Growth

One of the absurdities of capitalism is the concept of growth. Capitalism depends on expanding markets (more people and companies to buy/sell goods and services). Without expanding markets, the system fails. The concept of expanding markets is tied to human population growth. Therefore, the major economic model of the planet is tied to a natural phenomenon which is naturally unsustainable over time. This simple fact exposes ardent capitalists as self-centered and antisocial beings. The defense of capitalism by the pseudo-humanist is often stated, "Well, it isn't a perfect system, but it is the best we have." This is equally stupid. The reason capitalism is the 'best' we have is simple. The wealthy, whose hereditary privilege and wealth come from capitalism, own the most powerful governments on the planet. They own the secret police forces, the espionage forces and the military. They subvert the development of alternatives to capitalism. This has gone on since capitalism's ascendancy to power in the nineteenth century. The current victims of this growth model are the poor of those countries who are least developed and tied to the capitalist model enforced most vigorously by the United States of America. These people are exploited in their homelands in substandard working and living conditions to produce goods for the citizens of wealthier countries. They are also exploited in wealthier countries where they are imported for cheap labor in exchange for the privilege of living in the poorest neighborhoods of those host countries. What about the moral and ethical growth of humanity? What about the growth of quality of life on the planet? Capitalism makes great displays of token philanthropy to keep the poor deluded into thinking they are cared for and will be pulled along to greater prosperity. This is a cynical and self-serving method to discourage dissent and possible disruption of the raping of the planet by the few. Social justice will be achieved when capitalism is transformed into social and economic democracy. Information technology may indeed be a contributor to this evolution. However, the greatest resource for true human growth is the individual acceptance of social conscience and responsibility. This is a matter of daily practice and daily right choices.

Photography

I have taken to snapping pictures during my daily walks. I was very resistant to this idea for a long time. I have had a hard time with cameras most of my life. I am glad I have decided to play with this medium. It has become a challenge and a creative daily exercise. There is also the technological learning curve. I post the photos to my Flickr site, which is in my links section on the right of this page. Most fascinating to me is the reaction the camera, just being there in my hand, elicits from my fellow pedestrians. It evokes a shyness in some. Curiosity in others. And obvious paranoia in a few. Policemen seem especially suspicious of the camera. Interesting. In fact, they appear consistently to have a rather guilty expression, like I may catch them doing something they are not supposed to be doing. This strikes me as rather an odd reaction for guardians of the peace and of our civil freedoms. This process is changing my relationship to my environment. I cannot say exactly how, but I can feel the change in my consciousness. My practice is enhanced by doing new things, especially things I tend to resist, because I fear discomfort, embarrassment or failure.

Muscles

I was in a crawlspace today under my porch. I tried to avoid the simple chore that needed to be done because I am claustrophobic. I took it as a challenge and was able to get centered enough to attack it. The space is 24 inches high. The spiders seem to like it. In getting in and out of the crawlspace, I noticed I was using muscle groups in the center of my body which I never usually use. It was a painful realization. It made me think of a current exhibit here at the Museum of Science, which has on display flayed human bodies, preserved with plastic injections. As our cognitive skills become more central to our survival, it seems we must consciously practice at using our bodies' full potential. Facing health challenges makes this even more daunting. I am committed to using my body's potential as best as I can as part of my daily practice.