Tragedy in Paris

The idea or concept of a monotheistic God is not new, and has culturally developed into the idea that the Supreme Being is patriarchal. Prior to receiving the 10 Commandments on Mount Sinai, in the Old Testament, we find the notion of a despotic, jealous God that considered man, whom he created, as his property. In this phase of religion, God not only drove man out of paradise, he subsequently decided to destroy the human race by flood, with the exception of his favorite son Noah. Then a new phase began when God made a covenant with Noah and promised never to destroy the human race again. This became a covenant by which he is bound. He was now tied to his own principle, of justice.  God was no longer a despotic tribal chief, but now became a loving father and perpetuated principles of justice, truth and love. In other words, God is truth, and God is justice. Much later, God gave his commandments, giving a formula for justice, truth and love to all. Thou shall not kill is just one illustration.

We also know that man because of massive insecurity, the power of nature and his separateness or aloneness was psychologically driven to achieve union or affiliation with others. This union because of aloneness, at times, drove the individual self to disappear, assimilate and become part of the group or the herd. This need for belonging results psychologically in not having many thoughts or feelings that are different, and to rigidly conform to the various custom, dress and ideas or the patterns of that particular group.

Currently, we have given massive attention to a significant minority with Middle Eastern roots. These groups of men and women have become affiliated with the multitude of different terrorist organizations, or simply gangs. We hear and witness their death and self-destructive bonding in the civilized world. It’s not uncommon for them to commit suicide while murdering others. It’s hard to fully comprehend and believe that their God has a mission to destroy anyone, not believing in him, nor would justify the suicide of his own so called followers. This nonsense sounds like prejudicial hate to me.

Charles Manson and his followers killed others, but they did not strap suicide, explosive to themselves. Jim Jones and his followers committed suicide, and did not go around chopping off the heads of others. So, do we have a God that combines the pathological behaviors of a Manson and Jones? I think not. I would like to believe that one whom employs rational thinking as opposed to magical thinking would not support that type of behavior and follow a leader like those two sociopaths. By the same token, anyone that buys into the notion that both homicide and suicide are virtues and following a good book are simply exhibiting primitive and infantile thinking. And the idea that there are virgins in the sky to follow is also idiotic and illustrates a non-logic illusion. However, if there is promise of money, glory caliphate rule to follow, then the path to destructive and hateful behavior is accompanied by denial, rationalization of thinking within their life space of non-human, belittlement of self-existence.

When you see these young testosterone driven men on TV, they seem aggressive in showing and shooting their weapons and all conformingly dressed like pirate revolutionaries. Notice, that the women are not dressed as flashy nor do they exhibit or show off with guns, etc. One aspect that makes these thugs so dangerous is that our world globe has shrunk. They talk about death and destruction in the Middle East, Europe and in the United States. Unfortunately, anyone that wants to commit suicide and kills others in the process can, at times, do just that and make it happen. This story is far from over. Ideally, and in the development of a mature civilization or culture, God is supposed to be associated with justice and love between man and man. Obviously, many in these societies think otherwise and exist with the old motto “live to kill and be killed?” Unfortunately, this self-destructive madness is not going to vanish and go away overnight. 

The Relevance of the 10 Commandments Part 2

Our conscience develops as a result of early training by parents, caretakers, and significant others. We are taught right from wrong, good and bad and often with consequences for those behaviors. Our parents and caretakers also incorporate and are significantly influenced by the ideas, messages of the local and national culture. Since the turn of the 19^th century, we have witnessed large-scale wars, it seems, on a regular basis. In fact, I remember years after the H-bomb being a pupil at Wayne Elementary school and going into its basement during an air raid drill. We didn’t hide under the desk, we simply heard the bell, lined up and the class, in single file, marched to apparent safety. This was the Cold War with all those nuclear devices from Russia pointed in our direction. What about the commandment “thou shall not kill?”

It’s not uncommon for someone to lie or cheat, especially but not limited to politics. I remember hearing a Congressman, shouting out during one of President Obama’s speeches that he lied. I would call that “thou shall not bear false witness against thy neighbor.” There’s even a current political ad criticizing or accusing a politician of keeping company with prostitutes.

Our capitalistic economy, allows the competitive nature of man to get ahead. We now know that roughly 1% have acquired much wealth and possessions. There was a recent movie with Leonard DiCaprio titled “The Wolf of Wall Street” that depicted many of the 10 Commandments being broken and ignored. I would hate to believe that this film depicts the majority of Wall Street or the 1%ers.

In spite of religion, or spiritual teachings, it’s no wonder that the development of conscience has suffered. Religion may say, “Thou shall not kill” and yet the government says our biggest budget expense is the military-industrial complex. Lying and giving mixed messages seems to be more universal as well. And it does not seem to matter, even if on TV. In fact, there’s even “fact checks” after the so-called presidential debates. These presidential individuals model inconsistencies in their version of telling the truth. And these are potentially our leaders. If they can distort the truth, without any consequences, that’s a pretty clear negative anti- 10 Commandment message.

It’s no wonder that our conscience has been weakened and that’s likely a big reason and explains in part man’s destructive behavior toward fellow man. Man’s instinctual nature and need structure hasn’t undergone major changes; man’s intelligence and understanding has leaped ahead, but his interpersonal and humane treatment has suffered. We see and hear far too much death and destruction that it seems commonplace. Yes, we are becoming numbing to that reality. Perhaps, the pursuit of happiness is an illusion and not attainable for the masses.

Some might wonder if we’re headed in the wrong direction. Because if we are, that suggests to me that things are not getting better. And perhaps the political divisiveness is a symptom of growing insecurity, helplessness and insignificance to make a difference. A number of years ago, the existentialists wrote that God is dead. What that suggests is that our moral compass might be on a very different path from what our spiritual profits talked about early in our history of civilization. And, perhaps, these early Commandments are not applicable to our present day. If they’re not applicable nor followed by our leaders, then we have to stop pretending their importance. In any event, to make a change in the moral aspect of man with an intact superego or conscience, individuals, society and the culture have to lead the way. That likely means that individuals have to first, if they can, begin treating themselves in a more rationally, physically and psychologically healthy way, in order that they can treat others more appropriately. If interpersonal behavior becomes more humanistic, then the treating of others, becomes more of the same.

The Relevance of the 10 Commandments

After my short 6 mile trail run with my friend Tony, I thought more about our trail conversation. The current state of things in our world is troubling. Yes, it’s true that civilization has made tremendous strides in so many areas as a contrast to primitive man. Not only have we traveled to all parts of our globe, we have also been on the moon and continue making discoveries about Mars and the rest of the Milky Way galaxy.

Intellectually, there have been giant strides medicine. We have developed medicines to halt various diseases. We continue to gather more information and understanding about diseases like Alzheimer’s, heart disease, etc. We are also better able to understand the workings and mechanism of the brain and adjust the various neurotransmitters associated with depression or anxiety.

We have developed powerful machines from steam, internal combustion engine, electric cars, solar heating and cooling to nuclear energy within the last 250 years. We are now better equipped to combat with the terrifying forces of nature than ever before. Although, it’s true, that global climate change issue stands before us. And thanks to Silicon Valley and other pioneers, we now have superfast computers and a whole host of wonderful handheld gadgets that simplifies lifestyles.

Are we now happier since the forming of our US Constitution? Thomas Jefferson referenced the pursuit of happiness, in that terrific document. Intellectually, there have been leaps and bounds of what man in the year 2015 knows, compared to primitive man   6000 years ago. Let’s go back around 6000 years and we find early man, much more fearful and helpless in dealing and coping with the natural world. Death and disease was prevalent and  the average lifespan was about, give or take 50 years less than it is today in our country.

According to the Old Testament, God on biblical Mount Sinai gave the Israelites, The 10 Commandments or the Decalogue. Some of them are as follows: Thou Shall Not Take the Name of the Lord Thy God in Vain; Honor Thy Father and Thy Mother; Thou Shall Not Kill; Thou Shall Not Commit Adultery; Thou Shall Not Steal; Thou Shalt Not Bear False Witness against Thy Neighbor. Thou Shalt Not Covet-Neighbor’s House; Thou Shalt Not Covet-Neighbor’s Wife; Thou Shall Not Covet-Neighbor’s Servants, Animals or Anything Else. These religious rules, or ideas were established to assist individuals and provide a moral code or framework to better function within society’s restrictive framework. There is good behavior, and there is bad behavior that affects individuals getting along with each other. By practicing many of these 10 Commandment behaviors, societies with the rules of law function theoretically more efficiently and more fairly for the masses.

Thinking about the nature of man’s life and destructive drives, about  some of his needs, such as abasement [accepting injury, seeking and enjoying pain, punishment, etc.]; achievement [accomplishing something difficult, to rival and surpass others, etc.]; affiliation [cooperates with an allied other, to win affection, remain loyal to a friend, etc.] autonomy [the shakeup of restraints, to resist coercion and restriction]; defendance [to defend against assault, criticism and blame , etc.]; dominance [to control one’s environment, etc.]; rejection [to separate self from a negatively affected object, etc.] to name a few. Likely, this aspect of the nature of man has not changed significantly. However, on the other hand, it appears that man’s development of conscience or superego has been adversely affected.

To  be continued

Insight into Bo's Warriors

On November 22, 1969, a slaughter was supposed to take place in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Mighty number one ranked Ohio State University was a 17 point favorite to demolish the Wolverines. This rivalry pitted the winningest teams in college football. However, the year before, Woody Hayes, the tyrant, legendary coach of the  Buckeyes went for a two-point conversion on their last touchdown, making the score 50 to 14. How could the Wolverines compete in this battle? Did it matter that their coach Bo Schembechler was in fact a position coach under Woody years before, and now the enemy?

Nine men tell their account of that classic football event, of how, what, and where it happened.  Once again, the underdog David again beat mighty Goliath. Their account dissects a multitude of stories within a story. Bo Schembechler, in no uncertain terms, was an obsessive, ruthless control freak in dealing with his young men during practices and on the field of play. In fact, he told them in no uncertain terms that he was going to treat them all the same “like dogs.” He was true to his word. His practices were brutal, physical, regardless of potential pain, and punishment. He rationalized that he was going to change their country club psyche into one of attaining and reaching higher unfathomable levels of physical and mental toughness. In fact, Wolfman Frank Gusich heard the NFL scouts remarking, “these guys practice hard.”  Defensive end linebacker Mike Keller said “in many ways our games on Saturday were easier than our practices. “ Bo kicked, quarterback Jim Betts in the ass for dropping a snap from center during practice. Bo also ran after, slapped, and screamed at Jim Brandstatter thinking that he missed his block in practice resulting in the blocked kick. Jerry Hanlon, one of the coaches, told him that Jim made his block and Bo replied, “He needed it anyway.”

There was a time when All-American, all Pro, Reggie McKenzie was talked out of quitting the

 team by his family. Reggie didn’t quit, and became a dominating force at Michigan and in the NFL. When given an opportunity to play in an All-Star game coached by Bo and Bear Bryant, Reggie made up the story and said to Bo, he was unavailable. Reggie told me he was through with that son of a bitch. On another occasion, defensive end Cecil Pryor knocked a fellow teammate out of the boxing ring during a so called conditioning drill. Bo immediately jumped into that ring and confronted Cecil with “if you want to fight someone, fight me.” There are other countless examples of disrespect, physical and verbal aggressiveness during their U of M careers. Yet, each of these men today tell me how much they love Bo Schembechler and would go through again  the abasement, putdowns, embarrassment and belittling by their Bo Schembechler. Their ambivalence of hate and love for this man was made clear.

Another story within a story was the individual players, insecurity, or lack of self-confidence about their ability to play on the big stage. Mike Keller was a big fish in a little pond, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He wondered why he was given a scholarship and hoped to make the traveling team at best. This All-American was drafted by the world champion Dallas Cowboy In the third round. Thom Darden, 173 pounds soaking wet, doubted his ability to play. After making a tackle behind the line the scrimmage, his confidence improved. He became Bo’s first Wolfman, All-American, first round draft pick of the Cleveland Browns, and became their all-time interception leader. Tom Curtis, initially, a quarterback, fought the town crier who spread the rumor that he would not even make the traveling squad. Tom became the all-time leader in Michigan history for interceptions and attained two Super Bowl rings in the NFL. Tackle Jim Brandstatter also insecure went to the University of Michigan and didn’t become secure until he made a bone crushing block, resulting in a winning touchdown. Incidentally, Jim’s father was an All-American at Michigan State University, and his older brother, a tight end for Duffy Daugherty.

Thom Darden from Sandusky, Ohio, didn’t dare dance with a white girl, in that segregated community. His parents among everyone else would not have approved. Then he goes to the University of Michigan during tumultuous times of Woodstock, free Angela Davis, burning draft cards, burning bras and free love. Yes, Thom took advantage of his celebrity status with all the admiring groupie white girls.  Thom Darden, Reggie McKenzie and five other of his Mellow Men joined by the Black Panthers in a campus demonstration, with their M sweaters actually blocked and closed down the engineering building to other fellow students

All these men, even with Frank Guich’s death of his father and welfare bound; Jim Betts alcoholic father  and bedridden mother; Reggie McKenzie’s limited blue-collar father with community financial assistance on one hand, and on the other with Country Club ease for Jim Brandstatter, Fritz Seyferth, Mike Keller, and Tom Curtis came together as one.  But, in spite hardships or financial security, they all exhibited mental toughness, will to compete, and not giving up, irrespective of the unreasonable demands made by their coach on the field. Witnessing the 100,000+ mass celebration of fans rushing onto the field of play after the final whistle that November day of the Wolverines victory, says it all. Mike Keller told me that he was exhausted and on the field for that final play, and if it wasn’t for the fans, protecting him, leading into the tunnel he would been trampled. These men all say, on that historic day, that they experienced their greatest joy, satisfaction, and oceanic feeling with their teammates and adoring fans.

Go Blue!

Wolverines on the Rebound Part 2

On October 31, the Wolverines played the Golden Gophers before a full house in Minneapolis. To make things more interesting, in the battle for the Little Brown Jug which is the oldest trophy in college football, the University of Minnesota’s head coach resigned the previous Wednesday because of health reasons. Coach Kill was beloved by all. The team was told to play for coach Kill and with passion. The tribute for this beloved coach was apparent during the entire game. In fact, the Minnesota players were jumping with glee on the sideline all during this fierce battle.

Although Michigan was favored to recapture the Little Brown Jug, you would never know it as the Golden Gophers made big play after big play and in some ways dominated play. The Gopher players were spectacular on both sides of the football. Their offense scored two touchdowns and four field goals while there defense limited Michigan’s running offense, and even intercepted a shovel pass.

To make matters worse, Michigan quarterback Jake Rudock was slammed to the ground and didn’t return in the exciting fourth quarter. Rookie quarterback Speight came in and took over. This little used quarterback had not completed a pass prior .Jabrill Peppers, in a Michigan wildcat formation, scored one rushing touchdown and was used creatively in the backfield for the Wolverines. Peppers also played outstanding defense, ran back punts and kickoffs as well. The last notable Wolverine to play on both sides of the ball was Heisman winner Charles Woodson. Peppers is going to be in the hunt before he’s through playing for the Wolverines.

Quarterback Wilton Speight came to the rescue, and completed a couple of passes, including the go-ahead score. The score was Michigan 27 and Minnesota 26. Michigan was smart and went for a two-point conversion. Again, quarterback Speight did his job and completed the pass for a two-point conversion. Now, the score was Michigan 29 and Minnesota 26. Well, things got really interesting as Michigan kicked off to Minnesota. For a moment it looked like Minnesota scored a touchdown with about 18 seconds left to go in the game. The play was reviewed and the ball was placed near the 1 yard line. Minnesota could go for a field goal to tie the game or go for the win. With 18 seconds, they went for the win. Mitch Leidner threw an incomplete pass, leaving just two seconds left on the play clock. Again, they could go for a field goal or go for the win. They went for the win.  Mitch Leidner the quarterback took the ball from center for a quarterback sneak, but was stopped. The play was reviewed and the call on the field was confirmed.

Two weeks ago against Michigan State, the Wolverines lost with 0.00 on the clock and this time with 0.00 on the clock were victorious. I had difficulty watching the loss to the Spartans and again was surprised at this outcome. The Wolverines are now one and one in last-second nail biters. Not only that, the Wolverines are now in position to win out and play the number one ranked Buckeyes at the end of November. Stay tuned.

Go Blue!