THE NEW SLAVES

When reason and common sense are subservient to special interests along with over intellectualizing problems and issues, chaos takes root. The deeper a culture goes into denial, lacking the courage needed to address serious problems and allowing these problems to become more deeply rooted all the  while fogging the way toward a sensible approach obviously inhibits growth toward evolved development. Reason, logic and accountability give way to the devolution of a society which is eventually lost in chaos. Morality and virtue are hard to restore when lost.

Our country was established through a logical thought process, guided by the insights of John Locke, de Montesquoiu and early Greek wisdom. Our founders were all students of this wisdom and their attempt was to apply it.  Somehow they came across the concept of Natural Law. This became the basis and foundation for our Declaration of Independence and Constitution that promoted the ideals of the pursuit of liberty and happiness. Its thoughtful and classicly liberal beginnings also left open opportunities for critique and reflection. The founders held deep regard for liberty and individuality and a contempt for tyranny. America has been a process. Tyranny can show up with many disguises and before it is recognized for the evil it is, it can find an acceptable foothold in a culture. One of the many disguises is socialism. Those proposing to "share the wealth" will keep the power and booty for themselves while deceiving generations of the people until finally, the weak structure collapses into revolution, war, or just keeps the misery going for more generations. Cuba and Russia are recent examples. The tyranny of communism found a place in China and totalitarianism is alive and well in North Korea.

So we luckily came upon the best and most natural form of an evolved and progressive society, a republic which honors the natural state of human striving; liberty and prosperity. We may still be heading in the direction of the promise of liberty and prosperity for all with a serious backward trend now expressing itself. Democracy is a process, and must be participated in thoughtfully and respectfully by a majority of the population for the purpose of preserving the democratic principles beyond individual self interest in order for the democratic republic to properly function.

In a family, friendship, or any relationship a part of the self is given up in order to uphold the higher "relationship" therefore benefiting firstly the relationship and then the interests of the self as the relationship evolves to understand the value of the higher ideal.

Our higher ideal though has increasingly become the slave to our the twisting and churning of words and battles of words. Leaders and followers have taken sides on idealism losing sight of the ideal. Common sense, not particularly common or ubiquitous has all but drowned in intellectual jargon and false or distorted ideals. We are divided and many have shut down holding on to "their side" wanting to win for the sake of winning, for the sake of ego. Listening to another view has given way to battle of the wills and in the process all the weeds and demons are strangling the wisdom that is the only saving grace toward a remedy.

Relationships collapse through ego and self interest. Some relationships are not meant to last, but the people's relationship to a governing body that is serving the people that create it, must be preserved, must sustain itself only because this is the end of the line. There is no better form of government than that which preserves and honors the limits and separation of its own power, liberty, prosperity and individual rights for all its citizens. So we have no choice but to find a way to honor the "relationship" putting aside the more self serving interests that are plaguing society today.

As Socialist/Marxist values take hold with the usual disguise, "helping those less fortunate", a free and truly prosperous nation will diminish with a return only possible from a populace that truly "dreams" again for the blessings of liberty.  As government becomes the central planner with many dug in for years in self service and often no longer holding a pretense of serving the people, citizens have become worshipers and are fearful of the behemoth that has grown despite the foundation of a beauty document, the Constitution of the United States of America conceived to prevent such tyranny.

Government has promised that their policies will create a robust economy, yet how can they do this when government creates nothing and is made up more increasingly of crafty campaigners supported by huge donations for special interests.  Many government "leaders" have been drenched in politics their whole lives and have never produced or worked very long in the private sector and are increasingly out of touch with real working people who pay taxes to support them, their marvelously cushy benefits and those loyal supporters they bring on board with them.  Government workers aren't likely to leave as the benefits have become quite abundant and addicting and as of late attitudes paired with a heavy dose of arrogance and secrecy to secure their positions and benefits are prevalent.  Stonewalling and cover-ups are increasingly the norm.

Our founders knew the importance of a free press and that too is sinking into oblivion with so many so called journalists who are steeped in ideology and propagandized support for the government they are supposed to be challenging. Instead of light and true information ignorance and darkness are the result.  Many in the press seem to be equipped only with journalism degrees and don't seem to be able to analyze or dig for information or remain on their toes when being stonewalled by those programmed to "handle" inquiry. This is a profession of the curious, but curiosity seems to be a desert in our current media.  The all too complicit relationship between press and politician has advanced to a frightening degree with the way President Obama is coddled and left to his own devices without scrutiny. He tell the media what to think and they report it without question.  Many, if not a too large percentage of citizens are contented with what a lazy press delivers never questioning or making the connection between promises broken and lack of personal and national progression.  It was not too long ago when the American press and US citizens were eager to call out the tyranny of Soviet Union and their state sponsored media and their expected propaganda.  Oh we were so superior then and what a difference a few generations make!

Some of our politicians are attempting to create a society of ease and entitlement based on a vague notion of "equality".  The concept is named but not properly defined, this new "equality".  When the founders spoke of equality, they defined it as equaity ofl opportunity but no guarantee of equal outcome as we are not born of equal talent, but must be free to express and advance our particular talents to our own choosing.  This is true Liberty, and the goal of the founders.  The new politicians are less interested in honoring success than making excuses for those who fumble into problems and pain making them believe that it is not their fault and they are being taken advantage of by the successful.  For the lazy mind, this is a perfect out and more and more are taking it.  Politicians again take advantage by creating programs paid for by the workers to "help" those disadvantaged persons to advance.  Lyndon Johnson created the "war on poverty" over fifty years ago and poverty obviously won.  In his book "Intellectuals and Society" Thomas Sowell makes the point that these central planners continue to create more and more costly programs without reviewing the results, then repeat the process with the same sorry result.

     One of the great mistakes is to judge programs by their intentions and not by their results. 
          ~Milton Friedman

Natural Law teaches that human beings are successful by their own initiative.  Giving a helping hand is quite different than the destructive coddling and excuse pandering that is destroying so many lives.  But there is a purpose to the madness that may have begun as a sincere experiment.  It provided support and votes to perpetrate the myth and keep the central planners in power and riches.  Those paying attention and paying the bill are waking up to the edidentual destruction of a free and prosperous society.

As government grows and becomes a limitless, it needs constant cash support. It spends without limits.  Its not their money earned and the debt will be passed on to subsequent generations who cannot punish those with protections or have gone to the grave. As government grows the un-elected bureaucracy grows with it  and they need something to do; the result more laws and regulations strangling the innovators and new business creators.  So as these forces overtake the way business is done in the formerly free enterprise experiment, we have factions arguing for more Marxist solutions and others arguing for the former laissez-faire policies that were the foundation of growth as well as those who support large corporations to the detriment of fairness creating too cozy relationships with policy makers and special interests.  Marxist solutions were a European response to the problems created over centuries of evolution of governing.  Kings, emperors, tyrants, wars, peasant culture were never a big part of the American experiment.  We were a new opportunity, making our own mistakes and determined to correct them.  Though with some errors in growth such as slavery, some will never be satisfied with any progression.

So over the relatively few generations of the birth of this new nation, we have reverted, lost much of what some knew and understood to be a well thought out blueprint for a civil, prosperous and free society.  A society conceived by minds more brilliant and thoughtfully guided by enlightenment philosophy is dismissed by those who have not been educated enough or as Benjamin Franklin with John Adams and the founders described it, a constitutional republic conceived for a moral and virtuous people.  Could it be that by not honoring the qualities of virtue and morality we have given up our natural freedom and are slowly but surely becoming the new slaves.  Those who are wage slaves support those increasing numbers who are contented with less than mediocrity and innovators burdened by regulation are slaves to that monster. Corporate fat cats will stay that way as long as they support and don't disrupt their cozy government relationships.  All the while the central planners are secure in their power as they have illegally diminished ours.  A task many supported and still support out of ignorance of the fact that our government was conceived by the people and for the people.

WHAT I REMEMBER

As time goes by, more quickly each year, I find myself looking back and comparing the new years to the old.

I remember safety and security, a mile walk to a birthday party when I was 7 years old, wearing my one party dress for such occasions and carrying a small wrapped gift worth only a few dollars.  The walk back was the same plus a sugar rush from ice cream, cake and soda; less a gift under my arm.

I remember simplicity: just party games, expected sweets, a paper table cloth, paper cups and children that at 7 years old were expected to behave.  No pizza or jumping houses.. or parents aside from those of the birthday girl.  We had fun.

I remember my parents who talked about the depression from time to time, never the war.  My father who fought in the war, returned, married my mother had five kids and moved on.  I remember my mother telling of her mother who came through Ellis Island expecting some glorious city with streets clean and golden who ended up in tears on the strange, new, filthy streets of New York.  She moved on too and found a position in elegant Beverly Farms as a maid and later found my grandfather, a butler for the same family.  They moved on; he became a carpenter and created a nice life for their three children, my mother being the youngest.
My father had a different story.  He was one of eight whose mother died when he was twelve.  His father, a fisherman was "always out to sea" as he put it and married a woman to look after his children.  She had children of her own and resented those of her new absent husband.  He told the story, but that was it.  My father insisted on good shoes for his children as he didn't have the luxury of his own shoes, just hand me downs with holes.

I remember the shopping trip to Hanlon's, a store known for only well made shoes with my father and two of my sisters.  They were ugly shoes to me, like something Buster Brown would wear.  I faked to my father that they were too heavy and had trouble walking with my skinny legs.  My sisters were OK with them and tried them on again when we got home.  The shoes had smooth leather souls and my sisters slid across the living room rug enjoying their temporary new game that I could only watch with a brief, mild envy.  I remember some time later on my birthday, my father brought home a pair of pretty red buckle shoes that I thought were too young looking for me being in the last year of grammar school.  I faked again that I loved them and hid the buckle underneath my foot to make them look like what the "big girls" wore when I went to school.

I remember walking to friends houses and calling out for them..Hi O Betty!  Never rang a bell, almost always played outdoors, winter, spring, summer, fall.   There were neighborhood baseball games led by the fathers when the warm weather started.  I walked often to the store with my father so I could have him all to myself.  He used to buy me rainbow ice cream cones and told me "not to tell the other kids", my siblings.  He knew the lady who owned the store and they knew him and greeted him by his first name.

When I got older, my mother used to send me to the small grocery nearby.  It was a treat to go by myself and hope for some left over change for a treat.  She would call the store and find out the exact amount, I think, because there was never any change.  My parents had a thing about sweets and our teeth.

On Friday nights in front of the TV, we all got to choose a candy bar from a variety pack.  My older sister always got the "Payday".  I always wanted "Jr Mints" or  "Milk Duds" so they would last longer.  Everybody was pleased with their choice.  There was never any more candy in the house except for Halloween and that was rationed well into the new year.  No soda, except for birthday parties, though the cabinet was always filled with boxes of cookies for our lunches at school.  We all had cavities and no dental insurance included with my father's Fireman's benefits.  Teeth were another big issue with my parents; it was the cookies that did us in as my parents did not think them as harmful as candy and soda.

We walked to elementary school with lunch boxes like all the other kids.  Nobody would ever have expected the schools to provide lunch, never mind breakfast.  When we arrived home after school, we played outside...jump-rope, bike-riding without a helmet, hide and seek, dolls and carriages.  We even played school teaching the smaller kids and sometimes my older cousins with their friends would teach us.

I remember tradition.  For Easter, we all had new clothes from socks to underwear, dresses, shoes and hats!  We arrived at Mass dressed up like most everyone else, piling out of the car and walking to church together.  Fourth of July was always about the fireworks at night.  Off to the pond, easy parking though with big crowds.  Earlier in the day the local parks gave out free hoodsy ice cream cups and big lolly pops.  The girls decorated their doll carriages and the boys decorated their bikes.  The best one got a prize.  Summers were beach memories.  Driving with my parents, the radio on and the windows open, nobody talked much, traffic was always light and the beach was an easy park.  Picnic baskets full, we usually stayed past sunset and the smaller kids slept on the way home.  Drive-in nights piled us all in the car once again with sacks of potato chips and juice.  We never went to the refreshment stand...too expensive...but we always begged anyway.
Back to school was about a shopping trip down town.  New clothes for all and big fatigue for all by the time we were back home by public transportation.  We sometimes had lunch "in town" but not always.  A definite treat.

Halloween came around and we wore home made costumes.  The neighborhood was filled with kids dressed as well in crude or creative costumes and we all advised each other which houses were giving out whole candy bars.  All doors were open with lights on, storm doors already put in for cool fall nights and winter on the way.  We would be out without chaperon from about 5:30-8:30 traveling to adjacent neighborhoods and moving quickly.  Thanksgiving was traditional with turkey always and we all dressed for dinner.  My mother always cooked with no help.  She did this well into her 70's.  She was a true traditionalist as was my father.  Christmas started soon after Thanksgiving, never before.  School plays and parties with music, shopping, pageants at the church with free candy canes. Picking out a tree was my father's assignment and I was more than happy to go along.  Each family member made a tradition of critiquing it.  Christmas Eve was always pure magic; the tree lights on and stockings obit the fireplace filled with small treats, mostly fruit.  Chocolates were handed out later in the day.  My older sister made it a habit of waking me up on Christmas Eve to get a spy in on my parents working on transferring the presents hidden in closets and attics to underneath the Christmas tree.  I liked surprises, but could not resist.  When my parents got too quiet, we knew they were on to our caper and we sneaked back into bed.

These memories warm me and overwhelm me with gratitude for parents who created for us a safe, fun, structured environment surrounded with love. The love required the expectation that we would all do the right things which mostly we did.  Whatever this changing world holds for the future, these special and abundant memories cannot be taken away. 

THE EVOLUTION OF DECEPTION

Its in our DNA to above all to survive. Our presence proves it.  Deception and clever behavior can outwit opponents to win the prize.

In Nature, the higher life forms learn the ways of those they prey on to assure a meal and secure another day either to enjoy or to pass on their genes.  The latter is the ultimate goal in evolution.  Within species,  the same game is played. The stronger, smarter, more clever or just the lucky ones will get to mate and carry on in their offspring.

The nature of human beings plays out the same way.  Though we have learned to be civilized in certain circumstances the game is the same. Play to win.

As the human brain evolved and we became more self aware; we learned,we pondered.  We spoke about morality and created religions.  And religions may also be a way to circle the wagons and survive as much as to live a moral code.

If the moral code was really the goal of religion, this morality would be the true expression of the world we live in.  The moral code itself is evolving.  If peace and cooperation insure survival, then eventually these modes of living will dominate human culture and we will have evolved into that survival mode of living.

In our world now, different cultures have evolved and want to survive and some to dominate. They must feel or have been told that there is not enough to go around and they must fight for their share.
This must be a learned behavior, this fear.  As humans were evolving and creating tribes, the need to survive depended upon food, shelter and surviving the animals that thought of them as dinner.

As they moved around the planet and encountered other tribes, what was their thought?  They had no idea the size of the planet, so the unknown may have initially created a fear, a fight or flight response to escape or confront a perceived enemy ready to kill or compete for food and females.  Evolution tells us that both scenarios are part of the picture leading to the current state of humanity.  The game is still being played the same way.  Fight, run, win, lose, pass on your DNA all with the cooperation of the subconscious, but guided by particular cultural norms that evolve within societies to assure a civilized peace.  Nature as it is today exists mostly in a state of peace. Natural history reveals that creation itself was not an easy task and that the birth of the universe was about a big bang bringing the elements together in some great mysterious way.

And so it all began.  In about four billion years the sun, our generous star will collapse and with it the whole solar connection including our earth.  Existence here can only hope to be a memory in the great infinity.  So maybe its like this. We have a bit of  time and a few billion years could offer the human species a way to get a few things "more" right and in order for the purpose of the peace we all crave and talk about, but increasingly eludes us as resources seemingly become more scarce and the planet more crowded.

If humanity as a whole would come together for the purpose of survival in peace, information would be shared and cooperation and compromise could create a paradise on earth.  That is the ideal of religion as each of our prominent religions promotes peace as its core.  Shared evolved knowledge and the reality of a generous planet supporting all life could conceivably allow this condition of conscious evolution toward sustainable and abundant living for all.

But that is not likely to occur.  Though knowledge of nature and natural history is growing exponentially, it is not often received as truth and beliefs are the code by which many in the human culture live.

As the planet is becoming more crowded, Nature is telling us her story of balance.  She is the boss and we must cooperate with her laws.  She knows more and she always wins.  We think we can deceive and out wit other humans for survival, but nature is the real decider.  Those who understand will have the advantage and can attempt to share the knowledge.  Those who choose to live in darkness and belief cannot be dragged into the light.  The survival gene is always turned on and the smart, clever and lucky ones will continue to do what they do to survive.

Recently we watched a presidential campaign unfold.  The one most clever, deceptive and lucky survived and won the prize.  This is evolution in action.  This prize is the opportunity to spread the winner's particular narrative for a limited period of time.  But nature will have the last word.  Change is the only constant.  Built into natural law is a truth that survives the deception.  If a fox raids the hen house, he has the prize of a few good meals, but the more evolved and smarter farmer will eventually eliminate him.  Truth stands clear on this with eons of evidence.

If we experiment with something and it does not work, we learn.  The lesson of natural law tells us that we will keep getting the lesson until we learn it.  We know deception works for short term survival, but we must also evolve consciously for our own selfish reasons of peace, prosperity and contentment.  And we can never settle in for a good nights rest thinking that we no longer have the struggle for survival and knowledge.  Knowledge is survival.

Humans came upon a truth that nature always knew.  There is a food chain and survival is a struggle. But unlike the fox in the hen house,  just take what you need for the time or the next meal may not be coming.  This is the balance built into nature. So deception to has its "natural" death.

The winner of the recent election was able to deceive his followers in order to secure his "meal".   In human evolution this is called ego.  In nature, enterprise and luck tend to insure that the stronger genes pass on and continue to compete in the next generation for survival.  Dinosaurs were deceptive and lucky for a time, but the evolving planet favored mammals and dinosaur luck ran out, no matter their size or fierce aggression.  Their brain was still reptilian with an act~react composition.  Mammals were evolving to respond to situations for attaining survival in changing world.  There are different theories as to why dinosaurs disappeared, but science now reveals that their genetic material is found in birds, so adaptation favored a unique species connected to the reptilian brain.

Deep in their DNA, humans know that survival requires work, intelligence and self sufficiency. Any person alive today has this knowledge secured deep in the genes. Belief and refusal to own their own knowledge fostered self deception.  For a period of time mothers take care of their babies, but then it is up to them to care of themselves or perish.  We can see a planet in flux with storms, earthquakes, tornadoes, drought, firestorms all in play with climate change.  Many have and will perish but greater chances for survival will rest with the same ability to know the game and deceive the prey.  As resources become scarcer with deception and growing planet population fear and chaos will continue to shape evolution.  Those deceived into thinking that central planning and not their own enterprise  could deliver their survival, will inevitably be gravely disappointed .  Again survival requires cooperation and intelligence for the long term.   Females have always been the keeper of evolution, choosing the more attractive and strong over the weak and inept,  hence assuring a stronger species moving forward.  So deceiving females into thinking that central planning will assure their health and future prosperity insults the known DNA within each mature woman.  Collective thinking will serve to deceive and the central planner will control the prey without their knowledge.

History tells us that the winner controls the narrative.  The winner has no real use for the support team other than to secure his position.  The ego will continue the deception including the deceiver himself.  History also tells us that the deceiver can hold the winner position for generations.  Nature will eventually decide again on a change.  Humans love to think of themselves as altruistic, but this is a rare quality.  Become a sage renouncing all material excess and one will likely be supported by those who love the world more, but support the ideal. Or become an altruistic "freedom fighter" for those who are not willing and an early death may be likely.  The first freedom fighters in the American Revolution were the brave,  but opposed by the majority.  Many more joined in likely because it became apparent that this choice was between and ideal that they began to accept so that turning backward to the known was no longer viable.  The world as we know it can only be changed by ideas, not by deceivers.  History knows periods of ideas, Renaissance, American Revolution, World War 2, that change the direction and become the story or narrative.  The periods of failure become a footnote, Marxism, Naziism, Berlin wall in recent history because society is not moved forward and eventually rejects the deceptive story that brought no real benefit or insight.  The contributions of the Roman Empire, the culture of ancient Egypt, early Greek philosophy and the great Dynasties of China are remembered, revered and recorded for generations because of the value embedded in the human experience those contributions made.

So though deception is the tool of evolution, deception itself does not survive the story which is the product that lives to tell the tale.  So if the deceiver as in a Hitler has no lasting product to deliver, there will be no evolution.  If the deceiver like the Royalty of England produces a product say chivalry and decorum those elements will move society forward and survive.

Civilization tends to go to hell and back, but the "back" is what survives, not the hell.  Could humanity come to a place where altruism could be the ultimate selfish act as the planet warms and fills with other humans?   Could we deceive ourselves from eons of selfish evolution into thinking that altruism could ultimately be the final product, and lasting product of the last deception.

At that utopian level, there will be nobody needed to relate the narrative.  The ultimate story of evolution would be told.   As we know the planet is finite. Could we see it to its end in balance or will the ego of deception take us all to an early end?

Either way, that story will never be written.

FOUNDING FATHERS' INSIGHT: Natural Law in the Declaration of Independence

Three centuries ago humankind embarked on the greatest evolution of consciousness and civic direction yet to be realized. Respect for the individual. Respect for that which is contained in eons of physical evolution and survival. Imagining an opportunity for freedom and dignity, a few smart Englishmen, our early American fathers presented a case for self determination. Blood was shed and suffering ensued, but in the end a nation, moving forward in imperfection, was forged to allow the flourishing of potential by any human willing to take on the challenge.

Democracy lives here imperfectly, but has produced brilliant children. IF we should stay close to the guiding light of words penned by Thomas Jefferson, we will succeed in moving towards a better democracy for all who can really conceive of it.  To conceive properly, the foundation of the document of the constitution must be understood and the republic for which it stands must understand its profound beauty in that it honors individual rights, liberty and justice for all and the insight of separation of powers.

Our American Declaration of Independence of 1776 states in the first paragraph that the course of events impels this nation to separate from "Political Bands" and "to assume among the Powers of the Earth, the separate and equal Station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them a decent Respect to the Opinions of Mankind..." Re-appreciating and studying closely the tremendous POWER of these words, the decision is made to adopt the finer and higher road that "Nature's God" has determined for mankind from the very beginning; from the Source to which Jefferson refers taking us on a journey back to our original birthright. He capitalizes the key words realizing the core of the Truths in his words. The Laws of Nature entitle Respect to the Opinions of Mankind. In other words the Laws of Nature govern the ascent of Mankind, not the laws of man. And he is stating here that the laws of man now to be determined by the new nation will be in Honor of the deeper Laws of Nature from which man derives all he has and not from a prescribed set of rules determined by a tyrant for his own purpose.

This beacon and example of Nature is the original oracle by which we are led. We forget this more often than we can remember or even know, but the words in this Declaration have forged themselves in American identity and guidance for as long as the Nation survives. And this Nation will survive if it stays true to the great DNA from which we have evolved. We are Entitled to our individualism and self determination. The drama played daily as the American Experience is proof in action to Jefferson's words connecting the undeniable Laws of Nature.

The second paragraph reinforces the first with the logical conclusion that "All men are created equal and endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness." Created equal for the entitlements above stated and implied with the word "among" that Nature/Creator has bestowed other rights to be accorded to human being, leaving open the exploration of Democracy. The Declaration goes on to describe a government that is build on these concepts derived through "Nature's God". They are not referring here to any religion, but to the Source connecting all.

From these wise words we can be truly inspired and freely guided to deeply understand the Laws of Nature. Studying the Natural world we can see the process and beauty of survival and that Nature is kind and giving but has rules. Learning about the Natural world we free ourselves to progress using correct language and insight to Know on a deeper level what Source is telling us. We have no other source as we cannot trust the interpretation of a few who contrive words and deeds and color them for an ego-centric purpose.

So as the Declaration honors the INDIVIDUAL, each of us has the responsibility in the study and learning process to the highest level in order to form this "more perfect union". The POWER here is given to the INDIVIDUAL. When the individual steps up to their greater responsibility, the leadership will be decided and determined upon greater expectation and the leader will lead following the elevated demands of an educated population.

It is very important to remember and understand that "created equal" means in opportunity and assurance for the "'Pursuit of Happiness". Our constitution guarantees liberty and the right to become the best person we choose to be. We come into the world with varying qualities of financial opportunity, health, intelligence, beauty and so on. We are entitled only to Life, Liberty, working toward our own Happiness, and Respect according to the specifics described in our Declaration.

As we as individuals pursue real knowledge and uncover the Example in the Natural Creation, more ancient than man and much wiser and successful, we will create a more cohesive, sustainable, useful and livable world. We can get there if we honor these principals and use our minds and bodies in useful and generous ways. The ego has its place, but unity with the guidance of the Natural World will bring us towards understanding that we live inside a Miracle and we are the biggest part of it.

The Founding Fathers understood our need to honor something greater than ourselves and to work toward understanding that. The Laws of Nature, of Creation are at the core of our connection to survival and they validate our pursuit of Excellence. The American Nation was founded on these principals and it is now up to each individual to understand this Truth on a deeper level and get moving in the direction that is beckoning us to where we all really want to go. Being a part of the great Soul of Creation, it is in our DNA to work to really Know this.

The words of Jefferson were well thought out and reflected the thoughts of the leaders of the time or the Declaration would not have been ratified. Ancient wisdom has guided mankind for thousands of years, but before the conception of America, had never really been put into practice. With the insight of these remarkable words and guidelines, and dedication from a critical mass of American citizens, we can rediscover the deeper meaning and become aware again of the prose and its deep connection to Natural Law. Shared responsibility begins to have a beautiful tone when married to the study of Natural Law and the words of the Declaration. Those who become successful have a great opportunity to teach and those who need to learn have the opportunity always to do so, even if on their own. Entitlement is not found in Nature and those who construe to assist persons in need must do so within the general guidelines of the Declaration and Natural Law. Charity also does not exist in Nature, but with mankind as the greatest creation the concept of charity was conceived and is our best remedy for assisting those in need to help themselves back into thriving. Human populations will always have those dependent on society, but when we make it easy for dependence on society rather than self, Natural Law is obviously violated. Security is not a part of Natural Law, yet we are entitled to defend our liberties against tyranny. In fear of losing liberty, we must guard against building an over sized military rather than building security through inner strength and be an example of this to other nations.

Our America has grown in the centuries since its conception due to the solid foundation on which it was build, but it has gone astray with complex solutions to problems that require more simple common sense attention. The key to our success will come from what is True in our being. We have our guiding lights and we have only to understand the connection that was understood at the founding of the great nation we live in. The human mind can extrapolate from simple wisdom readily available to keep creating the world imagined by those early leaders. America is still attracting people desiring freedom, individualism, and self determination. The American ideal

is a birth right blessed by a Knowing nation and guaranteed by the Laws of Nature.

UNDERSTANDING THE FEMININE

The feminine/masculine energies are expressions of the Natural world. In Nature that balance is constantly achieving itself. If the feminine energy can be described as nurture, quiet, growth and transformation and the masculine as deliverance, provision, action, and accounting then we can, as earlier cultures did, assign the earth as the feminine and the sun as masculine.

Looking at it with this physical form and example, it is an easier concept to begin to understand rather than using a man/woman example as both embody these masculine/feminine energies in varying proportions. As winter moves into spring, warm air masses from the south meet cold air masses from the north. A tornado can result. This is not conscious Nature out to destroy, but the forces of the Natural world achieving balance; the natural state. For the sake of illustration we can think of the calm (feminine) being adjusted for accounting by the wind (masculine). The air masses have to adjust, so each energy is balancing the other. After the storm, the earth returns to calm and each energy has expressed itself in its necessary way. Looking again at the example of earth representing the feminine and the sun the masculine, vegetation needs the sun to produce. All life is dependent on a food source and the feminine and masculine are contributing equally to the balance of life on earth.

This example is necessary to divorce the idea of woman/man as solely representative of the masculine/feminine principal.

Our world has evolved (or the word devolved may be a better description) to a place where the masculine has taken on a more important role and the feminine is misunderstood and the feminine energy finds itself imprisoned and dishonored. The sun has 4 billion years to burn out, but the planet earth is fragile in its relationship to life. Human activity imbalanced with masculine energy, provision (over building), action (unnecessary wars), deliverance (egotistical control over woman's lives and reproduction) lead to the serious accounting imbalance in our "civilization" today. Civilization appears to be increasingly uncivilized. While all the masculine attributes are necessary for a prosperous world, we need to take a serious look at the devaluation of the feminine and review this principal. Life on earth is becoming seriously stressed and indicating to the human family something is very wrong and out of balance. Though the sun will continue without the earth, it will have less to do. The earth will continue and do very will without human ignorance and exploitation. Our Mother Earth does NOT need us. The relationship of the sun and earth is in natural balance because that is what they know how to do in their perfected state of being. They are our examples The human family needs both the sun and earth for life to continue; masculine and feminine for life to continue and for the joys it brings.
If man desires an end to life, it can continue its ways of the ego and disregard for the delicacy of the earth continuing on the path that will eventually lead to the destruction of life as we know it.

If we can begin to go back and understand the Natural world, we have a perfect example to guide our path. Ironically many of our problems arise from women who see themselves as having less value than the masculine. This cannot be denied as women often give their sons more value and expect less of them when it comes to family responsibility. While this statement needs more official study, the outcome in the larger world is obvious. Men are in power in all areas of our culture with women seemingly content to take a lesser role. Some studying Nature and science are brave enough to uncover some interesting findings though. Our Judeo/Christian story of Adam and Eve has come into question with discovery of mitochondrial DNA being passed through the female telling us that it was Eve who came first. Adam's rib it seems is a story passed down through generations that are now challenging the myth.

OUR IMBALANCED WORLD

Doctors, mostly men dominate medicine and dictate to nurses, mostly women who are paid less and do the physical caring of patients. With high incomes their work mostly consists of prescribing drugs promoted heavily by the drug companies headed by men who advertise heavily and possibly invent conditions to sell drugs and keep the feminine nurturer/healer in chains. By studying Nature for a narrow purpose, they degrade and repackage it and sell it back at high cost and often false promise. In health and healing men dominating in an area mostly associated with the feminine principal of nurturing is most especially alarming. As health care costs increase, here in the USA, the health of our society is actually deteriorating.

In government our male dominated "leaders", continue on the path of cronyism awarding their backers with rewards that serve their narrow needs. This is a world wide phenomenon and is less a problem in the west than in heavily male dominated cultures in the Arab world and parts of Africa and elsewhere in the third world. But though evolving, the problem persists in the west with the developed world the most prolific consumers and polluters.

In education, the emphasis is becoming more and more about tests and degrees. Teachers in early education (mostly women) are less educated with science knowledge woefully lacking, though science and technology are bringing greater knowledge and awareness of our natural world. Those in positions of power and decision making though in early education are mostly men. As education goes from elementary through higher grades then onto college and post graduate, we see again the dominance of men in prominent positions. We see education which should be a nurturing experience, one of competition.

Religions are founded on male experience and thought. Many have rid themselves of the sacred feminine altogether relegating the female as merely a servant of the male. Extreme orthodoxy in some of the Muslim faith as an example, has wrapped the female totally in black as if she does not really exist at all aside from serving the needs of men. In Catholicism, the Virgin Mary has a high position and for some Catholics a prominent one, yet the hierarchy of the Catholic church is male dominated and powerful. Judaism passingly mentions the female and also consists of male dominated hierarchy. Buddhist belief honors the feminine through meditation and respecting the silence, but those who would be recognized in the religion are male.

Pointing out the imbalances we could mention other institutions, but the point to be made here is one of observance. Certainly men evolved to positions in society of power as women were nurturing the family, but the feminine energy has been put to jail and this is where we need to review and revisit the idea of the feminine.

Again if we can look at the example of Nature as teacher and the representatives of Earth as feminine and Sun as masculine we can draw up an example to follow and learn from. The answers are there. We have only to look, study, honor and learn. As population increases (masculine overseeing of reproductive rights), problems grow with it. Nature does not support imbalance. We are on fragile ground and it is up to us to undue the darkness we have brought ourselves to by honoring masculine energy over the feminine energy. Natural Balance says they are both equal.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF TURMERIC

Turmeric has been used for over 2500 years. Common in Indian, Asian and Middle Eastern cuisines, its active ingredient, curcumin, a strong antioxidant has been shown to have many healthful benefits. Known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, it is now being studied in the prevention of Alzheimer's disease with research studies indicating positive results in removing the amyloid plaque build up in the brain that is associated with this disease.

If these benefits are not enough to consider using this spice in cooking, just taking a small amount (a teaspoon full) two times per week is an easy way to reap its many healthful benefits. Capsules are available widely in health food stores, but a good result can be had from just the spice shelf.

Turmeric is a rhizomatous perennial plant in the ginger family. The rhizomes are collected and ground into the powder commonly used in curries giving it the deep yellow color familiar in Indian cooking.

With its anti-inflammatory properties and a powerful cox-2 inhibitor it has been shown to relieve arthritis symptoms and for its positive affect in minimizing irritable bowel syndrome. It may be helpful in alleviating psoriasis. As a natural agent it has no side effects.

As an antibacterial it has been used for centuries in the healing of wounds and is currently reported as useful in healing damaged skin.

In Chinese medicine is has been used to treat depression.

It is not surprising that turmeric is being studied as a role in the prevention of cancers with its antioxidant capacity and ability to address so many afflictions within its numerous healing properties.

Turmeric can aid in digestion and fat metabolism possibly leading to weight loss.

As with any intake product, care should always be taken. Though a benign product, pregnant women are cautioned as it can be a uterine stimulant and can be problematic for those with gall bladder disease.

Another miracle of the natural medicine chest, turmeric offers health benefits yet to be discovered.

INVESTING IN POVERTY, The Burden of the Needy and Greedy

Throughout the world the problem is the same and increasing. Greed and need. The haves and the have-nots. For the truly greedy, this is their desire fulfilled. For those who imagine a better world, their "solutions" are to feed poverty and embrace it as a necessary commodity. In the developing world, many are dying, reproducing themselves into a world of hopelessness, too weak to do more than survive another day. Here in the United States, politicians speak about the war on poverty and "fighting" poverty, as the problem gets worse.

Maybe it is a human condition, but I do not think so. Before civilization, when humans were in tribes and caring for one another as a unit, I doubt the word poverty was part of any developing language. How we evolved as a species, with such a dark side has answers in its very evolution. Survival is always at play and the drama is becoming very ugly. Could the answer be simple? Yes, but the solutions become more complicated as we divide the human family and responsibility is taken from the poor themselves.

The earthquake in Haiti illuminated the problem of poverty and its pain and consequences. President Obama said, "we will not forget you." But he did. He has too many other problems. The world sent food and supplies and the greedy took over. Just one glaring example of the worlds misery.

There is no excuse for the growing poverty in the United States. Here as the example for a better life with Lady Liberty still carrying the torch, those from other lands still come with their hope and dreams and many fulfill them. But our own citizens are distressed in growing numbers. The rules for success are the same for everybody. Responsibility, education (not necessarily formal), hard work and belief that you have an opportunity for success.

We had an opportunity in this country to show the world how it is done. The idea is increasingly corrupted as the problem grows and the solutions are like band aids on wound that showed signs of healing and was busted open again by the doctors that were supposed to have the remedy. Welfare only allowed human souls to do nothing and get paid for it. It could only have been a temporary fix and when recipients were weaned off, the whole showed progress.

Those in distress have a greater responsibility for alleviating that distress when given assistance. This must be taught to them if they have not come to that realization. Those who do charitable work to make themselves feel useful are part of the problem if they do not educate, but give maudlin diatribes about their contributions. Those who are contributing by just minimizing temporary pain are providing hope, but cannot forward a better way.

We must plan for the elimination of poverty, by a series of steps that will be painful for those who would rather not face the problem head on. There are groups that study the causes of poverty. That is a start, but it has not given answers to those who get involved in solutions and take action for a way forward. As California is becoming a greater burden to the rest of the United States, with growing debt and growing numbers of people on assistance and entitlement programs, a program has started for those homeless souls to give shelter and all the counseling that they are willing to participate in. Will they be educated in the steps to responsible living as money is spent? A young child comes into the world from a poor mother who has limited resources. What chances does that child have for success? If the mother is educated about the conditions for success will she bear another child that the taxpayer will need to support?

Education demands discipline and our schools became "dumbed down" to accommodate those struggling. Drop outs will continue if the mind is not educated about the rules for success. It is not the politicians' job to throw money and words at a problem, but to lead the way to higher standards. That is why we voted for them. That is why they were hired. The same road they took to get to where they are must be shared in education. If those who exhibit irresponsible behavior are rewarded instead of taken to task, the problem persists exponentially.

The leaders, those who took the reigns and made decisions for their own benefit failed us. Banks, brokers, watchdogs, those politicians empowered with our success all failed. Those in the financial industry were rewarded for their failure with payouts for their "talent". We were "saved' from a depression by those who created an economic condition, the likes of which are yet to be realized. Welfare for the rich has highlighted the fact, that reward for poor performance is the road to darkness. Those who should be contributing to a finer example failed miserably. We are all left to pick up the pieces. While poverty and stress are exacerbated, the foxes walk off with their kill and continue in their greed.

Rather than investing in things that continue not to work, we all have to take a serious and second look. We must be brutally honest and work towards investing in the values that will sustain us. We will not survive never mind thrive, until we take common sense steps toward right living. Every one must be taught the basic rules for success: Responsibility, daily education, dedicated work, honesty and gratitude. This is the foundation for a successful society. If we can example this in our own country, we can export the product without using words like "fighting" and "war" to eliminate the plague of poverty and hardship that we all must pay attention to in order to overcome.

We have one beautiful planet that provides a nourishing home for us. It is getting ever crowded with ignorance, violence and a population that increasingly cannot sustain itself. "We cannot solve the problem from the place where we created it", Einstein famously states. So in order to create a "new world order' we must resort to established laws found as the basis of all religions and see ourselves as a human family working for the unit rather than the dictator who comes in many forms. The planet is insisting we get it right. Need and greed are dictators of destruction.