Thinks I find along the way
Like dictators before him, Trump’s road to tyranny is paved with hate…
“I received a letter not long ago from a man who said, ‘You can go to Japan to live, but you cannot become Japanese. You can go to France to live and not become a Frenchman. You can go to live in Germany or Turkey, and you won’t become a German or a Turk.’ But then he added, ‘Anybody from any corner of the world can come to America to live and become an American.’”
Ronald Reagan
Many have noted that we are getting more tribal. But few have recognized how our instinctive need for belonging to a tribe stems from the most basic instinct of all: survival.
The article “Tribalism Overwhelms Reason Because It Keeps Us Safe” discusses the increasing tendency toward tribalism in society and attributes this behavior to our fundamental survival instincts. It highlights how the innate desire for belonging to a group, or “tribe,” is rooted in the need for safety and security. This tribal loyalty can lead to irrational behaviors and biases, overshadowing logical reasoning in decision-making processes. Ultimately, the article emphasizes the complex relationship between tribalism, safety, and the difficulties it presents in a diverse world where collaboration across groups is essential.
Go to the source to read the entire article: Tribalism Overwhelms Reason Because It Keeps Us Safe
“It’s a fundament of Buddhist belief that everyone, without exception, is inherently a Buddha. Our Buddha-nature (and certainly I include myself here) is blocked from time to time by unresolved greed, anger, or delusion—negative energies known as kleshas. Disturbing as it might be to admit, I am not so unlike our former president or political figures for whom I have difficulty feeling compassion. I am a product of the same Universe, breathed by it, my heart beats according to its laws and principles. I also have the same brain, nervous system, and sense organs as those I ridicule. It requires effort for me to perceive the Buddha in Donald Trump, but here’s a test: Can you name a president in your memory who made it more graphically clear to millions of citizens the overriding importance of honesty, character, transparency, law, and social norms than Donald Trump? He taught by negative example, but the lessons were clear and irrefutable. His occupancy of the White House was instructive…”
Coyote, Peter. Zen in the Vernacular: Things As It Is (pp. 32-33). (Function). Kindle Edition.
I think that Jimmy gets a lot of things right here…
With air traffic controllers in Newark on trauma leave, it feels as though the whole country is suffering from moral injury.
The article “Are We All Suffering From Moral Injury?” explores the widespread psychological impact termed “moral injury,” which arises when individuals feel they have violated their personal moral beliefs. It discusses how this phenomenon is not limited to military personnel but is increasingly relevant in various sectors, including healthcare and public service. The piece highlights the implications of moral injury on mental health and societal functioning, particularly in light of recent traumatic events, such as those affecting air traffic controllers in Newark. It emphasizes the need for acknowledgment and support for individuals grappling with the emotional ramifications of their moral dilemmas.
House Republicans voted to advance a bill that would offer lavish tax cuts for the rich while slashing benefits for the poor.
The heedlessness of the process is an indication of its underlying fanaticism. The members of the Republican majority are behaving not like traditional conservatives but like revolutionaries who, having seized power, believe they must smash up the old order as quickly as possible before the country recognizes what is happening.
Jonathan Chait
The article “The Largest Upward Transfer of Wealth in American History” by Jonathan Chait discusses a recent bill approved by House Republicans that proposes significant tax cuts for wealthy individuals while simultaneously reducing benefits for lower-income citizens. Chait critiques the approach taken by the Republican majority, suggesting that their actions resemble those of revolutionaries rather than traditional conservatives. He argues that this rapid reshaping of fiscal policy aims to dismantle the existing economic order before it can be fully recognized by the public, thereby signaling a drastic and potentially harmful shift in American economic policy.
Source: The Largest Upward Transfer of Wealth in American History
I do love me some Dana Carvey…
…these days I have to laugh or I’ll cry!
There are antidotes to the destructive emotions of resentment, humiliation, and fear, emotions that are the source of our current political polarization and contempt.
The article “Alternatives to Divisive Political Emotions” discusses how destructive emotions like resentment, humiliation, and fear contribute to political polarization and societal contempt. It highlights the importance of addressing these emotions through various antidotes to foster understanding and bridge divides in a politically charged environment. The piece emphasizes the potential for constructive emotions to replace negativity and lead to more productive political discussions.
When you’re the emperor Augustus, they let you do it…
In “The Roman Way to Trash a Republic,” the author discusses how Augustus, the first Roman emperor, adeptly dismantled the Roman Republic, showcasing the shift from a system of shared power to one dominated by autocratic rule. The piece examines the tactics and strategies employed by Augustus to consolidate power and ultimately reshape governance in Rome.
Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.
George Santayana
For those interested in understanding the dynamics of political change and the historical implications of Augustus’s reign, I encourage you to read the full article here. It’s a compelling exploration of how leadership can transform a polity.
Source: The Roman Way to Trash a Republic
If this is the status quo, how then do we we who aspire to mindfulness respond?
A century ago, a German sociologist explained precisely how the president thinks about the world.
Source: One Word Describes Trump
In our modern society, politics and personal beliefs often intersect, creating a complex web of ideologies and opinions. Understanding the distinctions between these two concepts can help us navigate discussions and debates more effectively.
Politics refers to the processes, actions, and policies associated with governance and decision-making within a community or society. It encompasses a wide range of activities, including the formulation of laws, the exercise of power, and the management of public resources. Political ideologies, such as liberalism, conservatism, and socialism, play a significant role in shaping how individuals and groups engage with political systems.
Continue reading “The Difference Between Politics and Personal Belief”The Bucha massacre (Ukrainian: Бучанська різанина, romanized: Buchanska rizanyna; Russian: Резня в Буче, romanized: Reznya v Buche) was the mass murder of Ukrainian civilians and prisoners of war[12] by the Russian Armed Forces during the fight for and occupation of the city of Bucha as part of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Photographic and video evidence of the massacre emerged on 1 April 2022 after Russian forces withdrew from the city.[13][14]
Source: Bucha massacre – Wikipedia
“Put moral formation at the centre of your society”
David Brooks
“Put moral formation at the centre of your society” David Brooks’ speech was challenging and thought provoking, calling for us to reassess what we think cultural renewal looks like and to reconnect to our spiritual roots.
“They constantly try to escape
T. S. Elliot
From the darkness outside and within
By dreaming of systems so perfect that no one will need to be good.
But the man that is will shadow
The man that pretends to be.”
It’s ugly, but necessary to face. Source: At Least Now We Know the Truth
My friend RJ shared this with me…
Bernice King is dedicated to the fight. In a recent Facebook post, she shared some very valuable advice as we try to navigate forward in the “45” era:
1. Don’t use his name; EVER (45 will do)
2. Remember this is a regime and he’s not acting alone;
3. Do not argue with those who support him–it doesn’t work;
4. Focus on his policies, not his orange-ness and mental state;
5. Keep your message positive; they want the country to be angry and fearful because this is the soil from which their darkest policies will grow;
6. No more helpless/hopeless talk;
7. Support artists and the arts;
8. Be careful not to spread fake news. Check it;
9. Take care of yourselves; and
10. Resist!
Source: Bernice King Shares Wise Advice For Navigating The Trump Era
For people hooked on the news, it may be time to change your routine to focus on yourself instead of the chaos of politics.
Source: For Peaceful Continuity in Political Chaos, Write a Memoir
Young adults face financial instability, disillusionment, and mental health struggles as the traditional American Dream feels out of reach, requiring new definitions of success.
The chancellor rewarded loyalty with loyalty. Until he didn’t.
Source: ‘Herr Hitler, Do You Really Believe Me Capable of Such a Dirty Trick?’
#historyisrepeatingitself
“What luck, for governments, that the people are stupid!”
Adolf Hitler
He used the constitution to shatter the constitution. Source: How Hitler Dismantled a Democracy in 53 Days
#historyisrepeatingitself
As an American citizen, I am deeply concerned about what is happening in our country right now. By design, it is my humble opinion that the current administration is doing so many things at once that it’s difficult to know what important things are happening. There are too many bright, shiny objects distracting us from the real problems. If you are of the same mind and need recommendations on some great tools, I offer these…
If you only have time to check one resource, I recommend “WTF Just Happened Today”. It’s available in multiple formats — even smart speakers like Alexa — and does a wonderful job of using technology to cut through the fluff. Their link is the source in the next paragraph…
“Your essential guide to the shock and awe in national politics. A sane, once-a-day newsletter helping normal people make sense of the news.” Source: Political News for Normal People.
I also recommend their sister website http://currentstatus.io
One more tool that is useful for determining the bias and factuality of an article is http://ground.news and on a broader scale if you want to create your own virtual newspaper or curate content for socials, I recommend the feed reader http://inoreader.com — it’s best of class!
What tools do you recommend? Comment below…
Bright, shiny objects! 
You must be logged in to post a comment.