Pandemics, Power and People

As a few of you might have noticed, I took a break from posting.  I suppose you could say I have been socially distant in this particular medium.

Social distancing is really nothing new for me; I am perfectly happy where there are few people and far horizons.  I've even been told that I am sometimes socially distant in a crowded room.  Oh, well.

This SARS-CoV-19 global pandemic is something new, but also something old.  Viruses periodically mutate and sometimes move between species (zoonosis).  That is the most likely explanation for what has happened.  It is something we will see more frequently as this old planet fills up with people.  Densely packed populations facilitate the spread of disease.  The answer is social distancing -- spreading apart.

Dense populations -- whether they be temporary or, somewhat permanent -- are also sources of panic behavior.  It's that old "crowd" mentality that causes people to bolt for the door when someone yells "fire!"  In this case, it caused a run on the grocery stores which has temporarily created holes in our amazing system of supply chains which rarely miss a beat.  The massive nature of the shift of consumer demand from "restaurant dining" to eat at home caught the entire system somewhat by surprise.  There is plenty of food -- at least in the developed countries -- it is just in the wrong place, but that is rapidly being corrected.

I'm thankful to live in a small town rather than a city.  Even in our rural setting there are signs of disruption.  We have also had our first case of the disease confirmed.  It will eventually pass through the population of the planet.  It won't infect everyone, but it will touch most of the people in some form or fashion -- from a disease perspective, not just as a disruption to life as we know it.

The biggest fear that I have out of this entire episode of disruption is the amount of power that is being displayed by governmental entities all over the world.  That is a genie that will not be put back in the bottle.

Abuse of Power and Gamesmanship

I am concerned about many things going on in our government, but one that stands out to me is the attempts by the U.S. Congress to force certain behavior by the Executive through the use of summons and subpoenas.  It seems to be a tactic designed solely to disrupt the ability of the Executive to function.

The Constitution is clear on the division of powers between the various branches of government.  It seems Congress has co-opted judiciary power in order to disrupt the executive power.  I would think it appropriate for Congressional Committees to request the appearance of executive officers in order to provide information relevant to their purposes, but to demand appearance is strictly for the purpose of political gamesmanship.  That very gamesmanship is reason for the executive officers to resist or, refuse testimony.  It is nothing but abuse of power.

The system of government as outlined under the Constitution provides for a balance of function so that no specific group obtains inordinate power over the others and ergo over the people.  The Democrats in the House are seeking to concentrate power in their hands that is harmful to the overall function of government and threatens the very fabric of our nation.  I hope the executive continues to resist.

At least part of the blame lies with the previous administration that demonstrated willful disregard for due process through misuse of the investigative agency designed to protect the public.  It showed that power could be accreted through unlawful means by utilizing the very agency meant to prevent it.  Now, political leaders in the House are using a similar strategy.  Let's hope the Supreme Court, which is where these issues ultimately will land, demonstrates the wisdom of the founders in the balance between branches.

In the meantime, we face what can only be described as a failed government -- not just the Executive and not just the Legislative, but the entirety of government.  It's no wonder some of the more radical ideas are catching traction.  The public is fed up with what we have.

The Green Gambit

Gambit: a device, action, or opening remark, typically one entailing a degree of risk, that is calculated to gain an advantage. (Google Dictionary)

An example of a gambit is "The Green New Deal."

Many of the concepts expressed in the document have been around for a lot of years.  I enjoy reading science fiction and in that genre there are generally four basic scenarios for the future of earth.  1)  It becomes one massive, all-encompassing city and we exploit outer space to support it.  2)  Through war, or other global catastrophe, we devolve to a more primitive age of small tribal enclaves surviving against an extremely harsh environment and fighting each other for the limited resources.  3) There is some scientific breakthrough in the realm of energy research that provides unlimited power without dependence on fossil fuels.  4)  Some form of power such as nuclear energy is utilized to power the cities while the agricultural sector is dependent on horses, oxen and people for food production.

All of the scenarios focus on energy/fuel/power -- whatever you want to call it.  Utilization of energy drives our economy.

Fossil fuels such as coal and oil (or, its derivatives) is problematic.  Burning it (which is the only way the energy is released) frees carbon that has been sequestered into the earth, to circulate back into the carbon cycle.  Too much carbon, or other particulate matter, pollutes the atmosphere in a manner that causes a slow and general rise of temperatures.  It is basic science.

This heating occurs in natural cycles which can be detected through examination of the geologic record through time.  Part of it is connected to solar activity and part to volcanic activity on the earth.  It also has been theorized that a meteoric impact could cause a sudden escalation of the effect and may have contributed to the demise of various life forms such as dinosaurs at some time in the distant past.

The science and logic behind an effort to curb or, virtually eliminate the release of sequestered carbon is sound.  Many of the predictive models, however, are just that, predictive.  Predictions, by their nature, are often inaccurate.  They are "educated" guesses.

In the case of "The Green New Deal" we are seeing an exploitation of a developing global mindset that is properly motivated to reduce dependence on the release of sequestered carbon to fuel our economy.  It is much like profiteers who exploit any global event of a catastrophic nature.  In this case, it is a move toward communism (not socialism which is a pie-in-the-sky concept that has never been achieved on a large-scale basis.)

Gambits are often designed to exploit ignorance.  In a business deal it is frequently the knowledge by one side of some piece of information that materially affects the outcome which is believed to be unknown by the other side.  It is a high-stakes bet based on perceived advantage that may, or may not, be real.  "The Green New Deal" is a high-stakes gambit designed to expand power.  The groundwork has been laid over the past 30 years.  We are just now seeing the opening moves of the "game."

Yes, we need to find alternative sources of energy.  It doesn't need to be wind turbines, or ethanol.  Nuclear is a much better bet.

We also need to be vigilant against those who would exploit ignorance in an effort to gain power.  "We the people" are being manipulated by those we have elected to serve.  They in turn are being manipulated by those who have power and wish to expand it.  We must become better informed of both the science and the political systems that seek to exploit us.  It is all about power and control of it.

The greatest appeal of "The Green New Deal" is to those who are most isolated from the beauty that is the natural state of this earth.  Those whose lives are surrounded by concrete, people and pavement -- i.e. live in the cities -- long for the opportunity to touch that natural beauty.  Those in the country still get to experience it on a daily basis -- if they are paying attention.  The appeal of "The Green New Deal" is to those in the cities.  It is also the environment most ripe for a reform of some kind that would improve their lives -- even for the most affluent.  "Socialism" appeals to those trapped in inner-city ghettos.  They also vote.  They are frequently ignorant.  They are angry at their circumstance yet feel powerless to escape.

We need to do something about it.  Instead, we complain about their ignorance, their violence and their perceived unwillingness to do something about their circumstance.  When you have no hope, it is nearly impossible to change without help.  The promise of socialism is a life preserver floating just out of their reach, but visible.  We must provide an alternative.

Today's News: Brought to You by....

A part of my morning routine is to grab a first cup of coffee and sit down in my recliner to peruse the news.  I read the news on my phone rather than a newspaper.  In fact, there is almost a ritual to the way I approach it.  I first take a quick glance at any e-mail or, text messages that came in over night and then do a quick daily word puzzle to get my brain in gear before opening the Fox News application on my phone.  I then go to BBC News and read it.  I have found that BBC does a much better job of covering International events than does Fox and they often release stories more quickly due to the time difference.  I then look at Reuters News Wire Services before turning to Twitter.  The reason I look to Twitter for news is that many of those I follow are also up early scanning their various news sources and post links to articles of interest from sources I may not follow -- such as their local or regional newspapers, or other national and international journals.  I tend to avoid CNN, MSNBC or some of the other news services.  Most of them get their stories from the same sources such as Reuters or the AP.  The problem with CNN et. al. is their left-leaning commentary and the pervasiveness of entertainment news scattered throughout their sites.  I couldn't care less about what some Hollywood starlet thinks.

I mention this because the first thing I feed my mind each morning is what is going on in the country and the world around me and yet I am committed to (at least trying) to keep this a positive place.  It's kind of hard to do that some days when the news all seems to be negative -- at least from my point of view.  I suppose if you have a socialist or, anarchist bent you might see it as positive, but that's not the way I am wired.

A lot of folks seem to have their head in the sand when it comes to what is going on in the world.  I admit that I am sometimes guilty of wanting to avoid the news because it is so depressing.  I continue to view Facebook most days and the things I see posted there may be the most depressing of all -- it has become a place where the political spectrum has disappeared to become replaced by distinct camps.  I won't say "armed camps" because that connotes violence, but both sides are definitely armed with memes and opinion commentaries that foment the discord.  It is not healthy.

Throughout the history of our country there have been news sources that supported particular political candidates or political points of view.  Polarization of political philosophies has been around as long as political parties have existed.  Historically, it has been fairly obvious which news sources supported which political party.  Some would argue it is the same today.  I disagree.  Today, I think it is more a matter of whether the news source supports globalization or, a more nationalist approach to government.  Since most news organizations are global in scope, most support globalization -- even those with so-called "right-leaning" pundits among their editorial staff.

I try to be a "nationalist" in thinking, but often find I am a "globalist" in my view.  What I mean is that I would like to see the rest of the world be "blessed" with the type of government ours was designed originally to be.  The problem is that I fear the concentration of power desired by most in the "globalist" camp into a one-world government.  Corruption occurs with power -- even at the city council or school board level.  Can you imagine the level of corruption that would occur with a one-world government?  (Just look at the U.N.)  Imagining such is like trying to envision a trillion dollars.  It is mind boggling.  For that reason alone, I am opposed to globalization of the political system.

Along with the push for globalization of political systems comes the power of corporations.  Most, if not all major corporations are global in scope and influence.  They probably have a greater influence on governments than does the news media.  In fact, the media is in many ways, just a tool of the global corporations.  Money is power and the amount of money in the control of some companies is enough to buy political control of most countries.  The only thing keeping it in check is that other companies are vying for that same control.  It is a matter of competition to see who is the highest bidder.

So, how do I turn this post into a positive?  I think it is simply this:  We must first recognize that there is a global power that is in control.  In fact, that power is in charge of the entirety of creation.  God is in control and our brief time on this planet matters only from the perspective of our relationship with Him.  Do we choose to accept Him and His control, or do we believe mankind knows what is best?  To me, the choice seems very, very clear -- especially after reading the news.

Romans 8:28-39

At War for Your Mind

In today's world of technology we are bombarded with information.  For those who watch television, or listen to radio (which includes virtually everyone), there is a never-ending stream of messaging that influences what we think, what we want, what we buy, and who we trust.  When you add to that the sources on the Internet which includes various Social Media platforms, the stream of information aimed at each of us is overwhelming.

I read a lot.  Much of what I read that is non-fiction is either Biography, or history.  Within the history category, I am somewhat divided but, with a slight preference toward Old West history (U.S.).  Other categories though, include U.S. and other histories related to various wars and the events leading to them.  I have a number of books related to intelligence gathering, espionage, etc. especially as relates to World War II and Vietnam.

I am currently reading a history of MI6, the British Intelligence Service -- comparable to our CIA.  One of the things that strikes me as I read that history is the amount of propaganda that was sown both directions -- into Germany and its allies as well as that which was sent into Great Britain and her allies.  Propaganda was a tool employed by both sides to sow unrest and to attempt to sway public opinion.

I believe that today we are in the midst of a propaganda war.  It is a war of ideas.  It is a globalist vision versus a nationalist vision.

There are valid arguments for both views.  A global government could potentially resolve many issues such as war between sovereign states and could remove many dictatorial type governments that repress and enslave people.  Conceivably, it could eliminate, or greatly reduce poverty.  Then again, on the other side of the coin, the paramount question is of what form that government would take.  The values codified in the U.S. Constitution are precious to us.  At its heart is the concept that government is established by the consent of the people and is limited in scope and power.  Globalists, on the other hand, seek an all-powerful government that supersedes the rights of the individual and would concentrate control in the hands of the few who, in their minds at least, know what is best for the masses.

The globalist vision crosses political party lines.  It is not a Republican versus Democrat issue, although it appears based on rhetoric that Democrats are at least more obvious in their call for open borders and a one-world government.  It is not a rural versus city issues although values of independence seem to remain stronger in rural areas.  It is not a U.S. versus other countries issues.  On some levels it is a rich versus poor issue.  Wealth concentrates power.  Power lusts for more power.  Global companies want global governance because it makes doing business easier.

I don't really have a point to this brief commentary other than to say, be very critical of what you hear and see in the way of information.  Keep in mind that whoever is behind the message has an agenda.  Discontent is being sown and fomented by the messaging.  Don't take any of it at face value.

Been Awhile

Yep, this is the predictable "It has been awhile since I posted anything here" post.  That being said, I wonder why I started this because I really can't think of a thing about which to write!  So, does that mean I am being introspective when I continue to type about why I am writing while uninspired?  Or, does it just mean that I finally walked off the virtual cliff of reality into the unknown world of total, stark-raving lunacism?  Hmmm....is that even a word?  Probably not, but it seems to work.

But, I digress from the predictable into the unpredictable.  Unless, of course, it truly is lunacy in which case the unpredictability is predictable.  Or is it?  If it is predictable then it wasn't truly unpredictable in the first place.  Therefore, that which is presumed unpredictable is in reality predictable and therefore not lunacy, but, merely predictable behavior given particular circumstances. 

The whole world seems to have gone insane -- at least in the politico-military-mega-bank-superpower realm.  We have a President who is either completely incompetent or diabolically super-intelligent or at least dangling from the strings of a diabolically super-intelligent puppet master.  The farce of the so-called Presidential Kingdomship of the Obamaniac is driving us toward a perfect Armageddon scenario in the Middle East.  All the players are there.  Russia, China, the Anti-Christ (no, not B.O. -- Islam).  The only real wild card in the bunch is the good old U.S. of A.  But, that card will be negated when the Anointed One finishes wrecking our economy. 

I know there isn't really a role in Armageddon for the U.S.A, but, think about it.  If this nation that was founded as a Light Shining on a Hill were to fall, everything is in place for the end-times scenario to play out post haste.  Maybe it is arrogance on my part (on behalf of what this country once stood for) but, I do believe we have been a bastion of good holding the forces of evil at bay for many years.  But, we are falling and it is at the hands of the current power-brokers in Washington who I think are mere puppets to the true wielders of power who are scattered throughout the world in various corporate offices.

Am I a conspiracy theorist?  No, not really.  Merely an observer who resides in this world but is no longer a part of it.

Insolent Weakness

"Insolence is the armor of the weak.  It is a device to induce courage in the face of one's own panic."  __ Henry Kissinger

When I first read the above statement it caught my attention.  It was spoken by Henry Kissinger during the period in which he was attempting to negotiate an honorable settlement to the Vietnam war.  Nguyen Van Thieu, Chief-of-State of South Vietnam, became insolent toward both Kissinger and President Richard Nixon in the weeks prior to the 1971 Presidential election when he felt he was being forced to accept a settlement with North Vietnam that left Communist forces within the borders of the South.  He was in a powerless position and yet used the U.S. election as a lever against giving in to the terms of the agreement which had been negotiated bilaterally between the U.S. and the North Vietnamese in the Paris talks.  He saw that Nixon was vulnerable to opposing Presidential candidate George McGovern's "peace-at-any-cost" position in the election.

Upon reflection, I saw that the statement was applicable beyond the context in which it was spoken.  My first thought is that it sometimes applies to teenagers -- especially those who are attempting to flex their "independence muscles" and are rebellious to their parents.  They fear leaving the nest and yet feel instinctually driven to do so.  They become belligerent toward first one parent and then the other.  In a two-parent household there is usually at least one parent that retains some level of communication with the teen.  In a single-parent household the result is often disaster for the teen and the already broken family.

I have also seen the quote to be an accurate description of situations encountered in business.  It is usually manifest in posturing within a company meeting -- perhaps a planning group or committee.  It is an attempt to overcome powerlessness and inadequacy with a bluff.  When one is in a true position of strength there is no need for the bluster.  It is frequently the quiet one in the room that holds the power.

Insolence appears to be just another expression of insecurity.  When one is confident in one's place in the world there is no need to either lash out at others or to attempt to dominate them -- either physically or in conversation.  Such confidence can only come from the security of a relationship with Jesus.  Through His power we can experience a quiet peace that comes from His Spirit within us.  In Him alone is our strength and confidence.

"I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength."  __ Phillipians 4:13

Batteries and Wires

Are you a battery, or a copper wire?

A battery is designed to accept a charge and store it until needed.  It then allows the power to flow out of it until it is empty.  It then must be re-charged to be useful again.

A copper wire doesn't hold a charge but it is a wonderful conduit of power.  It must be hooked into a power source in order to be useful.  However, as long as it is "plugged in" the power will flow through it.

I think Christians can fall into either category.  There are many who spend a large part of their time "soaking up" the power through attending church, praying, being with other Christians.  They often just store it up inside and only rarely, or possibly never, allow the power to flow out of themselves.  If they do, they are quickly emptied and need re-charging.  Often, if they don't find a useful task, the power seems to slowly seep out of them until they become useless -- sometimes not even able to hold a charge anymore.

There are others who seem to be constantly "plugged in" to the source of power.  They are a constant supplier of energy to those around them.  They are obviously connected because "things" happen around them that are unquestionably from God.

I don't know about you, but I would prefer to be the copper wire rather than the battery.  I want to be continually plugged into God's power.  I want Him to use me to work His will.

Jesus demonstrated that prayer is the way to stay plugged into God's power.  That is my prayer.  That I will be a conduit and not a battery.

Life is good.

John 14:6

On This 4th of July

On July 4, 1776, we declared our independence from Great Britain. We claimed the right to self-governance with representation of the people's will in determination of the laws of our land. We claimed the right to reject an oppressive government and replace it with one that was both responsive to and responsible to the people of this land.

That oppression arose from our dependency on Great Britain. The original colonists needed the support of the mother country for survival. In return, the king required taxes. Those taxes paid for wars that caused a mounting debt. The response of the king was to increase taxes to finance his aggressive policies that sought to consolidate his power.

The people sought relief from the burden but were ignored. They sought representation of their views but were rejected. Over time, their dependency allowed the king to increase taxes to the point they could no longer be borne by the people and they rebelled.

Through the blood of committed individuals that Independence was accomplished over the course of 40+ years when we finally severed the control of Great Britain in the War of 1812. Yet, it didn't end there. We remained a nation seeking to find its way. We continued to seek a balance of power in how we were governed which culminated in a Civil War that consolidated power in the federal government. It was a result that led to better relations between the various races which comprise our people, but eroded the power of the people by consolidating it in the hands of the federal government.

We have survived global wars in which the United States came to the aid of nations whose values resembled our own. We have gone wherever necessary to combat the tendency of man to consolidate power through aggression. Yet we have allowed special interests to consolidate power within our own borders.

We have struggled with our own identity. We are a nation of many varied yet closely held beliefs. We have faced many issues that arise from the human frailties of self-interest and fear. We have made great strides in creating an environment of equality of opportunity for all. Yet we have allowed those same frailties of self-interest and fear to be used against us by the very politicians we elected to serve us.

We continue to struggle. Today we face some of the greatest challenges that we have ever faced as a nation. Many of those challenges are the result of the quest for power of individuals and groups who have only their self-interest at heart. They seek power for gain and not in service for the good of the nation and its people. They bully and intimidate through the power of the purse.

That such individuals and groups hold the reins of power is the fault of the people. Enough of us have allowed ourselves to be subjugated to the carefully orchestrated largess of the state and federal powers that our Independence has been lost. That subjugation has resulted in efforts to further consolidate power through expanding government services in ways that create further dependency. We see today an aggressive expansion and consolidation of power through the use of regulation and welfare (although not always by that name). We have become a nation controlled by dependency. Therein lies our downfall.

Our dependency on the government has created a situation of mounting debt that must be repaid. It is the tendency in such times to use taxation to repay the debt. The burden of government has become oppressive. We are facing a crisis in our nation that in many ways resembles the conditions prior to the War for Independence. It is time once again for our government to become both responsive to and responsible to the people.

(Also posted at Panhandle's Perspective)

Wind Power

This article was taken from the Amarillo Globe News today.
______________________________________________

Region a wind powerhouse
Panhandle among suppliers of top wind user Xcel Energy
By Kevin Welchkevin.welch@amarillo.com


New ratings show the Panhandle and South Plains are already leading players in the wind energy game.
Xcel Energy, which serves parts of the Panhandle through Southwestern Public Service, is the utility that provides its customers the most wind energy in the country, according to the new report from the American Wind Energy Association.
"The Panhandle is possibly becoming the wind power capital of the country and we're in the heart of it," said Xcel spokesman Wes Reeves. "Right now wind is 10 to 15 percent of our capacity at SPS and we will see that grow to possibly 20 percent."
The utility added wind capacity in Texas, Minnesota, North Dakota and Colorado during 2006.
The new Texas power came from four installations in Hansford County in the northern Panhandle that are rated to produce up to 110 megawatts of electricity.

Going with the wind

Utilities using the most wind energy in 2006:
Xcel Energy: 1,323 megawatts
Southern California Edison: 1,026 MW
MidAmerican Energy Holdings: 861 MW
Pacific Gas & Electric: 793 MW
TXU Energy: 704 MW

Xcel buys that power from John Deere Credit and local owners.
One megawatt is enough electricity to power an average of 250 to 300 homes, according to the State Energy Conservation Office.
In 2007, Xcel has added up to 160 megawatts of wind power at the Wildorado Wind Farm largely owned by the Edison Mission Group. Shell Energy's Llano Estacado Wind Ranch at White Deer also serves the utility.
In addition, AWEA ranks the 19th Congressional District as having the most wind power production among districts across the country in 2006.
The district, represented by U.S. Rep. Randy Neugebauer, R-Lubbock, runs from Deaf Smith County southward past Lubbock to Big Spring and Abilene then north toward Wichita Falls.
It had turbines that had a total rating of 1,419 megawatts.
The district's activity is part of what put Texas in first place for the second year among states producing electricity from wind.
Texas had 2,768 megawatts of capacity while California had 2,361, according to the AWEA report.
The expansion of wind energy may not be over.
"There's at least 20 companies that have expressed interest in developing it in Texas," said Susan Williams Sloan, communications specialist for AWEA. "If transmission is built, there will be more projects. That's our limiting factor."
Xcel's goal of 20 percent wind is in line with standard estimates of how much can be handled.
"In Denmark and regions in Germany and Spain, they have 10 to 25 percent. There's a lot to be learned," Williams Sloan said. "Texas is still at less than 5 percent."

_________________________________________________

Wind power is an important part of our future. In this part of the world we certainly have plenty of it!

Some related links:

http://panhandlepoet.blogspot.com/2007/04/global-warming-again.html

http://panhandlepoet.blogspot.com/2007/03/ethanol-why.html

http://panhandlepoet.blogspot.com/2007/03/alternative-energy.html

http://panhandlepoet.blogspot.com/2007/02/global-warming.html