I think all humans lust for power over others, to make them believe as they do, or worship as they do or some other way conform to their own way of behaving and thinking. Maybe it's a tribal thing, left over from when we were on the Savannah in "cave man" days, and needed to feel in control of our group (or something). I do believe some desire for power is an intrinsic part of human existence.
Greed is one the most powerful of all human emotions. There's nothing wrong with being greedy, what's wrong is trying to pretend you're not. We all are. Every human wants truckloads of cash and endless amounts of power. It's no good pretending you are "above that." If you're human, that's really what you ARE all about. I say we give everyone a gun and let the one who kills the most people have all the wealth. At least that would be an honest human accomplishment with no hypocrisy.
Thus spake Zarathrustra. (if I spelled that wrong -well, I'm an American). I'd rather not hear any voices out of the void - this whole thing makes me shiver, recalling my lifelong fear of the black void of space and the movie "2001 A Space Odyssey." (Shudders).
You're very lucky to live there. I lived for two years in Santa Cruz and felt like it was really my home. I was in a gay relationship (long term) and we moved to California mostly because he wanted to. But I fell in love with Santa Cruz, got a good job in San Jose and wanted to stay, but he eventually persuaded me into moving back to Utah - then years later, dumped me and left me here. >:( And I'm damn mad about it, but may get the opportunity to move soon. And I'll never come back to Utah under any circumstances.
I wondered about that. When I was a film major in college (way back in 80s) we were using 16 mm cameras and actual film, and to correct for daylight (which has a lot of blue in it) we had to use an orange filter over the lens to make the colors more natural. So I'm sure there are ways to correct for the blueness in digitally shot movies. I just wish they'd use it!
Like the movie "Napoleon" that just came out. There's no way I'll watch it just because I hate that blue/grey aesthetic so much, it bleeds so much life out of things and leaves skin tones grey and skies always looking overcast. It's like being in a freezing cold place for two hours. No thanks!
There is only one way that humanity will finally end - and yes, it will be by nuclear war. And it's not very far off at all. There is no other way that the fate of humanity can go. There is such a lack of human compassion and empathy and such a desire to cause hurt, it's just a matter of hours. So don't think it won't happen. There's no other possible outcome for us at this point, none whatsoever (unless an asteroid demolishes us first, that is).
That's also true. How can you not be defensive when someone's reply starts with, "listen here you stupid dumbfuck....." Of course that kind of name calling is going to result in a verbal fight. I don't know why we can't just say, "OK I disagree but here's why, and I hope you'll appreciate my feedback." Do we have to resort to calling each other juvenile names? A person isn't stupid just because they have a controversial point of view.
I could have made that clearer in my original post. I was really talking about educating future generations - rather than trying to take down the current regime.
What I'm saying is in order to stop the future growth or rise of fascism, education is important. Letting kids read about the real history of oppression and violence is absolutely vital. I'm not delusional about the idea that the current fascists in office can be defeated with intellectualism - obviously that isn't going to work. Sometimes you do have to fight fire with fire. But I truly believe that in most instances, to have peace you have to prepare for peace, by nipping fascism in the bud through early education and open discussions.
I know you were being sarcastic, so was I. My proposed solution to fascists is not to become one myself. I can ensure myself and my family don't stoop to such levels of corruption, I can fight back if I have to, I can vote them out of office - but really what else can one person do without becoming a fascist themselves. I don't close my eyes to the world I live in - I'm an avid news reader and follower of all news networks and a constant contributor to the guest editorial section of my local paper. I do voice my views and spread whatever small influence I may have.