I Believe
I believe that we are all connected. We are all a part of the great cosmic
ONE. Call it god, nature, or whatever; we are all inescapably linked with
everything else in the universe – biologically, chemically, physically,
politically, and economically!
For hundreds of thousands of years, humans lived as hunter-gatherers
in small tribes. While many tribes had customs and rituals that we may find
abhorrent today, unless you violated tribal rules, you were accepted as an
integral part of your community, a community which cared for you from birth
to death. Around 10,000 years ago, a new agricultural process sowed the seeds
of the economic environment we live in today.
This process changed the way we interacted with our natural world. As we moved
into cities, our tribal associations became diluted by individuals from other
tribes with differing mores and customs. As a result, today we live on streets
with a variety of neighbors, who we sometimes don't even know. We withdraw
into our personal castles. - isolated individuals, having lost our connection
to each other AND to the earth.
We stopped worshipping Goddesses and this has changed the way
we interact with women. We now try to control, enslave, and objectify those
very beings who bring us into this world.
Our new economic environment is competitive in ways not found
in any other species. As an example of our unique divergence from the natural
path of life, a lion and a hyena may each hunt the same prey, but lions do
not as a rule, try to wipe out hyenas. We, on the other hand, systematically
try to destroy our competitors.(from
D. Quinn)
Today we see the impact of this type of competition in the
greed and consumerism permeating our culture—in the way we treat the
environment and each other; predatory lending; demeaning TV ads (encouraging
us to cheat, or encouraging sexism or racism); human trafficking; monopolistic
corporations unaccountable to consumers or communities (forcing out local,
small family business, while providing poor service, and poor products); gas
prices rising and falling almost daily; health care costs going over the top
while insurance companies charge huge premiums (at the same time, doing whatever
they can to avoid paying any benefits); watering golf courses in Arizona,
while the Colorado river runs dry into Mexico, etc…
There is no “vast international conspiracy” but
this lust for power and wealth is inherent in the economic (religious and
political) environment in which we live. The competitive nature of the economics
creates a worldview that there is only one way/one true god/one path to achieve
our goal - the bottom line/maximum profits/the perfect state/salvation/nirvana/etc.
If unfortunately you happen to be on a different path, come from a different
culture, have a different skin color, love differently, or follow a different
god, then you are judged wrong, inferior, primitive, undesirable, discardable,
EXPLOITABLE!
For centuries those with power have used their version of truth/religion/equality/morality
as an excuse to rape and pillage the masses; to keep them dependent and afraid.
Britain & Russia spent much of the 1800’s & 1900’s trying
to keep the Iranians from creating a democratic society so they could exploit
their oil reserves. Then the USA’s CIA overthrew their democratically
elected leader in the 1950’s and installed the Shah. Is it any wonder
that they call us immoral? And this has happened repeatedly all over the world.
The viscous attacks of 9/11/2001, which I do not condone, were not committed
out of jealousy of our freedom, but as revenge for the terrorism Western Capitalism
has committed against them for years.
We cannot go back to our old tribal cultures – unfortunately, there
are just way to many of us. But, we can try to live recognizing that we are
all one universal tribe, all connected. In order for this to happen, we must
have a major shift in our worldview. Instead of focusing on the bottom line,
let us focus on what each other needs—then, let us all try to meet those
needs. AND, let’s force our governments to do the same. Instead of spending
most of our resources protecting the wealth of a few, they should be used
to make life easier for all. We must have a National Health Care System that
is free for all. We should be building better bridges, not better bombs. Enriching
educational experiences should be provided for all children, not just as an
accident of birth!
On a Personal level, I have been very fortunate to find a community, a large
group of friends and family, which I have become, a part. People for whom
I would do practically anything – and, I feel confidant that they would
do almost anything for me. They are a unique collection of individuals who
are trying to make the world a better place for all of us yet they also know
how to have a good time. They follow the words of Abe Lincoln in Bill &
Ted's Excellent Adventure. "Be good to each other, and Party On Dudes!"
Because of my friends and family, I have come to recognize the importance
of community and wish this good fortune on everyone.
I have been able to obtain a variety of things (books, etc.), which I am able
to share with others. I encourage all to "drop out" of the negative
economic environment to whatever level you feel comfortable. Strive for a
less materialistic, consumerist, exploitive lifestyle. Support small, locally
owned and grown, businesses and goods. Reuse, recycle, share, and CARE! We
are all ONE!
As for my vehicle as a piece of art – I think that it speaks for itself.
But also, when I see people looking at it, they are usually smiling!
I am he as you are she as you are me as we are all together…goo
goo g'joob.