Franklin Delano Roosevelt

Deal or No Deal...how about a New Deal?

"The only thing we have to fear is fear itself" spoken during the period of the first New Deal has carried on and is spoken so frequently it almost isn't a quote anymore so much as just an accepted truth. Rather ironic that it is nothing more than a recursive reference to our own inadequacies and need to justify everything. He made this statement as a prelude to changes to come that were dramatic, liberal and meant to drive community based responsibility for the economic revival so desperately needed.

This particular post could get more lengthy than would be intellectually valuable, so I will bullet point some of the things that FDR implemented, received or instigated, as the case may be:
* Federal Emergency Relief Administration (FERA)
* Repeal of Prohibition
* Silver Buffalo Award
* Guillain-Barre Syndrome (not polio)
* Fireside Chats (Radio Commentaries)
* Securities and Exchange Commission
* 21st Amendment
* Social Security
* Withholding Taxes
* Good Neighbor Policy
* Fair Labor Standards Act (Minimum Wage)
* Served 4 terms in office
* Tennessee Valley Authority
* Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation

There are more but I only need to demonstrate a point of effect on every aspect of what may be termed governmental controls but is more like leadership guiding community or some may say more the likes of Balanced Socialism. I do not argue either position, I only demonstrate accomplishment and under what could be considered the most personal and politically tumultuous time of the previous century.

Human as well, he had indiscretions and warlike vengeance at times. Would he be ashamed of what we have become or proud of our accomplishments...whatever we each may think they are or are not.

Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche

An aphoristic philosopher (and one of the few that by definition remains true) whose tenacity and audacity inspired and yet still inspires to this day many who think of themselves as intellectuals. Defining truth was an infinitely questionable journey in the mind of Nietzsche and any acceptance of such was a true prize to those who had presented anything to him. Nietzsche determined himself to be of no home for a long period of his intellectual development, which lends itself to his personality of challenging status quo. He did not need a definition or an origin for himself, only a journey in seeking greater things.

Health issues followed Nietzsche throughout his life, creating a pessimistic and readily critical individual that was not afraid (constant pain seems to give one internal fortitude) to speak against the "accepted" at any time and also any place. Nietzsche traveled extensively throughout the seasons and whether this was just for his own internal need to experience more or analyze it as well...or just a need to speak to a greater audience and find oneself...I cannot and will not surmise. In his earlier days, when he transitioned from accepted methodologies to analyze and critique things to a more speculative and challenging perspective, he found himself ousted by many of the "standard" brains of the time. Even furthered throughout his life, he would get close to someone only to alienate them in turn as he could challenge that which was right in front of him and do it without fail or question often.

He created his isolation, but hated it. This furthers my notion that social or communal input is required to thrive as a species. His writing style, being so heavily laden with what we would be considered profanity at that time, left few people with a clear vision of his philosophy. Tainted by what was deemed as anger, it was often dismissed or lacked what is necessary to aquire a cultural embrace. His tendency to be psychoanalytical in a philosophical debate has given many people today the ability to endorse his efforts a moral, even though Nietzsche by no means considered himself nor anyone else moral.

I ask but one question...Could Nietzsche have had a muse or was his search his only muse?

Next: Franklin Delano Roosvelt

Karl Marx

"The history of all hitherto existing society is the history of class struggles."

If you have studied economics or political history, this quote should have been heard several times and applied to many situations. In his own time, Marx was not a known or revered individual but his words and concepts brought about a shift in ideology well into the last century.

A brilliant philosopher, learned in economic theory, who put a critical view on history...Karl Marx laid the foundations for communism. A premise, at least initially, which was founded in sound reasoning. Intended to be a solution to social delineations and negate class diversification created by a capitalist supply versus demand scenario, it was manipulated and further criticized as he became more pliable to political idealists.

An immense amount of reading various interpretations of Marx's texts led me to read quite a bit of the originals myself as there were far too many variations and inconsistencies for me to rely on any one translated source. As I believe that social interaction is necessary and integral to how change is managed, Marx inferred this same concept in a refute of 'nature' or 'subjectivity' for a more influenced behavior from environmental or more objective critieria.

Marx's economic concepts of inevitable recessions periodically as a result of capitalist 'mode of production' prove themselves to this day. Reading his words and the attempts to discredit them, you will see the rational and honest presentation of history and precedence that is fought only because it criticizes self-interset and desire for wealth as natural.

Yell for equality and fairness and yet perpetuate such only when it suits you personally...not the common (greater) good.

Sorry for the extensive delay in my writings...I have shifted my life focus and had to recreate my emotional and physical environments.

Next Up: Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche

Francois-Marie Arouet

Also known as Voltaire, this outspoken philosopher and writer (has anyone ever known a philosopher that was not also a writer?)was versed in Latin, Greek, Italian, Spanish and English. A prolific writer with sharp wit and an adoration for "drama", he managed to create quite a bit with a background in law, but a need to defy it. His defiance was not unjust or inappropriate by today's standards, but in his time was subject to both persecution and prosecution.

Often thought to be an atheist, his faith was present and unhidden, but his need to strike blows at organized religion or any form of absolute understanding furthered the earlier perception. A deist that now has a spiritual concept with his name on it; "Voltairean Pantheism". (What I wouldn't give to have such a coined phrase about my brilliance and fearless approach to the world...)

Though he fought brilliantly and rationally on many issues of injustice, his belief that many were lesser than Europeans simply because of origin limits my ability to have any faith in his statements that only an enlightened leader can evoke change. This is nebulous in the fact that it does not specify leader or enlightenment. A rich and noble man in his last years, he is quoted and misquoted often and to this day misunderstood to be an artist rather than what he was...which is???

Henry Louis Mencken

"Democracy is...the worship of Jackals by Jackasses..."

I cannot find many individuals who managed to have a state legislature pass a motion to pray for their soul. H.L. Mencken accomplished just that in 1931 due to a reference to Arkansas as the "apex of moronia". (I am sooo going to use that!)

When reviewing any works or references to Mencken, one must remember he was revered for his satirical nature. He consistently presented an anti-American, crass libertarian perspective. He accepted elitism as a necessary course of community. Refuted any claims that he was a racist, though his stereotyping and audacious writings against all ethnicities would bode otherwise.

If I write much more about H.L. Mencken, it will give away the common thread between all of those whose opinions I would value. I challenge any of you (heck, all of you) to read Libido for the Ugly or Treatise on Right and Wrong to genuinely test your skills on analyzing satirical prose for sincerity versus cynicism. Besides, they are exceptional reads especially if you consider the time period in which they were written.

Pope John Paul II

The "Universal Call to Holiness" provided this pontificate an opportunity to evoke change in a time of political and spiritual unrest. Pope John Paul II was a polyglot, librarian, actor and writer prior to becoming the first Polish pope. His views and approach were criticized by both liberal and secular viewpoints.

From refusing requests by the Vatican staff to stop jogging and exercising where he may be seen by tourists to forgiving multiple assassination attempts, Pope John Paul II flouted acceptance for ethical congruity around the world. Standing firm upon his convictions even on progressive issues such as abortion, homosexuality and females within the priesthood. Not to say his views were 'right' but his ability to draw conclusions definitively and develop the 'Theology of the Body' demonstrate a respect for the wonder that is humanity and all of its various incarnations.

His call to action was heard by more people than any other pontificate in human history and his character remains credible even in death.

Did you know that his research argued in favor of evolution being accepted and even correlated it to the book of Genesis? Did you know he sen the first papal email? Did you know the sun eclipsed on both his day of birth and death?

- Totus Tuus to this day -

Next up: H. L. Mencken

Hermes Trismegistus

Referred to as the 'ethical atheist' by many, Hermes Trismegistus was far from such as defined in Webster's: "–noun - a person who denies or disbelieves the existence of a supreme being or beings." My research shows a pragmatic philosopher of purported truths; a priest, if you will, of a broadened scope of reality than traditionally accepted within Christianity.

If one person, many persons or merely a myth, Trismegistus is readily associated with the occult where again I find no application by definition. "–adjective - of or pertaining to magic, astrology, or any system claiming use or knowledge of secret or supernatural powers or agencies. –noun - the supernatural or supernatural agencies and affairs considered as a whole. I have not found that any of his works are in said fashion maybe loosely, but no more so than any religion would fall under such a term. I can only infer that, as in all religions, people chose to interpret his readings in such a way as to make them applicable for ego-centric relevance.

I argue that the 'divine trinity' is respect for knowledge before us provided by 'the ALL'; an all-encompassing deity, that is not magical nor mystical. It is our fundamental unawareness of the past creations or an unnecessary origin that creates mysticism.

There is a respect and admiration for the unknown, such as birth and death. The words are put forth by Trismegistus in such a way as to invoke awe, encourage tolerance and apply scientific theory to that we can; our minds are our uniqueness and our commonality. Applying analysis to an encultured philosophy was and still is an act of transitional alienation. An act only those with confidence are willing to sacrifice acceptance for and empower knowledge regardless.

Harriet Tubman

Possibilities instead of fate...Resistance rather than compliance.

Araminta Ross, though physically and mentally abused, was compelled to push fear aside to find "liberty". Her self fulfillment was found in defying unjust standards and putting a new definition to the courage required to achieve freedom.

Consistently open-minded, intolerant of apathy and aggressively motivational, Harriet Tubman insisted upon evoking change in a time where challenging those in positions of power would mean abuse, torture or even death. In seeking liberty for all, she is not only a figure in African-American history, but women's suffrage and subsequently a legacy that enlightens to the greater good.

Enabling hundreds of people to be true to their conscience and liberate themselves of the inhumanity of the period. A patriotic humanitarian with the ability and tenacity to remain true to a government that harshly denied her wartime efforts. Only after her death, of which she was not afraid, did her contributions get recognized and still celebrated to this day.