The "liberal/conservative" hash

The political polarization we see today is complete nonsense.  The hoi polloi has bought into it much too readily, with no shred of skepticism.  It has proven to be a brilliant move from one "side" to make itself germane, or more precisely, an effort to make conservative "thought" equal to the liberal views. It is simply a sham.

Imagine a circle as large or small as you want encompassing all possible views which might, at least should, no, must be considered necessary to make an informed decision on matters big or small. It would be the whole, or at least an attempt at the complete set of possibilities (and hence, impact) for an answer to any given societal issue. It would not be false (or somehow demonizing) to see this as being "open minded," or dare I utter the word- liberal. It would have, insist on, context. Now imagine a smaller circle which can be any size, but it is, by its very "non-liberal" nature, smaller. It can reside anywhere (its placement could result in as interesting metaphor) inside the larger circle. This is the conservative set of possibilities, always describing a limited and smaller set of solutions. It can't be the larger circle, ever, because it is not purporting to be all encompassing. To be conservative is to be limited and limiting, protective, not risk inclined (creative). So how does this apply? So what?

I am (possibly by genetic make up as we are finding out- oops, that is science, sorry) a so called "liberal" person. I think of the whole all the time. In some writings, it is called global thinking. I can't help it; that is how I am (sometimes it seems more of a curse especially when trying to make a point in meetings). I am not adverse to risk taking. But guess what? I often have conservative "thoughts" and often regard conservative positions as the best. What does that make me socially and politically? I can't say!

To make a general case - I believe in helping others (liberal?) but don't like it if my money wasted (conservative!). Just be as good with my intentions (tax dollars) as possible. Some dollars may be used for things of which I don't approve. That is the price of being a member of a larger society, rather than living under the control and constraints of the smaller tribe.

Or a specific case- I like to save money, live within my means and only borrow when it makes sense and pay it back.  Is borrowing conservative or liberal? I don't know, but it is necessary at times.

In both cases, I need to accept that I can never be completely satisfied that 100% of my money has been used wisely or that my borrowing is prudent. No system is so efficient (science, again) and no loan is really guaranteed. So you have to build in some wiggle room, since there will always  be waste and uncertainty. I know that some will cheat and game the system, that is human nature.

I also know that I have to borrow money sometimes- very wasteful for the borrower if you think about it. A good amount of money is required to live comfortably in the modern world. Since we don't barter any more, we use the banking system instead and pay it back. Is that liberal or conservative? I don't know- but we all have to do it. Some have learned to game this system in a non-productive way- money making money. That is an issue that surely needs to be addressed. But broadly speaking, only those that inherit escape the need to barter (borrow).

But to the point- liberal/conservative, right/left is nonsense... You need both mind sets to function. Sometimes you can be an individual.  Most of the time you are part of a whole.  You need the group. It is how we function as in a "society." Social.....ism.  I read today the notion that government is not a business. I have been making that (obvious to me) statement for some time. We need to get our apples and oranges in a row. Business is about making or providing products or service. Government is about providing structure to the society. You can' t build a scaffold on one side of the building only. The scaffolding needs to surround or encompass the entire structure. It needs to be generous to the point of safety. The structure can't be built otherwise.

I like the  idea of progress, making life better for all, because that will mean it is also better for me. I like thinking about the future more than the past. This requires considering many solutions, the bigger circle, picking some hopefully will work, some that will fail, but ultimately learning and improving. You can't build a better mousetrap by looking at the old designs. The mice are smarter, bigger and more mobile. What is found in the smaller circle has relevance mostly to the past and can provide a reference for the new- but is not going to be the solution for the present or the future.  By definition, it just can't...

The Look Down

I am enjoying the ravine as much as ever, the leaves down and the bare trees allowing for a view up Nail Creek as it winds toward the dam.  To be perched above the creek creates a wonderful perspective on a constantly changing geography.

Would that our leaders perched on high could see the changing landscape as well; or see anything for that matter, other than their personal well being. I mean those anointed leaders of the local woods as well as those in the forest. A basic understanding of the world you are supposed to be "in charge of" would be a minimum requirement, needing some study, true,  and less ideological entrenchment, very true.

But they are in charge- we are not. They know what to do- we don't. They are- we are not...      

Howard Zinn

I have been reading Howard Zinn's People's History over the past month. Eye opening and instructive, it makes one aware of the struggle from inception this country has been engaged in; for all to be treated with dignity and equality. From the relocation or slaughter of the Native tribes to indentured Africans, abused Irish and others not of Anglo-Saxon descent or the upper class, the history is maddeningly sad. It may evoke a surprised response from the newly educated (in hearing a "complete" history), but to those of us on in years we simply acknowledge the repetition, shaking our heads, and cave in frustration at the utter disdain one set of humans can have for another. Why should we believe it will ever be any different?

So history is now.  As I read Zinn's accounts of published opinions and rally cries of the past, I know that they could be and in fact are being written and expressed today. We have made certain progress on issues of acceptance, but the levers of society are still firmly in control of the monied class. The current economic mess is just more of the same. When will we ever learn?