Jim,

>I feel that "the powers" have constructed things so that we are simply powerless pawns who are constantly set up to argue amonst each other about the accuracy of the predicted future.

Gee, that sure sounds like a typical "victim mentality" -- everything is someone else's fault, usually someone either more powerful or rich than the victim.

Man, how can anyone manage to get anything accomplished with such a doom and gloom viewpoint? My advice to anyone in that condition is, Don't be a victim... pick yourself up and do something. Start a business, do some volunteer work, find a job and do your best until you work your way up, save money even if it's just a little at a time and then launch your own company... anything except sit around whining...

Sorry if that's too direct, but too many people enjoy being victims -- in fact, entire cultures these days are built on the concept. It's much easier than actually taking responsibility, setting some goals, and working until they happen.