This Week in History

[H2O Man]

“Strange days have found us …..”
-- Jim Morrison


It’s been a strange week. First came the State of the Union address, by President Obama. I though his presentation ranked high. I believe that he is planning to take some bold actions during his remaining time in office, including on the environment.

A potential confrontation with Iran was avoided, causing great distress and suffering among republicans.

The republican debate was troubling. I am concerned that Donald Trump could actually be declared the winner of the November election.

Last night, the SONY movie channel played two old “cult classics” from a distant past: “Billy Jack,” followed by “The Trial of Billy Jack.”

Then I watched the season-opener of “Real Time” on HBO. Bill Maher’s first guest was Al Gore. As others have posted, Maher also requested his audience’s support in petitioning President Obama to come onto his show.

Today, President Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry made the history books regarding relations with Iran.


Like many people, I like President Obama. I wish he had taken a different approach during his presidency on a number of issues. This includes a couple extremely important things. Still, I think that he has made an honest effort to do the best that he can.

I think that there are not only a lot of freaks who hate President Obama, including those who support the various republicans who participated in both levels of this week’s debate. More, I think there are other forces at play, beneath the surface of our culture, as seen on tv. Some of these would go go great lengths, even to try to create crises that could derail President Obama’s efforts.

In ways, flicks like “Billy Jack” are dated. In other ways, they attempt to send a good message that might be as important today, as it was when they were first released.

In today’s socio-political reality, two large groups of citizens have awoken. They are like siblings, with one being angry and hostile, and the other being rational and hopeful. It’s the tea party and the social justice folks. We occupy the same structure, but our world-views are very different.

The social justice folks have to keep on fighting that Good Fight. Our ranks are expanding. We face opposition in many forms, but we can do this. We can make the world a better place.

My three Erich Fromm books arrived today ……

Peace,
H2O Man

[Bluenorthwest]

1. Tom Laughlin who starred in and made the Billy Jack movies was a very interesting man and

his wife Delores who is still living and was also in those films is no slouch herself. Tom ran for President a few times, started a Montessori school, all sorts of things. Great people.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

2. My dear H20 Man...

We can make the world a better place. Indeed, we must. I believe that our survival depends on doing this.



I remember Erich Fromm; I have his book "The Art of Loving." It is a remarkable read. Reading it helped me decide to love and marry my husband. I say "decide" because it is a decision and not a "falling in" sort of thing. I decided that I respect him and respect is the true basis of love. If you don't respect your partner, then you shouldn't marry that person.


Thank you for your excellent post!

[lunatica]

3. I've been keenly aware of witnessing important history this week

I've always been very glad to have 'witnessed' history that has made our modern world what it is. And so far I seem to be on the right side of it. We Boomers have definitely lived in interesting times, especially in terms of human rights in our country and other countries with the Civil Rights movement and legislation. What a lot of people think 'just is' now was not the case within a mere lifetime ago. Strangely enough, I'm grateful to be alive now because what's happening now (for the last 25 years and more) is a pivotal time for our future history. Even climate change is now taken seriously.

Interesting times indeed!