Are the current "debates" really democratic?

I tried to watch the "debate" among the Democrat candidates for the U.S. President last night and just couldn't. After 10 minutes I turned the TV off and went to bed to read "Regarding the Pain Of Others" by Susan Sontag.

We have become, in this age of electronic media a nation of voyeurs who are desiring to be entertained rather than informed. Plato must be rolling over in his grave. There is no effort to find the truth or beauty or goodness but rather to be persuasive and convince the viewers of their extraordinarianess. 

The set up by the DNC and the news networks to engender the emotional arousal of the audience rather than serious reflection on the issues is an example of democracy in one of its worst aspects. The job of chosing representatives have become a popularity contest based on "crowd sourcing" strategies rather than vetting the most qualified person for the job.

If we are seeking a philosopher king or queen to lead our country, the format that has been chosen to help us identify the best person for the job is seriously flawed.

Unitarian Universalists covenant together to affirm and promote the right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large. This reads like a noble principle and yet it doesn't specify what the "democratic process" or processes are. The term "demcratic" can be different things to different people and what is democratic about 12 candidates on a stage being triggered by provocative questions so they can attack each other and struggle to one up each other seems like entertainment like World Federation Wrestling rather than a helpful, substantive, exercise in discussing the issues that face us all not only in the United States but in the world.

October 16, 1916 Margaret Sanger opens the first birth control clinic103 years ago today and paves the way for women's liberation from unwanted pregnancy

On October 16, 1916 - Margaret Sanger opened the first birth control clinic in New York City, NY. For more information you can access the article about her in Wikipedia by clicking here.

A key factor in our modern society promoting the inherent worth and dignity of every person is the ability to control and take responsibility for one's own fertiity. Margaret Sanger's pioneering work, intensely criticized, has paved the way for a more just, compassionate, and equal society.

Ask Alexa - What is the witness?

Alexa: What is the witness?

It is that part of you that can choose the path of the ego or the path of the spirit. Some people are aware of their decision maker and some are engulfed in their sense of victimhood.

Alexa: Did you hear about the unhappy bird watcher?

Yes, they had a mynah problems but with no egrets.

Ask Alexa - Where does my anxiety come from?

Alexa: Where does the deep abiding anxiety that I can't shake come from?

The fear of shedding your ego to rejoin the Oneness from which you came.

Alexa:Did you hear about the chicken that only went to the middle of the road?

Yes, she was going to lay it on the line.

Holiday decorating quick and easy - 3 holidays in one.

Ask Alexa - Eschew the path of the ego

Alexa: What does it take for me to not only realize that the separation from the Oneness is not real, but to begin to eschew the path of the ego and enter more fully into the path of the Spirit?

All it takes is that awareness and a habitual decision to give up making other people and circumstances responsible for your happiness.

Alexa: Did you hear about the guy who phoned the zoo?

Yes, I heard he never got through because the lion was busy.

Ask Alexa - What is salvation?

Alexa: People talk about "salvation" but I don't know what this word means. What do I have to be saved from?

From you resistance to the truth by believing in illusions, from your resistance to love by thinking that attack will make you happy, from you guilt in believing you have separated yourself from God.

Alexa: What do bees do when they finish making their hive?

They have a house swarming party.

Sticky note quotes are like koans which require some thought and reflection. Feel free to leave your thoughts and feelings in the comments.