Professor Brownstein, Congratulations! What you taught us twenty years ago regarding economics, human social mood and life philosophy in the University changed my mindset and life. Thank you for these great posts! Your essays always make me think!
Prof. B: greetings. “Easier said than done” comes to mind. Im afraid human nature being what it is, has a negative impact on many, including me. Im on my third read of your essay; reversing even my most petty thoughts is hard. The films you highlight had a most profound impact on me. I will rewatch them several times. Interesting how these topics are staring us in the face. Scary. As always, thank you for what you bring to the table. Much respect.
Mike, thank you for the very kind words and for considering my ideas. You are very correct, this is easier said than done. Here is one simple pointer. Don’t try and reverse your thinking. Instead have a little willingness to have your thinking reversed through the power of non-judgemental awareness. Non-judgemental awareness means we watch our mind justify our petty grievances and we reject our justification. That little willingness and awareness does the heavy lifting.
“For Trump supporters the devil is foreigners.” What does this statement mean? I was a Trump supporter and have no issue at all with foreigners, and the many Trump supporters I know don’t either. I simply want foreigners to enter the country legally, and/or become green card holders/citizens in the manner spelled out by Congress. Being from Texas, seeing that the government is ignoring basic immigration laws is clearly creating mass chaos is my issue currently. It has nothing to do with a dislike or trepidation of “foreigners.” Blanket statements are not helpful. That said, I always enjoy reading your posts and will continue to do so.
Thanks for reading and commenting, Paul. I agree blanket statements should be avoided. I wrote this essay during the 2016 campaign while Trump was bashing China (so this was not referencing the border crisis). I was equally critical of Clinton in other essays.
Professor Brownstein, Congratulations! What you taught us twenty years ago regarding economics, human social mood and life philosophy in the University changed my mindset and life. Thank you for these great posts! Your essays always make me think!
Thank you, Anna. I am honored by your inspirational and generous note.
Prof. B: greetings. “Easier said than done” comes to mind. Im afraid human nature being what it is, has a negative impact on many, including me. Im on my third read of your essay; reversing even my most petty thoughts is hard. The films you highlight had a most profound impact on me. I will rewatch them several times. Interesting how these topics are staring us in the face. Scary. As always, thank you for what you bring to the table. Much respect.
Mike Pair
Mike, thank you for the very kind words and for considering my ideas. You are very correct, this is easier said than done. Here is one simple pointer. Don’t try and reverse your thinking. Instead have a little willingness to have your thinking reversed through the power of non-judgemental awareness. Non-judgemental awareness means we watch our mind justify our petty grievances and we reject our justification. That little willingness and awareness does the heavy lifting.
“For Trump supporters the devil is foreigners.” What does this statement mean? I was a Trump supporter and have no issue at all with foreigners, and the many Trump supporters I know don’t either. I simply want foreigners to enter the country legally, and/or become green card holders/citizens in the manner spelled out by Congress. Being from Texas, seeing that the government is ignoring basic immigration laws is clearly creating mass chaos is my issue currently. It has nothing to do with a dislike or trepidation of “foreigners.” Blanket statements are not helpful. That said, I always enjoy reading your posts and will continue to do so.
Thanks for reading and commenting, Paul. I agree blanket statements should be avoided. I wrote this essay during the 2016 campaign while Trump was bashing China (so this was not referencing the border crisis). I was equally critical of Clinton in other essays.
Gotcha Barry. The clarified context is very helpful. Thanks and keep up the good work!