We live now in a period where we are just as likely to run into someone saying that World War III is upon us as someone saying we are witness to worldwide change that will shift us into a global renaissance.  

After two in-depth programs on Israel and the issues surrounding  occupation and apartheid there, it is difficult to see any light down the many tunnels of conflict worldwide.  From Palestine, Israel and Gaza, to Afghanistan and Pakistan, to Iraq, Syria, Ukraine and many other lands, we are witness to a massive upheaval.  

Today sociologist Michael Schwartz and I discussed Iraq.  More a failure than Viet Nam perhaps.  Exxon and Mobil win; everyone else loses, especially the USA taxpayers.  Our nation's treasure squandered for what?  So the Church Of The Invisible Hand can preach the gospel of free market success?  Hardly.  If it takes $500 billion in subsidies for Big Oil and trillions for wars, then that is not laissez faire capitalism, that is immoral, illegal empire building so that a few tax-dodging multinational corporations can reap huge rewards.  Blood on our hands from thousands of our military and over a million Iraqi people alone.  

At our own doorstep we have thousands of unaccompanied children forced north by ... USA meddling in the June 29, 2009 coup d'etat in Honduras.  We helped overthrown a democratically elected present (Zaraya) when he was helping poor farmers, established a minimum wage and established a free healthcare system.  The USA stood internationally alone in support of the coup and alone in not condemning it.  Turns out we trained the coup leaders at the School of the Americas, Ft. Benning, GA. 

The most positive note to end this screed is that more and more we are hearing for a movement against the concept of empire here.  This had better gain momentum soon and impact hard.  Such a massive democratic uprising is far beyond the goals of Occupy and even the peace movement.  

So what will it be ... a renaissance, or WW3?

Hubris … a cultural tick?  A byproduct of empire?  The USA’s version is both in my opinion.  Hubris is dangerous, as we learned with our slide into permanent war since invading and occupying Afghanistan and Iraq.  Hubris kills.  But has there ever been an empire that acted any different?  Comes with the territory (no pun intended).

“Everything is Broken” yesterday delved into hubris and then switched to a life saved by going against the cultural grain.  Brad Willis, a.k.a. Bhava Ram was an international war correspondent for NBC News.  He pushed thru a broken back for 7 long years; he was addicted to just about anything that could stop the pain.  He was also diagnosed with Stage IV cancer (courtesy of the First Gulf War depleted uranium bombs).  He told us his story and his climb out of the pit of despair and self-pity.  He turned to Yoga and ancient healing arts like Aruveda.  Now he teaches others how to heal themselves.  He described his “Type A” personality and career arc; he resolved to work harder than anyone else.  He soared high; he fell hard, broken.  Check out his most recent book “Warrior Pose … a War Correspondent’s Memoir … How Yoga (Literally) Saved My Life", at his website.