Francis Berger's Blog, page 115
September 9, 2020
A Global Totalitarian Takeover May Occur?
Some bloggers are still out there desperately warning us about a *possible* global totalitarian takeover if we all don't vote for Trump or write strong letters to politicians or load up on guns or boycott certain events or whatever.
If I may, I would like to take a moment to clarify something with said bloggers - the takeover of which you are warning your readers has already happened.
More specifically, it happened months ago, probably some time around March or April when birdemic social distancing / lockdown measures became nearly universal.
The totalitarian coup itself was a rather quick and clean affair, and it unfolded in much the same manner as this relatively recent Ultimate Fighting Championship match featuring Jorge Masvidal and Ben Askren.
Pay attention now, because this is important. Masvidal - braided hair, red trunks - represents the global elite; Askren - black trunks, puffy hair - is the world.
You ready?
If I may, I would like to take a moment to clarify something with said bloggers - the takeover of which you are warning your readers has already happened.
More specifically, it happened months ago, probably some time around March or April when birdemic social distancing / lockdown measures became nearly universal.
The totalitarian coup itself was a rather quick and clean affair, and it unfolded in much the same manner as this relatively recent Ultimate Fighting Championship match featuring Jorge Masvidal and Ben Askren.
Pay attention now, because this is important. Masvidal - braided hair, red trunks - represents the global elite; Askren - black trunks, puffy hair - is the world.
You ready?
September 8, 2020
Visegrad - Károly Márkó The Elder
Bruce Charlton's mention of the Lake District in a blog post the other day brought back memories of my only visit to that area of England, which happened during a backpacking trip I undertook when I was sixteen. Though I only spent two days in the Lake District, the natural beauty of the place left such a deep impression on me that I made a vow to return. It's been a little more than three decades since I made that vow, and it remains unfulfilled. In all honesty, I don't believe I will ever make my way back to England again; still, one can always hope.
Anyway, remembering my visit to the Lake District inspired me to ponder if Hungary has a place of similar beauty. Yes, Hungary does have a beautiful "lake district" of its own in the form of Lake Balaton, but the landscape there is nothing like the north of England. After much thought, I came to the conclusion that Visegrad and the so-called "Danube Bend" about 45 kilometers north of Budapest is the closest Hungary comes to the Lake District in terms of landscape and scenery.
True, there's no lake, and Visegrad is not completely enveloped in a National Park, but the Danube is rather wide, and as it bends south it does give the illusion of being a lake. More importantly, the Danube Bend is home to many splendid hills and upland swells.
Not quite the Lake District, but still beautiful in its own right.
Visegrad - Károly Márkó the Elder - 1826
Anyway, remembering my visit to the Lake District inspired me to ponder if Hungary has a place of similar beauty. Yes, Hungary does have a beautiful "lake district" of its own in the form of Lake Balaton, but the landscape there is nothing like the north of England. After much thought, I came to the conclusion that Visegrad and the so-called "Danube Bend" about 45 kilometers north of Budapest is the closest Hungary comes to the Lake District in terms of landscape and scenery.
True, there's no lake, and Visegrad is not completely enveloped in a National Park, but the Danube is rather wide, and as it bends south it does give the illusion of being a lake. More importantly, the Danube Bend is home to many splendid hills and upland swells.
Not quite the Lake District, but still beautiful in its own right.
Visegrad - Károly Márkó the Elder - 1826
September 6, 2020
And All At Once Life's Richness And Consequence
Was there in your every irrelevance.
Great line.
I'm not particularly big on love songs, but this one by Gord Downie strikes a chord with me. There's no sound so profound
Can't even be heard
No silence or violence
Can't be disturbed
So just say it, convey it
Sing out like a bird
If it's a secret, I'll keep it
I give you my word
Even though I know it don't make any sense
I'm in love with your every irrelevance
Catharsis? My arse is
Capable of more flush
Exposure just for "closure"
Won't accomplish much
If these loose words go unheard
What's it matter to us?
'Cause we're friends and in essence
That's all about trust
And all at once life's richness and consequence
Was there in your every irrelevance
Even though I know it don't make any sense
I'm in love with your every irrelevance
Great line.
I'm not particularly big on love songs, but this one by Gord Downie strikes a chord with me. There's no sound so profound
Can't even be heard
No silence or violence
Can't be disturbed
So just say it, convey it
Sing out like a bird
If it's a secret, I'll keep it
I give you my word
Even though I know it don't make any sense
I'm in love with your every irrelevance
Catharsis? My arse is
Capable of more flush
Exposure just for "closure"
Won't accomplish much
If these loose words go unheard
What's it matter to us?
'Cause we're friends and in essence
That's all about trust
And all at once life's richness and consequence
Was there in your every irrelevance
Even though I know it don't make any sense
I'm in love with your every irrelevance
September 5, 2020
Churches Today: Exactly Whom Or What Are You Following?
This issue has been raised in various ways over the past four or five months, but I believe it bears repeating in the form a simple, concise question:
If your church no longer follows Jesus, then exactly whom or what are you following via your church?
If your church no longer follows Jesus, then exactly whom or what are you following via your church?
Central Europe Surrendered to the Birdemic Coup
The following is a comment response to the excellent observations Bruce Charlton shared on my The West Has Lost Its Appeal post from earlier today.
What's interesting is Central European countries did take actions that opposed the global elite in the past decade or so. The authenticity of these actions is debatable, but the actions certainly took place - hindering the QWERTY agenda in Poland, and the border fence against mass migration in Hungary are just two examples. However, the birdemic has changed all of that.
Just to be clear, Central European countries have not escaped the totalitarian coup. Contrary to many opinions on the so-called right, these countries have been subjugated in the same manner nearly all countries around the world have been subjugated. The initial and continuing response to the birdemic proves this beyond a shadow of a doubt. Here in Hungary, Orbán has always been very vocal about the globalist forces behind mass migration and other aspects of the leftist agenda; oddly enough, he hasn't uttered a peep about the possible forces behind the birdemic. No fiery accusations against Soros et. al. No criticism of the UN or the WHO. Nothing. Orbán has simply framed the birdemic as - as you state - a deadly plague that he must protect the great Hungarian nation from.
Countries like Poland and Hungary may claim to march to the beat of a different drum, but this is essentially hogwash. And how could it not be? Central Europe is deeply assimilated into the system. Here in Hungary, the bulk of employment, nay the bulk of the entire economy is completely dependent on international corporations. In addition to that, no Central European country dares turn its back on EU funding, and nearly all quietly support the existence of the EU as an entity.
Orbán is a master politician and has been on the scene here since the collapse of communism. When he first came to power, he was an extremely pro-Western, liberal politician, but the liberalism Hungary encountered after the fall of the Iron Curtain left a bad taste in the mouths of most Hungarians. By 2010, Hungarians were in a position where they welcomed the improvement in living standards, but rejected the agenda that came with it. Orbán seized on these conservative undercurrents when he returned to power in 2010 and has used them to keep himself in power ever since.
But the birdemic has revealed that Orbán's brand of populism is hollow at the core. He has quietly surrendered to the birdemic coup, which is why Central Europe has basically lost its appeal as well.
What's interesting is Central European countries did take actions that opposed the global elite in the past decade or so. The authenticity of these actions is debatable, but the actions certainly took place - hindering the QWERTY agenda in Poland, and the border fence against mass migration in Hungary are just two examples. However, the birdemic has changed all of that.
Just to be clear, Central European countries have not escaped the totalitarian coup. Contrary to many opinions on the so-called right, these countries have been subjugated in the same manner nearly all countries around the world have been subjugated. The initial and continuing response to the birdemic proves this beyond a shadow of a doubt. Here in Hungary, Orbán has always been very vocal about the globalist forces behind mass migration and other aspects of the leftist agenda; oddly enough, he hasn't uttered a peep about the possible forces behind the birdemic. No fiery accusations against Soros et. al. No criticism of the UN or the WHO. Nothing. Orbán has simply framed the birdemic as - as you state - a deadly plague that he must protect the great Hungarian nation from.
Countries like Poland and Hungary may claim to march to the beat of a different drum, but this is essentially hogwash. And how could it not be? Central Europe is deeply assimilated into the system. Here in Hungary, the bulk of employment, nay the bulk of the entire economy is completely dependent on international corporations. In addition to that, no Central European country dares turn its back on EU funding, and nearly all quietly support the existence of the EU as an entity.
Orbán is a master politician and has been on the scene here since the collapse of communism. When he first came to power, he was an extremely pro-Western, liberal politician, but the liberalism Hungary encountered after the fall of the Iron Curtain left a bad taste in the mouths of most Hungarians. By 2010, Hungarians were in a position where they welcomed the improvement in living standards, but rejected the agenda that came with it. Orbán seized on these conservative undercurrents when he returned to power in 2010 and has used them to keep himself in power ever since.
But the birdemic has revealed that Orbán's brand of populism is hollow at the core. He has quietly surrendered to the birdemic coup, which is why Central Europe has basically lost its appeal as well.
September 4, 2020
The West Has Lost Its Appeal
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán uttered these words during his weekly interview on one of the state-controlled radio stations the other day. Orbán elaborated on his statement by referring to the litany of sins and errors Western Europe had not only enthusiastically embraced, but was actively attempting to push onto Central Europe. Citing mass migration, the trans agenda, and almost everything in between, Orbán drove home his much belabored point that Western Europe has lost its way. Moreover, not only has it lost its way but, according to Orbán, it has also lost its appeal, which means countries in Central Europe no longer want to emulate wealthier countries such as Germany and France.
I did not actively listen to the rest of the interview, which focused mostly on the birdemic in Hungary, but instead thought about Orbán's opinions concerning the West and its lost appeal. As I did so, I recalled that I had personally experienced this phenomenon roughly a decade ago. I can't remember the exact moment, but at some point I realized the West was gone. When I moved to Hungary five years ago, I was pleasantly surprised to find the country and its society were not as far gone as the West.
In this regard, Hungary and other Central European countries are more pleasing and interesting than their Western counterparts. These Central European countries do appear to be turning away from the West and could very well form their own distinct cultural block on the continent. At the same time, these same countries were all quick to adopt the knee-jerk global response to the dreaded birdemic and have extended this response into all areas of life, to the point that it would be hard to determine any differences in daily life between a Western European country such Germany and a Central European country such as Hungary.
The West has lost its appeal; in this Orbán is correct. At the same time, he seems oblivious to the forces that are quickly fading the appeal of his own country and region.
I did not actively listen to the rest of the interview, which focused mostly on the birdemic in Hungary, but instead thought about Orbán's opinions concerning the West and its lost appeal. As I did so, I recalled that I had personally experienced this phenomenon roughly a decade ago. I can't remember the exact moment, but at some point I realized the West was gone. When I moved to Hungary five years ago, I was pleasantly surprised to find the country and its society were not as far gone as the West.
In this regard, Hungary and other Central European countries are more pleasing and interesting than their Western counterparts. These Central European countries do appear to be turning away from the West and could very well form their own distinct cultural block on the continent. At the same time, these same countries were all quick to adopt the knee-jerk global response to the dreaded birdemic and have extended this response into all areas of life, to the point that it would be hard to determine any differences in daily life between a Western European country such Germany and a Central European country such as Hungary.
The West has lost its appeal; in this Orbán is correct. At the same time, he seems oblivious to the forces that are quickly fading the appeal of his own country and region.
Róbert Berényi's "Modiano" - Crafting A Memorable Image
A few notable Hungarian painters turned to commercial art in the first half of the twentieth century to help pay bills. Most of the projects Hungarian artists completed were unspectacular, but a few stand out and have become masterpieces in the their own right. A good example Róbert Berényi's 1929 poster for Modiano cigarette rolling papers.
Known most for introducing his own particular form of expressionism and cubism into the Hungarian art scene, Berényi succeeded in crafting an enticing and memorable commercial image using only a few elementary shapes and five basic colors. In my humble opinion, this is one of those cases in which 'art' transcended 'commerce.' Though I am sure the image inspired many to purchase Modiano rolling papers, I get the feeling it likely inspired more to want to buy the poster itself. I also think the image would also make a great cover for a novel.
Known most for introducing his own particular form of expressionism and cubism into the Hungarian art scene, Berényi succeeded in crafting an enticing and memorable commercial image using only a few elementary shapes and five basic colors. In my humble opinion, this is one of those cases in which 'art' transcended 'commerce.' Though I am sure the image inspired many to purchase Modiano rolling papers, I get the feeling it likely inspired more to want to buy the poster itself. I also think the image would also make a great cover for a novel.
Going Through The Motions
My colleagues and I spent the bulk of this week preparing for the coming semester, which starts on Monday. I found it difficult to ignore the perfunctory manner in which everyone completed their tasks during this time. The endless emails about possible scenarios if the birdemic happened to hit and the utter lack of students on the campus certainly didn't help bolster anyone's enthusiasm. By midweek I was totally drained. Who knew going through the motions could be so exhausting?
I have no real talent for prediction (or anything else for that matter), but I get the distinct sense the semester will be interrupted in much the same way the previous semester was.
I never believed things would return to normal after the lockdown ended; after this week, I am positively convinced normal will never return. On top of that, the few things that do appear normal may actually be nothing more than an elaborate 'going through the motions.' One day these motions may stop altogether.
What follows afterward is anyone's guess.
I have no real talent for prediction (or anything else for that matter), but I get the distinct sense the semester will be interrupted in much the same way the previous semester was.
I never believed things would return to normal after the lockdown ended; after this week, I am positively convinced normal will never return. On top of that, the few things that do appear normal may actually be nothing more than an elaborate 'going through the motions.' One day these motions may stop altogether.
What follows afterward is anyone's guess.
September 3, 2020
You Get So Alone At Times . . .
. . . that it just makes sense.
The line above is the title of a collection of poems Charles Bukowski published in 1986. It's a good line. One of those lines that somehow manages to say everything, yet reveal nothing.
This line has become my life over the past few weeks. Of course, I am not alone in any real sense of the word; I have God and my wife and my son and neighbors and friends and plenty of others. I interact joyfully with them all and am rarely lonely. Nevertheless, these relationships and their interactions are occasionally interspersed by deep pockets of aloneness.
And the dynamics of my undeniable un-aloneness in this world only begin to make sense from the depths of these solitary moments and the flashes of lightning they inspire.
The line above is the title of a collection of poems Charles Bukowski published in 1986. It's a good line. One of those lines that somehow manages to say everything, yet reveal nothing.
This line has become my life over the past few weeks. Of course, I am not alone in any real sense of the word; I have God and my wife and my son and neighbors and friends and plenty of others. I interact joyfully with them all and am rarely lonely. Nevertheless, these relationships and their interactions are occasionally interspersed by deep pockets of aloneness.
And the dynamics of my undeniable un-aloneness in this world only begin to make sense from the depths of these solitary moments and the flashes of lightning they inspire.
Making The Best Of Online Teaching
Chances are I will have to teach most of my classes online again this September, just as I did during the lockdown.
I am not particularly fond of teaching online, but I try to make the best of it. To keep things entertaining back during the lockdown, I taught most of my lessons while strategically-positioned before the deer antler trophy that hangs on the wall behind my desk in the study.
One of my students took this photo during an online lecture in April.
I'll have to come up with something even better this time around.
I am not particularly fond of teaching online, but I try to make the best of it. To keep things entertaining back during the lockdown, I taught most of my lessons while strategically-positioned before the deer antler trophy that hangs on the wall behind my desk in the study.
One of my students took this photo during an online lecture in April.
I'll have to come up with something even better this time around.
