Why Hong Kong protests aren’t important

  A lot is being made of events in Hong Kong. Here's why I don't think they're important. Overt protest is a bygone tactic.  They are events people create when they feel powerless to make a difference on their own.  And real difference always begins with one person—or, at best, small teams—working quietly. Overt protests are easy to … Continue reading Why Hong Kong protests aren’t important

Why earning a living is “velvet oppression”

You've heard the term "Velvet Handcuffs." It describes a job with benefits so compelling, leaving is a non-choice. Even if you hate the work. Gotta feed the kids, pay that mortgage. Velvet Oppression is similar. It is oppression, but oppression so good-feeling alternatives pale in comparison. You hear it all the time: "I hate this … Continue reading Why earning a living is “velvet oppression”

When blaming the victim is appropriate

When a man points a finger at someone else, he should remember that [three] of his fingers are pointing at himself. - Louis Nizer We blame the victim. In this case, that's the 99 percent. It's appropriate. Here's why. The 99 percent continually allows the swindle. Rarely have we not swallowed the bait, complicit as … Continue reading When blaming the victim is appropriate