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From Democracy to Omniocracy

Clint Eastwood recently plunged into the murky political pond with his statement, “Extremism is so easy. You’ve got your position, and that’s it. It doesn’t take much thought. And when you go far enough to the right, you meet the same idiots coming around from the left.”

Is it easy to be an extremist, and is the political scale truly circular, so that the “far right” clasps hands with the “far left”? Does the left-right continuum serve as a constructive paradigm upon which society can be structured?

Today’s “extremists” are in good company: Jesus, Martin Luther, Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, and Baruch Spinoza all bore this label at one time. Jan De Witt and his brother Cornelius17th Century Dutch politicianswere hacked to death by the populace, largely due to their “radical” and “unsavory” political perspective. Their crime? They were proponents of democracy. Their body parts were displayed in storefronts all over town.

Who shall we call extreme? The vigilantes who did the lynching? The shopkeepers who showcased the body parts? Or the De Witts with their pro-democracy stance?

Do “extreme” beliefs emanate from a mechanical thought process, as Eastwood suggests, rather than an intense philosophical journey? It arguably requires reflection and hypercritical analysis to defend ones theories against the cloned, echoed and mass produced opinion of the common folk; it requires conviction to risk social ostracism and other forms of retaliation.

The “approved” or popular view is more likely to be perfunctory. Why think when one can plagiarize? Why go out on a limb when one can cling onto the tree or never climb in the first place?

Eastwood may view those on the “far right” and “far left” as moralistically shrill, as manifesting a tone level of fear and anger. Perhaps this is how the “right” and “left” overlap or come full circle in his mind. But this is a gross generalization, since the “extremes” are subjective and the political continuum fallacious.

Suppose we accept the commonly accepted paradigm of a left to right political continuum, as Eastwood offers. If we define the “left” as the group that protects the voiceless, the powerless, and the forgotten, then the natural progression would be to protect the truly voiceless - animals and nature.

Nonhumans are excluded from our political system, without representation. They have no standing in court; yet corporations do. In fact, nonhumans are virtually omitted from the conversation in our anthropocentric and speciesist society.

A move “left” arguably means to move away from Democracy–which is really just a rule by the elite (humans)–to an Omniocracy (which I describe as a government of, by and for all living beings). The European Union has added nonhumans to their Constitution, as have Switzerland and Germany. New Zealand, India and Reggio Emilio, Italy have outlawed using animals in ways we normally think acceptable in the U.S. (boiling lobsters alive, keeping fish in small bowls, vivisection, etc.).

We are trailing behind other nations, but it would be difficult to sell a Constitutional amendment to our “What’s the Matter With Kansas?” country at this time. It would be easier to convince certain states. You may be thinking what would stuffing a few extra words in a state Constitution really do. Well, words are a powerful tool and an important start.

Lastly, does this move to the left spit us out on right? Probably. One could argue that traditional “right” politics prompts a gap between the rich and poor, thus culminates in the rule by a few, such as corporations. To implement policies that foster the idea that nonhuman species have value “in and of themselves,” a “top down” government or rule by a few (although not corporations) again seems required.

People are self-interested (as are all species) thus cannot be expected to vote against their desires. Legislators, however, are different (or should be) because they attain self-worth from helping others, being fair and inclusive, and consulting the “big picture.” There will naturally be conflicts of interest between species and individuals; but government’s jobin an omniocracy as in our current system– will be to mediate and arbitrate these “disputes.”

We are taught democracy is the most inclusive, just and beneficent political system in the world. It is time to re-evaluate. Successful ideas advance through three stages: first ridicule, then discussion, finally adoption. I say we begin the discussion to which Eastwood’s words have provided a starting point.

Charlotte Laws - EzineArticles Expert Author

The Clint Eastwood quote is posted on Oakland Mayor Jerry Brown’s blog and is taken from Feb 28, 2005 issue of Time Magazine. Charlotte Laws explores this topic in greater depth on the blog.

Charlotte Laws, Ph.D. is a member of the Greater Valley Glen Council and the President of the League for Earth and Animal Protection (LEAP). Her website is http://www.CharlotteLaws.org

How to Find Low Cost Auto Insurance in Florida

FL State Minimums

  • Bodily Injury Liability (BIL): $10,000/$20,000 Limit
  • Property Damage Liability: $10,000 Limit

Florida follows the no-fault system. The regulations of a no-fault legal system stipulate that the auto insurer covers damages resulting from an auto accident no matter who would normally be at fault. These basic regulations alter by state. In this kind of auto insurance system, drivers do lose some rights to litigate, but it helps minimize conflicts.

To facilitate payment for the expenses made from an auto accident, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is included in your auto insurance policy. Florida law requires a minimum Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage of $10,000 for one driver and $20,000 for all people involved.

Underinsured Driver auto insurance policy is for when you are involved in an auto accident with another motorist who does not have a Florida auto insurance policy at all, or doesn’t have enough auto insurance coverage to pay related expenses. Florida does not command drivers to keep this insurance policy, but you should look into adding this useful auto insurance coverage.

The mean United States insurance premium in 2003 was $914. The usual insurance premium in Florida was $1,104 - almost $200 more. Several Florida motorists incorrectly think rates are decreed and confirmed by Florida’s state government, but this is incorrect.

In reality, tons of Florida motorists can reduce their auto insurance rates in Florida. To examine if you could be shelling out less on insurance costs, you have to go over auto insurance rate quotes on the web. The best auto insurance companies also offer a smorgasbord of insurance discounts that you might be entitled to.

In 2007, average insurance rates saw their first lessening in about 8 years. 2007 had a .5% to 1% reduction in auto insurance rates from 2006. In 2008, rates again started to increase once again and 2009 will be about the same! Insurance websites realize that the only way to reduce costs is to shop and compare. Websites like these allow you to quickly and simply review rates from individual auto insurance underwriters. Employing the net can help you see if you’re paying too much for auto insurance and if you can receive discounts.

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Easy Algebra - a Step-By-Step Approach

One of the most popular courses of study schools and colleges have for students learning mathematics is algebra. There are a lot of pupils who are doing algebra because they have troubles being able to study the subject area.

A lot of people are not even actually sure what is included in algebra but it is not fearful as a lot of people think. Some of the primary functions of algebra include finding least common multiple, factoring difference of cubes and reducing fractions.

When students are learning maths, especially at college stage it is very critical for them to employ some planning and also some continuity in learning mathematical concepts progressively. There are a lot of college maths courses of study at first stage that are based around constructing a solid path for the road into advanced mathematics as they enable learning the core skills that are required.

Who offers aid?

For assisting you in mastering algebra, there is a number of software packages and these include systems such as algebra tutors. It is also possible to get a math tutor if you are genuinely uncertain about your algebra skills. The software programs are very good and will help you with all aspects of algebra including radical inequalities, drawing quadratic equations , simplifying fractions with different denominators and on how to generally go about solving inequalities .

If you are just taking off in the world of mathematics, it is a good idea to do one of the beginning level courses of study as they will instruct you the very basics and build on that so that you are able to get up to the more sophisticated stage of maths. The beginning courses also teach you the science of algebra through the use of a significant number of different models and methods so this is an ideal starting point for the novice to algebra.

Troubles With Virtual Tutors

The only trouble with maths courses of study is that they sometimes do not follow things in a very logical order and this especially is the case when you are a pupil at grade school. A lot of the pupils at school are actually very ill-prepared for addressing algebra and they are not aware of the fundamentals of this notable arm of mathematics.

Making the Right Carpet Decision

Carpet differences all originate from the multitude of different techniques and materials that are employed in the manufacturing process like all the various constructions and fibres. For example a bathroom carpet would have distinctly different properties to a polyester carpet. The length of time a carpet will survive the everyday wear and tear they need to endure depends on a variety of factors. It’s advisable to analyse the material the carpet is made from how heavy the fibres are which are used as well as the density of the pile all make a difference and should be carefully considered when making a decision on a suitable place for a particular kind of carpet.

When choosing carpet for your home its imperative that you select a carpet which is a practical match for where it will be. The carpet manufacturing process has improved hugely since the early days in unison with technological advances - this has led to improvements in fibre technology which means that you will will actually find it quite a challenge to find any very low quality carpets these days. Even the cheaper carpets which are available are still much better to carpets which were manufactured half a century ago. It would not be uncommon to see noticeably worn carpets in the majority of homes. Even with modern carpets there are still differences you need to know about, even though they are less pronounced.

More often than not carpets these days are manufactured from materials which were not around half a century ago such as a new type of polyester which is much more durable than previous versions. The new type is called PET fibre and has unique properties which means that it looks much more natural and give it the unique ability to resist stains much more effectively than other carpets. For this reason it is a great choice for use in schools or indeed any area where the carpet is likely to be exposed to a lot of wear and tear.

Of course other than the physical property of the fibres of the carpet there are other important factors which need to be considered like the colour of the carpet as well as the price. This in combination with how durable the carpet is cover the main things you should be thinking about when you take the plunge into purchasing a new carpet for your home. Before improvements in technology allowed for higher grade fibre to be packed more densely together, carpets used to wear thin as they were frequently extremely thin and lightweight.

A Few Tips To Memorize While Acquiring Low-priced Houses At Local Auctions

Purchasing and placing homes on auctions should be simple and beneficial for both parties. Finding a public sale it is not straightforward procedure. More details as regards the estate offered on a public auction can be read in the regional and national press, or online. Land agencies often have information of assets to sale by auction too. However a easy method of discovering public sale is to note down the telephone numbers of any “For Sale by Auction” notice.

There’s often a charge to be listed on the auctioneers mailing catalogue and for getting a directory with photographs and information concerning the estates. Free of charge catalogues are generally inadequate. Property investment abroad can be another great way to make money and find the right investment.

You’ve only got one month to value what’s imminent on by public sale, so act as soon as possible.

The kind of residence generally auctioned are the one-offs that can be difficult to evaluate or to put up for sale, but that hold growth potential.

Public sales are also appealing for the repossession estates presented for sale by mortgage lenders, which typically are good bargain and possess little reserve value. Previous to the auction pay a quick visit and possess a glance at the property. Research the district and, vital, make plans for with your solicitor to fulfil the vital analysis - like an official survey and a professional assessment.

It’s sensible to set your financial plan, and very significant, make plans for the mortgage to advance a deposit, generally 10 percent on the sale day, and the residual 90 % in the next 28 days after the agreement. If you are victorious, you have to leave the ten per cent to the auctioneer as soon as possible and the seller’s representative has to countersign the Memorandum of Agreement. Penalties for failure to fulfil the settled figure are rigorous.

Remember that if you are outbid you will waste all the money you have threw away on the inspection plus the legal amount, but it is a good idea informing the negotiator of the total you could be equipped to invest for the particular home that has been withdrawn; you never know, in particular cases the seller may be willing to say yes your bid.

The public sale accord is corresponding to swap of agreements in the regular sale by not public contract. This also signifies that the potential buyer can’t be gazumped and the trader will not bothered of last-minute fee renegotiations.

Army recovers terrorists’ bodies from avalanche-hit areas in South Kashmir

As the death toll in the avalanche-hit Jammu and Kashmir is increasing day by day, the security forces have recovered the bodies of few terrorists who had taken shelter in the foothills of Pir Panjal mountain ranges to escape the clutches of security forces. Little did these terrorists know that they wouldn’t be able to escape Nature’s fury even if they hide from the army.These terrorists were also buried alive with hundreds of other civilians in the avalanches that stuck in a big way in three Qazigund villages situated in the foothills of Pir Panjal.

Though the army in Kashmir is not confirming these reports, however the sources told The Statesman that a few bodies with weapons and AK-series guns were recovered from the areas in Kapran which had come under heavy snow. Kapran in South Kashmir is heavily militancy-infested area and it touches the areas in the South of Pir Panjal.

“Yes, we have also heard these reports that few bodies of terrorists have been recovered but there is no confirmation as yet,” said Colonel Batra, the Public Relations Office, 15 Corp of Indian Army based in Badami Bagh, Srinagar.

Yes, we have also heard these reports that few bodies of terrorists have been recovered but there is no confirmation as yet,” said Colonel Batra, the Public Relations Office, 15 Corp of Indian Army based in Badami Bagh, Srinagar.

Not only that, five terrorists who were rescued by the Indian army in its rescue and search operations from the area, have also surrendered after seeing the humanitarian work of the forces. The Union Defence minister Mr Pranab Mukherjee told the media at the technical airport late last evening that this was significant as they were moved by the work being done by the army for the people.

Source:
http://www.himalayanaffairs.org/articledetails.asp?id=145

Vivek Suri, Freelance Journalist

http://www.himalayanaffairs.org

http://www.himalayanaffairs.org/articledetails.asp?id=145

Principles of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a scarce cancer of the tissue that lines the body’s internal organs. Almost two thousand brand new cases are pinpointed every year in the whole US. Of this group, nearly three fourths of occurrences involve the sac that protects the lungs, referred to as the pleura. This is known as pleural mesothelioma. In almost 10 to twenty percent of instances, mesothelioma cancer could affect the tissue that encompasses abdominal organs, called the peritoneal membrane, causing what is then recognized as peritoneal mesothelioma.

Being introduced to asbestos is absolutely the largest influencing factor for this rare disease. Following exposure to asbestos, the delay to progression of the mesothelioma disease could be two to four decades. As a result of occupational exposure, malignant mesothelioma is nearly 3 times more likely in men, than in women. Because the amount of instances goes up with your age, there are about ten times more instances in the males more than age 64 than in the men in their midlife.

Being diagnosed with Cancer of the mesothelium is a weighty sickness, that, at the moment, has a very low percentage of lasting continuance. However, if it is diagnosed soon, treatments are then in existence that will significantly prolong the patient’s life. Cutting edge approaches continue to be and are being tested through clinical trials.

When Teenagers Rule The World

The minimum age to become a member of parliament is 21 but soon, due a recommendation by the Electoral Commission, it could be lowered to 18.

Do our teenagers really want to become MPs though? The average teenager seems more interested in sex and music, but this is exactly what the Electoral Commission wants to combat. By getting more young people involved in politics they hope to raise enthusiasm in voting, making young people see that it’s not just men in their fifties who are elected to represent them.

There are many arguments yet to be had, for and against the idea. To many it would make sense that if a person can vote at 18 they should also be able to stand for office. 18 is fast becoming the year of “coming of age”, with 21st birthdays holding little significance other than for the riotous parties.

The youth of Britain deserves a voice and representation just as much as any other age group. Although an 18, or even a 16, year old would have little comparative experience of life and politics to a 40 year old, their experience is far different and no less valuable. Our politicians should represent a cross section of British life, in sex, race and age.

On the negative side, few adults are likely to trust teenagers with decisions of national importance. Selection committees will always favour experienced candidates: the age barrier is currently set at twenty one, but how many MPs under 30 can you find in the House of Commons? Very few. Finding the right candidates can be a tough job, but when those rare people come along their age should not work against them.

The Conservative Party is considered the party of freedom and choice. They back making the minimum age for candidates 18.

Dialogue on Affirmative Action

Affirmative Action Advocate (AAA): I believe in Affirmative Action, because it equalizes the playing ground. If 5% of America is Asian, then in a class room of 20, there should be one asian. If 35% of America is black, then in that same class room, there should be 7 Africans. By putting people of different race into a class room, it offers a diversity, where people can learn to appreciate the differences of each other.

Punkerslut: Are you saying that the greatest aspect of a person’s individuality is the color of their skin?

AAA: Well, no…

Punkerslut: It sure sounds like it. You just said that the basis for diversity is a person’s race.

AAA: I didn’t say that.

Punkerslut: You said that by having different races in a classroom, there would be diversity. I can only conclude that you think diversity is based wholly on skin color. Are you saying that the only important part of a person’s character is their race?

AAA: No. A person is much more than their race. They have emotions, like happiness and suffering, and they should be considered for that.

Punkerslut: I agree, and I believe a person should be judged upon their ability, and not upon their race.

AAA: When it comes to the matter of judging, it differs.

Punkerslut: How so?

AAA: Race should be considered as a factor in deciding whether a person is given a job, since the possible Racism of employers and others is also a factor.

Punkerslut: But, in the Supreme Court case of Brown, it was deemed illegal for a school system to have specifically white or black students, because such is Racism. Since Racism has been removed from the school system, do you think that the school administration should go further, and say that all African students will get an additional 10 points, and all Caucasian students receive 10 less points?

AAA: Of course I don’t think. That’s a ridiculous idea.

Punkerslut: Then why shouldn’t employers use a similar strategy? If a white person comes into a job, and is efficient at their ability, and a black person comes in, who is inefficient, should the white person or the black person be hired?

AAA: It depends on the others hired by the employer.

Punkerslut: On their race?

AAA: Precisely.

Punkerslut: But why? That’s acting on the very principles of Racism. It is selecting someone for their position based on the color of their skin, and not the efficiency of their abilities.

AAA: Well, if the employer’s previous employees are all white, then a black person should be hired.

Punkerslut: Why?

AAA: Because, that way, it’s equal.

Punkerslut: Do you suggest that the military discharge at least a quarter of its soldiers?

AAA: Why should it?

Punkerslut: More than half the military soldiers are of African descent, but less than half of the United States population is of the same descent. Should we fire these African soldiers, sending them a note, “I am deeply sorry, but since you are black, you are of no use to us.”?

AAA: Well, that’s one area where Africans have the upper hand.

Punkerslut: Why not make it equal for all races for all jobs? You are simply reduplicating the conditions of the early 1900’s, where Africans had it worse off and where whites had it better off, but instead, you are turning the whites into a persecuted minority.

AAA: Certainly not! Affirmative Action equalizes the field, by having as many whites and blacks in an employment or university, as there are proportional to the amount in the country.

Punkerslut: That doesn’t end Racism, but only promotes it. By choosing one person over another, on the basis of their race, that is Racism. But, perhaps it is different. When a white man is chosen because he is white, you call it Racism, and find it to be terrible. But when a black man is chosen because he is black, you call it Affirmative Action, and find it to be justice. I cannot but find this to be a gross contradiction, that any rational thinker will find to be absurd in the highest degree.

AAA: But, in a nation with 35% of the population of African descent, should have 35% of every occupation filled with African descent, and 35% of the seats of every university filled with Africans.

Punkerslut: That’s not necessarily true. If 10% of the United States has blue eyes, but in universities, 15% of the student population has blue eyes, should those 5% — no matter how brilliant or intelligent they are — be expelled and replaced with students of other eye colors?

AAA: No.

Punkerslut: Why not?

AAA: Because nobody discriminates on eye color, only on race.

Punkerslut: Then why not make it illegal to discriminate on race?

AAA: It already is illegal.

Punkerslut: Then what’s the point in making it necessary to have a student body or a employee body with races proportionally equal to that of the national average?

AAA: It prevents any possible Racism.

Punkerslut: But, my friend, that is where you and I differ… You call it Racism when a black man is rejected from a job because he is black. I call it Racism when any human being is rejected from a job because of their race. Thus Affirmative Action is Racism.

www.punkerslut.com

For Life,
Punkerslut

Andy Carloff - EzineArticles Expert Author

Punkerslut (or Andy Carloff) has been writing essays and poetry on social issues which have caught his attention for several years. His website http://www.punkerslut.com provides a complete list of all of these writings. His life experience includes homelessness, squating in New Orleans and LA, dropping out of high school, getting expelled from college for “subversive activities,” and a myriad of other revolutionary actions.

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