"We Can Work It Out"

"life is very short and there's no time for fussing and fighting my friend" - The Beatles

So, the F-22 Raptor program was cut today, effectively handing over future air superiority to the Russians and likely China. History has shown that those who win wars, successfully defeat invaders, and remain thriving nation-states are the ones who have the better technology. The cavemen from the river kept the cliff-dwelling cavemen from stealing their food, cave-drawing chalk, and mammoth-hide underwear thanks to their development of the hollowed-out-massive-turtle shield. Oh, but I'm sure it probably wasn't very "fair" of them to have all that food or chalk or underwear while the poor cliff-dwellers went without.

North Korea launched their little ballistic missile the other day. Fun times. Meanwhile, our nation's Missile Defense Shield has been axed. Yeah. We don't need defense from missiles. Especially not when such trustworthy and admirable nations as North Korea have them.

The European Union has mandated that all emails and websites visited on every single computer in its countries must be archived. (apparently they already do this for phone calls) In a bold strike for that classic (and under duress) American ideal of "rugged individualism" the Swedes have decided to completely ignore this edict. At least one European country hasn't totally bought-in to the one world government idea. I find it interesting that the folks who hated the idea of the US tapping phone-lines and internet communications of suspected terrorists a few years ago are typically big fans of the EU (and/or the ethos that Europeans know what's best for all of us) and yet here's the EU being a big, scary, personal-privacy-devouring monster.

Speaking of one world government.....the fire-sale continues on America's sovereignty. For those youthful voters out there, this is the concept that our nation decides its own laws and cannot be controlled, dictated to, or shackled by another nation or group of nations. Yet that appears to be just what we are allowing to happen. Slowly and surely and sickeningly. Now someone other than the US government will be dictating the financial rules our country uses in our banking industry. Agreeing to international legislation that allows an international body to govern all bankings firms - even those in the US - does not sound like protecting American sovereignty to me. Sounds like...gutting it.

Hmm...what other joyful things are happening in the world...

Here's a quality I feel all leaders must have. Whether that leader is the CEO of a corporation, manager of a sports team, a Cub Scout leader, or the head of a nation -- they should always portray their organization in a positive light. As the head of that organization it is their JOB to be the world's biggest supporter, cheerleader, advocate, and defender of that organization! A leader is not going to be successful and is certainly not helping his/her organization by pointing out all the negative aspects of that organization when they are out and about in the public eye. I certainly don't want my Cub Scout leaders or Caveman chiefs going to tribal councils and saying "you know what, we're not very good, you guys are better than us and should tell us what to do."

Oh. I suppose the term caveman is offensive. The PC police will be out to get me.

If humanity survives long enough into the coming centuries (and is not too hindered by global war and tyranny) I foresee an eventual migration of Pilgrim-like "rugged" individuals to Mars. A group of oppressed people united by their desire for freedom and equality and seeking to escape tyrannical and/or fascist rule. People seeking religious freedom, the right to keep the fruits of their labor, and holding to the idea that there ARE such things as right and wrong - not moral relativism and justification for any and all misdeeds. Colonies will be established and eventually break away from their distant and totalitarian would-be masters. A New World will rise and become the beacon of liberty and opportunity, like America long before. And other nations will be jealous and spiteful and envious of the great things that the Martian nation embodies. But after a time, history will repeat itself again, and the people of Mars will grow apathetic and disconnected. Minds who thirst for power and control will find a way to sow their seeds, translating their message into whatever disguise is required to bring the pendulum back in their direction. The Martians will give away their freedom, just as the generations before them through all time have done. And thunderous applause and greedy smiles will snuff out the beacon of lady liberty. But though the pendulum may linger a bit longer on one side for a time, it will always find a way back.