Most Americans have little or no awareness of what is going on in the rest of the world. Nightly News on the major networks ignores all but a scant few stories, and in covering those, focuses only on the impact to Americans. It is as if America is reality and the rest of the world is simply background noise. The nightly BBC News is far more dilligent in reporting World News, but there too, many important developments are often ignored.
How is it possible to effectively function in the world if we are completely ignorant of it? This is a question that we all need to ask ourselves. Unless we demand actual News instead of the nightly Infotainment now being passed off as News, we are doomed to slip further and further away from understanding the world we live in. The Internet gives us a wider access to information, but not necessarily in English. Because Americans for the most part, are monlingual, if it isn't in English, we can't and don't read it, further isolating ourselves from the rest of the world.
Popular Internet News Aggregators like the Huffington Post do a good job on U.S. political News, but are woefully inadequate in their coverage of World News, in fact thir entire World News section fall far short by any realistic standard of journalism. Entire continents are summarily ignored, with only an occassional cursory reference framed in how it impacts American interests.
It is no wonder that American students are so woefully ignorant of basic geography and even the names of other nations. Sure we occassionally rally round disaster in places like Haiti or Chili, but we soon loose interest as the reality of the situations begin to sink in and the headlines stop, leaving scant if any coverage at all after a week or two. How does America expect to function in a World that it does not even acknowledge?.
Basic World literacy must be aquired if we expect to prosper as a nation in the 21st cenbtury and beyond. Our current Information blackout of the rest of the World does not serve us well, and will become an increasing liability over the next several decades if we do not wake up and get connected. The entire World is in flux and changing rapidly, just as the U.S. is changing.
Europe is galvanizing it's strength as the EU comes into its own. China and India are growing rapidly as their populations shift from rural farming to urban wage based populations. Capitalism and entepreneurship are spreading around the world, and the U.S. is still asleep at the switch. Africa is being ravaged by AIDS, Malaria and other diseases, as well as grinding poverty and corrupt governments. China is moving to take advantage of these conditions and is rapidly expanding their interests in both Africa and Latin America. Did you hear about any of this on the Nightly World News? I doubt it.
The time has come for us to demand actual News from the News. I urge you to write, call, e-mail and blog about the need for Real News, because if we do not, the consequences of our inattention will be a disater. We will have no one to blame but ourselves, because, this iis a disaster we could have easily avoided, but we were too complacent or lazy to address the problem.
The irony of this situation is that if the average U.S. citizen became more aware of the rest of the World and paid attention to what is going on the World, things would improve for America. We would be far more popular in the World, and far better prepeared to roll with and benefit form the many changes that will inevitably come as the World remakes itself in the 21st century..
Friday, March 19, 2010
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Memories of a long ago St. Patricks Day . . .
Forty-eight years ago today, a young girl and her two friends ran out into the street at South Boston's St. Patrick's Day Parade to shake the hand of Senator Ted Kennedy. That girl was me, and my friends Sara and Katie were as amazed as I was to see our encounter with Senator Kennedy in a photo on the front page of the Boston Globe. Being Irish kids from Massachusetts, this was a very big deal for high school girls like us.
Although my family knew the Kennedy's and Tip O'Neill was a familiar face in my life, being my friend Kathy's uncle, and a regular visitor to her folk's seaside summer house, but, meeting Senator Kennedy on our own was quite a thrill. Living on what was called "the Irish Riviera" made prominent politicians a common sight in the 1950s and 1960s. There is something quite wonderful about being Irish on St. Patrick's Day in Boston, New York or Chicago. The outpouring of Irish Pride is a sight to behold, especially when you consider that many millions of Americans are at least part Irish. And as they say, on St. Patrick's Day, everyone is Irish. Green beer, hot crossed buns, corn beef and cabbage fills the air, Leprechauns and pots of gold fill the imagination, and the soft lilt of brogues, both real and affected tickle the ear, it is a grand, grand, day! Erin go Bragh!
So here I am, these many years later, thinking about Ted Kennedy and the struggle to pass Health Care Reform that is currently set to be voted on in just a few days. Health Care for All Americans is a goal Senator Ted Kennedy worked toward his entire adult life. It is impossible to think of Health Care Reform without thinking of Teddy and his many contributions. In 1962, I was starstruck by a tall, young, Senator Ted Kennedy. Today, I am just deeply grateful that he chose to spend his life in service to the American people. There will never be a St. Patrick's Day when Senator Kennedy will not be in my thoughts, as I remember his life and work, with sincere gratitude.
Thanks Teddy
Although my family knew the Kennedy's and Tip O'Neill was a familiar face in my life, being my friend Kathy's uncle, and a regular visitor to her folk's seaside summer house, but, meeting Senator Kennedy on our own was quite a thrill. Living on what was called "the Irish Riviera" made prominent politicians a common sight in the 1950s and 1960s. There is something quite wonderful about being Irish on St. Patrick's Day in Boston, New York or Chicago. The outpouring of Irish Pride is a sight to behold, especially when you consider that many millions of Americans are at least part Irish. And as they say, on St. Patrick's Day, everyone is Irish. Green beer, hot crossed buns, corn beef and cabbage fills the air, Leprechauns and pots of gold fill the imagination, and the soft lilt of brogues, both real and affected tickle the ear, it is a grand, grand, day! Erin go Bragh!
So here I am, these many years later, thinking about Ted Kennedy and the struggle to pass Health Care Reform that is currently set to be voted on in just a few days. Health Care for All Americans is a goal Senator Ted Kennedy worked toward his entire adult life. It is impossible to think of Health Care Reform without thinking of Teddy and his many contributions. In 1962, I was starstruck by a tall, young, Senator Ted Kennedy. Today, I am just deeply grateful that he chose to spend his life in service to the American people. There will never be a St. Patrick's Day when Senator Kennedy will not be in my thoughts, as I remember his life and work, with sincere gratitude.
Thanks Teddy
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Jobs, Finding One or Creating One . . .
The jobs outlook for 2010 remains dim and it may get even dimmer. Companies have re-engineered themselves and in the process, have discovered that they can operate just as well or better, with a smaller work force. This is a realization that was going to come even without the recession, because technology over the past 20 years has radically shifted the needs and capabilities of most businesses. While this appears to be bad news for the work force, it may not be in the long term.
Never in the past 50 years has it been as easy for a person to start and run a business as a one or two person venture as it is today. Even service related businesses can outsource labor to local subcontractors and the self-employed. Thereby spreading jobs and income more efficiently, causing the businesses to prosper. .
Many of today's long term unemployed will find themselves faced with the choice of continueing to be unemployed or face reality and start a business. Fortunately, the Internet provides and endless source of free information and education that can make this doable, even by those with no prior experience, if they are committed to succeeding.. The drop in real estate prices and the closure of many businesses will make many commercial rentals far more affordable than they have been in decades, as landlords will be motivated to fill their vacancies.
All across America we will see small, local businesses and entepreneurs begin to fill needs and niches with new kinds of businesses. In many cases there will be a revival of many old style businesses. We as a nation have becomed mired in a web of local regulations that have made it difficult to bootstrap one person businesses, this will change somewhat, out of necessity. Americans at all income levels will downsize their economic expectations and demands for the superfluous. This is a good thing, because we had gotten way out of hand, and it was killing us, individually and as a nation.
Our days of rampant consumption are drawing to a close, by necessity, and with them, there will be an abandonment of the "just throw it ot and get a new one", mentality that has been the hallmark of the Amrerican consumer for the past forty years. As Americans relearn how to "make do", there will be an increased need for "fix it shops", handymen, and repair people of all types. Seamstresses, cooks, home economists, and others with practical skills will again be in demand.
Due to the new trend in frugality that America will experience, a whole host of businesses will grow up to support our desire to preserve what we have, and use what we have wisely. By the time this recession is over, there will be a new generatrion that won't even remember the overwhelming excesses of their parent's and grandparents' generations.
All in all, the pain that America is going through now, may eventually save us as a culture, as people and as an economy.
Never in the past 50 years has it been as easy for a person to start and run a business as a one or two person venture as it is today. Even service related businesses can outsource labor to local subcontractors and the self-employed. Thereby spreading jobs and income more efficiently, causing the businesses to prosper. .
Many of today's long term unemployed will find themselves faced with the choice of continueing to be unemployed or face reality and start a business. Fortunately, the Internet provides and endless source of free information and education that can make this doable, even by those with no prior experience, if they are committed to succeeding.. The drop in real estate prices and the closure of many businesses will make many commercial rentals far more affordable than they have been in decades, as landlords will be motivated to fill their vacancies.
All across America we will see small, local businesses and entepreneurs begin to fill needs and niches with new kinds of businesses. In many cases there will be a revival of many old style businesses. We as a nation have becomed mired in a web of local regulations that have made it difficult to bootstrap one person businesses, this will change somewhat, out of necessity. Americans at all income levels will downsize their economic expectations and demands for the superfluous. This is a good thing, because we had gotten way out of hand, and it was killing us, individually and as a nation.
Our days of rampant consumption are drawing to a close, by necessity, and with them, there will be an abandonment of the "just throw it ot and get a new one", mentality that has been the hallmark of the Amrerican consumer for the past forty years. As Americans relearn how to "make do", there will be an increased need for "fix it shops", handymen, and repair people of all types. Seamstresses, cooks, home economists, and others with practical skills will again be in demand.
Due to the new trend in frugality that America will experience, a whole host of businesses will grow up to support our desire to preserve what we have, and use what we have wisely. By the time this recession is over, there will be a new generatrion that won't even remember the overwhelming excesses of their parent's and grandparents' generations.
All in all, the pain that America is going through now, may eventually save us as a culture, as people and as an economy.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Sanity Returning . . .
The vocal and vicious partisanship that has gripped our political system seems to be winding down a bit, at least for the moment. It is as if everyone shouted and blustered until they were all blustered out. This lull is a welcome break from the frenzied, bitter feelings on both sides. Everyone said what they had to say and now the air is beginning to clear a little. Everyone knows where they stand and perhaps it is possible to move on to actual dialogue and cooperation.
This has been an interesting period, because so many average Americans have come forward to voice their views, hopes, frustrations and fears. After decades of keeping a tight lid on our public emotions, it was actually refreshing, and I think liberating. When things are actually spoken aloud they are much easier to examine, reconsider and understand in new ways. Not since the 1960s have Americans been this vocal about the things that bother them.
Perhaps now, we can sit down together and find some common ground and actually address some of the problems we face as a society and as individuals. Once all the wild emotions are spent, all that is left is the reality of what we think and feel, and these things can be worked through and worked out. Of course things will heat up again as we navigate our way through health care and financial reform, but the levels of hostility and emotional outrage are not likely to reach the level they were at just weeks ago, our rage energy has been spent.
So here we go . . . moving on, a little less like petulant children than we have been in recent months.
This has been an interesting period, because so many average Americans have come forward to voice their views, hopes, frustrations and fears. After decades of keeping a tight lid on our public emotions, it was actually refreshing, and I think liberating. When things are actually spoken aloud they are much easier to examine, reconsider and understand in new ways. Not since the 1960s have Americans been this vocal about the things that bother them.
Perhaps now, we can sit down together and find some common ground and actually address some of the problems we face as a society and as individuals. Once all the wild emotions are spent, all that is left is the reality of what we think and feel, and these things can be worked through and worked out. Of course things will heat up again as we navigate our way through health care and financial reform, but the levels of hostility and emotional outrage are not likely to reach the level they were at just weeks ago, our rage energy has been spent.
So here we go . . . moving on, a little less like petulant children than we have been in recent months.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Walking Through Life . . .
Life is an amazing journey that we each walk in our own way. There are as many different paths through life as there are people. I decided to share a few things here that I have learned on my own journey. We all have wisdom to share, but too often, we keep the most important lessons to ourselves. I hope you find some of these insuights helpful.
Things change all the time. Big things, little things, inconsequential things and important thing, always changing, always in flux. The biggest challenges we face are recognizing the signs of change and being flexible enough, alive enough, to allow change to roll over us without crushing us. It is human nature to cling to what is familiar, but it isn't always the best thing to do.
Living, fully living, requires that we are willing to make decisions as necessary. Situations come up all the time that we feel totally unprepared to deal with, that is just the nature of life. In some ways, we have been raised with Fairy Tale hopes and expectations of life. Too often, we are unprepared or unwilling to face the harsher realities of life, even when they are right in front of us. This is a huge mistake, because we can have Fairy Tale happiness, but to do so, we much be willing to face life on life's terms, with courage, tenacity, and an open spirit.
Things change all the time. Big things, little things, inconsequential things and important thing, always changing, always in flux. The biggest challenges we face are recognizing the signs of change and being flexible enough, alive enough, to allow change to roll over us without crushing us. It is human nature to cling to what is familiar, but it isn't always the best thing to do.
Living, fully living, requires that we are willing to make decisions as necessary. Situations come up all the time that we feel totally unprepared to deal with, that is just the nature of life. In some ways, we have been raised with Fairy Tale hopes and expectations of life. Too often, we are unprepared or unwilling to face the harsher realities of life, even when they are right in front of us. This is a huge mistake, because we can have Fairy Tale happiness, but to do so, we much be willing to face life on life's terms, with courage, tenacity, and an open spirit.
Tipping Point
We are living in a time when many things are shifting and changing rapidly, the once solid ground under our feet has turned into a field of jello. Staying on our feet and maintaining our balance takes a lot of effort and skill. It isn't just you, it is the times we live in. Once, not so long ago, Americans were more sure of who they were and where they were going, as individuals and as a country. We were more secure, more prosperous, and more complacent. But that was then, and this is now. Today, we are scrambling with finances, challenges and persoanl and national identity.
Scary as they may be, these are necessary times, because while we were sleeping . . . the world around us changed, and we hardly noticed. We have gotten a wake up call, and how well we answer it will affect the rest our lives, our children's lives and grandchildrens lives.
Whether you like President Obama or not, you should be grateful that we have a President who "gets it". The sense of urgency with which he is taking on big issues like health care, financial reform, education and terrorism, are all necessary, and their reform is necessary NOW. There is no time to waste, no time to bicker or play politics, because while we do, the EU, China, India, Russia and Latin America are moving forward and eyeing our piece of the pie. Granted our piece of the pie is too big, and some reduction in its size is both necessary and unavoidable, that is just a fact. But, unless we want to left with only crumbs, it is time to wake up and start making smart decisions, not partisan, delusional or childish ones.
It is time to demand that our representatives, businesses and financial institutions wake up too. No matter what your political affilliation, work for change and cooperate with others working for change, because the alternative is too depressing to contemplate. If we allow ourselves to stay mired in our petty, partisan, bickering, the world will pass us by, and our children will wake up to a world where the U.S. is irrelevant.
So, let's stop hitting the snooze button and get up, get dressed and start acting like adults, not bickering children. We must start making the hard decisions that are necessary to put the U.S. back on a solid footing.
Scary as they may be, these are necessary times, because while we were sleeping . . . the world around us changed, and we hardly noticed. We have gotten a wake up call, and how well we answer it will affect the rest our lives, our children's lives and grandchildrens lives.
Whether you like President Obama or not, you should be grateful that we have a President who "gets it". The sense of urgency with which he is taking on big issues like health care, financial reform, education and terrorism, are all necessary, and their reform is necessary NOW. There is no time to waste, no time to bicker or play politics, because while we do, the EU, China, India, Russia and Latin America are moving forward and eyeing our piece of the pie. Granted our piece of the pie is too big, and some reduction in its size is both necessary and unavoidable, that is just a fact. But, unless we want to left with only crumbs, it is time to wake up and start making smart decisions, not partisan, delusional or childish ones.
It is time to demand that our representatives, businesses and financial institutions wake up too. No matter what your political affilliation, work for change and cooperate with others working for change, because the alternative is too depressing to contemplate. If we allow ourselves to stay mired in our petty, partisan, bickering, the world will pass us by, and our children will wake up to a world where the U.S. is irrelevant.
So, let's stop hitting the snooze button and get up, get dressed and start acting like adults, not bickering children. We must start making the hard decisions that are necessary to put the U.S. back on a solid footing.
blog articles and content Copyright Granny Root 2010
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