24-01-2010, 09:22 PM
Ed Jewett Wrote:Bruce, somehow I missed your "entry" to DPF so let me extend now and here a hearty welcome. I too stopped voting some years ago, probably for similar reasons. I'd guess there are three elements with which some of us look at the range of topics covered here and elsewhere: 1) the simple, deep and detailed research to figure who did what to whom; 2) the ongoing monitoring of the world and news and op-ed to see what's going down now; and 3) having some discussion with someone somewhere as to what can be done about it. Many of the founders and principals at DPF are heavily into category #1 and, to a large extent, I'm not qualified to do much but read, try to follow along, and wash their coffee cups so they can keep working. My personal orientation tends to category #2, because of my initial interest in news, documentary film, and the like. Increasingly, I am moving into category #3 if only for my children and theirs. I don't hold out much hope for changing or stopping the inexorable trends we see through politics, petitioning, or -- alas -- even civil disobedience. There is something to be said for a discussion at the small-group local interpersonal level for figuring out how to sustain, survive (and I don't refer to militia-based survivalism) and thrive in a world gone mad and dominated by others. Category #3 is a topic for a different thread, even a different web site, as I'm not sure it's one in coherence with the intent and focus of the DPF founders. Even Category #2 might be outside the normal realm except as it pertains to the same sinister inputs, modes and methods. At any rate, welcome... Any meaningful, respectful discussion is valid because it is apparent that the powers that be don't even want us to know, read or discuss anything except that which meets with their approval.
Ed, This is a thought provoking post. I love your summary. And I hope that DPF is a place for "having some discussion with someone somewhere as to what can be done about" current problems. Speaking strictly for myself, I'd like to be more focused on solutions and action and strategy. Even if the odds of success are slim I think sustained effort is important, if for no other reason than to keep our souls from withering.