Latest Posts
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When Faced with the Absurdities of American Politics, The Taoism Helps
We have reached that moment in American presidential campaigns when I realize just how far out of the mainstream of the indigenous political cultural I am. The precise instant was last night, as I suffered through Sarah Palin's speech. … Continue reading
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John McCain, Legalist Power-Monger
I have been completely obsessed of late with the bizarre and depressing turn of events in the Republican presidential campaign. The more I consider Sarah Palin, the worse John McCain looks. What does his choice of her tell us about… Continue reading
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Sarah Palin, Taoist Sage
US politics have been roiled for the past few days in reaction to the announcement of John McCain's running mate. Sarah Palin, the governor of Alaska is an unknown to a national audience. She has very little political experience,… Continue reading
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Menicus in Denver
I am an Obama guy. The speech last night was not his inspirational best. The descent into policy details took some of the air out of it (I have never been passionate about capital gains taxes). But maybe that is… Continue reading
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Twenty Five Years Ago
Twenty five years ago last week, Thursday to be exact, I went to China for the first time. It's an easy date for me to remember as it is also my wedding anniversary. On August 22, 1983, on my third… Continue reading
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Bill Clinton, Confucian Gentleman
OK, maybe it seems a bit perverse to suggest Bill Clinton is a Confucian gentleman, but that thought came to my mind tonight as I watched his speech to the Democratic Party Convention. This line, in particular, struck me (transcript… Continue reading
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Sun Tzu on Georgia
Though the American media has been distracted in recent weeks with the Olympics and, now, the Democratic Convention, tensions in Georgia remain. Yesterday, Russia formally recognized the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, sparking protests from the US and Europe. … Continue reading
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So, The Question is: Does the Way Abide in the Contemporary US?
The Master said: "Love learning and trust it deeply. Guard the Way of virtue and benevolence unto death. Never enter a dangerous country, and never inhabit a country in turmoil."When all beneath Heaven abides in the Way, make yourself known;… Continue reading
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Another Ersatz Proverb?
This morning I was sitting at the kitchen table, eating my cereal and drinking my coffee, when I heard, as I do many mornings, I brief radio piece, "Word for the Wise." I perked up when, at the very end… Continue reading
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Finding Taoism Everywhere
Perhaps it is an occupational hazard, the result of my daily consideration of ancient Chinese philosophy, but I often find Taoism lurking in unexpected places. OK, not "Taoism" per se, as a fairly clearly distinguishable stream of thought, but elements… Continue reading
The Useless Tree 