Yes, sometimes one gets the feeling that god-men (men who act as gods) and politicians (men who think they are already gods) seem to fill the news media with their antics.
These words superimposed on an image of three iconic structures Singapore confused me. Is there a connection? Is this a lament about the state’s greed??
By “state” if you meant the political leadership – yes. The self-serving greed has become unfathomable. Foreign on-lookers are so mesmerized by the glitzy skyline, controlled news from compliant mass media and affliction from elephant syndrome – they don’t see the rot at the top.
Some quarters believe a change ala-Malaysia is overdue.
Hmmm. But one does wonder where that change can come from? Within the party? Coz there is no Opposition. Every few years there are talks of a strong Opposition, which eventually fizzles out. But, of course, my view is that of a foreigner.
Greed takes many forms and has become all pervasive.
Perhaps it has been the case since time immemorial but we like to romanticize that it was less so in the “old days”.
The advent of the internet and prevalence of millions of platforms to purvey “news” – mostly negative as that’s what attract eyeballs – brings the sludge to the surface.
Plus – and this is important – there are so many more schemes and means to fleece the systems. And in many cases, the systems themselves are set up with the primary purpose to fleece the flock.
Peace,
Eric
–
Schemes and means to fleece
Opportunities abound
Snakes swallowing tails
–
Haiku: Copyright @ Eric Alagan, 2018
Interesting but I have not thought of describing greed as an ugly word. But now that you mentioned it – it is so very true.
Thank you, my dear, I really appreciate that,
Eric
–
Beauty in love, peace
Thoughts, actions decide choices
Mixed barrel of words
–
Haiku Copyright @ Eric Alagan, 2018
Yes, I have been rather absent of late but over time, I need to return to words that speak to me and thus do I access your wonderful site. Thank you.
Yes, ’tis true, the ‘integrity’ of what you say. Pathetic, isn’t it?
Mere cogs in the grand gears of greed, upright folk who mean well and live decent lives, interrupted and disturbed by corporate maggots who deign to consume what meager funds are left in our dwindling accounts. 401’s? Nest eggs? IRA’s? Forget about it. ‘They’ have figured out ways to wring every last Lincoln out of our wallets.
The greed factor, the tarnished visage of our current orangutan-in-chief, the supreme Idiot who resides in his oh-so-white citadel, issuing utter nonsense, dictating to his agitated and ill-informed underlings garbled words that hold no truths or substance but, in a world mad with what is instant, what remains current as currency, can only plunge us–and the world–into utter oblivion, a maelstrom of malfeasance that threatens our precious planet.
Thank you, Eric, for yet another poignant poem, one that I do hope resonates for other souls who perhaps feel hopelessly lost in a world gone mad.
Only your clarion call of what really transpires on this spinning blue orb can hold a glimpse of meaning for folk long accustomed to ignorant and imbecilic suits who hold our future in their perfectly manicured white hands.
Take care, my friend. Good to be back. There comes a time when no-holds-barred action must come to the fore. Is…is it that time?…
I have been remiss for not responding to your comment sooner (here and also to your recent blog post) and plead two reasons – this past week had been busier than usual and the gravity of your comment required careful consideration. I hope my poor attempt in reply at least scratches the surface of your argument.
There are many people ready to ridicule others as belonging to the “conspiracy theorists of the UFO fringe” – such is the pervasive power of the puppeteers. But one cannot help but discern a pattern that keeps the vast ocean of humanity trapped.
When a workman has to slog a whole month just to earn enough to make ends meet and another (a sharp suited type) sitting in a glass tower and with a few deft clicks makes hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars in a day – there must be a systemic flaw. And yet the outputs of both the workman and blue suit are captured together and trumpeted as economic performance. The numbers look good, statistics are seductive, and those who disagree are labelled as losers and conspiracy theorists.
Greed is so pervasive, it has become normal – so much so that when a cop buys shoes for a homeless man – it is news. It should be normal to help a fellow man – but it becomes news. The root word is “new”. Since when did helping a fellow man considered “new”?
I can go on but will stop here.
One thing I believe in – God will never burden us with a load we cannot bear.
Peace, my friend, and I hope and pray the turn in the path ahead leads to better things.
Eric
P/s: I notice that you’ve since removed your most recent blog post of a few days ago.
–
Water gets warmer
The partying continues
Is something cooking?
–
Haiku Copyright @ Eric Alagan, 2018
I had a good laugh when you place the picture of Marina Bsy Sands to complement your subject of greed. So appropriate, both the organizers and the visitors – all for the same purpose and the reason why such businesses flourished. While some pay a high price for their greed, there are those whose weath multiplies but we wonder for how long.
On the forefront is the Merlion where we have the continuous flow of water, or wealth which the Chinese likes to interprete. Hopefully that should be our reminder to contribute and serve freely.
Glad to have given you a laugh. The Marina Bay casino symbolises greed, does it not. People know the house will ultimately win but they continue to flock to the place in the belief that the swinging blade will miss them.
The 3 buildings remind me of three tombstones and some say Singapore has been going downhill since the casinos started operation. Anyone who cares to look deep and beyond the glitz of the skyline will notice the rot underneath.
And as for the flowing water and wealth – notice how the water flows OUT of Singapore and not IN. I don’t see how that symbolises good luck for Singapore.
Cheers!
Eric
–
Bright lights, slanted news
Shamans and snake charmers rule
Voters mesmerized
–
Haiku Copyright @ Eric Alagan, 2018
Yes, to connect with oneself and hear one’s inner voice is a gift and an art; quite difficult for most as shiny objects and noisy sound bites are powerful distractions.
Peace,
Eric
–
Candy and ice cream
Permanent phase for many
Evolution stopped
–
Haiku Copyright @ Eric Alagan, 2018
Yes, my special buddy and the constant pressure of an ‘instant fix’. A hoax, as there is no such thing. Huge hugs for you. <3 Xx
Loading...
A lot to ponder here Eric. I think integrity is being redefined in today’s world. We are being brainwashed by the greedy in power to try and convince us greed is normal and to be embraced.
You’re right. I recall that famous (notorious) line in the movie Wall Street uttered by Michael’s Douglas’ character Gordon Gekko: “Greed, for lack of a better word, is good.” And Wall Street continues to symbolize all that which is wrong in the world economy in particular, and society at large.
Enjoy the time with your visiting children and grandchildren 🙂
Eric
–
Generations past
Arrested evolution
Basics elude most
–
Haiku Copyright @ Eric Alagan, 2018
So true. There is no cure for greediness.
My take on greed’
People with their greed
Gave him opportunity
Fake god-man obliged
Now, that is an apt haiku – good one.
Yes, sometimes one gets the feeling that god-men (men who act as gods) and politicians (men who think they are already gods) seem to fill the news media with their antics.
Thank you for your contribution 🙂
Eric
These words superimposed on an image of three iconic structures Singapore confused me. Is there a connection? Is this a lament about the state’s greed??
By “state” if you meant the political leadership – yes. The self-serving greed has become unfathomable. Foreign on-lookers are so mesmerized by the glitzy skyline, controlled news from compliant mass media and affliction from elephant syndrome – they don’t see the rot at the top.
Some quarters believe a change ala-Malaysia is overdue.
We shall see…
Hmmm. But one does wonder where that change can come from? Within the party? Coz there is no Opposition. Every few years there are talks of a strong Opposition, which eventually fizzles out. But, of course, my view is that of a foreigner.
…and there is no getting away from that…
Yes, isn’t it
Greed takes many forms and has become all pervasive.
Perhaps it has been the case since time immemorial but we like to romanticize that it was less so in the “old days”.
The advent of the internet and prevalence of millions of platforms to purvey “news” – mostly negative as that’s what attract eyeballs – brings the sludge to the surface.
Plus – and this is important – there are so many more schemes and means to fleece the systems. And in many cases, the systems themselves are set up with the primary purpose to fleece the flock.
Peace,
Eric
–
Schemes and means to fleece
Opportunities abound
Snakes swallowing tails
–
Haiku: Copyright @ Eric Alagan, 2018
Grèed destŕòys a lot of people.
You are so very right, Shalilah.
I know that having been on the receiving end, you speak from experience.
I do too. Sigh!
But peace to those people and peace to ourselves,
Eric
Greed is such an ugly word. I couldn’t agree more with your haiku, Eric. Have a wonderful week.
Hello Michelle,
Interesting but I have not thought of describing greed as an ugly word. But now that you mentioned it – it is so very true.
Thank you, my dear, I really appreciate that,
Eric
–
Beauty in love, peace
Thoughts, actions decide choices
Mixed barrel of words
–
Haiku Copyright @ Eric Alagan, 2018
You are so right, Eric. There is a lot of beauty in peace and love.
Pity the haiku form doesn’t give you the syllables to add ‘ourselves’ to the last line.
Hello Sarah,
Pity indeed, but I reckon readers can see the hidden word.
Cheers!
Eric
–
Restricted by form
But message must get across
Read the hidden word 🙂
–
Haiku Copyright @ Eric Alagan, 2018
My Dear Friend,
Yes, I have been rather absent of late but over time, I need to return to words that speak to me and thus do I access your wonderful site. Thank you.
Yes, ’tis true, the ‘integrity’ of what you say. Pathetic, isn’t it?
Mere cogs in the grand gears of greed, upright folk who mean well and live decent lives, interrupted and disturbed by corporate maggots who deign to consume what meager funds are left in our dwindling accounts. 401’s? Nest eggs? IRA’s? Forget about it. ‘They’ have figured out ways to wring every last Lincoln out of our wallets.
The greed factor, the tarnished visage of our current orangutan-in-chief, the supreme Idiot who resides in his oh-so-white citadel, issuing utter nonsense, dictating to his agitated and ill-informed underlings garbled words that hold no truths or substance but, in a world mad with what is instant, what remains current as currency, can only plunge us–and the world–into utter oblivion, a maelstrom of malfeasance that threatens our precious planet.
Thank you, Eric, for yet another poignant poem, one that I do hope resonates for other souls who perhaps feel hopelessly lost in a world gone mad.
Only your clarion call of what really transpires on this spinning blue orb can hold a glimpse of meaning for folk long accustomed to ignorant and imbecilic suits who hold our future in their perfectly manicured white hands.
Take care, my friend. Good to be back. There comes a time when no-holds-barred action must come to the fore. Is…is it that time?…
with warmest wishes,
Paul
Dear Paul, my friend,
I have been remiss for not responding to your comment sooner (here and also to your recent blog post) and plead two reasons – this past week had been busier than usual and the gravity of your comment required careful consideration. I hope my poor attempt in reply at least scratches the surface of your argument.
There are many people ready to ridicule others as belonging to the “conspiracy theorists of the UFO fringe” – such is the pervasive power of the puppeteers. But one cannot help but discern a pattern that keeps the vast ocean of humanity trapped.
When a workman has to slog a whole month just to earn enough to make ends meet and another (a sharp suited type) sitting in a glass tower and with a few deft clicks makes hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars in a day – there must be a systemic flaw. And yet the outputs of both the workman and blue suit are captured together and trumpeted as economic performance. The numbers look good, statistics are seductive, and those who disagree are labelled as losers and conspiracy theorists.
Greed is so pervasive, it has become normal – so much so that when a cop buys shoes for a homeless man – it is news. It should be normal to help a fellow man – but it becomes news. The root word is “new”. Since when did helping a fellow man considered “new”?
I can go on but will stop here.
One thing I believe in – God will never burden us with a load we cannot bear.
Peace, my friend, and I hope and pray the turn in the path ahead leads to better things.
Eric
P/s: I notice that you’ve since removed your most recent blog post of a few days ago.
–
Water gets warmer
The partying continues
Is something cooking?
–
Haiku Copyright @ Eric Alagan, 2018
I couldn´t agree more. Beautifully penned, Eric. Love & best wishes 🙂
Thank you, Aquileana
Good of you to drop by with a nice comment 🙂
Cheers!
Eric
Your words are a succinct description of current times, Eric. Sad to say, but oh, so true. Wishing you a great day tomorrow. 🙂
Hello Lauren,
Thank you for your visit and comment.
Sad, isn’t it. The apathy of the majority and the unfettered greed of the minority continue to take everyone down the slope.
Peace,
Eric
–
Sea of flame swoops down
Mansions and huts in the way
Legacy of dust
–
Haiku Copyright @ Eric Alagan, 2018
I had a good laugh when you place the picture of Marina Bsy Sands to complement your subject of greed. So appropriate, both the organizers and the visitors – all for the same purpose and the reason why such businesses flourished. While some pay a high price for their greed, there are those whose weath multiplies but we wonder for how long.
On the forefront is the Merlion where we have the continuous flow of water, or wealth which the Chinese likes to interprete. Hopefully that should be our reminder to contribute and serve freely.
Hello Windy,
Glad to have given you a laugh. The Marina Bay casino symbolises greed, does it not. People know the house will ultimately win but they continue to flock to the place in the belief that the swinging blade will miss them.
The 3 buildings remind me of three tombstones and some say Singapore has been going downhill since the casinos started operation. Anyone who cares to look deep and beyond the glitz of the skyline will notice the rot underneath.
And as for the flowing water and wealth – notice how the water flows OUT of Singapore and not IN. I don’t see how that symbolises good luck for Singapore.
Cheers!
Eric
–
Bright lights, slanted news
Shamans and snake charmers rule
Voters mesmerized
–
Haiku Copyright @ Eric Alagan, 2018
Accurate assessment of the loss of integrity the world is suffering today – along with honesty.
Hello Ina,
Thank you and you’re right – integrity and honesty especially among political leaders are rare attributes.
Have a great weekend ahead,
Eric
–
Vote for the image
Pretty faces, glib tongues win
Treasury raided
–
Haiku Copyright @ Eric Alagan, 2018
To hear our hearts speaking, above the clamour of modern life to be something else…your words hold much, my special buddy <3
Hello Jane dear 🙂
Yes, to connect with oneself and hear one’s inner voice is a gift and an art; quite difficult for most as shiny objects and noisy sound bites are powerful distractions.
Peace,
Eric
–
Candy and ice cream
Permanent phase for many
Evolution stopped
–
Haiku Copyright @ Eric Alagan, 2018
Yes, my special buddy and the constant pressure of an ‘instant fix’. A hoax, as there is no such thing. Huge hugs for you. <3 Xx
A lot to ponder here Eric. I think integrity is being redefined in today’s world. We are being brainwashed by the greedy in power to try and convince us greed is normal and to be embraced.
Hello Ian,
You’re right. I recall that famous (notorious) line in the movie Wall Street uttered by Michael’s Douglas’ character Gordon Gekko: “Greed, for lack of a better word, is good.” And Wall Street continues to symbolize all that which is wrong in the world economy in particular, and society at large.
Enjoy the time with your visiting children and grandchildren 🙂
Eric
–
Generations past
Arrested evolution
Basics elude most
–
Haiku Copyright @ Eric Alagan, 2018
I totally agree with you Eric. I’m enjoying time with my visiting family. 🙂
How true!
Hello Willow dear,
Some truths are obvious, are they not.
Cheers!
Eric
Yes indeed Eric somethings cry out to you and also other things creep up on you silently. 💜
All too true!
Thank you and have a good day 🙂
Cheers!
Eric