Sorry for posting so late, my internet access has been down most of the morning.
Now that the election pretty much guaranteed war (and the world in general is none too thrilled about this “America First!” stance; and unfortunately it's innocent citizens, including Americans, that will pay for that arrogance with their lives), defense stocks are way up… I don't know; I'd feel weird buying defense stocks… I couldn't do it without seeing the blood on my hands. I'm actually kind of amazed the degree to which the average person can separate themselves from the evil they take part in.
Take a look at this article on Slate about the death of the balanced budget. I've heard a few Republicans say how happy they are that now taxes will go down, but unless you're the owner of a large corporation, that's simply not accurate. Under Republican leadership, while corporate profits have gone way up, taxes for corporations have gone down by nearly a quarter in the last few years. Given that at current rates, the 2004 budget deficit is predicted to be about $590 billion, and given that corporations only chip in $144 billion in taxes annually, it's pretty clear who's going to get stuck paying that. So… congratulations to the corporations that somehow tricked Joe Sixpack into voting Republican and volunteering to pay way more taxes so big business can get more powerful.
Getting back to war, if you're still in school, prepare to be drafted into the Bush Youth. Schools don't give student lists to anyone — church, colleges, no one. However, a recent law forces schools to hand over to the military names, addresses, and phone numbers of all students for recruiting and drafting purposes. The good news is that it's “voluntary” (not that they tell you) — if you are in highschool, and you don't want to get drafted, let me strongly urge you to wander down to guidance and make sure they take your name off the list that gets submitted (you have that right).
I have enormous respect for what Israel has achieved. I am ethically opposed to a lot of what has happened, but Israel represents and incredible act of will and self-determination for the Hebrew people, and no matter what happens, it will be remembered as something remarkable. I also am aware that just as the average American abhors war, even though their nation as a whole is patently bloodthirsty, the average Israeli is moral and kind. I can't even begin to imagine what I would do if I was in that situation, and I don't think I can say I wouldn't fight ruthlessly and wish for Arab genocide in the region.
But that doesn't make it right.
I am very concerned that Israel is extending a nuclear presence into the Mediterranean Sea, especially given their repeated statements that they are willing to use these weapons. But, given that we as a planet seem to have accepted that a nation has the right to very powerful internationally roving armies (which I disagree with), I'm not sure that I can protest. However, what I have a big problem with is the re-stated threats against any US company that refuses to do business with Israel. So far $26 million in fines have been handed out to companies that won't do business with Israel for ethical reasons. Is this not a free society? Why should a private corporation — or even an individual — not be permitted to take part in a boycott?
Let's say I'm a gunsmith in the US that makes sniping rifles. If the Israeli government contacts me, and I tell them that I am taking part in a boycott of sales to them, they can report me to the US government, in which case I'd be significantly fined and risk losing my export license. Of course, you won't hear most corporations complaining given the tax cuts I've mentioned above. Look at the big picture; see who does what and why. It's not hard if you read the news regularly and actually think about the connections between stories. The world's a weird conspiratorial place where nothing is quite what it seems until you step way back. The farther back you step, the bigger a conspiracy you see; everyone's got an agenda and a game, and the pyramid scheme of conflicting manipulations does a very good job of hiding the path we're taking.
And we're definitely on a path as a planet, or at least as a species.
As Microsoft asks, “Where do you want to go today?”
If the answer is hell, you may be in luck.
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