Forum Post: “Brace yourself. The American empire is over...."
Posted 11 years ago on Dec. 1, 2012, 9 p.m. EST by rickMoss
(435)
This content is user submitted and not an official statement
If you think we can solve the problems below with voting and protests you are deluding yourself:
“Sky rocketing debt, unemployment, underemployment, deficits, government failure, Economic systems failure, Financial systems failure, Market systems failure, Monetary systems failure, Social systems failure, Environmental systems failure, Ecosystems failure, Energy systems failure, Energy depletion, rising poverty, suffering, corruption, greed, chronic recession.”
It’s obvious we don’t have a clue what’s going on or we wouldn’t have allowed things to get this bad. It won’t matter what party, president or constitutional amendment you change. Protesting is not a solution to these problems. And protesting against things and people that can’t fix our problems is insane. It’s a complete waste of time. This is nothing like the civil rights movement in America or apartheid in south Africa or even the Indian independence movement led by Gandhi.
The convergence of all these problems all at once is not a coincidence or a perfect storm. This convergence is an event that has never happened before in human history. Scientists have been warning us for decades. Our governments around the world are not capable of fixing this mess no matter what they say. They are lying. The only people that can help us now are scientists and engineers. They've been warning us for decades and in some cases for over 140 years. We don't listen until it's too late or almost too late. These problems are much too complex to be solved by simple measures. Protesting and other forms of civil disobedience won't even scratch the surface. At best, they will accelerate our decline and eventual collapse.
“Brace yourself. The American empire is over. And the descent is going to be horrifying.” ~ Chris hedges
“At no period in American history has our democracy been in such peril or the possibility of totalitarianism as real. Our way of life is over. Our profligate consumption is finished. Our children will never have the standard of living we had. This is the bleak future. This is reality. There is little president Obama can do to stop it. It has been decades in the making. It cannot be undone with $1 trillion or $2 trillion in bailout money. Nor will it be solved by clinging to the illusions of the past” ~ Chris hedges
The scientists and engineers are the only people smart enough to help us now. The time will come when you will have no choice but to accept it and do something about it. The scientists and engineers can only help us if we meet them half way. Don't wait until it's too late. Our future and the future of children depend on it. I know it sounds extreme and unorthodox but so is this crisis.
“Be Smart!” - FIGHT THE CAUSE - NOT THE SYMPTOM
U.S. Citizens Read “Common Sense 3.1” at ( http://revolution2.osixs.org )
Non U.S. Citizens Read “Common Sense 3.2” at ( http://SaveTheWorldNow.osixs.org )
"You can't Fight or Fix what you don't Understand" – If you really want to know what’s wrong with the world and what to do about it, you best start here - http://www.deathbytechnology.com
“Today, we are paying for the foolishness of our parents. Tomorrow our kids will pay for our foolishness with their lives.” ~ Dan Thomas
My name is Rick Moss. I’m an engineer by trade and education -
Iowa Does not teach Science in the 1st 7 Years. I just heard this on NPR National Public Radio, Iowa, Program Called River to River, Subject is Education in Iowa & developing better Teachers, 11 december 2012.
The lady is saying how hard it is for teachers to teach science in Elemetary School ... getting teachers to teach, getting content structured, ...Obviously Science is not a Priority in the USA - "No matter what Washington DC Says". and it is not a Priority in Iowa.
Wow .... You can't make this stuff up People.
Here is the Link http://tunein.com/radio/River-to-River-p122535/ It seems to be Playing right now if you click on it.
Joann Olsen & Micheal Kluff from the University.
Never wanted an empire - just a good place to live. In extension an example for the rest of the world as well as a partner to make it happen in the rest of the world.
Copy that! unfortunately we allowed our government to build more than 700 millitary bases all over the world. To say our government is out of control is an understatement. Time to reboot*
FIGHT THE CAUSE - NOT THE SYMPTOM
OsiXs (Government 2.0)
Yesterday I checked out the links ... I ended up clicking around Youtube for hours ... This is negative kind of fearful stuff, but also a lot of reality. I've seen video earlier this year about Fast Food places in Europe that have automated the food ordering process. We are losing many Jobs to automation. I believe we are not going to get jobs back in Agriculture and Manufacturing. I believe many or most people don't realize that a high Unemployment and a High Underemployment Rate will be the new Normal for the US.
Somehow Europe or germany has structured some jobs in a clearer way. The secondary education system in Germany forces students to chose their career path early in life. So you know who you are and what kind of life you are going to have upfront. To me that makes a difference. You can see people in Germany that are Clerks in a store and sort of know they made some decisions that limited them from becoming an Engineer.
The Question this post Raised to me was that We are Required to have a highly Educated US Population 1) TO have a good Job 2) TO have any chance at Fixing the Problems we Face in the 21st Century 3) OWS has clearly stated that Education was a big, critical goal to Creating Real Solutions and Change.
I think this post is trying to pointout that the Real Problems are Changing Technology, Changing Dynamics, Changing Industries, Changing World, and Changing Competition (Robots & Cheap Labor)
I have to agree 1) technical Education or Engineering Education or university Education ...is more important today than 20 years ago if you want a high paying job 2) The High Paying Jobs are probably more satisfying, have more responsibility, are broader in scope, and are "Real" Positions with status and some kind of respect.
What is Important to the Spirit of the US Citizen 1) Meaningful Life 2) Family 3) People and Community 4) having Goals and Purpose 5) Being able to learn & Grow 6) Being able to make some choices in Life.
So Body, Mind & Soul ... Balance ... Spiritual Maturity combined with Higher Learning is a better way to put it.
People First, People are the same everywhere ...and All People have value not because they work, but because of deeper reasons of being human, being creative, having ideas, helping others, and contributing to the world.
So what would an engineer do to solve the issue of peak phosphate, for instance?
Exactly!
Check out "Death by Technology" - We need a whole new vision for the U.S. and the rest of the world or we've had it!
How about instead of pie in the sky vision we have a down to earth vision about simple things to start. Like say creating common sense restrictions that act as guidelines for corporations to keep them from buying congress? Like putting environmental controls in place that preserve our environment. Like enacting common sense labor safety protections so people don't die in fires in Walmart factories.
It's only pie in the sky if you're ignorant, arrogant, uninfromed and too lazy to learn new things and ideas. Otherwise you repeat the errors of the past. You know, going around in circles chasing your tail or licking yourself. You can't get very far with that. It's going to take more than a pie in the sky vision to fix the ignorant people in this country. That's our real problem. That's how we got here. My job is to convince you to stop licking yourself long enough to expose you to the only other real alternative. My job is done.
FIGHT THE CAUSE - NOT THE SYMPTOM
OsiXs (More Power and Technology to the People!)
I didn't really want to buy a book. I think the world is beyond a "technofix" Do you have a specific answer to my specific question?
Sounds pretty grim. Any suggestions?
Paul Guilding says the earth is full. So we are just witnessing the beginning of the end as governments vainly try to grapple with that which cannot be fixed with conventional wisdom. The laws of physics are a real inconvenience when you're trying to sustain the unsustainable through delusional dreams and fantasy.
Exactly! OsiXs is the only group or think tank that has come up with a plan to deal with it. Everyone else is death, dumb and silent. Even the so called elite western countries and scientists.
Thanks for the link it's good!
FIGHT THE CAUSE - NOT THE SYMPTOM
OsiXs (More Power and Technology to the People!)
Interesting - very interesting interpretation UD. It really all comes down to perspective and application - Hey? The laws of physics are subject to interpretation ( many do not recognize this or want to admit that it is so ). Scarcity in My opinion is - an illusion. If everyone were to work for the benefit of all - instead of the benefit of self - well then - this world - I conjecture - would be a much more healthy peaceful and prosperous place - for - ALL.
Did you watch all 15 minutes of the video DK?
Honestly? NO - I have not watched the video - I have however faced the conjecture of too many people for the limited resources. And have come to the conclusion that it is BS - IF ( IF ) we all work for the benefit of ALL. This Would Mean Making Full Use Of Green Technology and continuously improving our infra-structure.
Please take 15 minutes to watch the video. It's not all doom and gloom, but it seems that way until the end.
DONE - WATCHED - AGREE
It will take our BEST - OUR BRIGHTEST - and a concerted effort - to get past entropy. WE CAN DO SO MUCH MORE THAN WE ARE WITH WHAT WE HAVE GOT.
WASTE IS HUGE - IS MIND NUMBING.
AND IT IS NOT AT ALL NECESSARY.
WE CAN BE SELF SUSTAINING - WE JUST HAVE TO DO IT!!!!!!!!!!
I know you're a really well intentioned guy, and you are right about a lot of things, but no, it is not really possible to "get past entropy".
I am watching the video right now. I am liking what I have heard so far. We are not using our resources to the best effect.
the people are not ready for direct democracy or the fifth branch of government.. In theory, this is a noble idea which should, in some form, find a use in a new government. Talk to my grandchildren about it in about 50 years. The internet, nanotechnology, nuclear medicine, genetics, etc are not the product of a mass of humanity. They are the product of the best and brightest minds in the world - the highest pinacle of the human mind. Direct democracy requires each and every individual to reach the pinacle of the human mind in whatever it is that they decide to do. when however many millions of people in this nation cannot even read, then it is like giving a monkey the button the the nuclear arsenal. The education system needs to focus on math, science, engineering in order for future citizens to be able to play a role in this new democracy.
What can we do now? Demand first class education for our kids. Do not let them slide by with average grades. Make them take the hardest classes; tax and push their mind to the limit.
I really hate to break it to you, but there may be little for your grandchildren to inherit from you/us in 50 years as this video clearly indicates.
And here is a summary of an 84 page report made public just a few days ago conducted by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research and Climate Analytics that indicates we have already passed the CO2 tipping point of 350ppm at 391ppm and are adding 1.8ppm of carbon to the atmosphere every year. Happy reading.
Global warming / climate change - is said to be happening about 60% faster then predicted.
Question is - will "the powers that be" make significant changes to power generation and fuel use.
We're going to have to engage in nonviolent direct action and force them to make those changes. We must insist.
Good Morning - I saw another comment of yours earlier and It contained the program "Thought" that we use and should continue expanding upon ( Teach one - one Teach ) - I see it expanded as Teach/Reach 1 to 1001 - 1 to 1001 Teach/Reach 1001 to 100100 or more. As this includes being able to communicate/reach/teach around the world over the internet.
Awareness of existing alternatives to fossil fuel must be presented. This knowledge must spread and become part of the conversation. This will feed the demands for change.
Great point. Yes- that statement you referenced was over here: http://www.occupywallst.org/forum/damn-this-is-a-huge-discovery-that-has-shaken-so-m/ . Woul be great if you could copy your comment above over to there as it may help spur more discussion. The multiplier effect certainly works better than 1 to 1. I'm really interested in understanding how the good word can spread.
I will copy it over. You are always welcome to do so as well. This is open source - see something you like(?) - copy it and send it out. {:-])
Good point. Thanks :)
And so the sharing of information and ideas spread. {:-])
This is why i've been so urgent about the potential occupy has to unite people. This is exactly it, we need everyone standing together to be able to insist on anything. The sooner the better, not later. I don't understand how you can undermine what i've said in other posts and then say something like this yourself because you seem to agree, sometimes.
bullshit. we can solve all the worlds problems with permaculture, aquaponics, autonomous building, new urbanism, and green transportation systems. we can sequester carbon right into the soil using proper farming techniques.
The people weren't ready for:
(“Sky rocketing debt, unemployment, underemployment, deficits, government failure, Economic systems failure, Financial systems failure, Market systems failure, Monetary systems failure, Social systems failure, Environmental systems failure, Ecosystems failure, Energy systems failure, Energy depletion, rising poverty, suffering, corruption, greed, chronic recession.”)
this either but it's being rammed down their throats because we ignored it for so long because we are never ready for anything until it's too late or almost too late. There is a price to pay for ignoring reality. Our grandchildren, you presume too much and way too far. Our children don't have a chance. Hell, we may not even make it out of this one. My friend, I think you presume to know too much what DD would be like are if it will be excepted. Let me put it this way. We have a choice. We can choose to make our own decisions (to be free [with direct democracy]) or we can choose to be slaves to a crumbling republic. Even dumb people choose freedom. It's a no brainer.
Think About it - "I don't have to"
FIGHT THE CAUSE - NOT THE SYMPTOM
OsiXs (The Nuclear Option)
How can people become educated? It takes a lot of work that I do not think a lot of people have the discipline to undertake. You have to understand, I want to see it work, but it will take an immense effort which I wonder if people can undertake.
Good Question and valid concern. Doesn't culture reinforce false ideas or false truth... Doesn't Brain dead politics, and State controlled Media keep us all under social control and ... keep us dumb.
Sure, I'm looking at the problem above. The cause is money and politics ... but I haven't actually seen the video yet.
Costa RIca has one of the highest literacy rates in the world. I'm not sure if this meets the criteria for fixing the world though.
I wonder if there is a cultural bias in the USA toward valuing education in some way that could be excessive...
It seems like a no brainer that education is a critical part of the solution ...and all of OWS seem to agree about this. But what is education? Political and Enviromental Knowledge? Knowledge of Corporations and Financial Schemes and their effect on workers, economy, environment, resources, and social problems?
I guess I have to watch the video to see if higher math, engineering, and science degrees are needed to fix the world.
The solution is already unfolding. People will die, by the hundreds, the thousands, the millions and maybe the billions. Tragedy is the best and worst teacher of them all. We are blessed with intelligence. When we fail to use it, it is often tragic.
FIGHT THE CAUSE - NOT THE SYMPTOM
OsiXs (Death by Technology)
5th branch? there are only 3 under the constitution.
I tried to figure out the website mentioned in this thread. Actually, the book looks like an interesting read. My comments were with regard to that.
LOL Are you trying to be funny? Or was that accidental?
ALEC has written more legislation than any of those 3.
Mostly for the brain lazy conse(R)vatives.
So that makes at least 4.
Then there's the MIC, so named because people have now become too lazy to type military industrial complex. and MIC looks a lot more innocuous.
So that makes at least 5.
there are 3 constitutional branches of govt.
You just like to pretend the other ones don't exist.
Unfortunately, they do.
K Street could be considered a 6th branch.
If it wasn't for the election of so many brain lazy conce(R)vatives, we could reduce it by one anyway.
BTW: You should quit repeating yourself.
Yes. The empire is done. But those in power don't know it.
Let’s say the Americans have already done more than any other people to lift Earth out of the Dark Ages. Count our blessings: telephone, television, airplane, nuclear energy, Superman, electronic computers, personal computers, Internet, space exploration, smartphones, handheld mobile devices, synthetic biology, music, films, blue jeans, sports, Coca Cola, Marvel Comics, and McDonald’s.
Politicians should take credit for war and stalemate.
I don't like your taking the name DouglasAdams. Douglas Adams is an outspoken critic of the corporate system, and here you are advocating for corporate America (coke?) under his name. That in itself is devious enough to make your ideas suspect from the outset.
Coke is here and there, almost everywhere. It's a global product. That takes a corporation.The main point is Americans miraculously have robots on Mars sending pictures and data to Earth via television and radio. Will there be Coke machines on Mars someday?
Martian Robots
http://topdocumentaryfilms.com/roving-mars/
Giggle.
http://runningepicurean.wordpress.com/tag/corporate-malfeasance/
http://www.realecontv.com/videos/banking-malfeasance/banking-goes-better-with-coke.html
http://www.indiaresource.org/campaigns/coke/2009/cokedestroysvillages.html
http://killercoke.org/nl040527.php
http://www.treehugger.com/corporate-responsibility/beijing-slams-pepsi-and-coke-as-dirty-for-using-too-much-water.html
http://www.naturalnews.com/028844_Coca-Cola_Colombia.html
And that's just Coca Cola.
Malfeasance and murder, just for starters.
Ghengis Khan was worse.
Ghengis Khan
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0416044/
Genghis Khan was quite possibly the greatest military leader of all time. He built an empire that stretched from the coast of China to the Black Sea and pushed north into Russia. In size, his conquests exceeded that of both Alexander the Great and Napoleon. His name became synonymous with cruelty and terror. He butchered millions and trusted no one. Those he let live were burdened with hard work and heavy tribute. His army’s ability to travel quickly and live off the land allowed them to scout out villages and search for fertile terrain. Khan frequently used his murderous reputation to get villages to surrender without a fight and created an organized empire in which conquered villages were fairly autonomous as long as they paid their tribute on time.
Ghengis Khan Facts
http://www.enotes.com/topics/genghis-khan
Modern people are living in the shadowy ruins of earlier empires.
How much stock do you own in Genghis?
Or rather how much Coke stock does Genghis own?
Controlling interest?
Coke is awesome. You and your family never drink Coke?
No, we don't.
You can learn more here.
http://occupywallst.org/forum/bringing-down-a-bully/
Pepsi? RC? Chek Cola?
Canada Dry and Vernor's
better switch to water
http://www.lbdivorcelaw.com/blog/uncategorized/dr-pepper-snapple-group%E2%80%99s-unjust-business-practices/
Both are owned by Dr Pepper, the same Dr Pepper currently running those sexist tv commercials. I can't believe you support Dr Pepper's war against women. For shame.
I don't feel too guilty, it's maybe a bottle every other week or so.
you're better than me. Coke is liquid crack. can't get enough
Its disgusting. Makes your teeth sticky.
Well yeah I guess. But damn it tastes good,
IMF states China World Economic Leader after 2016.
What are the chance that something very bad comes out of this power shift?
Part of me says that the central bankers will not like seeing the east rise, but the other part of me says they could care less and just want to see their money grow.
I know what I'm about to say wont get much love, but I have been waiting for such a change in geo political power for a while. I believe once our nation is no longer the hegemonic power of the world, our resources and time could better be spent working on the problems here in the States. We give so much time and energy trying to stay number one that the problems here go un addressed.
Besides, of all the great nations of antiquity, China has been the least hostile. When a nation becomes number one, it seems that becomes all that nation worries about, keeping and consolidating its hold on the title.
Also the drop in ranking may open the eyes of all the power brokers in our nation that the policies of the last thirty years are defunct policies.
But What the IMF is saying could just be a way to get Congress to shit or get off the pot, kinda like what Standard & Poor's did during the debt limit debate.
Good point on the last sentence.
I doesn't matter. It only means that we've exhausted ourselves in the race to the bottom.
FIGHT THE CAUSE - NOT THE SYMPTOM
OsiXs (More Power and Technology to the People!)
That will be great! For those who know about the chaos in peace and hear the siren of silence, it is time to administer the morphine as taught long ago by China. Henceforth, droughts and floods will be no more, there will be natural rainfall fluctuations. Sandy's effects were due to natural ocean overflow. Extinction of species is natural cleansing of the biological clutters. We will achieve oneness with Mother Nature.
I doubt China wants to be world economic leader. China has only 1 aircraft carrier. Increased Chinese military spending would be unnecessary and redundant. There is a lot of world debt in US dollars. Ten US Dollars equals 62 Chinese Yuan. Can you imagine China printing 6 trillion Yuan to replace a trillion US Dollars? Flooding the word with Chinese Yuan will be expensive. There was a time US dollars were more ubiquitous than American Express Travelers checks. How does anyone spot a counterfeit Chinese Yuan note?
US may start exporting trillions of dollars in natural gas to pay down the national debt. Global warming may be accelerated even more.