Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Perspective

I saw this picture and it made me think. In 50 years, how will people look at the actions of our political parties? How will historians think about our actions? If you look at this picture and see the smiling faces, the happy children about to receive cake, the nice ladies and gentlemen observing, you would perhaps forget the end result of that political party's direction.
We all know the horror story that evolved into WW2. Some could probably remark on the real effects that they lived through. But, that's not really my point here. My point is perspective.
From the inside looking out, from what is known and lived in, we often don't even have a clue as to what the others in the world may see looking in. And, let's face it, sometimes the choice is to go with it or beat yourself against the wall of inevitability. In utter despair for lack of options, we shrug our shoulders and adapt.
Too often we are sheep, following whoever is leading, going where-ever they lead, and never really thinking about the impact of our leaders decisions. Often, our issues deal more with the objections to convenience, comfort, even entertainment.
Let's ask ourselves: would we be more grieved because our country is at war or because our cable is out? Would we begrudge higher gas prices or involvement in other country's affairs? The price of cornflakes or feeding starving people? I imagine I could come up with other examples, but you get my point.
Blind obedience to our leaders is dangerous. Forsaking one's conscience in the fight for political power is foolish. Losing one's sense of right or wrong, giving up the fight for good, presuming that the future will take care of itself will all end in ........

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Randy,
look to Germany, there you can see a good example for chanching mind from politicans. I say it in german: Vor 2 Wochen war die Welt unserer konservativ-liberaler Regierung noch in Ordnung. Die Atomkraftwerke und ihre Handhabung galt als 100% sicher - heute, nach der Katastrophe von Japan schalten sie für 3 Monate einige dieser Atomkraftwerke ab - es ist Wahlkampf!
Can we trust such politicans?
Nikki

randy said...

Hi Nikki;
If only I spoke German :( Well, I will look into it and see what I can see. Thanks for writing.
randy

Anonymous said...

Oh Randy, you show your self a thinker. I wonder if part of the problem is most people feel helpless to make it any different. I have heard that some people don't even bother to vote, something I think is a must. But just be talking about it we are making a difference. Lets hope more are listening. Hugs Scottie

randy said...

Hi all;
Miles emailed me...I guess the comment section is troublesome in some aspects. Sorry. If that happens, do what Miles did and I will post your comment myself. Miles said:

They were all were wearing uniforms, in those times.
Just as today:

Uniforms of dumbness.

Uniforms of being uninformed.

Minds like Uniforms. ......
miles

randy said...

Hi Scottie;
I read in the Toybox today about the NPR issue. Specifically, the deal with using an obviously fake vid as impetus to defund npr. It would seem that there are many who are unconcerned with the truth, as long as they can excercise their power. That's concerning. I hope others do listen, I hope others do see. Fear is a great motivator and there are a lot of smear campaigns creating fear and manipulating the minds of the people.
Thanks for the great comment, my friend.
randy.

Anonymous said...

Hi Randy,
Miles is right: in my opinion Uniform is a synonym for militarism, dictates and obedience. Why organizations like boy-scouts and similar youth-organizations, marching band, rifle club, rescue service, fire brigade a.s.o. are needing uniforms? I don't mean the working clothes - I mean the clothes they wear at meetings and puplic events. The effects of uniform, dictates and obedience schows the german film "Der Hauptmann von Köpenick".
Nikki

randy said...

Hi Nikki;
I think I understand what you are saying, and what Miles is saying. And, I think a uniform does make for the possiblity of both good and bad. In bad, the person sacrifices the mind for the uniform. In the good, the uniform is a stimulant to the mind.
I was a cub scout as a little kid. I remember being so proud, and I remember sayings such as "a good scout does ______" And, I've run into cops, who use their uniform as a cudgel so that anything they do is acceptable - because they are over and above.
I think that no matter the uniform or the peers, the attitude and spirit within the person will dictate their actions.
And, don't you think working clothes are a uniform? I wear jeans, work boots, and a t-shirt every day. My boss wears suit and tie. We'd get some odd looks if he came in jeans and I wore the tie.
Of course, I am a product of my upbringing. My ability to think outside the concept of a uniform is perhaps constrained.
Thanks for commenting. You gave me some things to think on. -randy