Meditating on America: Ben and Now

Over the weekend I watched a re-run of a documentary about the inventions of Benjamin Franklin, and how his scientific way of thinking had influence on his approach to politics.. I've always admired him. I think he's the greatest American thinker. Ever. And one of the greatest minds humanity has ever turned out. I believe the secret of his creative genius was his use of reason. His analysis of form and function was amazing. By using the most basic of scientific principles of observing and accurately recording, he could arrive at the operational definition, thereby solving a problem (better heating) or answering a question (electricity).

Right now people are operating under the assumption that we live in a zero sum universe, either shrink, ing or fixed. That translates into if your make a penny that's bread of out my mouth. Meaning there are finite resources and therefore finite opportunities for survival.

Enter the concept of organizing: sharing and pooling resources for mutual gain. (We used to call it hunting and gathering) It's the ability to rationalize another's behavior is why we decided to organize first, for survival. That in turn changes perception where the sum of the parts is greater: out of many we are one. If that's true, i.e it works, and we survive and thrive, then the universe is expanding, neither fixed nor static.

How in the hell did we get from the reason and logic to superstition and fear in 200 years?! What the hell is the matter, here?! This is asinine.

History has clearly demonstrated that the universe is expanding. We're still here, aren't we? Therefore so our our possibilities. Just go back to figuring out the ways it can be done. WWBD

Letter to The First Lady on the Occasion of Her Visit to the Gulf States

Dear First Lady of the United States:

Thank you for planning to visit the third world part of the country. No doubt, while you are here, you will be shielded from the less savory parts, the sharecropper farms that still exist in Georgia and Alabama, the parts of Louisiana where there are regular daily power failures (Orleans parish). Bring a flashlight, and extra batteries.

Perhaps Ms. Sherrod will be available to sneak you away for a few hours, so that you can see how we really live down here. If you can slip the Secret Service, you will have the opportunity to experience what it's like to be a “person of color” in the South.( I know what I'm talking about. I am a black woman, who grew up in Chicago. I went to Lab School like your daughters. I'm college educated, and working only 10 hours a week). If you get caught, make sure you have your passport and White House credentials on you, or you could end up in jailed as a “street-walker”.

No doubt the satraps in charge will grovel obsequiously in your presence. remember however that behind your back they will be plotting ways to demean ad belittle any good work you will try to do. It'll be just like visiting South Africa in the 1960's. You will treated like an “honorary white person”. Make sure you are well-vaccinated. bring your mosquito repellent, first aide kit and malaria tablets. Do not drink the water. Do not get sick in Louisiana! If you do, fly home immediately. Health care in Louisiana is wholly inadequate, as in the entire South. Bobby Jindal, Richard Shelby and Haley Barbour have worked very long and diligently to keep us ill and unemployed, so we may be too weak to greet you if you come.

Enjoy your stay!