For those who want to follow along…
…and chat about it, the Homeland Security series at Insurgent American is plodding along through Part 8. All earlier parts are linked at the bottom.
Homeland Security is a hook. Homeland (with “land” being the operative word). Security… from fear and danger. It’s topical, no?
IA’s point of view, such as it is, is that the very same things we are thinking we have to do to prevent a lemming-ride over the bluff of late-imperialism are also those things that make us less vulnerable to the kinds of dangers we see in the world today.
The circuitous route taken in the series is to answer as many questions as we can from the outset. Using historical analysis, with multiple standpoints — political, economic, cultural, ecological, etc. — is a way of recapturing the complexity of our reality from the simple-minded mystification of what now passes for public discourse, and of inviting more people into a collective thought process that is not driven by “staying on message” or reducing our politics to manipulative sloganeering.
We need thinkers, innovators, practical problem-solvers, and fearless questioners for the future, not cheerleading. We have a former cheerleader for President right now; and see where that’s got us. We also don’t need generalized guidance or stamped out programs from toy Internationals.
I hope folks find the pieces useful. They keep me busy and out of trouble.
Linda c:
This series has been a great exercise for the mind, as I set at my desk and try to perform my mindless job. I have meaningfully filled in a lot of unfulfilled time with your articles. Can’t wait for Part 9.
21 August 2007, 9:15 amDeAnander:
Can there be any doubt that it is all about land and biotic resources?
Occupying armies all end up waging a War on Food.
21 August 2007, 8:52 pmJames M:
Just wanted to say you’re doing us all a great service with this series, Stan. I’ve read each section at least twice, and find myself continually turning it over in my head, making new connections, grasping new bits of significance. I’m so busy processing it that I’d hardly know where to begin with any kind of contribution to the discussion … so my comments at this point amount to basically “wow,” “thanks,” and “looking forward to more.”
30 August 2007, 12:39 amCurt:
Khayiam Number 17-23 in B flat as translated by Juan Cole:
26 February 2012, 6:46 pmHey good lookin, whatch ya got cookin? Hows about cookin something up with me?
If you are ugly I am ugly too. So if you bring the stew I will bring the brew.
We can then sit our all night and wait for him too.
His cheaten heart will cry all night becasue the belt around his waist
is to tight. His face will turn blue. He has shit on his shoe.
Who is this man, who?
Curt:
Hafez Number 10-27 in A goose step as translated by Juan Cole and reinterpreted by Padre Dave Winfield:
28 February 2012, 11:45 amFighting Huns fall from the sky. Fearless Huns who laugh and cry.
Huns who are all dressed like Pink. They provide a comic link.
They carry a sign and a plate of Beans. They follow the
Missipippi to New Orleans.
They looked down the River
and saw the Iranians comming. There must have been a
hundred of them beating on themselves. So Old
Hickory said, If we just shut our mouth we won’t
loose our head!