No one can be blamed for being terrified when their entire virtual “world” begins rapidly disintegrating all around them.  No one can be criticized for hoping that some “hero” will come forward to shore-up the collapsing house-of-(marked)-cards she or he is persuaded they cannot live without.  So this old Indian intends nothing here that would demean or denigrate the reality or sincerity of those genuine apprehensions and fears.

Still, it might be helpful to remember that for nearly all of our life here within the LIVING ARRANGEMENT of our Mother Earth, none of us Human Beings ever held anything even remotely resembling a “job” (and lots of us still don’t).  It might be good to contemplate the fact that for most people today their “job” is a lot more likely something they feel forced by circumstances to do than something they would gladly be doing anyhow….even if they didn’t get “paid” for it. 

“Jobs” are an artifact of the same civilizing process that produces the ersatz “individuals” needed to fill them.  Maybe Barack Obama, who has expressed some understanding-of and concern-for the “impact” the “economic activity” of domesticated people is having on the “environment,” instead of all this attention paid to “getting people back to work” (almost invariably at things that will only worsen the degradation of our already fragile “life-support-system” here), could instead better serve “the common good” by paying some precious attention to exactly what it is the domesticated peoples (including allamerican ones) need to do to clean-up the monstrous mess they’ve made, and heal some of the extensive damage they’ve done “just doing their jobs.”

The party is over, tame Sisters and Brothers.  Not even a Mulatto Messiah will be able to keep it going any longer.  The “global” gangbangers’ orgy of rape ruin and murder is finally in its own “throes.”  Us surviving Savages can’t help but wonder how anyone with any sentience would want to have this agony prolonged.  Are artificial “comfort” and faux “convenience”  really that irresistably seductive?

No matter….it is all going away.

HokaHey!

Cyrena, it is respect that allows us to hear and reason.  Your passion for Obama is clear and carries impact and meaning with it.  His call to unity resonates with me.  I have been taught that we must be centered, in balance, in order to make progress.  I believe that is a true teaching because it requires us to sacrifice ego for the good of all. It will be interesting to watch and see if the strong ego’s he has surrounded himself with will shrink and cooperate for the betterment of the people. While waiting for this to happen, store up supplies of food and water, seeds, charcoal, medicines, first aid kits, candles, flashlights, radio’s etc., until the majority have gone through the cauldron of shifts that are approaching us.  I know, bla, bla, bla…lol.  It’s good speaking with you.

Shift,

Thanks for the response. Nice to meet you as well.

In re-reading, I just realized that my own comments,  I had confused you with BlueEagle, who is the one who claims to simply want Obama to acknowledge the that the Fed is at the core of everything wrong with America, just like Folktruther and a few others like to claim that everything wrong is the fault of Zionism. But in the case of Blue Eagle, we know he’s a bona fide Obama hater from the beginning. A card carrying Obama basher.  (And don’t be fooled by the ID/handle that some might superficially or stereotypically associate with a Native American. I’d bet my last quarter BlueEagle is as foreign to Native America and Native Americans as the day his ancestors stepped off the boat from wherever they came, to pass through Ellis Island. ).
So, apologies there, since that doesn’t appear to have been your particular beef.  Instead, your beef is far, far, far, far less specific, vague, and misdirected, based on your comments here:

•  “..Obama is showing few signs of either realizing or acting on the scale necessary to recapitalize the poor and middle class.  I do appreciate his efforts but find them too limited.  Perhaps when he is President he will find the courage to be more revolutionary in his actions.  I hope so. ..”

“Showing few signs of”….blah, blah, blah.

My question: If a tree falls in the forest at Yellowstone, and you don’t hear it, does that mean the tree didn’t really fall? You say you’re an old man, and an educated one at that, so why would you be looking to Obama to fix a catastrophe so meticulously planned and executed over the past 3 decades,  or claim that his efforts are ‘too limited’ before he even clocks in?

We’re not waiting for him to find COURAGE to be more ‘revolutionary’ in his actions, seeing as how he’s already displayed a huge measure of THAT, just by running and being elected.  I mean come on!! No, we’re waiting until he actually has the power of the office behind him, to put through a more progressive agenda. (revolutionary is an oft misused and overused term). Right now, ‘revolutionary’ would mean getting back to the Constitution, as flawed as it may be.

Otherwise, I’m largely in agreement with what you’ve presented here, but it’s still mostly rhetoric. Your idea of ‘limited actions’ on the part of the President-elect has everything to do with the state of the economy and that is only part of the disaster, even if it is the longest running. I don’t now, nor have I ever, expected one person or administration to fix what has been allowed to occur over the past 30 years, and it’s difficult for me to understand how intelligent and/or logic-based mentalities would expect it either.

But then, that’s just me. Maybe I’m just too attached to reality, and need to lighten up a bit. But wait, maybe not, since I find decisions like this one to be quite encouraging…

Obama May Tap a Strong Progressive to Manage Our Wilderness

Roberto Lovato, AlterNet. December 6, 2008.
The appointment of Arizona Rep. Raul Grijalva to the Department of the Interior would bring much-needed political balance to the Obama cabinet.

http://www.alternet.org/environment/

TBC

2 of 2

Things have been jacked up for a really long time. We didn’t get this way overnight. In that vein, I can’t even blame it ALL on the thug regime that highjacked us in the Coup of 2000, though I’d like to. Actually, now that I think about it, we CAN blame them for the bulk of it, because it’s the same fuckers that have been around for decades…Cheney, Phil Gramm, Tom Delay,  the Bush Dynasty/The Carlyle Group,  and so many of the other players, known or still hiding in the shadows. It’s always the same with these blood/power thirsty Authoritarian bastards. Nothing is ever enough for them, even when they’ve already stolen or destroyed it all.
So if Obama can at least STOP the on-going destruction, (kind of like trying to stop an 18-wheeler on a dime) that would be a GIGANTIC and heroic ‘save’. The REPAIR job can’t happen until the damage mode has been suspended.  So, think triage mode. That’s where we’re at now, or at least that’s how Obama’s transition team needs to view itself. Maybe they should go and observe a drill at one of the major medical centers around the country.  In my neck of the woods, UCLA Medical Center conducts them a couple of times a year;  practicing for major catastrophes like natural disasters or transportation disasters involving hundreds or thousands of victims, in varying states of injury or already dead.

Well, that’s exactly what our country is now, from the top of the heap down to the folks already buried in the dirt. We ARE a crisis in motion – a gigantic train wreck. So Obama’s team has to triage, and they won’t save it/us all. There have already been millions of causalities, and I don’t maintain any religious beliefs that the dead can be resurrected. I DO believe we can halt the destruction enough to keep more (or the rest of what might be salvaged) from perishing as well.

Cyrena, I’m glad to meet you.  No I’m not arrogant either!!!  I don’t even have an ego, and it’s hard to tell a Native American that he is not about cooperation and community, yes? 

As you already know I’m sure, change happens at the bottom first.  It is not the wealthy that will help the poor or hungry, instead it is only the poor and hungry that will help each other. 

The wealthy will help the wealthy.  That is their way. The need is at the bottom yet 7.6 trillion has been spent at the top including a supporting vote by Obama.  I wish no one ill will including Obama.  Obama will not change Washington, it is awash in corruption and beyond the capacity of one man to change.

I have been taught that life is circular not linear.  In that way I know that the great harm done by Washington and Wall Street is now being visited upon them.  They have expressed no meaningful or inclusive solutions.  They will do what they always do, seek the path of personal advantage. 

  I have no illusions of what an old man can do.  I am thankful for each new day as I greet it and the gifts I receive from Spirit. I post because I believe that people are in serious denial.  I just express my views to those who can hear. A tidal wave of our own making is approaching.  I believe American Society is unprepared to handle it.  I try hard to live my life in right relation.  That is all I can do.  The rest is up to Spirit.

Shift,

You are to be congratulated, and I am NOT being the least bit facetious in saying that. Your story however, sounds exactly like SO MANY others, INCLUDING my own. I have been on the assisting side of the spectrum for the first 45 years of my life, and even after losing literally everything, (and having that help returned) I too, continue to do what I can, without a residence, vehicle, or teeth.

And, since I was equally serious in my recommendation regarding Obama’s website, (I was NOT being facetious - I don’t know you, and would have no reason to know that you have posted this opinion on the site) I obviously wasn’t making light of your suggestions or efforts.

On the other hand, and again in all sincerity, your issues seem far more personal than collective. That’s just my own interpretation. Over these past 8 years, I’ve found that to be the case with most of us who didn’t see this coming, despite the obvious signs that EVERYONE should have noted, and WOULD have, if we weren’t all so programmed to view ourselves in terms of what others have or don’t have. In short, the perfect storm of class warfare has been in effect here for nearly a decade. And yes, it’s been very intentional.

My own frustration with people (like you) is that I never see or hear from any of you, the slightest bit of acknowledgement of HOW things got this way, and WHY it is that you have nothing after working all of your life, and helping others.  I could certainly be wrong, because I definitely don’t go looking for your posts (or any others) specifically to find this out. So, I just see you as a naysayer like so many others, who have decided long ago that any administration that this President-elect puts together, and anything that he does as the Executive, is already bound to fail. And, I don’t say that in anger at all. It just is what it is.
I’m not a veteran myself, but about 2 dozen members of my immediate and extended family are, so I also appreciate your position there. I think it’s wonderful that you’ve were able to put yourself through school, but I see that as a blessing for you, not a pin in your cap, seeing as how there are far, far, far, too many Americans that never even come close to the OPPORTUNITY to ‘put themselves through school’.  I’m 55, and just now embarking on a doctorate program. But then, I’ve been doing the same stuff you’ve been doing along the way. Life happens, and we do the best we can with what we’ve got, and most importantly, we find a way, to make a way out of nothing.

Considering our rapid decline, and all the decay that we’re all experiencing, I’m not inclined to find fault with ANY new ideas, particularly before they’ve even been attempted, and I’ve admittedly lost patience with chronic whiners.

YOU want him to do something about the Federal Reserve. So fine. A few others have the same thought. Maybe he will, maybe he won’t. But your arrogance says that all of the other things that are important to millions of other Americans aren’t important. As far as you’re concerned, if he won’t acknowledge the issues with the Fed(that you’ve apparently decided is the root of all the trouble)then we’re just all doomed, and the best way for you to spend your time is writing on progressive blog sites to tell everyone else how we’re all doomed.

You’re not alone in that, but since you seem to be an informed citizen, I don’t really understand how or why you don’t expect others to react to such negativity.

I just wish Obama would acknowledge that abolishing the Fed and getting government out of the way is taking action.

My real question is what is that picture of on the right of the screen?

Cyrena, I have in the past posted this information on Obama’s website and many others.  Mine is only one voice in the mix and there are few others that seem to share my point of view.  I don’t want to make this too personal but I am now retired.  I have worked all of my adult life to assist others, often at great cost to my family.  I do all that I can under my limited circumstances.  I housed many poor and homeless families at little cost to them for over a decade until I no longer had the funds to do so.  I always spoke truth to power and sacrificed two careers in the process.  Today I have no suit to attend weddings or funerals, no car, no teeth, one pair of good jeans and some tee shirts.  Yet through this all I continue to do on behalf of others. I am also a veteran and paid my own way through college and a masters degree program.  I have never had a vacation and do not eat out.  I grow my own garden and have a very light carbon footprint.  So I am not one who needs a lecture, I am living the hardship with a good attitude and still contributing.  People are welcome to criticize my ideas but I do take issue with those who attempt to personalize my efforts as inadequate.  I do not say this in anger.

Shift,

I wasn’t kidding when I suggested that you post this stuff at the website.

There are other videos connected to this same one, that explain how comprehensively that website, and all of the information and recommendations posted, are organized and followed up on.

So, pardon the rather lame cliche’, but just expend a little energy to be part of the change that you want to see, instead of just saying that you don’t have any hope that Obama sees this or will do anything about it.

You can post this stuff on his website just as easily as you can post it here. Or so it would seem.

This point Pisses me off - Paulson knew enough to compose his 2 1/2 page Ransom note and think about how he’d present the Death Threat to congress 6 months before the shit hit the fan….forethought, malice? he and Berneke should be hung for Treason.
What should have happend immeidately was the opening of Retirment funds Ameircans had accumulated- 401K,Annuities and pensions.this would have put immediate money in our pockets to pay our Bills- credit cards and Mortgages. Infact they should have asked Americans to use that money to pay off those outstanding loans if at all possible..thus infusing money into the banking system. If money was need to shore up this mass withdrawl that should have been where the gov’t Invested (since mostly likely friends those accoutns are Dry! those Statements you get are nothing but a promise on a peice of paper). If they would have done that we not only would be paying off those outrages credit card with their Laon Shark interest rates, we may even spend a little more on X-mas this year, thus helping retail and manufacturing.
This 700 Billion (Trillions really) was nothing more than another fuck up under the economic doctrine of ‘Trickle Down’.
What is killing Americans is that OUR Money is being held hostage by the Same corps we have Just Bailed out of their Embezzlement of OUR Money. And yet we are not being offered early withdrawl of our own funds to help US save our Homes, our Credit.
This is nothing more than one last knife in the backs of Average Americans by Republicans before they lose power. Now tell me Who hates Americans, who hates Us for your Freedoms, our Wealth, our power..This admin (and every Repug admin for the last 40 yrs) has been waging it’s Attacks On US through whatever avenue they could find. Economic Meltdown, how about Economic TREASON?
so th enext step is to open our own personal coffers without ANY penalities. Go after those unethical lenders and investors who have conned US out of money or outright Stole it. At the very least offer US loans with rates EXACTLY the same as the Fed offers Banks to consolidate of eliminate some of these outstanding debts pertpetuated by the discrepency between income & cost of living for the last few Decades. A Loaf of Bread on Avg cost $0.53 in ‘81.cost of living is considered to rise by about 4% every year thus a avg loaf of bread should cost about $1.61…But in reality the avg cost of a loaf = about 2.50.Thought Big Agri Business was supposed to make food cheaper? Where’s that 0.89 cent difference… in the pockets of speculators who TRY to drive up the cost of Commodities, any way they can (increase fuel costs- their other Stock)We didn’t just Fall into this Economic Catastrophe, we have been Driven into it through Trickle Down and an it’s motivating mindset, and goal, Pure Greed.
I have no confidence in Corps, Walss Treet or The Gov’t until someone proves my Funds are still REALLY There…that means Show Me the Money!

Cyrena, the answers can be found at the bottom.  They are a matter of scale.  It involves large scale transfer payments, through retroactive tax policy, from the wealthy to the poor and middle class.  Unless the poor and middle class are recapitalized quickly there can be no significant consumption and the efforts to shore up banks and car companies will have been in vain.  Short of that the economy will continue to decline until a combination of political and economic forces cause a shift from petro dollars to some other currency.  That will be the end of it. 

Obama is showing few signs of either realizing or acting on the scale necessary to recapitalize the poor and middle class.  I do appreciate his efforts but find them too limited.  Perhaps when he is President he will find the courage to be more revolutionary in his actions.  I hope so.

Hey TD! Thanks for making this available from the web site, as well as the links to the others. I think these weekly YouTube addresses are inspiring and yes…hopeful. Hopeful because the leadership is finally communicating with us, and not in serial lying fashion. It’s the reality, and what we can expect to do about it.

Meantime Shift, it isn’t a ‘collapse’ or a do over. It’s a demolition…a well planned demolition by Cheney et al. And now we’ve got repair, rebuild, replace where necessary. That’s not an option, and that’s what the Obama Administration is about.

Now it should be about you and the rest of us as well. So call it a ‘do-over’ if you want, but unless you’ve got some ideas about HOW to do it over, I guess it doesn’t really matter what it looks like to you.

Obama spoke about fixing THINGS, not people.  I can live without things but I cannot live without hope. I have read that the foreclosure crisis may total as much a sixty trillion in bad debt.  Seven and a half trillion has been spent on the rich and Obama is speaking of spending five hundred million on jobs.  That leaves fifty two trillion in bad debt unaddressed.
Fifty two trillion dollars is not available to either borrow or print because the consequences are too great.
So, greed sank capitalism and capitalism sank America. To me it looks like a collapse and a do over.