Indonesian Muslims seek to promulgate only Muslim practices and beliefs with universal appeal.

 In an apparent attempt to modernize and streamline their religious faith, Muslims in Indonesia of the Nu sect--and Muslims are the largest religious majority in the country--have decried specific tenets held by traditional Muslims (as reported in the Economist, August 19th issue, p. 32):

1.  Abandoned the notion of the caliphate vs. a secular government.  

2.  Allows religious freedom in their country.

Their women already are permitted to wear Western dress, I take it.  But if they would already argue for women clergy, that would nearly bring them up to speed where Christian women are.

Decoupling advanced tech from shared methods and techniques turns off investors from the West in Chinese companies

Just like COVID-19 vaccinees from the States were retained among patents of the West pharmaceutical makers, it seems their patents mean they will not be sharing their advanced computer AI technology with China and Asian countries aligned with it. 

Already, the Chinese youth are reported to have become disillusioned at the prospect of advancing in the medical or computer fields due to the vast number of regulations permeating these fields as China is being shut out of Western advances through the decoupling of the most modern techniques in these fields--East being kept in the dark of West methodologies.  Specifically, these youths in China don't see their being able to significantly contribute in either of these two professions, given governmental strictures placed upon the sharing information about the most advanced methods being developed, particularly from the West.

My viewpoint.

 

There's a telling argument for wanting GLOBALIZATION to work worldwide!

I'm sure we've all heard the pros and cons for globalization ad nauseam.  But the one I've found to tip the scale to being pro-Globalization is above all else, globalization promotes peace in the world; especially among business, and financiers doing trade deals.

The intellectual community today is discussing seriously the prospect of war between the United States and China.  When I hear the arguments on one side or another, and then I'm asked what I think, I say to anyone that really wants to know what I think--I tell them--"The prospects for a war are low, in my opinion, each side would have too much to lose, we're both so interconnected in business and trade."  

Now to some my retort is not all that convincing.  But I still can argue that major changes would have to be made as cataclysmic as we're living through confronted with climate change!

The arguer rests.

My opinion.       

Mali should be able to help!

 Suggested: contact gov in Mali.

I am requesting my current health aide be continued into the future!

Her nickname is "Diga."

One of the most outstanding qualities is her ability to work as a team member with medical professionals--doctors and nurses; and also to attend to my mental acumen and ability to remain calm and focused on my projects--as I become involved in behalf of the US government.  That is, she does what is needed in order to bolster my mental and physical capabilities so to help on the projects given me.

And, since I am in old age, I am aware of her attention to enhance my efforts to stay dedicated to make significant contribution toward the record of my team in achievements toward the goals of the United States.

I am most grateful for her care of me as my health aide. 

   

Computer-Aided Design Systems are revolutionizing US factories.

--Making robots the builders or constructors of the products produced in the factory!

CAD systems have been around for decades but they are now a focal center of mass produced factory items!

There's a good overview of their role in manufacturing in the future in the Economist August 12th issue, pp. 63ff.  Now you know (and so do I) why it was important to retool our manufacturing gear by sending a chunk of manufacturing paraphernalia overseas.

My opinion.

A Remarkable Win in Guatemala for Democracy--in our Hemisphere.

 Mr. Arevalo, a campaigner for anti-corruption government won by 59% of the popular vote for President of the country!  Congratulations.

What with so much heavy duty drugs affecting the conduct of politics both in Latin America and the Northern Hemisphere, it is refreshing to see signs of a return to democracy: Lulu winning in Brazil and now Arevalo in Guatemala.

We're so lucky living in the United States under a democratic form of government.  Would that we could spread the word that democracy is more human, less given to degrading the human spirit, than autocracy, which I note the former President Trump wishes to install here, should he become President in the election of 2024.  "Perish the thought!"

My opinion.

My health aid needs to pass her exam.

She's not that proficient in English.

Not certain when she has to take the exam, which now she must pay to take.

She's worth it!

Update: 8/21/23:  SHE PASSED!  THANKS EVERYBODY.

Worldwide values study shows Americans and Europeans promote democracy, individualism .

The  Economist cites a recent values worldwide study done by the Inglehart group of Michigan showed that the Europeans and Americans are highly individualistic and secular; and importantly, "Traditional values seem to be more associated with autocracies; one-person-one-vote systems embody individualistic values." (p. 49 of August 12th issue, 2023)

I believe this culture is moving us into the "brave. new world!"

But I further believe we tend to lose sight of the vastness of the universe in which we are contained and exist.  We are coming to know its principles as we send spaceships 'out there.'

My opinion and impression.

 

Some returned POW Ukrainians want to fight on!

I have been watching the returned Ukrainian POWs from Russian prisoner war camps relate their abusive captors' treatment of them, including the proverbial shock treatments.

Nevertheless, there were those among them who are preparing themselves to go back into battle.  They know what they were fighting for: the freedom of the human spirit.

The Economist has in the August 12th issue a reasoned defense against those pursuing an authoritarian ruler and his band of wealthy benefactors--all in government and other high places--to get what they can and charge it up to the little guys and gals complaining that they've been gypped. 

The best defense against authoritarianism is simply to exhibit the human being, pursuing his longing to be himself, an experience ingrained within our very being; vs. the caricature expression of an obedient humanoid, computer created through Artificial Intelligence.  For it is natural that the human crave his freedom to be himself in what he does, not be obsequious like an automaton.

My opinion. 

Evidently, China isn't doing so well in Africa and is seeking Wagner Group help to promote its current attempt at hegemony.

Niger is very important.  The Russian ruble is crashing, in my estimation.  

My opinion.

I'm watching Ukrainians making more scrape iron on the Black Sea out of Russian ships--incredible Ukrainian scrap iron mounting to the skies!

Who'se now in control?  Why, Ukrainian drones, of course!

Russia will be putting the Wagner Group on its waters, soon.  To see if they float.

Hope your grain mostly is getting through.  Africa in need, desperately.

My opinion.

I don't believe the central operational data centers have been selected for AI development yet.

 I have listened to some of the discussions in Congress about AI development and the guidelines they wish to impose on AI development.  Just like Silicon Valley was chosen for the initial stages of Internet development, so there are certain places where AI development will transpire.  I am certain that the US participation in its development marks one major place that will be chosen where those concerns will be transmitted and followed accordingly.

But AI development is occurring around the world; and no government is in charge of it, I don't think.  Anyway, I know the US military will be involved in the process; and their contributions are essential but will likely remain confidential and/or classified.

 I need not reiterate what is obvious to the computer community:  this is a major step toward peace and stability in the world.

My opinion.

Agriculture moving away from animal products to food from microbes.

Some farmers in Finland and Singapore, always concerned about land usage, are experimenting in alternatives to animal-based foods, which according to the Economist (July 22nd issue, p. 29)  are responsible for emitting methane into the environment, a strong gas that contributes to climate change.

If this project to utilize alternatives to animal products proves viable, at some time in the future we may depend less on animals for our protein.  I would imagine, the task for chemists is to make the substitute as tasty as animal meat.

   

Does any innovative genius have an idea to replace plastic utility bags? For the garbage!

We're in disparate need of garbage retainer bags to throw into the incinerator or onto the beaches.  Plastic lasts for hundreds of years and would desecrate the oceanic shorelines.  Anyone with an idea?

If so, contact your local venture capitalist.  The need is pressing, NOW (as the announcement of bus and trains might read).

Suggestion: Treated paper?

Thanks in advance.     

The Gaza Hamas have promise.

I know the Hamas group and believe them to be useful to the Palestinian cause.

I think there are overwhelming problems with the current P,M. of Israel.--and I have Jewish contacts around.  To my mind, he's being controlled.

Sunday's Talk Shows emphasize the poverty of the Nigeriens must be addressed.

Russians are after the uranium; and the Nigerien military maintains control of the government at the present time.  I hope the power nations of the West understand the seriousness of this situation.  I suggest the Africans work through the African Union organization.

My opinion.

My health aide--make it possible for her to continue! Progress Report.

I'm busy, busy on my volunteering.  I am going to be even busier this Fall.  Please make sure she's on board! 

Things are going really well.  Thanks always to my great staff.

JO

CNN and others are reporting outstanding results toward disabling the Russian naval fleet in the Black Sea!

Who would have thought this little band of believers in democracy could swerve off course a Russian flotilla!

Impressive penetration into a fighting Russian force by Ukraine.

From Ukrainians we anticipate nothing less than an ingenious effort in the conduct of its war for independence.

My opinion.   

DW news is reporting the Nigerien military junta wants elections to be held.

 Evidently claiming interference by foreign powers in the last election, the military junta is wanting to hold new elections.  But a watch group that appeared on the news program questioned whether it is sincere, especially since indications are it wants to hold off the election it will schedule for more than a year!

Could the African Union work with them to see what is their reluctance in proceeding with a democratic process?  Perhaps, even help supervise such an event?

Just a suggestion.

My opinion.    

The response to Robert Burns: "Pray that a little luck will be on your side."

 Robert Burns is attributed with the saying, "The Best Laid Plans of Mice and Men Go Awry." 

I want to add to it, "Pray that a little luck will be on your side to win."

We're just human beings; and we humans are built "imperfectedly."  Call it "luck"; call it "The Work of God"==we know our imperfections.  BUT WE TRY! (AND, we try hard.)  And sometimes, the plan works, with the added BOOST!  "I believe in magic" because it's real, too.

So, accept it, and rejoice!...And be GLAD IT WORKS!

My opinion. P.S.  I'm glad for my contribution--my response.      

I'm getting reports of good news in President Zelensky's offensive--taking hold!

It's been a slow period as Ukrainian offense gets mounted.

No doubt their military wanted to test the waters. The man knows the Russians, the enemy under President Putin!

I pray for Ukrainian victory for world prosperity, given the onslaught of Russian aggression against humanity!

My opinion.