The Big Easy -

Listen, no one in their right mind is going to take up arms, put their family at risk and send their children into battle unless there is something to gain or conditions are intolerable. Look at us lazy Americans... We cannot even be bothered to get out and vote, no less march in the street or otherwise be politically active. Why, because we are comfortable...

In Palestine, woman, children and men are strapping bombs to themselves and walking into schools and blowing themselves to bits. You could say they are religious fanatics, sure. But even religious fanatics have innate self preservation built into them. I believe that if these people had more to live for, they would simply... live. But the conditions there are so grave. There is no economy, no room for family and little to live for that a religious alternative, in a perverse way makes sense...albeit hard for me to get my little brain around. Give these people an economy, and a chance and I suspect the region and lives of the individuals will follow.

Where am I going with this? Simply put. On one end of the spectrum you have fat lazy Americans too comfortable to put their remote controls down, get up from the Lazy Boy and take part in politics. We would rather complain about it than do something... Why because it is not impacting us in our living rooms and around our dining room tables. Institute the draft again and see how that changes. On the other hand you have destitute people compelled by religion and little else to live for (ie: family, a job, a community) blowing their women and children up on an almost daily basis. In the middle, you have revolution which can only occur when the majority (or at least a large enough minority) are so uncomfortable that they are willing to sacrifice everything to see it change. Often this comes at a great price. It typically means a change in power and those who hold the power rarely are willing to give it up to some one else. One will argue that in America, we have a revolution every 4 years when we elect a new president. However this too takes it toll. As the president really only has two years to make a difference before he or she needs to start focusing on re-election. Same goes for the House and Senate where the election cycles are short. Not perfect, but it does keep things fresh and give as Obama says, hope. Hope will stave off a revolution for at least another 4 years here in America.

Point being that a revolution never happens unless the pendulum has swung so far in one direction (and for so long) that the lives of those revolting are impacted so greatly that they are willing to sacrifice. Put Bush back in office, remove all hope and see what happens...

For more pointless internet reading, see my other blogs...

A

Never Yank a Wanker - Greetings from the UK

Ok - I know you are supposed to blog on the readings, but what if you have not read? DOh - did I just say that? Kidding Madeline...

Really....

Arrived in the UK yesterday, staying in a company flat which is a 5 minute walk from Paddington... The station, not the bear, although I do love that cuddly little guy...

There is something slightly ironic, that I find myself here on the fourth of July weekend. Is that the celebration of when we kicked the pants of those Brits? Even further, I am here looking for a house as I plan my expatriation from the US. Feels a little strange. I keep wondering why the Brits don't celebrate the 4th along with us. I mean really, we are now their biggest ally and are a significant contributor to both their economy and their military. I am certain, given that every thing is backwards here (I am sure I am offending a great number of people by that comment) that had the colony lost the revolution, Brittan would not have turned the colony into the country it is today. Ah - American arrogance at its best, no?!

Speaking of arrogance...

I decided that since I will be missing class on Monday due to the large amount of beer and BBQ most Americans will be enjoying that I would substitute a trip to a museum. Now I know we are supposed to write a paper, and I will, but let me tell you a little about it here.

We took the tube over to the British History Museum. You know the one, this is the great building where the Brits house all the amazing artifacts they stole from the rest of the world and now have them on the display for free, so we can all enjoy them. Yah, that one... I guess they could be even more arrogant if the stole all this stuff and then charged the public...

It is bar none the most amazing collection of history you will ever see under one roof. Had I known that this had existed before I would have skipped this course entirely... Kidding Madeline, you are doing a terrific job ;-)

The Mueseum is broken up into regions and items are displayed accordingly. There are artifacts dating back 1.4 million years ago... the first known tool and the first known art. The tool... looks like a freaking rock... Common people, it is a rock in a glass case... The art, water buffalo carved on a mammoth tusk... Freaking amazing...

Oh - the first pornography too... A rock with a couple "making love" as the caption said... First representation of humans having sex... It looked a lot like rock porn, you must see this.

They have an entire room on the enlightenment, when I say room, it is probably an 8000sq ft room. Constructed to house Henry the (I donno), the somethings, personal library. It is quite amazing.

Anyway, I could go on and on... oh and some crazy preserved dead guy with his skin still on... Yes, I will be showing a picture of him shortly, glad you asked.

We will be returning today for an hour to catch the last day of an African Carving exhibit. I would say check it out but suspect that even if you flew private you would not make it in time.

Tonight we have reservations at the River Cafe, which is an Alice Waters like restaurant in London serving only locally grown ingredients. WHAT you say ... this is not California, what to the Brits grow, Steak and Potatoes? I know I am with you... Will report out on that shortly... Since I am certain you and the rest of the world care about these matters.

Oh Yah, speaking of appetizing... check this guy out (as promised)




Look closely... Yes, I do believe those are testicles... I know I am a little kid, but um... no one promised literary genius here nor any level of maturity... You are welcome to click you back button at any time...