They're clever, aren't they?

道可道非常道

Transcendental renunciation is universal acceptance.

Unclear on the Concept #8199

Like many who take a pro- stance on the death penalty, Mr. Obama seems absorbed with the question of whether the punishment (death) fits the crime:

[from the Boston Globe]

Asked about today’s US Supreme Court ruling that sentencing someone to death for raping a child is unconstitutional, Obama said he disagreed with such a broad ban.

“I have said repeatedly that I think that the death penalty should be applied in very narrow circumstances for the most egregious of crimes. I think that the rape of a small child, 6 or 8 years old, is a heinous crime,” he said, adding that if a state determines the death penalty should apply in such cases, they should be allowed to impose it.

There are many reasons why this is a gross oversimplification, but one single argument should be enough: Juries and judges often find innocent people guilty, and the death penalty, once carried out, is irrevocable. That alone should make it an inappropriate punishment for any crime.

Not to mention that it is ineffective and costly.  Not to mention that it reinforces values of vengeance and perpetuates the global stereotype of the United States as a brutal culture.  Not to mention that the disproportionate sentencing of minorities to death reveals just how much racism there is left in the court system.

Or perhaps you are among the group who thinks innocent blood is a small price to pay.  Congratulations, you are: part of the problem.

得與亡孰病

Between acquisitiveness and poverty, which is the greater disease?

Dead Flag Blues

What is meant by the phrase, “I looked in my wallet, and it was full of blood”?

Most of us — unwillingly or willingly, wittingly or unwittingly — participate in a large, pathological system.  This system seems to be willing to commit crimes — not the least of which is genocide — not for the sake of safety, but for prosperity.

This phenomenon is not new.  In nearly every age, there has been a class of these people, but it has never before been so large, nor so powerful, nor has it ever before been that this status was promised to so many, all forgetting that the machine must eat, and that it eats people and this planet’s resources.

It is a pyramid scam with lives instead of dollars.

(q.v. Dead Flag Blues)

不笑不足以為道

Laozi was teaching three students: Shang, Zhong and Xia.  As Lao reached the end of his first lesson, he rested his hands in his lap.

Shang’s eyes lit up and he laughed briefly but joyously.

Xia, almost as immediately, rolled his eyes and let out a low, lazy chuckle that faded away to leave a self-satisfied smirk.

Zhong looked nervously to both sides and then to Laozi, letting out a nervous giggle.

Open letter from Laozi to George W. Bush

XXX

He who makes proper use of the Way has no need for minions.  

This is a recurring theme for us.  

Soldiers must march among thickets and thorns, and in their wake, leave many harrowing months.

Achieve one’s goal without pride,
  without vengeance,
  without arrogance,
  without ambition,
  and without brutality.

To be without mercy is to oppose the Way.

Things which are not in accord with the Way come to an early end.

The Tipping Point

After careful regression and calculation, I have scientifically determined that Lunchables were the beginning of the end. 

Civilian casualties

(expressed as a percentage of total casualties)

WWI: 10%
WWII: 50%
Vietnam: 70%
Iraq: 90%