Reading Pleasure
The pleasure to read, put off way too long, becomes like a drag on a boat, slowing it down while making it less manageable to steer, as it puts in jeopardy a person's desire to better find themselves. The need to read is more like hitting an iceberg if you can't rather than a drag on your boat.
Where in the World could America get a better return on her investment if our country would make education a top priority by pouring investments into it. It's not like a brand new program, we've had an universal education agenda in place for most of a Century here in America which now needs a shot of financing to make education truly a 21st Century accomplishment.
Americans pride ourselves in the excellence of our higher education institutions which serves those whose parents can afford their exorbitant costs or are willing to mortgage their futures by borrowing to attend. Many slots are taken up by foreign students of financially able parents. More and more, a belief surfaces that a higher education is but a "right of passage" of all young inhabitants of our Earth as they pass from youthful adolescence into adulthood and as their aptitude and attitude allows them. This passage is evermore controlled by a young person's ability to be served by money instead of by raw mental ability.
Why in the World does America eat its seed corn or eat her children or eat the future away? Because we, as a country, are awfully short sighted thinking only for today or no longer than this week. The rich are really dumb thinking this way. Their own best interest is in having buyers of products their industries produce. These buyers have to be nurtured, growing into consumers which is the backbone of America's economy. They need disposable income to purchase goods and services. Expanding the poor is the last thing providers of good and services need unless these providers are bent on a short time run. Too often, it seems the well to do, need little time to make their vast wealth so they're only in for the short run and those younger financiers replacing them the same.
It once took a generation to accumulate an old time fortune, but now, ten years is a long time for a fortune to be realized. Get mine now and be gone is the moneyed's song when their interest should be in rising tides lift all ships. A rising tide is needed in education to bring it along in a way that truly raises the pursuit of knowledge to a level our World needs. The ability to read is the golden rule for all living beings.
Ronald C. Downie
Monday, November 26, 2012
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Changing Drivers
Changing Drivers
Into the emancipation of thought,
Innocently born, clambering escape
From the drudgeries of ordinary
People, an exceptional person
Emerges through ingenuity and
Spunk to become a public leader.
But the crucible holding their future
Spills from time to time its holdings
Onto written pages seers construct.
Fiction or oracle must pass inspection
Of those of inquisitive minds and such
Feelings that poetry or prose reveals.
The drumming which holds the beat,
The strings that arc to heaven's door,
The woodwinds which carries the tune,
The voices that peel away at sadness
Are pent up in a discordant population
Struggling for their chance at survival.
To them, nothing rises to challenge
A way of life long lived, well satisfied,
Tempered by experience, uncontested.
Miracle of the mind forgotten, ordinary
Life forces decisions to be crudely made,
Unexamined, rather than knowledge based.
Leaders must weave their way through clutter
Left behind in the wake of earlier disciples.
Is pandering to get reelected a baton passed on,
Or, for the better good of all, a banner's made ?
Needed, exceptional people, those who will grasp
The reins, control the team, then change drivers.
Ronald C. Downie
Into the emancipation of thought,
Innocently born, clambering escape
From the drudgeries of ordinary
People, an exceptional person
Emerges through ingenuity and
Spunk to become a public leader.
But the crucible holding their future
Spills from time to time its holdings
Onto written pages seers construct.
Fiction or oracle must pass inspection
Of those of inquisitive minds and such
Feelings that poetry or prose reveals.
The drumming which holds the beat,
The strings that arc to heaven's door,
The woodwinds which carries the tune,
The voices that peel away at sadness
Are pent up in a discordant population
Struggling for their chance at survival.
To them, nothing rises to challenge
A way of life long lived, well satisfied,
Tempered by experience, uncontested.
Miracle of the mind forgotten, ordinary
Life forces decisions to be crudely made,
Unexamined, rather than knowledge based.
Leaders must weave their way through clutter
Left behind in the wake of earlier disciples.
Is pandering to get reelected a baton passed on,
Or, for the better good of all, a banner's made ?
Needed, exceptional people, those who will grasp
The reins, control the team, then change drivers.
Ronald C. Downie
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Golden And Great
Golden And Great
What bridges the living with the spirit world,
Was answered today in a highly visible form.
Majestically over our Schuylkill River Valley
On strong feathered wings which tightly tethers
Rising drafts - up, up, up, - spiraling to sightless heights,
A noble Golden Eagle winged over us today .
Sir Eagle has a range too far and so vast,
Soaring, gliding, effortlessly on golden wings
Brushing Heaven's gate . So sharp its eyes which
Views all the lands and all inhabitants found there .
For eons what are the tales, the hallowed stories ;
Songs of the aboriginal native sung to tribal drums ?
The unified dance around tribal fires sending embers aloft ?
The quest for tail feathers to adorn a magnificent head dress ?
As a badge of honor, a scepter, the feather's connected to the Gods
Granting the possessor any wish he desired from the great beyond .
Passing over unknown to all of us, a mere speck in the high sky,
An Eagle touches many people without their knowledge, as would,
A thought, an idea, a premonition, an erie feeling, seeking escape .
A Great Golden Eagle, as does an undetected spirit, moves across
The high sky stealthily to the unobservant looking only ahead .
Dancing over the ground in a graceful ballet the great bird's shadow
Silently announces its presence in the sky above as a spirit may do .
Timeless, the grandeur of this magnificent bird elevated by worship,
Which blurs the line dividing that of the living world from the spirit .
Ronald C . Downie
What bridges the living with the spirit world,
Was answered today in a highly visible form.
Majestically over our Schuylkill River Valley
On strong feathered wings which tightly tethers
Rising drafts - up, up, up, - spiraling to sightless heights,
A noble Golden Eagle winged over us today .
Sir Eagle has a range too far and so vast,
Soaring, gliding, effortlessly on golden wings
Brushing Heaven's gate . So sharp its eyes which
Views all the lands and all inhabitants found there .
For eons what are the tales, the hallowed stories ;
Songs of the aboriginal native sung to tribal drums ?
The unified dance around tribal fires sending embers aloft ?
The quest for tail feathers to adorn a magnificent head dress ?
As a badge of honor, a scepter, the feather's connected to the Gods
Granting the possessor any wish he desired from the great beyond .
Passing over unknown to all of us, a mere speck in the high sky,
An Eagle touches many people without their knowledge, as would,
A thought, an idea, a premonition, an erie feeling, seeking escape .
A Great Golden Eagle, as does an undetected spirit, moves across
The high sky stealthily to the unobservant looking only ahead .
Dancing over the ground in a graceful ballet the great bird's shadow
Silently announces its presence in the sky above as a spirit may do .
Timeless, the grandeur of this magnificent bird elevated by worship,
Which blurs the line dividing that of the living world from the spirit .
Ronald C . Downie
Friday, November 23, 2012
The Art Of Listening
The Art Of Listening
When we lean on the cluttered din of the day
Few sounds can escape chatter's deafening wake.
Sharp piercing sounds squeal loud, so far away,
The rest, cloud like, low muffled sounds make :
Then in conversation which guides this very day,
From clouds back to Earth, beckons our own reply.
Uptempo, finding why's and wherefores, we may
State truths and falsehoods out loud to the sky :
And then, do we really wait for an answer returned,
Or, have we retreated back into the heavens cloudy,
Not hearing the din nor if the responder's concerned,
Which has bearing living silently, if not, then loudly?
Lost is the "Art Of Listening" basic to Earth as sod,
But, grown so close, we are just as "Pees In A Pod".
Ronald C. Downie
A sonnet
When we lean on the cluttered din of the day
Few sounds can escape chatter's deafening wake.
Sharp piercing sounds squeal loud, so far away,
The rest, cloud like, low muffled sounds make :
Then in conversation which guides this very day,
From clouds back to Earth, beckons our own reply.
Uptempo, finding why's and wherefores, we may
State truths and falsehoods out loud to the sky :
And then, do we really wait for an answer returned,
Or, have we retreated back into the heavens cloudy,
Not hearing the din nor if the responder's concerned,
Which has bearing living silently, if not, then loudly?
Lost is the "Art Of Listening" basic to Earth as sod,
But, grown so close, we are just as "Pees In A Pod".
Ronald C. Downie
A sonnet
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Turkey Day
Turkey Day
High School Football season ends officially
In towns about noon on Thanksgiving Day,
Not on Ringing Hill or down Sanatoga way .
The grunt's game began at 2 PM traditionally .
In the 1950's about 1 o'clock Turkey Day
Fellows began arriving out behind *LPE School :
Young and old, in shape or not, wise or fool,
Rag tag or football wise, kick off to come soon .
Ringing Hill :Jack, Bill Bechtel ;Sanatoga :the Burns's,
Eddie Albert, Jack Babel, Tassy, and the Schott's
Ringing Hill : the Spohn's, Lin Bieler, the Mitch's,
And me . I played in this game for many years .
Fifty years later, memory slipping, who'd I forget ?
The Koren's for Ringing Hill ;Earnie, George for them.
Age presses up against the reality of fleeting
Time to rob the picture of faces, bodies, and play.
Rules, who worried for rules, kick off the damn ball. No one wore pads, some wore a hat if it was windy, But it wasn't until the shoes or sneakers came off That a true earnestness surfaced, in barefoot, speed accelerated .
Since August some of us had practiced in full gear,
Played a full schedule of High School Football games,
Prided ourselves in wins and discounted our losses
With less fanfare, then was anticipation for this "real" game.
Up and down the wind blown field from sideline to sideline
Men and boys played at blocking and tackling,
Running and throwing, in an earnest effort, or, just to have some fun.
The yearly game of random intent came to forgotten conclusions.
Gone, but for memories, some still living others long dead.
The Prize, bragging rights for a short while, the true worth,
As always, individuals banding together at some sort of play
Where the journey far outweighed the outcome of the contest.
Ronald C. Downie
*LPE- Lower Pottsgrove Elementary School on Pleasantview Road, Sanatoga,
Dedicated to many friends, lifelong closest, Jack Bechtel and Linwood Bieler.
High School Football season ends officially
In towns about noon on Thanksgiving Day,
Not on Ringing Hill or down Sanatoga way .
The grunt's game began at 2 PM traditionally .
In the 1950's about 1 o'clock Turkey Day
Fellows began arriving out behind *LPE School :
Young and old, in shape or not, wise or fool,
Rag tag or football wise, kick off to come soon .
Ringing Hill :Jack, Bill Bechtel ;Sanatoga :the Burns's,
Eddie Albert, Jack Babel, Tassy, and the Schott's
Ringing Hill : the Spohn's, Lin Bieler, the Mitch's,
And me . I played in this game for many years .
Fifty years later, memory slipping, who'd I forget ?
The Koren's for Ringing Hill ;Earnie, George for them.
Age presses up against the reality of fleeting
Time to rob the picture of faces, bodies, and play.
Rules, who worried for rules, kick off the damn ball. No one wore pads, some wore a hat if it was windy, But it wasn't until the shoes or sneakers came off That a true earnestness surfaced, in barefoot, speed accelerated .
Since August some of us had practiced in full gear,
Played a full schedule of High School Football games,
Prided ourselves in wins and discounted our losses
With less fanfare, then was anticipation for this "real" game.
Up and down the wind blown field from sideline to sideline
Men and boys played at blocking and tackling,
Running and throwing, in an earnest effort, or, just to have some fun.
The yearly game of random intent came to forgotten conclusions.
Gone, but for memories, some still living others long dead.
The Prize, bragging rights for a short while, the true worth,
As always, individuals banding together at some sort of play
Where the journey far outweighed the outcome of the contest.
Ronald C. Downie
*LPE- Lower Pottsgrove Elementary School on Pleasantview Road, Sanatoga,
Dedicated to many friends, lifelong closest, Jack Bechtel and Linwood Bieler.
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
A Name
A Name
For more years than I want to admit, I've religiously watched the trailers of movies wanting to find the Downie name shown on the screen as a active participant of its filming. Certainly this form of narcissism couldn't be centered only on me. I wonder how many other people have my desire to see their
surname in print on the big screen? Even today, at my age, I enjoy the wait until the very end of the movie to see the acknowledgements flow, sometimes far too rapidly, across the screen. I've never seen my Downie name on a screen. I guess, Downie's must be lack luster at best and just a run of the mill family with no screen aptitude at all.
Long, long ago in Elizabethan Time it's been rumored a Downie ancestor, a fellow named John Dowie, was a drinking companion of Robert Burns, the poet bard of Scotland. Of course, drinking companions of Burns were quite plentiful. Often, as stories embellish themselves, the numbers of drinkers though palled in numbers compared to Burns' conquest over women, here he seemed to have few equals. He prided himself in pure numbers somewhat like me counting the names listed in movie trailers.
What's in a name, anyway? And, I'm too cheep, too Scottish, to pay ancestral search to find out. Rather, I'm willing to look incessantly at cinema trailers for the Downie name so I can dream some more about our place in this big World.
Ronald C. Downie
For more years than I want to admit, I've religiously watched the trailers of movies wanting to find the Downie name shown on the screen as a active participant of its filming. Certainly this form of narcissism couldn't be centered only on me. I wonder how many other people have my desire to see their
surname in print on the big screen? Even today, at my age, I enjoy the wait until the very end of the movie to see the acknowledgements flow, sometimes far too rapidly, across the screen. I've never seen my Downie name on a screen. I guess, Downie's must be lack luster at best and just a run of the mill family with no screen aptitude at all.
Long, long ago in Elizabethan Time it's been rumored a Downie ancestor, a fellow named John Dowie, was a drinking companion of Robert Burns, the poet bard of Scotland. Of course, drinking companions of Burns were quite plentiful. Often, as stories embellish themselves, the numbers of drinkers though palled in numbers compared to Burns' conquest over women, here he seemed to have few equals. He prided himself in pure numbers somewhat like me counting the names listed in movie trailers.
What's in a name, anyway? And, I'm too cheep, too Scottish, to pay ancestral search to find out. Rather, I'm willing to look incessantly at cinema trailers for the Downie name so I can dream some more about our place in this big World.
Ronald C. Downie
Monday, November 19, 2012
Electric Woes
Electric Woes
Why does it seem like the distribution of electricity unravels more and more with each storm cluster that comes along. What trees will uproot this time and bring down lines ? Which segment of their franchise will the electric company purposely turn off so their whole system won't go down ? These are some of the questions each of us have on our minds.
We the public are dependent on our electric company, a corporate monopoly, which through government edict gave us as customers to these corporate giants just because we settled in this area. Back then we had no choice, and now, still have none. Even with our independent streak, there is nothing we can do to change the relationship between the government and the electric companies unless we as a united group join together to press our combined displeasure.
The big question arrises, why aren't monopoly electric companies responsible for supplying their customers with uninterrupted power ? If they don't, why aren't they required to pay a default payment to each customer left without power ?
Just as soon as some regulation like this is adopted the electric companies will join their minds together and eliminate most of the impediments causing outages because it's in there own best interest. It seems self interest is the best driving influence to force change in the attitude of almost anyone and cash payments are the a greatest motivators.
As long as a monopoly is not required to function at near 100%, it won't. It is too easy to trim some trees, some times; or bury some wires, somewhere; or weatherproof substations, to a degree; or take the easy way out, turn off electric to some areas.
No, I don't know the particular problems but, I do think,
If we don't require a monopoly to work to their fullest potential, someone in the process will figure out a way to flaunt the system and alter the spread sheet to show cost savings from inaction which would feather their personal nest.
It is great to see large caravans of lift trucks for wire work flow into your area when you're out of electric, but, wouldn't be better not to be out of electric in the first place. "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound cure" even today, whether you believe or not. It's up to you to voice your interests or remain silent and put up with what you have.
Ronald C. Downie
Why does it seem like the distribution of electricity unravels more and more with each storm cluster that comes along. What trees will uproot this time and bring down lines ? Which segment of their franchise will the electric company purposely turn off so their whole system won't go down ? These are some of the questions each of us have on our minds.
We the public are dependent on our electric company, a corporate monopoly, which through government edict gave us as customers to these corporate giants just because we settled in this area. Back then we had no choice, and now, still have none. Even with our independent streak, there is nothing we can do to change the relationship between the government and the electric companies unless we as a united group join together to press our combined displeasure.
The big question arrises, why aren't monopoly electric companies responsible for supplying their customers with uninterrupted power ? If they don't, why aren't they required to pay a default payment to each customer left without power ?
Just as soon as some regulation like this is adopted the electric companies will join their minds together and eliminate most of the impediments causing outages because it's in there own best interest. It seems self interest is the best driving influence to force change in the attitude of almost anyone and cash payments are the a greatest motivators.
As long as a monopoly is not required to function at near 100%, it won't. It is too easy to trim some trees, some times; or bury some wires, somewhere; or weatherproof substations, to a degree; or take the easy way out, turn off electric to some areas.
No, I don't know the particular problems but, I do think,
If we don't require a monopoly to work to their fullest potential, someone in the process will figure out a way to flaunt the system and alter the spread sheet to show cost savings from inaction which would feather their personal nest.
It is great to see large caravans of lift trucks for wire work flow into your area when you're out of electric, but, wouldn't be better not to be out of electric in the first place. "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound cure" even today, whether you believe or not. It's up to you to voice your interests or remain silent and put up with what you have.
Ronald C. Downie
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Bono
Bono
Who am I to write about Bono ? I wouldn't know his music from a million other singers of - gee I don't even know his style - I guess Rock and Roll. I know of him because of his human philanthropy efforts especially in Africa.
Bono spoke earlier this week at Georgetown University and it was recorded and then shown on C-Span this past Saturday night while two very important college football games were also being broadcast on their sport channels. Like most viewers, I surf the channels during commercials, which I was doing last night when I came upon Bono on C- Span and got mesmerized.
I didn't get the title of his lecture though I know he was on stage in front of a large audience at Georgetown University. He emphasized that the future will consider Africa as the apt replacement for China and India in the new order of things for the engine driving the World. The first hurtle is to turn Africa's natural resources into a form of wealth which will elevate the living standards of all of Africa's citizens.
Bono insists, through IPhones and IPads in the hands of more and more people throughout the present Third World, transparency will surface and suspect politicians once prone for shenanigans would now become more responsible to their constituents. Transparency, it seems, hasn't quite broken through in our First World country to promote honest politicians so I hope Bono has better luck with Africans.
Through his efforts with - UNICEF, One Campaign, and Make Poverty History - Bono lends his stardom found in his music to these initiatives. Bono seems to have matured far above music into becoming the imperative voice for justice throughout the World. Find his lecture replayed on C-Span and see if you too become a Bono fan as I've become.
Ronald C. Downie
Who am I to write about Bono ? I wouldn't know his music from a million other singers of - gee I don't even know his style - I guess Rock and Roll. I know of him because of his human philanthropy efforts especially in Africa.
Bono spoke earlier this week at Georgetown University and it was recorded and then shown on C-Span this past Saturday night while two very important college football games were also being broadcast on their sport channels. Like most viewers, I surf the channels during commercials, which I was doing last night when I came upon Bono on C- Span and got mesmerized.
I didn't get the title of his lecture though I know he was on stage in front of a large audience at Georgetown University. He emphasized that the future will consider Africa as the apt replacement for China and India in the new order of things for the engine driving the World. The first hurtle is to turn Africa's natural resources into a form of wealth which will elevate the living standards of all of Africa's citizens.
Bono insists, through IPhones and IPads in the hands of more and more people throughout the present Third World, transparency will surface and suspect politicians once prone for shenanigans would now become more responsible to their constituents. Transparency, it seems, hasn't quite broken through in our First World country to promote honest politicians so I hope Bono has better luck with Africans.
Through his efforts with - UNICEF, One Campaign, and Make Poverty History - Bono lends his stardom found in his music to these initiatives. Bono seems to have matured far above music into becoming the imperative voice for justice throughout the World. Find his lecture replayed on C-Span and see if you too become a Bono fan as I've become.
Ronald C. Downie
Thursday, November 15, 2012
First Blizzard Of The Season
First Blizzard Of The Season
Relish the first blizzard of the season
Watch for swirls of yellow and brown ;
Autumn early seems the real reason
All the lawns are covered in the town.
It is a time when :
Damp mist steams up from the river,
Foot steps leave their prints in the dew.
Morning sun gets red and redder,
Vast flocks fly all birds but a few.
Thin herringbone clouds stripe the sky,
Heading south geese V in a flock,
Crows land and depart with a cry.
Farmers watch weather like a clock.
Goldenrods garnish the meadows
Stately corn tans tall on the stalk,
In home gardens wilt the tomatoes,
Deep breaths smoke great puffs as we walk.
Pumpkin orange rough petal's fashion,
Straight up, smoke stretches chimneys tall.
Witch and goblin excite a child's passion.
Snowing down - leaves announce - Fall !
Ronald C . Downie
Relish the first blizzard of the season
Watch for swirls of yellow and brown ;
Autumn early seems the real reason
All the lawns are covered in the town.
It is a time when :
Damp mist steams up from the river,
Foot steps leave their prints in the dew.
Morning sun gets red and redder,
Vast flocks fly all birds but a few.
Thin herringbone clouds stripe the sky,
Heading south geese V in a flock,
Crows land and depart with a cry.
Farmers watch weather like a clock.
Goldenrods garnish the meadows
Stately corn tans tall on the stalk,
In home gardens wilt the tomatoes,
Deep breaths smoke great puffs as we walk.
Pumpkin orange rough petal's fashion,
Straight up, smoke stretches chimneys tall.
Witch and goblin excite a child's passion.
Snowing down - leaves announce - Fall !
Ronald C . Downie
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Sing it out loud and clear, listen to the choir echoing in the rafters, "Hallelujah, Hallelujah" - our 21st Century civilization is safe, safe now from future wars. Love has finally won out over hate, love is the great emancipator from conflict, it demands turning over the other cheek or set of cheeks.
The top general of our longest ever war, or is that wars, has found the answer. Not even penis envy could dissuade him from his newly found amour. He has unleashed the secret of the Holy Grail, not a cup or what the cup holds, but the secret is in an attitude. Neither parades nor Navy seals grab his attention but his command to attention is centered in his groin.
Our country, once so homophobic, cursed all over the World not even comfortable with "Don't Ask, Don't Tell", finally hit its stride last week when fondling between ranks became the new norm. Coupling's now commonplace ; even the birds and bees do it.
Foreign countries are to be embraced in their struggles for independence once was just between leaders but in the future may mean individually embracing. Its outcome may truly cause a World wide melting pot, colors fading away, language blending into indefinite twangs. Killing them with kindness will be the ammunition of the future, a kiss there, a hug here, a pinch or two, and then some real foreplay. "Goodbye, My Fancy" will make a grand comeback.
Hypocrites invade our lives far too often unannounced and undiscovered telling us, "do as I say, not as I do".
They love the choir singing loud and clear, "Hallelujah, Hallelujah" since the music drowns out their dishonesty. The question plaguing us all seems: are we better off knowing the truth, or better off not knowing it ?
Ronald C. Downie
Sing it out loud and clear, listen to the choir echoing in the rafters, "Hallelujah, Hallelujah" - our 21st Century civilization is safe, safe now from future wars. Love has finally won out over hate, love is the great emancipator from conflict, it demands turning over the other cheek or set of cheeks.
The top general of our longest ever war, or is that wars, has found the answer. Not even penis envy could dissuade him from his newly found amour. He has unleashed the secret of the Holy Grail, not a cup or what the cup holds, but the secret is in an attitude. Neither parades nor Navy seals grab his attention but his command to attention is centered in his groin.
Our country, once so homophobic, cursed all over the World not even comfortable with "Don't Ask, Don't Tell", finally hit its stride last week when fondling between ranks became the new norm. Coupling's now commonplace ; even the birds and bees do it.
Foreign countries are to be embraced in their struggles for independence once was just between leaders but in the future may mean individually embracing. Its outcome may truly cause a World wide melting pot, colors fading away, language blending into indefinite twangs. Killing them with kindness will be the ammunition of the future, a kiss there, a hug here, a pinch or two, and then some real foreplay. "Goodbye, My Fancy" will make a grand comeback.
Hypocrites invade our lives far too often unannounced and undiscovered telling us, "do as I say, not as I do".
They love the choir singing loud and clear, "Hallelujah, Hallelujah" since the music drowns out their dishonesty. The question plaguing us all seems: are we better off knowing the truth, or better off not knowing it ?
Ronald C. Downie
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
This Love Affair
This Love Affair
This love affair's been going on for years !
What ? What fuels a flame that endears
A relationship to outlast earthly fears
Of outward affection, of overt tears ?
Cordwood stacked by fore bearers, I suppose,
Or chestnut coal nugget parents at repose,
Maybe, a pilot flame honor which we chose,
Or warm sun rays coaxing forth a fragrant rose .
Out in the open in the bright light of day
Dressing and disrobing simple back yard play
That everyone observing is so fond to say,
" What loving affection this public display."
South of the railroad I look to the right,
The end of the garden absorbs my sight,
Dancing and swaying to a breeze calling night,
Late autumn season brings passions to height.
I'm timid to stop and just ask their name ,
Their aim to live simple without any shame .
But why do I write ? I seek them no fame .
To grow the best fig tree in town - their game .
Ronald C. Downie
This love affair's been going on for years !
What ? What fuels a flame that endears
A relationship to outlast earthly fears
Of outward affection, of overt tears ?
Cordwood stacked by fore bearers, I suppose,
Or chestnut coal nugget parents at repose,
Maybe, a pilot flame honor which we chose,
Or warm sun rays coaxing forth a fragrant rose .
Out in the open in the bright light of day
Dressing and disrobing simple back yard play
That everyone observing is so fond to say,
" What loving affection this public display."
South of the railroad I look to the right,
The end of the garden absorbs my sight,
Dancing and swaying to a breeze calling night,
Late autumn season brings passions to height.
I'm timid to stop and just ask their name ,
Their aim to live simple without any shame .
But why do I write ? I seek them no fame .
To grow the best fig tree in town - their game .
Ronald C. Downie
Monday, November 12, 2012
Hippocratic Oath
Hippocratic Oath
"First do no harm", as I understand it, is an oath administered to graduating medical school students to guide them forever in their profession. We all hope they follow this oath.
Legislators, both state and federal, take an oath to uphold the Constitution of their State, if a state official, and The Constitution of The United States if federal. We all hope that they follow this oath also.
I wish legislators had to take the Hippocratic Oath too since their decisions can really cause wholesale harm to a society. Much of this harm seems to come about when a legislator legislates in a way to keep themselves in office. A vote on a bill not to upset the voters may seem prudent at the time and for future reelection, but in the long run may be the worst thing for the future and generations yet to follow.
Our Country's Framers had little idea legislators would become full-time professionals at their occupations. Most envisioned farmers or millers would serve a term or two then go back home to live out their lives there. Times have changed and the minds of legislators have changed along with time. Eating from the public trough must be enticing. The easy move from legislating to lobbing must be so very inviting too.
Today, our Country needs a redirecting of basic priorities starting with the limiting of terms of service for legislators. We always hear," lame duck session "and how much progress is to be made during that session. Why ? Because legislators including presidents are not running for reelection; therefore, they can vote their conscious instead of pandering for votes.
Churchill said of The United States, " You can always count on Americans to do the right thing - after they've tried everything else." Maybe that's where we are now, having tried everything else and now we 'll do the right thing. The impending World financial crises with us as a prime player makes Congress look like babbling fools in their pre-positioned stance about the debt ceiling and cuts to entitlements and raising revenues. All these talking heads blathering talking points only to gather in potential votes can't have you and me in their heart of hearts.
We are better than this I was always taught.
"Of the people, by the people, for the people", that is us : when young sent to War, when healthy asked to build a nation for the future, now when old asked to sacrifice gains worked for so the effluent few can get more. This, my friends, is not a representative democracy but it is a plutocracy. The rule over us by the rich is one of the harshest governments of them all. To them : money is power and power is money. We are merely pawns, numbers to be crunched, throwaways.
My time is running out so someone has to pick up the baton and run with it. I only hope one of you who reads this bends over, picks up the baton, and runs like "hell".
Ronald C. Downie
"First do no harm", as I understand it, is an oath administered to graduating medical school students to guide them forever in their profession. We all hope they follow this oath.
Legislators, both state and federal, take an oath to uphold the Constitution of their State, if a state official, and The Constitution of The United States if federal. We all hope that they follow this oath also.
I wish legislators had to take the Hippocratic Oath too since their decisions can really cause wholesale harm to a society. Much of this harm seems to come about when a legislator legislates in a way to keep themselves in office. A vote on a bill not to upset the voters may seem prudent at the time and for future reelection, but in the long run may be the worst thing for the future and generations yet to follow.
Our Country's Framers had little idea legislators would become full-time professionals at their occupations. Most envisioned farmers or millers would serve a term or two then go back home to live out their lives there. Times have changed and the minds of legislators have changed along with time. Eating from the public trough must be enticing. The easy move from legislating to lobbing must be so very inviting too.
Today, our Country needs a redirecting of basic priorities starting with the limiting of terms of service for legislators. We always hear," lame duck session "and how much progress is to be made during that session. Why ? Because legislators including presidents are not running for reelection; therefore, they can vote their conscious instead of pandering for votes.
Churchill said of The United States, " You can always count on Americans to do the right thing - after they've tried everything else." Maybe that's where we are now, having tried everything else and now we 'll do the right thing. The impending World financial crises with us as a prime player makes Congress look like babbling fools in their pre-positioned stance about the debt ceiling and cuts to entitlements and raising revenues. All these talking heads blathering talking points only to gather in potential votes can't have you and me in their heart of hearts.
We are better than this I was always taught.
"Of the people, by the people, for the people", that is us : when young sent to War, when healthy asked to build a nation for the future, now when old asked to sacrifice gains worked for so the effluent few can get more. This, my friends, is not a representative democracy but it is a plutocracy. The rule over us by the rich is one of the harshest governments of them all. To them : money is power and power is money. We are merely pawns, numbers to be crunched, throwaways.
My time is running out so someone has to pick up the baton and run with it. I only hope one of you who reads this bends over, picks up the baton, and runs like "hell".
Ronald C. Downie
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Lia Alexandra
Lia Alexandra
Girl of the Tamiami Trail, Lia's
Our warm Florida connection, our nurse,
Our confidant, our strength, our go to girl.
Born last of the girls to our family,
She tans well, rides well, steers the boat well,
She's a good cook, she has beach etiquette.
Lia has proven she can hook the big one.
Riding trail to work, she nurses the sick.
Red Barn beware cause she's heading back home,
Though Hog's Breath Saloon is her southern stop.
Fine grain her two wheeled ride dress attire,
Leather also are her boots for riding.
Lia, at four score and five, not yet half life,
Excels at demanding a good full life.
The big Greek is cooking now in North Port,
But, with places go, she's never hungry.
Cares for the ill and cares for the flowers.
Lucy's trail, listen for her chirp on wing,
But from her other end you'll see that trail.
Watch out for the snake, check out the big cranes.
She travels well, such a good visitor,
Makes her hosts at ease as she flows the day.
Lia will take control of difficult
Situations unassumingly well.
The Tamiami Trail Girl, Nocomis,
Florida, On Dante Drive, Gulf Coast.
May your smiling good looks forever be
With you on your birthday and every day.
May your life be fulfilled and fulfilling.
Happy Birthday, Lia Alexandra Downie,
With All Our Love - Mom & Dad
Girl of the Tamiami Trail, Lia's
Our warm Florida connection, our nurse,
Our confidant, our strength, our go to girl.
Born last of the girls to our family,
She tans well, rides well, steers the boat well,
She's a good cook, she has beach etiquette.
Lia has proven she can hook the big one.
Riding trail to work, she nurses the sick.
Red Barn beware cause she's heading back home,
Though Hog's Breath Saloon is her southern stop.
Fine grain her two wheeled ride dress attire,
Leather also are her boots for riding.
Lia, at four score and five, not yet half life,
Excels at demanding a good full life.
The big Greek is cooking now in North Port,
But, with places go, she's never hungry.
Cares for the ill and cares for the flowers.
Lucy's trail, listen for her chirp on wing,
But from her other end you'll see that trail.
Watch out for the snake, check out the big cranes.
She travels well, such a good visitor,
Makes her hosts at ease as she flows the day.
Lia will take control of difficult
Situations unassumingly well.
The Tamiami Trail Girl, Nocomis,
Florida, On Dante Drive, Gulf Coast.
May your smiling good looks forever be
With you on your birthday and every day.
May your life be fulfilled and fulfilling.
Happy Birthday, Lia Alexandra Downie,
With All Our Love - Mom & Dad
Saturday, November 10, 2012
Of Flint, Be
Of Flint, Be
Would my words ignite, if I of flint, be ?
Would my verse billow, if west winds blew free ?
Would rhymes ring loudly, as iron strikes steel ?
Would my muse enthuse, if less wordy, feel ?
Would couplets surface, if in magma, yet ?
Would rhythm inspire, if no fuse, be set ?
Would craters irrupt, or heaven's poems, spew ?
Would Earth's mantel crack, if posies were true ?
Could I attest these improbable dreams -
Will you see through my insidious schemes ?
Ronald C. Downie
Would my words ignite, if I of flint, be ?
Would my verse billow, if west winds blew free ?
Would rhymes ring loudly, as iron strikes steel ?
Would my muse enthuse, if less wordy, feel ?
Would couplets surface, if in magma, yet ?
Would rhythm inspire, if no fuse, be set ?
Would craters irrupt, or heaven's poems, spew ?
Would Earth's mantel crack, if posies were true ?
Could I attest these improbable dreams -
Will you see through my insidious schemes ?
Ronald C. Downie
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Tom Quigley
Tom Quigley
I've known Mr. Quigley ever since he came on the Pottstown political scene. Swimming now against the tide of a Democratic swell sweeping over Montgomery County, Tom Quigley's time in office, if not over now, will be over next election.
What has a Republican led legislature in Harrisburg done for Pottstown voters these last few years ? Zip, nana, nothing is their record, of which, Tom Quigley is a long term member. What have they done for our greatest encumbering legislative initiative, that of local property taxation paying for education. Nothing, all talk - no action is their song.
Pennsylvania's legislature must have a very low approval rating but, I bet, the Federal Congress shows them up handily. Something like 10-15 % approval is Washington's rating. This question begs an answer :
Why would an intelligent electorate vote back into office legislators who compiled such a low rating ? It seems crazy to me to return them to be even worse.
Almost any fairly run office can handle constituent generated problems which needs no help from the legislator. Yes, the Congressman or Senator is needed to collect checks from "heavy hitters" and lobbyists. Payola is still Lord in political circles.
Mr. Quigley, I'm sure, is a very nice man. I've talked to him quite often about various themes but he seems not able to get things done. I believe, he is a party man first, the people's man second. He's now caught in the next election syndrome, at all times running for the next election not for legislation to help his constituents. I'll suggest, Tom needs this job and he'll fight to keep it, he will not challenge the leaders to get legislation for his people.
The best we can do is replace him, get him an honest job, and find someone else who'll work for we the people, we the voters.
Ronald C. Downie
I've known Mr. Quigley ever since he came on the Pottstown political scene. Swimming now against the tide of a Democratic swell sweeping over Montgomery County, Tom Quigley's time in office, if not over now, will be over next election.
What has a Republican led legislature in Harrisburg done for Pottstown voters these last few years ? Zip, nana, nothing is their record, of which, Tom Quigley is a long term member. What have they done for our greatest encumbering legislative initiative, that of local property taxation paying for education. Nothing, all talk - no action is their song.
Pennsylvania's legislature must have a very low approval rating but, I bet, the Federal Congress shows them up handily. Something like 10-15 % approval is Washington's rating. This question begs an answer :
Why would an intelligent electorate vote back into office legislators who compiled such a low rating ? It seems crazy to me to return them to be even worse.
Almost any fairly run office can handle constituent generated problems which needs no help from the legislator. Yes, the Congressman or Senator is needed to collect checks from "heavy hitters" and lobbyists. Payola is still Lord in political circles.
Mr. Quigley, I'm sure, is a very nice man. I've talked to him quite often about various themes but he seems not able to get things done. I believe, he is a party man first, the people's man second. He's now caught in the next election syndrome, at all times running for the next election not for legislation to help his constituents. I'll suggest, Tom needs this job and he'll fight to keep it, he will not challenge the leaders to get legislation for his people.
The best we can do is replace him, get him an honest job, and find someone else who'll work for we the people, we the voters.
Ronald C. Downie
Old World Wisdom
Old World Wisdom
Gran' Pa Downie in his distinctive Scottish brogue, rolling his RR's, dropping words of Old World wisdom advised me sixty-five years ago "to look at music and listen to art". In other words, don't be content with the apparent, but rather, see into the depth to which organized sound takes us and, as importantly, hear our inner voice when we view any work of art.
More real today is the need to go beyond the obvious and find truth where it may lie hidden just out of easy reach. Captured as we are by being spoon fed by a twenty-four hour news cycle, we choose not to critically think for ourselves, but rather have some talking heads shout out catch phrases which easily excite the emotion pent up within us, an unthinking public. Easily fed as " garbage in, garbage out" just as easily led which becomes our peril.
Ronald C. Downie.
Gran' Pa Downie in his distinctive Scottish brogue, rolling his RR's, dropping words of Old World wisdom advised me sixty-five years ago "to look at music and listen to art". In other words, don't be content with the apparent, but rather, see into the depth to which organized sound takes us and, as importantly, hear our inner voice when we view any work of art.
More real today is the need to go beyond the obvious and find truth where it may lie hidden just out of easy reach. Captured as we are by being spoon fed by a twenty-four hour news cycle, we choose not to critically think for ourselves, but rather have some talking heads shout out catch phrases which easily excite the emotion pent up within us, an unthinking public. Easily fed as " garbage in, garbage out" just as easily led which becomes our peril.
Ronald C. Downie.
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Haiku 90
Haiku 90 - Words That Work Your Minds
By way the crow flies,
Rather, the way to eat crow -
Tough chewing for some.
A wait in line counts,
Counts when your vote's important -
"Lean Forward" with all.
Harsh war on women !
Females unshackled, now free -
Determine their life.
Hear these words linger,
"When roll's called up yonder -
I'll be there", right there.
Number crunchers wince,
Their Man's not winning, duty
Reminds them, honor.
Waves of the tide - change,
Winds of the land - change - progress -
Solid trumps fluid.
Ronald C. Downie
By way the crow flies,
Rather, the way to eat crow -
Tough chewing for some.
A wait in line counts,
Counts when your vote's important -
"Lean Forward" with all.
Harsh war on women !
Females unshackled, now free -
Determine their life.
Hear these words linger,
"When roll's called up yonder -
I'll be there", right there.
Number crunchers wince,
Their Man's not winning, duty
Reminds them, honor.
Waves of the tide - change,
Winds of the land - change - progress -
Solid trumps fluid.
Ronald C. Downie
Monday, November 5, 2012
Electric Woes
Electric Woes
Why does it seem like the distribution of electricity unravels more and more with each storm cluster that comes along. What trees will uproot this time and bring down lines ? Which segment of their franchise will the electric company purposely turn off so their whole system won't go down ? These are some of the questions each of us have on our minds.
We the public are dependent on our electric company, a corporate monopoly, which through government edict gave us as customers to these corporate giants just because we settled in this area. Back then we had no choice, and now, still have none. Even with our independent streak, there is nothing we can do to change the relationship between the government and the electric companies unless we as a united group join together to press our combined displeasure.
The big question arrises, why aren't monopoly electric companies responsible for supplying their customers with uninterrupted power ? If they don't, why aren't they required to pay a default payment to each customer left without power ?
Just as soon as some regulation like this is adopted the electric companies will join their minds together and eliminate most of the impediments causing outages because it's in there own best interest. It seems self interest is the best driving influence to force change in the attitude of almost anyone and cash payments are the a greatest motivators.
As long as a monopoly is not required to function at near 100%, it won't. It is too easy to trim some trees, some times; or bury some wires, somewhere; or weatherproof substations, to a degree; or take the easy way out, turn off electric to some areas.
No, I don't know the particular problems but, I do think,
If we don't require a monopoly to work to their fullest potential, someone in the process will figure out a way to flaunt the system and alter the spread sheet to show cost savings from inaction which would feather their personal nest.
It is great to see large caravans of lift trucks for wire work flow into your area when you're out of electric, but, wouldn't be better not to be out of electric in the first place. "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound cure" even today, whether you believe or not. It's up to you to voice your interests or remain silent and put up with what you have.
Ronald C. Downie
Why does it seem like the distribution of electricity unravels more and more with each storm cluster that comes along. What trees will uproot this time and bring down lines ? Which segment of their franchise will the electric company purposely turn off so their whole system won't go down ? These are some of the questions each of us have on our minds.
We the public are dependent on our electric company, a corporate monopoly, which through government edict gave us as customers to these corporate giants just because we settled in this area. Back then we had no choice, and now, still have none. Even with our independent streak, there is nothing we can do to change the relationship between the government and the electric companies unless we as a united group join together to press our combined displeasure.
The big question arrises, why aren't monopoly electric companies responsible for supplying their customers with uninterrupted power ? If they don't, why aren't they required to pay a default payment to each customer left without power ?
Just as soon as some regulation like this is adopted the electric companies will join their minds together and eliminate most of the impediments causing outages because it's in there own best interest. It seems self interest is the best driving influence to force change in the attitude of almost anyone and cash payments are the a greatest motivators.
As long as a monopoly is not required to function at near 100%, it won't. It is too easy to trim some trees, some times; or bury some wires, somewhere; or weatherproof substations, to a degree; or take the easy way out, turn off electric to some areas.
No, I don't know the particular problems but, I do think,
If we don't require a monopoly to work to their fullest potential, someone in the process will figure out a way to flaunt the system and alter the spread sheet to show cost savings from inaction which would feather their personal nest.
It is great to see large caravans of lift trucks for wire work flow into your area when you're out of electric, but, wouldn't be better not to be out of electric in the first place. "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound cure" even today, whether you believe or not. It's up to you to voice your interests or remain silent and put up with what you have.
Ronald C. Downie
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Lone Voice
Lone Voice
Am I a lone voice speaking for retired home owners still living in Pottstown ? We wonder where our tax dollars have gone, where has all the money gone, money which we believed was invested in an improving school system ? Recently we learned the Pottstown School District had been put on notice that the High School is one of four Montgomery County Schools in Pennsylvania listed as a low-achieving school.
We oldsters have over the years made huge investments in our school district by paying property taxes yearly on our homes which continue to lose value. The value lost is caused by the market which reflects a buyer's desire not to purchase a home in Pottstown. If you were a buyer would you come to Pottstown and bid up the price of a house so you could bring your kids to a under achieving school system ?
Our local school system is broken. Taxing of property for education is broken. Out of every five dollars of a Pottstown resident's annual taxation, four of those dollars go to the school district. The Pottstown District has been singled out by the state as a poor administrator for the money's invested by "we the people".
My wife and I are caught, as many other old couples are caught, in a home lived in for scores of years as the value of our house, once our largest investment, continues to plummet in value. This is like being caught in a "catch 22", damned if you do, damned if you don't.
Being taxed out of your home is a stark reality for many retirees who can no longer work and must rely on social security and savings until that runs out to pay ever rising school taxes which seems to be wasted by the administration.
My true disgust can not be set in printable words for public display. As a graduate of Pottstown's schools, a school board member for four years, and in Pottstown's inner circle of governance even now, I am ashamed of my inability to change the direction our hometown has taken. We need elected officials much better then I was able to do
Ronald C. Downie
Am I a lone voice speaking for retired home owners still living in Pottstown ? We wonder where our tax dollars have gone, where has all the money gone, money which we believed was invested in an improving school system ? Recently we learned the Pottstown School District had been put on notice that the High School is one of four Montgomery County Schools in Pennsylvania listed as a low-achieving school.
We oldsters have over the years made huge investments in our school district by paying property taxes yearly on our homes which continue to lose value. The value lost is caused by the market which reflects a buyer's desire not to purchase a home in Pottstown. If you were a buyer would you come to Pottstown and bid up the price of a house so you could bring your kids to a under achieving school system ?
Our local school system is broken. Taxing of property for education is broken. Out of every five dollars of a Pottstown resident's annual taxation, four of those dollars go to the school district. The Pottstown District has been singled out by the state as a poor administrator for the money's invested by "we the people".
My wife and I are caught, as many other old couples are caught, in a home lived in for scores of years as the value of our house, once our largest investment, continues to plummet in value. This is like being caught in a "catch 22", damned if you do, damned if you don't.
Being taxed out of your home is a stark reality for many retirees who can no longer work and must rely on social security and savings until that runs out to pay ever rising school taxes which seems to be wasted by the administration.
My true disgust can not be set in printable words for public display. As a graduate of Pottstown's schools, a school board member for four years, and in Pottstown's inner circle of governance even now, I am ashamed of my inability to change the direction our hometown has taken. We need elected officials much better then I was able to do
Ronald C. Downie
Saturday, November 3, 2012
A Eunuch's View
A Eunuch's View
Handsome, big and strong is the outward impression; unable to physically function in a basic human union is the reality of a Eunuch's existence. By seemingly being castrated, the America we want to be, gains tarnish throughout the World when we flounder from a storm we often see hammering third World countries.
The wealthiest, with the most super powered military force ever assembled, and is the most longed for country to emigrate to, our own USA accepts these honors. Such honors should swell our chests and bring a whistle to our lips. Instead, after a half hour watching television which reflected the aftermath of the storm, Sandy, we seem to be no better off than those third world countries, in fact, we may be worse off since we expect more out of life then many third world citizens.
Mired in denial born of political trumping, the science of climate change has been brutalized by an inept congress where a group of ostrich acting legislators bury their heads in the sand as all deniers should. Can you hear them after Sandy, do you hear them swallowing their tongues ? We need a World led by scientists who evaluate by learning facts and then postulate alternatives based on the weight of those raw facts.
The eunuch, maimed early in life for purposes left unmentionable to those of us living today, is an apt metaphor for a country strong in politics but weak in governing. This limited soul was unable to procreate by passing on his genes so he is steeped in the theater of life not life itself. He's like the blowhard politician that can not pass up a
camera opportunity, slick and smiling, surrounded by pretty people, his props are his claim to fame. For sale to the highest bidder, this politician also is devoid of basic human values though his lacking is wholly self imposed.
America was, from its inception, a bastion of civilized government formulated for and by the people, for the good of the many by a few representing their portion of the whole. "We hold these truths to be self evident" was their clarion call. May our America of tomorrow free itself from the indignities of scoundrel politicians who put their personal benefit before the public's good. The days of the eunuch are long gone; the time of renewal is around the corner.
Ronald C. Downie
Handsome, big and strong is the outward impression; unable to physically function in a basic human union is the reality of a Eunuch's existence. By seemingly being castrated, the America we want to be, gains tarnish throughout the World when we flounder from a storm we often see hammering third World countries.
The wealthiest, with the most super powered military force ever assembled, and is the most longed for country to emigrate to, our own USA accepts these honors. Such honors should swell our chests and bring a whistle to our lips. Instead, after a half hour watching television which reflected the aftermath of the storm, Sandy, we seem to be no better off than those third world countries, in fact, we may be worse off since we expect more out of life then many third world citizens.
Mired in denial born of political trumping, the science of climate change has been brutalized by an inept congress where a group of ostrich acting legislators bury their heads in the sand as all deniers should. Can you hear them after Sandy, do you hear them swallowing their tongues ? We need a World led by scientists who evaluate by learning facts and then postulate alternatives based on the weight of those raw facts.
The eunuch, maimed early in life for purposes left unmentionable to those of us living today, is an apt metaphor for a country strong in politics but weak in governing. This limited soul was unable to procreate by passing on his genes so he is steeped in the theater of life not life itself. He's like the blowhard politician that can not pass up a
camera opportunity, slick and smiling, surrounded by pretty people, his props are his claim to fame. For sale to the highest bidder, this politician also is devoid of basic human values though his lacking is wholly self imposed.
America was, from its inception, a bastion of civilized government formulated for and by the people, for the good of the many by a few representing their portion of the whole. "We hold these truths to be self evident" was their clarion call. May our America of tomorrow free itself from the indignities of scoundrel politicians who put their personal benefit before the public's good. The days of the eunuch are long gone; the time of renewal is around the corner.
Ronald C. Downie
Thursday, November 1, 2012
The Hidden Gene
The Hidden Gene
You could say, over my three quarters of a century of living, I've seen more than a lifetime of Medieval
Age movies. Cowboy flicks may be my favorites, but the era of Kings and Queens always draws me in, so I spend too much time watching our European past in all its grandeur.
I've always wondered how a down trodden people, the surfs and common folks who often had to beg for food or for a roof over their heads, still held homage to their ruthless King who often starved them. There must be some hidden gene in ordinary people that drives them longingly into servitude. I've seen pictures of men belonging to a religious sect who march bareback through throngs of countrymen thrashing themselves on their bare backs with multi tipped whips to the point of severe bleeding. This display of self flagellation takes the idea of demeaning oneself before their own kind as an exultation elevating those in power to sort of being saints, anointing them and their surrogates into sainthood by their weird whipping actions.
The hidden gene concept must popup in various generations, in fact, it seems our generation must be prone for similar instincts. Kings and Queens and their extended court complete with jesters, in today's World, are in their realm as upper 1%R's free of financial cares, the embodiment of today's oligarchy. This present day aristocracy would never divulge the size of their treasury or the account numbers of off shore banks. They certainly would have multiple homes throughout the country. Their children may not be titled Dukes or Counts but they are no the less endowed by huge sums of money from the cradle. And, this newly begotten King and Queen, all powerful, surround themselves with a Court of made-up of followers smitten with a rouge gene lurching them into unquestionable servitude.
Common folk, at least about half of our fellow countrymen, posses some of the symptoms of this wayward gene which alters rational thought. How else could clear thinking people vote for the party made for and of the oligarchy. Ordinary canine conversation tells many tales of a dog owner kicking or whipping his dog only to have that abused dog seek to lick his owner's hand and leap to attention at his owner's command. Your vote, to these politicians, is like the dogs leap to attention, though the beating you got was subtle, it came in questionable advertising that shades the truth by altering comments and disguising falsehoods.
I imagine in the future humans will be at birth, as someone just suggested to me, impregnated with a chip that through devious programing find that all kinds of latent responses could be expected. Heaven help the backward party who discounts the insidious nature of the information generation. Heaven help the World and all the living who will be forced to live in it here.
Ronald C. Downie
You could say, over my three quarters of a century of living, I've seen more than a lifetime of Medieval
Age movies. Cowboy flicks may be my favorites, but the era of Kings and Queens always draws me in, so I spend too much time watching our European past in all its grandeur.
I've always wondered how a down trodden people, the surfs and common folks who often had to beg for food or for a roof over their heads, still held homage to their ruthless King who often starved them. There must be some hidden gene in ordinary people that drives them longingly into servitude. I've seen pictures of men belonging to a religious sect who march bareback through throngs of countrymen thrashing themselves on their bare backs with multi tipped whips to the point of severe bleeding. This display of self flagellation takes the idea of demeaning oneself before their own kind as an exultation elevating those in power to sort of being saints, anointing them and their surrogates into sainthood by their weird whipping actions.
The hidden gene concept must popup in various generations, in fact, it seems our generation must be prone for similar instincts. Kings and Queens and their extended court complete with jesters, in today's World, are in their realm as upper 1%R's free of financial cares, the embodiment of today's oligarchy. This present day aristocracy would never divulge the size of their treasury or the account numbers of off shore banks. They certainly would have multiple homes throughout the country. Their children may not be titled Dukes or Counts but they are no the less endowed by huge sums of money from the cradle. And, this newly begotten King and Queen, all powerful, surround themselves with a Court of made-up of followers smitten with a rouge gene lurching them into unquestionable servitude.
Common folk, at least about half of our fellow countrymen, posses some of the symptoms of this wayward gene which alters rational thought. How else could clear thinking people vote for the party made for and of the oligarchy. Ordinary canine conversation tells many tales of a dog owner kicking or whipping his dog only to have that abused dog seek to lick his owner's hand and leap to attention at his owner's command. Your vote, to these politicians, is like the dogs leap to attention, though the beating you got was subtle, it came in questionable advertising that shades the truth by altering comments and disguising falsehoods.
I imagine in the future humans will be at birth, as someone just suggested to me, impregnated with a chip that through devious programing find that all kinds of latent responses could be expected. Heaven help the backward party who discounts the insidious nature of the information generation. Heaven help the World and all the living who will be forced to live in it here.
Ronald C. Downie
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