Save the children!

Here's a good'un :-) This post struck my fancy because of the focus on Chinese involvement in the arms trade. Primarily, my research has brought up lots of criticism of the United States' role in the international arms market, and so it was somewhat refreshing to be reminded that we aren't the only ones responsible for aiding genocide. This piece focuses specifically on Sudan and the arms China is pumping into the Darfur region. It also suggests attending a protest (if anyone's in NYC on the 30th, hit it up) of China's actions to promote peace in the area. The blog post made rather drastic claims that China was virtually the only country with the power to make a significant dent in the genocide occurring in Darfur, which conflicts with much of the information I've gathered over the semester. Although I was surprised to learn that China is the chief importer of arms into Sudan, I know the United States and many other "responsible" governments are fueling the fire quite substantially. Either way, it was intriguing to see the accosting of another country for a matter America catches so much flack...flak...flaque... criticism for. I just hope this blogger hasn't been so blinded by China's role that they forget America is far more culpable in the big picture. But 'tevs. Read the piece if you feel so inclined, not only for the interesting rhetoric, but also because it's an important matter you should all be versed on. In fact, after reading this excerpt and having your appetites whetted, you should probably all read my submissions to become more so versed on the issue. They're on blackboard. Read them, revise them, make worthwhile comments and alterations, compose a five page paper on the issue of arms dealing that takes a side and bolsters your claim with facts and evidence, throw in some moral reasoning for kicks and giggles, and send me a hard copy. It will do you good... and probably help stop genocide in Darfur. In conclusion: The Chinese love genocide, and if you don't want to see African babies die in the thousands, you should due my Submission Three for me... stat...

...I was born in a small town...

Growing up in a small town in West Texas, the idea of class was always one prevalent around my home. We were--as best as I can tell--Middle Class, and moderately well off; however, my father's work drew him close to many affluent clients. Ergo, I was constantly associating with people from the "Upper Class." As a youngster, I would rarely notice a difference between myself and my wealthier friends, but eventually I began to see a few inconsistencies. The name-brand clothes they would wear, the homes they lived in, and eventually the cars they drove all presented a dramatic contrast to the lifestyle I had grown to know and love. It also didn't help that my father's brother (who had a child in my grade) was a huge oilman and one of the wealthiest cats in town. I always felt like I was from a lower class than many of my friends and for a while I was very self-conscious about keeping up with the Jones' so to speak...

In retrospect, I was a very stupid kid for concerning myself over these things, as now I realize how well off I was in comparison to most. Something about a small town atmosphere makes you feel tragically aware of and concerned with social position. The nature of my hometown led to a prodigious amount of gossip and an unspeakably efficient grapevine. With everyone knowing every one's business, the amount of money you had was essentially common knowledge. In subtle ways, it was a remarkably snobby city; one where people were judged based on their class and income. There was little intermingling amongst the groups, but I rarely considered this anything other than the norm. Old families with old money also played an important role in structuring the top tier of society. They were the chief instigators of class prejudice--often tied to racial prejudice.

Mr. Smith Goes to Town on Chomsky's Bogus Ideas

James Stewart: Just get up off the ground, that's all I ask. Get up there with that lady that's up on top of this Capitol dome, that lady that stands for liberty. Take a look at this country through her eyes if you really want to see something. And you won't just see scenery; you'll see the whole parade of what Man's carved out for himself, after centuries of fighting. Fighting for something better than just jungle law, fighting so's he can stand on his own two feet, free and decent, like he was created, no matter what his race, color, or creed. That's what you'd see. There's no place out there for graft, or greed, or lies, or compromise with human liberties. And, uh, if that's what the grownups have done with this world that was given to them, then we'd better get those boys' camps started fast and see what the kids can do. And it's not too late, because this country is bigger than the Taylors, or you, or me, or anything else. Great principles don't get lost once they come to light. They're right here; you just have to see them again!
Me: Damn straight!


Though I'm something of an idealist and hopeless optimist, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington is my favorite movie of all time, simply because of the compelling and inspiring portrayal of the American legislative system. The movie chronicles an everyman who--through dramatically unrealistic means--becomes appointed to the Senate where he seeks to end the corruption of a political machine he uncovers. Frank Capra shows us that although the system may be somewhat corrupt, there is hope for the common man.

What does this have to do with anything... Well, this introduces my opinion on the matter; that yes, there are strikingly powerful people in this country, with more money and influence than any of us dare to imagine, yet I don't believe that there is any elusive "power elite" who chuckle and chortle as they conspire to undermine the common man. No, no, my friends... While there are varying levels of income and political clout to various politicians, officials, CEOs, corporations, etc, they are not controlling the political system as we know it. Some of these entities are good, others are bad. Some are right, some are Republican. Ultimately, however, they are competing against each other, not conspiring against us, trying to impose their respective political ideologies on the other and the American public. This serves as a system of checks and balances against each other. Sure, it sucks that sometimes we lesser folks can get caught up in the ebb and flow of all of this, but that is just the way of the world. If there was a "power elite" of bureaucratic superstars would their intentions not be outed by people of similar stature but differing opinion? Would these elite go through so much effort to maintain the facade of democracy simply to sate the masses? Do you, like I, prematurely skip to the next paragraph when bored by a string of rhetorical questions?

There will always be Walmarts and the like, but before you condemn these evil corporations as enemies of the people, stop and evaluate a few things. First, note what Chris (not me, Chris Duke... I'm not so arrogant as to speak of myself in third person... except in the title of this posting) was saying in class today. Though Sam Walton probably doesn't give two flips for the old man greeting people at his doors, or the high school drop-out smoking dope in the break room, he is a brilliant man. He turned his Five and Dime in the boonies of Arkansas into one of the most successful corporations in history. Also, nota bene, yes Walmart promotes poor labor standards and has a deplorable field record in terms of product quality; however, millions of low-income Americans can purchase food, clothing, home wares, and other essentials on their budget thanks to this retailer.

I like to believe that our government is not composed of the elite hypothesized by Chomsky, and I'd also like to see Foucault hit him over the head with a copy of Histoire de la Sexualité. But I suppose there's no way of knowing for sure, yet if I'm wrong... England, ho! Free medical care and fish & chips!

Round Two

Sorry all for the confusion... this should be my blogspot from now on... God willing...