May 16, 2012 by Michael McGuerty.

Is the daily work grind or the continual schoolwork bringing you down? Is your wanderlust inner voice telling you you’re ready for a travel vacation? Yet this year you want a different travel objective, not the typical vacation, designed around personal pleasure and leisure. This year you also feel a desire to get involved with some worthy cause, to challenge the power elite status quo and make the world a better place to live. Well, if travel and social activism are your interests, I have the 2012 travel tip solutions that will please both your traveling and social activist desires.

1. My first recommended travel destination for 2011 is Chantilly, Virginia, USA host to this year’s annual Bilderberg meeting May 31st – June 3rd. Chantilly, Virginia, at the Westfield Marriot Hotel, was the host for the 2008 Bilderberg meeting.
Chantilly, Virginia is within close proximity to Washington, D.C.; the nation’s capitol offers a unique historical, cultural experience as well as a great place to voice dissent! Fortunately too, for the budget traveler, Chantilly has a youth hostel on the outskirts of the Washington, D.C. area. Why not book your reservation now, and enjoy the beautiful Virginia countryside and Washington, D.C. cultural actvities while also vocalizing your displeasure to a passing banker, politician, or corporate CEO? Your opinions and discussions may plant the inception seed that activates a pang of conscience that will eventually lead to less harmful world policies. If you discover the overt sidewalk protests are less successful, may I suggest an alternative, stealth approach: position yourself as a well-dressed hotel patron in the lobby where the Bilderberg members are staying. Act as an unassuming gadfly, listening for telling conversations from Bilderberg meeting attendees.

Granted, such intimate access may prove to be difficult however, for the determined spirited social activist, the challenge enhances the adventure and the success sweetens the reward.

Are you ready for summer outdoor fun, a freelance journalist’s dream, and a proud sense of moral accomplishment? That’s what I experienced when I planned my fall vacation in Europe in 2000 to coincide with the scheduled IMF / World Bank meeting in Prague. A well-organized anti-globalization protest was waiting for the banking attendees, similar to the successful anti-WTO protest in Seattle, Nov. 1999, which I attended. I wanted to continue being a part of this proud movement.
I’m certain at the Washington, D.C. youth hostel, and around town, you will meet kindred spirits who are also knowledgeable of this Bilderberg meeting event (an individual global citizen or an NGO member). As I had experienced during the 1999 and 2000 protests, you will form lasting friendships with these fellow travelers/ activists.

2. To start your summer season, I recommend planning a visit to Los Cabos, Baja California, Mexico for the annual G-20 meeting, June 18-19. What fun you will have mixing summer outdoor fun with social activism. Cabo San Lucas offers scuba diving, fishing, nightlife, and so much more. Even though the rich elite will be staying at expensive resorts, there are ample inexpensive lodging options to Los Cabos, including youth hostels. You can even pitch your tent near the beach!

3. To start your fall season, I recommend a trip to Switzerland for the WTO public forum meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, September 24-26. A good central location for fine nearby skiing, autumn color hiking, and a piping hot cappuccino next to a roaring hotel fireplace as you listen in to some powerful banker’s insidious plan.

4. Continuing your fall season travels, , I recommend visiting Tokyo, Japan for the IMF / World Bank meeting, Oct 12-14.
For budget accommodations, Los Cabos, Geneva, and Tokyo all have several hostels in the city and nearby vicinities.

Last, for those planning on traveling through California, I recommend an outdoor excursion north of San Francisco. Besides marvelous vineyards, inspiring redwoods and dramatic coastline, there’s also an elite power broker retreat called Bohemian Grove nestled in the redwoods near the town of Guerneville and the Russian River.
The retreat of course has security (as I discovered many years ago) so an undercover role as a naïve hiker is a good start. While peering through the redwoods, you may find an influential

I hope you find these travel tips useful for your future 2011 travel plans. Happy travels!

Posted in society, politics, Travel | 1 Comment »

May 27, 2011 by Michael McGuerty.

Is the daily work grind or the continual schoolwork bringing you down? Is your wanderlust inner voice telling you you’re ready for a travel vacation? Yet this year you want a different travel objective, not the typical vacation, designed around personal pleasure and leisure. This year you also feel a desire to get involved with some worthy cause, to challenge the power elite status quo and make the world a better place to live. Well, if travel AND social activism are your interests, I have the 2011 travel tip solutions that will please both your traveling and social activist desires.

1. My first recommended travel destination for 2011 is beautiful St. Moritz, Switzerland, host to this year’s annual Bilderberg meeting June 9th-12th. (For information on the Bilderberg Group, please click this link to my expose article on the Council on Foreign Relations, Trilateral Commission, and the Bilderberg Group: www.pecoskid.com/my-writings/ This link is also located on right side of this web site called Pecoskid Essays - CFR ).

St. Moritz is a beautiful remote Swiss village, nestled between the majestic Swiss Alp mountains, situated along a crystalline alpine lake. Fortunately for you, the world’s most influential bankers, industrialists, and politicians enjoy arranging their conferences in beautiful, luxurious surroundings, far from the global commoners they so clearly abhor, allowing themselves unobstructed time in which to plot more world domination schemes, while sipping brandy and smoking cigars.

Fortunately too, for the budget traveler, St. Moritz has a youth hostel on the outskirts of the Swiss village. Why not book your reservations now, and enjoy this beautiful remote Swiss village’s outdoor activities while also vocalizing your displeasure to a passing banker, politician, or corporate CEO? Who knows, your opinions and discussions may plant inside a power broker’s mind the inception seed that activate a pang of conscience that leads to less harmful world policies. While in St. Moritz, if you discover overt sidewalk protests are less successful, may I suggest an alternative, stealth approach by positioning yourself as a well-dressed hotel patron inside a hotel lobby where the Bilderberg members are staying, acting as an unassuming gadfly, listening for telling conversations from Bilderberg meeting attendees.

Granted, such intimate access may prove to be difficult; however, for the determined spirited social activist, the challenge enhances the adventure and the success sweetens the reward.

Are you ready for summer outdoor fun, a freelance journalist’s dream, and a proud sense of moral accomplishment? That’s what I experienced when I planned my fall 2000 vacation in Europe to coincide with the scheduled IMF / World Bank meeting in Prague. A well organized anti-globalization protest was waiting for the banking attendees, similar to the successful anti-WTO protest in Seattle, November ‘99, which I attended, and I wanted to continue being a part of this proud movement. (For more details on my experience, please read my articles at these page links:
www.pecoskid.com/my-writings/anti-globalization-movement-essays-battle-in-seattle/
www.pecoskid.com/my-writings/prague-imfworld-bank-2000-protest/
These pages are also located on the right side of the web site under the heading Pecoskid Essays - CFR)

I’m certain at the St. Moritz youth hostel, and around town, you will meet fellow kindred spirits who are also knowledgeable of this Bilderberg meeting event (global citizen individuals and various NGO members) and, as I experienced during the Seattle ‘99 and Prague 2000 protests, form friends for life bonds with these fellow travelers / activists.

2. To start your fall season, I recommend plannign a visit to washington DC for the annual IMF / World Bank meeting, Sept. 23-25th. The United States’ nation capitol offers a unique historical, cultural experience as well as a great place to voice dissent!

3. As 2011 comes to an end, in November, why not visit the French Riviera, at Cannes, France where the year’s G-20 meeting takes place.

4. Finally, in December, I recommend a return to Switzerland for the WTO meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, December 15 - 17th. A good central location for fine nearby skiing, and a piping hot cappuccino next to a roaring fireplace as you listen in to some powerful banker’s insidious plan.

For budget accommodations, Washington DC, Cannes, and Geneva, all have several hostels in the city and nearby vicinities.

Last, for those planning on traveling through California, I recommend an outdoor excursion to Northern California, where, besides marvelous vineyards, inspiring redwoods and dramatic coastline, there’s also an elite power broker retreat called Bohemian grove, nestled in the redwoods, near the town of Guerneville and the Russian River.

The retreat of course has security ( as I discovered many years ago) so an undercover role as a naive hiker is a good start. Who knows, peering through the redwoods you may find some influencial politician or CEO performing some decadent, hedonistic ritual in a yellow chifon dress! Don’t forget to bring your camera!

I hope you find these travel tips useful for your future 2011 travel plans. You may even come across yours truly, the author. Happy travels!

While pondering your travel plans, here’s some thoughts for the day to also ponder:

Question Me An Answer - Answer Me A Question

Philosophical appetizers from Mike’s soul food kitchen

Which direction does a person set their compass when planning his journey through life?

Which deeds merit the most satisfaction, the most joy: the creation of a family, the invention of something new, the construction of something lasting, or the ability to tell stories that speak of something meaningful and true?

Do raw adventure memories and rauscous pleasure treasuries leavea more lasting sense of accomplishment than pleasant comforts and accumulation?

Sexual triumphs or finding one great love, which do you prefer? Can multiple orgasms by one or by many keep your sexual appetite secure?

Where do you set your twilight sights, alone atop a mountain once revered yet soon forgotten or immersed in a sea of friendly faces, remembered fondly after you have gone?

Does integrity pursued at evey turn yield greater wealth than a compromised wealthy return?

Do pleasing one’s parents, peers or populace bring sustainable nourishment for your soul or does nourishing the individual within provide the parts for the whole?

Is home where the roots run deep or can home be where the heart steadily beats?

Can a person at twenty know which course to set and can a man at fifty tack into the wind and alter his course before the sun sets?

Is it better to try and fail than to play safe and never have tried, to always tell the truth or the occasioanl lie, to pursue fame and fortune and potential poverty or live a modest life under the radar in total anonymity?

Should one live life to the fullest or a life fulfilled, devout to the holy or a justifiable cause, a life without restrictions, no need to pause, or a life in moderation, a happy Hotai Santa Claus?

Do we hope to be rewarded, respected, or remembered at the end of the day?

Posted in society, politics, Travel | 5 Comments »

April 5, 2011 by Michael McGuerty.

“From out of nowhere the smallest kid came. Nobody knew him, not even his name. These mean guys laughed and ripped the kid’s shirt but this little kid refused to be hurt. He stood and looked ‘em straight in the eye, daring those bullies to even come try. There was no way they could hurt his pride. If he would find his strength from inside. Something happened no one could expect. By finding courage, he’d found his respect. Stand up, stand up for yourself.”

Excerpt lyrics from the children’s song Stand Up (to Bullies) by Caroline Figiel and Danny Jones

In recent weeks the Obama Administration reiterated its position to address the serious issue of kid bullying within our schools and communities. This is a fine gesture. I’m sure when we were kids, we’ve all suffered some humiliating experience in school in which “a schoolyard bully” has taunted us; picked upon us for being small, weak, different, or smart. Often these experiences leave an emotional scar that is more difficult to heal than any physical scar. I think we can all agree that cruelty to others should be reprimanded whereas civility and common decency toward others should be praised. However, does this political gesture truly address the root source of bullying in our American society? After all, where do kids learn these harmful habits? Might there be negative influences within our adult society? Before we focus on those influences however let me first define what is meant by bullying.

Bullying is a form of abuse. It involves repeated acts that attempt to create or enforce one person’s (or group’s) power over another person (or group), thus an “imbalance of power” is established. The “imbalance of power” may be social power and/or physical power. Bullying type of behaviors are often rooted in a bully’s inability to empathize with those whom he or she would target.

Bullying consists of three basic types of abuse - emotional, verbal and physical. It typically involves subtle methods of coercion such as psychological manipulation.

Bullying ranges from simple one on one bullying to more complex bullying in which the bully may have one or more “lieutenants” who assist the primary bully in his bullying activities. This bullying technique in school and the workplace is also referred to as peer abuse.

So, what does a child learn when they observe a parent bullying a child, a spouse, or a neighbor, with impunity? What lessons are taught our children when they personally witness or hear their parents talking about certain government and/or business leaders who bully/harass their constituencies, their employees, their competitors, threatening retribution if they don’t get their way?

Bullying can occur in any context in which human beings interact with each other. That includes school, church, family, the workplace, home and neighborhoods. A 2007 WBI-Zogby survey found that nearly half of all workers (49%) have been affected by workplace bullying, either being a target themselves or having witnessed abusive behavior against a co-worker. In the majority of cases reported workplace bullying was perpetrated by management. This is often called corporate bullying where an employer abuses an employee with impunity, knowing the law is weak and the job market is soft.

Bullying is even a common instigative factor in coerced ethnic migration. Bullying can exist between social groups, social classes and even between countries, in the form of jingoism.

On an international scale, perceived or real imbalances of power between nations, in both economic systems and in treaty systems, are often cited as some of the primary causes of both World War I and World War II.

If children in school were allowed to study our true American history, they would discover that our nation has often employed a bullying style, whether through “manifest destiny” or recent neoliberal foreign policies, compelling lessor nations to do our bidding or suffer the consequences.

Today, bullying takes a world stage when America and Western European countries coerce developing countries to agree to policies set by the world institutions like the WTO, IMF and World Bank that are not in their citizens’ interest but in the international banks and multinational corporations’ financial interests.

Terrorizing is also a form of bullying for to terrorize is to coerce by using threats or violence, or to inspire with fear. Our War on Terrorism is a great distracter (as well as a great Military Industrial Complex money maker) from the true terrorists that reside within our country. Who promotes fear mongering in this country? Is it not bullying, or terrorizing, our citizenry when banking, oil and insurance corporations hold Americans hostage, employing their “lieutenants” such as Fox News and talk radio pundits, as well as bank-rolled politicians and lobbyists, to manipulate the American public through fabricated threats to national economic interest and fear mongering diatribes in order to extract more money from Americans, or get them to vote against their own common interests such as corporate abuse reform.

In truth, tyranny, intimidation and terrorism are forms of bullying and our adult society rewards this behavior. During last year’s televised political debates, did our children receive a valuable lesson in civil discourse or rather a lesson that he or she who shouts the loudest, most abusive vitriolic language toward their opponent achieves the winning edge. This certainly was the case in last year’s election in which Republican candidates emphasized fear mongering, a form of psychological manipulation bullying, over any constructive solutions to American society issues, in order to get elected.

What our society calls “successful capitalism” is often strong arm bullying tactics. Corporate press will shower accolades upon the “pillars of capitalism” CEOs who most successfuly embrace Carnegie’s philosophy Social Darwinism, or survival of the fittest, without empathy or thought given toward those harmed in their wake.

Now you may ask yourself, how does one fight back against the bully? What recourse can an individual take?

In the schoolyard, sometimes the art of self-defense, such as a solid first punch to the bully’s nose or stomach will achieve justice, successfuly silencing the bully. Other situations might require a strong person to stand tall in peaceful defiance, ultimately winning the bully’s respect and eventual acquiescence.

In the adult world, the means available for an individual to stand up against the bully may be more complex and more difficult, yet achievable.

Solely relying on legal recourse in our society as a means may prove futile. Remember, it’s OUR legal system that allows government institutions to coercively collect fees and taxes from its citizens. The only difference between federal, state, county and city agencies who utilize police agencies as bully enforcers to collect their inequitable fees and taxes, and the developing nations’ police who extort money from you directly is, in the United States its legal.

In the United States, comprehensive workplace bullying legislation has yet to be passed by the Federal Government or by any state governments, though, as of April 2009, 16 states have prepared legislation. The proposed anti-bullying bills typically allow employees to sue their employers for creating an “abusive work environment”, supported by the rationale that laws are necessary to protect public health. A strong support for these bills, putting pressure on legislators to advocate such legislation, would certainly be to the workers’ benefit. Maintaining vigilance toward continual enforcement would also be needed since even existing employee whistle-blowing laws are often halfheartedly enforced, creating vulnerability for the employee’s necessary protection from management retaliation.

Sometimes the individual alone must seek remedy. Since David challenged Goliath, our cultural myths and legends, here in the US and around the world, are often based on the many courageous individuals who have stood up against the oppressive tyrant, their tales admirably told through books and films.

Their heroic stories are legendary; Robin Hood and Joan of Arc to the lone brave sheriff who confronts the wealthy cattle rancher and his hired gunmen.

Less known yet no less brave, are these other individuals’ stories: Sid Hatfield and the Battle of Matewan in 1920 West Virginia in which Sid Hatfield stood up against the mining company and their hired police; Rosa Park’s peaceful defiance against The American South’s bully bigotry; Norma Rae’s heroic protest against her company’s poor working conditions, and Harvey Milk’s courageous peaceful defiance against San Francisco’s sexual discriminators.

Seattle’s downtown streets bore witness in November ‘99 to the anti-globalization movement where people from all walks of life gathered to peacefully protest the World Trade Organization (WTO) bullying policies known as globalization, a laudable stance that would ultimately provide the moral backbone for the developing nations delegates to stand up against their intimidating American and Western European counterparts.

And of course, we can’t forget the heroic Nerds in Revenge of the Nerds and Bluto (John Belushi’s character) in the movie Animal House who stood up against their respective bullies, the Jocks and Faber College’s Dean Werner.

Challenging tyrant’s bullying power is no easy task. In recent weeks, from the Middle East to Middle America, Egypt to Wisconsin, citizens have taken to the streets; Wisconsin where teachers have been protesting their Republican Governor’s proposal to eliminate their right to collective bargaining.
In Egypt and Tunisia, motivated by poverty, lack of jobs, the people have had enough. Their dictator’s bullying tactics, coupled with deplorable living conditions, would be tolerated no longer. The protests were widespread among the citizens and largely non-violent; gaining support from such needed allies as the dictators’ military personnel, in order to achieve a successful revolution, with little bloodshed.

During the Egyptian protest, when President Obama stated this proclamation that “peaceful protest leads to dialogue, leads to reform, and ultimately leads to democracy” was Wisconsin Governor Walker listening?

As the poster boys for avaricious audacity, the billionaires Koch Brothers (Koch Industries) seem to have a grudge against working class Americans and any “will of the people” effort to limit their corporate hubris to pollute the planet for maximum profit. They are the predominant financial muscle behind numerous Republican Party and Tea Party member’s efforts, including Wisconsin Gov. Walker, to roll back social services for the working class under the guise to reduce state budgets. The coordinated, insidious plan however is to not reduce deficits so much as to transfer savings from reduced public servant’s pay and benefits and transfer the funds to wealthy interests like the Koch Bros. in the form of industrial tax breaks and reduced tax rates. The Koch Brothers are also the puppet master influence behind the recent effort in California, Prop 23, to reverse the state’s Clean Air Act passed by the majority of Californians.

Fortunately, defiant citizenry groups such as the California student sustainability coalition, through conducting peaceful demonstrations, educating the public and getting out the vote, helped defeat Prop 23 in California last year; a non-violent, symbolic punch-to-the bully’s nose victory!

Regretfully, the Obama Administration’s gesture toward stopping bullying may be more symbolic than substantial. At the state level, states such as Florida and Georgia have in recent years passed successful anti-bullying laws to protect children in school. One can hope that with a legal recourse established a gradual deterrence and intolerance to the bullying atmosphere, from the schoolyards to cyberspace, will prevail in schools and in the minds among our future generations.

Still, what justice awaits them in adult society? What real change can occur if our societal bullying problem is not also addressed? In a country overwrought with unnecessary rules and regulations, why does workplace or corporate bullying go largely unpunished? Why does our American vernacular have ample words to describe the bully (miscreant, tyrant, tormenter, oppressor, intimidator, villian, corruptor, spoiled brat, etc.) yet no words to describe the action “getting one’s way”? Are these subtle cultural signs our current institutions protect the bully, especially at the highest levels?

Societal institutions’ authorities can also bully, creating an underlining cultural atmosphere that intimidates, subtlely and not so subtlely, the individual to conform, to obey societal demands or suffer the consequences. Who stands up for the individual who chooses his own peaceful path?

I leave you the reader with much to ponder and end this article with a song by the rock group Supertramp, a song that stands up for that individual.

THE LOGICAL SONG by Supetramp

When I was young seemed that life was so wonderful, a miracle, oh it was beautiful, magical. And all the birds in the trees, well they’d be singing so joyfully, playfully, watching me. But then they send me away to teach me how to be sensible, logical, responsible, practical.

There are times when all the world’s asleep, the questions run so deep for such a simple man. Won’t you please, please tell me what we’ve learned. I know it sounds absurd but please tell me who I am.

Now watch what you say or they’ll be calling you a radical, a liberal, fanatical, crimianl. Won’t you sign up your name, we’d like to feel you’re acceptable, respectable, presentable, a vegetable!

At night when all the world’s asleep, the questions run too deep for such a simple man. Won’t you please, please tell me what we’ve learned. I know it sounds absurd but please tell me who I am!”

Please feel free to comment on this essay by clicking ADD COMMENT / FEEDBACK section located on right-hand side of this page!

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November 7, 2008 by Michael McGuerty.

“It’s the end of the world as we know it and I feel fine.” Song verse by the band REM

A few days ago, during an idyllic Indian summer afternoon, I was relaxing in my backyard, playing my guitar, soaking up the energizing sunshine. Several beautiful migratory birds stopped by, smiled, and enjoyed a quenching sip from the fountain before continuing on their journey. Suddenly from high above a less appreciative feathery friend let loose a messy blob that nearly knocked me off my chair.

This startling display of harsh reality sent my thoughts reflecting upon the latest display of corporate executive arrogance and avaricious behavior, perpetuated by the current global financial “crisis”. I thought, you know, the world would be a much more peaceful, harmonious place if it wasn’t for those few rich, greedy, powerful CEO, CFR, secret hand-shaking Freemason, Illuminati, nudge nudge wink winking Skull and Bones world dominating thugs and thieves periodically dropping a massive load on the rest of us, messing with our lives.

The same players who brought us S&L bank failures, Latin American bank loan failures, massive Wall Street financial fraud and now the housing market fraudulent irresponsible manipulations, are once again gorging themselves at the taxpayers’ trough, demanding a bailout handout; corporate socialism at its best. This blatant arrogance would make Marie Antoinette blush.

Why, after crashing peoples’ housing prices, destroying our economy, creating unemployment, depleting many Americans’ life savings and even breaking the kids’ piggy bank, while THEY continue to live an opulent lifestyle, do we still put our trust with these guys and their rigged financial institutions?

I’m reminded of the scene in the movie Animal House where Kevin Bacon’s character, desperate to join the evil-minded fraternity, is on all-fours in his underwear getting whacked by a wooden mallet screaming “thank you sir may I have another!”

I would think a more appropriate response from people today would be to open their window and, like in the movie Network yell “I’m mad as hell and I’m not going to take it anymore!”

Where are those courageous folk who used to throw pies at the corrupt CEOs?

If these financial institution leaders’ actions have done you harm you may be tempted to contemplate a scenario where these rotten scoundrels are brought to massive public trial, justice determined by a five minute speedy deliberation followed by a good proper hanging.

Another idea could be the creation of a reality show where everyday people get to hunt CEOs, and other corrupt business executives. The average American gets to select the crooked businessman of his choosing to hunt in the wild with paintball guns, a mild form of retribution but certainly cathartic for him, or her, and an appreciative audience.

On a more optimistic note, the current global financial crisis may be evidence of the necessary breakdown in public trust toward our global and national institutions that will lead people’s belief systems to transcend to a higher level as we approach the Mayan prophesied date Dec. 22nd, 2012. Wishful thinking?

Let’s look at the tremendous success of KIVA.org, a financing organization that puts its trust in the compassion and kindness of everyday people. Here’s a micro-loan financing organization, where no profit is sought, where the default rate is practically zero, and is currently so successful that KIVA is asking loaners to be patient while they try to find more eligible loan requests for people to loan to. KIVA.org’s peoples banking system: a fine example where an individual can choose to trust in people helping people rather than our unreliable, corrupt institutional banking systems.

Of course the corporate socialism policy our government leaders have eagerly adopted doesn’t stop with financial institutions. The bailouts, preferential taxbreaks and corporate welfare continue with the auto industry, airline industry, big oil, big agribusiness, large pharmaceuticals companies, etc., rewarding bad business practices and sticking us with lower wages and higher prices at the pump, the grocery store, the hospital, and exorbitant debt.

What’s a better choice? Don’t rely on these crooks. Don’t live beyond your means and be indebted to them. Consume less, live more. Don’t allow your government and its business cronies to pick your pockets while they rummage through your luggage at the airport. Our society is entrenched in this atmosphere of distrust created by the very people who should not be trusted, and is a prevalent perverse philosophy throughout Corporate America.

Long ago, I worked for a government defense contract corporation where corporate executives instill an atmosphere of employee distrust primarily because they know they themselves can’t be trusted, as proven by their morally questionable billing practices, so they assume all people can’t be trusted. How about WalMart whose corporate ethical practices are questionable yet enforces a policy that questions your integrity as a customer by assuming you may be stealing that product you’re carrying out the door.

Our patriarchal systems and institutions say to blindly trust their authority yet as noted by acclaimed author and professor of psychology, Dr. Robert Hare, there is strong evidence that many corporate executives exhibit psychopathic behaviors. Still trust these guys?!

These high profile powerful predators prey on your weaknesses. Don’t capitulate; get strong, get smart. Explore new ideas on how to live our lives and build a better a world. Who is more trustworthy to make better decisions concerning your life than you?

Consider the approach to social/economic solutions mentioned in E.F.Schumacher’s book Small Is Beautiful - Economics As If People Mattered such as Buddhist economics. As an individual, apply Kristnamurti’s philosophy where one is encouraged to question authority. Also, educate yourself to become a citizen of the world, not a globally employable worker as promoted by our corporate influenced educational system.

Former Federal Reserve chairman Alan Greenspan’s recent apologetic admission that he had not foreseen the potential human irresponsibility and wanton greed inherent in the current financial structures may ring hollow coming from its premier architect; still, it’s a telling confirmation that their economic philosophy is a failure.

We may take encouragement from the Czech and Slovak Republic’s peaceful Velvet Revolution example in which the people just stopped listening to the failed totalitarian dogma.

This troubled period may be the necessary collapse in the failed dogma of unbridled capitalism, greed; institutions’ unchecked governance designed for the benefit of the select rich, powerful few. This is our wake up call. Rome may be burning, but the clever Phoenix is rising from the ashes.

We’re witnessing a pivotal moment in our history to rethink and reform our society; time to deconstruct our institutions, create decentralization and “small is better” solutions that better serve the people and the natural environment.

Look at the recent trend in the medical care field, thanks to new entrepreneurial companies such as House Call Doctors, where doctors are again making house calls, improving medical care while lowering costs. There’s also the innovative approach taken by Ashoka.org, an organization which financially promotes social entrepreneurs; those individuals with innovative solutions to society’s most pressing problems. Social entrepreneurs find what is not working in government and business sectors and solve the problem by changing the system, creating solutions, and persuading entire societies to join in the change.

When able, I like to test the human range of generosity within a corporation, and on a recent roadtrip to the Pacific Northwest, I was able to do just that with my morning coffee craving.
It may be McDonalds’ policy, or it may be mine, either way, I apply the free refill theory to all McDonalds’ outlets as I travel across country and without hesitancy, the employee gladly refills my coffee. While conservative and Christian radio reigns supreme over radio airwaves in America’s rural heartland sowing seeds of hate and discontent, I try to counter the corporate sponsored airwaves by initiating pleasantries and discussions with the good service industry folks you meet along the road, bringing smiles to both our faces.

Will this recent financial crisis help people recognize and understand the impermanence of market values, whether held in one’s stock portfolio, house or commodity prices, and gain greater appreciation for the true tangible values of love, friendship, good health and happiness?

Given to me as a gift by some newfound friends in Brazil, I carry in my wallet a list that contains the five principles of Reiki, Buddhism influenced principles that help me stay spiritually grounded. The five principles are: Just for today, I will give thanks for my many blessings, I will not worry, I will not be angry, I will do my work honestly, and I will be kind to my neighbor and every living thing. They help me keep life in perspective.

One may even find the occasional voice of reason within the ranks of the corporate elite. “I think that the heavens, or natural common wisdom, may be suggesting that we try to live more down-to-earth and honest lives”, says Kyocera’s Chairman Emeritus Kazuo Inamori, who is also a Zen Buddhist priest. He says profit is society’s reward for serving its interests. “In order to restore and revitalize capitalism, it is crucial that business executives regain this attitude”.

As I journeyed down the Pacific Coast, basking in the coastline’s natural beauty, my thoughts about humanity’s silly antics fading away, I was awestruck by the majestic redwood trees’ silent grandeur and the refreshing barks coming from the sealions on the ocean rocks below; Nature’s enduring symbols that supply us with a sense of spiritual clarity and humility.

And now, back home, sitting in my backyard, the sun still shining, the sky an aquamarine blue and the birds still bathing in the fountain, I think I’ll go back to playing my songs and reading my five principles.

*Please feel free to comment. Just click the ADD COMMENTS/FEEDBACK section located on the right side of this site.

Posted in society, philosophical | 5 Comments »

April 23, 2008 by Michael McGuerty.

Look closely my friend and you’ll find a quiet evolution taking place around the world. Shhh…while the lumbering, slumbering institutional giant sleeps…pass the word.

Maybe you felt a shift lately in the open dialogs you’ve been having with friends or even the passing stranger on the street. You may know someone who has dropped out of the rat race and started their own organic farm, obtained a license to practice Chinese medicine, or are striving toward self-sufficiency, disconnecting themselves from the institutional electrical grid by reconfiguring their house for solar power.

As a consumer you or your friends may be making purchasing decisions based on a criteria of whether a product is eco-friendly or has a fair trade practice seal of approval. You’ve even begun shopping at the new coop grocery store in your neighborhood rather than the national grocery chain.

Unlike a revolutionary movement, which utilizes charismatic leaders to motivate large populations, this evolutionary movement is individually motivated, driven by private personal choices that are having a subtle yet profound impact upon our societal structures.

The paths these courageous souls have chosen to achieve these goals vary yet their travels take them in the same direction: seeking quality of life improvements for themselves and others. Individuals are taking matters into their own hands.

These goals may sound basic yet the social dynamics necessary for successful implementation is radically different from today’s patriarchal dogma our societal institutions thrust upon us. Frustration has reached an apex for those who trusted their institutional leaders to represent their interests. Let’s face it…. the military industrial complex collusion fix is in and we’ve been abandoned, left out in the cold.

What’s the solution? Each of us consciously involved in this evolution is reaching a similar conclusion: that we don’t need our paternalistic societal institutions to govern our lives. It’s a concept our Founding Fathers wholeheartedly endorsed. It’s time to reassert our inalienable right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We, both individually, and as a collective extended global family, are saying in our actions that we can take care of ourselves very well, thank you very much!

In the pursuit of improved quality of life conditions, this growing segment of the population is downsizing their personal consumption habits as well as discovering a greater personal understanding of how their lives are interconnected with all other living things on this planet; how their lifestyles affect environmental and cultural balances. They’re nurturing themselves physically through better nutrition and increased exercise, and improving themselves mentally by exploring other philosophical or spiritual concepts such as those found in Buddhism or Taoism.
They’re becoming in tune to the harmonic hum.

These evolutionary changes are mainly occurring in the more affluent countries in North America and Europe as well as former British Commonwealth nations, primarily because the citizens in these countries are, in respect to mankind’s history, in an unprecedented sociological position. Since the Industrial Revolution these societies have advanced to a quality of life level where for most of us, our basic needs are basically covered, to such a level where we now have the luxury of choosing to live with less, finding less can mean more. We can choose to forsake the larger house, the bigger car, the insatiable unfulfillable appetite for more stuff, known as consumerism, and instead pursue more noble endeavors that provide us a greater sense of freedom, personal pride, and purpose in our lives.

We can start our own evolution with a simple smile to a stranger.

Lately I’ve been observing more people making the effort to engage in conversations with strangers, conversations which pertain to important real life issues. Through these healthy exchanges they’re becoming less afraid, less susceptible to peer pressure ridicule as they find solace in others who share their opinions and instinctive feelings; individuals willing to opening their eyes to the Truth.

A key benefit to strengthening ourselves as individuals is in the process by which we become less dependent on our government to solve our problems; less dependent on our church representative to help us discover our spiritual being.
People are redefining their own level of success and happiness rather than succumbing to the pressures societal dictates create.

This personal evolutionary process requires a considerable amount of effort to undo the multiple layers of misinformation we’ve been taught, however, the benefits and personal satisfaction achieved by such a personal spiritual journey far outweighs any discomforts.

One example is my buddy Ed. As a technical creator of commercials for corporate interests, Ed was amply rewarded monetarily. However, he felt a lack of personal fulfillment in his work, even a sense of guilt. Ed quit his lucrative job and found a financially more modest, yet personally more satisfying, position creating commercials for non profit organizations and third party integrity-oriented politicians. True, he had to modify his lifestyle expenditures. However, he discovered he could still live quite comfortably. He’s also much happier.

A large contributing component to this evolution is the increasing signs of altruistic behavior and a willingness to circumvent the system. Expanding upon the original altruistic concept of the Peace Corp., many new non-profit organizations are facilitating volunteer programs such as Doctors Without Borders, a program where doctors voluntarily contribute their time and skills to help those in need who otherwise would have no access or money for healthcare.

Other NGOs (Non Governmental Organizations) may focus their attention on programs in developing countries such as Ecuador, programs that are designed for volunteer participation, working with environmental protection, child care and education issues.

Most of the inspirational young people I’ve met who have partaken in these programs actually spend their own money to participate in these programs.

Another altruistic example is the countless individuals who provide truthful free information on the Internet. I’m sure the powers that be didn’t expect the Internet to be used in this manner.

There are increasing examples of today’s new entrepreneurs applying humane approaches to the business model, such as profit without greed and the creation of sustainable living communities.

Many are successfully learning how to circumvent their government and big business obstacles in order to get these good deeds accomplished. Of course, a little help from other like-minded kindred spirits certainly doesn’t hurt.

Primarily for those in developing countries, where the institutional obstacles for an individual can be insurmountable, an organization named Kiva.org offers such help, utilizing a process known as micro-financing which bypasses the inequitable and painfully frustrating financial loan procedure that large banks require, by allowing individuals to loan these requested funds directly to these people in other countries; people helping people. Unsurprisingly, the loan default rate is zero percent.

And, to help assist folks overcome the financial burden of periodical advertising costs, a San Francisco couple started a web site called Craigslist.org, a free service for people to advertise their property; no fee, only a promise to act courteously and not abuse the service.

A thoughtful supplier of course needs a thoughtful demander or consumer which is where individuals collectively thinking green, thinking organic, successfully fits into this equation. As consumers, we can apply the pressure on corporations and governments to convert their actions to meet our interests, or they’re out of business.

Naturally, soon after I had the idea for this essay, an exception to my original premise materialized, proving once again one should never say never. A nationally televised morning show broadcast a report on a truly evolutionary group. The group identifies themselves as Vidracco, a unique community who under the guidance of their founder Falco created the temple of Humankind some thirty years ago under the shadow of the Dolomites in northern Italy. Quietly, unobtrusively, this self-sufficient community defies conventional societal edicts. The placement of their temple thirty feet underground probably helped, a temple that appeared to be solely dedicated to love, art and all that is beautiful in the world.
Above ground are eco-friendly living quarters and surrounding country grounds, a community where human kindness, music, art and communing with nature is taught and promoted.

The gentleman named Falco was formerly an insurance broker, an obvious evolutionary vocational and personal transformation for him. I say this from experience, having been a former financial analyst for a defense contract corporation.

My naturally questioning, somewhat skeptical mind thinks perhaps corporate minds only authorized this televised coverage because they concluded this community would be considered too unique, too different for others to replicate, much less challenge the existing societal norm that institutions vigorously promote.

So, like I said, while the institutional giant sleeps, pass the word, for the real evolution is coming….

*(Obviously there is much more coverage that can be given to this subject. This article will serve as a general introduction to this fascinating topic with future installments addressing different aspects of this evolution in greater detail.)

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