Trouble in River City

I have been trying to avoid the synthesis of these thoughts for way too long. Maybe, if I put it down as best I can, it will leave me alone. At the very least, by putting it down, I can say to myself that'll do pig; that'll do. 

My focus begins with the current political situation in most of the world, and in particular what we see - the tip of an iceberg (mostly hidden) - the 'man' who is leader. That man (you know who in the USA) is what I see as the culmination of a long, carefully planned scheme that parallels many successful schemes throughout history. Oh, I know - most see the parallel with Germany of the 1930s, but we don't have to get quite that dramatic. That is only one example.

I would rather be kind and draw your attention to a fictitious religious group; let's call it the Universal Gathering of the Followers of The Truth*. This church follows a pattern something like this:
1. Become the only source of truth (the voice of God) for your congregation.
2. From your infallible platform, tell the populace that there is a terrible crisis. (the devil is among us)
3. Convince them that the only salvation is through you. (perform rituals of purification)
4. Make sure they are convinced even before the crisis is revealed that if they don't do as they are told there will be terrible consequences to them personally. (hell fire)
5. Warn them that there will be others who will come with contrary messages sent to tempt them; those people are seducers to the dark side. (the devil and his minions)
6. Convince that same population that even though they cannot see any benefits right now to doing as you say, there will be a reward; a big reward, down the line. Call the reward heaven.

Those who created and control the talking heads in our "enlightened times" understood the schema well. They started setting the stage for success many decades ago. Look at the steps above and think about how pervasive media control is in this world. The message is now consistent. We have been told and sold the bill of goods that we need to be afraid. The crisis has been staged well. It wasn't easy to disenfranchise large portions of the world so that they would be willing to pick up automatic weapons and kill on command; they were all peaceful folk by-and-large (there are always those who are violent by nature, of course) but no more. After decades of manipulation, they are a real threat. Now we have a common enemy. And, not only that, there are enemies within, too. And we have to be careful to not fraternize with anyone who would suggest otherwise. And, finally, there appears a saviour who mocks those who would give comfort to the enemy. The saviour will fix everything, even if only a handful seem to be getting any benefit in the present. All will be well if we just have faith!

Maybe what we need is a bit of levity.

I know! A musical comedy - The Music Man

Well, ya got trouble, my friends, ...  trouble ... trouble ...




*I do hope there is no real group with this name.

Out of Place

K and I have observed that for every situation there is a song. This week marks the passing of my old blog. Its time had passed. I have changed. Its audience has changed, too. As the song below suggests, nothing's gone forever, only out of place.

It seems to me that when accepting change, it helps to belong to a Nordic people. We live, after all, in a place where there are seasons. Oh, I'm sure everywhere there are changes that repeat yearly, such as heavy rainfall and the like. In this part of Canada, at this time of year, anticipation builds as spring gets closer. It is a wonderful time that marks the beginning of new life after many months of hibernation for the plants, animals, and many humans, too.

In April, birds return from places where food is available year-round. Insects begin to buzz about looking for those first bits of nourishment where so recently there was only snow.

I grew up in a largish city (not compared with Cairo or Wuhan) - Toronto - where snow that accumulated soon became a black mess. Spring meant seeing the water part drain away so that shovels and brooms could remove the stuff that made it black. That was definitely a welcome part of spring.

Cycles seem natural. When something ends unexpectedly, however, there is a feeling that somehow a contract has been broken. In reality, even in a cyclical process, change gradually takes place. Eventually the conditions needed for some part of the cycle disappear. That part ends. So it is here. Some birds and insects we grew up noticing will not return because it is subtly warmer each year. The change in climate means the plant they eat doesn't grow as well or at all. They haven't died off. That plant now grows better somewhere else because it also warmed up. So if you want to see that bird or the insect they eat, visit there. Others replace those who have left. That is the way of things. 

As for me, I haven't really left. I'm right here. 

The Place Where Lost Things Go

Do you ever lie awake at night
Just between the dark and the morning light
Searching for the things you used to know
Looking for the place where the lost things go

Do you ever dream or reminisce
Wondering where to find what you truly miss
Maybe all those things that you love so
Are waiting in the place where the lost things go

Memories you've shared
Gone for good you feared
They're all around you still though they've disappeared
Nothing's really left or lost without a trace
Nothing's gone forever only out of place

So maybe now the dish and my best spoon
Are playing hide and seek just behind the moon
Waiting there until it's time to show
Spring is like that now
Far beneath the snow
Hiding in the place where the lost things go

Time to close your eyes so sleep can come around
For when you dream you'll find all that's lost is found
Maybe on the moon
Or maybe somewhere new
Maybe all you're missing lives inside of you

So when you need her touch and loving gaze
Gone but not forgotten is the perfect phrase
Smiling from a star that she makes glow
Trust she's always there
Watching as you grow
Find her in the place
Where the lost things go

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