economics

When I hear protesters shut down the city of Oakland Port I wonder about the companies and workers this disruption impacted. Sure, it brought attention to the cause and lost revenue to the rich. But I bet it also hurt small business and poor workers who depend on the port directly and indirectly all the way down the line. How many humble enterprises and lives were disrupted for want of a nail because of this protest? I've been thinking a lot about the dismal historical outcomes of mass uprisings where the outcome usually seems to be a different small group at the top and the masses hurt, killed and worse off than before. I hope to write more about possible different ways to approach creating widespread prosperity. The Oakland incident makes me think that truly constructive means are key: not just non-violent means, but means that add real value rather than destroying wealth and the ability of others to create it.

Below are songs that speak to me of the of the dismal historical record of revolution in freeing the masses and the realities of class distinction.

Chilling, but very sensible analysis of vested interests resulting in a dangerous collusion of the psychiatry, drug and marketing industries, as well as government. It seems to me there are so many better ways of addressing mental issues: diet, exercise, environment, choosing the people you associate with, spiritual practices...

Making a Killing

Visit the Citizens Commissions on Human Rights for this video and more.

He promotes a free market economy and when asked about who should be responsible for regulating this free market he said Congress. I'm used to thinking of the Fed as the bad guy, but these simple comments made me think that the Fed may really be a scapegoat for a Congress which has abdicated its responsibility to make the hard choices to preserve our freedom. And the Congress may be a scapegoat for us not taking responsibility for our own destiny.

It's tough to take responsibility. I want things to just be taken care of without having to do anything, for there not to be mistakes or disasters, and when there is a problem, not to be blamed. However, things never get done this way. Somewhere, someone has to make it happen and by taking that responsibility be open to criticism and blame from others on what they have done. I think the key is that taking responsibility and taking action is fundamentally good for the individual and society and to have a thick skin to criticism.