Kartiya, I saw that programme.

What went though my head though was that the success of the system was that it was above all community-based. The elders held a position of respect that has disappeared from society at large, and only persists where there is a genuine sense of belonging.

Our own local "council" sits around deciding whether to plant trees here or there, and how many dog-poop bags to put in the local park. They have about as much respect in the local area (you couldn't really describe it as any form of community these days) as the dog-poop bags; you certainly wouldn't use them as a source of wisdom in dealing with social crimes such as drinking and domestic violence.

What came across most powerfully was the high level of two-way communication between the accused and the circle. Even though there was an accuser and an accused, there seemed to be a "let's solve it" attitude.

So I hear what you say, but I'm afraid that we have become too "sophisticated" and institutionalised in our approach to be able to adopt the model elsewhere. There will always be some jumped-up official busybody claiming some form of higher authority, since that's the nature of the society we have built.

I would ask all to not take redneck to task so much.

Words of wisdom are seldom spoken - and seldom recognised. When one who seems to see the reality of the world with clarity comes along, they are generally vilified. Perhaps we should take a moment to review his words and attempt to see the import of his comments – attach an objective rather than subjective view to them. Perhaps we will see more truth in those words than we initially did.

Then again, wisdom can also be learned through allowing the jester to speak and allowing the clown’s views to crystallise and legitimise one’s own.

fence sitter :)

redneck , according to the Bible ,we are all born equal so a few more or less points of intelligence and a different colour in a well run and just society will not make any great difference to our overall happiness .no one that i know, not even you, have the ability to say with conviction , one race is more "inferior" than another.

Umm, not quit right, even if you find floors in Science, you must read the Quran, plainly in that cultural text we are definitely not equal , and it does discriminate, fatally actually. Don’t forget Dhimmi, and the humiliation of the Infidel. Perhaps not science but theology.
Have you read those links Persi?

That's right, Mahatma Sitting Duck. Run away and hide. I think I will chalk that one up as a "kill."

But you had better keep out of my face in future, because if you try and cross swords with me again,you know that I will chuck the very same question at you that you are just too terrified to answer. My advise to you is to try your tactics on 15 year olds because they will not work on rednecks.

And thank you Kenny for your inspirational post. I see that you are another paragon of virtue who is too intellectually challenged to think up an argument which might support your position.