LUIS BORGES VS THE CASH COW

So I was 'listening to the news today about an unlucky man who made the grade' and then couldn't find a job. Forgive me,I know; this opening is a semi-plagiarism, but it's relevant and poetically works for a lead line. Actually, I was listening to the news today (Spring 2010) and they were discussing the economic situation in Spain. Currently there is 20% unemployment in Spain, and the universities are filled with eager job aspirants. However, there aren't any jobs, and it is unlikely there will be jobs in the future. So the question arises; what is the purpose of this higher education?
The job loss phenomena is not isolated,it is worldwide. Twenty years ago when I was graduating with another degree, after going back to school, the prospect in the workplace for a plethora of job choices was dim. Now twenty years later the grim truth is glaring, but, I might add, not depressing if we keep an open mind about the goal of education. That said, let's look at the problem and the field of opportunity.
Last week I borrowed a copy of essays by the renowned Spanish speaking writer Luis Borges, and found that I easily became absorbed in his thoughts, and overwhelmed by his fund of knowledge. I couldn't help asking myself what created this man? How did he find his way in the world of scholarship and fame? I also began to take inventory of the people in my life,and their work choices over the years. This was revealing, and, for myself, encouraging. With few exceptions everyone I could think of was making their way in life in an area other than the field of their studies. Those in medicine and law were the exceptions. However, they too made choices that were creative and highly specialized in rarefied areas of their fields. Why do people not work in their area of study, or choose to specialize in far corners of a chosen field? Additionally, what happened to the rest of those who didn't specialize or didn't complete their degrees?
One example I found very interesting came from a cousin of mine who graduated from a prestigious school (Carnegie-Mellon) in the performing arts, and yet he is a very successful screenwriter and producer. Acting was his dream, but his field of vision expanded to include other areas of opportunity within that world. Another friend of mine graduated with a degree in music from a Conservatory of Music, and now works in a management position that requires a facile intellect deep in the bowels of a very important scientific research library. A multitude of friends graduated with college degrees, but almost without exception work in unrelated fields. I myself have never applied directly the knowledge base of my areas of study as a job.
So the question is: what contribution does education make to our lives, and society in general? Are the years in school about getting a job, and what are we to do now that there are few,if any, jobs? Additionally, the process for getting a job today is arduous and impersonal--a ritual of corporate hubris. A blind exercise in blind luck. Traditionally, jobs that were labor based, rudimentary, mechanical, skilled craft, support staff,etc. were found through the community grapevine, personal referral, certification guild or union "work boards". These jobs didn't require the huge expense of higher education, but were "on the job" trained positions. They were often skilled apprenticeship positions that were taught and mastered directly. Only a small percentage of the general population actually attended a college or university. Now even for the simplest entry level company position the applicant must have at least an Associates Degree in some related area. How, and why has this happened? In short, education became big business. Now too that model is threatened because the other half of the equation, jobs beyond the mortarboard, are nonexistent. This particular "house of cards" is about to tumble down. The "CASH COW" is dead. The jobs are gone. Some see this as hopeful, and an opportunity to return to a saner world. Still the question remains: What is the purpose of a "higher" education?
Also, there is a "Class" issue here that is never discussed. In a sense it is the "elephant in the room". I would like to propose a question. Why does the common man need to go to college, and how did this happen? I suggest that envy and greed could be a driving force in this history of education within the last half of the twentieth century. Historically there is a perception that "educated" people are better in some way. Not just better because they know more, but higher on the human scale. In a sense, closer to God or have access to more privilege. This last idea, privilege, is certainly true. However, when I lived in Detroit I found that the families of factory workers had a high quality of life. They were well spoken, had a home, often a boat, and a small cabin or summer house in the lake region. They had good lives, but limited formal education. What was the need?
In our confused democratic culture we have looked to some of the worst models of the past to guide us as a society. We have unconsciously embraced an "Ascending Process" that advocates climbing the ladder of success and society. We have become a nation of "social climbers" conforming to values that really were designed for a very small number of the privileged class. Metaphorically, what is the value of being on the top of a ladder that is not firmly rooted on a strong foundation? The bulk of the population is the foundation for all.
Maestro Luis Borges, poet, essayist, intellectual is the idea behind higher education. He was the exception not the rule - the Thinker. Thinking was, and is, his job. Pondering history and the human journey is his job, and by doing this he can provide us with inspiration and fine mortar to build our knowledge of this journey called Life. This is the "Descending Process" that leads to empowerment, inspiration, and knowledge equipping us for the trials of this journey. What I am proposing is not anti-intellectual as some would like to believe. I hesitate calling him a spiritual Sherpa (Tibetan mountain guides), because of the mountain climbing metaphor. However, if we are to climb the spiritual mountain we really do need to surrender to the humble knowledge of the "Sherpa" to guide us. This method is a descending process that guarantees success. I would like to share a real life story at this point if that is ok?
The very wealthy, entitled and spoiled 18 year old son of a friend of mine went on a trip to Tibet with another of his schoolmates. On their way they decided to climb Everest, the highest mountain on earth. They hired a Sherpa guide and support team to get up the mountain. This, of course, is required by law. This boy and his friend were vital, powerful young men armored with the strength of money, the best schools, and the ego reinforcement of powerful self-made fathers. As the system requires the climbers have to gradually acclimate to different altitudes stopping for so many hours and days at different heights. Finally the summit was within site and reach. Roughly a mere one hundred yards to go. It was late in the day, temperatures were falling and the boys wanted to push ahead. The Sherpa guide advised them to settle down for the evening and finish the climb the next day. They asked if they could just move up the mountain another fifty yards or so. The guide flatly stood his ground. Quietly the boys decided to camp out further up the mountain against the advice of the Sherpa. When they found a chance they grabbed their equipment and headed up the mountain. The shadow was lengthening and the extreme cold arrived with the shadow. The boys managed to climb roughly another forty yards, and then they were stopped by creeping frost bite in their feet and hands. Their core temperatures were dropping and panic stepped in. The evening winds started and darkness fell. They couldn't get back to base camp. The end was near. Fortunately, the Sherpa and his team noticed their tent missing and began a search finding the boys just in time. The boys were evacuated off the mountain and flown to the nearest hospital. Unfortunately it was too late to save the hands and feet of both boys. After many amputations they survived with a terrible tragic result. Why wouldn't these all-American boys listen to the Sherpa? Why would they think they knew better? Hubris? Yes, but there was something even more sinister afoot. I contend that their sense of entitlement was fed by all of the worst that exists in a society that feeds on the idea of power and class over substance, ignorance of history and its lessons, education over knowledge, and independence over community. This is a sad tale, but a graphic metaphor. They are the poster boys. Love to all......

ROTTEN EGGS OR SOUR GRAPES

I have been unemployed for over one year. My hard earned unemployment benefits have run out. The other day I heard a Republican Senator from Kentucky interviewed. Kentucky is traditionally a Conservative Southern Democratic State. He explained that the reason unemployment benefits should not be extended (they have not, and will not be extended) is that people need to be willing to accept lower paying jobs. Actually, I was shocked by this statement. Firstly, in my part of the country there really aren't any lower paying jobs available that I can work. Even if I could get one of these fictitious jobs I would be unable to pay my bills. My unemployment benefits with my early social security just barely covers my monthly costs. I live very frugally even when employed. Actually, that isn't the real reason that I was shocked, and, I might add, angered. The arrogant tone of this "public servant", a Senator in the United States Congress, was the cause of my outrage. He took a very patriarchal position assuming that everyone, including me, can "pull ourselves up by the bootstraps" and get on with our lives. I may be able to do this, but what of those with children, a physical difficulty, an unexpected illness, overwhelming depression? Are these citizens disposable with such a callous remark? This unemployment crisis was not caused by me or the other unemployed, but by the greedy lack of oversight within an eight year parasitic administration. He went on to justify his position by saying: "what are we suppose to do....extend these benefits for another five years?". This was a dramatic exaggeration made to rationalize his callousness. I, for one, was not convinced. The cost of extending benefits for the unemployed is a drop in the bucket. The issue is that this money is earmarked from the "Stimulus Money Fund", and that is the issue. The "Stimulus" money is the buzz word that sends a message to the far right: OBAMA'S TAKEOVER. This Senator was willing to sacrifice honest sincere unemployed citizens for some cheap didactic neo-religious political ideal. He plays parent so that his "children followers" (voters) will think he is a good Dad, and take care of them in the future. He is actually giving them essentially, a "post dated check" that allows him to stay in the comfortable position of a United States Senator while even those in his economically depressed state of Kentucky suffer. WAKE UP PEOPLE !!! These guys are rotten, and care nothing for your welfare. Vote them out, and make your voice heard. Kick them out! The money is there. This is a blatant manipulation keeping you in fear. Reinvent yourselves, but never forget these monsters.

SUBTEXTING !

While getting ready this morning I was listening to the daily news,and following my morning routine. It has occurred to me for sometime that I need to address an issue that is profoundly in the forefront of so much of our collective cultural history. Our President, Barak Obama was giving a eulogy for the miners lost in the West Virginia mine explosion. I was moved by his words, and sincere intention. I listened closely beyond the words attempting to hear his real voice. There it was, loud and clear. A sincere man again performing another impossible task; comforting the grief stricken struggling miners'families. Forgive me, but I couldn't help my mind from wandering back to the Katrina disaster, and the apparent lack of response and real concern of our President, George W. Bush at the time. Of course, this could just be a style issue, and I want to give the past some slack, but how can I honestly compare the quality of these two men without serious questions? So I have decided not to make 'odious' comparisons for this piece. Instead I will look at the nature of recent abusive speech, criticism, and judgment thrown at our current President Barak Obama after only one year in office.
How is it that from almost the beginning of his term in office every harsh, cruel, and patently mean-spirited epithet known has been thrown his way. After all, remember he walked into the White House inheriting a catastrophe beyond any one's expectation. A culture virtually stripped of its opulence by wolves of greed in less than a decade. The greater population laboring under 21st century corporate feudalism. A catastrophic health crisis where children are expected, for the first time in our history, to live shorter lives than their parents. Why has he been singled out as the cause, or even, the contributor to this mess? How is it that this one man has galvanized the extreme radicals of the right and the media personalities so effectively and dramatically?
Here is where I would like ALL OF US to dig deep into our hearts, and courageously see if there might be a dark vein deep within the mine of our collective unconscious that is like a putrid underground river buried under the great weight of history? A pattern that appears in all the worlds' cultures one way or the other. A tribal trait that no longer is useful to our advancement. The United States of America is probably the only culture on earth that has the means, legally and socially, to effectively transcend these old patterns. Of course, they will have to be replaced by new patterns. Let's hope we know how to do this. I think we can. What am I trying to say? Here it is-THE SUBTEXT. We are a racist culture, and the subtext of the cruel attacks on our President are of a racist nature. We are, even the best of us, white or of color, conditioned to act in racist ways. This we can, and must look at, and stop by a conscious intentional choice when thinking, speaking and acting. This is active meditation that will yield a great result. Practice routing out your racial, and other prejudicial thoughts. All actions begin from a thought. My Guru referred to this body consciousness as the "skin disease". Once, in New York, he was asked by an african american why so many of his disciples were white implying there was some favoritism. My Guru replied, "I am the Guru, and I am black". I.E. what is your problem?
Of course, there are valid criticisms of any politician in public office, and that is the playing field of this breed of humans, but baseless attacks are of another nature. Can you see this? Discuss the subtext. Please try, and share the power of introspection everywhere !!!

WHAT GOES AROUND - MIGHT MAKE SENSE ? REMIX REALITY

Not long ago a longtime close friend of mine exploded in a fit of rage that had been building for some time. With a minor provocation he launched into a detailed dismantling of our friendship based on the premise that I was a "know it all" and "unable to accept criticism". Of course, this was very painful and unexpected. This close friend was someone whom I trusted fully not to lightly judge me, and someone who I was completely unselfconscious around. The wound is still fresh and the scar will remain. This event began me thinking about how it is that I was accused of being a "know it all" when, in fact, I can never remember having a truly original thought? Yes, that's true-never! I tried to explain at the time of this traumatic assault that I only wanted to share my experiences of life with others so that they might find some value within these stories. Of course, I am not free of pride, and possibly that was the offense?
Now I know for some of you sharing the thought that I have never had an original thought would seem embarrassing. Or, at the least, a taboo confession. However, I confess this,and assert the truth of this from my experience.
My first career was as a journalist. Actually, I aspired to be a journalist, but later realized that I had other interests and moved on from a job at the New York Times to my own short term as publisher of my own small newspaper. This was very uneventful and unsuccessful,I must add. My interest in journalism came from an insatiable thirst for information. Later on this thirst became a thirst for knowledge. At that point I began my journey of the heart, and traveled, meditated, chanted,read,etc. One day while sitting quietly slightly bored and wondering how I was going to entertain myself for the rest of the day I began to take count of my teachers (mundane and sacred), sources of knowledge, books,friends,music, beliefs, influences,etc. This amalgam of ideas I have been fortunate to explore I recognized as the raw ingredients of my intellect. At that moment I realized that all the ideas that I claim as mine are a profound mixture of all these influences. So, in this moment of insight and, I should add, subtle crisis, where was the original, individual thought? Where was my original contribution? Certainly this journey of life was not for nothing? What was the value of experience? Our ability to communicate is not all the wiser by being silent as some seem to believe. One teacher of mine used to say that 'the fool is revealed when he speaks, and that is why these rascals remain silent to fool others'. So how do we find value and originality in our friendships,family, community, nations, etc?
This quest became my passion. Where is the original thought, the original creativity? In the arts the expression is through the medium, and yet still the actual product is confined by rules or tangible (metal,stone,oil,etc.) limits. Music, another art, expresses through tradition,notation,instruments,cultural patterns,etc. So where is the original thought?
Finally, after much anxiety and observation a light began to shine within my mind. The nature of original thought is expressed by an "inspired impulse". It is a rich recipe of raw materials from many sources, but brewed through the agency of an "inspired impulse". Sometimes this is seen as a narrative voice, a painting, sculpture,musical innovation,a variety of mediums. What makes these thoughts or expressions fresh, and seemingly original is the "impulse" that generates the idea. The saying that there is "nothing new under the sun" is somewhat shallow and simplistic. What is new under the sun is the "inspired impulse" that moves the individual to tell a story, create a work of art or music, love the unloved, build kingdoms,create iphones, etc. That "inspired impulse" is the mystery. That is what we all try to give to others. Sometimes successfully and sometimes not successfully. This is also the abode of the lesson. Even very successful people will tell you of many lessons they learned after having an "inspired impulse". In many ways these stories of success mirror the seemingly unsuccessful stories of other individuals. I.E."failure is the pillar of success".
Although, sadly I have let down my good friend by my bad creative storytelling,"unbecoming behavior", and apparently made a fool of myself among our mutual friends I have again encountered that mysterious "inspired impulse". Once again my inner teacher keeps 'kicking my ass' until I get it right. Will I ever learn is the greater question? We will see because that is the road on this adventure !

A XMAS STORY

Many old cultures have stories of the magical tree. In ancient India there is the story of the Kalpavrksha Tree. This tree has the power to grant any wish. These trees are fully conscious-you can actually talk with them. Generally, this tree exists in a spiritual world far far beyond this material realm we live in, but some of these trees agreed to stay here and be available for fulfilling wishes. These trees are made of Chintamini; a spiritual substance that is unspoiled by any passage of time. If we had the vision we would see the trees covered with multicolored gems and the world around them sparkling with precious gems, gold and other precious material that we haven't encountered on this earthly journey. Can you see the parallel with our Christmas tree? I can. During a trip to India I visited a sequestered park surrounded by high walls that contained the fabled "desire trees". This place is so secret and sacred to the believers that there are frightful stories about misfortune that befalls those who force their way into the park without the proper humility. I was terrified before entering the park given my arrogant approach to anything that I question, and especially superstition. A friend of mine previously entered this park with the sole purpose to find a suitable husband and acquire two sons. She wandered around in a much-too-tight sari and one of the monkeys jumped her and bit her on the ass causing quite a scene among the ubiquitous monkeys and pilgrims alike. However, shortly thereafter she met her fine and talented husband and had two fine sons. One who has become a doctor and another a lawyer. Who knew? In my case my wish was ill placed. I asked for that which I already had and not that which I lacked. Thus, more of the same, and in bigger quantities. More surrender, and spiritual lessons. Oh, well. In retrospect what a stupid "goodie goodie" I was when I had the chance to fill my coffers, attain fame, or become brilliant in some field. At that time in my life I didn't know that all of this journey is spiritual, and any sincere wish that does no harm can be fulfilled by these mythical trees. Of course, the lessons will always continue to come even with the new wish. Slowly the vision will clear and the pilgrim will see the sparkle of jewels out of the corner of their eye at first. Then the inner sight becomes clearer and the beauty and opulence shines even in the dark. Have you ever walked in a dark snowy wooded landscape after a snowstorm and breathed in the cold crystalline air? Sounds strange? Not really. Sit quietly and breath deeply and try making a wish under your Xmas tree this year. Drink in the light and beauty of the decorations and sparkle. Whatever your wish I guarantee that,at the least, you will have a visionary coming year,but probably much more. In the coming year sudden moments of insight will occur filled with the light of many gems. Rubies, emeralds, sapphires,diamonds, and a host of other beautiful jewels will shine in your mind. Try this meditation and feel the security and pleasure within your Heart. You will get a glimpse of the world the ancients and many today describe as the Kingdom of God,Vaikuntha,Goloka Vrindaban,etc. You may even hear beautiful music or become inspired to write beautiful music, poetry or a kind letter. Try it....Happy Holidays....Love to all......

THE FABRIC OF AMERICA

Many years ago I was fortunate to know a very smart and elegant elderly lady, Barbara Egypt. She came to Kansas City to work for a cultural project in the African American community. At the time her job was to manage the periodic art exhibits, and other cultural events. She was in her early seventies completing a PhD. and writing a book on the great black families of America,entitled THE GREAT BLACK FAMILIES OF AMERICA. Additionally, she was also an amateur genealogist. She charted my ancestry using genealogical records from various archives, and noted there were branches of my family tree with direct lines connecting to these prominent black families. I previously knew the family connection to three presidents. One president was thought to secretly have a "mulatto" wife, President Buchanan. There was also a question of his race as he had ancestors that were privateers (pirates) on the islands off the coast of New England. Many of these pirates were freed slaves after the Civil War who harbored contraband for sale during reconstruction of the Union. Having very old American ancestry I knew that this was the case,and in my teens I was schooled in stories of the history of my family. This, even today, is a custom among old families. Especially in the south as the connection is more obvious and understood between the races. The original purpose of this entry is simply to place in the blog record a note about our diverse and complex history as a nation.
Today the dominant bulk of our population is still located on both coasts and the great lakes region. This has always been the case, and culturally reflects the true face of the United States. This population has been shuffled through the course of our short history, but generally these regions reflect to the world our values and character. This is not to minimalize the contribution of the rest of the population in the sparsely populated areas, but, as a nation, we must understand the history of our culture and not ficitonalize the story. The seat of our government is in the District of Columbia. Not a state, but rather a region set aside as neutral territory for running the government. Originally, the capital, so to speak, was New York, then Philadelphia and finally, Washington D.C. When we want to look at America (the United States)we need to look to these places to see the future of our nation, and the possibilities. Greatness is still shown in these densely populated regions. The future face of that greatness will be different, and yet complement our collective history. We will be more technologically involved, more diverse in our racial profile "Browner", have a greater reach throughout the world in a different way, we will not be the "big guy on the block", we will lead the world in feminine power, etc. Our female population will lead the world in equality as it already does. This one factor at this time in history is probably the most significant contribution we make on the world stage. We will always lead the planet in some way simply because we got out of the starting gate first. However, if we become complacent or loose our vision we can ultimately loose the race, and fall into the crevasse of history with other great civilizations long lost.
We are not great because we were created by white populations on the backs of black populations. We are not great because of some religious superiority. We are not great because of our wealth. We are not great due to so many other obvious powerful things. We are great because of the original "spiritually organic" vision of the founders who, though privileged, saw the dangers of the past and set in motion a machine that had adaptive qualities based on the knowledge of nature, history, philosophy, and the struggle of humanity through history. The system they put into motion was based on a method of "Advise and Consent" that required, regardless of the issue, disturbing debate and modified resolution . THAT IS THE SYSTEM. American government is not based on belief, sloganeering, prejudice, or even popularity, but upon an organic process put into place by the founding fathers. This is not to say that leaders will not get into power through the methods above, but they will be under the same controls as all who came before. The Democratic Process of Advice and Consent and an impartial system of law. That's all folks. Welcome the future with open arms and Love........

THE ELITIST BITE

THIS ONE IS A BIT LONG SO GET COMFORTABLE: When I was little I had a serious overbite, and I still own that overbite. For some unknown reason my parents never saw the need for braces? They probably never noticed? I did. How I noticed is the key point. Regularly someone would ask me to "eat quietly please!!!", and interrupt my reverie and love of food. Of course, being the "Monkey" in Chinese astrology that I am I would chew even louder and continue on my way. Monkeys are mischievous by nature. So, not unexpectedly, food became a form of expression for me, and a fascination. How different cultures honored food was of great interest. The motto "Food is Medicine",a Japanese scroll illustration, made so much sense to me that what I ate became an important factor in my personal health challenges. I was a frail child, and later in my twenties struggled to stay strong while eating excessive meat, drinking volumes of alcohol, and smoking two packs daily. Somehow on this journey I was encouraged by a remarkable woman in New York named Marion Tanner to change my evil ways. She was in her eighties and teaching yoga, raising a child dropped on her doorstep, and caring for less fortunate souls than she. I was immensely impressed and took her advice to try a vegetarian diet for a few weeks. Immediately my energy improved, my health improved and I liked the food choices which were much more numerous than the traditional diet. It worked for me. Later in this journey I became part of a wonderful restaurant that featured an exciting vegetarian menu. This was not "hippy food", but rather complex, masterfully executed menu items reasonably priced that provided a hugh variety of foods. Nutritionally the menu covered an exceptionally wide spectrum of food sources. Our patronage was wide ranging,and after some time we had to tighten our load and jettison much of our early-on business down the road to the "OM Cafe" (really) where they specialized only in a brand of 'non-dairy' food preparations with a Japanese flair. I became the bad guy for pushing out the food fetishists who always tortured our staff with a multitude of questions about the preparation and content of our recipes. We were almost completely 'Organic' and divided our menu into two categories of "Dairy", and " Non-Dairy" items and a full "Dairy and Non-Dairy" special daily. Virtually, any diet could be accommodated through this menu, but still the food fetishists couldn't grok the idea. It seemed to me that food for them was some kind of interface with society that allowed them a 'special' status. It had the feel of a religion, and not a source of joy, but belief. It annoyed me, and my basic push was that I had 'bigger polenta to fry'. Actually, many of these zealots looked and acted in unhealthy ways. They were wan, overly thin, joyless, often angry, souls.
Enter the ENVIORMENTAL MOVEMENT. Finally, we begin to see a cultural awareness of the holistic connection of our way of life and planet Earth. We also begin to see where we are disconnected and unwise in our collective and personal ecology. Gradually corporate America began to clean up its act, but the private household sector still wanted to maintain their consumer power and lifestyle choices even at the expense of the general good. Personal habits drive the engine. Only a small population group want to eat differently and consume differently. Over a short time this new pattern of eating began to catch on with an emphasis on health. This is a start. We began to connect the dots through the agency of the Enviormental Movement which showed us our intimate connection with the earth,air,water,animal life,plant life,etc. New aspects of biological science begin to develop. Nutrition becomes an important player in this change, and advanced degrees are offered. Slowly progress is made for the common man in our fortunate society. Still,even now, the poor are without choices other than Fastfood and over processed food. HOW TO MAKE BETTER FOOD SOURCES AVAILABLE TO GREATER NUMBERS OF PEOPLE IS THE QUESTION OF OUR TIMES. WIDER AND HEALTHER PROTEIN SOURCES ARE NEEDED. As human nature would have it there is always a segment of all movements that holds dear an elitist model to shore-up their insecure sense of self. This is happening even within the health conscious food movement. Because the dairy industry has contaminated cows with so many growth hormones, and other chemicals an elitist minority of healthy eaters rejects dairy as a nutritional source. Ignoring the idea that science, with the political will, could clean up this industry. This has become known as Veganism. One argument is that cows milk is for cows not humans. True, it is for cows, but can be broken down and "prepared" for human consumption as many older civilizations discovered. To make an even more 'erudite' argument from thier paltry fund of information they have created this new category of eating. Veganism has developed as a specialized eating cult. Vegetarianism is considered "old school". Shades of an "Ageist" agenda begin to emerge. Previously Vegetarianism was the category that defined a diet apart from the killing of animals. Those in that category were generally divided in two groups: Dairy and Non-Dairy. Of course, there were variations of eaters mostly based on ethnic preferences or regional preferences. So actually Veganism (non-dairy) is not new, but actually a political child of the Enviormental movement. Another rarefied branch of this elitist cult is the Raw Food idea. Of course,this is also not new (the prehistoric gatherers). Some of the expressions of this type of food preparation are wonderful and delicious, but rarely is any follower happy following this path for very long. Our bodies or maybe our tongues seem to want foods broken down by fire periodically. There are other ways to break down food with citrus and salt, but we have become enamoured by fire. This extreme element mirrors our extreme choices in life and works well protecting us from food born illnesses (see film "FOOD INC.). We no longer live under the fabled Coconut Palm Tree. A complex partial source of nutrition for seaside dwellers. I would propose that we no longer have the luxury of elitist thinking when there is so much knowledge and real science available to us to use for the betterment of our society and the planet in general. "Do what thou wilt,but do no harm" is the wise magical dictum, but Love must first be there. Then the teacher gently begins to encourage the student to 'do what they want'. Otherwise, without the greater Love there will be harm.