The professor's library was a shamelessly ostentatious display of books, degrees, and awards. He did not allow himself to value mere appearances, so he did not see a problem with it. The room was orderly; each book neatly situated alphabetically and by subject. He placed his pipe on its stand, arose from his leather chair and walked across the room to enjoy the warmth from his roaring fireplace.
A doctor of physics, he pondered the peculiar way the logs were burning. He crouched and observed the vibrant blue and green flames dancing from the side of the charred wood. "Fascinating" he thought. Glowing magenta smoke escaped into the chimney and the logs crackled sparkling dust against the interior stones. A truly fantastic example of nature, he thought, mesmerized by the display. He pondered the chemicals in the wood that might cause such an effect and worked out some calculus in his head to rationalize his hypothesis. "I'll have to test that in the lab tomorrow."
He ascended and strolled over to the thermodynamics section of his stacks. He held his hand inquisitively in the air, examining the titles. "Ah there it is," he mumbled. Without hesitation, the classic volume naturally floated from its snug position, resting against the palm of his hand. It levitated for a moment before the professor grasped it, nonchalantly, feeling it's weight.
He strolled back to his favorite chair, sat down, and opened the book. He looked up at the storm which raged on the other side of his little window. He did not move for fifteen hours.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Descent
What beautiful, billowing clouds I see, floating harmlessly.
They seem not to mind what's beneath.
My rocky path winds in front of me, disappearing into the white.
I shiver. The cold thin air pushes me down.
I shiver for what lies beneath. But it calls me.
I place a foot in front of the other with care. I must not fail.
To one side a dragon's tail.
To the other, a 737.
I fear the dragon less.
If I lost my balance, it would be in that direction.
The path curves away from it.
>
They seem not to mind what's beneath.
My rocky path winds in front of me, disappearing into the white.
I shiver. The cold thin air pushes me down.
I shiver for what lies beneath. But it calls me.
I place a foot in front of the other with care. I must not fail.
To one side a dragon's tail.
To the other, a 737.
I fear the dragon less.
If I lost my balance, it would be in that direction.
The path curves away from it.
>
Monday, November 26, 2007
Vincent, Borgman, and Lezlie
In the following transcript two veteran congressmen Vincent and Borgman discuss some issues with Lezlie, a rookie who was recently elected.
In Vincent's office.
Vincent
"Where I come from there is a rule. If you have stolen from someone and convinced them it is for their own good, it is not stealing."
Borgman
"I will see you and raise you. Who cares if they believe it's for their own good. If you have stolen from someone and they are unaware of the theft, it is for their own good!"
Vincent
"Know what? Re-raise. If someone permits you to steal from them, that qualifies as voluntary charity; the recipient has no obligation to refuse."
Borgman
"I guess I can't argue with that."
Vincent
"Why are we refusing charity? We have a country to run here."
Lezlie
"Wait. Are you suggesting our budget should be determined by the amount of income we can "steal"? And the people should be relieved of their income by whatever means necessary, even if they are unaware?"
Borgman
"No. Because of the fact they are unaware. We are entitled whatever they don't notice we take."
Vincent
"But it's really not charity at all, it's a mandate for improvement! If the people are releasing their income to us, we have a somber obligation to put it to good use. Everyone knows the larger the order, the more we can get for every dollar. This makes it our obligation to relieve the population of as much unwanted income as possible - to give them more for the dollar."
Borgman
"Exactly. If they contribute 30-50 percent of their income, they must believe we contribute 30-50 percent of their freedom and happiness. Or, they believe it's simply the price of living in a free society. It's tiny compared to the big things we can do with it. "
Lezlie
"Not tiny to them. They wouldn't have any idea what life would be like with twice the income. There's no frame of reference. Most disturbing of all, they have no idea they are even being taxed. We take 22 percent for every retail purchase in hidden taxes passed down to the consumer from corporate taxes. We withdraw directly from their paycheck. Is this an honest way to handle the financing of government?
Borgman
"We've been withholding since 1944. It's more convenient for everyone, but mostly for us. Right from under their noses. Beardsley Ruml's a genius."
Lezlie
"So you think the green light to withhold is also a green light to take as much as you can before the majority of people really take notice?
Vincent
"Sure. It's not our task to judge what motivates the people to bestow upon us this grave obligation. If they give involuntary because they are unaware it is being taken, they haven't earned the right to that money anyway. The facts are available to everyone."
Lezlie
"The facts are not accessible to most people. They are too complicated. They have jobs you know. They don't have time to research the tax code. Few really see what is going on here."
Borgman
"Well, we have our work cut out for us. Always have. Look, if I know people, they want a bargain, and the more income we get, the better bargain they get, get it? If people are dropping coins in the street, why not pick them up and put them to good use."
Lezlie
"But you've cut the holes in their pockets!"
Borgman
"They are too careless to notice. It's called a needle and thread. They'll use it if/when they're ready. If we volunteered some of that money back to them, we couldn't do nearly as much good - the law of diminishing returns. Besides, it's pennies for them, millions for us."
Lezlie
"But how do you know what make and model of "good" they're looking for? All you have is a dollar amount."
Vincent
"We use it for whatever gets us re-elected - that's the best measure. The people will choose if we've done our jobs well."
Lezlie
"So, what got you re-elected?"
Vincent
"They want to hear that we are doing good things and all that warm and fuzzy stuff. They want prosperity and security."
Lezlie
"Can you give them those things?"
Vincent
"Ha. No, no one can, of course. No one but themselves. But we can give them the impression that voting for us will help."
Lezlie
"How do you make such a good impression?"
Vincent
"It's easy once you recognize we are judged on our intentions, not on our results. Relating to the people - that's all that matters. It's all advertising. People love watching TV - it is easy to make a good impression in a 30 second slot. Radio also works well. It's all about being believable and acting like you really know what you are talking about."
Lezlie
"What about all those good things you promise to do with their money.
Vincent
"We give them peace of mind. Of course. Come on, what, were you born yesterday? The people want to hear we are the greatest country in the world. They want to know they have a capable leader and that the economy is strong. They want to hear about how other countries envy us. We have the tools to make all those things appear to be true! They want their big ass American egos stroked, and they are paying top dollar for it. Far be it from us to deny them that. Look, you might think you ran for office to be an honorable public servant. The public doesn't really need or want that anymore. The public only elected you to engage in the giant ideological battle on their behalf. Republican, Democrat, whatever. We are all being paid to engage in this battle, and it will rage on as long as the people want it to. As long as government is seen as the solution. Our mission is to remind the people that the battle must rage on, that government is the solution to their problems. Why else would they allow us to deprive them of half their income. The people buy it. We aren't here to protect the people's rights, we are here to convince them we know what is right. The more money they give us, the easier it is to convince them.
Lezlie
"So, what bargains are you talking about?"
Vincent
"Well, let's see, we get a great deal on military supplies. Remember, it's a two front war - one against the Republicans or Democrats, and one against the Islamo Fascists. You do want the troops to have body armor, right? Thought so. War is our trump card. Now that we have a perpetual war, the public needs us more than ever. The people will pay anything for security. If they are shy about fighting to keep their income they are pathetic whimpering cowards when it comes to terrorism. Why? Because we have terrified them with threat levels, and constant news coverage. It is awesome. The people think the country would collapse if weren't on the offensive against the terrorists (I mean "offense" - people dig the football terminology - it makes our policy seem less like preemptive war). Regardless of whether that is true, it must be perpetuated at every opportunity - your job, and the jobs of your contemporaries, depend on it. Remember, you must be resolute - this is the home of the brave."
Borgman
"Come off it Vincent, enough of the melodrama. There are plenty of good things going on. Things that do help the public. I happen to believe the public is made of a certain percentage of individuals who aren't drooling, brainwashed Neanderthals. Lezlie, you can appeal to whatever constituency you want, but some are growing and some are shrinking. Vincent believes he represents a growing constituency and I believe he might be right.
Vincent
"Oh, get over it. Both of you. We have the public bought and paid for, you too Borgman, whether you think it's right or not. We have every media outlet behind us. We make the news. You're with us or against us. If you really think you're going to do any real good for the country feel free to opt out of the congressional pension plan. Fell free to be mocked and laughed at. If you try to cut out taxes or reveal any of this to your constituency you will be ostracized from both sides of the aisle. Your district will be a laughing stock. You are here to do what's necessary to get your skin elected for another term, and that means passing laws that help you get on the tube before the next election. It means sticking with us. It means proving your worth to the public in 30 second segments and slinging mud at your opponent. It means voting with the hand of your campaign contributers. You are not a public representative. You are a puppet. The corporations own you just like they own every other American citizen. You need the people's tax money to convince them otherwise. That's how you play."
Borgman
"I need another drink."
In Vincent's office.
Vincent
"Where I come from there is a rule. If you have stolen from someone and convinced them it is for their own good, it is not stealing."
Borgman
"I will see you and raise you. Who cares if they believe it's for their own good. If you have stolen from someone and they are unaware of the theft, it is for their own good!"
Vincent
"Know what? Re-raise. If someone permits you to steal from them, that qualifies as voluntary charity; the recipient has no obligation to refuse."
Borgman
"I guess I can't argue with that."
Vincent
"Why are we refusing charity? We have a country to run here."
Lezlie
"Wait. Are you suggesting our budget should be determined by the amount of income we can "steal"? And the people should be relieved of their income by whatever means necessary, even if they are unaware?"
Borgman
"No. Because of the fact they are unaware. We are entitled whatever they don't notice we take."
Vincent
"But it's really not charity at all, it's a mandate for improvement! If the people are releasing their income to us, we have a somber obligation to put it to good use. Everyone knows the larger the order, the more we can get for every dollar. This makes it our obligation to relieve the population of as much unwanted income as possible - to give them more for the dollar."
Borgman
"Exactly. If they contribute 30-50 percent of their income, they must believe we contribute 30-50 percent of their freedom and happiness. Or, they believe it's simply the price of living in a free society. It's tiny compared to the big things we can do with it. "
Lezlie
"Not tiny to them. They wouldn't have any idea what life would be like with twice the income. There's no frame of reference. Most disturbing of all, they have no idea they are even being taxed. We take 22 percent for every retail purchase in hidden taxes passed down to the consumer from corporate taxes. We withdraw directly from their paycheck. Is this an honest way to handle the financing of government?
Borgman
"We've been withholding since 1944. It's more convenient for everyone, but mostly for us. Right from under their noses. Beardsley Ruml's a genius."
Lezlie
"So you think the green light to withhold is also a green light to take as much as you can before the majority of people really take notice?
Vincent
"Sure. It's not our task to judge what motivates the people to bestow upon us this grave obligation. If they give involuntary because they are unaware it is being taken, they haven't earned the right to that money anyway. The facts are available to everyone."
Lezlie
"The facts are not accessible to most people. They are too complicated. They have jobs you know. They don't have time to research the tax code. Few really see what is going on here."
Borgman
"Well, we have our work cut out for us. Always have. Look, if I know people, they want a bargain, and the more income we get, the better bargain they get, get it? If people are dropping coins in the street, why not pick them up and put them to good use."
Lezlie
"But you've cut the holes in their pockets!"
Borgman
"They are too careless to notice. It's called a needle and thread. They'll use it if/when they're ready. If we volunteered some of that money back to them, we couldn't do nearly as much good - the law of diminishing returns. Besides, it's pennies for them, millions for us."
Lezlie
"But how do you know what make and model of "good" they're looking for? All you have is a dollar amount."
Vincent
"We use it for whatever gets us re-elected - that's the best measure. The people will choose if we've done our jobs well."
Lezlie
"So, what got you re-elected?"
Vincent
"They want to hear that we are doing good things and all that warm and fuzzy stuff. They want prosperity and security."
Lezlie
"Can you give them those things?"
Vincent
"Ha. No, no one can, of course. No one but themselves. But we can give them the impression that voting for us will help."
Lezlie
"How do you make such a good impression?"
Vincent
"It's easy once you recognize we are judged on our intentions, not on our results. Relating to the people - that's all that matters. It's all advertising. People love watching TV - it is easy to make a good impression in a 30 second slot. Radio also works well. It's all about being believable and acting like you really know what you are talking about."
Lezlie
"What about all those good things you promise to do with their money.
Vincent
"We give them peace of mind. Of course. Come on, what, were you born yesterday? The people want to hear we are the greatest country in the world. They want to know they have a capable leader and that the economy is strong. They want to hear about how other countries envy us. We have the tools to make all those things appear to be true! They want their big ass American egos stroked, and they are paying top dollar for it. Far be it from us to deny them that. Look, you might think you ran for office to be an honorable public servant. The public doesn't really need or want that anymore. The public only elected you to engage in the giant ideological battle on their behalf. Republican, Democrat, whatever. We are all being paid to engage in this battle, and it will rage on as long as the people want it to. As long as government is seen as the solution. Our mission is to remind the people that the battle must rage on, that government is the solution to their problems. Why else would they allow us to deprive them of half their income. The people buy it. We aren't here to protect the people's rights, we are here to convince them we know what is right. The more money they give us, the easier it is to convince them.
Lezlie
"So, what bargains are you talking about?"
Vincent
"Well, let's see, we get a great deal on military supplies. Remember, it's a two front war - one against the Republicans or Democrats, and one against the Islamo Fascists. You do want the troops to have body armor, right? Thought so. War is our trump card. Now that we have a perpetual war, the public needs us more than ever. The people will pay anything for security. If they are shy about fighting to keep their income they are pathetic whimpering cowards when it comes to terrorism. Why? Because we have terrified them with threat levels, and constant news coverage. It is awesome. The people think the country would collapse if weren't on the offensive against the terrorists (I mean "offense" - people dig the football terminology - it makes our policy seem less like preemptive war). Regardless of whether that is true, it must be perpetuated at every opportunity - your job, and the jobs of your contemporaries, depend on it. Remember, you must be resolute - this is the home of the brave."
Borgman
"Come off it Vincent, enough of the melodrama. There are plenty of good things going on. Things that do help the public. I happen to believe the public is made of a certain percentage of individuals who aren't drooling, brainwashed Neanderthals. Lezlie, you can appeal to whatever constituency you want, but some are growing and some are shrinking. Vincent believes he represents a growing constituency and I believe he might be right.
Vincent
"Oh, get over it. Both of you. We have the public bought and paid for, you too Borgman, whether you think it's right or not. We have every media outlet behind us. We make the news. You're with us or against us. If you really think you're going to do any real good for the country feel free to opt out of the congressional pension plan. Fell free to be mocked and laughed at. If you try to cut out taxes or reveal any of this to your constituency you will be ostracized from both sides of the aisle. Your district will be a laughing stock. You are here to do what's necessary to get your skin elected for another term, and that means passing laws that help you get on the tube before the next election. It means sticking with us. It means proving your worth to the public in 30 second segments and slinging mud at your opponent. It means voting with the hand of your campaign contributers. You are not a public representative. You are a puppet. The corporations own you just like they own every other American citizen. You need the people's tax money to convince them otherwise. That's how you play."
Borgman
"I need another drink."
Sunday, November 25, 2007
William
Mr. William R. McGlover's hobby was collecting money, and he took it very seriously. Every other week he carried his paycheck from his office to the local bank to redeem his prize. There the teller, Rachel, would stand patiently over a pile of bills while William made his picks. He liked one dollar bills and ten dollar bills, and also found fifties and one-hundreds attractive. His favorite, however, was the twenty; the good old double-sawbuck.
His ritual was to walk home, place his briefcase on his desk, and pull each bill from its pouch for examination. William would sit at his desk over a magnifying glass for hours admiring the microtext and tiny intricate designs of each bill. He was particularly fond of Jackson's portrait; his disheveled hair and serious expression. Focusing on his right eyebrow, Jackson almost looks sad, like a severely disciplined but misunderstood puppy. "What could he be thinking?" William would ask himself, head hunched, pressed against the glass.
He began by storing the bills in the drawers of an old card catalog he salvaged from the local library. After examination each was carefully placed, neatly sorted by serial number and year. He took such care of his bills that not one had so much as a fold or blemish. To him, each one was priceless.
Rachel had grown fond of William's visits and knew when to expect him. She would have the bills waiting when he arrived; always two hundreds, four fifties, and twenty twenties, then some fives and ones. Over the years he continued to choose from the same lot, although the number of fives and ones would increase from time to time. William became increasingly discriminating, and over the years his visits grew longer. Eventually the bank reserved a desk for William, who would pour over the bills as Rachel presented them, sometimes for over an hour.
After a decade of saving William was able to afford a more sophisticated filing bureau and invested in a climate control system, which he built himself. He spent weeks walking back and forth to the hardware store purchasing the duct work and other supplies, painstakingly assembling the system. When he was finally done, temperature and humidity were optimized for paper storage. By this time, William's collection had expanded to fill several cabinets.
After one trip to the bank, Rachel asked William if he'd like to get some coffee. Neither the quantity nor quality of William's collection improved after that. And he didn't seem to mind.
His ritual was to walk home, place his briefcase on his desk, and pull each bill from its pouch for examination. William would sit at his desk over a magnifying glass for hours admiring the microtext and tiny intricate designs of each bill. He was particularly fond of Jackson's portrait; his disheveled hair and serious expression. Focusing on his right eyebrow, Jackson almost looks sad, like a severely disciplined but misunderstood puppy. "What could he be thinking?" William would ask himself, head hunched, pressed against the glass.
He began by storing the bills in the drawers of an old card catalog he salvaged from the local library. After examination each was carefully placed, neatly sorted by serial number and year. He took such care of his bills that not one had so much as a fold or blemish. To him, each one was priceless.
Rachel had grown fond of William's visits and knew when to expect him. She would have the bills waiting when he arrived; always two hundreds, four fifties, and twenty twenties, then some fives and ones. Over the years he continued to choose from the same lot, although the number of fives and ones would increase from time to time. William became increasingly discriminating, and over the years his visits grew longer. Eventually the bank reserved a desk for William, who would pour over the bills as Rachel presented them, sometimes for over an hour.
After a decade of saving William was able to afford a more sophisticated filing bureau and invested in a climate control system, which he built himself. He spent weeks walking back and forth to the hardware store purchasing the duct work and other supplies, painstakingly assembling the system. When he was finally done, temperature and humidity were optimized for paper storage. By this time, William's collection had expanded to fill several cabinets.
After one trip to the bank, Rachel asked William if he'd like to get some coffee. Neither the quantity nor quality of William's collection improved after that. And he didn't seem to mind.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Secrets
Ever feel like there is a mysterious universe of intertwined artistic and literary influences all inspired by the same thing? Perhaps some secret so powerful, that in order for it to be communicated with any accuracy requires careful encryption by seemingly innocuous and entertaining distractions - like munchkins or psychedelic rock music.
Maybe the secret is so complicated no one knows it completely. Maybe an artist only requires a small sliver of the secret to frame and inspire a lifetime of work. And in doing so, brings a portion of it within earshot of a small percentage of listeners who's particular situation allows them to stumble upon the artist's true meaning. Perhaps this is how the secret is spread.
Maybe the secret is so devastatingly persuasive that no rational person could possibly refute it. So accurate and influential that only those who seek it can understand it well enough to put it to good use. Something this powerful could not be taught, only learned, and would be easily misunderstood and misdirected. I predict there is realm of truth who's essence can only be communicated through the veil of art. And I think it's around us all the time - we just need to take notice.
Maybe the secret is so complicated no one knows it completely. Maybe an artist only requires a small sliver of the secret to frame and inspire a lifetime of work. And in doing so, brings a portion of it within earshot of a small percentage of listeners who's particular situation allows them to stumble upon the artist's true meaning. Perhaps this is how the secret is spread.
Maybe the secret is so devastatingly persuasive that no rational person could possibly refute it. So accurate and influential that only those who seek it can understand it well enough to put it to good use. Something this powerful could not be taught, only learned, and would be easily misunderstood and misdirected. I predict there is realm of truth who's essence can only be communicated through the veil of art. And I think it's around us all the time - we just need to take notice.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
George Carlin
He puts it so well (some nsfw language).
Here's my disclaimer (but watch the vid first):
First, crappier jobs and hardships on the poor and middle-class is largely caused by the regressive inflation tax, which economists have said is at least partially caused by big business' pull in Washington. As I think I've mentioned, reducing government would be a treatment for that. But, he also mentioned "taking away" Social Security...I don't think that's going to happen, but I think that's unfortunate.
Should we scrap Social Security? I wouldn't suggest shutting out older folks - anyone close to retirement age gets their well deserved income, which they have been paying for a half century or whatever. But, the payouts don't actually come from the trust fund. (That money is long spent.) It comes, surprisingly, directly from our pay checks (scroll down to "trust fund").
Right now this is a transfer of wealth from workers to the elderly. As a person who aspires to be elderly one day, I respectfully request the opportunity to use that portion of my earnings for retirement on my own terms without government intervention. Dissolving Social Security would mean a pay increase (12%) for every American worker. That's 12% of our income that is being redistributed by central planners. That would fund a 401k nicely. Now think about what this means for our retirement. It means earnings will be withdrawn from young people's paychecks to help fund our retirement. I'd rather have the means to take care of my own business and leave the youngsters alone - is that too much to ask?
With returns lower than a savings account, some say Social Security is the most blatant violation of the most basic human right - the right to screw up your own life without taking everyone else's down with you. It's often cited as the reason we installed government in the first place - for protection against such things. Is it really necessary to tax 100% of the people for the small percentage of folks who would encounter hardship during retirement?
I'm all for helping out old folks who need it, but is it really distributed based on need? Obviously not. It's "returned" to us after years of work. So even the multimillionaires are entitled to their share of Social Security income. That's not money for clothes and food (general welfare) - it's an extra round of golf or lobster instead of steak. If you are under 30, working overtime to make ends meet, and are not outraged that older folks are taking money out of your paycheck and using it for lobster, you probably should be. I don't care if it is only a tiny percentage, it's government stealing from Peter to pay Paul and I'm pretty sure the Constitution prohibits that. Of course, it's most troubling because it's not sustainable - what happens when a generation of workers reaches age 65 and there's nothing left. I think a case could be made that the best way to protect the general welfare is to give everyone equal opportunity to take care of themselves.
The effects of Social Security contribute to the problems Carlin is talking about. Because of Social Security we work 12 percent harder to earn a living wage. (A conservative estimate predicts it would take half as much in a private account to achieve the same retirement security). It makes it more difficult for parents to afford things like education, health insurance, beer, sushi, whatever. It's what a free society is all about.
So, when I drive by a crowded day care center playground should I take comfort in the fact that one day, with a bit of financial security, those youngsters could be working their finger to the bone so I can siphon a percentage of their paycheck for an extra round of golf or an order of lobster at my favorite chop house? Will they grow up to appreciate this from the next generation? Why did we take a temporary condition brought on by the Great Depression (caused by the government btw) and solve it with such a permanent scourge on the working population? How did this happen and how do we get out?
Here's my disclaimer (but watch the vid first):
First, crappier jobs and hardships on the poor and middle-class is largely caused by the regressive inflation tax, which economists have said is at least partially caused by big business' pull in Washington. As I think I've mentioned, reducing government would be a treatment for that. But, he also mentioned "taking away" Social Security...I don't think that's going to happen, but I think that's unfortunate.
Should we scrap Social Security? I wouldn't suggest shutting out older folks - anyone close to retirement age gets their well deserved income, which they have been paying for a half century or whatever. But, the payouts don't actually come from the trust fund. (That money is long spent.) It comes, surprisingly, directly from our pay checks (scroll down to "trust fund").
Right now this is a transfer of wealth from workers to the elderly. As a person who aspires to be elderly one day, I respectfully request the opportunity to use that portion of my earnings for retirement on my own terms without government intervention. Dissolving Social Security would mean a pay increase (12%) for every American worker. That's 12% of our income that is being redistributed by central planners. That would fund a 401k nicely. Now think about what this means for our retirement. It means earnings will be withdrawn from young people's paychecks to help fund our retirement. I'd rather have the means to take care of my own business and leave the youngsters alone - is that too much to ask?
With returns lower than a savings account, some say Social Security is the most blatant violation of the most basic human right - the right to screw up your own life without taking everyone else's down with you. It's often cited as the reason we installed government in the first place - for protection against such things. Is it really necessary to tax 100% of the people for the small percentage of folks who would encounter hardship during retirement?
I'm all for helping out old folks who need it, but is it really distributed based on need? Obviously not. It's "returned" to us after years of work. So even the multimillionaires are entitled to their share of Social Security income. That's not money for clothes and food (general welfare) - it's an extra round of golf or lobster instead of steak. If you are under 30, working overtime to make ends meet, and are not outraged that older folks are taking money out of your paycheck and using it for lobster, you probably should be. I don't care if it is only a tiny percentage, it's government stealing from Peter to pay Paul and I'm pretty sure the Constitution prohibits that. Of course, it's most troubling because it's not sustainable - what happens when a generation of workers reaches age 65 and there's nothing left. I think a case could be made that the best way to protect the general welfare is to give everyone equal opportunity to take care of themselves.
The effects of Social Security contribute to the problems Carlin is talking about. Because of Social Security we work 12 percent harder to earn a living wage. (A conservative estimate predicts it would take half as much in a private account to achieve the same retirement security). It makes it more difficult for parents to afford things like education, health insurance, beer, sushi, whatever. It's what a free society is all about.
So, when I drive by a crowded day care center playground should I take comfort in the fact that one day, with a bit of financial security, those youngsters could be working their finger to the bone so I can siphon a percentage of their paycheck for an extra round of golf or an order of lobster at my favorite chop house? Will they grow up to appreciate this from the next generation? Why did we take a temporary condition brought on by the Great Depression (caused by the government btw) and solve it with such a permanent scourge on the working population? How did this happen and how do we get out?
Saturday, November 17, 2007
:o
Wow. Ever have one of those weeks? The kind of week that's total chaos even though it's business at usual? I'm sitting in my cube, editing documentation, and stuff other than documentation is actually happening. A black hole looks pretty boring. It looks like it sounds - it's a hole and it's black. Actually, spiraling matter is being accelerated into a singularity at about the speed of light - some ejected light years away in giant jets at both poles. That which doesn't escape is compressed into a ball so dense not even light can escape its gravitational pull. That was this week.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Win Free Beer
Okay, as many of you know, my publisher doesn't want to lose more money, so they refused my proposal to update Finale Power. Well, they didn't really lose money, it's just that the documentation that comes with Finale is so good there wasn't enough demand to make an update worthwhile...for them.
So, they gave me the copyright and I'm going to self-publish instead, which is going to be a lot of work. Most of the actual writing is done, and now comes the hard part; hiring out the press and design work, getting a loan, and starting an actual company that will have books and stuff (the money kind).
I need a name for my company ASAP, so I'm hosing a contest. Please suggest a name. If I use it I'll give you a 6-pack of home brew! Or, the equivalent (for the wagon riders).
Requirements:
So, they gave me the copyright and I'm going to self-publish instead, which is going to be a lot of work. Most of the actual writing is done, and now comes the hard part; hiring out the press and design work, getting a loan, and starting an actual company that will have books and stuff (the money kind).
I need a name for my company ASAP, so I'm hosing a contest. Please suggest a name. If I use it I'll give you a 6-pack of home brew! Or, the equivalent (for the wagon riders).
Requirements:
- You must be 21 or older to win beer.
- No profanity.
- Must be in English.
- Must be somewhat easy to spell.
- Must be somewhat memorable.
- Must not already be the name of a company.
- Can be music-related.
- Can be related to learning (it is a method guide).
- Can be related to computers/technology.
- Can be related to our cat Penny.
- Sonata Books
- EasyGuides
- Metamonkey
- Poofy Tail Publications
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Fribbles for All
Fribbles were the most fantastic natural resource ever discovered. Rupert Dingleberry was the gentleman who discovered the only known source of Fribbles beneath a melting glacier on his property in Alaska. A few years ago he was walking his schnauzer and there they were, precisely 800,000,000 of them sitting in a huge pit; identical, pristine, and beautiful. He had no idea what to do with them, so there they sat.
Rupert lived in the small town of Bigville, and when word got out that Rupert had Fribbles on his property, folks were stunned. Nothing this exiting had ever happened in their little town. Everyone thought they would have access to cheap Fribbles. Mr. Dingleberry was an instant celebrity, and so was his schnauzer, Lorenzo.
Rupert would haul loads of Fribbles into town and sell them. He made a living doing this. The folks loved the Fribbles so much they were happy to pay a reasonable price for them. After all, they made life so much easier.
When Washington caught wind of the Fribbles bonanza going on in mainland Alaska there was pandemonium. The President called the news media and asked them to produce a hue and cry from the public. They did. "Alaskan's hoarding Fribbles" was front page news the next day. By mid-afternoon everyone knew what a Fribble was, and were shocked, SHOCKED, the Alaskans were such selfish miscreants. Politicians rallied behind the President. "Fribbles for all" was the call from the pundits.
As it turns out, the lawyers discovered Rupert did not have Fribble rights on his property. Some said there was ambiguity in the law defining "Fribble rights discovered under glaciers," but these folks were skewered on the news - dubbed "pinheads." The Department of Homeland Security sent troops to guard the Fribble deposit from an "impending terrorist attack." Dissent was marginalized by reports of "overwhelming public opinion" in favor of public ownership of Fribbles. The WC ("We Care") association was established to defend "fair Fribble distribution."
Rupert's Fribble pit was seized and an electric fence secured the deposit. A machine gun nest stood at the gate. A permanent military base was constructed in Bigville. The price of Fribbles skyrocketed, but since only people in Bigville had ever bought Fribbles, no one in the lower 48 states even noticed.
Due to their convenient size, unique characteristics, intrinsic value, scarcity and durability, Fribbles were increasingly used in trade. WC endorsed their use as currency. All of the sudden, everyone wanted to get their hands on more Fribbles!
All government employees were paid in Fribbles. Well, they weren't actually paid in Fribbles, but notes that were redeemable in Fribbles. All international debts were also paid in Fribbles. Before long, all government debt was backed by Fribbles. Soldiers could now be sent to defend the United States against Fribble seeking terrorists and compensated with Fribble notes. Soon, Fribbles replaced the dollar entirely.
Few people actually had Fribbles. In fact, owning Fribbles themselves was illegal. Everyone used Fribble notes. One day, a scientist actually did some studies on a Fribble. In his Virginia laboratory, Dr. Danger poked them, froze them, crushed them, soaked them in acid, and even ate one. It tasted like strawberries. After several days of study, Dr. Danger was mesmerized by the amazing properties of the Fribble. He hypothesized they were indestructible.
Then, one day, Dr. Danger assembled all the leading scientists in the world to scrutinize the Fribble. He gave his first speech before a crowded outdoor amphitheater. With a Fribble placed before him, resting on a marble pedestal, Dr. Danger professed its wonders.
On this day, Virginia was in the midst of a record breaking heat wave. Never in recorded history had the mercury risen so high. In fact, this day was so hot, during his speech, the doctor frequently wiped sweat from his forehead and paused for a sip of water. Suddenly, at a point when all in attendance were focused on the Fribble, it vanished in a cloud of vapor.
It was soon disclosed that Fribbles indeed have one weakness. They evaporate instantly at precisely 110 degrees Fahrenheit.
The people realized Fribbles were of dubious intrinsic value.
Everything got real ugly after that.
Rupert lived in the small town of Bigville, and when word got out that Rupert had Fribbles on his property, folks were stunned. Nothing this exiting had ever happened in their little town. Everyone thought they would have access to cheap Fribbles. Mr. Dingleberry was an instant celebrity, and so was his schnauzer, Lorenzo.
Rupert would haul loads of Fribbles into town and sell them. He made a living doing this. The folks loved the Fribbles so much they were happy to pay a reasonable price for them. After all, they made life so much easier.
When Washington caught wind of the Fribbles bonanza going on in mainland Alaska there was pandemonium. The President called the news media and asked them to produce a hue and cry from the public. They did. "Alaskan's hoarding Fribbles" was front page news the next day. By mid-afternoon everyone knew what a Fribble was, and were shocked, SHOCKED, the Alaskans were such selfish miscreants. Politicians rallied behind the President. "Fribbles for all" was the call from the pundits.
As it turns out, the lawyers discovered Rupert did not have Fribble rights on his property. Some said there was ambiguity in the law defining "Fribble rights discovered under glaciers," but these folks were skewered on the news - dubbed "pinheads." The Department of Homeland Security sent troops to guard the Fribble deposit from an "impending terrorist attack." Dissent was marginalized by reports of "overwhelming public opinion" in favor of public ownership of Fribbles. The WC ("We Care") association was established to defend "fair Fribble distribution."
Rupert's Fribble pit was seized and an electric fence secured the deposit. A machine gun nest stood at the gate. A permanent military base was constructed in Bigville. The price of Fribbles skyrocketed, but since only people in Bigville had ever bought Fribbles, no one in the lower 48 states even noticed.
Due to their convenient size, unique characteristics, intrinsic value, scarcity and durability, Fribbles were increasingly used in trade. WC endorsed their use as currency. All of the sudden, everyone wanted to get their hands on more Fribbles!
All government employees were paid in Fribbles. Well, they weren't actually paid in Fribbles, but notes that were redeemable in Fribbles. All international debts were also paid in Fribbles. Before long, all government debt was backed by Fribbles. Soldiers could now be sent to defend the United States against Fribble seeking terrorists and compensated with Fribble notes. Soon, Fribbles replaced the dollar entirely.
Few people actually had Fribbles. In fact, owning Fribbles themselves was illegal. Everyone used Fribble notes. One day, a scientist actually did some studies on a Fribble. In his Virginia laboratory, Dr. Danger poked them, froze them, crushed them, soaked them in acid, and even ate one. It tasted like strawberries. After several days of study, Dr. Danger was mesmerized by the amazing properties of the Fribble. He hypothesized they were indestructible.
Then, one day, Dr. Danger assembled all the leading scientists in the world to scrutinize the Fribble. He gave his first speech before a crowded outdoor amphitheater. With a Fribble placed before him, resting on a marble pedestal, Dr. Danger professed its wonders.
On this day, Virginia was in the midst of a record breaking heat wave. Never in recorded history had the mercury risen so high. In fact, this day was so hot, during his speech, the doctor frequently wiped sweat from his forehead and paused for a sip of water. Suddenly, at a point when all in attendance were focused on the Fribble, it vanished in a cloud of vapor.
It was soon disclosed that Fribbles indeed have one weakness. They evaporate instantly at precisely 110 degrees Fahrenheit.
The people realized Fribbles were of dubious intrinsic value.
Everything got real ugly after that.
Monday, November 12, 2007
Martin
The bell rang and Martin continued to paint. It was just another day in fourth grade, but this day had been better than most. More specifically, the painting on his desk was one he was particularly proud of. It was a landscape of a prairie with gray, snowcapped mountains in the distance. A stream originated at a distant lake and wound through a valley all the way to the vantage point where the sun glimmered off the dark blue surface and a brisk current cascaded over rocks. Only some of this actually existed on the paper, but he could picture it vividly. Lost in concentration he had almost forgot the orange and pear that sat in front of him. His creation wasn't the still life the rest of the class was painting. He was amazed the class was over already and glanced to his right to see the finished paintings of his neighbors - all very similar. His digression had somehow taken the whole hour and now he had no time for the assignment. He put away his watercolors and placed the painting on a cart on his way out.
In the hallway, Martin carried his books at his side on the way to his next class, math. He walked briskly in hopes he would have time to finish his homework in the ten minutes before class started. He wondered how his art teacher, Mrs. Hadley, would respond to his painting. She probably wouldn't like it. "Ug, why do I always do this sort of thing" he thought. Suddenly he felt his books lifted from beneath his elbow. They flew into the air in front of him scattering papers throughout the hallway. Laughter surrounded him and then faded down the hall as he knelt to pick them up. Mr. Gallaway, the math teacher shook his head as they passed by. The rest of the herd diverted to avoid walking over the mess. Martin was late for class. The homework was collected immediately.
Martin had a perceptive sense far beyond his years, and far beyond what anyone could expect. He saw bullying for what it was.
After school, Martin sat in the same seat on the way home. It was the fifth seat from the front. It was a Monday, so he didn't have any reason to stay at school. This day a couple older kids sat across from him, which was unusual and uncomfortable. On what sounded to Martin like a dare, one of them crossed the aisle, took a seat and began making small talk. "So, how about this weather," he said. Then, strangely, he stood in the aisle and placed his hands on the two seat backs to either side of him and looked directly at Martin. With little warning Martin felt a wet spray in his face which subsequently ran down his cheeks and onto his jacket. The boy wiped his mouth, turned and gave high fives to the others, laughing like hyenas. They got off the bus and Martin could relax for the rest of the ride. He felt ashamed and embarrassed.
The next day, Martin received the painting back from Mrs. Hadley. In the upper right corner there was a paper clip with a note. It read "Come see me." More disturbingly, there was a thick, black marking running from top to bottom. It read "F." Mrs. Hadley apologized for leaving the paintings out in the open. Apparently one of the other students thought this would be funny to steal it and make their own contribution. Mrs. Hadley allowed Martin to stay late after school and paint the still life. Martin did. He got an A-. Martin had seen better weeks, but he had also seen much worse.
Ten years later Martin killed 5 hostages in cold blood, throwing their bodies out of the 75th floor of an office building. He managed to convince the negotiators he was "serious" and secured a military escort by helicopter. While being lifted to the airport, Martin ejected the pilot who dragged his last hostage overboard in frenzied desperation. Martin took able control of the chopper himself, but two F-16s were scrambled from a nearby Air Force base. His charred body landed in an elementary school play lot during recess.
In the hallway, Martin carried his books at his side on the way to his next class, math. He walked briskly in hopes he would have time to finish his homework in the ten minutes before class started. He wondered how his art teacher, Mrs. Hadley, would respond to his painting. She probably wouldn't like it. "Ug, why do I always do this sort of thing" he thought. Suddenly he felt his books lifted from beneath his elbow. They flew into the air in front of him scattering papers throughout the hallway. Laughter surrounded him and then faded down the hall as he knelt to pick them up. Mr. Gallaway, the math teacher shook his head as they passed by. The rest of the herd diverted to avoid walking over the mess. Martin was late for class. The homework was collected immediately.
Martin had a perceptive sense far beyond his years, and far beyond what anyone could expect. He saw bullying for what it was.
After school, Martin sat in the same seat on the way home. It was the fifth seat from the front. It was a Monday, so he didn't have any reason to stay at school. This day a couple older kids sat across from him, which was unusual and uncomfortable. On what sounded to Martin like a dare, one of them crossed the aisle, took a seat and began making small talk. "So, how about this weather," he said. Then, strangely, he stood in the aisle and placed his hands on the two seat backs to either side of him and looked directly at Martin. With little warning Martin felt a wet spray in his face which subsequently ran down his cheeks and onto his jacket. The boy wiped his mouth, turned and gave high fives to the others, laughing like hyenas. They got off the bus and Martin could relax for the rest of the ride. He felt ashamed and embarrassed.
The next day, Martin received the painting back from Mrs. Hadley. In the upper right corner there was a paper clip with a note. It read "Come see me." More disturbingly, there was a thick, black marking running from top to bottom. It read "F." Mrs. Hadley apologized for leaving the paintings out in the open. Apparently one of the other students thought this would be funny to steal it and make their own contribution. Mrs. Hadley allowed Martin to stay late after school and paint the still life. Martin did. He got an A-. Martin had seen better weeks, but he had also seen much worse.
Ten years later Martin killed 5 hostages in cold blood, throwing their bodies out of the 75th floor of an office building. He managed to convince the negotiators he was "serious" and secured a military escort by helicopter. While being lifted to the airport, Martin ejected the pilot who dragged his last hostage overboard in frenzied desperation. Martin took able control of the chopper himself, but two F-16s were scrambled from a nearby Air Force base. His charred body landed in an elementary school play lot during recess.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Politics
You don't want to read this post, do you. Why? Maybe because politics is a messy conversation about big questions that none of us really know the answer to. Maybe because we're heard such horrid ill-conceived and mis-informed intellectual diarrhea ejected from the mouths from people we otherwise trust and like. To refute such garbage risks offending the person and we don't really care to get into an argument - nor are we really prepared to discuss the subject. This often means the folks that are most vocal about their bad ideas get to reign free. We recoil as we would confronted with an obese lady in hot pants. We are the ones giving these folks carte blank to do or say whatever the hell they want with no challenge or recourse.
It makes you want to walk up, stand tall and scream "you gotta earn the right to wear hot pants!" But here, she could simply rebut "git out my face cracker" and you really have no solid way to refute that - no devastating argument to prove she is unfit for hot pants. Now, when Taxme Sam flails about screaming "100% of your income should go to the government," one could possibly construct a convincing argument to the contrary. It doesn't matter if Taxme is broadcasting on every channel, every radio station, or waking you up in the middle of the night with a megaphone. Any attempt at manipulation can be completely ignored. If you disagree, a solid case whispered into someone's ear could easily trump all the blaring nonsense.
But, besides the attempts at brainwashing, I think politics is most unappealing for other reasons. So much of it is not really about the issues or philosophy. It's about power. The politicians who are most hungry for power, and those who are most willing to discard ethics are the ones who most easily get ahead. They line their pockets with promises to vote in their contributers' favor. Then they use their money to try to get votes however necessary. Who knows who's guns are pointed at the backs of the candidates' heads at the debates. I certainly can't afford that kind of voice. I don't know anyone who can.
Someone who brings up politics these days is suspect. "Who had brainwashed this person," "what is their real motivation." I agree. Everyone is suspect. And then there are those that simply vote for one party or the other without regard for massive shifts in positions. Those who are capable of ignoring bull shit have the responsibility to counterbalance it. All the advertising in the world cannot compete with critical thinking and real facts. When choosing the next leader of the free world, I believe it is important to identify the one who's motivation is based on powerful philosophical ideas, not power.
Yes, "coming out" for a political candidate is difficult, and has not been an enjoyable experience. I could only do it for someone running for the right reasons who is not pandering to huge corporate interests or trying to take advantage of people's weaknesses. Someone who has proven he believes what he says (this guy has been laughed at for 30 years without changing his positions). Most importantly, I'm not necessarily in favor of the candidate himself - I am in favor of his ideas.
It makes you want to walk up, stand tall and scream "you gotta earn the right to wear hot pants!" But here, she could simply rebut "git out my face cracker" and you really have no solid way to refute that - no devastating argument to prove she is unfit for hot pants. Now, when Taxme Sam flails about screaming "100% of your income should go to the government," one could possibly construct a convincing argument to the contrary. It doesn't matter if Taxme is broadcasting on every channel, every radio station, or waking you up in the middle of the night with a megaphone. Any attempt at manipulation can be completely ignored. If you disagree, a solid case whispered into someone's ear could easily trump all the blaring nonsense.
But, besides the attempts at brainwashing, I think politics is most unappealing for other reasons. So much of it is not really about the issues or philosophy. It's about power. The politicians who are most hungry for power, and those who are most willing to discard ethics are the ones who most easily get ahead. They line their pockets with promises to vote in their contributers' favor. Then they use their money to try to get votes however necessary. Who knows who's guns are pointed at the backs of the candidates' heads at the debates. I certainly can't afford that kind of voice. I don't know anyone who can.
Someone who brings up politics these days is suspect. "Who had brainwashed this person," "what is their real motivation." I agree. Everyone is suspect. And then there are those that simply vote for one party or the other without regard for massive shifts in positions. Those who are capable of ignoring bull shit have the responsibility to counterbalance it. All the advertising in the world cannot compete with critical thinking and real facts. When choosing the next leader of the free world, I believe it is important to identify the one who's motivation is based on powerful philosophical ideas, not power.
Yes, "coming out" for a political candidate is difficult, and has not been an enjoyable experience. I could only do it for someone running for the right reasons who is not pandering to huge corporate interests or trying to take advantage of people's weaknesses. Someone who has proven he believes what he says (this guy has been laughed at for 30 years without changing his positions). Most importantly, I'm not necessarily in favor of the candidate himself - I am in favor of his ideas.
Friday, November 9, 2007
Free, clean energy
Rather than discuss the increasing cost of energy and its negative impacts on the environment, I'd like to focus on the solution. I do not think it is necessary to invest billions in hydrogen technology or build more hybrids. I do not necessarily find the answer in wind, solar, or ethanol (other than perhaps drinking copious amounts of it). I find it wasteful to neglect the abundant reserves of energy freely at our disposal, waiting to be unleashed frequently and with great vigor.
First, we must comprehend the huge potential of energy being wasted. I believe there is one abundant source completely untapped by the power companies...incompetence. Few deny it pervades our lives like a perpetual chlorine fog. Imagine if you will the canyons of nefarious waste and utter neglect of human potential sapped at the expense of pride and carelessness. Imagine the vast oceans of productivity frittered away by irrational decisions from ill-informed leaders. Where others see a great boulder on the back of society, I see solid gold.
Just imagine the pent up frustration built up inside the deft and knowledgeable underlings who participate in appeasing the egos of their inflated, burnt out, psychotic, or otherwise useless commanders, destroying all that is creative, honorable and good for the sake of securing next week's paycheck. Right now all this rage is generally wasted through cathartic outbursts directed at coworkers, spouses, neighbors, dogs, whatever. I propose we harness, concentrate and redirect this natural resource so that it can be used for constructive purposes.
Imagine the wrath that could be unleashed on the very subject of one's frustration - perhaps a padded representation of such filth affixed to the top of a pole beside every worker's chair. A sort of punching bag on a pedestal. Imagine the incessant pounding that could be delivered on a regular basis to such a statue. Now, mount this pedestal onto a generator's drive train beneath the floor. The electricity that could be collected and distributed to the power grid. Indeed, imagine acres of cubes with such mannequins being systematically pummeled for hours each day, blanketing the earth with free, clean energy. This is a noble dream my friends.
First, we must comprehend the huge potential of energy being wasted. I believe there is one abundant source completely untapped by the power companies...incompetence. Few deny it pervades our lives like a perpetual chlorine fog. Imagine if you will the canyons of nefarious waste and utter neglect of human potential sapped at the expense of pride and carelessness. Imagine the vast oceans of productivity frittered away by irrational decisions from ill-informed leaders. Where others see a great boulder on the back of society, I see solid gold.
Just imagine the pent up frustration built up inside the deft and knowledgeable underlings who participate in appeasing the egos of their inflated, burnt out, psychotic, or otherwise useless commanders, destroying all that is creative, honorable and good for the sake of securing next week's paycheck. Right now all this rage is generally wasted through cathartic outbursts directed at coworkers, spouses, neighbors, dogs, whatever. I propose we harness, concentrate and redirect this natural resource so that it can be used for constructive purposes.
Imagine the wrath that could be unleashed on the very subject of one's frustration - perhaps a padded representation of such filth affixed to the top of a pole beside every worker's chair. A sort of punching bag on a pedestal. Imagine the incessant pounding that could be delivered on a regular basis to such a statue. Now, mount this pedestal onto a generator's drive train beneath the floor. The electricity that could be collected and distributed to the power grid. Indeed, imagine acres of cubes with such mannequins being systematically pummeled for hours each day, blanketing the earth with free, clean energy. This is a noble dream my friends.
Thursday, November 8, 2007
I'm Certified!
Greetings from your newest CERTIFIED BEER JUDGE! It's official, my criticisms of your brew can no longer be shrugged off as irrelevant and philistine. With a score of 70 my observations deserve modest acknowledgment if I'm the least bit sober. I have an actual certificate, pin, and detailed score sheet from Grand Master Steve Piatz. Time to sit back, relax, and have a home brew.
I am a firm believer in the people. If given the truth, they can be depended upon to meet any national crisis. The great point is to bring them the real facts, and beer. -Abraham Lincoln
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
rant
How is it possible that, in a world that has developed nuclear power, dippin' dots, even the nitrogen widget, we still have things like hunger and poverty. Is there really any excuse for this? What is preventing world prosperity from penetrating every corner of the world? What is preventing all counties not participating in civil war and genocide from acquiring the bare necessities? We have WIDGETS damnit!
I almost broke a home row key when I heard this today: "Need represents the individual who wants to take the money, greed represents the individual who wants to keep his or her money, and compassion is the sentiment of the politician who facilitates the transaction." (tears). An absolute perversion of the English language. This is what the income tax has done. Unless there is a large-scale awakening, it appears the poverty will continue. When will folks learn where prosperity comes from, and what allows it to overflow across the world? I believe it is a virtue too heartless in appearance to gain widespread support. It is a concept too misunderstood due to crimes of a bygone era perpetuated by those who never endured them. The true humanitarians are not good at stealing, lying, and manipulating, and seldom get elected.
Is it too contemptuous for an anarchist to accuse the collective of failure? I suppose it's the standard actually. Ha, I said it - you failed. All of you. The world still has problems because of you. You killed Kenny. Bastards! Blaming an abstract entity is pretty useless. A nation always fails unless it wins a war or something. That's because humanity always wins when left to its own devices - it's the norm. Lump us together and everyone starts feeding off everyone else. We could probably solve all the world's problems if we understood it wasn't about a country, party, or ideology wining and losing, but ourselves. But, for now, there is that warm fuzzy feeling of innocence. After all, if we're all in this together, there's no one to blame (or everyone). We are all captains of a sinking ship, standing at the wheel professing our superiority listening to Pink Floyd and watching South Park (without comprehension).
I can't accept full responsibility, but I will accept some for doing less than I can to resolve the problem. I'm probably being quite counterproductive at the moment, but there's just as much reason to hate me as any of the cockroaches who we elected. Actually, our parents and grandparents started all this - our great grandparents actually. Check out what happened in 1942 with income tax withholding (Beardsley Ruml I think) - it is the opposite of ginger cookies and milk. Then there's Social Security. They must be sweeter in their old age. (But they still vote.)
I'm not actually an anarchist, although I admit it's an attractive position - and not really as bad a thing as most people think. Still, I think the state has been up to no good for quite a while and affixed a Ron Paul bumper sticker to my truck. Someone I respect had something to say about what would happen to the peacemakers. (Unbelievable how the evangelicals have ruined the reputation of something so innocent - rrr...different blog). Back to not speaking in tongues and not brainwashing children.
I almost broke a home row key when I heard this today: "Need represents the individual who wants to take the money, greed represents the individual who wants to keep his or her money, and compassion is the sentiment of the politician who facilitates the transaction." (tears). An absolute perversion of the English language. This is what the income tax has done. Unless there is a large-scale awakening, it appears the poverty will continue. When will folks learn where prosperity comes from, and what allows it to overflow across the world? I believe it is a virtue too heartless in appearance to gain widespread support. It is a concept too misunderstood due to crimes of a bygone era perpetuated by those who never endured them. The true humanitarians are not good at stealing, lying, and manipulating, and seldom get elected.
Is it too contemptuous for an anarchist to accuse the collective of failure? I suppose it's the standard actually. Ha, I said it - you failed. All of you. The world still has problems because of you. You killed Kenny. Bastards! Blaming an abstract entity is pretty useless. A nation always fails unless it wins a war or something. That's because humanity always wins when left to its own devices - it's the norm. Lump us together and everyone starts feeding off everyone else. We could probably solve all the world's problems if we understood it wasn't about a country, party, or ideology wining and losing, but ourselves. But, for now, there is that warm fuzzy feeling of innocence. After all, if we're all in this together, there's no one to blame (or everyone). We are all captains of a sinking ship, standing at the wheel professing our superiority listening to Pink Floyd and watching South Park (without comprehension).
I can't accept full responsibility, but I will accept some for doing less than I can to resolve the problem. I'm probably being quite counterproductive at the moment, but there's just as much reason to hate me as any of the cockroaches who we elected. Actually, our parents and grandparents started all this - our great grandparents actually. Check out what happened in 1942 with income tax withholding (Beardsley Ruml I think) - it is the opposite of ginger cookies and milk. Then there's Social Security. They must be sweeter in their old age. (But they still vote.)
I'm not actually an anarchist, although I admit it's an attractive position - and not really as bad a thing as most people think. Still, I think the state has been up to no good for quite a while and affixed a Ron Paul bumper sticker to my truck. Someone I respect had something to say about what would happen to the peacemakers. (Unbelievable how the evangelicals have ruined the reputation of something so innocent - rrr...different blog). Back to not speaking in tongues and not brainwashing children.
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Somewhere Else
Dr. Stone peered through the small, hazy window between his heavy eyelids. For a moment he had the decision to return to his dream world, but the sight in front of him prevented it. He considered the possibility he was still sleeping and widened his eyes with awe and disbelief. This is what he had come for, it was a moment he had anticipated for over twenty years. The giant blue globe shined brightly in front of him, occupying his full field of vision. The detail at this distance was astounding. The continents were smaller than Earth's and obfuscated with white billowy clouds. He could see the mountain ranges and rivers he had studied in as a child. He knew within days his life would begin again. He had made actually made it.
He raised his hand with great difficulty and noticed unfamiliar wrinkles. His last memory was sealing himself into the hyperbaric chamber as scientists observed him in wonder - as if his insanity was complete. It was the first and only time he had second thoughts. Apparently, that moment now rests in history as he notices the monitor in front of him. "November 6, 2049." He is now 50 years old biologically, although the relativistic effects of his voyage have pushed him well beyond that. He ponders his hibernation, which has a sobering effect on his arrival. He reminisces little before the fire ignites in his soul as it has for all of his short adult life. "How could have it come to this?" he wonders. He could make the journey, but others would not. He left many loved ones behind.
Like many of the time, his youth was spent in blissful ignorance. The deception was silent and took control over many generations - far too gradual for anyone to notice. Looking back it was almost impossible to blame them. People were busy with their jobs and families. Few had the time and inclination to investigate, and those who did weren't taken seriously. The thought that there could be sinister wheels turning behind the scenes was seen as ludicrous, and even dangerous. It was a world too complex for anyone to comprehend, and could easily baffle even the most intelligent. It was an open door. In fact, complacency was so prevalent any mention of an impending economic disaster or state corruption was dismissed. In these conditions the unsavory remnants of former kingdoms was free to conduct business unlike ever before - beneath the shroud of plasma televisions, hybrid cars and iPhones.
When the depression struck Dr. Stone was one of the first to feel the effects. He had just finished his doctoral defense at the Stockholm School of Economics and planned to move to London with his wife in search of employment opportunities like many of their contemporaries. It was hard for some to imagine why so many students of economics moved out of Sweden so quickly. Unfortunately Dr. Stone was still in the country when all passports were suddenly suspended and the borders closed. Sweden, the country that was once to be the socialist model for all countries, had buckled under its own weight. With more demand from its people than productivity, the state was finally forced to blame someone, and finally crumbled to a totalitarian oligarchy. Its National Guard crushed all resistance with stunning precision. The Swedish population found themselves refugees in their own country.
Dr. Stone and his wife Maud barely escaped to the United States in a friend's sailboat, bewildered and angry. As the world's last superpower, they decided the US would offer them the most protection from the global economic depression. They were mistaken. Upon arrival in New York, the Stone's were greeted with mayhem. The fall of the Federal Reserve had reduced the value of the dollar to $0. Individuals were walking the streets trading jewelry for food. All production and business had long ground to a halt and rioting was a common sight. They wondered if there was a refuge left on earth where their talents were of any use.
There wasn't. The Stone's only escape was the 20 year journey to the smallest moon on 55 Cancri's fifth planet, the only known habitable place in the universe other than earth. It was a cold place with strange wildlife and little wealth. But it had a radical new kind of society, one based on individual liberty and human rights - well, new to anyone currently living.
Dr. Stone marveled at the new world and anticipated great things. His life would perhaps be somewhat more difficult that on Earth, but the rewards would have no equal.
He raised his hand with great difficulty and noticed unfamiliar wrinkles. His last memory was sealing himself into the hyperbaric chamber as scientists observed him in wonder - as if his insanity was complete. It was the first and only time he had second thoughts. Apparently, that moment now rests in history as he notices the monitor in front of him. "November 6, 2049." He is now 50 years old biologically, although the relativistic effects of his voyage have pushed him well beyond that. He ponders his hibernation, which has a sobering effect on his arrival. He reminisces little before the fire ignites in his soul as it has for all of his short adult life. "How could have it come to this?" he wonders. He could make the journey, but others would not. He left many loved ones behind.
Like many of the time, his youth was spent in blissful ignorance. The deception was silent and took control over many generations - far too gradual for anyone to notice. Looking back it was almost impossible to blame them. People were busy with their jobs and families. Few had the time and inclination to investigate, and those who did weren't taken seriously. The thought that there could be sinister wheels turning behind the scenes was seen as ludicrous, and even dangerous. It was a world too complex for anyone to comprehend, and could easily baffle even the most intelligent. It was an open door. In fact, complacency was so prevalent any mention of an impending economic disaster or state corruption was dismissed. In these conditions the unsavory remnants of former kingdoms was free to conduct business unlike ever before - beneath the shroud of plasma televisions, hybrid cars and iPhones.
When the depression struck Dr. Stone was one of the first to feel the effects. He had just finished his doctoral defense at the Stockholm School of Economics and planned to move to London with his wife in search of employment opportunities like many of their contemporaries. It was hard for some to imagine why so many students of economics moved out of Sweden so quickly. Unfortunately Dr. Stone was still in the country when all passports were suddenly suspended and the borders closed. Sweden, the country that was once to be the socialist model for all countries, had buckled under its own weight. With more demand from its people than productivity, the state was finally forced to blame someone, and finally crumbled to a totalitarian oligarchy. Its National Guard crushed all resistance with stunning precision. The Swedish population found themselves refugees in their own country.
Dr. Stone and his wife Maud barely escaped to the United States in a friend's sailboat, bewildered and angry. As the world's last superpower, they decided the US would offer them the most protection from the global economic depression. They were mistaken. Upon arrival in New York, the Stone's were greeted with mayhem. The fall of the Federal Reserve had reduced the value of the dollar to $0. Individuals were walking the streets trading jewelry for food. All production and business had long ground to a halt and rioting was a common sight. They wondered if there was a refuge left on earth where their talents were of any use.
There wasn't. The Stone's only escape was the 20 year journey to the smallest moon on 55 Cancri's fifth planet, the only known habitable place in the universe other than earth. It was a cold place with strange wildlife and little wealth. But it had a radical new kind of society, one based on individual liberty and human rights - well, new to anyone currently living.
Dr. Stone marveled at the new world and anticipated great things. His life would perhaps be somewhat more difficult that on Earth, but the rewards would have no equal.
Monday, November 5, 2007
Remember Remember the 5th of November
Remember, remember the fifth of November,Happy Guy Fawkes Day!
The gunpowder, treason and plot,
I know of no reason
Why gunpowder treason
Should ever be forgot.
Saturday, November 3, 2007
More vacation for eveyone, Yay!
Okay, in an earlier blog I explained why all us overworked and underpaid grunts who actually keep the world turning can't just all agree to tell the government to force our employers to kiss our asses and give us, say, 12 weeks of vacation a year. While it might seem to work right away, we would actually suffer from either a proportional amount of lower pay, having to work faster, or simply breaking the law and working more than the regulations specify (or all of these). Most importantly, we would be throwing many folks at the lowest end of the pay scale out on the streets, or more likely, on the dole paid for from increased taxes on our deflated salary. Yuk!
So, if we can't all bump up our vacation time by compelling, through state/federal regulation, our employers to change their benefits package, how do we do it? How do we all spend more time kayaking in Belize or hiking the Rockies while not working our fingers to the bone, living on less, becoming criminals, and disregarding the working poor? It can be done. But let's take a closer look at the animal so we know what we're up against.
We might ask someone: "So, what kind of vacation benefits does your company offer?" But that's only one interpretation, and one favorable to the employer. By becoming an employee are we really giving away every day of our lives to our employer? That seems to be the assumption. After all, an employer can't offer anything it doesn't already have. You should be asking: "So, how many lovely days in the sun has your employer contracted out of your precious life annually?" According to Wikipedia, that's 242 give or take a few days. That's 10 days plus 8 holidays and weekends. And, in most cases, employees really don't get much freedom to choose which days they prefer to work and which days they prefer to not work.
Paid Vacation. Is it really? Absolutely not! Your employer knows the least number of days you will be working and offers/adjusts your pay accordingly. A salaried position with three weeks of vacation pays less than the same position with one week vacation (considering equal obligations). Since all workers expect vacation time, employers must offer it to be competitive and attract talent, and the result is that everyone's salary is lower than it otherwise would be. So, while you may technically get paid for days you are scuba diving in the tropics, you have actually already been penalized for those days with a lower salary. So ENJOY IT!
Employers don't own our lives, just our work. We exchange our valuable time and hard work for pay, and that pay is ours to distribute as we see fit (or on our slightest whim). Vacation/time off is a reward we earn and any restriction on that reward by our employer should be seen as a benefit WE offer THEM. After all, if we are committing 242 days to our employer, the least we should get is straight talk and an ability to take days off when we see fit. Today, since workers generally volunteer their whole lives to their employer's, the specific days requested for vacation might not be "approved." (After all, this is "paid vacation" - how gracious they offer it at all). Isn't submitting this veto power a valuable thing in itself?
We'd all be a whole lot better off if we demanded to be compensated according to shorter contracts and by merit rather than by signing our lives away to be dictated at the digression of our managers; pay well for work and leave the rest up to the workers. Yes, the full solution depends in part on each worker demanding terms he/she regards as fair - it's a vital piece of the puzzle. But, even if workers across the land suddenly adopted this brand of thinking, they aren't all necessarily good at negotiating. They are good at flipping burgers, coding software, driving zambonis or grading papers, not haggling with business types. So, how do we save us from ourselves without asking the state to do it? Unions? No way! (They've got a track record of screwing workers). IMHO, you can really only do it by placing employers in a position that allows them to realistically meet a demand for more vacation from their employees. You can probably see where this is going - please bear with me.
The income tax accounts for approximately one third of federal revenue. Eliminating one-third of the proposed 2007 budget would leave federal spending at 1.8 trillion - a sum greater than the budget in the year 2000. All we need to do is cut federal spending back to 2000 levels and we can ALL GO ON VACATION FOR AN EXTRA COUPLE MONTHS EACH YEAR!
Things we could do to cut federal spending:
Basically we need to reassess the role of government and reconsider what is necessary and what isn't. I've asked many people if they can think of one thing from the federal government they depend on. It's usually nothing - roads are (mostly) from gas taxes, education is from (mostly) state taxes, snow plows are city. But if we did depend of the federal government, that would be an even bigger problem. Like I said, military is good, but not for inciting hatred around the world! Many feel less safe now than before the whole Iraq ordeal.
Whatever we are getting from the federal government, think about how it compares to everything else that constitutes your standard of living. Then, write out a check for 15% of your annual salary and take a look at it. What are you buying with this check? What could you do with it instead of sending it into the federal government? That would be life after the death of the Income Tax plain and simple.
Okay, I think I'm done for now and am relieved to remove myself from this soap box. This is obviously an inadequate summary for such drastic measures, but big problems require big solutions. Most importantly, when things get too complicated, everyone is afraid to change them because they don't understand them well enough. It always seems easier to just throw more money at a problem and hope it goes away. Unless there is a broad understanding of our perilous economic condition I'm afraid it will spiral out of control into something other than a "soft" landing. That will mean much less vacation for everyone.
So, if we can't all bump up our vacation time by compelling, through state/federal regulation, our employers to change their benefits package, how do we do it? How do we all spend more time kayaking in Belize or hiking the Rockies while not working our fingers to the bone, living on less, becoming criminals, and disregarding the working poor? It can be done. But let's take a closer look at the animal so we know what we're up against.
We might ask someone: "So, what kind of vacation benefits does your company offer?" But that's only one interpretation, and one favorable to the employer. By becoming an employee are we really giving away every day of our lives to our employer? That seems to be the assumption. After all, an employer can't offer anything it doesn't already have. You should be asking: "So, how many lovely days in the sun has your employer contracted out of your precious life annually?" According to Wikipedia, that's 242 give or take a few days. That's 10 days plus 8 holidays and weekends. And, in most cases, employees really don't get much freedom to choose which days they prefer to work and which days they prefer to not work.
Paid Vacation. Is it really? Absolutely not! Your employer knows the least number of days you will be working and offers/adjusts your pay accordingly. A salaried position with three weeks of vacation pays less than the same position with one week vacation (considering equal obligations). Since all workers expect vacation time, employers must offer it to be competitive and attract talent, and the result is that everyone's salary is lower than it otherwise would be. So, while you may technically get paid for days you are scuba diving in the tropics, you have actually already been penalized for those days with a lower salary. So ENJOY IT!
Employers don't own our lives, just our work. We exchange our valuable time and hard work for pay, and that pay is ours to distribute as we see fit (or on our slightest whim). Vacation/time off is a reward we earn and any restriction on that reward by our employer should be seen as a benefit WE offer THEM. After all, if we are committing 242 days to our employer, the least we should get is straight talk and an ability to take days off when we see fit. Today, since workers generally volunteer their whole lives to their employer's, the specific days requested for vacation might not be "approved." (After all, this is "paid vacation" - how gracious they offer it at all). Isn't submitting this veto power a valuable thing in itself?
We'd all be a whole lot better off if we demanded to be compensated according to shorter contracts and by merit rather than by signing our lives away to be dictated at the digression of our managers; pay well for work and leave the rest up to the workers. Yes, the full solution depends in part on each worker demanding terms he/she regards as fair - it's a vital piece of the puzzle. But, even if workers across the land suddenly adopted this brand of thinking, they aren't all necessarily good at negotiating. They are good at flipping burgers, coding software, driving zambonis or grading papers, not haggling with business types. So, how do we save us from ourselves without asking the state to do it? Unions? No way! (They've got a track record of screwing workers). IMHO, you can really only do it by placing employers in a position that allows them to realistically meet a demand for more vacation from their employees. You can probably see where this is going - please bear with me.
- In the United States, the federal corporate tax rate is 35%. (35% of profits go to the government). Of course, a corporation is just a piece of paper. This 35% burden is shared by real people; consumers in higher prices, the shareholders in lower stock prices, and, yes, employees in lower wages. To be safe, let's say, without this tax, demand for workers would force corporations to increase pay an average of 10%. (This doesn't account for the lower competition in labor. Here's a short explanation).
- Federal Income Tax. A married couple earning, say, $70,000 combined pays 10% on the first $15,101 ($1,510), 15% of the next $46,199 ($6,929.85), and 25% on the remaining $8,700 ($2,175). Thats a total of $10,614.85. That's about 15% overall.
- State Income Tax. 7.85% for the same 70,000. That's $5,495.
The income tax accounts for approximately one third of federal revenue. Eliminating one-third of the proposed 2007 budget would leave federal spending at 1.8 trillion - a sum greater than the budget in the year 2000. All we need to do is cut federal spending back to 2000 levels and we can ALL GO ON VACATION FOR AN EXTRA COUPLE MONTHS EACH YEAR!
Things we could do to cut federal spending:
- Withdraw our troops from Iraq and around the world. Huge savings here.
- Eliminate the IRS (a side effect of eliminating the income tax). Billions spent in enforcing and accounting could be saved (not to mention the savings corporations would see not having to pay lawyers to find tax shelters).
- Close the Federal Reserve - we didn't need it before 1913 and we certainly can't live with it now.
- Return the responsibility of education to the states. Eliminate the Department of Education.
- Eliminate the Department of Homeland Security. We don't need it. Our military rocks.
- Eliminate the Transportation Safety Administration.
- Eliminate the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
Basically we need to reassess the role of government and reconsider what is necessary and what isn't. I've asked many people if they can think of one thing from the federal government they depend on. It's usually nothing - roads are (mostly) from gas taxes, education is from (mostly) state taxes, snow plows are city. But if we did depend of the federal government, that would be an even bigger problem. Like I said, military is good, but not for inciting hatred around the world! Many feel less safe now than before the whole Iraq ordeal.
Whatever we are getting from the federal government, think about how it compares to everything else that constitutes your standard of living. Then, write out a check for 15% of your annual salary and take a look at it. What are you buying with this check? What could you do with it instead of sending it into the federal government? That would be life after the death of the Income Tax plain and simple.
Okay, I think I'm done for now and am relieved to remove myself from this soap box. This is obviously an inadequate summary for such drastic measures, but big problems require big solutions. Most importantly, when things get too complicated, everyone is afraid to change them because they don't understand them well enough. It always seems easier to just throw more money at a problem and hope it goes away. Unless there is a broad understanding of our perilous economic condition I'm afraid it will spiral out of control into something other than a "soft" landing. That will mean much less vacation for everyone.
"If the American people ever allow private banks to control the issue of their currency, first by inflation then by deflation, the banks and the corporations will grow up around them, will deprive the people of all property until their children wake up homeless on the continent their fathers conquered. The issuing power should be taken from the banks and restored to the people, to whom it properly belongs." -Thomas Jefferson
Friday, November 2, 2007
Today's quote: The advantage of truth
Men are not more zealous for truth than they often are for error, and a sufficient application of legal or even of social penalties will generally succeed in stopping the propagation of either. The real advantage which truth has, consists in this, that when an opinion is true, it may be extinguished once, twice, or many times, but in the course of ages there will generally be found persons to rediscover it, until some one of its reappearances falls on a time when from favorable circumstances it escapes persecution until it has made such head as to withstand all subsequent attempts to suppress it. -John Stuart MillOkay, but what if it's never rediscovered?
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Cradle 2 Grave Inc.
Betsy was in the delivery room holding her newborn. "Hi Phillip" she said as he learned to take his first breaths. Phillip's father, Greg, knelt beside the bed admiring in wonder and awe his first born child. There was a sense of relief and jubilation in the room, as if all their troubles had dissolved into baby bliss.
The obstetrician had informed us of the post natal procedure so we were prepared as the crew arrived. They entered the room dressed in what looked like beekeeping suits. One carefully reached for the infant. "Thanks you ma'am" he said as the little one changed hands. They transplanted Phillip to a table on the other side of the room. "I'm sorry," the masked man said, "you'll have to leave the room now." The father rose and began pushing Betsy's cart across the room as the crying resumed. "Oh, can't we stay?" asked Betsy. Our large yellow escort shook his head and began to close the door. "Sorry ma'am, parents not allowed, Cradle 2 Grave company policy - you're parents did the exact same thing when you were born." "Yes, I know said, but...". The door slammed shut.
Besty's mother had told her of this ritual, and knew it was just a standard policy of the company. All its procedures are rooted in tradition and seldom altered. The baby would remain in the laboratory for up to one week while the specialists did their work. After that, the diet would be delivered to the mother based on the lab results - the most healthy diet based on the unique biology of the child of course. Every client follows their diet and every procedure dictated by the company. Not doing so would be risking severe consequences. The company is rather strict. There are few violations.
Cradle to Grave Inc. (C2G) is the worlds largest corporation with a client base of five billion people. Obviously, serving half he worlds population makes it somewhat of a monopoly, but that word doesn't have the negative stigma it once had. After all, C2G employs 5 billion as well. Betsy and Greg work for C2G, so they thank it for pretty much everything they have, as do all clients. After all, its life services include virtually every possible human want.
Right now Betsy and Greg are on the "Bronze" plan along with all their friends and family. It covers all food, housing and entertainment for one monthly fee. Of course, now with child care, that monthly fee will be quite high - about the same as their monthly income. But, there really isn't much of a choice. Children of clients are automatically enrolled. Anyway, they work for C2G, so they enjoy a very nice benefits package.
Employees of C2G get 6 months of paid vacation a year. Then, with a 3 day work week, they hardly even think about work. They spend much of their time in the alps hiking. There is a large reservation specifically allocated for such activities of about 15 square miles. Rock climbing is also available. A U train stops right in the middle. (The underground transportation system is second to none). The Bronze plan is billed as the "freedom" plan, so it's designed specifically for an active lifestyle. Bronze members are allowed to join one rock band, and are provided any instrument they want. There is a warehouse to choose from. Popular bands can even get additional credits for performances if other C2G members want to use their credits to watch the performance. Most performances are free and usually at least one band is playing in one of the five available C2G clubs.
C2G membership is life long provided you do not violate any of the regulations listed in the C2G code book. Violations are rare but strictly enforced. For example, Betsy's violation of the birth code could have resulted in an ejection. C2G has an obligation to keep its babies healthy and strong. After all, new clients are the cornerstone of any successful business. As a matter of fact, no one remembers life before C2G and no one could imagine life without it. It is the most important thing anyone has, so they make sure to take following its code very seriously.
But code violations were far from Betsy and Greg's thoughts now; they had a new life to look forward to (and after). They walked back to their spacious 600 sf apartment on the 250th floor and indulged in a night cap of grape juice. Now that she had delivered, in the morning they could login to their C2G consumer account and browse through a selection of Bronze plan baby furniture. They slept well.
The obstetrician had informed us of the post natal procedure so we were prepared as the crew arrived. They entered the room dressed in what looked like beekeeping suits. One carefully reached for the infant. "Thanks you ma'am" he said as the little one changed hands. They transplanted Phillip to a table on the other side of the room. "I'm sorry," the masked man said, "you'll have to leave the room now." The father rose and began pushing Betsy's cart across the room as the crying resumed. "Oh, can't we stay?" asked Betsy. Our large yellow escort shook his head and began to close the door. "Sorry ma'am, parents not allowed, Cradle 2 Grave company policy - you're parents did the exact same thing when you were born." "Yes, I know said, but...". The door slammed shut.
Besty's mother had told her of this ritual, and knew it was just a standard policy of the company. All its procedures are rooted in tradition and seldom altered. The baby would remain in the laboratory for up to one week while the specialists did their work. After that, the diet would be delivered to the mother based on the lab results - the most healthy diet based on the unique biology of the child of course. Every client follows their diet and every procedure dictated by the company. Not doing so would be risking severe consequences. The company is rather strict. There are few violations.
Cradle to Grave Inc. (C2G) is the worlds largest corporation with a client base of five billion people. Obviously, serving half he worlds population makes it somewhat of a monopoly, but that word doesn't have the negative stigma it once had. After all, C2G employs 5 billion as well. Betsy and Greg work for C2G, so they thank it for pretty much everything they have, as do all clients. After all, its life services include virtually every possible human want.
Right now Betsy and Greg are on the "Bronze" plan along with all their friends and family. It covers all food, housing and entertainment for one monthly fee. Of course, now with child care, that monthly fee will be quite high - about the same as their monthly income. But, there really isn't much of a choice. Children of clients are automatically enrolled. Anyway, they work for C2G, so they enjoy a very nice benefits package.
Employees of C2G get 6 months of paid vacation a year. Then, with a 3 day work week, they hardly even think about work. They spend much of their time in the alps hiking. There is a large reservation specifically allocated for such activities of about 15 square miles. Rock climbing is also available. A U train stops right in the middle. (The underground transportation system is second to none). The Bronze plan is billed as the "freedom" plan, so it's designed specifically for an active lifestyle. Bronze members are allowed to join one rock band, and are provided any instrument they want. There is a warehouse to choose from. Popular bands can even get additional credits for performances if other C2G members want to use their credits to watch the performance. Most performances are free and usually at least one band is playing in one of the five available C2G clubs.
C2G membership is life long provided you do not violate any of the regulations listed in the C2G code book. Violations are rare but strictly enforced. For example, Betsy's violation of the birth code could have resulted in an ejection. C2G has an obligation to keep its babies healthy and strong. After all, new clients are the cornerstone of any successful business. As a matter of fact, no one remembers life before C2G and no one could imagine life without it. It is the most important thing anyone has, so they make sure to take following its code very seriously.
But code violations were far from Betsy and Greg's thoughts now; they had a new life to look forward to (and after). They walked back to their spacious 600 sf apartment on the 250th floor and indulged in a night cap of grape juice. Now that she had delivered, in the morning they could login to their C2G consumer account and browse through a selection of Bronze plan baby furniture. They slept well.
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