Powerful Power

Back in 2008 when I was reading the Communist Manifesto for a particular Socio-Political elective, I concluded the writings to be rants of a dysfunc communist who went by the name, Karl Marx. The ideas he proposed were a tad twisted as his beard appeared to be. His mind was a one way track that possibly was due to his deprived upbringing. Which, I am assuming, was the basis for his theories.

Then again, I also have to agree, bits of what he conveyed did make sense. Quoting Marx,

"Men is a perpetually dissatisfied animal".

He felt or perhaps knew that men was always after something. If his primary needs were fulfilled, he develops new needs and maybe just wants. And once again according to Marx,

"These new needs are the first historical act".

That was how history was created. If man hadn't had the curiousity to to ask questions and seek something better in replacement of his existing life, science would probably not have ventured far. Or at least that is what I think. When these needs manifests itself onto man to a point, whereby being the best takes over being better, greed takes over.  

And for the most famous Marx Theory which was in favour of communism was probably a result of how he felt about Religion in particular. 

"Religion is the opium for the masses."

Religious beliefs functioned to blind people so they could not recognise their exploitation and their real political interests. Religion emphasises salvation, compensation for misery and alienation on earth. Which justifies social inequality. As of recent, news on destruction is often followed with a "salvation according to his/her beliefs". This statement of his, may not be the best way to describe religion or its devotees. Then again, on some levels, people are lead by blind faith. Who's to say for that?

Oil leak in America and Obama's response to the entire incident is almost always making headlines these days. How citizens are upset at the governing party to be taking matter slowly and perhaps lightly instead of the attention it requires. His popularity status compared to the time when he was campaigning, has certainly headed for a plunge.

Politicians and Citizens. These parties will never be satisfied. Both these sides will never cross each other. As a citizen you will always be disatisfied with the way things are run. You will have hoards of opinions on how things should run. However, once inside the Oval office, you will be just as 'good' as the one before you. Even if the leader does understands your situation, what he attempts to do to better your life will eventually fall short of your expectations.

"Without government, human beings would compete for territory, resources and power. Fighting would be common, survival would depend on strength and cunning". 

- Hobbes, Thomas

In other words, we will no longer be the civilised beings we are now. It will all be a matter of kill and grab. Self before others. Or perhaps we already are evolving into that mentality...

A New Beginning

Excerpts of President Obama's Speech in Cairo....

On Women Rights:

I reject the view of some in the West that a woman who chooses to cover her hair is somehow less equal, but I do believe that a woman who is denied an education is denied equality. And it is no coincidence that countries where women are well educated are far more likely to be prosperous.

I am convinced that our daughters can contribute just as much to society as our sons. Our common prosperity will be advanced by allowing all humanity -- men and women -- to reach their full potential.

On harmony among nations and establishing peace:

Of course, recognizing our common humanity is only the beginning of our task. Words alone cannot meet the needs of our people. These needs will be met only if we act boldly in the years ahead; and if we understand that the challenges we face are shared, and our failure to meet them will hurt us all.

We have learned from recent experience that when a financial system weakens in one country, prosperity is hurt everywhere. When a new flu infects one human being, all are at risk. When one nation pursues a nuclear weapon, the risk of nuclear attack rises for all nations. When violent extremists operate in one stretch of mountains, people are endangered across an ocean.

When innocents in Bosnia and Darfur are slaughtered, that is a stain on our collective conscience. That is what it means to share this world in the 21st century. That is the responsibility we have to one another as human beings.

All of us share this world for but a brief moment in time. The question is whether we spend that time focused on what pushes us apart, or whether we commit ourselves to an effort -- a sustained effort -- to find common ground, to focus on the future we seek for our children, and to respect the dignity of all human beings.

It's easier to start wars than to end them. It's easier to blame others than to look inward. It's easier to see what is different about someone than to find the things we share. But we should choose the right path, not just the easy path.

There's one rule that lies at the heart of every religion -- that we do unto others as we would have them do unto us. This truth transcends nations and peoples -- a belief that isn't new; that isn't black or white or brown; that isn't Christian or Muslim or Jew. It's a belief that pulsed in the cradle of civilization, and that still beats in the hearts of billions around the world. It's a faith in other people, and it's what brought me here today.

We have the power to make the world we seek, but only if we have the courage to make a new beginning, keeping in mind what has been written.

The Holy Koran tells us: "O mankind! We have created you male and a female; and we have made you into nations and tribes so that you may know one another."

The Talmud tells us: "The whole of the Torah is for the purpose of promoting peace."

The Holy Bible tells us: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God." (Applause.)

Obama addressed the crowd with conviction for a change, quoting from literature they best understand and place their firm faith in. It proves the often overlooked fact that "talking helps; not violence!', when dealing with issues. Obama's take on issues and the solutions he proposed will take time to materialise. However, the opportunity to meet the Muslim community and put forth a list of actions that will improve the betterment of all humanity and in the best interests of people around the world yearning for peace, is a great start to a New Beginning.

The full speech can be read here :)

US President on The Tonight Show

I just saw this clip of The Tonight Show (though I don't really favour Jay Leno) with US President Barack Obama in it. I so wanted to upload the clip and that would require me to edit the clip and bla bla..Furthermore, I am only limited to a 100MB upload on the blog! Hence, I decided maybe I'd share some of the funny moments Obama and Leno shared on screen. Obama spoke with such ease and clarity (yeah I'm aware that his oratorical skills are superb) he impresses me every other time he has an article published on him or an interview like this one. From Bush to Obama - 360 degrees Change (OK perhaps I shouldn't have made that comparison; its pretty obvious) Oh well, in short I am a proud fan of the President :D

The following excerpt was so hilarious onscreen but if they failed to bring about the humour they ought...extremely sorry....do check out the video for the entire interview...includes the AIG Insurance almsot bankruptcy state, dollars thats going to be put into Research and Development - Hybrid cars of the future America, his plans on clearing the Economy Mess and Education matters. Too many plans, too short a term, lotsa mess that has to be cleared even before reconstruction on any sector begins, BUT he sounds convincing :)

Jay Leno : Its only 59 days now right? So much scrutiny. Is it fair to judge so quickly?

Obama: We are going through a difficult time. I welcome the challenge. I ran for President cos I
thought we needed big changes. I do think in Washington it's a little like the American Idol except everybody is Simon Cowell.

Jay Leno: I am hearing so much about the dog. When is it coming?

Obama: This is Washington and that was a campaign promise.... Once i return from my NATO Summit, the dog will be in place....I think I am going to have a lot of fun with it.. They say if you want a friend in Washington, get a dog ;)