Weekend Update 07-23-2011

Another example of our “free enterprise” system at work. For shame.

The burgeoning inequality between the wealthiest 10% and everyone else in our country carries within it the seeds of our own destruction. Ironically, in their short-sighted greed, those who might appear to “benefit” from those policies are actually destroying the foundation of their own wealth. A few of them recognize that fact, but many don’t. I’m also appalled that so many Americans appear clueless about their consumption of government services.

Half of all food stamp recipients are children. 1 in 7 Americans are struggling to simply eat. As a desperately poor teen parent, I remember those days. They were no fun at all. From a historical perspective, I’ll also note that few things fuel revolution as quickly as when families see their children going hungry. I think Republicans should be forced to feed their families off food stamps for a month if they want to advocate further cuts in the program. It’s not the same as really being poor, but would at least give them a taste of it.

It seems like the only question left on the table at this point is whether we will relive 1931 or 1937. Truly, those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.

If Jesus is indeed the Truth, various Christian groups need to learn to try not to twist it.

The modern day GOP attitude toward Reagan reminds me a lot of a common Christian attitude regarding Jesus. They admire him a lot as long as they don’t actually have to do the things he said and did.

Mikko Hypponen’s TED talk below is well worth taking the time to watch. It’s about the growth of online crime and the implications that has for the Internet and even for our physical infrastructure.