In a newspaper article, a reporter attempted to use this movie as an example to justify the doctrine of the current administration. In essence, that the end justifies the means. That if the only way to defeat our enemies is to play by their rules now and then -to become like them- then that's OK.
I agree that extraordinary times require extraordinary measures. Herein lays the key: what we do makes us what we are. If you knowingly act like a bad guy, you are one. This is why there is a line that should never be crossed. The moment we do, we give up the higher ground, loose our credibility, and our identity. Is it worth surrendering our core values, to win a fight? Some would have us believe that it takes strength to do "what is necessary" -I believe real strength lies in abiding by your principles, no matter how hard, no matter what's at stake. It is giving up on those principles that makes us weak. America strengthens its enemies and weakens itself when it practices torture, or lies to its citizens.
There is such thing as moral complexity, but there are also moral absolutes. Batman is a dark character, faced with difficult choices, but his actions don't contradict his principles; more than any heroics, this is what makes him a hero.
Here is an excerpt from Batman Begins:
Henri Ducard: "You are ready to become a member of the league of shadows. But first you must demonstrate your commitment to justice" (by killing a captured criminal)
Batman: "No. I'm no executioner"
Henri Ducard: "Your compassion is a weakness your enemies will not share"
Batman: "That's why it's so important. It's separates us, from them"
Henri Ducard: "you want to fight criminals, this man is a murderer!"
Batman: "this man should be tried"
Monday, July 28, 2008
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
POTUS Action Items
During the past two terms of the current administration, the US has plunged from a relatively good situation -budget surplus, sympathy abroad after 9/11, environmental progress- to what seems like the dark ages: a huge deficit, an environmental policy deviced to favor the oil industry, lying its way into a war designed to funnel funds into contractors of all kinds, despised and ridiculed abroad as much as by its own citizens.
Perhaps a positive note can be recovered from the catastrophe of the Bush administration: that many of those who, unquestioning, fell for the deceit that sank us into the current disaster, now know better. The eye-opening experience may perhaps explain the shift away from the right, and towards the center in the republican party. In any case, and regardless of the winner, both candidates are far closer ideologically and tactically than either one would ever admit in public. This, in my opinion, bodes well for the ability of the future president to get things past the legislative and accomplish the seemingly impossible task of repairing the damage done, only cooperation can achive that and all that needs to be done to make that happen. I believe that neither candidate can be bought by the those who own the current administration, both want to do what is right, and have what it takes -the task at hand, however, is monumental -heroic, even. But not impossible.
Here are my humble suggestions for the next President of the US:
1. Regain the trust and respect of the international community by promoting peace:
a. Apologize unequivocally in the world stage for the Iraq war and its consequences
b. Sponsor and lead the effort to create a Palestinian state. Do so with the support and agreement of the regional states G8, and the thirld world powers. Privately make clear to the Israeli authorities that anything short of full cooperation is not a good idea.
c. Publicly regret and reject categorically the use of torture in any form; enact laws to that effect.
d. Lead the creation of a global club of the richest nations on both the developed and developing world to faciliate development in the poorest nations, beginning with Afghanistan.
e. Encourge the creation of a European Chancelor and a European Armed Forces. A united Europe speaking with a single voice will add stability and balance to the world stage.
2. Embrace environmental responsibility:
a. Put in place and strongly pursue a strategy to replace the oil economy with one of renewable energy, by facilitating and encouraging the development of new technologies and industries.
b. Join global environmental efforts and lead by example on conservation and restoration projects.
3. Regain scientific and technological leadership; promote and invigorate scienceific research:
a. Put in place and strongly pursue technologies to replace the oil economy with one of renewable energy, by facilitating and encouraging the development of new industries.
b. Establish a permanent settlement beyond Earth orbit to capture the imagination of the new generations, promote the study of science, and invigorate the development of advanced technology.
c. Increase funding for scientific research accross the board.
4. Move to break the grip of special interest groups in the government and regain sovereignty for the people. Start with campaign finance reform.
5. Re-think the educational system:
This is not about getting students to learn more, although bringing the level of learning on par with other developed countries should be a priority. This is about a system that has largely remained unchaged for a hundred years. It is about changing the priorities, and preparing the children not just for a career, but first and foremost, for success in life. We now have the know-how to teach how to avoid the social and mental traps that lead to poor decisions, and reprogram our drives to follow our decisions, instead of the other way around. This cannot be accomplished in two presidential terms, but it should be enough time to firmly seed the idea.
Perhaps a positive note can be recovered from the catastrophe of the Bush administration: that many of those who, unquestioning, fell for the deceit that sank us into the current disaster, now know better. The eye-opening experience may perhaps explain the shift away from the right, and towards the center in the republican party. In any case, and regardless of the winner, both candidates are far closer ideologically and tactically than either one would ever admit in public. This, in my opinion, bodes well for the ability of the future president to get things past the legislative and accomplish the seemingly impossible task of repairing the damage done, only cooperation can achive that and all that needs to be done to make that happen. I believe that neither candidate can be bought by the those who own the current administration, both want to do what is right, and have what it takes -the task at hand, however, is monumental -heroic, even. But not impossible.
Here are my humble suggestions for the next President of the US:
1. Regain the trust and respect of the international community by promoting peace:
a. Apologize unequivocally in the world stage for the Iraq war and its consequences
b. Sponsor and lead the effort to create a Palestinian state. Do so with the support and agreement of the regional states G8, and the thirld world powers. Privately make clear to the Israeli authorities that anything short of full cooperation is not a good idea.
c. Publicly regret and reject categorically the use of torture in any form; enact laws to that effect.
d. Lead the creation of a global club of the richest nations on both the developed and developing world to faciliate development in the poorest nations, beginning with Afghanistan.
e. Encourge the creation of a European Chancelor and a European Armed Forces. A united Europe speaking with a single voice will add stability and balance to the world stage.
2. Embrace environmental responsibility:
a. Put in place and strongly pursue a strategy to replace the oil economy with one of renewable energy, by facilitating and encouraging the development of new technologies and industries.
b. Join global environmental efforts and lead by example on conservation and restoration projects.
3. Regain scientific and technological leadership; promote and invigorate scienceific research:
a. Put in place and strongly pursue technologies to replace the oil economy with one of renewable energy, by facilitating and encouraging the development of new industries.
b. Establish a permanent settlement beyond Earth orbit to capture the imagination of the new generations, promote the study of science, and invigorate the development of advanced technology.
c. Increase funding for scientific research accross the board.
4. Move to break the grip of special interest groups in the government and regain sovereignty for the people. Start with campaign finance reform.
5. Re-think the educational system:
This is not about getting students to learn more, although bringing the level of learning on par with other developed countries should be a priority. This is about a system that has largely remained unchaged for a hundred years. It is about changing the priorities, and preparing the children not just for a career, but first and foremost, for success in life. We now have the know-how to teach how to avoid the social and mental traps that lead to poor decisions, and reprogram our drives to follow our decisions, instead of the other way around. This cannot be accomplished in two presidential terms, but it should be enough time to firmly seed the idea.
Friday, July 04, 2008
Independence Day
Today, the United States of America celebrates its birthday. To me this should be celebrated in global brotherhood as one of the great milestones in human history as the begining of modern Democracy, not just American history. After all this idea was inspired by the thinkers that paved the way; by France and Britain, by the Roman Republic and classic Greece. This idea that the people should rule their own lives instead of a tyrant or a monarch, grew out of many minds, in many countries, until it found fertile ground in this young nation. It seems so obvious now, that even dictators pretend to be legitimate representatives of the people. Let's remember the high price paid for it by so many people in so many nations, and let's not forget that many more have yet to enjoy it. Let us, at least, be grateful for what we have.
Science
The Speed of Dark
Science is more than a collection of theories or dusty books in some academic library, it is a powerful force that can add a new dimension to your life. Once you experience the wonder of it, your view of the world has a new depth of perspective that stretches the mind. Science is a also a way of thinking. I am not a scientist, but no one needs to be one to experience this. You see, coming up with a new scientific idea is the hard part -but understanding that idea once it has been discovered, is something anyone can do. Science has the power to make you rich in a way that money never will, but it's free for the taking. For generations, scientist have been accumulating and perfecting knowledge, refining it, adding to it. Billions are invested in it; like a corporation in which workers and technicians and bureaucrats labor day after day to produce a profit -but you don't have to, you are the shareholder and all you have to do is reap the benefits. Isn't that something?
Science is more than a collection of theories or dusty books in some academic library, it is a powerful force that can add a new dimension to your life. Once you experience the wonder of it, your view of the world has a new depth of perspective that stretches the mind. Science is a also a way of thinking. I am not a scientist, but no one needs to be one to experience this. You see, coming up with a new scientific idea is the hard part -but understanding that idea once it has been discovered, is something anyone can do. Science has the power to make you rich in a way that money never will, but it's free for the taking. For generations, scientist have been accumulating and perfecting knowledge, refining it, adding to it. Billions are invested in it; like a corporation in which workers and technicians and bureaucrats labor day after day to produce a profit -but you don't have to, you are the shareholder and all you have to do is reap the benefits. Isn't that something?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)