When People Break

>> When discussing macro-issues, particularly with respect to the dominant paradigm, analysis of existing phenomena can sometimes be mistaken for agreement, reification and/or defense.<<

Also, discussing sensitive issues makes it easy for people's feelings to get hurt, especially if some folks are already on the ragged edge due to related or unrelated life issues of their own. I try to provide a space where it's reasonably safe for people to discuss touchy topics, with the understanding that we will try to be reasonable and respectful about it, and apologize and rephrase if necessary.

>> The concept of the "deserving" and "unfortunate" versus the "undeserving" and "lazy" is embedded all throughout our society's decision making processes. <<

I think you are right about that. It is a flaw which contributes to many problems. I believe that all people have worth as human beings and therefore have a right to life including those things necessary for the continuation of life. Additional worth may be added according to a person's skillful contribution to society, raising of children, effort in developing a wholesome personality, and other desirable things.

>>I agree that marijuana should be completely legalized. This does not change the fact that medical marijuana is only palatable to the powers that be because those who benefit are largely outside the workforce. (If it allows some to keep working, so much the better ... the larger the supply of labor, the less each laborer is worth.)<<

Maybe, maybe not. I have always felt that a key reason people balk at the idea of marijuana as medicine is that it makes people feel good. There's a belief (probably hung over from Christianity) that suffering is good for the soul. I think that contributes to this reluctance to let people have medicine they need, because the side effects are pleasant rather than unpleasant.

>>The unemployment rate, especially the "true" rate, is a measure of the power that employers have over their human capital.<<

Yes. When money is the primary measure of a person's worth, and the means for survival, but nobody is guaranteed the right to earn money or have enough to live on ... that's an extremely insecure and stressful situation. The people at the top don't feel it, but even they are subject to it, because all that protects them is their money. If they lose that for any reason -- and there are many ways for that to happen -- they will be cast down into the pit of suffering along with all the lower-class unfortunates.

>>As for disability, the idea that only those who have worked are eligible for disability payments itself separates the "worthy" (ie insurance for injured workers) from the "unworthy" (born with or suffering from conditions that preclude participation in the workforce.).<<

That has always bothered me. I am further infuriated by society's wastefulness regarding human resources. A great many people would be functional, or at least more functional, if their physical or mental problems were treating using resources we have. But society chooses to withhold those resources, causing great suffering and making people useless who could be useful. Most people are miserable if they feel useless, which is a severe problem with unemployment of more than a brief period. There is a general desire to do something meaningful with one's time. I think that if we put more effort into making it possible for everyone to be as productive as possible, in a sustainable fashion, the result would be a net gain.

I'm glad to hear that's the case for your family. I've known of other cases where disability was not available because the person had not worked, or had worked but not "enough."