Last week I thought the world was fairly stable; immature, yes; moving in the direction of catastrophe, yes; but in immediate danger, no. This week I am not so certain — truly the insanity continues. Especially with:
- the threat of nuclear war markedly increasing, in theatrical fashion
- the slowly tightening net on the legal entanglement of the Trump administration, as well as politics in general
- and at least one bright spot highlighting the move to better advertising (such a contrast to the above two)
Meanwhile I have spent the week at a training school for contemplative practice, and the need to maturity in action within our civilization. The contrast is staggering; I’ll add more in another post.
And adding to my media comment of last week, especially in regard to Al Gore, Cineplex Theatres are apparently only showing Al Gore’s movie An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth To Power in three cinemas across Canada, a sad reflection on the [media] interest in global warming.
Enjoy — although I do not think that is the best word to describe these links.
On the risk of nuclear war
Are we on the brink of nuclear war with North Korea? Probably not. (20170811)
Interesting statements from many knowledgeable sources, the major danger being misinterpretation of posturing, certainly be possible given the emotional maturity of the principal actors.
If Trump wants a nuclear attack against North Korea, his military advisers have few other options (20170810)
Such power in the hands of one man reflects the immaturity of culture and the posturing of the individual tribes (read ‘nations’) as well as the potential consequences of the system that must deal with such tribes.
Does Donald Trump Believe Nuclear War Is Inevitable? (20161208)
An older article outlining the media releases of Donald Trump prior to becoming president. I hope he is less fatalistic now that he is in power, but the adage is “power corrupts; absolute power corrupts absolutely.”
On the legal issues and the possible complexities
White House as crime scene: how Robert Mueller is closing in on Trump (20170805)
This is a fairly clear description of the current situation in Washington, a situation which will have great impact on our world regardless of the final outcome. “The wheels of justice grind finely and slow but this is a wood chipper, and all these various items and [sic] going to get fed into it.”
As Mueller closes in, Trump prepares his base for the worst (20170807)
A fairly good summary of how the Trump administration is doing, and what they are doing, “a volatile, combustible combination.”
On politics in general
Sorry, but I don’t care how you felt on election night. Not anymore. (20170803)
A very good review of the heavy emotions, and lack of concrete resolutions in this new world in which we live. The author stresses that doubt and reflection time can be powerful tools into the future, and that certainty (especially self-righteous certainty) will be the path to societal doom
Very scary that if Trump were to bypass US democratic rule, “half of Republicans” would support him.
On global warming (more bad news)
We only have a 5 percent chance of avoiding ‘dangerous’ global warming, a study finds (20170731)
It is difficult to know what to say about this. The study recognizes that new technology, as yet unknown, may occur. At the same time, I see no indication that the study takes into account “tipping points” that may worsen the scenarios. To quote a link in the article, [These experts say we have three years to get climate change under control. And they’re the optimists]. Fundamentally, if we are to survive, we need drastic (and decisive) action, not fatalism, not denial.
On a delightful advertisement — strongly recommended that you watch it.
This Controversial Beer Ad Is Going Viral And It’ll Leave You Questioning Everything! (20170428?)
A phenomenal ad. If all advertising was like this, I would actually be engaged in seeking the products offered.
The Human Side of Global Warming 