I'll add a thought . . . I believe in the power of an individual to make a difference. If I didn't, I won't be in the profession I am in nor would I stay in that profession. I know one individual can and does make a difference in many ways. Thus the effort is well worth the price. It makes me think of one of my favorite songs from a 1960's musical: To dream ... the impossible dream ... To fight ... the unbeatable foe ... To bear ... with unbearable sorrow ... To run ... where the brave dare not go ... To right ... the unrightable wrong ... To love ... pure and chaste from afar ... To try ... when your arms are too weary ... To reach ... the unreachable star ... This is my quest, to follow that star ... No matter how hopeless, no matter how far ... To fight for the right, without question or pause ... To be willing to march into Hell, for a Heavenly cause ... And I know if I'll only be true, to this glorious quest, That my heart will lie will lie peaceful and calm, when I'm laid to my rest ... And the world will be better for this: That one man, scorned and covered with scars, Still strove, with his last ounce of courage, To reach ... the unreachable star ... I think that Utah, the United States and our world needs more people who will strive with their last ounce of courage to make a difference. This presents just one way to do so. Just my opinion. On Sun, Dec 4, 2011 at 8:39 PM, Hutchings, Mat (H USA) < mat.hutchings@siemens.com> wrote:
Chuck, I'm going to pick out another "red-hot" statement.
I believe that humanity is a noble race. We look at the stars and wonder. We rise above tyranny and despotism. We have conquered many diseases and pestilences. We willing and routinely lay down our lives for the hope of a better tomorrow. We create art and music that moves individuals to tears and action. We write words that form governments which protect individuals.
Yes, there is an "underbelly" to humanity, but if not, then there would be nothing to improve on. Or to remind us that we need to improve.
Yes, I do believe that humans will win the trial that Q puts us through in "Encounter at Farpoint". :)
Mat
-----Original Message----- From: utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of Chuck Hards Sent: Sunday, December 04, 2011 8:52 PM To: Utah Astronomy Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Alton Mine Update
On 12/4/11, Hutchings, Mat (H USA) <mat.hutchings@siemens.com> wrote:
I've got to chime in on a political statement that was made in this thread. It was said that: "The American system states that the majority shall have their way...". The American system does not state this. We are a representative republic, not a strict democracy. A representative republic protects the rights of minorities.
I agree with you, Mat, but it rarely turns out that way. I firmly believe that the purpose of a democracy is to protect the rights of the minority. But what the American system "states" isn't what happens in practice much of the time. See the entire message of my posts, not just a statement that glows red-hot when taken on it's own.
I'm being a deliberate thorn in your sides here, folks. I'm not one to hold hands and sing "Kumbaya" just because it feels good. I'm trying to get people to see that you could get your butt handed to you on a platter.
The world is a dangerous place. In the eternal struggle between good and evil, evil usually wins, unless good is very, very careful. And even then, it's never a sure thing.
I'm at a place in life where I don't have the time or resources to take a political stand. My life is, of necessity, completely focused on survival with perhaps a few hours per week (or month) of discretionary time. I was socially active quite a lot in my younger days, (contact me off-list for details if interested) and what I learned is that you get slapped down hard almost all of the time if in the minority. I've had to take care of an extended family financially since I was 15 years old, to the detriment of my own career and lifelong, heartfelt interests and desires. I'm pretty sure few of you have had to do the same thing for a period stretching over decades. I'm not complaining, I'm grateful that the universe has allowed me the means to get done what I needed to do, and granted me good health enough to do it, but I'm telling you this so you can call upon the compassion in your hearts and understand that I'm actually, truthfully, not on the opposite side of this issue- I am trying to tell you that you face an uphill battle, and not even having the letter of the law, or a moral high ground, will entirely suffice to win the battle. Humanity isn't a noble race. We are animals, and the animalistic aspects of our nature almost always trump the efforts of those who try to rise above it. Don't expect "the system" to come to your rescue. Quoting the words and ideas of founding fathers and leaders whom we admire won't get the job done. Neither will faith in a 'higher power' alone.
It may get ugly if you are in it for the long haul. Really ugly. Be ready for it.
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