Recent ZBloggers
- Jerry Fresia
- Don Fitz
- Peter Bohmer
- Michael McGehee
- Kim Scipes
- Michael Albert
- Carl Davidson
- Gar Lipow
Recent Sustainer Blogs
Secrets of Empire And Self-Deceptions Of Partisans
By Phil Rockstroh at Jan 06, 2012
An essay on the nature of identity, personal and political, authentic or dubious. Excerpt: Rupaul (Andre Charles) averred, "We all came into this world naked. The rest is all drag.” We all make choices as to what form of drag we practice. Does my lie promote the truth? Is my act educational, entertaining or edifying? Does it allow me to inhabit my true self yet transcend my narcissism? Does my act and attendant actions bring balm or does it deliver more suffering than necessary to a world where it is impossible to escape suffering? Ask yourself and those around you these questions in regard to Private Manning and the operatives and denizens of U.S. Empire. On the subject of identity, authentic or dubious: Even after being an almost constant public presence for more than half a decade, Barack Obama's true nature and authentic identity remains elusive. After all this time, he still seems less man than marketing rollout, less of a political leader than an object lesson in product placement. The situation is like having the role of chief executive of the nation filled with a disposable razor or a heavily hyped iPhone application. ... (More) Comments (0)
Lost Verities and Dirty Hippies
By Phil Rockstroh at Dec 07, 2011
Because the vast majority of the populace are deemed “losers,” due to how the system is rigged, techniques must be created and maintained to displace the rage, born of a sense of powerlessness, that grips the system’s exploited underlings. OWS is beginning to change the narrative … align it with reality – and that is an alarming development for the 1 percent; hence, the retooled, amped-up propaganda campaign we’re seeing signs of at present. This is the reality the 1 percent endeavor to obscure: Capitalism is a pyramid scheme; by its very structure, only a few will ever receive its bounty … that is wrung out of the exhausted hides of the vast majority. Fact is, capitalism, the neoliberal variety or otherwise, has never worked as promised; its innate structure ensures exploitation and inequity. ... (More) Comments (0)
Memes, Death Genes And Real Estate Schemes
By Phil Rockstroh at Dec 02, 2011
At present, growing numbers have taken heed of the situation and are fighting back. Within the span of a few short months, the narrative of the corporate media has, to a limited extent, been altered. Yet, at this point, the development is merely background noise: The neoliberal order is collapsing; capitalism itself is nearly at the end of its five hundred year run. OWS is part of a global movement of resistance that is laying the groundwork for a new paradigm. Although, change will not come without struggle and suffering, without defeats, betrayals and moments of despair. But, given the unsustainable nature of the present order, a shift in both perception and practice is inevitable. Yet when there are this many variables (known and unknown) in play, gazing darkly or through rose-tinted eyewear will prove neither adequate nor helpful. Engaging in acts of resistance are often not about winning or losing a particular battle; rather, it is the propitious manner the act transforms one's character by drawing one out of isolation and into the heart of life. ... (More) Comments (0)


