From: rks@teal.csn.org (Reykja K. Sigurdsson)
Subject: Abandoning the Sinking Ship
Organization: Colorado SuperNet, Inc.
Date: Wed, 2 Sep 1992 05:02:12 GMT


     I have been reading with interest the thread about leaving the 
country. Since this subject is one rather dear to me (I am planning to 
immigrate to Iceland), I thought I would try to articulate my reasons 
for the decision. 

     It seems to me that living in a certain place, associating with 
certain groups, etc., is implied consent to the prevailing social 
ethic of that group/society. 

     Over the past thirty years, I have watched this country go right
down the drain! During my forty-year lifespan, I have watched a country
which was once based on individualism and concern for the community (the
two are not mutually exclusive) turn into a large scale version of 
The Lord of The Flies. Never in a million years did I think I would live
to see a time when people could callously turn their backs on the homeles,
the sick and those who are most vulnerable. Never in a million years did
I think I would live to see this country turn into one where human rights
and freedoms become nothing more than rhetoric to spit out at the 
appropriate times. Never did I think I would live to see a time when
the Money God would rule over human compassion.    

     After a solid twelve years of Republicanism, I think the people
have made their statement. The social ethic here is not something I 
can not support. This is not a tirade against free enterprise or 
capitalism. In a proper application, it can bring about creativity and
progress. However, even Adam Smith wrote that it would not work without
some sort of compassion and a solid value system. (And I certainly 
don't think he meant the value system of fascists like Pat Robertson 
and George Bush!) It is a statement against a value system which has
become Darwinistic at best. Barbarian at worse. 

    I have been asked why I don't stick around and try to make it 
better. The answer is simple: we are given the illusion that we have
power. We do not. The power to choose between red shoes and blue shoes 
is not substantive power. The 'power' the government usually refers to 
is consumer power. Voting? That is a joke! That is probably done 
behind closed doors within a small circle. Even with that cynical 
possibility dismissed, there is really no substantial difference 
between a Clinton and a Bush. They present the same message in 
different words. Their loyalties will remain with those who can back
them up -- with power and money. 

    So -- why Iceland? Iceland has a history of free enterprise with
a value system. It was the first entirely literate society on the face
of the earth. They have determined that their group value will include
individual freedom with *social responsibility*. They have a national
health care system, an old age pension and they are known for helping
their neighbors. They also run their national budget with the primary
concern being Icelanders. They do not allow others in unless they have
the jobs available. They don't accept hoardes of people for the purpose
of gaining power over thse people. (Note the whole Boat People flapdoodle
C
of several years ago. They just said 'no' because they didn't have 
enough jobs for new citizens. They were not willing to take jobs from
Icelandic nationals.) That is sensible. That is the way anyone would 
run their home budgets. If you can't afford something, you don't get/do/
have it. There is no homelessness in Iceland. The government wouldn't 
permit such a thing. It wouldn't be permitted because the *group 
value* would not permit it. 

    Those who do well here and like it here should stay. I am not 
saying everyone should leave. Those who choose to leave should be 
permitted to leave -- without reprisal or flames. That is what 
tolerance is all about -- making choices. 

    Tirade entirely complete. ;-) 

-reykjavik

rks@teal.csn.org                                                    

                            The seeking of wisdom is the highest virtue-

                                                         --Odin--



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of several years ago. They just said 'no

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