XPost: alt.buddha.short.fat.guy, alt.philosophy.taoism, alt.philosophy.zen   
   From: wudao@wuji.net   
      
   Ned wrote:   
      
   >  Yeah, it's a good article. But it ignores the fundamental point   
   >that it mentions time and again.  The unavoidable problem of the   
   >Roman Republic (and America), is that it became enormously   
   >wealthy while it destroyed a large and viable middle class.  In a   
   >way, that is saying the same thing.  As a class becomes wealthy,   
   >it will feed on the less powerful classes.   
   >   
   >  Nothing stops this.  When people become wealthy enough, they   
   >can avoid the law.  Their wealth can be brought to bear against   
   >anything and anyone who threatens their wealth.   
   >   
   >  So, what is the obvious conclusion from that?  And do you see   
   >why that conclusion is an impossibilty to actualize?   
      
   TTC 80 arises time and time again.   
   It might be impossible for the global village.   
   The pale blue dot is only so big.   
      
   Fortunately, Mars is around the corner.   
      
   With the practically infinite resources of the galaxy, people   
   and their nation-states of mind might continue to continue   
   to pretend and agree up on their myths as being real   
   until they get down to it and fly off a sphere.   
      
   A rising tide, an expanding universe, a ship sails from and to.   
   Some go round their worlds and return home again.   
   Many are lifted. Some are crest-fallen.   
      
   It might not take an asteroid to awaken earth-folk.   
   Leaders may arise from within the ranks of the many.   
      
   Maybe nation-states of mind die a slow death.   
   As an ever-growing middle class and middle way dawns.   
      
   Imagine there are no this/that.   
   One may wonder if one is able to.   
      
   --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05   
    * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)