I know it sounds like I am complaining but think of my blog as both a personal expression and a doorway into the minds of the average working person (like I am average?!?) who might be suffering this holiday season.

I really had intended this blog to be less personal and more universal.

I Think that many Americans must feel as I describe above. Trussed up and on ones back, well, let me count the ways...

It is posable that so many of us are big on ideas but poor in execution. Some of my most gratifying experiences were when I was giving rather then taking; the hand full of volunteer work I was involved with. I can not tell you why I chose to lay in bed until 10 am.

Half way through my first cup of coffee the idea of masks, turkey, Halloween, and stuffing just popped into my mind.

M. Paul

After reading your blog I am slightly ashamed of the one I was working on for the last hour. Yours made me imagine Mr. Lane lying there in the dark under a layer of blankets because he had no electricity, no forced air heat, no lights in the barn, and no internet to commune with his fellow farmers. Thankful indeed.

M. Paul

I am afraid I know as well; I hope I am wrong.

All our ideas are both unique and universal. Screw them if they can not find a truth in our enigmatic musings; none need an explanation. If we touch others with emotional ideas then the concrete can not be dismissed as easy. It is a human touch in our interactions which will grow roots to feed our needs.

M. Paul

I must agree with you on the media culture going sour; good for pancakes or beer but a little rough for distilling, " impartial investigative efforts"

I wish there was a sane way to modify our media that did not infringe on first amendment rights. Sync is looking to us for answers and all I have are more questions.

M. Paul

From the first Gore article you linked:

"The most important change that made this transformation possible is something that is hard to describe in words. Our way of thinking changed. The earth itself began to occupy our thoughts. Somehow, it became no longer acceptable to participate in activities that harmed the integrity of the global environment..."

I wish I could tell how I made the personal transformation. Then I could find a way to help others see the light. It just makes sense for me to live in a 516 square foot house. Off the grid I use only the most energy efficient stuff. Sure the power is twenty feet from my door but I just do not need it for my personal dwelling. State of mind? More than that. I think one must see the destruction first hand and also understand the level of non-sustainability in our west/east coast mega-cities; not to mention the destruction going on in the rest of the world.

Al Gore: I was politically disconnected at the time he was running for office but all the chatter that flew my way was negative; only I was in a place where no one was there to refute the nonsense. I have been hearing more and more about the man and admire his unwavering stand against the ignorance associated with the global warming denier faction/corporation.

M. Paul

It is your," merge some reason", which seems to you and me as a rational means to responsive government that is in this day and age problematic. It is the wedge driven by a news cycle and bored Americans staring it there televisions that is driving senseless issues and fabricated ideologies: death squads, Sara et al, emigration and borders, black and white, your womb and mine...

I want a rational Revolution, all right! Yet I fear our history will be forced down the pathway of fear.

I am sure what we are doing right here and right now is a part of the solution. We just have to keep at it however jaded we become.

M. PAUL

I would guess a big change is coming but not from the left. Most likely from the center/right as it rejects the far right tea bagger crowd. it could be good but it might be bad. We could call it the Center.

I am not saying I like it but it could have the power to wring the neck of our corporate government.

Right now there are still too many comfortable americans for any form of real political revolution. It could be after the banks fall from their next bubble or say 25% unemployment; that might shake us up enough to ask our legislators to get off their proverbial bottom side.

M. Paul

I think it is vary vary important for men to speak up on issues regarding women; of course just as important to listen.

My last blog here was about Stupak. http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/talk/blogs/m_paul/2009/11/stupaks-wedge-god-what-an-abor.php

Think of us guys as the white men and women seen marching with King back in the day.

M. Paul

I bee-lieav!

M. Paul