Basic Tunics, 2012, Independents & Other Topics
Cinnamon Dazzle now offers basic Renaissance tunics. These are hand made in the USA from 100% cotton gauze and come in small, medium and X-Large sizes. Colors include burgundy (shown here), green and white. These tops make a perfect item for SCA, Pagan, Renaissance and other festive events. Both men and women can wear them. Cost is $30 each.
2012 and Independents
I’m not really in a ranting mood, but here are two topics that deserve further analysis.
2012 is supposed to be the end of the world according to an ancient Mayan calendar. Too many New Age believers (including some Pagans) are taking this prediction as gospel truth. I don’t. Some day this earth may get smacked by a large asteroid. The resulting chaos will end life as we know it. By why should this happen in 2012? The paths of asteroids, meteors, and other cosmic debris can be predicted years ahead. No scientists have said that 2012 is a year to worry more about cosmic debris.
I remember 2000, a year for which may dire predictions were made. Nothing happened! Now the same New Age crowd is telling us to worry again. I will not.
Independents
An increasing percent of the US population defines itself as politically independent. That means they are equally likely to vote for Republicans as Democrats. Apparently they ignore opposing ideologies of the two major political parties.
The Republicans (if you believe their rhetoric, which I do) want to return the US to the laissez faire capitalism of the 19th century. Government would not be involved in health care, social security, welfare, unemployment benefits, etc.
The Democrats are timidly promoting a form of social democracy that is found in much of Europe. The government’s role as the provider of social services would be greatly expanded. This is not socialism. Capitalism thrives in these countries, but it has to comply with more government regulations. Most of these protect the rights of the workers employed by privately owned industries.
Endless conflicts result when elected the Republicans and Democrats each stand on their opposing principles. There are few elected independents, so that any attempt to increase the role of governmental services is automatically opposed by all elected Republicans. When Republicans had the majority, attempts were made to privatize social security. Fortunately, the Democrats successfully opposed this reduction.
I say that the governmental stalemate is made worse by Independents who think that by voting for the best “man or woman”, regardless of party, they are improving our politics. It is the ideology espoused by the candidate, not their charming personality, smile, or appearance that matters.
Pick your side and fight for it I say. Enough for now