Humans

[twirlgrrl]

This was terribly hard to read:

http://community.livejournal.com/ontd_political/3655941.html

In spite of what you might think, it is possible to be a bleeding heart, pro-"socialist" liberal ("socialist" like socialized libraries, socialized post offices, and yes, socialized health care) and harbor a deep, abiding fear and mistrust of government entities. Particularly the entities concerning law "enforcement," "protection" and "justice." I know those quotation marks must be grating, but they're there for a reason. I regard the military and law enforcement as necessary evils. To me, those are the socialized programs that need to be carefully monitored, limited and controlled. There's a paradox in there somewhere, but I can't even think clearly about this stuff right now. There is nothing that stirs up more blind, impotent rage in me than the utter powerlessness of the individual against the machine of institutional "justice."

On the other hand, humans are capable of beautiful things. Check out the Chinese deaf dance team:

The part at about 2:20 gave me chills. And it is kinda cosmic that this video came up on a random ramble through YouTube as I was pontificating human suffering, because the subject of the dance is Quan Yin, the goddess of mercy and compassion, who helps those who are suffering.

Also, see this charming comment from another YouTube video of the same deaf dancers:

i never can saw this performance alive
by tv or web
but china
give us the best
through
the chinese lider,
chinese goverment,
chinese people,
and china
have more gifts
to share world wide
just in the perfect time

Comments

[mrsdewees.livejournal.com]

I am a socialist. I am. However, I don't think America is ready for socialism. Too often, our (pretty selfish) country follows politicians blindly. We don't protest or demand "the truth" often enough.

[ninjalie.livejournal.com]

I too share your anger with the shortcomings of our justice system. Kuan Yin always brought me comfort as a child and has time and time again been a deity I have come to in times of pain so I really got a kick out of this video.

[twirlgrrl.livejournal.com]

Your description of America outlines why we aren't a functioning democracy. Actual representative democracy requires an educated and engaged populace. I totally agree with you about following politicians (actually, to me, "party lines") blindly. It seems like so few people are willing to investigate the "talking points" they are fed, and there is so little substantive discourse between ordinary citizens. I am guilty too, of course! It's overwhelming, and who has the time? Still, I'd love to see people feeling more empowered and informed.

[twirlgrrl.livejournal.com]

It's so beautiful, isn't it?!