Linguistic Plaster

     If we examine the fundamental causes of the problems we face in society, we discover that a vast majority are technical. Technical problems require technical solutions; not some corporate-owned, preselected politician's opinion, which is based on subjective, biased notions almost always constructed as a product, and within the context, of a monetary system. Hence, politics, and thus government itself, becomes virtually meaningless when money buys the opinions which are passed on to the general public as near-empirical or immutable. And, so we arrive at an understanding that there is no such thing as "freedom of choice" in any monetary system. Instead, we are presented with a pre-selected wall of choices or set of politicians that we are forced to “choose” from. "Republicans" and "Democrats" are practically one and the same; the only difference being the degree by which individuals claiming such categorical dispositions agree on the same, irrelevant rhetoric. Beyond the obvious, "democracy" has never existed anywhere on Earth; it is simply an illusion perpetuated by the established institutions of this world (mainly the Banks) in order to maintain a systematic exploitative scheme which keeps the slave-public ignorant, misinformed and complacent in regards to the belief that we actually participate. Did you vote on the space program? Did you vote on the educational system? Did you vote on the bailout for the banks; the transportation infrastructure; the energy infrastructure; the war in Iraq; the war in Afghanistan? No—you did not. So, where the hell is your participation?

     In a “true” democracy, we would see 5,000 or more different political parties with an endless series of political, cultural, educational, religious, and societal views—not just two. Everyone could participate because everyone, young, old and everything in between, has the capacity to contribute. But, when politics exists in a monetary-based economic system, lobbying and campaign contributions, which constitute billions of dollars per year, create an inherently corrupt atmosphere in which opinions are given the precedence of “value” over accumulated, relevant data. And so, corruption becomes pervasive throughout society because propaganda is constantly shifted around as factual; especially in today’s technically oblivious social structure which seems to consist of a series of acronyms, initial-isms, and 140-character, grammatically incorrect discourse that is nothing more than the direct product of any industry’s key component—marketing; specifically, the marketing of ignorance-inducing infotainment, competition and inferiority.

     Our society in the United States conditions us to consistently instill within ourselves the idea that it is far better to believe or to have “faith” in something or someone than to actually know something ourselves. Furthermore, we are taught to believe that everyone is entitled to his or her opinion—which, when viewed objectively, is an opinion. However, what is perhaps most detrimental to the Human mind is the fact that we are brought up in a competition-based, fiat monetary system in which we are forced to constantly fight with each other for the necessities of life due to the pretended scarcity generated by the system’s fundamental propensity to keep ‘cyclical consumption’ going. Simply stated, cyclical consumption refers to the employer-to-employee-to-consumer mechanism that drives a monetary-based economic system. An employee works for an employer in exchange for a wage. In turn, both the employers and the employees act as consumers and thus the system perpetuates or cycles. If purchasing power for the employers or the employees ever diminishes the system spirals into a recession or collapses entirely. Unfortunately, this is exactly what has happened repeatedly throughout history in order for the established institutions to maintain authoritative control over the masses by indoctrinating society to the primitive notions of wage-servitude and ‘Everything, Inc. Is the Way It Goes’! Hence, the banks maintaining control over all of us. How? Just think about it: money is created in a bank, and at the end of the day money ends up in a bank. So, who are you really working for? To take this one step further, we clearly have the technology to fully automate virtually all industries and provide a higher standard of living for every Human on Earth by maintaining, preserving and managing all of this planet’s resources intelligently. So, why do you still have to sell your labor in the proverbial ‘open market’ as a commodity in order to share in the true wealth of this world—resources? Quite simply, it is a modern form of global slavery. If this was not the case, we would share this planet’s resources and work towards raising Humans to their highest potential. After all, the fruits of the Earth belong to us all, and the Earth itself to nobody.

     The societal “values” we have grown up with have become so distorted by the modern established institution, comprised of a relatively small group of elitist bankers, government officials and corporate CEOs, that most of us are unable to distinguish between the economic systems conducting all commerce in our societies and the governments that are in place to regulate these systems and prevent despotic monopolies or cartels. Viewed objectively, however, these are simply three systems of social control, composed of the same people, vying for total dominance over not only the global population, but each other as well. In truth, it is difficult to even make any distinctions when we witness the same people jumping back and forth between at least two of these systems so often. One moment, a man is CEO of the largest oilfield services company in the world, the next moment he is the Vice President of the United States—along-side the newest in a long line of corporate puppets: Family-Owned, Oil-Operated; President, George W. Bush. Following the botched 2000 Presidential Election “Americans” complacently accepted as ‘not unusual at all’, the controlled demolition of the World Trade Center’s Twin Towers and Tower 7 along with the missile hitting the Pentagon and faked “plane crash” in Pennsylvania on September 11th, 2001 made us even more delusional and led us into two preemptive wars that opened up the Industry to so-called “private contractors” such as Blackwater and KBR—a former subsidiary of Halliburton. But, can anyone really be surprised at all? [UPDATE: May 20, 2015: I want to be clear about this statement. I wrote this almost 5 years ago when I was reading and watching a whole bunch of conspiracy theory literature and videos. At this particular point in my life, I prefer to not even discuss these issues since they automatically cut off conversations and make it virtually impossible to maintain a rational discourse. It's more of a distraction and there are too many pertinent issues to discuss and problems to solve TODAY to be caught up in never-ending debates that solve none. The reason I'm leaving this here is because it is a part of my intellectual evolution and it would be dishonest to remove it.] 

     The corruption we see around the planet is a usual outgrowth of competition. To put it a different way, we must take a giant step back and ask ourselves, without a monetary-based economic system in place enforcing and in fact creating an environment of competition which is the root-cause of almost all of the aberrant behavior Humans routinely chock up to the fallacious idea of “Nature”, what would there be to regulate? Who is going to steal anything if everyone has access to all goods and services at all times free of debt or servitude? What if we created abundance of the necessities of life? We already do! Just take a look around at the nearest multinational corporate supermarket and think about the amount of produce, food, and resources in general that are wasted or thrown out on a daily basis. The Earth itself is nothing but abundant in energy and resources. But, when we allow anyone to declare any part of the Earth private property; when we allow corporations to intentionally create inferior products, to practice wasteful or toxic methods, or to pretend scarcity of resources; when we allow governments to consistently neglect to actually bring about continual change in the Human mind, we are forcing future generations into socio-economic straight-jackets. We are forcing our Posterity into debt-slavery. In fact, we are living an illusion which makes us believe that infinite wants and needs can actually be satisfied by our finite planet. This, of course, is just not possible in any system at all. This is a powerful realization that often we overlook due to the massive “static misinformation” caused by advertising and marketing campaigns which train us to believe we have to have the crap that is constantly thrown in our faces, all day, every day by conglomerate news media outlets; even if the products are designed for profitability instead of sustainability—as most are. What the hell is going on?

     Now, let’s try something new: what if we recognize the Earth as the common heritage of all the world’s inhabitants while implementing technology to relieve Humans of boring, dangerous, repetitious jobs? Perhaps then we may realize our true so-called “Nature” as “intelligent” beings—to maintain the symbiotic relationship between all life on Earth while managing its finite resources with total Human and environmental concern—a resource-based economy. But, to understand why the monetary-based economic system has been perpetually failing to provide for the fundamental necessities of all Human Beings, let us examine one of the most rapidly-expanding, exploitative, wasteful, environmentally and socially destructive ideologies sweeping the world over—neoliberal globalization.

     The term neoliberal globalization simply refers to the expansion of Capitalism to create and encompass an entire global network of trade markets. Although this notion has been applauded and praised to highest regard by the few in true economic hegemony at the top, it has been extremely detrimental to the health, overall well-being, and advancement of the Industry-created Third World. Fundamentally, the capitalist economic system is based on the monetary system; just as socialism, communism, and fascism are based on the monetary system. However, capitalism remains almost entirely contingent upon the idea that competition breeds progress by supplying incentive (money) for new ideas and thus progression of society itself. This falsehood, though it may seem appealing on paper, has propelled Humankind into a new age of exploitation, manipulation, and elitist control. Just as this system has created the richest of the rich, it too has created the poorest of the poor. For, without the poor, there would be no rich. Why?—because the rich get richer off of the poor getting poorer. It is an inherent feature of the system that is too often overlooked or outright neglected. As a result, social stratification ensues and an ever-increasing gap between the rich and poor becomes manifest. As this may come to a surprise to some, it shouldn’t; for, it is the functionality of the system itself to perpetuate constant divisionary lines through the competition-based mindset. In other words, it is a natural outgrowth in any system of competition for people to get left behind with absolutely no consideration at all. Thousands of people don’t starve to death on a daily basis because of a lack of resources—this is a fallacy. Undoubtedly, this is the result of a lack of purchasing power.

     So, instead of improvidently wasting irreplaceable resources, subjecting the Human population to a system of debt slavery, and wreaking havoc on the entire global ecosystem, perhaps we should align ourselves with natural processes while living within the carrying capacity of Earth; which, by the way, is a technical issue. Again, technical problems require technical solutions—not some arbitrary law or resolution which simply plasters over problems and offers no ‘real’ insight into the root-causes of such problems. A resource-based economy, and thus the intelligent management of Earth’s resources through the liberal application of technology, will undoubtedly provide our global Posterity with an unprecedented foundation upon which a future of true advancement can flourish like never before in all of Humankind’s history. It is simply a matter of understanding.

     Well, what if we examine other economic systems, such as communism, fascism, or socialism? Unfortunately, when attempting to compare the similarities or dissimilarities of any developmental approaches that are discussed on corporate-news media or in propaganda-filled, biases-generating textbooks, it becomes evident that none of these approaches offer any truly viable solutions. Every idea advanced is still framed within the context of monetary-based economic systems and none even acknowledge that the ‘real’ problem might be the economic systems themselves (the root-cause.) Therefore, it becomes nonsensical to even compare them along any divisionary lines, because fundamentally they are all one and the same. It is like drawing imaginary divisional lines to segregate Humans based on a fallacious notion of “race;” for, when we take the most objective observation we are capable of (since it is impossible for Humans to be entirely objective,) it becomes manifest that we all are one and the same—we all simply comprise the Human Race.

     Capitalism, communism, socialism, fascism, structuralists, neo-liberalists, activist organizations, NATO, the UN, liberals, conservatives, democrats, republicans, the IMF, the WTO, the World Bank, the Federal Reserve, lobbyists, politics, democracy, freedom, patriotism, economic sanctions, Structural Adjustment Programs, war, poverty, depravation, and all the other –isms, -ists, -tions, -tys, and –cys, are symptoms of the underlying problems we face as a globally-pervasive species. As stated earlier, the only ‘real’ problems are those common to all Human Beings and the environment which sustains us all. So, how do we provide basic necessities of life and maintain the health and well-being of nearly 7-billion people while living interdependently with the environment? This is undoubtedly a technical question. And, until we realize this, linguistic plaster (our cherished Band-Aid of choice), which comes in the form of laws and resolutions, will be the paradoxical cure-all to the social diseases created by its very existence. We are but One species, sharing One planet; One system; One. I am you; you are me; and we are everything that we conceive.

Measuring the HEIT of Humankind

     I am quite sure most of you have heard the whole 'war=peace' spiel before. For the record, my country is Earth—and so is yours. And, the true heroes are those who find ways to bridge the differences between people and nations; not those who kill for any rationalization you would like to propose.
     Let me ask you something: Have you ever thought about the statement when someone says, "War is necessary to maintain...peace"? Being diametrical opposites, it may be tempting to equate this relationship with that of a concept such as magnetism. Based on scientific observation, no monopole has yet been discovered anywhere in the Universe from our relatively miniscule geocentric perspective. Insofar as we currently understand Laws of physics, a magnet will always have what we refer to as a North and South magnetic pole; even if a magnet is broken in half.
     Similarly, no peace has ever been observed without war as a referential example; and vice versa. Thus, peace=war, and war=peace; whether or not a nation is divided or United is irrelevant. However, to prove this assumed parallel erroneous, as it most assuredly is, let us examine the ideas in such an argument further:

     Considering the fact that Education becomes the cornerstone of global society in the particular Federation I have outlined, we can irrefutably take into account the outcome of an unconditional (meaning money-free) Education contributing to a global understanding of carrying-capacity through an unprecedented, global resource evaluation; again, money-free. This evaluation, which has yet to be conducted, will give us the most definitive answer to the question of carrying-capacity we have ever attempted to calculate. Only then will we be able to state whether or not that carrying-capacity has not yet been reached, has been reached, or has been exceeded. Until then, all that I can say is this: Doubtless, with the intelligent application of Technology and global sharing of evaluated resources, it is quite possible for the Human population to stretch into the tens of billions and coexist in a symbiotic relationship with the environment which sustains us as well as all other life on Earth.
     Such a society would abandon the fallacious, exploitative, destructive means of war and find a better way to the end of interdependent development WITH the environment; not in spite of the environment. Perhaps this is what can be equated to an idea of genuine “peace.” If so, then peace definitely does not equal war. It becomes apparent that the terms peace and war are simply in a linguistic relationship as such; not necessarily in a real-world application as such. For, ALL language is subject to interpretation. Our interpretation of war is relative to our interpretation of peace; and our interpretation of peace is relative to that interpretation of war; so on and so forth.
     In English, it is similar to asking, “What came first, the chicken or the egg?” and focusing solely on the idea of a chicken or the idea of an egg elucidated by our ever-evolving, modern English lexicon; ignoring in whole the fact that the terms “chicken” and “egg” have no meaning to any person with no understanding of the English language. It is partly why some cannot think of one of these ideas without the other and complacently claim each as equals; or, at the very least, equally necessary. This particular mindset boasts of what is falsely perpetuated as an inescapable direct proportion of one idea to the other. Again, this is simply conceptually represented through linguistic composition, and is not necessarily real-world applicable.
     If one truly thinks about this situation objectively, without an observational guide, such as an actual chicken in this particular illustration, communication through words is but the result of extremely sophisticated evolutionary features, Human vocal chords, being coordinated by what is perhaps the most sophisticated evolutionary feature on Earth—the Human brain.
     Back to the language experiment: Let us now substitute peace and war in an attempt to form an analogous interpretation ourselves. We should also keep good and evil in mind as well, since these two terms seem to be linked to the former two terms, respectively:
     In English, it is similar to asking, “What came first, war or peace?” and focusing solely on the idea of war or the idea of peace. Again, both are subject to and have relative interpretations as well as no meaning to any person without understanding of the language spoken. And, of course, language undergoes perpetual evolution; most cannot think of one without the other; claim each as equals, or equally necessary; and then cease the pursuit of intellectual stimuli that could potentially support or disprove such underdeveloped claims. The resultant ignorant interpretation is then transmitted by unread people through social networks, like this one, to other people that thrive on propaganda, drama, and fake or edited news spun by corporate conglomerate media outlets.
   Again, without an observational guide, such as an actual war, communicating interpretations of these terms is but the result of sophisticated evolutionary features being coordinated by a much more sophisticated evolutionary feature. This time, however, the Human brain is coordinating a perpetuation of potentially hazardous ideas which fundamentally mainspring resentment towards others—religions, governments, and money.
     It is called SOCIAL CONDITIONING; and we all are subject to it. Those of us that do a little critical thinking will come to the more appropriate conclusion, despite this conditioning: If we are collectively misinterpreting these ideas of peace and war, or good and evil, to the point that we believe one cannot exist without the other, and essentially use this rationalization to find justification for war, then it becomes necessary to redesign global society entirely. When we shift focus from money to the cynosure of intellectual and technological equilibrium and sustainability, the idea of living in a synergetic relationship with each other and the environment manifests by measuring the HEIT (Human-Environmental Interdependent Trade) of our collective existence. Allow me to explain:
     For millennia, Humans have found solace in the systematic trade of scarce resources in order to form a comparative advantage which can be used as an influential means to potentially exploitative, economically powerful, yet intrinsically destructive ends. Scarcity, whether actual or pretended, has been the prime factor in the consideration of “value” being placed on objects or resources for the largest portion of Human history. Demand is in a linguistically proportional relationship with supply. Scarcity inevitably dictates that supply in that there must INITIALLY be a known desirable commodity, scarce or abundant, to be demanded. Therefore, scarcity ultimately establishes “value.” Technological advancements have proven, however, that scarcity is no longer a viable option for such consideration. An example is hydroponic agriculture.
     From bartering, to coining money, to the present-day printing of paper/fabric money with colorful ink and misunderstood symbols, we seem to have been continuously running like mice on the outside of a giant ball that used to be thought of as flat. Admittedly, it is only to Human ingenuity in an attempt to enhance the Human standard of living that Humankind can attribute the current understandings of the Laws of the Universe, which obviously encompass those “natural” Laws here on Earth. Dollar signs were not flashing in Einstein’s eyes when he discovered the powerhouse of energy pent up inside the nuclei of atoms. No doubt, his vision was unlimited, costless energy for all of Humankind; not vaporization of other Humans for militaristic advantages. Money did not switch the proverbial light on over Edison’s head. He utilized Maxwell’s equations to bring light to people all around the globe; not to hoard this innovation for his home alone while the rest of the world sat alone in the dark. Exemplifications are nearly endless.
     All of the electronic gadgets—televisions, batteries, cameras, computers, cell-phones with all of the above plus internet—which so many take for granted on a minute-to-minute basis can be ascribed to exponential innovation, not money. Sure, money may be one particular driving factor for businesses to strive for improvement, which may or may not, in some indirect way, lead to technological advancements; however, a pile of cash, or bits of information somehow being given “value” from nothing, WILL NOT and CAN NOT tell one how to utilize the experimentally verifiable Laws which govern Electromagnetism here on Earth.
     A businessperson is scarcely familiar with laws of physics; if at all. Nor does a businessperson diverge from the path of profit by any means necessary. Likewise, political “leaders” are just as ignorant and show blatant disregard for the environment to see economically advantageous policies implemented which are influenced financially by businesspeople. So, where is the sensibility in allowing those with no understanding of technology to appropriate the application of technology for self-interested aggrandizement at the expense of the majority of global Human population and the environment? This virtually uncontested complacence can no longer continue if we are to provide a remarkably feasible, globally United, beneficial future for our Posterity—GLOBAL POSTERITY. It becomes evident just how nearly impossible it is for Humankind to be sustainable if mass-ignorance is maintained by multi-national corporate conglomerations spoon-feeding the public scripted news and propaganda through news-media outlets run by their inescapably greedy “representatives.”
     The current system of economic trade is undeniably situated on the foundation of the monetary system, upheld by other “representatives” placed in charge of the World Bank and the IMF—both based in Washington, DC. Global Trade is so interlocked with the fractional reserve banking system that it is confirmable as valid to say the entire Human population of Earth is in debt to this system, because of this system. The twisted part is that no one seems to notice; and those that notice either don’t care, or are bankers. The primary focus has been and continues to be “what’s in it for me?” But, shouldn’t we be asking, “What’s in it for ALL OF US—Environment included?” For, the only REAL trade takes place between Humans and the environment which sustains us and all other living things on Earth. And, for nearly two centuries, we have not been trading fairly at all.
     To maintain stable conditions, which allow sustainable living for Humankind and the environment, we must maintain a balance or equilibrium in our trade. The Human-Environmental Interdependent Trade begins when we peer beyond oppressive means, exploitation, pretended scarcity and rationalization for war, in an attempt to discover a better way. The HEIT of our existence is paramount to understanding how best to accommodate, and perhaps produce massive surpluses of energy, resources and sustenance for, EVERY PERSON ON EARTH. To deem it impossible with no global resource-evaluation is absent-minded and serves only those self-interested persons in economic hegemony. How about we try something new—a GLOBAL economy based on RESOURCES? The transitional phase could take place simultaneously with the global resource evaluation mentioned earlier.
     In order to achieve new HEITs, abolishment of the inherently corrupt monetary system means we become capable of unconditionally forging an unprecedented foundation upon which a future of nearly limitless, global intellectual and technological equilibrium can be built. Sound impossible? If so, then why? Because pretended scarcity has conditioned us to believe that money is a resource or a necessity? Well, IT IS NOT! Is it because it sounds like scary-Mary socialism? IT’S NOT! This is an entirely new concept that has NEVER been attempted. Let me ask you, do you know anything comparative about current understandings of capitalism, socialism, fascism, communism, “any-ism”, free trade, or any other economic system at all? How about multinational corporations, profiteering, the Wall Street gambling institutions, the World Bank, IMF, government manipulation by economic Hit men, exploitation, monopolies, etcetera? Or is what you know simply opinion or hear-say?
     Here’s a fact: The latest trend, especially for the United States, has been for the CIA to send into resource-abundant countries economic hit men with multi-million dollar bribes for political leaders. If the foreign leaders decline, Jackals are sent in for an assassination attempt and to aid in a coup. The last resort, if the hit men and Jackals fail, is to send in the military. Jaime Roldos in Ecuador; Omar Torrijos in Panama; and Suddam Hussein in Iraq are just a few of the many examples. Even if you do know some things about the abovementioned topics, have you ever asked yourself whether there may be a better way? Socialism, capitalism, free trade, businesses, governments, etc., are ALL based on money. As a result, ALL are fundamentally corrupt as well. When this understanding becomes globally understood, doubtless, Humankind will seek a better way. Despite what some may believe or speculate, in an economy based on global resource-sharing, with money no longer in existence, individuality would soar into entirely new realms Humankind has never before witnessed through the intelligent application of technology. Utilizing the scientific method to solve social and environmental problems is part of a concept designed by social engineer Jacque Fresco. Sociocyberneering is perhaps the premier proposal to ensure the most beneficial future for every single person on Earth.
    Again, when Education becomes paramount, a reasonable outlook provides us with a vision of practically ALL other issues eventually aligning on a path to resolve in the most logical, beneficial manner centered on global Unity and sustainability. Knowledge is not property at all; public nor private. Knowledge is not a physical object upon which a price tag can be stamped or an individuals’ name can be carved to declare possession. Nay; knowledge is that which is intangible, yet exists as everything that is. Knowledge is not the things we observe; it is the IDEAS we form and accept from observations and interpretations of phenomena that occur in every-day life. Knowledge is for ALL OF US to discover. Education, acknowledged as a global, life-long learning experience, teaches us all personal as well as social responsibilities and of the consequences that potentially could result from our individual or collective actions (such as population growth).
     So, with a global comprehension of Earth’s evaluated carrying-capacity, perhaps the population really will double. But, if one is willing to present us with a slippery-slope situation like, “the sad thing about exponential growth is that it will likely kill most of us in the end,” that person has to actually take us down the slippery-slope. Otherwise, these are just hollow words sung by an ignorant fool. Furthermore, if one considers a statement such as “It has become clear to me, through a more objective perspective, that death is necessary” truly objective, this turns out to be quite subjective in content. Think about the context in which this statement is framed—This is not objective at all. Rather, this is an opinion and represents a simple misunderstanding of what objectivity is. To be truly objective, one would ask, “Does death, being what is currently understood as an inescapable consequence of Human life, facilitate in any interpretation whatever, an implication of justifiable necessity for war in what has the potential to be a GLOBAL, intellectually and technologically advanced society absent war altogether?” Wrap your underused brain around that.
     Please refrain from attempting to base any point of your sad argument on misconstrued, scientific concepts. It is quite obvious when one knows nothing of astronomy, physics, or any other science for that matter. How do I know? Physics is my major. Now, “floating” implies an object conforming to the Laws which govern gravity-influenced fluidity and pressure here on Earth—Archimedes’ principle, Bernoulli’s principle, the Venturi Effect, etc. If a person knows anything of the Cosmos, that person would know that on average there are only a few (perhaps ten) atoms of Hydrogen per cubic meter in space. Objects follow Newton’s Laws in a near-perfect, frictionless environment (a vacuum) and are subject only to the gravitational attraction of other objects as well as the application of outside forces. The path an object takes through space depends entirely upon such forces —no deviation from the original velocity (magnitude and direction) will take place unless acted upon by an outside force, such as gravity or a collision with another object, according to Newton’s First Law of Motion. So, again; objects do not “float” in space.
     As for the many misunderstandings involving the formation of the moon, this is but ONE of the many possible theories. Although this particular theory, much more comprehensive than most seem to be capable of conveying, is perhaps the most accepted, it must be acknowledged that the subject is still an open question. Scientists believe life did not begin proliferation on Earth until an estimated 1-billion years after the chaotic turbulence surrounding the Sun coalesced into the planets in our Solar System. The cataclysmic event that potentially created the moon is estimated to have happened very early on in Earth’s formation; perhaps a million years after our presently majestic planet collected most of its surrounding dust, ice, debris and gas left in the wake of a supernova. More than likely, this was a massive First Generation star from which the Sun and all the orbiting planets were formed. Stating that the impact killed “a ton of life” is plain nonsensical. Even if life was present, which is doubtful at best: 1. Life at this stage of Earth’s formation would have been comprised of unicellular, microscopic organisms; 2. Very few multi-cellular organisms, if any at all, would have had sufficient time to evolve; and 3. An impact of this magnitude (a Mars-sized object slamming into Earth) would result in what is known as an Extinction-Level Event—meaning ALL life is extinguished.
   Finally we arrive at a most unoriginal conclusion: war is necessary to maintain population balance; and peace, in turn, eventually makes war necessary. Is it really THAT difficult to pose instead the most obvious question that arises from this assumption; “Is there a better way to maintain balance between a growing global Human population and the environment which sustains all life we currently know of?” Seemingly, one is only concerned with maintaining a supposed necessity of war when referencing the appropriation of resources on a global scale; ignoring technological capability and intellectual potential being applied to the appropriation of resources on a global scale through the scientific method. Burning of so-called “natural” resources derived from fossil fuels is undeniably wreaking havoc on the environment. “ALTERNATIVE” resources already exist; but Multinational Corporations rooted in the oil and natural gas industries are blocking large-scale production of all-electric vehicles, photovoltaic cell research, geothermal research, and wave-energy research and push propaganda to make the public in industrially developed countries believe in some form of supposed inefficacy of these technologies. To what end?—Money, of course. Planned obsolescence is profitable. Technically speaking, however, these so-called “alternative” forms of energy are the only TRUE “natural” resources; for, no pollution would result from the extraction and conversion of sunlight, or geothermal-, or wave-energy. No fuel would need to be refined and no burning of such fuels would be necessary to extract the unimaginably vast storehouses of potential energy all around us.-----Fact: The sun produces almost 4x10^26 Watts of energy. The amount of this energy which actually reaches Earth’s surface is more than 20,000 times the amount used ANNUALLY by all of Humankind. In other words, innovation in the field of solar cell research alone could potentially solve the energy problem on a global scale—FOREVER. Well, at least for the next 5.5-billion years. But, just imagine the combination of these truly natural sources of energy providing the entire globe with practically unlimited, money-free energy. This is possible TODAY. Not in fifty, or a hundred, or a thousand years—RIGHT NOW. So we can continue to rationalize exploitative practices, promote self-interest, perpetuate hostility towards new approaches, or we can find A BETTER WAY by pursuing new HEITs in our collective existence, rooted in sustainability and global advancement of Humankind. This is The Human Endeavor, and we are ALL on this journey together. We are ONE species sharing ONE planet with millions of others. And that is what we must remember. We already are not alone.

Rubber is Death

     The latter half of the 19th century was a remarkable time for global expansion of colonial powers. From the outset of the Industrial Revolution, technological advancements bolstered by colonial nations simply meant that plundering, indoctrination, and exploitation of underdeveloped nations was easier than ever before. Marked by an explosion of violence and scourging, the Congolese people of Zaire suffered a more devastating, intentional fate than perhaps any collection of people ever before. The sheer number of crimes committed against the Congolese is almost unimaginable. From the kidnapping of wives for slave ransom to mutilation and decapitation, such heinousness was carried out in the name of King Leopold II and his quest for a monopoly of the rubber supply recently discovered in the region. However, it was not only Belgium, but also a host of other colonial nations and corporate entities playing key roles in the pillaging of newfound minerals and resources that have scarred the history books of this region of the world. An agreement between France and Britain in the mid-1880s allotted to Leopold II of Belgium an area of the Congo nearly eighty times the size of his mother country, known as the Congo Free State. Freedom for the Congolese, however, was soon realized to be only a word with hollow meaning. For, over the next two decades, some of the most gruesome atrocities were committed by colonizers over what continues to be a prominent figment of Humankind’s collective imagination—profit.

     In July of 1885, the Congolese leaders were delusively coerced into signing a treaty declaring all resources in the area the property of the so-called “Free” State. In other words, the treaty recognized Leopold as the authoritarian figure in charge of colonization and extraction of resources, which now essentially all belonged to him. Realizing the potential for unimaginable wealth, Leopold became entrenched within the concept that the end (money) always justifies any means necessary. For those colonizing, this meant only one thing: practically unrestricted systematic methods of exploitation—the result of which saw thousands of severed hands delivered to the city of Antwerp in Belgium. The stories are nearly endless and it is said the worst atrocities were committed in Equator Province, where Leon Fievre was appointed district official. “I ended 100 lives,” Fievre proudly boasted, “but that allowed 800 others to live.” With this mindset it is difficult to imagine boundaries which could contain even the most nefarious acts of incivility. Charles Stokes, a trader in the state territory, was sentenced to death by a military style tribunal with questionable standing for trying to help the natives. Stokes’ death, paired with the fact that Leopold was strongly enforcing the monopoly by paying commission to the officials extracting the most rubber, meant that European powers were growing increasingly wary of the King’s aberrant behavior. Official hostage licenses were even issued by the State that allowed for women to be detained at will. Every fifteen days districts would turn in acquired rubber to the State. This process was simple: if the demand was not met by those enslaved, the officials would see a reduction in commission, which constituted a reduction in appendages and even lives. With far inferior weapons technology, the Congolese stood virtually no chance at defending the land from these ruthless invaders. By forced labor alone, more than 720,000 pounds of rubber were extracted in just six years. Crimes of this magnitude are difficult to maintain in secrecy and the world would inevitably learn of the violence taking place in Africa. Edmund Dene Morel would soon reveal the range of devastation in a series of brochures and letters written and released to the public in London.

    Morel once worked as the Chief Clerk of Trade for the shipping company in Liverpool that received Leopold’s rubber. When “The West African Mail” was released, Charles Banks along with many others would eventually follow in coming out against Leopold and the truly oppressive, but supposedly “Free,” State. In the beginning of the 20th century, Roger Caseman became the new consulate to Africa. He openly liked the Africans and treated such with kindness and gentility. Caseman spent two months travelling in 1903 recording testimonies from every place that he visited. Joseph Clark supplied evidence of the State’s atrocities explaining the district officials’ orders were to extract ten kilos per person per day or lives and hands would be taken. A boy’s hands were even beaten off by rifles against a tree. Despite such mounting accounts being written at this time, Leopold’s commission aimed to defend his regime absolutely.

     In all, Leopold’s profit was a staggering sum even by today’s standards; 231-million Euros. But, all that money could never buy any of the lives carelessly taken by this corporate stronghold and pressure was building from around the world to end the violent reign of terror. With the release of Roger Caseman’s 50-page report on the activities he witnessed, Leopold’s days were numbered. An international commission was formed to investigate and collect accounts which abruptly led to the demise of the King’s reign. After the commission’s report was released to the international community, Leopold ordered all State records burned in an attempt to wash his hands of the thousands of gallons of blood which passed through his fingers. A year later he died and his cortege was booed as it passed through the streets. In Belgium, however, statues were built to honor Leopold as a “civilizer” and a “benefactor” and remain to this day.

     Today, the Congo is still the site of corporate plunder for diamonds, gold and a host of other minerals necessary for the expansion of private companies. Leopold represented what was supposed to be a shift towards the education and “civilization” of the Congolese people. Now it is clear, however, that this was only a mask covering the true reason for occupation—the mineral exploitation industry. Still in place today, this industry has yet to provide for the betterment of, or higher standards of living for, the Congolese, as well as many other inhabitants around Africa. Instead, profiteering has taken a giant leap into the 21st century and threatens practically any semblance of global continuity. The story of Leopold’s conquest of the Congo is but one of countless instances throughout the history of Humankind which should teach us exactly how not to approach resource extraction. Even if a single life is subjugated, exploited or lost, it is equal to failure for the global community to not find a better way.

Footsteps in the Sands of Time

     It began in the early 1950’s as genetics, which studies heredity and the evolution of a species by examining its molecular structures, was exploding into mainstream science. Dr. Luca Cavalli, then the Professor of genetics at the University of Parma, was beginning down a path of revolutionary discovery that would eventually lead him on an expedition to Africa in the 1970’s as he took a professorship at Stanford; the purpose—blood. Dr. Cavalli was in search of variations and similarities in DNA among the isolated tribes that could link each and every one of our pasts to a single ancestry. Just two decades later, a young and very optimistic student would begin researching with Dr. Cavalli at Stanford; Spencer Wells. Even as technology improved and research began to take genetics to new heights, it would be another ten years before Wells would set out on a journey that would change our perspective on everything we ever thought we knew about ourselves—the Journey of Man.

     In 2002, Dr. Spencer Wells, a noted geneticist and anthropologist, was determined to prove a theory which was the result of research that began with Cavalli nearly a half century earlier. Wells believed that every person on Earth could trace his or her lineage back some 2000 generation to perhaps a single man that led a migration out of Africa to eventually populate the entire world. This hypothesis was based on decades of accumulated data on genetic mutations, or “markers”, in the male Y-chromosome and Dr. Wells was absolutely confident that it was undeniable. However, it would take more than just data to convince billions of people around the world, which have been subject to many different cultures, traditions, beliefs and religions for thousands of years, that, fundamentally, we are all one and the same. So, the journey picked up where Dr. Cavelli left off—in Africa.

     The San Bushmen tribe is where it all began nearly 50,000 years ago. One of the most isolated tribes in the world, the Bushmen of South Africa retains a dialect of clicks and words that comprise what is thought to have been one of Humankind’s original spoken languages. From this tribe, a group of only ten or twenty decided to make a trek north out of Africa and would eventually end up following the coast of India into Australia to populate around ten percent of the globe including the Aborigine tribe. Soon after, another group took a different route to the Middle East. Splitting into two groups, the first would branch into northern India and rapidly expand its population; the second made its way towards China. From this area in modern-day Kazakhstan, two more groups had diverged paths and after nearly 10,000 years, the first Human Beings would finally make it west to Europe (and beyond to become Americans) and northeast towards North America. It would not be, however, until around 15- to 13000-years ago that these well-adapted Humans would cross the Bering Strait and become Native American Indian tribes. How did they do it?

     It is believed that around that time, the temperature had fallen and waters along the strait receded substantially to allow for passage across this most perilous passageway. Even so, these conditions are crippling to anyone who is unconditioned for the unimaginable temperatures inside the Arctic Circle, which easily reach -60 degrees Celsius. The Chuckchi of northeastern Russia still live in this arid, hostile environment and are proof of just how resilient the Human body truly is. And, it is doubtless that this was the path taken by this group of only about ten people. By about 11,000 years ago, these people made it through Canada and into what is now the United States; and, in just 800 years to the tip of South America. The land provided plentiful resources and so the population expanded rapidly. It took 35,000 years for Humans to fully populate the Earth, and another 15,000 until a curious scientist decided to retrace those steps. The results can be summed up best in Dr. Wells’ words: “The markers I follow are found only in men, in their Y-chromosome—the chromosome that makes men; men. But, of course, men don’t travel alone and the journey of man is the journey of everyone.”

Money; It's a Gas

     Just under two weeks into this new decade, Humankind faced its first challenge with a crippling 7.0 magnitude earthquake which devastated cities in Haiti, the western hemisphere’s poorest nation. Port-Au-Prince, from the images broadcast by news media, looks ominously reminiscent of a recent war zone: buildings completely demolished with bodies scattered throughout the dirt streets. After the initial shock of such graphic scenes, a sense of dire urgency becomes overwhelmingly palpable. It is now the second decade of the 21st century—we have the capability, resources and, ultimately, the duty to correspond to these tragic moments unconditionally with strategic, well-planned search and rescue missions immediately followed by clean-up and reconstruction efforts focused on state-of-the-art buildings designed to withstand certain degrees of these natural disasters. So, why should there be any hesitation at all when it comes to a coordinated effort between nations to save as many Human lives as possible, as quickly as possible? Within minutes, a sequence of events could be set into motion which would have several rescue crews, transportation, heavy machinery, medical supplies, food and water at any remote location in a matter of hours. It is well understood that in the aftermath of earthquakes, minutes literally could save lives; yet, efforts consistently are delayed due to miscommunication and confusion. A highly developed plan for such occurrences apparently does not exist; and if so, that ostensible secret likely has gone through some form of monetarily-influenced, bureaucratic mutation which leaves any attempt at cooperative measures practically useless unless, of course, a profit is attainable. Once again, the Human life is illuminated in proportional light with the ever-so-cherished invention that we like to call money. And, once again we must remind ourselves that money will never buy back the lives of the unfortunate people killed in these tragedies; money can never buy an emotion such as happiness—emotions are products of chemical reactions and electrical impulses in our brains—and, of course, money will never buy any of us another life after we die. Life is priceless.

     If by an alarmingly good chance Humankind develops an understanding of purpose in life being always equated somehow with money, that understanding revokes any significant, beneficial meaning at all for life. It is in these certain tragic moments, which depend on rapid response to ensure the maximum number of lives are saved, that it becomes painstakingly obvious that we absolutely cannot allow money to dictate, or confusion over “who’s in charge?” to delay, the coordination of efforts required to carry out such a huge undertaking as swiftly as possible. There is no doubt in my mind, nor should there be in any candid mind, that it is indeed feasible, many times over. No longer can we allow the lack of resources or technology to be the vindication for neglect towards these as well as many other pertinent issues. Instead of creating and focusing on trivial, unfounded excuses for how or why an attempt at global Unity may or may not procure hostility—which, by the way, happens regardless; even as you read this very line—we must provide ourselves with a best possible, constantly updating, overarching understanding of purpose in life by collectively pursuing scientific, innovative, artistic, thought-provoking, socially uniting, benevolent endeavors—excluding entirely a necessity for money. However, to understand why we do not need money, we first must elucidate how and why we have reached a point in our existence where money is held in such high regards and granted so powerful a grip on Humankind.

     Money is but a fabrication of the Human mind—the most prominent subsidiary of the alleged “natural yearning” towards material possession. The idea, born out of an apparent necessity to acquire “things”, has grown into an all-encompassing monstrosity, intertwined into nearly every single aspect of our lives. The most immediate problem, though, manifests easily through reasoning: by basing the outcome of our time and energy on a system which is exclusively subordinate to money, meaning in life itself becomes subordinate to and confined by the very same principles which dictate the several variations of the monetary system presently utilized around the world. And if meaning in life, as defined by money, is accepted to be the ultimate reason for being, quite simply it is the utmost failure of Humankind to not investigate further than the constructs and imaginings that govern the concept of commerce.

     One of the most astonishing quandaries money has to offer is the ability to render honesty and integrity both null and unnecessary. Since the recorded conception of bartering, and later coining money, the system has fulfilled a perpetually growing understanding which places profit over people, no matter how shady, illegal or inhumane the means to profitable ends are; essentially creating a gap in lifestyles now known as “classes” of citizens. These classes exclude entirely a person’s attitudes, beliefs and intelligence, along with practically all other truly significant traits. Instead, citizens are subject to categorization based exclusively on financial standing, forcing millions of low-income citizens to become more and more disenfranchised. Possibly the worst repercussion to such disdainful classification is the perception that the less money someone has, the less worthy that person becomes of even the most basic necessities. Sadly, sometimes acknowledgement of belonging to the Human species seems to be sacrificed as well in this invidious hierarchal concept. Prudence in collective decision-making, however, would altogether dissolve the supposed necessity to belong to any of these classes and lead us to accept the fact that we all belong to a single class—the Human class.

     Another predicament arises by considering the ever-changing value of “things” based on supply and demand. Just take a moment and think about that: a desire to “own” something—to declare an object yours—advocates a change in the worth of that object; and that “worth” is determined by a private company which profits proportionally to that determination. In my personal opinion, it is beyond perplexing that we continue subjecting ourselves to such a disuniting, selfish idea. Perhaps, most frightening is the fact that this idea of worth and value continues to be placed on Human lives, as Human trafficking takes an unprecedented step into the ruins of the Haitian nation. Reports, verifiable by the Prime Minister of Haiti, are now being made by CNN that many of the country’s orphaned children may have been trafficked out of the country since the earthquake; possibly by unbeknownst adoption agencies in the chaos and confusion. In addition to this heinous, unforgivable offense, the reports also claim that many of the country’s citizens are possibly being trafficked for vital organs to be sold on the Black Market. These types of offenses are indescribably appalling—a fruitless attempt it would be to try and explain the horrific ramifications of Human trafficking in any new light; the very thought alone says it all. And merely explaining the horrendous nature of such acts does nothing to quell or prevent these acts from being carried out. It is as though dollar signs constantly are flashing in the eyes of sick individuals who will do anything at all to turn a profit—even buy and sell other Human beings; paying off companies, political leaders and other individuals along the way. All-the-while, no government seems interested enough to do anything remotely considerable to stop this atrocity from taking place. How is this happening? Why is this happening?

     The truth is: it will probably take years to eradicate Human trafficking—money still is far too influential. It can be easily surmised, though, that if money becomes unnecessary, so too does the class system which so elusively rules the conduct, and misconduct, of nations. And, unless we begin taking steps towards Unity on a global scale this decade, by 2020 it may be too late to accomplish that end through reasonable, peaceful, civilized means. The global stronghold powerful, for-profit corporations now have is slowly but surely growing to a point that should be considered a major threat to the advancement, well-being, health, education and future of Humankind. When corporations begin to influence political decisions through campaign contributions, cronyism and media control, it is the duty and responsibility of elected officials not influenced by such corporations to enforce laws which prevent any type of governmental corruption at all. And, if a majority of elected officials prove to be corrupt, it becomes the duty and responsibility of citizens to use the ultimate authority and power of voting to elect new officials. But, even the democratic process of voting into office representatives of the people is one that bears no meaning to this day in some countries. So, to truly ensure the most beneficial, prosperous future for our Posterity, something major has to happen on a global scale—governmental Unity; by the people, for the people. (Do not confuse my plan for global Unity with some other, possibly corrupt idea that so many people have accused me of conforming to—the so-called New World Order. This is the first time I have ever acknowledged that idea, and will probably be the last.) As sad as it sounds, and sad as it is to say, only in the aftermath of devastating disasters like these does it seem to become necessary for Humankind to acknowledge the deep connection between all of us; if even just for a moment. That connection knows nothing of money; nothing of greed; nothing of class. Rather, it shows just how vulnerable each and every one of us truly is; and how benevolent we all can be. Millions of dollars have been given already from around the world to finance the relief efforts and thousands of volunteers have devoted their time and energy to help save lives. This is Humankind as I see it—selfless, caring and willing to work towards the betterment of society as a whole. It is in the near future, as a more definitive, deep understanding of purpose in life is sought, and as technological innovation evolves at an exponentially, ever-expanding pace, that I foresee money becoming completely obsolete—at least in the form that we now so blindly adore. Perhaps as the era of digital currency dawns, it is only a short matter of time before Unity, at least of the monetary system, will manifest itself.

Founding Our Future

     There’s something about the overwhelming feeling one gets when staring out at the ocean; the waves crashing; the sunshine bouncing off the surface; the warmth of the rays on the face. A single breath alleviates all anger, discontent and worries. Once again, the truth of life’s meaning comes rushing into the mind like a long forgotten song, only to be swept back away to the sea of ‘business as usual’ by the tides of ‘ignorance is bliss.’ Today is Christmas and I am sitting in the parking lot next to Santa Monica Pier watching the Sun set over the ocean—quite spectacular if you ask me. The best part about today was that I just bought a meal for myself and gave half of it to a homeless woman that was sitting by Bubba Gump’s Restaurant. I only wish that I could give more; help more. This time of year is marked as a time of giving, helping and family. But, something always seemed strange about that to me. Why is it that only one or two weeks out of the year, people feel obligated to be charitable? Why is it that so many thousands of people starve, develop mental disorders and almost certainly die, homeless and neglected, on the streets of cities which house some of the richest people in the world; in one of the richest nations on Earth—the United States of America? Why is it that we have not yet built a foundation for the future that begins with an organization, or even a unified government, devoted to providing for the shelter, health and provisions for Citizens of not only the United States, but all around the world as well? That is exactly what I intend to do with my life.

     The ultimate goal of my writing is to convey messages of Unity, education and advancement; but at the same time, gain support for a non-profit organization that I want to found with your help; all of you. Since the beginning of 2009, when I made the decision to go to college, I have felt compelled to try and make the best of my life through helping, providing assistance to, and educating those who are in need. Something this huge needed to have a name that people will undoubtedly remember the first time heard. It took a while to produce a name that would sum up all of the things that this foundation will be doing. After many weeks of contemplating, it finally hit me and I can still remember how happy of a moment that was in my life. The name alone gives me the inspiration to continue my writings of government, religion, Unity, benevolence and advancement of Humankind. But, the writing is not where it stops for me. January 1st, 2010 is not only a new year; it is a new decade of the 21st century. People always tend to make frivolous resolutions on New Year’s Eve that are almost certainly broken; sometimes the very first day—quit smoking; stop eating junk food; give up drinking. But, where are the resolutions with substance; with meaning? Where are the resolutions that are selfless? My only resolution is to see my dream through; to create a foundation which reaches the world over and ensures that no person starves, or dies of preventable diseases; every person is provided shelter; every child is given the education, nurturing and care necessary to grow into responsible adults. The betterment of global society starts right now with a promise to you all.

     The New Year will mark the beginning of a journey that has long been anticipated. We have been preparing for this moment, even if it was unknowingly, for many millennia; and now it is here. As the long era of separation is closing in on its final days, a new era of interminable Unity is upon us all. We must find it in ourselves to become the future we want to see. Take a walk with me; it is not a journey for only one person. It is an odyssey for One kind—Humankind. Let us leave behind the legacy of hope, vision, innovation, responsibility and Unity—the legacy that we were not fortunate enough to have been given on account of the lack of technological and agricultural abilities, or the supposed scarcity of resources (excluding money, if anyone believes money is a resource,) or simply because of greed. Despite what many believe, we do have both the ability and resources, by an enormous factor, to ensure basic needs are provided to every single person on Earth. It is a matter of Citizens standing together in Unity to manifest this future. When our Posterity, in the coming centuries, eventually write the history books containing our generation, we should be able to stand confidently together knowing that we have done everything possible to ensure the continuation of a most prosperous journey in Unity which can only be called The Human Endeavor.

Religion: Part I

     The other day, I was on The United States of America Fan Page on Facebook and stumbled upon the discussion of what makes a nation Christian. Reading the very first post, I realized the person who started this discussion is somehow under the impression that the United States is a Christian nation, or any religion for that matter. The purpose of this essay is to debunk this irrational proposition. So, where does one begin?

   First, the Framers of the Constitution of the United States made a very clear statement in Amendment I; "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof..." At this point, I need not go any further, but choose to because religion is a subject that I have avoided writing about for far too long due to the heated debates that ensue almost immediately afterwards. Granted, the Bill of Rights was added four years after Establishment, at the states' demand for one at the cost of ratification. But, that doesn't mean we are free to speculate and then declare the Framers' intentions were for that of subjugation and despotism. Think about it; why would these men try to establish a completely new, innovative form of government, only to have it fall under the same tyrannical strongholds that were the very reasons for "The Declaration of Independence?"

     Second; other than in Amendment I, a variation of the word "religion" appears only one other time in the entire document; and even then, in Article VI, it is stated, "No religious Test shall ever be required as a qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States..." The words "God" and "Jesus Christ" are nowhere listed either. In fact, just two words are left that even remotely resemble any type of religious connection—in Article II, Section 3, where "Ministers" is used in a governmental context, not a religious one; and as for "the Year of our Lord," this can be evidenced as non-religious on the basis that the only dating system around the world for relatively “advanced” societies at that time, and even today, was that which was based on the alleged birth of Christ. There was no other option, although I am sure if there had been, it would have been chosen for the purpose of preventing misinterpretation--which seems to have led us to this very discussion. True it is that a large portion of colonists held Puritan values, but the Founders were well aware, and realized how imperative separation of church and state would be to the unique, new nation, and so implemented the above mentioned, plus many other Rights and Liberties, as Amendments I through X in the Bill of Rights.

     Third, the realization that billions of people remain subject to these ancient concepts (because we have to acknowledge, that is all they are—ancient, primitive concepts), which have, for over 2000 years, been waging war against each other while each declares itself the only righteous path to Heaven, Jesus Christ, God, Allah and 72 Virgins or whatever else any others’ after-life assumptions have evolved into, should be an enlightenment unto itself for all of Humankind. Considering the number of times since conception religions, and all "sub-religions," have been used as both salvation from, and at the same time, justification for, countless wars, Injuries and even genocide, all Citizens of Earth must be willing to realize that the true meaning of life does not necessarily exist in the form of some absolute "faith" in the imaginings of afterlife. Too often, many religions require people to dwell upon death and the most sacred “afterlife” so much for guaranteed passage into the realm of their beloved omnipotence that it completely consumes those peoples' lives and deprives them of the real reason for our existence—the accumulation of knowledge and the proper application of that knowledge, supported with scientific data, logical interpretation and, of course, experience, to ensure intellectual and technological advancement of Humankind in Unity towards understanding the vast expanse that is the Universe in which we are conscience.

   The only way to truly understand the after-life is through death, OR through an unabridged understanding of the fundamental elements and constituents of the Universe through life. If we can understand the meaning of life, using data, logic and experience, then and only then can we make a much more accurate prediction of what happens when our bodies die. We inhabit but a single planet of literally billions that just might harbor some other form of intelligent life. So, should we really be so arrogant to claim that any theological concept conceived by Human Beings holds any veracity on such an unimaginable scale? Before someone decides to rebuttal with some misguided attempt to downgrade the efficacy of Astronomical and Physical sciences, I would like to ask you, when was the last time you looked through a telescope? Or, had the privilege to bear witness to a moonless night sky on top of a mountain, where the Universe seemingly comes alive as an awe-inspiring spectacle? Gazing at the plane of the Milky Way is like looking at the past, the present and the future, all in one breathtaking, spectacular view. Life seems more precious; yet, at the same time—much more probable. The Universe recycles all energy. We are simple, meaty forms of energy and the likelihood of other life elsewhere in the cosmos is—well, questionable by our relatively primitive standards. And those questions have marched millions of people to their deaths. Whether or not we have made contact with other life forms, worship some form of omnipotent being or disagree with others who may believe otherwise should bear no relevance in our quest for understanding. The question we need to ask is not even whether global Unity is practicable; rather, will we have a respectable, responsible and thriving global civilization which is founded on benevolence, interdependence and sustainability to present to our Posterity as well as other possible life forms that just might be intelligent and capable of rapid space exploration?

     It is quite amazing; the fact that we cannot stand on common ground as the Human Race with one goal: unconditional global advancement. There it goes—another ten years. The 21st Century was, throughout the 20th Century, always portrayed as a new era for Humankind, marked by global society geared toward scientific discovery and innovation, Unity and advancements in space exploration. Yet, the same old story sadly reads itself aloud, again and again; year after year; decade after decade: further separation of societies and governments that cherish much different views, attitudes, beliefs, and religions (in the case of the U.S., non-establishment), and that take action appropriate to such, according to their respective attributes. But, I refuse to accept an assumption that our lives should be devoted to an ambiguous speculation that seems to be the most hotly debated topic around the world; based not on scientific data or advancement for Humankind, but rather on ancient legends and myths. Where is the “faith” in Humankind itself; “faith” in ourselves? Must we really be subject to some concept of “God” or whatever name you would prefer? If “God” supposedly created us in his or her or its image, would that not mean that we have an innate right to take it upon ourselves to obtain the best possible understanding of life and everything in the Universe; the Universe which “God” allegedly created from—well, honestly, anyone can fill in that blank? Or that we were “designed” with the capability of rationalizing what is right and what is wrong? And if other intelligent life exists elsewhere in the cosmos, then who are we, Humankind, of the relatively negligible, little planet Earth, to say that civilizations on those other planets are wrong in their attempts to form and interpret assumptions of some type of Supreme Omniscient Being? It is one thing to believe in such an all-knowing being; quite another to try and force those beliefs, through religion, upon others who may have formed separate, unrelated beliefs, or disbeliefs. When religious wars, as the majority of wars on Earth are, continue unchecked, it becomes a necessity to construct a global government firmly rooted in an educational system which not only teaches religions objectively and free from hallowed mannerisms, but also teaches a well-rounded, technology-based, health-wise curriculum. Do not misinterpret me—I am not saying that we should abolish all religious institutions; that would infringe upon the Civil Right of “free exercise” and implies radical measures would be applied in the unfounded attempt to carry out such a decree. Instead, I concede that every single person is entitled to worship as he or she pleases; but do so in a manner considerate of any and all possible social consequences of one’s actions while worshiping. It is when and where a form of worship calls for radical measures to uphold a particular institution’s beliefs, including suicide bombings and forced indoctrination, that a line must be drawn. The future of Humankind depends on our ability to ensure it prosperously; as it manifests itself from our collective actions. If those actions are based on an ill-judged, highly misguided attempt to explain life through an entity that we, only recently in our long history, conceived, then there is almost no hope for breaking the cycle of corruption that has plagued our societies throughout the millennia. And if despotism, wars, starvation, Human trafficking, and many more such atrocities continue, it is because collectively, we allow it. But, I am confident that the generation alive today is the most important generation of Humankind ever. Does riding this wave of the future leave us with only two options: sink or swim? Nay; there is always another option—in this case, we are fortunate to have the ability to fly into the future; nearly frictionless and without any stops.

To Be Continued…

Experientia Docet

     The 21st Century...Cue the guy with the vociferous, baritone voice and throw in an orchestral accompaniment of triumph and progress. Indeed, the very thought alone makes one’s mind race off into a sunset of infinite dreams and endless possibilities; into some cliche Hollywood portrayal of what life might be like in the future—corruption and total destruction through the misuse of advanced technology, or boundless knowledge and intergalactic travel. The latter depiction is held in a rather phantasmal light while the former seems inevitably feasible. Conceding to the fact that nearly ten years have passed thus far in the Twenty-First Century and we have yet to change course towards global societal unification, there remains an ever-growing list of questions attached to the idea of futurity—far too many to name in just a few short pages. Humankind stands at the precipice of reason; and for that establishment, we are faced with a choice to reason as One, or to continue dividing interpretation of reason as many. The question one might immediately ask is whether global Unity is even possible. Can an allegedly advanced species, as ours so arrogantly boasts, with such a broad range of cultural, social, governmental and religious diversity, find a way to Unite for the common goal of advancement, or are we doomed to the stagnant, vicious circle that has been the history of Humankind—separate nations that journey from wealth to power; power to control; and control to self-destruction? With a plethora of globally pertaining issues, it is difficult to sift through so many and choose the single most pertinent issue that Humankind faces. After careful consideration (it was between this and religious subjugation, which I will get to soon enough in my writings), I have chosen to examine the possibility of, as well as reasons for, global governmental Unity. I realized that by pulling this single “string”, as the maxim goes, a thousand unravel; practically all other issues become aligned on a path to resolve. As the title of this essay indicates in Latin, experience teaches. We should take into consideration and learn from the past; not dwell upon and re-live the past time and again. Speaking of time; it is of the essence (at least our vague interpretation of time is apparently of some essence); so let us begin, shall we?

     Earth is but a nucleus of an atom of a grain of sand; only a speck on the cosmic beach of space-time. So where does that leave us? Negligible, at best, I suppose. But that fact does not mean Humankind can excuse the atrocities that have hitherto been carried out between the separate societies which have flourished into distinct spheres rarely overlapping on similar policies and issues. Rather, the barbarous actions of Humankind over the millennia need to be substantiated in a manner that derives just intentions of advancement through an enumeration of commonly known, yet, consistently ignored facts. Recall that in 1776, Thomas Jefferson did exactly that and it changed the course of the history of Earth, even if intentions were focused on founding a single, united nation. Today, we face an entirely new, alarmingly paralleled situation—this time in a global context. “The Declaration of Independence” as my influential compendium, I have written a modernized update to this truly historic document. As a way of conveying a global societal unification, this document is entitled “The Declaration of Interdependence.” It goes as follows:

*****When in the course of Human events, a necessity for an unprecedented, immediate and interminable global cooperation arises, that of a truly undivided people must firmly be established to achieve goals concurrently. Human Beings of all ages, races, creeds, ethnicity and governments, unified to forge Global Legislation, should bring forth a declaration of causes for separation from, and abolishment of, all constraints inhibiting positive intellectual and technological progression, and for movement towards Unity, of all Human Civilizations on Earth.

     We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all Human Beings are created equal; that they are creations of the Universe, and thus are bound by the Laws of the Universe. That it is within the responsibilities of all Human Beings to Unite and ensure a future of advancement and security for all forms of life inhabiting their world. That to embrace boundless knowledge for their kind strengthens the effort to thoroughly understand the fundamental structure of the Universe. That to obtain absolute understanding of the Universe yields interpretation of purpose. That purpose inspires Human Beings to become united and self-sustaining without the threat of tyranny and oppression. That when self-sufficient Governments of their world become destructive of these ends and fail to secure the advancement of Human Beings, it is their right, it is their duty to alter or abolish these Systems of Government and provide a new, worldwide Government to establish uniformity in advancement.

— Such has been the toleration by Human Beings; and so now becomes the necessity to alter their Systems of Government. The history of governments on planet Earth is a history of expansion scarred by material greed, power and control over the masses. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.

     We have refused our Assent to the Laws of the Universe, the most wholesome and necessary for the global public good. We have allowed our Legislatures to neglect passing Laws of immediate and pressing importance; and when they so shall pass such Laws, it is at the desire of lobbyists and private corporations not serving the Interests of the global public. We have allowed corrupt individuals the ability to write Legislation of unusual, uncomfortable lengths for the sole purpose of fatiguing us into compliance without understanding. We have witnessed the enslavement, indoctrination, genocide, and invasions on the rights of millions of people throughout Human history. We have ignored the fact that thousands of people die every day due to preventable causes that modernized countries simply take for granted. We have refused for a long time, after such occurrences, to take measures to ensure well-being of all Citizens worldwide and to promote an understanding that the authority of Legislative Powers ultimately resides in the People at large for the sole purpose of preventing Annihilation; entire countries remaining in the mean time under the influence of totalitarians. We have endeavored to create obstructions at the borders of our separated countries in order to block the instinctive Nature of Humankind to explore and discover; all in the name of pretended Security from one another. We have declared War on other Human Beings for vast numbers of unjustified reasons; reasons easily resolved through proper diplomacy. We have failed to acknowledge the importance of Education, Health and Technology in the future advancement of our global society. We have neglected the innate duty of responsibility to the betterment of a societal whole, unacknowledged or unbeknownst by many and abandoned by others in times of greatest importance; giving our Assent to acts of pretended legislation:

     For allowing such indecency to Humankind to continue unabated: For protecting the actions of some and attacking those same actions of others by use of loopholes and extenuating circumstances that ignore the core facets of Right and Wrong: For cutting off or restricting Trade with certain parts of the world for intentions based on profit and control; not sustainability: For depriving us in many cases, of information useful to making decisions that affect Citizens and our Rights and Liberties: For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offenses: For tolerating the abrogation of habeas corpus, Human and Civil Rights and Liberties; advocating instead Systems of Government corrupt with avarice, Injury and political bureaucracy; inevitable to becoming self-destructive as all hitherto governments have: For cherishing theological ideology over logical design—the ability and responsibility of Humankind to naturally advance itself to a level of unforeseen understanding bereft of hallowed subjugation—and neglecting to focus rather on an unabridged understanding of the underlying principles that constitute the Laws of the Universe.

     We have abdicated Government, in many instances under false pretenses of necessary Security, becoming subject to War against ourselves. We have plundered the land, ravaged the Coasts, bombed the cities and destroyed the lives of millions of people in other nations. We are at this time transporting large Armies of Mercenaries to other nations to complete the works of death and desolation, with hypocritical intentions to prevent such acts from being carried out, under circumstances of Cruelty and Perfidy scarcely paralleled to the most barbarous ages. We have excited domestic insurrections amongst ourselves due to unjust laws and advocated inequalities.

     In every stage of these Oppressions, We have, through a vast range of Organizations, Petitioned for Redress in the most Humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated Injury.

    We have been warned time and again of attempts by our legislatures to extend unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the conditions of our Assent to only fair and just Laws. We have appealed for honorable justice and magnanimity and they have been deaf to the voice of reason and logic. Therefore, we must denounce Separation of Nations and Society, Unite the Governments of Humankind and provide safeguards for the future of our Posterity.

     We, the Representatives of planet Earth, in Council, Assembled, appealing to the Citizens of Earth for sanction of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of all People from all Nations, solemnly publish and declare, that all Nations are, and of Right ought to be United; that they are absolved from all Allegiance to oppressive institutions, and that all political connection between States, is and ought to be totally integrated; and that as Sovereign Nations bound to a single, common governmental contract, they have full Power to establish Commerce, contract Alliances, promote Peace, and to do all other Acts and Things which Interdependent States may of right do under the provisions of the global Alliance. And for the support of this Declaration, we, the people of Earth, pledge to each other our Lives, our Guidance and our Knowledge.*****

     This document has been the object of months of quiet anticipation; mine, of course. And, it is far from perfect. But, I believe that if Jefferson was alive in modern times and felt compelled to write about the state of the world’s governmental affairs, the result might resemble what you have just read. Besides the limited number of examples I was able to convey, there is plenty of empirical evidence for why such an alliance would be indubitably beneficial to all of Humankind. When was the last time that you watched the news, at least here in the United States, and it was filled with inspirational stories of magnanimity? In my lifetime, I can definitively say never. It has been made clear by corporate conglomerate media outlets that what the public apparently enjoys and cannot get enough of are scripted reality shows, celebrity gossip and stories that adorn our airwaves with death, corruption and devastation. Controversy sells; and we all know that at the end of the day, profit is what life is about. Well, not really, but that is what we have been led to believe and cherish. Since when did athletic accomplishment and infotainment take precedence over intellectual esteem and academia? Maybe the shift happened when the Internet allowed people to water down language, especially English, into the online jargon and acronyms that have been the staple of the youth of the United States (e.g. OMFG, ROTFL.) Furthermore, interest in, as well as access to, government has declined or been limited significantly over the past few decades, especially since the Internet has opened up the world to the notion that absolutely everything is just a click away and, more recently, by the passage of the USA Patriot Act. To set the record straight, I am not in any way blaming the Internet for Humankind’s indiscretions. Nor do I attest to a ban, limitation or control of the Internet—it is the ultimate form of ubiquitous trans-communication and should be completely free worldwide; plus, without it I might have no hope of conveying my many messages of Unity to the world over. How can a price be placed on knowledge, anyways? These are all just simple observations that everyone should be making; but I understand how hard it is the peel away from the latest gossip, the newest controversy over celebrities’ infidelities, the hottest new phone/text machine/camera/Internet browser/mp3 player/everything you can think of all in one little $500 device that will be outdated in 2 weeks and is marketed as the best new thing to make you think and do less, and put as little effort as possible into gaining a more refined understanding of life. Although all of these topics actually do fall under the category of global governmental Unity, the issue I am most concerned with, however, is the government itself and how best to obtain a global unification, thereof.

     So, what would be the best form of government to implement in a global community? In an article written for Time Magazine, Strobe Talbott says, “The best mechanism for democracy, whether at the level of the multinational state or that of the planet as a whole, is not an all-powerful Leviathan or centralized superstate, but a federation, a union of separate states that allocate certain powers to a central government while retaining many others for themselves.” I couldn't agree more. Before I had even read that article, months ago, I actually wrote an essay which provided a foundation for a Federation of Earth. Admittedly, it was almost exclusively based on the federal system that exists in the United States, with minor updates to accommodate and ensure global participation and representation. It has proven, with the United States as prime advocating example, that federalism is perhaps the most promising form of government that would mold an all-encompassing umbrella over nations which establishes a foundation of guiding principles and laws ensuring Rights and advancement for all nations on Earth, while delegating all other powers not mentioned in the binding agreement to the nations. In a more judicial aspect of global Unity, Stephen Schlesinger, of the World Policy Institute in New York City comments, “By the end of the century, we will have the first permanent international criminal court to prosecute the most serious violations of humanitarian law.”

     No doubt we are bound to an inevitable future of Unity in one form or another. What better time than now to light a torch that we will be proud to pass on to future generations of Earth? In the Federalist, Alexander Hamilton wrote, in 1787, “There is nothing absurd or impracticable in the idea of a league or alliance between independent nations, for certain defined purposes precisely stated in a treaty…leaving nothing to future discretion; and depending for its execution on the good faith of the parties.” Visionary words indeed, considering the time in which they were written. He was right then, and he is undeniably correct in modern times. We have literally had millennia to establish a well-rounded, fully integrated government which can protect future generations through Unity; especially within the past century. There really is no excuse. Nothing can justify Humankind’s propensity to dominate everything by any and all means necessary. No words can define just how important a unification of this magnitude—of this importance—truly is. It is something that must be felt within; something intangible, yet profoundly realized. It begins when we want it to begin. We are faced with a choice to design a respectable, prosperous government to carry on a legacy of Unity and humanitarianism, or be forced into it by whatever wars, tragedies or disasters that we encounter on our journey; inevitable obstacles on such a neglectful path that have an extremely good chance of leading to total annihilation. So what will it be? We can utilize this luxury of choice and decide for ourselves, or chalk our future up to these ellipses…