DOME MAGAZINE: Fall 1993, Vol. 6 | No. 1
Can one person make a difference in the way things are in our present society? Perhaps.
Being exposed to Buckminster Fuller’s Grunch of Giants and Nine Chains to The Moon, as well as the most interesting writing of Dr. M. Scott Peck in his latest book, A Different Drum, has caused more than a little doubt in my mind that any real results can occur in this lifetime to bring about changes in this world that will benefit all people.
Though we have noted tremendous changes in the past few years, in the fall of Communism and the rise of democracy in many parts of the world, the fact remains that the forces of greed are still rampant.
In the recent, excellent article by Gene Hopster in DOME magazine, highlighting Fuller’s Grunch of Giants, Mr. Hopster discussed many of the inequities that occur today. His comments of the many inconsistencies in our system, with regard to our treatment of the “have nots,” was most poignant and revealing.
Unfortunately, The Grunch of Giants is out of print, but photocopies of the book as well as Nine Chains to the Moon, are available from the Fuller Institute. Their address is 1743 South La Clenga Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90035.
These books shine a bright light on the life of Dr. Fuller and his dedication to the fact that there are more than abundant resources on this earth to house and feed all of its inhabitants.
Dr. Fuller’s philosophy flies in the face of world corporations, including the great religions, that the “haves” and the “have nots” are a fact of life, and no one is going to change it.
Fuller’s Commitment
Dr. Fuller’s commitment was that the deaths of thousands of earth humans by starvation each year was not, and is not, a necessity. Yet his life remains an enigma. Revered by thousands and recognized by many of those in the scientific and educational field as a genius, it is common knowledge that comparatively few of his ideas are being used in today’s society. The number of people who die each year from food shortage and lack of adequate housing is on the increase and is deplorable.
Dr. Fuller’s ideas in The Grunch of Giants, published ten years ago, in 1983, proposing the theory that a world conspiracy exists that divides us all into “have” and “have not” categories, is most certainly not new.
His philosophies along these lines are paralleled in a recent book by Dr. M. Scott Peck titled A Different Drum. The basic thought is that we must cease marching to the drums of war and begin marching to the drums of peace. Is the race to build more weapons going to continue until we annihilate all mankind from the face of this planet? Doing so has almost bankrupted the world.
The gun mania that has gripped the world is unimaginable. The power of the NRA (National Rifle Association )is awesome! Simply look at the millions of dollars spent by the NRA for lobbying and advertising to defeat any legislation that would curtail, in any manner, the manufacture, distribution and sale of fire arms. Their influence in the political arena included former President George Bush a charter member, as well as president Clinton, Ross Perot and many influential members of congress
The NRA
The NRA’s argument that any curtailment of guns is in violation of the Second Amendment is totally invalid, but the NRA has millions in their war chest, and they are ready to spend it to try to stop any activity of the anti-gun lobby.
This amendment was designed to provide arms for the militia, which was, at that time, applicable. Since the amendment was enacted to insure that we have an armed militia, I would suggest that every person who would own a gun should also be required to be sworn into the ranks of our present militia, the National Guard. All other gun owners would be licensed and carefully controlled. This would provide for the terms of the amendment, and a basis for conformity to the amendment. This would also allow for the banishment of all firearms from the general population. Can’t you see that happening? Like the proverbial snowball!
If you have a sense of reason, you would get on the backs of your Congressmen, and make them enact the Brady Bill, which was killed by the infamous NRA gun lobby in this last session of Congress. While we still have an opportunity to make our voices heard, call your Congressmen.
If you have any idea that there is nothing wrong with the present system of the proliferation of guns, take a look at Somalia, as well as most Third World countries. The people are starving, but there is no shortage of arms and ammunition. There are plenty of guns to go around, but little food.
National Health Insurance
Also, consider this: The United States is embarking on a program to provide health care to all citizens. This requires the changing of our health care system that is presently controlled by the all-powerful insurance companies, who do not want the system changed. They are promoting a plan called “managed competition,” which is not understood by the general public, and which Celinda Lake, Bill Clinton’s pollster, said was “laughable”!
It is well to note that the insurance companies are spending millions on propaganda to sell the idea of “managed competition.” The proponents of a single payer system, similar to the Canadian plan, who had put together their own 30-second spot, were denied access by eight out of ten networks.
Do we want a system that is influenced in the lawmaking process by huge amounts of money being spent on media advertising, as well as buying as many lawmakers that it takes to bring about changes that will benefit them and not the American people? Does this sound like a truly Democratic System?
I have written this before. What are the reasons that dome homes, the most economical, the strongest, and the most energy-efficient structures available, are placed on the back burner by the architects, the trade schools, the bankers, the real estate market and the general contractor? Simple. They have money and the system on their sides, and until that chain is broken, we in the trenches of the dome industry can only keep on the pressure to make these other changes. When the general public finally has an opportunity to understand the real force of the dome industry, then and only then, will the dome home become the housing of choice.