ChumForThought » David Satterlee

About Communities

Apr 102012

@ChumForThought – By David Satterlee – Throwing ideas into dangerous waters

“No man is an island.” Communities are the foundation of civilization. It is almost impossible to be entirely self-sufficient. We need each other for our variety of abilities, interests, and ideas. Our individual differences make us stronger as a group.

Farmers understand that monoculture crops require extra care because they are more vulnerable to disease and disaster. Colonies of single-cell bacteria do not need diversity in the same way because they just reproduce rapidly to consume whatever they find and then die back.

For people, it is easiest to create communities when everyone shares mostly the same values. But, the more we isolate ourselves from others who are different in some way, the more extreme, intolerant, and fragile, our group becomes.

In the natural environment, thousands of different plants and animals work together to fix nitrogen, provide shade, hold soil from erosion, cross pollinate, and such. Our human communities also prosper when they embrace diversity.

Communities do not allow unlimited personal freedoms. In fact, one of the properties of communities is that they are intrusive and coercive. People in communities voluntarily give up some individual liberties and, in the spirit of Ephesians 5:21, “submit to one another” for the common good.

For instance, if you catch my child throwing rocks and breaking windows, I should appreciate, or at lease accept it, if you bring him to me, explain the problem, and expect me to disciplined and correct him.

As communications tools and speeds rapidly increase in our modern world, we find ourselves to be involved in larger and larger communities of interests and communities of relationships. This can be fearful for those who prefer the comfortable memory of things like they used to be.

Nonetheless, we are obliged to keep on extending ourselves to understand, or at least accept, that we are all in this together and that the Golden Rule works both ways.

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Apr 102012

@ChumForThought – By David Satterlee – Throwing ideas into dangerous waters

“Chum” is the word for chopped fish that is thrown overboard to attract other fish – and especially sharks. Ideas are like chum for thought.

I believe that comparing ideas can be a force for good that attracts us to each other. Strangers often become friends as they talk and work together, uniting to solve mutual problems.

Many people like to avoid controversy like they would avoid swimming with sharks. You hear friends say “let’s talk about anything but politics and religion.” That’s completely understandable, and if a friend tells me that, I’ll be the first one to back off and respect their need for comfort without confrontation or fear.

However, as Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” I think it is good to compare notes and discuss ideas. We make both ourselves and our companion better for the time we spend trying to understand each other.

We become enemies by withdrawing and refusing to talk, empathize, think, or compromise. People who can’t talk together become suspicious and divided. They become fearful and hateful. They often resort to war to resolve their differences. Unthinking alienation is not the path to peace, security, and brotherhood.

The ability to communicate about issues, including our values, is what draws us together as friends, families, and communities. When we can communicate, we can work together to solve problems. We can unite for common goals and for our common good.

I believe that we become better people when we chose to compare and discuss ideas. It can useful to know what is going on and discuss events. But, it is often pointed out that gossip, by only discussing people, can be damaging. Coming together about ideas is best.

This column will focus on the practical side of practicing “peace on earth and goodwill toward men.” I hope that you will find it to be encouraging and thought provoking… chum for thought.
©2012, David Satterlee

Columnist Rachel Marsden takes a WILD swing at Stratfor

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Mar 092012

If you don’t already know, Stratfor is a private company, founded by George Friedman, that gathers international intelligence and creates reports which they sell to individual subscribers, businesses, and governments. They have been in the news recently because their data and email were seriously hacked. This is very interesting and sensitive stuff. WikiLeaks is publishing excerpts, and it is a big deal. Stratfor is being straightforward about the event, fixing the problem with a vengeance, and offering their clients extra value. I subscribe to their free newsletter and love it. I also love Friedman’s recent books including “The Next Decade” and “The Next 100 Years.”

I picked up my copy of the Fort Dodge Messenger this morning (Friday, March 9, 2012) and flipped to the editorials on page four. They are often more entertaining than the comics. Rachel Marsden’s column “The new WikiLeaks stash” jumped right out and grabbed me. Sure enough, it was a critical (if not gloating) diatribe [yes, I admit to taking an emotionally-charged swing at some things myself] against Stratfor. The topic seemed out of place in Fort Dodge, Iowa. [Admittedly, I’m kinda out of place too. If there is anyone else around here who takes an interest in Stratfor or issues of global geopolitical existentialism, please introduce yourself; we probably ought to meet.]

First, if you don’t already know, Rachel Marsden describes herself as a: "political/geopolitical and communications strategist/analyst, Radio/TV presenter, internationally syndicated columnist with (Chicago) Tribune Company, author, and speaker.” Whew. I’ve read that she is Canadian and lives in Paris (France, not Texas). Rachel has been compared to Ann Coulter and has done work for Fox News, Spectator Magazine, The O’Reilly Factor, the New York Post, Washington Times, and conservative politicians.

Ms. Marsden also has a new book called American Bombshell, which prominently [The entire cover, actually] displays her attractive face and flowing dark tresses with the title information plastered across her chest. I’m not suggesting that there is something wrong with any of this, and I haven’t read the book. I suspect that the book addresses serious explosive national and international issues, and that the subliminal implication that Rachel is an “American Bombshell” is entirely unintentional. But, I’m drifting into Rush Limbaugh territory here, so let’s backpedal real fast and move on.

In today’s column, Rachel reviews recent Stratfor events and then begins to pick at the fatty pieces [I visualize a vulture ripping at road kill]. Her second paragraph leads with a statement about the CIA using private intelligence firms for “black ops” in a way that seems to imply that Stratfor is involved in killing people for hire. Does she really think that or is she just shredding a victim? Not nice, smarty pants.

My favorite rant (a real beaut) is buried in the middle of the piece:

“Do you know how a lot of these outfits in the thriving private intelligence sector operate? The company CEO, usually a former agency employee who has maintained UMBRA or “Top Secret” clearance, meets with a private or state client to pitch his outfit’s services, then passes off the analysis work to some book-smart/sidewalk-stupid naif who has just been dragged kicking and screaming into the real-world workforce after frittering away a good decade or so ringing up a party tour of Ivy League schools on mommy and daddy’s AmEx black card.”

You know, I just somehow doubt the objectivity at work here. Smarty pants may even have her pants on fire. It’s an impressively mind-numbing run-on sentence that runs you over and sets your hair on fire. For another thing, it sounds a lot like a liberal’s take on George W. Bush’s early years. But, that’s another story.

How do you answer a statement like that? How about: “Um, what are your sources for that and how did you come to that conclusion?”

I also want to ask, “As an advocate for conservative causes, such as private business contracts to replace big government control of the means of serving public interests, aren’t you eating one of your own sacred cows?”

A new idea is like a new cat in the house…

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Mar 082012

I found a relatively new poster at open.salon.com. http://open.salon.com/blog/not2late4 She writes with thoughtful passion about ways that she has had to face and reason about controversial situations. It turns out that I was the first one to “favorite” her and we exchanged several messages. She was distressed by the strong anger that one her articles had provoked and was considering withdrawing from the site. I hope that she will carry on.

Dear Kat,
People who write like you do are really annoying. This is actually a good thing. Don’t worry about it. Keep it up. Perfect your art. I got a bumper sticker for my wife’s car that said, "Well behaved women seldom make history." Margaret Mead is quoted as saying, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." You may also draw more encouragement from http://herestothecrazyones.com/ As an award-winning elementary school teacher, my wife always kept the quote prominently framed on a wall … at student’s eye level.

If you read some of my stuff posted at SocioDynamics.org (some of which is cross-posted at open.salon) you will see that I have been wrestling with the questions of why some people are persistently fearful, angry, ignorant, or bigoted. I’ve found many answers in the science of psychosocial development. Unfortunately, the answers point to the fact that, in sequential developmental stages, there will just be things that many people can’t understand yet. And, they will dislike you intensely for discussing those things.

Introducing a new idea is, for them, like bringing a new cat into the house. There is no, hello-how-do-you-do. There is just reflexive hissing, arched backs, and hair on end. But, in time, it (usually) settles down to shared naps in the sunny spot on the floor. If there is hope for cats, there is hope for the public discourse of ideas… and maybe even all of humanity.

Remember when Obama first inspired America

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Mar 082012

Senator Barack Obama gave the keynote address at the 2004 DNC Convention in Boston.

America as a beacon of opportunity. Humble beginnings in Kansas.
”My parents shared an abiding belief in the possibilities of this nation.”
”In a generous America, you don’t have to be rich to achieve your potential.”
”We have more work to do.”
“People don’t expect government to solve all their problems. But they sense, deep in their bones, that, with just a slight shift in priorities, we can make sure that every child in America can have a decent shot at life.”
“It is that fundamental belief: “I am my brother’s keeper. I am my sister’s keeper.” that makes this country work.
“[E Pluribus Unum] is what allows us to pursue our individual dreams, and yet still come together as one American family.”
“The audacity of hope [faith] is God’s greatest gift to us – the bedrock of this nation.”

An appeal to national unity.

Why Republicans would let you suffer and not blink.

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Mar 082012

This is the core thing that divides liberals and conservatives:
Are we "all in this together" or are you "on your own?"

An inspiring and thought-provoking speech. An oldie but a goodie.
“A tale of two cities, not just a shining city on a hill.”
”Social Darwinism = Survival of the strongest”
Republicans believe that, ”The strong will inherit the earth” – “The lucky vs. the left out, the royalty vs. the rabble.”
Family values are great, but Democrats believe that, as a nation, America should behave like a united family.

This is a small hit-and-run posting. Background and supporting arguments are made in other articles on http://SocioDynamics.org

You want to see family values? I’ll show you family values.

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Mar 062012

A graphic look at one man’s family values.
Just ignore the pictures on the right; I just threw them in for no particular reason. So, any interpretations are those of the viewer, not those of the author.

“Happy to be with loved ones.”

“Hanging out with friends.”

“Having fun together in the living room.”

recliners

“My favorite girls.”

“A moment shared with a role model.”

A Liberal Votes to Leave Rush Limbaugh on the air.

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Mar 062012

I favor leaving Rush Limbaugh on the air. I declined to sign a petition asking Clear Channel Communications to remove him. Rush is endlessly fascinating. It’s kind of like staring at the snakes at the zoo, watching a street fight, or lingering at the scene of a train wreck. You know you shouldn’t, but you just can’t seem to look away.

Shock jock Howard Stern keeps his audience in the same way. Oh yes, there are the supporters who simply align with everything he says, but… It seems that, whether they like Howard or not, most tune in “to see what he will say next.”

Limbaugh is an embarrassing caricature of the hate and bigotry embraced by too many conservatives. He seems to enlarge and amplify their basest attitudes. He’s the kind of influence my Mother warned me against when she said, “Bad associations spoil useful habits.” Of course, Limbaugh positions himself as the Grand Defender of Virtue, but that’s another story… That is what he thinks, and that is what my Mom thought. Mom wins.

Some listeners are embracing Rush’s message but the bad behavior of “dittoheads” is alienating independents. [For what it’s worth, Google “dittoheads.” You will find some very creative and entertaining send-ups of the phenomenon.] The Urban Dictionary points out the obvious; blind, unthinking, following without question. There is a satirical 12-step program for dittoheads. The good times just keep rolling.

Other listeners are uncomfortable and defecting from his program. In fact, as of this writing, an explosion of advertisers are also rejecting his show.

Finally, Limbaugh is energizing liberals. He is standing in the open, drawing lightening to himself. Just as Republicans cynically energize the bigotry of their base by giving them people and ideas to hate, Rush is out there painting targets on himself every day.

Rush is wrong. Rush is a train wreck. And, if you don’t believe me, ask your Mother… or Al Franken. Let him rant. Let him be the shining public example of everything that you no longer want to be. Don’t go over to the dark side of the force. Go to the light.

“Just say NO” to being a “Closet Liberal”

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Mar 042012

I cross-posted “Hate Speech at my US Post Office” to Open.Salon.com where it was selected as an “Editor’s Pick.” I described responding in alarmed kindness and signing my name. It felt kind of liberating.

It was very satisfying that a lot of “closet liberals” commented that they felt empowered. Here are some samples:

“Thank you for sharing this, and I have to say, you inspired me. I am a liberal amongst conservatives at my work and I usually ignore the hate-speech and brow-beating to try and get me to "see it their way." I don’t bite, so they lose steam. I just moved to a new office and I heard my first anti-Obama joke in the new building today. I didn’t say anything. But you have just inspired me to stop being the silent liberal! I will prepare my logical retorts and be ready the next time they come around with inappropriate comments and condescending attitudes and I’ll tell ‘em what’s what. Thanks again.”
“I did a similar thing a few years ago in a slightly less public space (the bulletin board in the break room of a large office building.) The fact that I signed my name helped other people to step forward and speak up, and the end result was that anonymous sniping was established in the office culture, for at least a few years, as a very un-cool thing.”
“And yes, we need to stand fast and push back against the bullying. I hope you write that column, and find there are many other people in your town who feel you speak to them and for them, too.”
“Too often the "other" side runs to name calling, innuendo, and outright lies to make their point. Instead of hating on someone you don’t agree with, how about talk in plain terms of what you would rather see, why and how that will help.”
I applaud you for speaking up and taking a stand, particularly when it may not be a popular one in your community. Hopefully, it will let other people see that they’re not alone and push them to speak up too.
“Living outside the U.S. for the better part of the past ten years I can tell you the rise of racism in America is extremely noticeable to those of us who do not live there, nor suffer the consequences. Name them, and shame them. That’s about all you can do.”
My synagogue was stricken with a swastika. We will try to set up some public education programs around it. It stinks and calls for talk, rather than anger. I say, treat it with education. Post an anti-hate poster. Set up a discussion. Write an article.
When Obama was about to get elected, I threw a fundraiser and posted invitations throughout my building, to attend and watch his acceptance speech. Some pinhead yuppie Libertarian spawn defaced Obama’s picture as a crude caricature of Hitler with reversed Swastikas over the invite text. A lot of folks who attended were outraged, but I told them that I wasn’t really worried about bad art. What worried me were the quiet guys with deer rifles. As much as pinheads like Rush and Newt piss me off, I still worry about the quiet guys with rifles.
"Liberalism is a mental disorder" is a Michael Savage saying. The author is thus likely a typical Savage fan: old white male, paranoid and resentful. Good for you for speaking up, but take care: these men are very, very angry people.

As I continue to contemplate my most recent encounter with hate, I am warmed by increasing optimism. It occurred to me that conservatism is the condition you leave and that liberalism is where you go from there. That produces a positively-trending dynamic. It can be summed up in the observation that:

”Liberals are just former conservatives who have relearned the True Meaning of Christmas.”

If you do a Google image search of “true meaning of Christmas,” you find lots of Christmas trees, mangers, and Peanuts kids. That’s level one; that’s for people who don’t look very far and don’t dig very deep.

If you’re persistent, however, you find a few images that emphasize Jesus’ expressions of love, being compassionate, doing good, teaching, serving, feeding, and healing. These are examples of, metaphorically, "opening your hand" and "giving liberally."

There is no shame in being liberal. It is an open, joyful way of life. Liberalism was modeled, not only by Jesus, but by every person we like to admire or call “a great man.” Think Gandhi, Mother Theresa, the Buddha, Dr. King, and many others.

Liberalism is not a bad word or an embarrassment. It is not a light to be hid under a basket. Liberalism should be a light that you confidently thrust high, as an illumination in the world.

DavidS

Relearning the “True Meaning of Christmas”

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Mar 042012

I woke up in the middle of the night with a fully-realized insight:
”Liberals are just former conservatives who have relearned the True Meaning of Christmas.”

If you do a Google image search of “true meaning of Christmas,” you find lots of Christmas trees, mangers, and Peanuts kids. That’s stop one; that’s for conservatives. If you keep looking very hard you find some different images that emphasize expressions of love, being compassionate, doing good, teaching, serving, feeding, and healing.

Yeah, you’vejust kinda gotta go with the tender, caring spirit of that last one.

One last comment in closing:

Jesus was "the good shepherd." He washed feet, gathered children to himself, recommended being a "good Samaritan," fed the hungry, and healed the sick.

Jesus showed compassion for the 99%: the poor and the common people including sinners, lepers, tax collectors, and prostitutes.

On the other hand, Jesus really had it in for parasites such as money changers in the temple (who, instead of laboring, were making money off of others by exchanging money) and Pharisees (who were religious lawmakers who "tied heavy burdens upon others").

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About Communities

About ChumForThought

Columnist Rachel Marsden takes a WILD swing at Stratfor

Remember when Obama first inspired America

You want to see family values? I’ll show you family values.

“Happy to be with loved ones.”

“Hanging out with friends.”

“Having fun together in the living room.”

“My favorite girls.”

“A moment shared with a role model.”

A Liberal Votes to Leave Rush Limbaugh on the air.

“Just say NO” to being a “Closet Liberal”

Relearning the “True Meaning of Christmas”

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