As long as we are CONSUMERS rather than CITIZENS

[Ron Green]

we will have the outsourcing of war and the disconnectedness of our society. In another thread about the (impending) draft, there is a great rift between those who would magically end the Iraq quagmire now and those who are looking for some way to better engage people in the process of democratizing our foreign policy.

I believe that the unfettered market, by appealing always to our fearful selves, will bring disease and confusion to our lives. To reconnect with our government at every level is the only way to rid ourselves of corporate mind-control, and one way is some sort of national service; not voluntary, but required.

[shance]

1. B-I-N-G-O

Great point Rob***

Thanks.

[Ron Green]

3. It explains many other phenomena as well.

The market-monkeys want us to buy into the outsourcing and privatizing of every human activity, so we end up with private prisons (their lobbyists pushing for mandatory sentencing laws), private contractors fighting in Iraq, private shopping malls taking the place of public markets (so no one can get up on a soapbox and start talking smack about the Powers that Be), private security guards answerable only to their employers, and on and on.

The goal is for all of us to relate to each other and to the world as BUSINESS PARTNERS, not as citizens. It's a very important distinction, and I don't think it's been thoroughly explored in our informational environment.

[knowbody0]

2. they completely control us

through consumerism and fear

[shance]

4. Don't feel they quite control us completely......

but looks like they're getting close.

Seems to me our success and independence will depend on our participation in our Democracy and each individuals active involvement in our government.

[Ron Green]

6. And in a way, consumerism IS fear, or at least a manifestation of it.

It doesn't bring monetary profit to anyone if we know that we are complete. It's only through a perceived lacking that we are persuaded to strive for worthless things.

Women are especially abused in this insane cycle of "tease-and-trick:" Show an impossibly svelte model on the front of the magazine, and pictures of tempting food within.

[cthrumatrix]

5. Please add - "no thinking" please