Beware: Political Issues

May need to skip around to find the more interesting parts.  It is really long.

Wow, that was some article.  And to think it was written in the 70's--felt like it was addressing the issues of today.  I think it is right on except I have a problem with the zero population theory part of it--Saturday's Warrior.  I always try to think how the gospel principles compare to the issue at hand.  Love the life-boat and spaceship analogies.  Loved the Ceasar Chavez opinion--so true.  The American Indian concept gave lots of room for thought.  The Japanese-American problem in Hawaii was very thought-provoking.  The article is long but I think well worth reading.  Hope there will be some other comments on this blog as I would enjoy hearing others thoughts. 

That's a great article.  His use of metaphors is fantastic.  The Lifeboat example is very interesting.  What is the correct course of action?  I suppose if you're the one in the water of course you want in the boat.  If you're the one in the boat, you don't want to sink it.  If you want to let people in the boat then you should give up your spot in the boat, I think that's the best option.  :) 

I also like the 'Ruin in the Commons' section.  I do believe this is why the church welfare system is so successful vs govt.  People have no second thoughts about taking as much as they can get from the govt vs having a conscience about taking from the church.  But it only takes one abuser of the system to ruin it, and to think how many abusers are out there.  It's a broken system.  Whenever there is something that is 'common' it gets abused and trashed.  That's easy to see just at my past and current jobs.  Maintenance depts. will always have a 'common' set of tools available for everybody to use either in cabinets or a tool crib.  These always end up being useless as stuff begins to disappear, get broken, dulled, and dirty.  If you want to have a nice drill or drill set, better to have your own in your tool box.  The ONLY time common tools can really work is if it's two people to a box.  That way, you either know they are both responsible people, or if you didn't lose it or break it, you know who did.  It's obvious when there's only one other possibility.  Since I don't have many tools at my current job, I regularly borrow from one particular mechanic.  I am meticulous about putting stuff back the way I found it, and I think that he knows that and therefore gives me permission to always use his tools.  I think that should be the way it is with everything we do as much as possible.

Really enjoyed your response, Sean.  VERY true.  Yeah I got that from the boat analogy too--get out if you want to let someone else in.

Here are a few guys sinking our boat...

http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2010/06/portland_police_seize_10_pound.html

So are they illegals?

now now, lets not jump to conclusions.  i'm sure they are just trying to make a better life for their families, by following the proper legal channels that have been outlined and made available to them.

but wow, 10 pounds of heroine would support 72,000 people?  HOly crud, i should get out of web development.

The bottom of the article states that they are being held on immigration charges.