The Denial of Change

How difficult is change? So difficult it seems that it can be denied for even the slightest reason. Think of people, whom despite all information to the contrary; don't take the job, move to the new location, marry the one that truly loves them or deny themselves opportunity, only to realize one day that it could have meant everything to them if they had. These hesitancy's, for often a door opens only briefly, can cause us second thoughts and remorse. But denial is a refuge that is deep and comfortable. Denial is one of the mainstays of religion and the most used countermanding control of the status quo. Typically, change is modeled by those opposed to it, as stepping off of a cliff into unseen depths and unknown outcomes.

If you chose not to believe there is no science, there is no rational thought and to error on the side of continuation of failed efforts is better than the unknown of change, you are bound to believe in the one percent solution. The one percent solution postulates that if there is a one percent chance that something will fail, we best not try it. If there is a one percent chance that change will damage us in any way, we dare not risk it.

My explanation is a interpretation of a theory advanced by vice-president Dick Cheney. The vice president was quoted as saying that if there was a one percent chance that a rogue state had nuclear capability than it must be regarded as true and we must act as if it were fact. In this case, he was using the idea as justification for "preemptive war" and the invasion of Iraq.

What if there was a one percent chance that a new coalition of voters would vote in their combined self interest to seek better health care and to assure that social security would remain a significant factor to assure that our aging population would not fall into poverty. What if they signalled that building a strong infrastructure in America was at least as important as building democracy in the middle east. What if people saw through the smoke and mirrors of "supply side free market economics's " and insisted on fair and vigorous regulation of the corporate business community and called for an end to "corporate welfare". Let me assure you this is the one percent that conservative Republican interests fear more than Weapons of Mass Destruction in Iran.

Just because the term for the Republican tactic of "starving the beast" or choking off funding for social welfare programs is not in vogue, do not believe for one second the tactic is not working. Let's be clear, the Republicans cast the democrats as tax and spenders. When they inherited the White House and gained Congressional control in 2000, there was a surplus and we were a hugely solvent nation. They have through irresponsible tax policy and a ultimately stupid war in Iraq indebted this country for many years to come, possibly even handcuffing progressive rebuilding for the next President. Now that friends is Mission Accomplished.