Thanks for your comment, Peggy. The fact is that we TOOK power from the rich and influential ... thousands died to do it. But money is power and they took back control quickly. That's what the REVOLUTION, REFORM, & HISTORY substack is all about. But we must NOT lose site that "we have in our power to begin the world over again." That's Thomas Paine. And that's a fact.
But didn’t Paine say that right after the revolution, where hopes were high. And then after a while, he was sad because things were devolving and the wealthy were taking power back? And I am pessimistic about hopes for revolution today the masses are pacified with bread and circuses! Maybe I’m just too depressed to think straight lol!
I was living In France when in the summer of 1990, my friend Victor and I started a book club of two. It was then that I read all of Steinbeck's major works. The Grapes of Wrath was my favorite and Vic and I had great pleasure exchanging our impressions it. It's forever the wilful blindness to the suffering of the other, a blindness as evident now as it was then. Maybe this time, we're coming to a bend in the river.
Thanks, Brian. I hope you're right. Like Thomas Paine, I believe that human nature is fundamentally pro-social and good. We are facing a period of crisis like no other. War, economic disaster, environmental degradation, genetic engineering, and now AI. Will the heart of mankind survive? My motto: work for the best and prepare for the worst. We'll likely get them in equal measure. Thanks again for commenting to REVOLUTION, REFORM, AND HISTORY. :)
Paul, thanks very much for your comment and apologies for taking so long to reply. You'll likely have seen the newest post upon which I was working.
To reply: I share your hope. Thomas Paine believed in the goodness of human nature and that people's fundamentally social and cooperative natures are poisoned by false ideologies, amongst them the notion of monetary greed at the expense of others and at the expense of Nature, our great guide. The greatest poison, though, is false religion.
Thanks for your comment. For one thing it heals my own heart to know that I share this earth with fellow Citizens of the World and patriots. Thanks again for commenting.
So many instances like this of "mans inhumanity to man" Currently fear for Christians, Jews and any non-Muslims in Muslim ruled countries, most especially Iran.
Michael, I share your fear and concern. We are in the midst of another disaster created by the cupidity, hubris, ignorance, and greed of a set of men and women who have gained power and control (see my proximate post with Paine's second Letter to the citizens of the United States). Thanks for sharing your thoughts ... and concerns. Glad to know you're there, brother.
Me also . I guess this country like most countries was created for the rich and powerful. And we never had a fucking chance. And now less than ever….
Thanks for your comment, Peggy. The fact is that we TOOK power from the rich and influential ... thousands died to do it. But money is power and they took back control quickly. That's what the REVOLUTION, REFORM, & HISTORY substack is all about. But we must NOT lose site that "we have in our power to begin the world over again." That's Thomas Paine. And that's a fact.
But didn’t Paine say that right after the revolution, where hopes were high. And then after a while, he was sad because things were devolving and the wealthy were taking power back? And I am pessimistic about hopes for revolution today the masses are pacified with bread and circuses! Maybe I’m just too depressed to think straight lol!
I was living In France when in the summer of 1990, my friend Victor and I started a book club of two. It was then that I read all of Steinbeck's major works. The Grapes of Wrath was my favorite and Vic and I had great pleasure exchanging our impressions it. It's forever the wilful blindness to the suffering of the other, a blindness as evident now as it was then. Maybe this time, we're coming to a bend in the river.
Thanks, Brian. I hope you're right. Like Thomas Paine, I believe that human nature is fundamentally pro-social and good. We are facing a period of crisis like no other. War, economic disaster, environmental degradation, genetic engineering, and now AI. Will the heart of mankind survive? My motto: work for the best and prepare for the worst. We'll likely get them in equal measure. Thanks again for commenting to REVOLUTION, REFORM, AND HISTORY. :)
Will the day come bringing common decency among people with simple kindness to one another becoming normal?
Paul, thanks very much for your comment and apologies for taking so long to reply. You'll likely have seen the newest post upon which I was working.
To reply: I share your hope. Thomas Paine believed in the goodness of human nature and that people's fundamentally social and cooperative natures are poisoned by false ideologies, amongst them the notion of monetary greed at the expense of others and at the expense of Nature, our great guide. The greatest poison, though, is false religion.
Thanks for your comment. For one thing it heals my own heart to know that I share this earth with fellow Citizens of the World and patriots. Thanks again for commenting.
I am moved by your response Kenneth. Okay, his health was broken but Tom also died with a broken heart.
So many instances like this of "mans inhumanity to man" Currently fear for Christians, Jews and any non-Muslims in Muslim ruled countries, most especially Iran.
Michael, I share your fear and concern. We are in the midst of another disaster created by the cupidity, hubris, ignorance, and greed of a set of men and women who have gained power and control (see my proximate post with Paine's second Letter to the citizens of the United States). Thanks for sharing your thoughts ... and concerns. Glad to know you're there, brother.