Human Goodness

SO! After having conversations with peeps around campus, I've begun to notice a trend among them, that I believe could be applied to the American (and probably human) population as a whole. When it comes to political philosophy, specifically modern, there are a ton of different groups that are bickering back and forth. One of the first is Hobbes, who said that in nature human life would be a constant war of everything against everything, and that because of this, we naturally want to form communities that provide a certain level of security in exchange for certain freedoms. Then there is Locke, who said that while there would be struggles among humans in nature, that it wouldn't be anywhere near as bad as what Hobbes described.

When it comes to the world of today, there aren't many Hobbsian thinkers, philosophers generally go along with Locke's theory. My question to all of you is this. Do you really think that the more peaceful existence for humans is the more likely path? Or do you think that once it gets to the point where we need to fight and kill for survival, all of our higher levels of thinking (Morality, Ethics) will go out the window?

I bring this up, because as I've been watching the republican debates, and really just been getting more interested in national politics as a whole, it seems to me that there are far too many people out there who believe that everyone else is as naturally good as them. This is generally seen whenever people complain about too much government interference. Why doesn't wall street need big brother breathing down their neck? Because brokers will act responsibly on their own. Why does trickle down economics work? Because "job creators" will pass the money they make, down to their employees by giving them raises, better benefits etc.

Now, when you look at other aspects of the republican platform (no gun laws, no abortions, abstinence only sex ed) it becomes fairly obvious that people DON'T believe everyone else is as good as themselves. So why is it that people blindly swallow some inflammatory ideas (Obama is a socialist, also a muslim who hates all religion) but can't seem to apply that information to the rich? Why is it that we as a nation, truly want to believe that money makes people better (in a moral sense), when there is all the evidence in the world to suggest that the more money you have, the more opportunities you have to break the law, and the bigger the chances of you getting away with breaking the law?

Now, just in case we have a guest reader on the blog, or if one of you are conservative. While I definitely do not agree with most things the Republican party has to say, that is simply because I do not trust humans to do the right thing. Integrity is in short supply these days. At heart, I'm an anarchist, but I know deep down, that we can't live in peace with one another, without the threat of force should we break the law. At heart I believe the world would be better if there was less government control, but only if people could learn to live in peace with one another. So please don't take this as an attack against you. That is not what I am striving for. I just really want to know why it is you feel the way you do about the rich (job creators, whatever you want to call them)

There goes 4 years of Roleplaying history...(Pending)

About a month ago my external hard drive would not connect to my PC or anyone that I knew. I had a somewhat tech friend take a look and concluded it had to be the connection and not the overall device. Well I'm pretty pissed because there maybe a chance of all my information being corrupted. Well I'll keep you guys posted on how that goes because well...my campaign for this summer was gonna be EPIC...but if I lose all that information..well lets just say goodbye 4 years of roleplaying data and a ton of my movies and TV shows T_T

Thoughts Part II

What are your guys' thoughts on Social Security and Medicare (or the overall health-system)? I have general knowledge on both, just wondering where you all stand and how you feel about them. Personally, Social Security needs to be reformed or something else to take its place and the health0care system needs to be reformed as well. How to do it, I'm not sure yet, but you can bet that I'll be researching this over the course of this semester. Happy Valentines Day, eat some chocolate.

Views on the Palestinian-Israeli Affair

First off the P/I affair is a political/social/geographical failure in its own right. The drawing of lines after World War II displacing many of the Palestinians by European Jewish refugees.
1) Aftermath of World War II, hasty solution
Adding to my intro, after world war II, the displacement of the Palestinians because of the wave of Jewish refugees has ruined the cultural entrance all must go through in a foreign land. These fake borders has caused a lot of animosity and strife for the Palestinians that their hatred has contributed to the Revolution of Rising Expectations. This gives root to legitimacy to their influence over the youth.
2)Western Foreign Policy: Years and years of stagnation
I know you're well aware of the poor policies made in the middle east, specifically with the Gaza strip and such. Even worse, talks between the two leaders of Israel and the Palestinians have always ended in small-gains of peace and stability or a compromise that only helps Israel. AIPAC and other Jewish interest groups (other MNC contributors) have funded several "sponsored" trips for wealthy individuals, politicians, and other notable figures of power. Though the intentions of the trips are never revealed, it's somewhat conclusive of these interest groups' agenda for the powerful. Lets not forget all the media hype for "Support Israel" and the whole "Terrorist Psychology" of 9/11, it has shifted our policy to support Israel for an even lucrative purpose...not just oil but a route to Tehran.

Speculation of Encirclement of Syria and Lebanon isn't too far fetched as these past events have all involved the I/P affair. What I am actually saying is that Washington and the EU have (mostly America) have planned out a route to Tehran (since the Embassy crisis). Why Tehran? Well world war III, that's why. The US are placing troops and military bases back in the south pacific to contain the influence of China and North Korea (South Chin Sea oil). With Iraq taken care of, the US and EU won't have to worry about their rears from a wild dictator. Afghanistan is a crucial area as it is a link between China, Russia, and Iran (China and Russia encompass most of Iran's oil export). But the fight is getting thick and harder for America. Now the EU has placed oil sanctions on Iran which means the EU will be going to war soon.

Going back to Syria and Lebanon, the I/P affair is a terrible political sacrifice with the notion of a strong military foothold in the middle east, along with Iraq and Afghanistan. Now Syria has to bleed and Lebanon has to retaliate for their neighbors creation of chaos, if a US/NATO force could squeeze a through a narrow corridor straight to Damascus and then Tehran. This brings Turkey into play (committing the most troops to the UN peace keeping forces around the world and is a growing power (not to mention Obama has done a decent job with relations with Turkey) and will launch their attack with the support of more NATO/UN forces in the Mediterranean. Then yada yada world war III and so on...

The I/A affair is a sad policy and geographical error that should not have happened. But the ancient ties of the land and the people are so integrated (control of the city, border disputes, Palestinian sovereignty, etc.) But that's just 3/4's the cake I'll have to say about that haha

Please comment and annotate, whatever, just edit haha

I'll be posting some of my philosophical ideas/interpretations. Nothing too in depth or awe inspiring, just some key philosophical perceptions that are affecting and/or will affect our race and future. Sorry, I know this blog is mainly used to connect with one another (or attempt), but the majority of us are good writers and intellectual people and I know you guys could really help me on this.
Thanks and Cheers!

My Political Plans Rising

Just wanted to let you all know I will be joining a splinter of Occupy, and hopefully gain insight into our problems both foreign and domestic. I'm also debating whether or not to join a political club on campus. I know I would join the Democrats club, but am I really a democrat? Not sure yet till I check it out, but me and a couple of buddies will hopefully taking baby steps in taking back our country...hopefully...

Where Luke is at right now

Since I know I'm not the best at keeping in touch as of late I thought I'd just kinda throw out where I'm at.

Overall..not the best. I've been couch surfing for a little over a month now. I'm having a hard enough time keeping my mind gathered and myself sane that I haven't really been able to do much else. I could get in more detail on all that but no one really wants to hear it.

Still writing whatever importance that really holds. Miss all of you guys tons but I am staying up here for now. I really don't think I'd be able to uproot myself again anytime soon and despite not having a main place to live the roots are still pretty well set here.

Working on starting a larp and the Friday Pathfinder campaign that I've been in since March are really the only stable things although I've got a really large group of friends that have been amazing in supporting me in my homelessness.

I've filled out my fafsa for fall and am already working on scholarships so I'll definitely be back in school by the end of the year. No ifs ands or buts. Steps are being taken to take care of the home situation and also my current mental lease on life.

So..trying to push forward and dealing with a bit of craziness so I hope you all can forgive me a bit for being a shitty friend in terms of keeping up. Much love to all of you.