Blabber: Pop Consumerist Middle Class...to SAVE WORLD.

Vali Nasr and John Stewart were discussing on the Daily Show the rise of the Middle East’s Middle Class. In doing so they focused on the role the middle classes have on stability and sustainability of communities. Nasr alluded to the formation of a middle class being the foundational element in creation of the United States. Stewart questioned that if we had helped bolster the middle class and then introduce democracy would we have had better results . This idea of the stabilizing powers of the middle class are not new or elite. An issue finds it legs when it is agreed upon by the middle class. Plans are broadly implemented once it is affordable to the middle class. Social contracts are enacted into law when the middle class embraces it.

It has always been difficult for me to embrace extremes. I have had an uneasy feeling about some of the rhetoric I grew up with in a liberal culture. I realized I had taken for granite much in my upbringing when I moved to a more conservative community and certain sentiments made me bristle. Clearly, efforts on the fringe can pull a culture in alignment. As an growing minority (Atheist) I am pulling for liberal extremes. As fiscal conservatives, I hart blue dogs. But in truth I live in an increasingly middle class reality and I hope to keep it that way.

The further the American middle classes embraces the ideals of a greener social and economic model and the more we expect affordable, efficient, caring healthcare, the more our chances of destroying our planet or suffer while trying will diminish. As China has cultivated a middle class, they have been confronted with facing their human rights and environmental responsibilities. The USSR’s fabricated equality fell like a house of cards and without a stable middle class the vacuum was filled with corruption, but perhaps over time a stable middle class will emerge. India’s class system is the only thing standing in the way of progress lead by their middle class. Pakistan’s stability relies in the expectations of its middle class. We will never be successful in Afghanistan until their poverty is changed to a middle class upbringing. Hope in Iraq and Iran lies in the hands of its growing middle class. Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, UAE all struggle with understanding how to transition to a middle class, but know it must be done. With the voices and success of the middle class in Palestine and Israel so goes the region. In Africa, stability only exists in nations that have a middle class. As the middle class grows in many East Asian nations, the tragedies will diminish. In Europe the middle class has created new levels of stability in just decades, despite the issues in the Baltic States and the social intolerance in Italy. The failure in Iceland after the financial collapse has had an upswing in social issues in the small Island nation. World wide and through history we know success exists in the hands of the Middle Class.

Our modern success was built on pre WWII plans, WWII actions and post WWII transitions centered on the growth of the middle class. Despite the efforts of McCarthyism to embed extremist perspective into our middle class envisions established, success was driven by less ideological realities. McCarthyism only bread extremes embedded in the anti-was and social justice movements. The practical elements of both measures, patriotism and equality have held on, but are there less colorful elements that helped keep the middle class going through daunting times and still help us today?

While my family has a long tradition of secular Jewish culture, I do not believe the Jewish rise in the middle class would have been so rapid without the role my people played in American pop culture. I also come from a Christian family and I do not believe their shedding of Christian traditions would have come without the rise of the middle class and the consumptions that were driven by the rise of the golden era of American advertisements and McCarthy Era iconic imagery of a middle class life and home.

Could our guilt of pop culture and consumerism be misguided? Could it be that not just public education, freedom of speech, a judicial/legislative/execu

tive system, patriotism, the pioneer spirit, civil rights, the separation of church and state, walking softly and carrying a big stick have lead to our middle class and our stability (as fragile as it seems at this moment, that seems far to similar the end of the Roman Empire and speaks to accurately to the prognostications of the end of days)? What is it that seems to accompany modern developments of middle class? Could it be that addictive consumerism and delusions of traditions enabled by appetite for media arts have helped sustain and develop the middle class?

As a graduate from a Media Arts School, I do wonder if my interests are not misguided after all. Now if only we could get our businesses and politicians to take a more moderate perspective and our environment, health, and bank accounts into serious consideration, perhaps we could be Regan’s shining city on a hill and inspire stability and not just jealousy and sometimes-righteous mistrust.

The Bill

Paul Krugmen has said there is simply not enough in the Economic stimulus plan to solve the issues. Republican’s are instinctively resistant to the size of the bill…I have this instinct as well…But I can see Obama’s position that we have to stop the spiral before we balance the budget. These are extraordinary time and if you are not into revisionist history you know that FDR’s approach was effective. I think there should be some separation of issues here (putting healthcare in a comprehensive health care bill). Also there is the Tarp bill which should be tweaked and can help with much of the same issues. My bottom line is that we should be using the necessity of changing our energy policy as an opportunity to get out of the broader economic issue. I am not alone in this thinking and Obama is attempting to do this. This imperfect bill may do it, but I am worried it is not enough. And then I am also worried it is to much. If we focus on info structure and renewable energy we will create the next great economic opportunity, we will reduce our dependence on foreign oil (an important part of our security needs), we will improve our environment slowdown in global warming, we will revitalize the American Auto industry…on and on…this is a no brainer.
Breakdown of House and Senate bill commentary:
It is scary that the numbers in both the house and senate plans seem so low to provide aid to poor and unemployed. Particularly the only 1 Billion for heating.
The direct cash payments seem much better in the senate bill, but again provide roughly a week to two weeks worth of relief. This maybe significant for those who live check to check and can be disciplined enough to save the amount they are given…this is an unlikely reality. When I was living in this category it would have been gone immediately.

The amount to be spent on Infrastructure is a big chunk at 46-47 billion, but is not significant enough. I know the reality of needs in Vermont is significant. I also realize that there are likely unfunded plans in the Midwest and Gulf Coast that have not finished and are great health and safety concerns. Don’t get me started on Earth Quake engineering needs.

Health care is an integral part of everyone’s economic reality and significant pointing of fingers, corruption and pushing the ball down the road has lead to an even bigger issue. Also I know of potential growth economically in this sector (we have shortage of nurses, dentist and TMJ specialist in our state). But I do wonder if this is not just throwing money out. I would prefer that it was part of a more comprehensive, well debated, thought out bill that was a permanent solution to this growing issue…I have much more to say on this issue.

Education is the foundation of our economic system and never been fully treated as such. There are calls for more efficient, effective and pervasive investment in education of all areas for all students; these calls are coming from rural communities, inner cities as well as the top executives in the silicon valley and energy companies in Texas. This is because they are all concerned about the future…not just for everyone else…but for themselves. Both bills provide some relief, but there have been finance promises dating back to the 70’s that still need to be paid for. This like healthcare is huge issue to tackle and one that cannot wait. It should be comprehensive and extensive. With lively debate. My top concern as an art teacher is the cutting of funding for arts education…which I argue is just as important as science, math and English.

Energy is just as important to invest in this bill as Infrastructure. In fact I think the two have the best option to build for the future while effecting positively the jobs market and individuals income. The senate number at 40 billion sounds better…but I still think it is way low. Every home should have the option to have energy provided by solar power. Every community should benefit from wind and hydro. Every car should have one of the options for alternatives to gas. The car industry should be working on all fronts not just one solution. All the energy providers should be investing in renewable energy. The days of coal, gas and oil should be ending.


Why is Homeland security in this bill. Other then in the context of eliminating foreign oil there should be no security components to this bill. (There I just saved us 4.7 billion). We have spent enough on this military crap…time for them to tighten their belts. Is this not pork.

Law enforcement I think the military budget should take some of their extensive funds and donate it to Law Enforcement so we don’t need it in a stimulus bill…there I saved another 3.5 billion. Is this not pork.

Housing has virtually no difference in the two bills…I side with John Stewart show has been suggesting we take these funds and the Wall Street bailout money and use it to pay down individual debt based on individual needs. This way the banks would get their money the right way and people who are hurting will be helped directly not accidentally if at all.
Tax credits are nice and all, and the plans to move closer to the reasonable tax plan Obama campaigned on. But again comedian John Stewart made a great point…what about a payroll tax…it would benefit workers and employers. From what I know about this bill it does not address it.
Expanded college credit is a nice idea, but again helping reduce student loans would benefit more people. I do think increasing the pell grant is vital.

The Home energy credit is a nice start, but is it enough…see above.

The senate’s Unemployment leaves me conflicted.

Bonus depreciation is out of my league…can someone explain this.

Money losing companies plan sounds good…is it?

Government contractors seem to be getting a brake…do they really need it?

Energy production tax credits are essential, I am wondering if the number is high enough at $13 billion.

Repealing bank credit is a great provision.

Bond subsidies is unfortunately needed, if you are aware of local bond issues nation wide this is a huge issue that needs to be addressed as part of the infrastructure and education needs. The senate version is better, because is includes infrastructure.

I am curious about the benefits of $11 billion to make interest payments on most auto loans and sales tax on cars deductible in the Senate bill.

Any thoughts?

Gaza: A responce

I wrote this way to long response to a relative who had responded to my original piece on Gaza. They are very well informed and have a different opinion on much. While I am not sharing their response (they can do that on their own.) I thought I would share my second take because it clarifies and adds some more of my opinion....

I know the majority of Israeli troops are very honorable men and women. I have no doubt that most tried to be conscious of the innocent. I do not debate that Hamas, Hezbollah, Alkita and much of the Arab world (not all) have embraced a ideology that reflect the intentions of Hitler. As you say this is fact. Today in Germany you will not find a propaganda machine more anti-Hitler outside of Israel. Is there no potential for Arabs to have the same change of hart? It was war that brought this, but it seems such a stretch for the type of war America and Israel have fought in the Middle East could be successful. America has had their fare share of culpable manipulation with CIA interferences and our sometimes counter productive approaches to was in the middle east like water boarding. One option is both immoral and impossible…a destruction of the Arabs on the scale the “some” Arabs want of America and Jews. I do believe that Israel has tried almost everything, perhaps not at the right moments or for long enough, but I do not pretend to have answers, just a perspective. I also would like to state that Jimmy Carter is at least has the guts to try, even if he at times has been lead to the wrong conclusions. It should be acceptable for the well intentioned to have errors in judgment…they do not deserve contempt.

Until Israeli Arabs have full rights, like a full seat in the Cineset (sp?) then the point is not equal. I maybe wrong, but it is my understanding there are limits on their role in government. I will grant you they seem to have more rights then in Arab nations. I think much of the fault or solution does fall in the laps of Egypt, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon. They have not only attacked Israel, but even worse they have not made a home for their own people, even treating them worse then Israel.

If the surrounding Arab states are not willing to take responsibility for the well-being of the Palestinian people then, I am for a two state solution, but there has to be system that can be emplace to allow for safe exchange of goods and services, as well as, safe passage for employees. It is the human contact on the local level, individual to individual that creates this, not government to government through check points. When you can communicate on a personal level much of these issues can be managed, reduced or even be resolved. The other approach contributes to one solution war until annihilation.

I did not make this point in the piece I wrote, but I did a cartoon a few years ago when the wall was being put up in the West Bank, comparing it to Japanese Internment Camp Fences, The Berlin Wall, The fence on the Mexican/American Boarder and the Warsaw ghetto Wall. I see these sorts of barriers as actual barriers to civil progress and I am surprised that Jews have chosen this approach given our experiences as a people. I find these actions, and the isolationism of Palestinians to evoke the memory of the build up to Hitler's final solution. I am beginning to wonder if what we have learned from the Holocaust is not tolerance, but instead lesson on how to behave with a superiority complex. I realize these are dangerous ideas to express, but they are what comes to mind and I am surprised if it does not come to other Jews. I also have heard that Matan Vilnai, Israel's deputy defense minister said "The more Qassam fire intensifies and the rockets reach a longer range, they will bring upon themselves a bigger shoah because we will use all our might to defend ourselves." I along with many Jews at his use of the term Shoah in this context, but even more to the point, why are we threatening Holocaust's on another people?

You said, "very careful about not targetting civilans (of whom there are not so many in Gaza)." I agree that there is likely the intention of not targeting civilian, but the reality is that they have fired upon a UN school with children in it, there are reports of a great number of children and women being killed. The reality is that as in Iraq this is a despicable tactic , but Hamas's only available tactic; to bring the fighting into urban areas, to diminish the effectiveness of Israel’s overwhelming fire power, but even more to your point, to use their own people as a shield of collateral damage. This is where we clearly agree and I can appreciate you sincere emotions on the issue, Hamas, Hezbollah and Alkita are savage enemies that use tactics that clearly make them behave of war criminals and have disregard for their own people's well being.

I think they come to this place through three thought process, one it effectively makes Israel look like monsters if the take the bate, two: they are so ineffective as a fighting force and desperate as a people (or political entity) that their backs are up against a wall, and three: It is their interpretation of their religion that has created a morality that allows for this behavior...and from secular point of view and from a Jewish point of view...I find this to be mass insanity. I just worry that we are going in the same direction. Certainly the Arab states could help solve this issue, and perhaps that is were the international pressure should be. If western countries were not so dependent on oil I think this may be where the pressure will be…more reason to convert to alternative energies and try and save the planet for our children.

My understanding is that it is both Israel and Hamas that are not abiding by humanitarian efforts. Again it was Israel that ok'ed the UN to enter Gaza on a humanitarian effort and then killed the UN driver they had otherwise to enter. It may have been an accident, but it has not helped their case.

Obviously you have better information on the conditions in Israel, but I would caution all to take into consideration that the Palestinian’s have similar takes from their perspectives on the hardship of daily life. I would also suggest that those who are left in Palestine are mostly so poor that they cannot leave. I do not think they are all or even mostly members of Hamas...but I am certain that today more of those boys are members of Hamas or future members of Hamas, because of Israel’s reaction to the clearly despicable tactics on Hamas’s side. This is not to say that the four people killed on Israel’s side did not weren’t some response or effort toward resolution, but now that 900 Palestinians have been killed I am sure more then four are innocent. If we start going through history this conflict has so long a history (virtually, our entire history as a people). When does it end...or are we satisfied with the answer being the end of days. Proving that we are human's could not evolve beyond base instincts.

The issue of majority rule does apply to Jerusalem. But outside of Jerusalem there is much debate. I am less and less convinced on how British or even Turkish rule can determine if the land is Arab is Israeli. I do think that the Holy land should be shared and I would love to see a solution that embraces the protection of all three cultures that lay claim to it. Clearly Arab perspectives hurt this, but I fear the Jewish and Christian perspectives are returning to a ideology that matches this road to obliteration. This fear is supported by the conflict in Gaza today and incidence like the 1982 Lebanon War where Christian Lebanese militants murdered thousands of Arabs under the occupied protection of Israel in Lebanon.

On Jews being in Israel a couple of thoughts. I think it is despicable that America did not open our boarders and allow more Jews to immigrate after the Holocaust. I agree there has been a consistent Jewish present in Palestine and we have the right to live there along with Muslims and Christians. I also think however that what did we expect immigrating in such numbers to Israel. While there are many benefits and clearly Israel has redeveloped into a bountiful land because of the work of the Jews. I cannot defend the lack of effort and responsibility taken by the Palestinians. They have been manipulated and let down by their leaders. I do not think it is indicative of the people, but I do think if they succeed in their goals, it will do nothing to solve their day-to-day issues. The do have the will of the international community and the ability to create for themselves a place as the Jews have. I suppose they are blinded by fear and anger…clearly wrongly pointed at Jews, not their own leaders and their own responsibilities. This above any is why Carters efforts have been undermined. I still ask the question how does Israel’s reaction now or any reactive envision into established Arab territory help create an environment that will end with a solution for both sides?

As for the hypothetical of an attack on Vermont or California. I do see the potential in reality. After 9/11 for me it changed every thing and give the current environment here in the US I have had fantasies of being forced out of my home and having to flee. I would prefer to stay. No, I am not so attached to a place that I would stay beyond reason the survival of my daughter is far more important. With these instincts many Jews survived the Holocaust. I do have attachments to the Bay Area, Savannah, GA and Vermont…but I realized that you always grow attached and then long for the previous place. It is part of the human condition and memories. However, you make more and/or you move on. My responsibility now is for my daughter. If it came to that I would find a way Erin, Savannah and myself to survive…or die trying. Not die trying to save a piece of property. But I have the luxury of resources and history of traveling and survival in my family. I know it can be done. Some do not. Or they are paralyzed by, lack of education, ideology, self-righteousness, lack of inner strength or lack of leadership.

We both made the point earlier that some cannot leave, because of poverty. I would suggest two things, this is a reality in all cultures for some or many. Also I think much of what I said above is the only answer…but if you are isolated, trapped as many Palestinian may feel and I would guess some Israelis feel then I would not say “tough,” but I would say I don’t know either. Not being in those shoes. Perhaps being closer in proximity you know the answer.

I do not believe there is justification in force. But I conceded that it is a road that can lead to a end that is acceptable and tolerable if not ideal for future generations, provided they have the ability to forgive. This is not justice.

I am not surprised, but glad to hear you speak of moral responsibility to the Palestinian, I wish as do you the Arab states were more committed to their moral reasonability.

As for the horrific tactics of suicide booms…this I cannot fully wrap my mind around. It is part of the mass insanity I referred to. I just will never get how someone can “believe” in something to the point were they throw their lives and the lives of their enemies away. It is simply crazy. I guess this is why I have no real answers…how do you negotiate with that? But again, why would you perpetuate it with actions that erode your moral position. And why would you cut off communication between communities that could lead to a neighborly environment and could erode the anger and mistrust that fuels this insanity.

Thank you so much for your impassioned response. I have learned some…even if it does not come out in my argumentative tone.

Gaza

Note: I doubt you will find answers here, and I certainly have no information or personal experience that makes this more valid then those who live in the reality; for example my cousin in Israel and my brother in Dubai.

That said…
The Judaism I grew up with seems to less and less reflect the will of my people. It is as if the humility and empathy gained over 2700 years of hardship particularly from 1938-1945 has been replaced by self-righteous hubris, built on a foundation of entitlement, worry and anxiety. It may have been partly that I was young and naive, or my vision of what it is to be Jewish may have been heavily informed on the principles taught, being in Berkeley, CA. What has remained consistent through my ageing has been this understanding… that dissension, argument and freedom of opinion has always been part of Jewish culture.

It is this idea that I have thought brought about the possibility of my existence, a secular Jew. I am not an anomaly, there is a strong tradition dating back hundreds of years with Jews denouncing the existence of god, but embracing what Tevye sings of, “Tradition.”

So as a Jew, I have focused on the lessons of good deeds, the amazing per capita influence we have had on American culture, the influence we have had in art, pop culture and the underground. I take pride and interest in these things, as well as, our survival through history, particularly the Holocaust. It is my understanding that the Holocaust is the modern crucible which created the state of Israel. And now I wonder “what are my people doing?”

As I write this, a very complex chain of events have led to Israel killing close to a thousand innocent Palestinians and a U.N. Driver in pursuit of Hamas. Perhaps Naustradomis (a Jew) was right and in 2012 Armageddon will be upon us. Perhaps the return of the Imam, Jesus or the Messiah is upon us.
In my most cynical moments I chalk this up to mass delusion. However, there is enough anecdotal evidence to sustain a suspicion that I maybe the one without wisdom, in assuming there is no afterlife. I may be the one who has hubris.

Still, I have a hard time understanding why we have cultures that see the climax as a time were all destruction of most saves the few who “believe” through immoral actions of the few. Where is the evolution of humanity in that?

We do live in uncharted times; manmade close to inevitable destruction of the plants environment, war at the birthplace of “civilization,” an American driven global economic crisis, genocide in Africa (the birthplace of man) and child slavery/sex trading in Asia; to name some. The environment alone could be a “sign” we are coming to an end.

The state of Israel was in part created under the Zionist pressures at the end of World War II. The passionate Jews were enacting terrorism techniques against the British establishment in Palestine (an action that gives support to the actions of Islamic terrorists acts today). And in the end the UN granted their wish after pressure from the US. All actions after this by the state of Israel have been enabled by the international community through the UN, with increasingly unilateral support from the US (which has its own population of 6 million Jews; me included) and under increasingly hostile pressures from their neighbors. Every step forward seems to be met by two steps back.

What is sure to result from current action by Israel:

1) Another generation of Palestinian youth who will fight to destroy Israel.

2) Further erosion of Israeli “high-road.”

If one looks at this on a very basic level, as I would have as a child and as Palestinian and Israeli youth can look at it today, you will see some basic truths. If Israel grants freedom, good will and fare commerce to Palestine then you erode basic tenants of Hamas and Hezbollah. You increase the potential for neighborly relationships.

But what of security? I feel that many Jews who helped establish Israel come from two experiences, living in a hostile environment already created by the thousands of years of struggle over the land and the new realization that there is potential for extinction (provided by the Holocaust). This does not bread rational stable wisdom. These fears and anger undermine basic tenants of the Torah and social engagement. This has been perpetuated generation after generation. It maybe that the militant Israeli is a symptom also of succumbing to a militant environment in the Middle East bread by the conflict within Islam between Sunni and Shia. I maybe wrong in this assessment, but if you are trying to get your way and you are in a hurry you adapt to the language that the other party works in; in this case strength…not the Gandhi approach.

Again there is not much of answer. So what you just put up your hands? I don’t know. I just know that fighting has just perpetuated the tragedy and fear on the to their side, giving legitimacy over time to their perhaps equally irresponsible behavior….with no end in sight. Until Armageddon!?

Perhaps there are some clear answers in the wisdom of Lawrence of Arabia. I know there are clear one in the case of Iraq…let them manage themselves now. In Afghanistan and Pakistan we have a complex issue, because our pursuits for Bin Laden…but eventually we will have to let go. In Iran we should tread carefully with open dialogue. The hardest part of this is how these countries treat their own people, particularly women…there I would lead by example and provide as much open information to the people as possible, but to move by force preemptively is a mistake of tragic proportions. Look to Teddy Roosevelt perhaps for the way….okay I must get off the soap box…please let me know what you think.