Dedication

           A dedication usually mentions family members and academic advisors who have provided support during the effort to achieve this academic milestone. In this case, those family members who have provided emotional support for this effort did so decades ago. They are gardeners who nurtured this plant when it was green and leggy and easily broken. Now that it stands on strong mature branches giving forth rich fruit in successive seasons, they have long since made their final contribution to the black earth that nurtures us all. I thank them deeply, like a prayer. If I have succeeded in giving strength to anyone else, it is simply the harvest of the seed that they cultivated.

            As a living being still inside the cycle of samsara, I must acknowledge entities within this cycle who may be more in need of encouragement.
            Of course I must mention Marilyn Abad-Cardinalli and Luis Valdez, visionary founders of the Institute of Teledramatics Arts & Technologies, and Bobbie Long and Dr. John Ittelson in the Communications Science & Technologies Institute. You all got me into, and out of, this mess. Also Dr. Qun Wang, former Dean of the Graduate Interdisciplinary Studies Program, for his phenomenal erudition and deep understanding of the democratic principles which animate the vision of our young California State University at Monterey Bay; Benny Ambush who energized me through the last mile; Lane Ishikawa brought me greater understanding of what working in the arts means; Steven Levinson for exactly the right kind of criticism; Yolanda Corona, friend, colleague, reality checker from day one; Thomas Blood and my colleagues in the Interdisciplinary Studies program for sharing ideas and enriching my perspective.

            Those who have listened to my abundant criticism of the academic system will note the irony of this final dedication: I must acknowledge the American educational system which has continued to provide me with opportunity for over half a century. Despite the obstacles which we can rightfully complain about, despite the shortfalls from its own ideals, this system provides an exemplary democratic opportunity for life-long learning that is precious and unique in the world, the lifespring of our culture. Through storm and stress, through sound and fury, we must all work to further this ideal of education that is open and accessible to all.