Occasionally other news gets my attention. This is one such event.
One recent Sunday evening, Alec Baldwin was guest hosting with Brian Whitman on WABC Radio in New York. Part way during the program, Sean Hannity and Mark Levin called in and confronted Baldwin with prior statements he had made against our current president and vice-president. The exchange has been widely reported on right wing blogsites, with both transcript and audio. After listening to the complete audio a few times, and getting a good feel for how the ENTIRE exchange went down, I wanted to see who accurately reported the news. I bloggled (kind of like 'googled' but using the Blogspot website) 'Alec Baldwin' and found several websites talking about the heated exchange - most of them were in support of Hannity and Levin. The one liberal one that I found, http://frankwarner.typepad.com , had portions of the exchange but they were not in sequential order. The author of the blog had taken the liberty to rearrange the dialog to suit his agenda. Surprised? I guess the answer depends on whether or not you find yourself on the left or on the right.
Note to those who find themselves on the left side of politics - always, always, ALWAYS go to the source!! Do not settle for someone telling you the news, or giving you snippets of the news. Those of us on the right listen to the entire broadcast, and prefer to listen to it live. The moment something goes in for editing - whether right or left - we, the people, lose out. The left often charges those of us on the right as being manipulated, but after years of watching the news (CNN, CBS, MSNBC, NBC, C-SPAN, ABC, FOX) , listening to the news (1010WINS, WABC, WCBS, NPR, Air America) , and reading the news (Newsday, The New York Times, USA Today) I can honestly report that those stations and print media outlets leaning to the left do NOT give the public a full and accurate picture of the world.
And another thing to note, not all of us on the right hate those of you on the left. I read your websites, your blogsites, I watch your TV programs, and listen to your talk radio. I have a fairly good idea of how vitriolic the hate is for those on the right...and you are WAY off base. The hate isn't justified. The pied pipers of the leftist media have you guys totally twisted. I really, truly feel sorry for those people on the left because when confronted with an opposing view, all the left can do is spit out the hate they have been filled with. Do people on the right spit out hate? Yes...some of them do. Some people on the right say some horrible things about people on the left. I don't condone this. A jab here or there, that is okay and within everyone's tolerance level. We have to be able to laugh at ourselves, or see ourselves from the other side of the aisle. However, debate is best when it is done with facts...not cutting insults, or someone else's warmed over ideas. People who resort to name calling should not be involved in a debate. People who lump all people on the left or all people on the right together are missing something. That something can be summed up as follows. In this great and wonderful country, we need both sides - we both keep each other in check.
This left / right balance works internally, but once we step outside our borders - we have to have a unified message. There are far greater dangers in the international world, and our internal struggles should not become fodder for those that would destroy us.
What is the world truly like? In the movie, Independence Day (Will Smith, Jeff Goldblum), there is a very telling scene. The alien that Will Smith's character brings back to Area 51 has killed Dr. Odem and is using Odem's voice to communicate with the president.
[Paraphrasing]
President: I know we can live in peace. There is much we can learn from one another.
Alien: Peace? No peace.
President: What is it that you want us to do?
Alien: Die. Die!
The alien then does a bit of mind control on the president, and the president sees the entire plan of the aliens laid bare before him. The alien continues with the mind control, trying to kill the president through thought waves.
Head of security: Is this glass bulletproof?
Lt. Mitchell: No, sir!
Lt. Mitchell and others with guns shoot through the glass and kill the alien as the president speaks of how the aliens are like locusts moving from planet to planet, destroying world to support their race.
Who's who?
President: Left
Lt. Mitchell: Right
Alien: Enemies that would destroy our country just because we exist.
Now, those of you on the left will think that the alien represents the US government...surprised that I guessed that? Don't be - I know how your handlers think and what they have taught you to think.
From the time of WWI onward, the policy of the U.S. gov't. is to liberate countries and return them to the people of those said countries when the region is once again stable. The aliens of the movie are only interested in full scale destruction.
The leftist president wants peace. Hey, left-wingers - we ALL want peace...but the right seems to be the only side concerned with the terms. When a peace does not include peaceful coexistence, it is NOT peace.
So, to wrap this up for all of you - always get down to the source of the news...when people repeat mantra's (whether left or right) they sound empty headed. Always think through your arguments for yourself...be original.
Monday, March 27, 2006
Thursday, March 23, 2006
The Gift of Self-Effacing Laughter
Somewhere in our past, the great people of the U.S. learned how to laugh at themselves. Maybe it was because we hail from different corners of the globe, or maybe it is because our forefathers didn't like their place in their native countries...but whatever it is, we learned that humor is a good way to diffuse tension. I make fun of you, you make fun of me...that way, we hurt and laugh in equal portions. Humor has a way of cutting through the P.C. B.S. and striking at the heart of our issues with 'others'; other races, other religions, other nationalities, other political ideologies. If you dish it out, you have to have the good sportsmanship to take it back.
'Others' often threaten us. Why? Because we are forced to define and defend who we are. This isn't a recent problem...this goes all the way back to the dawn of time. Whether it is groups of people, groups of animals, or even groups of planets...it is important to define who and what we are, and where our territories and boundaries are.
There is a world of difference between a conservative in NYC and one in TX, just as there is between a liberal in Utah and one in California. It isn't easy standing out in a crowd, and it isn't easy taking the opposite viewpoint when you are hopelessly outnumbered. But somehow, people manage to do it every day. In Yiddish, it's called 'Chutzpah,' in American English it's called 'balls.' Is there any Imam or Muslim out there with this sort of moxie? Is there a Islamic comedian who can pull a William Shakespeare and show us that the pen is mightier than the sword? Is there a Jerry Seinfeld living in Iraq or Egypt? Is there a Second City TV group in Jordan? Even an inter-religion Brady Bunch would help, as it could switch between serious and comic sides of family life. The point is - we have all got to learn to get along because I don't see any major cultural group disappearing any time soon.
Remember the rule...you highlight my shortcomings, I highlight yours...we both hurt equally, we both laugh equally...and eventually, we're a bit more tolerant and respectful of other peoples differences. This process stings sometimes, but it is far less destructive than blowing people up, or inciting mob violence on an innocent people. And who knows, in time, we may be able to call each other 'friend.' The best banquets have a little bit for everyone, and no one goes away hungry!
C.S. Lewis's series 'The Chronicles of Narnia' had a poignant moment in the 7th book, The Last Battle. In it, a soldier who had faithfully worshipped the god Tash found himself in the perfect Narnia. He was confused because the god Tash he was praying to was not the deity who he found in this perfect world. Instead, his loyal faith and good generous nature was claimed by Aslan - who represents purity and goodness. Aslan explained that devotion, purity, generosity, and belief in one's faith puts everyone on the same path to the same heaven...we are, for a lack of better terminology, spiritual cousins regardless of our relgious practices.
Back in the 70's, shows like All in the Family, S.N.L., and Chico and the Man ruled the television. Here, people came face to face with 'others,' faced their fears, and found out - 'Hey, they're not much different from me.' Shows like 'Good Times' and 'Welcome Back Kotter' gave those of us in the 'burbs an idea of urban living, while 'The Waltons' and 'Little House on the Prairie' gave a taste of rural living. Were any of the depictions fully accurate? Probably not. But the point is, we all learned something about people who lived differently.
It is human nature to be threatened by other ideas or lifestyles. Why? Because each of us have established our own pattern for survival, and each of us thinks that we have it all figured out. Anyone who lives differently, with different ideals, threatens the stability of society, or so we believe. Within cultures that are threatened by change - the 'others' take on a sinister persona, and not surprisingly, violence erupts. In cultures, such as ours, where cultural diversity is an inherent part of our society, the 'others' are merely someone to peacefully protest against or verbally abuse through various media...rarely does it resort to physical violence. We can not turn our backs on thousands of years of social evolution...we are genetically hard wired to quickly determine between good and bad, between friend and foe, between right and wrong. This is the most basic survival skill taught to us by our parents (avoid strangers, don't cross the street when a car is coming, eat healthy food not candy.) Fearing, even loathing 'others' is something we have to learn to control...it doesn't come naturally because it is closely linked to our inate desire to survive. Merely saying 'you're my new best friend because I love everybody' isn't what I'm writing about....this stuff is tough, difficult, and painful to overcome - and if you aren't hurting, you are not doing it right. Your concept of who YOU are has to be examined and redefined many, many times...much like a Buddhist working towards enlightenment.
We have to step outside of ourselves occasionally and view the world as a large, squabbling human family. Will we always get along? No. Will we always agree? No. If we all did what a boring world it would be! But there are some basic truths about our human family.
1) Parents want their children to succeed.
2) Parents want their children to love them, respect them, and seek their advice.
3) Parents want their children to be individuals, but not so individual that they can't brag about them with their neighbors.
4) Parents want their children to adhere to the faith (or non-faith) they were raised with.
5) Some people are greedy.
6) Some people are generous.
7) Some people are cold.
8) Some people are warm.
9) Some people get off on manipulating others.
10) Some people are easily manipulated.
11) Some people blame others for their misfortune.
12) Some people realize that they alone control their destiny.
13) Everyone has the capacity to love and bond with someone else, or some object.
14) 99.9999% of us think that we are good, kind, generous, and right 99.9999% of the time.
15) Each minute of life is a precious gift, ask anyone who is on their death bed.
16) Every single person in this world is part of what I call 'The Tapestry of Life.' (I'll define it further in a forthcoming blog.)
17) All of us mourn for those that die too young.
18) All of us were born.
19) All of us will eventually face death.
20) All of us feel safer when we belong to a group.
21) Socially, nothing is more enjoyable than a good belly laugh with friends.
Whether it is South Park or Seinfeld, or real life experiences, we've learned that humor strengthens our bond to 'others.' We use humor within our groups and between related groups. The next step is to take it to groups that have little in common accept the list above. ;)
It will be a painful process, with swift advances and hasty retreats. It will take a multitude of voices. It will take chutzpah. It will take vision. It will take a great love for humanity and the future of humanity. It will start when someone out there realizes that the world isn't getting any larger, and we are all stuck on this earth together, whether we like it or not.
Is the world ready for global humor?
It will take a very long time, maybe thousands of years, before vastly different cultures become close friends...but just think about how many belly laughs we will have along the way!
Here is Barry Farber's original column -
http://www.newsmax.com/archives/articles/2006/3/7/141154.shtml
'Others' often threaten us. Why? Because we are forced to define and defend who we are. This isn't a recent problem...this goes all the way back to the dawn of time. Whether it is groups of people, groups of animals, or even groups of planets...it is important to define who and what we are, and where our territories and boundaries are.
There is a world of difference between a conservative in NYC and one in TX, just as there is between a liberal in Utah and one in California. It isn't easy standing out in a crowd, and it isn't easy taking the opposite viewpoint when you are hopelessly outnumbered. But somehow, people manage to do it every day. In Yiddish, it's called 'Chutzpah,' in American English it's called 'balls.' Is there any Imam or Muslim out there with this sort of moxie? Is there a Islamic comedian who can pull a William Shakespeare and show us that the pen is mightier than the sword? Is there a Jerry Seinfeld living in Iraq or Egypt? Is there a Second City TV group in Jordan? Even an inter-religion Brady Bunch would help, as it could switch between serious and comic sides of family life. The point is - we have all got to learn to get along because I don't see any major cultural group disappearing any time soon.
Remember the rule...you highlight my shortcomings, I highlight yours...we both hurt equally, we both laugh equally...and eventually, we're a bit more tolerant and respectful of other peoples differences. This process stings sometimes, but it is far less destructive than blowing people up, or inciting mob violence on an innocent people. And who knows, in time, we may be able to call each other 'friend.' The best banquets have a little bit for everyone, and no one goes away hungry!
C.S. Lewis's series 'The Chronicles of Narnia' had a poignant moment in the 7th book, The Last Battle. In it, a soldier who had faithfully worshipped the god Tash found himself in the perfect Narnia. He was confused because the god Tash he was praying to was not the deity who he found in this perfect world. Instead, his loyal faith and good generous nature was claimed by Aslan - who represents purity and goodness. Aslan explained that devotion, purity, generosity, and belief in one's faith puts everyone on the same path to the same heaven...we are, for a lack of better terminology, spiritual cousins regardless of our relgious practices.
Back in the 70's, shows like All in the Family, S.N.L., and Chico and the Man ruled the television. Here, people came face to face with 'others,' faced their fears, and found out - 'Hey, they're not much different from me.' Shows like 'Good Times' and 'Welcome Back Kotter' gave those of us in the 'burbs an idea of urban living, while 'The Waltons' and 'Little House on the Prairie' gave a taste of rural living. Were any of the depictions fully accurate? Probably not. But the point is, we all learned something about people who lived differently.
It is human nature to be threatened by other ideas or lifestyles. Why? Because each of us have established our own pattern for survival, and each of us thinks that we have it all figured out. Anyone who lives differently, with different ideals, threatens the stability of society, or so we believe. Within cultures that are threatened by change - the 'others' take on a sinister persona, and not surprisingly, violence erupts. In cultures, such as ours, where cultural diversity is an inherent part of our society, the 'others' are merely someone to peacefully protest against or verbally abuse through various media...rarely does it resort to physical violence. We can not turn our backs on thousands of years of social evolution...we are genetically hard wired to quickly determine between good and bad, between friend and foe, between right and wrong. This is the most basic survival skill taught to us by our parents (avoid strangers, don't cross the street when a car is coming, eat healthy food not candy.) Fearing, even loathing 'others' is something we have to learn to control...it doesn't come naturally because it is closely linked to our inate desire to survive. Merely saying 'you're my new best friend because I love everybody' isn't what I'm writing about....this stuff is tough, difficult, and painful to overcome - and if you aren't hurting, you are not doing it right. Your concept of who YOU are has to be examined and redefined many, many times...much like a Buddhist working towards enlightenment.
We have to step outside of ourselves occasionally and view the world as a large, squabbling human family. Will we always get along? No. Will we always agree? No. If we all did what a boring world it would be! But there are some basic truths about our human family.
1) Parents want their children to succeed.
2) Parents want their children to love them, respect them, and seek their advice.
3) Parents want their children to be individuals, but not so individual that they can't brag about them with their neighbors.
4) Parents want their children to adhere to the faith (or non-faith) they were raised with.
5) Some people are greedy.
6) Some people are generous.
7) Some people are cold.
8) Some people are warm.
9) Some people get off on manipulating others.
10) Some people are easily manipulated.
11) Some people blame others for their misfortune.
12) Some people realize that they alone control their destiny.
13) Everyone has the capacity to love and bond with someone else, or some object.
14) 99.9999% of us think that we are good, kind, generous, and right 99.9999% of the time.
15) Each minute of life is a precious gift, ask anyone who is on their death bed.
16) Every single person in this world is part of what I call 'The Tapestry of Life.' (I'll define it further in a forthcoming blog.)
17) All of us mourn for those that die too young.
18) All of us were born.
19) All of us will eventually face death.
20) All of us feel safer when we belong to a group.
21) Socially, nothing is more enjoyable than a good belly laugh with friends.
Whether it is South Park or Seinfeld, or real life experiences, we've learned that humor strengthens our bond to 'others.' We use humor within our groups and between related groups. The next step is to take it to groups that have little in common accept the list above. ;)
It will be a painful process, with swift advances and hasty retreats. It will take a multitude of voices. It will take chutzpah. It will take vision. It will take a great love for humanity and the future of humanity. It will start when someone out there realizes that the world isn't getting any larger, and we are all stuck on this earth together, whether we like it or not.
Is the world ready for global humor?
It will take a very long time, maybe thousands of years, before vastly different cultures become close friends...but just think about how many belly laughs we will have along the way!
Here is Barry Farber's original column -
http://www.newsmax.com/archives/articles/2006/3/7/141154.shtml
Which Barry Farber?
For clarification purposes, this is a blogsite for discussing issues raised by Barry Farber the radio personality and conservative columnist, as well as a forum for to discuss international politics.
This is not a site to discuss folding pens or motivational speaking.
All views on these topics are welcomed.
This is not a site to discuss folding pens or motivational speaking.
All views on these topics are welcomed.
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
Just One Voice
A number of years ago, Barry Manilow had a great song titled 'One Voice.' I forget all the lyrics, but by the end of the song it was a chorus of Barry's singing the song.
That's what I'm looking for right now.....a few people who care about this country, who truly love it and realize that it is unique in the history of humanity. We are very fortunate to be born into a society that allows individuals to change their social status. It doesn't matter who you are here - it you have an idea, the drive, the ambition, and are willing to work hard at achieving your dreams - you will be successful. No one gives you a leg up...you have to make your own luck.
Earlier today, an old friend sent me one of those chain letter emails that promised luck to you, but only if you sent it out to 20 people. While I'm happy there isn't any postage involved in email, I refuse to clog up my friends email boxes with this sort of trash. You don't get lucky by forwarding useless megapixels - you get luck by touching peoples souls, letting them know they are special, and they count for something in the huge world. We are all connected to each other, every last one of us. We can reach out to the world and let them know that the United States is comprised of people from all over the earth, who generally get along with one another. Are we perfect as a society? No, but we are always looking to improve and right the wrongs.
We all seem to be born with a dire need to make the world like us - both in the affinitive sense and the duplicate sense. In reality, the majority of the world doesn't want our input. They have a 'do NOT forward that good luck chain letter to me' attitude, and who can blame them. We're the new country on the block; we're the upstart. We're the nouveau riche invading the socially stratified country club, threatening to upset world order with our ideas of equality - it's no wonder that we are ostracized in the U.N. We're dangerous to those people whose power is derived from subjugating the masses.
The left unfairly criticizes our country because they want to appear intelligent and in with the international set, but in reality - the international set is only interested in protecting their position at the top of the social heap in Europe, Africa, and elsewhere.
I don't doubt that people on the left and right care about the poor of the world, but we've got to make sure our international efforts and dollars go towards increasing opportunities for the poor - education, clean water, jobs, stable family units, and giving them a voice in their communities. This isn't going to happen when people are stuck in an artificial class system.
Every year the U.S. hands out billions in aid to countries. If we are truly interested in making the world a better place, we have to spend those dollars wisely. We have to be aware of cultures, people, and their relationships to their environments. In Africa, we have people living in conditions only a camel would like, but these people survive because they have adapted to the environment. Coming in with foodstuffs and creating artificial villages surrounding distribution centers is NOT the answer. Stopping the nomadic way of life kills the nomads! The answer lies in breeding disease resistant camels and livestock, pest control, and minimal irrigation for areas hit hardest by drought. Well meaning humanitarians shouldn't apply Western bandages to a problem - we should look for a solution WITH IN the culture of those in need. These intelligent, and beautiful native people achieved a balance with nature eons ago - we have to listen to the voices of their forefathers! They have an abundance of native wisdom that we have yet to tap!
And, more in line with Barry Farber's recent column, the U.S. has to examine where our foreign aid dollars are going. Our role has got to change - we no longer have the excuse of the Soviets and the Red Scare. Communism rots a country from the inside out, as does fascism, totalitarianism, and dictatorships. These institutions are inflexible, rigid, and bound to fail with time because leaders of these types of societies are consumed with greed AND not easily replaced. It's time for countries to take an interest in protecting themselves, which they can do far better than us. If those that would destroy democracy and freedom are hidden in a country, who better than nationals to ferret them out! We should offer logistical support, but let others control the tactical elements.
If we carefully target areas that we can improve through technology and cultural awareness (our inherent national strengths), we can save millions of dollars...appear less like the nouveau riche...improve the world...and reduce our tax burden.
Your opinion counts...and you probably have part of the answer. We don't have to necessarily agree on all issues - but a keen interest in reducing foreign aid to countries that should be handling costs internally is imperative.
Who out there in blogland is looking to make a bit of luck and change the world for the better?
Check out Barry's latest column and feel free to comment.
http://www.newsmax.com/archives/articles/2006/3/19/191743.shtml
That's what I'm looking for right now.....a few people who care about this country, who truly love it and realize that it is unique in the history of humanity. We are very fortunate to be born into a society that allows individuals to change their social status. It doesn't matter who you are here - it you have an idea, the drive, the ambition, and are willing to work hard at achieving your dreams - you will be successful. No one gives you a leg up...you have to make your own luck.
Earlier today, an old friend sent me one of those chain letter emails that promised luck to you, but only if you sent it out to 20 people. While I'm happy there isn't any postage involved in email, I refuse to clog up my friends email boxes with this sort of trash. You don't get lucky by forwarding useless megapixels - you get luck by touching peoples souls, letting them know they are special, and they count for something in the huge world. We are all connected to each other, every last one of us. We can reach out to the world and let them know that the United States is comprised of people from all over the earth, who generally get along with one another. Are we perfect as a society? No, but we are always looking to improve and right the wrongs.
We all seem to be born with a dire need to make the world like us - both in the affinitive sense and the duplicate sense. In reality, the majority of the world doesn't want our input. They have a 'do NOT forward that good luck chain letter to me' attitude, and who can blame them. We're the new country on the block; we're the upstart. We're the nouveau riche invading the socially stratified country club, threatening to upset world order with our ideas of equality - it's no wonder that we are ostracized in the U.N. We're dangerous to those people whose power is derived from subjugating the masses.
The left unfairly criticizes our country because they want to appear intelligent and in with the international set, but in reality - the international set is only interested in protecting their position at the top of the social heap in Europe, Africa, and elsewhere.
I don't doubt that people on the left and right care about the poor of the world, but we've got to make sure our international efforts and dollars go towards increasing opportunities for the poor - education, clean water, jobs, stable family units, and giving them a voice in their communities. This isn't going to happen when people are stuck in an artificial class system.
Every year the U.S. hands out billions in aid to countries. If we are truly interested in making the world a better place, we have to spend those dollars wisely. We have to be aware of cultures, people, and their relationships to their environments. In Africa, we have people living in conditions only a camel would like, but these people survive because they have adapted to the environment. Coming in with foodstuffs and creating artificial villages surrounding distribution centers is NOT the answer. Stopping the nomadic way of life kills the nomads! The answer lies in breeding disease resistant camels and livestock, pest control, and minimal irrigation for areas hit hardest by drought. Well meaning humanitarians shouldn't apply Western bandages to a problem - we should look for a solution WITH IN the culture of those in need. These intelligent, and beautiful native people achieved a balance with nature eons ago - we have to listen to the voices of their forefathers! They have an abundance of native wisdom that we have yet to tap!
And, more in line with Barry Farber's recent column, the U.S. has to examine where our foreign aid dollars are going. Our role has got to change - we no longer have the excuse of the Soviets and the Red Scare. Communism rots a country from the inside out, as does fascism, totalitarianism, and dictatorships. These institutions are inflexible, rigid, and bound to fail with time because leaders of these types of societies are consumed with greed AND not easily replaced. It's time for countries to take an interest in protecting themselves, which they can do far better than us. If those that would destroy democracy and freedom are hidden in a country, who better than nationals to ferret them out! We should offer logistical support, but let others control the tactical elements.
If we carefully target areas that we can improve through technology and cultural awareness (our inherent national strengths), we can save millions of dollars...appear less like the nouveau riche...improve the world...and reduce our tax burden.
Your opinion counts...and you probably have part of the answer. We don't have to necessarily agree on all issues - but a keen interest in reducing foreign aid to countries that should be handling costs internally is imperative.
Who out there in blogland is looking to make a bit of luck and change the world for the better?
Check out Barry's latest column and feel free to comment.
http://www.newsmax.com/archives/articles/2006/3/19/191743.shtml
Farber Fan Site
This blogsite is dedicated to discussion of Barry Farber's take on world history and politics. Additionally, I'm looking for people who want to take an active role in reducing unnecessary foreign aid and hopefully, reducing our tax burden.
It is time to get our international spending under control and reduce government waste.
Who's with me????
It is time to get our international spending under control and reduce government waste.
Who's with me????
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