Pay Attention! The World Is Going On.

Beyond Concerts and Sports.

Published on August 29, 2004 By Insightful In Current Events

There are events taking place on our planet that are kind of important and most people don't seem to be paying attention.

1.) North Korea has a nuclear program, and has the capabilities to hit our west coast, but we attacked Iraq. Why was that?

2.) The U.S. is despised through-out most of the world. Why?

3.) China's economy is growing at a frantic pace as well as their thirst for oil. How might that effect our economy? Could their growth be at our expense?

4.) There's the, Jobless Recovery, and the evaporation of manufacturing jobs in this country.

5.) Is the Global Economy helping us or hurting us?

These are just a few examples of events taking place today. Any one of the above subjects are, articles/essays, unto themselves. But today, I wish to relate to the whole, rather then the parts.

Go to a Starbucks or your favorite hang and what are folks talking about?
"Hey! I got tickets to the, Dave Matthews Concert."
Or, "did you see the game between, so and so?"
The next time you get together with some friends, just sit back and observe what the topic of the conversations are.

Now try to bring up an important subject and see what happens. They might humor you for a few minutes but, they soon will return to there discussions about nothing. Well nothing that really matters anyway.

Is it that people just don't wish to deal with the real world or what? Are we so caught up in our own little fish bowls, that we can not see beyond the rim?

Please, I understand that entertainment is important to our lives. It's true that balance is necessary in order to remain centered.
But information is important too and unless we begin learning and discussing on what's going on;...........
well let me leave that conclusion to your imagination, should you dare use it?
Yes, I myself have real disussions with people involved with "major" current events.
My plight here, is to invite a very large number of you that are not involved. "It's Kind Of Important!"

Comments

Angloesque

on Aug 30, 2004

Hmm. The idea about conversations you hear doesn't ring true to me. My friends and I discuss world poltiics all the time, though that will vary from person to person depending on the type of friends they surround themselves with. And I was just at Starbucks this a.m. and heard people talking about the presidential election....

At the same time, I think point #2 needs to be addressed pronto.

Madine

on Aug 30, 2004

1. I don't think that it has been confirmed that they currently can hit the west coast. One reason for attacking Iraq as opposed to N Korea is the judgement that a diplomatic solution to Iraq was not possible. Do you think we should have attacked North Korea?

2. Most of Western Europe and the Middle East yes, but most of the world? Is there widespread anti-US sentiment in Japan, India, or Brazil?

3. Oil prices will probably go higher, although they will probably go down first, as oil is very expensive right now. Maybe more people will think seriously about fuel-efficient vehicles.

4. This is a DNC talking point. Our recent recovery is not jobless. Manufacturing jobs have been "evaporating" since the 1960s, although for 2004 we actually gained manufacturing jobs.

5. Helping. The US is the world's largest exporter.

Insightful

on Sep 02, 2004

Angloest
First of all, allow me to thank you for your reply. Obviously you are hanging with folks that are in touch with the world in which we live. That's a good thing.

Regarding your Starbucks experience, with the G.O.P. Convention going on, as we speak, I'm not surprised that people are talking politics.
But two weeks after the "Superbowl", how many people are still talking Football?

Our World does not have a pre-season, the main season, and a play-off. It simply continues to evolve. I hear people all the time that say, "well that's the way it is and I can't do anything about."
(Beeeeeuuuuuuu & Boooooohoooooo) "Let me wipe the tears from my eyes."

Well of course they are right, for as long as they sit on their
dairiares, << Get up off the couch and go vote your conscience.

I'm glad to see that you're in touch and have your finger on the pulse our world today.

Thanks again.

Insightful

on Sep 02, 2004

Madine
You and I can debate issues until the cows come home. It's apparent to me that you are well read and at least have an opinion and "you know, "what time it is."
Congratulations! You are a member of the minority.

I was merely throwing several topics out there as an example to stimulate some "thought," and trolling for the uninformed; that there are real issues taking place in our World, with real consequences.

Ever try to interject a relevant issue on a particular topic and have some of your audience go, "huh!" ?????

Now we can ignore these events and make believe they are not really happening, and then of course be surprised when the consequences come due.

"Oops!" "How did that happen?"

Or, we can "Pay Attention" and use some creativity to find a tolerable solution.

I am the first to admit to the fact that, "I am not right all the time".
I do not debate for the purpose of winning, as many folks do. (not all)
I learn from the discussions. If people would keep and open mind and listen to what the other person has to say, instead of what they are going to regurgitate next,
they might actually learn something that they didn't know before.

But I do hope that my article moves some people to take notice and become aware of the world we share

Thank You for your reply. I truly appreciate your comment, even though I still disagree with a couple of your statements.

But tha't ok! At least you have an opinion.

Have a Super day and be well.

Muggaz

on Sep 02, 2004

Some people just dont like to talk about poverty, politics, religion etc. because there is no right or wrong, arguments often ensue, and political and religious beleifs can certainly ostracise people from their group of friends...

I am considered amongst the intellectuals of my group of friends, and I just cant talk politics or religions or socio-ecconomic trends with them because they dont want to hear what I have to say, because it generally brings the mood down.

It's not that people dont care, it's just that when we talk about these things, it can get depressing, and if you want depression all the time, by all means, encourage constant debating - but people have the right to concentrate on their direct environment, and if that involves going to see the Dave Matthews band, that is fine with me...

At least people at Starbucks aren't talking about how the Jews are theives or the blacks are dirty, or the asians are whatever... we have come a very long way, but it really hurts to care sometimes...

BAM!!!

Insightful

on Sep 03, 2004

Muggaz
You make a valid point and you are correct in your assumption. Discussing problems is never pleasant.
..........And yes it hurts to care sometimes.

Regarding Religion, that is a touchy subject for sure. My view is, every Religion has a God. The practice of each Religion may vary, but the concept is the same, more or less.
i.e. Be a good person.
Don't do unto others..
Don't kill,
Don't steal.....etc.
(I make no reference to "cult" religions here.)
So yes, I would keep Religion in a locked box.

As the intellectual perty in your group, you have the power and sense, to keep most discussions light and open. Keep them in a positive direction. Ask questions?
Sure, everybody has an opinion,
(they're free) but what is it based on? What would they do in, such & such, situation? Don't allow communication to deteriorate into arguments.
Should things begin to get a bit heavy, ask if anyone has tickets to the Dave Matthews concert?

Without enthusiasm, nothing worth-wild is ever accomplished.

You have a great day.

The Crusaders

on Sep 04, 2004

I have noticed in day to day life when starting a conversation on an important life topic that often I notice a shield or blinder sweep over the eyes of others and they may partake in the conversation but they are only partially there and once leaving the perhaps heavy topic the shield is lifted and once again they are happy to chat about this or that ....something light and fluffy...easy to handle....none of those pointy, spikey edges and potential bite that comes form speaking of important world issues........
Is this a ....'I can't see it....I can't hear it....so therefore it does not exist theory.....if I don't look it in the eyes it will turn and go away.....'
We have to face our fears because if we don't they will always be there....they are never going to go away on their own.....but haunt every one of us until we face our spectre.
The spectre is defeatable ...only We need to change our tactic and confuse him by not reacting with our instinct of fear, hate and revenge........and surprise him by working together.....We must lead by example and leave our hatred in the past.....and show our children the light on the horizon We have created for them because We want a better world and We will take us there.

Insightful

on Sep 05, 2004

Well written Crusaders. Thanks for the reply.
Sooner of later, all unresolved issues come due. Making like they don't exist is the thinking of a fool.

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