
30 September 2008
Well Styled and Profound
From H.L. Menken, his introduction to his translations of Nietzche's Der Antichrist (which can be translated either "The Antichrist" or "The Antichristian"; both are probably intended) the second-to-last book Nietzsche ever wrote.
Because the average philosophical writer, when he essays to expose his ideas, makes such inordinate drafts upon the parts of speech that the dictionary is almost emptied, these defective observers jump to the conclusion that his intrinsic notions are of corresponding weight. This is not unseldom quite untrue. What makes philosophy so garrulous is not the profundity of philosophers, but their lack of art.The book itself is equally stunning in its eloquence. As expected from Nietzsche.
29 September 2008
My Email to Obama
Following up on a challenge from Michael Moore, I just sent the following email to Barrack Obama.
Senator Obama,
This morning the House of Representatives scored a major victory against the corporate elite of this nation, those who would transform this great nation into a kelptocracy, when they voted against the proposed $700-billion bailout. As one of the citizens you were elected to the United States Senate to represent, I urge you, Senator Obama, to oppose this legislation if it should come through Congress again. George W. Bush and his cronies have taken enough money from the American people. One more dollar is one dollar too much--let alone 700 billion!
Please, Senator Obama, oppose this attempted redistribution of debt--from Wall Street to everyday taxpayers like me. For too long the rich have run this country, exerted an influence far greater than the number of votes they represent. If your talk of change and hope is more than empty rhetoric, _prove_ it. Stand up to this measure, which is just more of the same, and fight for the change we so desperately need.
Best regards,
Joshua Arnold
26 September 2008
New
I've begun work on a new writing project. The others I've put on hold. This semester I am taking an independent study in "Advanced Creative Writing" (that's at least what it's called on my schedule). My professor has given me interesting assignments. First I was to write a parody of Bartleby the Scrivener.
Next he asked me to bring in excerpts from different projects. Long story short, the project he most liked was the one that I'd done the least work on. Specifically, aside from the 5 page section I wrote for my excerpt, I hadn't done anything else. Still, though it will mean more work for me, I'm glad he's leaning toward that novel.
I think it will give me a good chance to ferret out and then work on my strengths as a writer. From my short stories I've discovered that I do best with character-based stories, stories where the real appeal is the characters, not the setting or the plot. In plenty of my longer projects, the scope and complexity of the world forces my attention away from the simple and powerful elements of human nature.
The story I'm working on now is called Avalon, though that will likely change, possibly to Valentine. It's a science-fiction piece set near enough in the future that modern vocabulary still has relevance. (I can use words like T-shirt and Swedish.) My goal is to keep the plot relatively simple. Like Firefly, this novel takes place mostly on a spaceship and focuses on the handful of people that crew it. A lot of the tension and the conflict is personal, not external. I'm attempting to tell a sort of everyman sci-fi story. More updates to come.
I recently went a purchasing spree. I've now completed my Tiesto library (until he releases something new). I've become a bit obsessed with the song "The Force of Gravity" original by BT and remixed by Tiesto in volume 4 of his In Search of Sunrise series. I also bought a DVD of his recent show in Copenhagen, which was part of his Elements of Life World Tour. Watching that DVD has redoubled my conviction that my life will not be complete until I see this man live.
I also watched the debate tonight, but that post will have to wait. Need to digest it first. Initial thoughts: blech.
Next he asked me to bring in excerpts from different projects. Long story short, the project he most liked was the one that I'd done the least work on. Specifically, aside from the 5 page section I wrote for my excerpt, I hadn't done anything else. Still, though it will mean more work for me, I'm glad he's leaning toward that novel.
I think it will give me a good chance to ferret out and then work on my strengths as a writer. From my short stories I've discovered that I do best with character-based stories, stories where the real appeal is the characters, not the setting or the plot. In plenty of my longer projects, the scope and complexity of the world forces my attention away from the simple and powerful elements of human nature.
The story I'm working on now is called Avalon, though that will likely change, possibly to Valentine. It's a science-fiction piece set near enough in the future that modern vocabulary still has relevance. (I can use words like T-shirt and Swedish.) My goal is to keep the plot relatively simple. Like Firefly, this novel takes place mostly on a spaceship and focuses on the handful of people that crew it. A lot of the tension and the conflict is personal, not external. I'm attempting to tell a sort of everyman sci-fi story. More updates to come.
I recently went a purchasing spree. I've now completed my Tiesto library (until he releases something new). I've become a bit obsessed with the song "The Force of Gravity" original by BT and remixed by Tiesto in volume 4 of his In Search of Sunrise series. I also bought a DVD of his recent show in Copenhagen, which was part of his Elements of Life World Tour. Watching that DVD has redoubled my conviction that my life will not be complete until I see this man live.
I also watched the debate tonight, but that post will have to wait. Need to digest it first. Initial thoughts: blech.
23 September 2008
Exemplars of Absurdism
I love dance music. By this I mean music that you would find in the "dance" section at a record store, or would hear on a station called Dance Factory, not the broader category of "music one can dance to."
Earlier tonight, whilst on my way to Taco Bell to enjoy a quesadilla, I had my radio turned 99.9 fm, the station of the aforementioned factory. I heard the following lyrics and decided that Dance music is the heir to the Dada Movement. In other words, gloriously absurd.
The lyrics:
And here's a YouTube Video of the song with the lyrics...and some pictures of cars.
The song is 100% stereotypical dance music. It sounds almost identical to any other song you might hear on this station.
Is it stupid? Yes. Did it require any talent to produce? No. Is it evidence of some deep-seated creative decay lurking at the heart of our civilization? Maybe.
But does that make me love it any less? Hell no.
Earlier tonight, whilst on my way to Taco Bell to enjoy a quesadilla, I had my radio turned 99.9 fm, the station of the aforementioned factory. I heard the following lyrics and decided that Dance music is the heir to the Dada Movement. In other words, gloriously absurd.
The lyrics:
I'm a killer
I kill for love
gonna get you alone.
Don't you know that I'm a stripper
gonna strip it off
you got nowhere to go
You better know that I'm a thriller
gonna make you hot
won't take it slow
But did you know that I'm a killer
I kill for love
Won't let you alone.
And here's a YouTube Video of the song with the lyrics...and some pictures of cars.
The song is 100% stereotypical dance music. It sounds almost identical to any other song you might hear on this station.
Is it stupid? Yes. Did it require any talent to produce? No. Is it evidence of some deep-seated creative decay lurking at the heart of our civilization? Maybe.
But does that make me love it any less? Hell no.
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