tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904219782540965444.post7258039368093018293..comments2024-03-14T04:06:54.124-04:00Comments on GENKAKU-AGAIN (adam fisher): newspaper columngenkakuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12135705172119950326noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904219782540965444.post-86990702503075953092017-05-22T15:26:16.212-04:002017-05-22T15:26:16.212-04:00PS
Given how overwhelming the current political s...PS<br /><br />Given how overwhelming the current political situation is, it might be useful to learn, or review and renew techniques to help the development of a calm, clear and stable mind.<br /><br />Exercise. Tai Chi. Chi Gung. Yoga Asana and Breath Practices. Meditation Practices like breath counting and awareness (e.g. Search Anapanasati, & introductory Zen Meditation.)<br /><br />A good diet tends to help as well.<br /><br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904219782540965444.post-75165990135564553672017-05-22T15:12:55.436-04:002017-05-22T15:12:55.436-04:00Nice piece. Congrats on getting it into print. You...Nice piece. Congrats on getting it into print. You've touch on the tip of the iceberg.<br /><br />Some important points about "democracy." For example,from its beginnings in Ancient Athens, Greece, "democracy" was the not the idealist democracy that exist only in propaganda. In Ancient Athens only certain men (yep, no women), were able to vote. Also Slavery existed in Athens. Slaves didn't vote.<br /><br />The notion we have of democracy in the 21st century, is great; but for the most part it's idealistic to the extreme. It ignores much about human nature. It doesn't intrinsically address much less provide mechanisms to fight greed for power. It assumes everyone wants to share wealth and power.<br /><br />Think the USA is a good model for Practical Democracy?<br />Check this out on Wikipedia:<br />https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Democracy_Index?wprov=sfsi1<br />See the chart:<br />https://infographics.economist.com/2017/DemocracyIndex/<br /><br />The United States ranking in the Democratic Index has been lowered recently. On the scale of 1 to 10, the US is below 8. I suspect that this country's 2017 rating may change one way or another due to the current highly dishonest and unstable president. Right before Trump took over the US received a 7.98 rating. By comparison Austrialia, Canada, Denmark, Iceland, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden are in the 9's. China's rating is 3.14, Russia's rating is 3.24. Saudia Arabia's is 1.93, Iran is 2.34, Israel's is 7.85 (and I think that might be too high based on conversations I've had with those far more knowledgeable than I with both the Israeli government and the on the ground situation (e.g. I didn't know that Palestinians can not use the same roads as "Israelis.")<br /><br />Consider: peace and justice activism has been increasing since Mr. Trump won the electoral college vote (Note that the electoral college is am extremely undemocratic mechanism inserted into the US Constitution). But even in the 120 or so days in office, Trump and his Oligarch Cronies (including US, Russians and Saudis) are doing much to suppress voter participation, reduce health care, reduce education, ignore & reduce science, etc.<br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904219782540965444.post-63748513495240156622017-05-22T09:53:38.027-04:002017-05-22T09:53:38.027-04:00Hey, you can trust me! I'm honest! You just ...Hey, you can trust me! I'm honest! You just have to take my stupid along with it. lololcharliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00309255390011851502noreply@blogger.com