Philosopher’s Stone-Quest-Dark Forest

It sure seems like we’re in a dream these days. More importantly, if you create content about current events it gets more surreal by the day. Learn more in Philosopher’s Stone-Quest-Dark Forest, Bob Davis Podcast 806.

Dreams or A Nightmares?

First of all I was going to do this podcast about dreams. Then I thought more about what is really bothering me these days. It is the sense that nothing seems real anymore. Rumors. Labels. Innuendo. Scapegoats. Lies.

A Dreamlike Dark Forest

Furthermore it feels like we’re all stumbling through a dark forest. Hence there’s no sense of where we are or how to get out. Moreover there’s a dreamlike quality to what passes for current events.

Using The Metaphor of The Philosopher’s Stone

Why not talk about the practice of Alchemy and the search for the Philosopher’s Stone. Similarly why not use metaphor as a way forward. Consequently we’ll do it in Philosopher’s Stone-Quest-Dark Forest, Bob Davis Podcast 806.

Base Metals Turned Into Gold

Alchemy was considered a spiritual and scientific pursuit back in the day. Going back to ancient Egypt and China, making it’s way to Europe by way of the Arabs in the 700’s. Alchemists searched for a clarifying agent known as The Philosopher’s Stone in their quest to turn base metals into gold.

Purification Of The Soul

Most noteworthy the stone was also said to have had the powers of immortality and healing. In addition, it helped the alchemist achieve purification of the soul. Sure seems like we need something like that these days.

Frustration and Anger Reign

Especially relevant is the feeling I get from talking to my friends all over the political spectrum who seem lost. Consequently frustration and anger reign supreme. It’s clear we need something new. Something that clarifies. Encourages purity. Enables Action. Something that saves the day.

Finding The Stone Within Ourselves…The Way Out?

Finally fighting and manipulating is everywhere. We won’t find the stone on a social media feed or Fox News. We can only find it within.

Sponsored by Reliafund Payment Processors and Ryan Plumbing and Heating Of Saint Paul

Philosopher’s Stone-Quest-Dark Forest

Podcast 278

Vehicle Mileage Tax. Minnesotans were shocked and dismayed this week to learn their state is one of 18 considering passing something called a VMT; A Vehicle Mileage Tax. A GPS locating device would be attached to cars, and drivers would be taxed according to the number of miles they drive. While ‘sources’ say the VMT would replace the state gasoline tax, at an average of 34 cents, that would depend on individual state legislatures and the wording of bills in those respective states. How many Minnesotans would bet the state would ‘replace’ the state gas tax with the VMT? More than likely a reduction in the state gas tax would be combined with a  VMT. Advancing this story requires some research on why states spent as much as 150 percent of their gas tax dollars, and Podcast 278 provides the details. Is government efficiently spending transportation dollars? Is government spending transportation dollars on roads? Is government allowing tests of alternative methods of funding roads? Will bicycle riders have to wear GPS devices and pay a VMT too? Why not? What about the privacy issues related to GPS devices placed on the cars of citizens. States will argue ‘driving is a privilege’, and ‘you already have GPS tracking on your cell phone’. Will those arguments be good enough to prevent, or withstand a constitutional challenge if VMT’s are passed? What about ‘intermodal’ and ‘modal’ forms of transportation. How much of the transportation budget is sucked up by commuter rail, light rail, passenger rail, high speed rail and street cars, buses, and bike trails? Can Minnesotans depend on a Republican majority in Saint Paul to vote against this kind of tax. (Editor’s Note: Hint…um…No.) Is this an opportunity for birds of a different feather to flock together and defeat the measure if it is offered in the state house? These kinds of taxes, and so called infrastructure projects, controlled by central planners, rubber stamped by career politicians, create sclerotic bureaucracies and governments with too much centralized control. What strategies might be used effectively to defeat ideas like the VMT, and throw politicians who support them out of government, for good. Sponsored by Ryan Plumbing and Heating of Saint Paul