Propensity to abuse power

The weakness of the human race is its propensity to abuse power,
no matter how insignificant the division might be.

Interesting, a criticism often directed at the Creator
is his/her apparent unwillingness to use omnipotent power.

Perhaps we have quite a different understanding of the efficacy of how power is to be used?

The Ocean

I am launched onto the surface of time,
Compelled to journey across an indifferent expanse.

At moments endless, monotone and impassive,
Now switching to a roller-coaster roaring with foam.

No morality exists in the deep,
It is neither good nor bad.

Providing sustenance and excitement,
Yet also oblivious to terror and death.

Each one takes a journey, a unique  Herculean task,
Swimming or waving, an impossible challenge alone.

This moment, the point of connection,
As always intended, I take hold of the guide.

Those well paid jobs

Justin Trudeau, President of Canada, used his inaugural address to the United Nations to challenge the position created by Donald Trump.  To an auditorium 1/3 full he said:-

"What will create the good, well-payed jobs that people want, and need and deserve?"

 "Fear has never created a single job or fed a single family."  

(from www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/trudeau-takes-aim-at-the-politics-of-trumpism-in-first-un-speech/article31969553/).

I think I understand and commend what Mr Trudeau is saying but I am reminded of my realisation that 99.9% of all security devices inconvenience the innocent, not the guilty.

Remember, "In the old days we used to be able to leave our front doors open."  Very sensible.  Now we loose our keys and have to break a window to get in to our own homes.

Also all those well paid jobs...what about the locksmith, burglar alarm producers, pin code programmer, armament manufacturers and constructors of vast and beautiful walls?

The Interview

Today in Birmingham, as I walked by the university, I imagined being interviewed to become an architecture student in another life.  The assignment given in the interview was 'do something with the BT tower- Birmingham to make it look presentable.

Here are my thoughts:-

The dimensions of design.

• Straight lines or curves?  Symmetrical or asymmetrical?
• The roof- a feature or subtle necessity?
• Cladding- materials, maintenance costs, patterns. tessellations.
• How does it fit with the environment?  neighbouring buildings?
• Windows and doors.  
• Dramatic or subtle impact?
• What's the budget?  
• Will it have a design feature?  Something that draws the eye?
• Cultural context? Is it an echo from the past or something new? 
• Smooth or textured?  or both?
• Monochrome or polychromatic?
• Big picture and fine detail.

I then designed my new tower because the current one is a disgrace.

The BT tower- needs some work.

This was the building I was most
impressed with

This is called The Cube  - interesting but
I think it has design problems.

The Malala Library - It's definitely an improvement from the multi-story
car park that was there before.  The interior is splendid.

Reading in the Malala Library- Birmingham

“Consultation is a method for finding out the truth, solving problems, deciding on the best course of action, preventing difficulties and generating new ideas and plans.  It is a tool for equitably sharing power and decision making between two or more people.”

From “Creating a Successful Family” by Khavari and Khavari (1989)