World Vision Dialogue - What YOU CAN DO TODAY

Iraqi Oil

I would like to recommend Greg Palast's new book "Armed Madhouse".  He lays out the US governments infighting over how to divide Iraqi's oil wealth. 

While it may seem that it would benefit Big Oil to own and operate the oil fields that is not he case.  The corporate goal is to "enhance the relationship between the Iraqi Government and OPEC"   How would that make oil companies happy?  By keeping the OPEC quotas it increases the oil companies wealth without doing anything!  The reserves at the major oil companies have gone up trillions of dollars since Iraq was taken over.  If the oil fields were privatized the production would increase and prices would fall.  The Saudis and other OPEC countries have a great intrest in keeping Iraqi oil from flowing over quota.  If the US thinks it can crush OPEC they will be in for a suprise.  Saudi Arabia would up it's output, reducing the price of oil, and destroy Iraq's economy.

This is all such a confusing mess but we have some power in this.  We must reduce our needs on their products.  And that is not just gasoline.  It is everything made from oil.  If this all seems to big for you just control what you can, your desire for needless toys and needless waste.

Peace through action.

Bigger than me

It's not that I want to go through life concerning myself with negative things.  I could spend my days playing with new technologies or driving to a lake.  Instead I feel drawn into the quagmire that is Life.  The issues we face with war, pollution, scarce resources and dictators dressed as hero's, are in need of huge amounts of our constructive energy. 

I really love the toys of the day.  From Ipods to beautiful new cars.  I get it.  However, when I look at my daughter my heart aches a bit.  My awareness of the danger in her future overwhelms my desires for simple pleasures.

Many in America have an illusion that things have not gotten that bad yet.  I challenge that things are in peril just not in your neighborhood yet.  The cost of living alone is driving many of our brothers and sisters into poverty.  What can we do?

I think that one thing you and I can do.  Something that is positive but a little scary.  Take what this country may have blessed you with already and start following your heart and dreams.  If you have a house that has tripled in value in the last 5 years, and you don't just love your situation in life or the political climate, let it go.  Get yourself out of crushing debt, find a place in the world where you can apply your energy in a positive way. 

I just returned from a three week adventure in Costa Rica.  My tribe of friends and family are going to build an Eco friendly farm/retreat.  A farm is not for everyone but ask yourself what your dream is. Is what your doing now the answer?

When you are talking to your grandchildren don't you want to say you did everything you wanted and could do for the world?

Peace