It's sleeting in Alpine. It rained on the coast. Climate change is spooky. Just yesterday it was sunny and hot enough to sweat if you tried. Local news spokes-model man thinks it is because people use plastic bags. He struck a contemplative and thoughtful pose, so he probably knows. "Why aren't people taking global warming seriously?", he asked after his plastic bag tirade.
In considering the various slogans that have stood over time, I find that many of them really mean nothing. I've concluded that Obama's "Yes we can", applied in contexts other than I think were intended, is about as good as any. Better than most. "I have not yet begun to fight!!" is probably the best and most inspirational.
Kennedy's "Ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country", is basic nonsense, unless you live in a slave state. I'd not encourage anyone to ask either of those things. What does "do for your country" mean, except in times of disaster or war? Considering that the draft was in play, and withholding money from income was already being done, I don't think asking questions made a difference. Considering the source and context---president of the government's inaugural address, I believe it implies, "Ask what you can do for your government; the military-industrial complex".
If you are honest and trade fair, without extorting from the people, as government and many of its contractors do, then you are doing plenty for your country. Keeping Walgreen's open 24 hours is a good example of doing for your country, in my book.
The other line in his speech which recommends other countries "ask not what America will do for you, but what together, we can do for the freedom of man"*, has a bit more substance. Unfortunately the very term "freedom" has experienced some dilution in meaning and application over the years. It was already used in a twisted sense by the time JFK hit the scene. Too bad.
(*universal pronouns were still intact at that time--women weren't being left out in that statement)
Once again, it has snowed on hwy S2 by Mt Leguna. That's where the daredevil hang gliders launch. One of these days...
Monday, January 26, 2009
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- John0 Juanderlust
- Ballistic Mountain, CA, United States
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An ice storm is expected in Memphis today (Tues.)...but it's 38 right now, so the weatherman will probably be WRONG, as usual. We only get ice storms when nobody suspects them! :)
ReplyDeleteSeveral of the things I remember from my first visit to Europe was NO plastic bags. Most shoppers in the areas I visited rode bicycles to market and brought their own shopping bags (cloth) with them. In fact autos were restricted in many central cities, but decent, safe affordable public transportation was readily available.
ReplyDeleteIt seemed like the US looked at everything done in Europe that worked, and decided to do the opposite. My first visit was over 40 years ago, and I think they have slipt backwards over the intervening years.
LOL at fin... that is so true! we do have plastic bags, which we use over and over again, but traditionally we have baskets. The baskets at least don't break! And paper bags are nearly non-existent.
ReplyDeleteenjoy the rain as long as you can... it may be a long, hot summer *wink*
Fin reminded me that in Ireland and England you have to pay a few cents if you want them to give you plastic bags - most people DO bring their own (I caught on quickly).
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