Comments

1. Drugs are to heal not deal

   I totally agree with you. Drugs are used to heal, not deal. Only when an athlete, or a student has been diagnosed by a doctor for a medical or physical condition, should drugs be used. The laws governing competition and education are clear on that.

   3 months, 1 week ago In response to Brain Doping: Is Grey Matter an Ethical Matter?

2. Unethical,Illegal,Immoral

   Yes, we are free to choose our actions, and to whatever degree we choose, but only if we are ready to accept the consequences; which is where it falls under the rules of the organization or the state we are governed by. This: "No it is not ethical, not because of the brain doping, but because it is wrong for a government to confiscate the wealth of some for the benefit of others. In a truly free society, which (the United States is not,) the government’s primary function would be to protect the rights of individuals. State sponsored scholarships violate individual right." How do they violate individual rights, and why do you state "the US is not a totally free society?" Because we are governed by the people that we choose to lead us? That makes us not free to choose? No, a free society is where people get to choose who leads them, and get to choose which laws are enacted, what acts are illegal, immoral and unethical. How do state sponsored scholarships violate individual rights and what does that have to do with brain doping? I'm afraid you leave me extremely perplexed.

   3 months, 1 week ago In response to Brain Doping: Is Grey Matter an Ethical Matter?

3. It all begins with a thought!

   It can be one thought in the mind of one person, or one million thoughts in the mind of one million people, as long as it begins.... If enough people hear one thing, that one thing will bring others. The cost added to our bills by corporations to offset the expense of "greening" their company should not be an issue, who pays should not be an issue, the only issue that matters is that it gets done. Although it is not ethical for companies to charge consumers without first asking, at least it is getting done. That's ethical.

   3 months, 1 week ago In response to Going Green: Who Pays?

Big business can't buy it's way out

I so agree with this: a massive statement big and powerful enough to put people in or out of office. Then, and only then, when the big corporations finally run into some legal hurdles they can’t buy their way around, will the major changes necessary to restore and protect the environment in this country and, hopefully, world wide take place." That is exactly the answer. Many try to discourage me from reacting as I do, to the injustice of the wealthy business owners in the country, but my commitment, like yours, will someday be in the major voice necessary to stop the erosion of this planet. There are forces for "good," shifting power to let the little guy's voice be heard. I'm on the bandwagon, for green, no matter who is paying.

3 months, 1 week ago In response to Going Green: Who Pays?

Brain doping

The original article is about "brain doping" and it refers to brain enhancing drug giving one an edge over their competition, or to help students study for longer periods of time, or to increase intelligence. What you are taking is for a medical condition, which is a totally different issue. I definitely do not think that this would be a good practice for students or athletes, ethical or otherwise. It is bad enough knowing that there are stay at home moms taking their children's ADHD meds to get through the day with. My children had tough school schedules with sports and after school activities and I managed to get through the day, even while working a full time job, as a single parent. I'm sorry, but there is no reason to medicate a perfectly healthy individual to get more out of them whether it is athletic or intellectual. Of course, this is just my opinion. Yes, it is unethical and unnecessary.

3 months, 1 week ago In response to Brain Doping: Is Grey Matter an Ethical Matter?

Good Intentions

As long as good intentions are followed through and not just given lip service, then change takes place. Hitler controlled an entire army with bad intentions, and any positive attention creates 10 times more power than 1 negative action. When people begin to believe, in the power they hold to create change, then change will take place. I am disappointed that you sound defeatist at the end of your post. There are many new natural products to protect vegetation, than were available years ago. And the shift taking place in this country right now, I believe will be a test of time. It is time, that the wealth in the world, is spread more evenly, to protect "humans" from the eroding environment, and to provide them with the tools necessary to accomplish the tasks they deem worthy. There is a shift about to take place , and I personally, want to be on the side of freedom to choose what dangers are thrust upon us. We need louder voices, more voices, more education and awareness, to make a change in the world. The problem is, we only talk about change...Where do you think change will begin? Will we settle for a world where even breathing is a danger?

3 months, 1 week ago In response to Going Green: Who Pays?

Going Green

I took someone's mention of Native Americans, and did some research yesterday. http://www.nativeamericacalling.com/ If you look at the notation for August 26, 2008, it looks like there's hope. The Crow nation, in Montana is working with an Australian Company to turn coal into liquid fuel, it looks like environmentalists have issues with the project, but I wonder if that is political? http://www.americaspower.org/ it looks like it is political here and it affects what our tax contribution will be. Again, I don't mind that, if it solves the problem. We need one company to find a solution that works for all fuel companies and get behind them to create universal change.

3 months, 1 week ago In response to Going Green: Who Pays?

Going Green Corporations

I bow to your foresight. I completely agree that the corporations should be accountable to consumers to show that what they have committed to, and we have consented to contribute to their cost increase, is legally monitored. There should be in place, a legal system to monitor the commitments made by corporations and to protect the contribution of the consumer. These are the kind of conditions that end up on the cutting room floor, when it comes to monitoring the commitments of corporations, which is one of the reasons why we are having this discussion...still, or again. The legal systems that monitor big business are lax, and unfortunately, usually overlooked. But, that is a long standing condition. The recovery of our planet depends on something pro-active, taking place yesterday, but will still remain unmonitored for the period of time it takes to put a system in place that the consumer has faith in, and that usually takes so long that, again, the matter is put on the back burner. How can we accelerate the necessary fail safes to bring about the results we so desperately need to save the planet? Oh, wait...is that where we started? Catch 22.

3 months, 2 weeks ago In response to Going Green: Who Pays?

Why should it be free

I do not think anyone is making an analogy between charity and going green. The word contribution is used as "action," although most of these organizations are privately funded. Of course we would want to see companies change the use of our current resources and expect to pay additional surcharges for that to take place, and it should only be toward a solution to our fossil fuel consumption. But, let's not let rhetoric by people like this guy, who makes a living by suggesting that "global warming is a scam and is being manipulated by the government," http://icecap.us/index.php/go/joes-blog/comments_about_global_warming/ lead people in the wrong direction. All I am saying is that we should be looking for alternative resources, adapt the resources we have now to use less, and to educate others to the only direction that will save this planet, and we should be willing to take responsibility "and take on additional surcharges" to get it done.

3 months, 2 weeks ago In response to Going Green: Who Pays?

Going Green

Excellent point. Native Americans treated the earth as a God. They believed that all of their life was lived "from" the land. They did not just show respect, they honored it and held it in high esteem with chants and dances. They lived off the land and let the land be the judge of how well they preserved it. We gave up so much when we persecuted them and fought to take their land away, in hindsight, I wonder, how many see what a huge mistake we made. I guess many did, or else they would not have received "restitution", for what was taken from them. It is a shame we see so much in hindsight, maybe if we spent more time collecting knowledge about the environment and studying the history, we would find greater solutions than we have today. Everything Native Americans ate or used, came from the land, maybe we should be asking them how to preserve the environment, how to slow global waring, how to find other sources of energy, and also food.

3 months, 2 weeks ago In response to Going Green: Who Pays?

"Lifestyle"

I don't see reference to depression as a lifestyle, I read that the type of drugs they will offer animals are drugs that will "change their lifestyle." In other words, give them so called "happy pills" so they can live a life like addicts do. Live a life on drugs, like ecstasy, cocaine and other recreational drugs. There is the irresponsible attitude...that scientists would waste time creating a "medication" to make a "happier pet." Who benefits from that (besides the pharmaceutical companies?) The owner is responsible for the "lifestyle" and "attitude" of the dog. If you are constantly depressed and even medication doesn't help, then maybe you should have a dog that is trained to let others know how severe your depression is, and send signals to let others know when you are going to need a medication change. They are training animals now to signal people about cancer, and I have a young girl in my neighborhood, who is going to school with her dog, to train him to let someone know when she is about to get a migraine. I think she is entering first grade, and the dog will go everywhere that she does, including to school. Animals do not need to be medicated to change their "lifestyle" under any condition.

3 months, 2 weeks ago In response to Who Let the Dogs Out: Fetching Medicine?

Cost of going green

I believe if "everyone" makes just one move toward a healthier environment we will make a difference. I changed all my light bulbs as soon as I heard about it, and the best thing about that is that they never seem to blow out. I was spending a ridiculous amount of money on light bulbs and now with the new ones, I am personally saving money. It's a twofer. Going back to a push lawn mower is a brave change, and think of the physical aspects of it. You have to use more physical energy to mow the lawn...another twofer. If we "all" try, I'm sure that is what we will find, the blessing on the other side, the benefit we never expected. Making change for the environment can only benefit us in the end.

3 months, 2 weeks ago In response to Going Green: Who Pays?

Capitalism without heart

The idea that 90% of the wealth in this country is held by only 30% of the population validates both your statements. There are days when I wonder, why are actors, and athletes paid so much money, when children are starving, homeless, going without the best education possible, and the environment is still out of control? No one is willing to take responsibility for the state we are in. Most believe that "one voice will never be heard," but they are not willing to make an effort to add more to the one and take a stand against the injustice of having to "go green" We never seem to find a balance. I have been a fan of socialized medicine, and education for a long time and why not throw "going green" in there too? A balance of wealth is needed in the world to make things safe for everyone. Shouldn't every child breath fresh air, shouldn't every child be warm, and safe? "http://wecansolveit.org/" is a project to aid in going green. I wrote a blog about it the other day and I am taking an active role. http://ourgratitude-rosee285.blogspot.com/ We "all" have to take responsibility for everything that takes place around us, and YES, I do believe we are responsible for what we are experiencing right now with global warming; and the cost of "going green" The cost should be equally shared by all, but in the mean time organizations like "We can solve it," have to be created and activated for change. Let me just make this point "shared by all" when we are all equal, when there is a shift in the wealth of the world, yes, GLOBALLY.

3 months, 2 weeks ago In response to Going Green: Who Pays?

We are what we think!

Ethical or otherwise, I think that Thomas made his point in the last paragraph. If "we choose" to make it ethical to take drug enhancements for competition or accelerated brain power, we are not using our natural resources. There should be...no reason for us to even consider using drugs for competition or for higher thinking. If we accept taking drugs as a normal practice, where will we stop? Once we become accustomed to the edge we would get from these drugs, the less we would exert our natural ability and energy, and the addiction issues that already exist in the world will just be compounded to a level so beyond control. Even under controlled conditions, I think it is not feasible. What a shame it would be not to see the emerging beauty of a prodigy, or the next Pulitzer prize winning author finish the greatest novel, knowing that they were not themselves. They were just under the influence of "medication." Hasn't everything already become too easy for us? With technology advancing so quickly, it seems that we won't need to think too much longer, computers will do it for us. I know that is an exaggeration...but so is the idea that it would be ethical to alter the body of an athlete or the mind of a genius. If we get up everyday believing that we have nothing to strive for, why would we continue to get up?

3 months, 2 weeks ago In response to Brain Doping: Is Grey Matter an Ethical Matter?

Cost of :going green"

I like the option you presented, Sally. With the changes taking place with all big companies, trying to go green, a resourceful way to re-use product, is a great way to convince these companies to make the change. I expect that we will all, as consumers, be confronted with the cost of companies going green and, as such, I personally would be willing to accept the additional cost if the company was complying with this country's best efforts to change the environment. With deregulation, we now have the choice to move to another company if we are not happy with the price, but as consumers, I think we should be ready to take on some extra expenses to save the planet for our children. I do feel that the companies should do everything possible to re-coup their losses before presenting the change in price to the consumer. And they should definitely not be "hiding" it in the price increase. We should all be well informed and notified about price increases along with what changes the companies will be making, in order to make a reasonable choice. We are "all" responsible to make changes in our lives to make the planet better for our children, and their children, and if it comes down to money, then it comes down to money, and we should be willing to share the cost with companies. One way to share the responsibility with companies is to present more suggestions like the one you mentioned in your post.

3 months, 2 weeks ago In response to Going Green: Who Pays?

Doggy meds ... come on!

I suffer from depression and take medication to stay at a therapeutic level. I never see that in my cat -although he has me well trained. Every time I get up he is expecting to be fed but I am enabling that behavior in him. I realize that and my children tell me he's spoiled but that's fine with me. As long as I know he's happy nothing else matters. I do notice if I am vulnerable and have a bout of crying he is more affectionate so our emotions do affect them, but I think in line with the example above, they would tend to be being more affectionate. Well, my cat does sleep a lot (laugh). What animal doesn't? I believe that some people see their animals as human and I see that I do that also, but I also take into account animals everywhere, they have as much right to proper care as we do, but I really do not believe that an animal can be psychoanalyzed and treated for depression or obesity with medication, it send a really bad message. They are creatures of habit, however human they are, and what we teach them they learn, so maybe they can be depressed, but it is a little farfetched to think I would treat my animal with an anti-depressant, when all he needs is more attention and exercise for obesity. If they are like us then exercise should do the trick. My neighbor went on vacation for a week and she was adamant about making sure I left her television running while she was gone. I'm sorry...but that becomes a green issue for. We are replacing light bulbs with neon, people are building windmills and, adding solar panels, so I think that leaving a television on for a cat is a bit over the top, but it is how she chooses to raise her pet and pay her bills. I still laughed really hard the first time when she told me.

3 months, 3 weeks ago In response to Who Let the Dogs Out: Fetching Medicine?

I just watched it again

It's funny but when I watched it the first time, there were things that did not stay with me after it was over. Like the donut guy helping that particular woman before he got on the bus. I forgot that completely. I still think that there were other things he could have done but we really never know how we are going to react in every situation. I Believe that we should always try to help others, but this past week I made a commitment to myself to let go of "FEAR AND DOUBT" for 1 week and I found that when you let go of something, you should understand more about it, you should know what to expect...or at least have reasonable expectations of the outcome. I thought giving up FEAR was a good thing and I believe it is, but you have to know what will be on the other side when you do. I now understand "donut man's" hesitation. Letting go of FEAR or DOUBT can means being vulnerable and having to trust everyone. Is that really possible? I don't think it is realistic to believe that by moving through fear will make things okay. It just might not. And, when you put yourself in a vulnerable position you should know what to expect or know yourself well enough to know how you might react in any given situation. Again, is that possible? I hope Liberty Mutual is working on the sequel but the one thing they did was to heighten our own awareness of the real world and how we might, at anytime be expected to protect yourself or others - definitely "food for thought". I love the eclectic mix here. Experiencing different viewpoints is interesting and it helps us to "perceive" things through the eyes or hearts of others.

3 months, 3 weeks ago In response to Transit

Trust our basic instincts

The movie was well done and the cliffhanger ending leaves us deep in thought. I think we all have a responsibility to help others, whether it is a small or big way. Our purpose is to live amongst people just like us and when we begin to feel that it is not safe, then we are putting ourselves and others in a vulnerable place...The man should have done whatever he could immediately to stop the action. Why the thief did what he did is irrelevant. When you respond to one in need your basic instinct should be to do the right thing. I realize it was just a book bag the thief took, but if we all made the choice about how big or small the crime was before reacting, we would be failing those around us. No one needs to be a hero but the right thing to do is "always the right thing to do." It should not change with each experience. If we were being threatened as a country, the right thing to do would be to gather support and protect ourselves from our source of danger. There were a few others on that bus and there were many things the man could do that would not have put anyone in danger. Non-reaction is fine when you are dealing with "ego" but when it comes to helping others pull out all the stops. In hindsight, I can see a great many things the man could have done to stop the whole activity but he did nothing in my opinion and he did it by over thinking it and not trusting "within".

6 months ago In response to Transit

Untitled

I agree with Juan that "some of the greatest atrocities in history were done under the banner of religion." I also agree with "morality is a choice that is dictated by circumstances and the individual.As individuals we all hold ourselves to different standards. Expecting the approval of others for what we do, is "ego" and if we choose to listen to "ego" then we are not functioning from "within". Religion aside, there still exists a higher power and if religion enters, so does the misconception of morality. It is only when we attach standards that morality even exists, and the standards are set outside of ourselves. Whatever takes place "without" is our own doing and we are subject to the consequences of our actions by "society". Anything outside of ourself is not anyone else's business. "It is not my business what you think of me." ......Eckhart Tolle. So the existence of morality alone...is redundant under those circumstances.

6 months, 2 weeks ago In response to Morality Bites

I'll take the Jail Time!

I would never be on the outside of something I firmly believed was worth standing up for. I would go to jail, if that were the consequence for not paying a tax to support an immoral war - oh wait, we are doing that. I think we are going way off track here...the issue is cheating and I still believe that there are times when cheating, as with lying or any other "wrong" doing, is the right thing to do. "It is not my business what others think of me", Eckhart Tolle. Again, it is only unacceptable "without" (where others make the rules) "within" is what should rule us. I realize we do not all believe that, but I do, "within." Rules are made by human beings, we are human beings and yes we should follow the rules, but to say that there is never a time where cheating is the right thing to do, just doesn't sit with me. Can we all say that we have never "abetted" cheating by letting a friend copy our homework? Maybe so, but I can't say that and I carry no guilt for it. But, I'll take the jail time...just kidding.

7 months ago In response to Morality Bites

I would lie!

I would not even have to think about that...I WOULD LIE. WHO gets to really determine right from wrong anyway? I always think it is too bad that we cannot use Hitler's mind as a tool for non-violence. He originally just joined a group that had nothing to do with his cause...and then he turned it into his cause, with such ease. He convinced that many soldiers to believe in him. What we need are more minds like his but not with evil intent. Actually, I guess we could say there is an army of people like him, but no one that has the ability, has actually made the effort to change the way we treat others in the world. It needs to be done collectively, on a really large scale, which actually begins with just one small step by one individual to get it started and not to quit until it is done. I know: I talk the talk.

7 months ago In response to Morality Bites

JUST 1 HOUR A WEEK JUST ON COMPASSION

I agree that the parents that raised us were different. I feared my parents until I was a teen and started to see things differently. Even though I was raised in Christianity and was taught to fear God, I still took risks. I wrote a blog a while back about how I tested God, by stealing, when I was in middle school. I see it now as a result of the dysfunction I was raised in but I try to take responsibility for my actions with everything I do. We all make mistakes, we know what is right or wrong, and what consequences go along with it. Guilt is self imposed and probably a side effect of what we have been taught or what we have experienced. If we consider it the "ego" then we see that we are able to detach ourselves from it and free ourselves from the guilt. I heard Wayne Dyer last week on tv, he was on "Ellen" and he quoted the Dalai Lama with, "If every child in the world, at the age of 5 years and up, was taught to meditate for 1 hour per week on just compassion, in one generation, we could end all violence and the prospect of war forever on our planet", just 1 hour per week and only on compassion. I think that the difference we (me) baby boomers see about how we were raised and how we raised our children, alone, is a basis to believe that statement could make a huge, global shift in morality on any level. I think that it is our responsibility to try, on whatever level we can, to initiate change toward a more passive environment, in order to raise the next generation of children without violence and guilt. "And then she silently stepped off her soap box, as she slipped away, into the quieting of her mind."

7 months, 1 week ago In response to Morality Bites

My conversation within!

I agree with ""outside the moral lines", learn from it and move on." I think that right and wrong is "within" and deciding what is right or wrong is not our place..."without". We have no power to decide what is right or wrong actually. It is not our business what others think about us, it is "within" that matters, we do have to take responsibility "without", but 'within" accepts, so there actually is no guilt. My conversation within.

7 months, 1 week ago In response to Morality Bites

Morality Exists "without".

I believe that we are born with the innate ability to be kind and good, but as soon as we are born, our parents, society and our environment influence our decision-making and the very essence of our nature...bringing with it attitudes and ideas that influence who we "become". The words religion, God, moral, are all just that words. And conscience, I believe is the "ego" and when we separate from the ego, conscience does not exist, "within".

7 months, 1 week ago In response to Morality Bites

Untitled

If there were no religion, God or other morality thing, then cheating would not be an issue at all. How would we determine what is right or wrong? We would not have issues about conscience, guilt or morality so the entire topic would be completely irrelevant. The issue is the results of a study not an opportunity to randomly judge others. I have a tendency to see and believe the best in others, and I hope others feel that way too, so I would first assume someone had not cheated, before I would ever think they had. I think there will always be a moral gauge about cheating, lying, stealing, etc.and I am grateful for that. Conscience is what tells us what is right or wrong for "us."

7 months, 1 week ago In response to Morality Bites

Moral Dilemma, Ethical Consciousness

Cheating we know is wrong and doing it for what we think is the right reason, to be of help to others, is also wrong. But, in a world where we are killing innocent people, being killed by terrorists, and having to see poverty, and disease everywhere we look, cheating is irrelevant when done for the right reasons. I am a "moral" person but if it came down to cheating to be able to save others or be of service to others, I would have a personal conversation with God and ask forgiveness, but I would do what was best for the other, meaning to change the face of poverty or find homes for the homeless, cures for diseases. Cheating is the least concern when such huge humane injustices are taking place.

7 months, 2 weeks ago In response to Morality Bites

Define what responsibility means to you.