Archive for the ‘drainage’ Category
generational »
Tuesday, March 16th, 2010
To the generations before,
I ask you to accept the consequences of your decisions. You’ve made many choices, subtle and overt, with best intentions but without your being held to account, we cannot move forward, destined to be eclipsed or worse.
You invented the automobile, removing public transportation from the collective consciousness.* Only recently have the effects of that shift been realized. The pollution, isolation and congestion caused is irreparable. (more…)
departure »
Tuesday, March 2nd, 2010
He’s not who I remember but someone I’ll never forget. His eyes meet mine. They’re fearless. He is ready to leave. I don’t want him to.
There’s so much to say it piles onto itself, folding and collapsing and stretching until it’s indecipherable. The words are stubborn, refusing release.
The warmth in his eyes betrays the chill of the metal bed and the steril hum of the room that surrounds us. His mouth shifts soundlessly. Instead, a tear spills from the corner of his left eye and he blinks. (more…)
victory »
Thursday, January 28th, 2010
We used to sacrifice during war, falling heavily into debt that was sometimes recovered through growth or, not so long ago, pillaging the resources of conquered lands. Now we manufacture money so citizens can continue their glut, devaluing the currency, ballooning debt and sparking inflation.
Along with those internal struggles, a global economy means any country’s money is every other countries’ money. The interplay of loans, trade and–rarely–aid make any conflict difficult to resolve. War in the middle east cannot be won. Our nation is the largest consumer of their most lucrative export. (more…)
solitude »
Wednesday, December 30th, 2009
I’ll mention the small Idaho town and the people we met there or the camping in national landmarks. Or the coast, the ocean, the drinking, the time away—all listed as highlights when anyone asks. That’s not exactly true.
Almost two weeks on the road, mostly in a car at various speeds, and the real apex involved stars—thousands of them.
For as long as I remember, I’ve enjoyed the quiet. I’ve always had a fondness for time alone, to gather my thoughts, process and relax.
Sometimes it takes a month, others a few hours, but eventually quiet replaces the din. Now, those times are rare. It’s been months since there was silence. (more…)
foundations »
Tuesday, June 23rd, 2009
Economic strength is built on an incomplete, unsustainable equation, benefiting few, exploiting many. It’s growth is based on the shifting of responsibility, a constant thirst for resources stolen from others.
The flaws in Mr. Smith’s theory are downplayed. Resources are finite, very few have access and those in power work tirelessly to keep it. These flaws have become infested wounds on prosperity.
Health care is built on caring for the sick, now turned away if their condition is preexisting. Dozens of forms, calls and mistakes for something as simple as a visit to a clinic. Constantly struggling in reactive care. (more…)