Signs of the times

Circular "window" in a brick wall, Utrecht, The Netherlands.

"The Paradox of our Age," by the Dalai Lama, hanging in a residence window in Utrecht:

"We have bigger houses, but smaller familes

more conveniences, but less time.

We have more degrees, but less sense

more knowledge, but less judgement.

More experts, but more problems;

more medicines, but less healthiness.

We've been all the way to the moon and back

but have trouble crossing the street to meet the new neighbour.

We built more computers to hold more information than ever

but have less communication.

We have become long on quantity

but short on quality.

These are times of fast foods

but slow digestion;

tall men, but short character;

steep profits but shallow relationships.

It is a time when there is much in the window

but nothing in the room."

Sign in the window: "I love communicating."

"7 days, more light" etched in frosted glass on a shop window in Delft.

The famous Leonard Cohen quote, highlighted in this advertising sign in Utrecht.

Class warfare

Meanwhile, the class war in America continues, with the rich calling for the overburdened poor and middle-class to pay more. Jon Stewart slams the GOP pundits and Fox "News" cheerleaders for their idiocy.

The despicable US Chamber of Commerce is lobbying the "Supercongress" to reform Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security, simply so the rich won't have to pay higher taxes. As if that's not bad enough, shockingly even our Democratic president is calling for cuts to Medicaid and Social Security - although neither program has anything to do with the US budget woes.  Not only did the president not stand up to Republican hostage-takers during the debt crisis negotiations, now he wants to cut Democratic entitlement programs to which we have contributed our payroll taxes all our working lives??!! Really not feeling the love, Mr. President.

Comments

[Limner]

I have had trouble with the dalai lama ever since he fled, leaving his people to suffer under the heel of the communists. I lost respect for the messenger, however sweet the message. I do agree with you about what's happening in our government. I write to the president, and I let him know how I feel. So far, an aide, or whomever answers, needs to take lessons on how to write letters.

Ever been entertained by Colin Quinn? He has answers for what ails us, and the world. Makes you laugh while telling it, too.

Thanks again for being insightful and not reluctant to speak it, Tara.

[stadtgarten]

Sad, but true, what the Dalai Lama says.

[marja]

Love what the dalai lama wrote so true. I stored it on my collection. Feels so familiar to see these bikes being dropped everywhere and just love the quote from Leonard Cohen. Oh and I see you visited DElft Great city I spend a lot of time there in the past

[Barbara]

Wonderful post, Tara! What's that song we sang as children? "This little light of mine/I'm gonna let it shine" ... that (and the 'peace' bracelet my sister sent as an early b-day gift) reminds me of another song I sang in elementary school, "Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me." Whatever we want to see it starts with us, hmm?

[Marilyn]

The words by the Dalai Lama are so very true. Sadly, this is what our world has come to. I love the egg with light shining forth, just a small light but I do hope it will grow.