Reply #92: I understand

[Bluerthanblue]

that my wording is usually verbose, and the need to 'shorten the message'- I also think your OP is great- just adding my own pet agendas, which i think are interconnected.

I also was glad to see your economic justice covered, along with the notation that it is often not a case of 'just desserts' but rather 'happenstance', but how we can actually achieve that ideal (changing the public perception) is a problem that i don't know the answer to.
Currently financial aid to parents is limited to a lifetime max. of 5yrs. on family aid (in my state) While that is exempted for those under 18, it's a 'convenient' wording that makes the government "appear" to care, but in actuality, NOT responsible for the welfare of some of our most vunerable citizens.
And THAT truth, should be made very evident, and clearly connected to the concept that any attempt to legally control reproductive freedoms by a political entity, cannot ignore the social and financial obligations which result. (i'm a former rtlifer, and while i still hope and work to help folks to choose life, i do NOT believe legislation is the answer, nor would i ever condemn, or judge a person who chose otherwise). It's simply i have witnessed first hand the fervor to 'defend the unborn' while seeing the same group then condemn the 'socialist' concept of public assistance for the 'post birth individual'.

I don't verbalize well, and don't blame you for not understanding what i was trying to say about military intervention. Just this AM i heard that the US is in conflict with the UN on several issues, among them the 'notion' of an "International Court" where WE would be held accountable for our actions in the world, and not BE the center of the universe.
Our unwillingness to sign on to reduce "Nuclear Weapons" if that isn't the height of hypocrisy- or the "Kyoto Treaty". Things like this, and the covert actions we undertake in other countries in order to "get what we want, screw the 'rules' or morality" have caused us FAR more harm than most of us realize.
When we spend billions upon billions developing weaponry, (star wars is still a bush objective) and give piddling sums to ease the suffering in the world- we are sowing and watering the seeds of hostility and war.
I'm not saying our 'giving' is not substantial, but our giving when viewed in relation to our resources and the priority put on KILLING rather than , life giving, and life sustaining endeavors isn't something the world doesn't see through.
NO ONE is fooled by our 'enemy combatants' label. Or our exporting our prisoners to be tortured, while decrying torture- Our defense of Gitmo, and Abu Gaharib, etc. except those in America that refuse to face the ugly truth about ourselves.


All this is my own 'agenda' but things i see as relevant, and as things we MUST address for America to continue to survive 'intact' in this world. We lost our way, sometime back during the industrial revolution, and since then, we have become a rather selfish, ruthless lot. Speaking with wonderful 'words' and doing some very 'wonderful things' but often unwilling to see (as you so excellently pointed out) or admit our short comings. THAT 'honesty'- 'transparency' is the key to being the credible, positive, member of this community called Earth that i know we can be, and beneath it all- really are.

I think your list is great- and i'm glad you put it together.
peace,
blu