We don't have to open our eyes more than just a crack to see the direction we are going. The economy is in a fizzle. Most manufacturing jobs are in China. We are consumers and self-satisfied for the most part. We fail to contest the legitimacy of our presidential elections. To challenge them would interfere with the Christmas shopping season. The elective war in Iraq is costing us billions. (Not to mention thousands of dead US soldiers and many more Iraqis). Children in schools are pushed toward academics and their hands are left with twiddling thumbs, while their hearts are left unfulfilled by the distance created between themselves and real life. Perhaps it is the design of things. Prevent normal engagement in real life, then offer the opportunity of much-too-real-life engagement in wars to protect the very special interests of the Bush-Cheney administration, Halliburton and Oil. If you've been to the movies lately, you'll know what I mean.

When you discover that the hands are the true source of human intelligence, it flips our understanding on its head. You begin to see life as somewhat different than you were led to believe. It says that the makers are the new Moses, empowered by the wisdom of hands to lead a nation from wilderness. You can join the hand tribe. Look down at your fingers. Jiggle them about. Within your hands are the power to shape and make new.

As to specifics? Grow the food, cook the dinner, wash the dishes, and join me in the woodshop. All else follows.