When you run after your thoughts, you are like a dog chasing a stick: every time a stick is thrown, you run after it. Instead, be like a lion who, rather than chasing after the stick, turns to face the thrower. One only throws a stick at a lion once. Milarepa “Just as it is known t hat an image of one's face is seen d epending on a mirror b ut does not really exist as a face, s o the conception of "I" exist d ependent on mind and body, b ut like the image of a face t he "I" does not at all exist as its own reality." Nagarjuna "Thanks to impermanence, everything is possible. Nagarjuna
Some may ask why I followed a post on the 3'rd featuring JFK with a post on Independence Day featuring RWR. It is because both JFK and RWR were, regardless of political or ideological differences, inspirational, each in their own way. They were men who others were drawn to follow. A mark of leadership.
ReplyDeleteJFK and RWR both understood the necessity and value of compromise, something sorely missing in today's charged political atmosphere. Both desired inclusiveness and diversity although the road to achieve this took different paths.
Both loved this Great country of ours and wanted nothing more, or less, than for it to achieve the dream of its founders.
Looking at the GOP 2016 presumptive nominee, his actions, rhetoric, and unprincipled positions it is easy to imagine JFK and RWR working together in a bipartisan effort to insure Donald J. Trump falls to defeat in November.
Just something for conservatives and republicans to think about. Putting country, and all its people ahead of party and raw partisanship, is the right thing to do.
You hit the nail on the head RN... I was never a fan of Reagan's policies, but he did rally a significant number of our country's citizens.
ReplyDeleteBoth of these men, flawed as they were, clearly wanted to move America ahead, but did not engage in zero sum game politics.
My worry is that politics is so nasty now that only folks like our current candidates will run. Bernie's policies would have never worked today, but he stood on principle, something neither Trump or Clinton have exhibited much. Sadly for us.
My worry is that politics is so nasty now that only folks like our current candidates will run. Bernie's policies would have never worked today, but he stood on principle, something neither Trump or Clinton have exhibited much.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts as well Dave. The unfortunate results of a steadily deteriorating political environment over time and the ever growing acceptance of unprincipled and dishonest candidates. Trump is really the caricature of the very worst candidate to date.
I did not agree with Bernie and his math didn't add up, but, he is principlked and is correct on several fronts. Including his position on firearms.
Gerald Friedman, a University of Massachusetts Amherst economics professor, disagreed that Bernie's math "didn't add up". According to Friedman, under the Sanders' economic plan "median income would soar by more than $22,000, nearly 26 million jobs would be created, and the unemployment rate would fall to 3.8%". Accomplishing all this would have meant a tax increase, especially on rich folks. That is the "math" that didn't "add up" for some.
DeleteAs for RWR... he was one of our worst presidents. His math REALLY did not add up, in that he was the potus who started us down the road to uncontrollable debt. What with his tax cutting on the wealthy (supply side BS) coupled with military boondoggles (star wars). The destruction of America began with RWR. We had a chance to avert disaster by electing Sanders. Now, with HRC the choice is more limping along in the same direction or ending it (America) by electing Trump.
Have a nice summer Dervish.
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