“War knows no bounds of decency - no matter the side you are on; whether it be good or evil. After all, good or evil is a matter of which side of the border you are on and who is pointing the weapon and whom.
War knows no innocence... it only feeds the money-making machines and the power-hungry cronies.
Meanwhile, widows weep and children become killers
Is there a good guy in war?
Both sides have soldiers -- some have uniforms and follow orders because of the commanders ideology. Others don't wear uniforms and follow orders because of the commanders ideology. One side persists; the other side resists.
When does it end?
What do the children who are on the "bad" side do?
Who makes it good for them?”
Friday, October 29, 2010
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Tony Perkins is WRONG to call Gays as "abnormal" or on his Assessment on Why Gay Teens resort to Suicide
(Tony Perkins - President of the Family Research counsel - said the following about the rise in Teen suicide rates: "These young people who identify as gay or lesbian, we know from the social science that they have a higher propensity to depression or suicide because of that internal conflict," he says.
Homosexuality is "abnormal," he says, and kids know it, which leads them to despair. That's why he wants to confront gay activism in public schools. For example, his group supports the Day of Truth, when Christian high-schoolers make their case that homosexuality is a sin.")
Tony Perkins does not speak for me, my faith or family. Some Christians forget that FAITH is a TOOL of love, compassion and service; not a WEAPON of judgement, divisiveness and punishment.
My take on that famous scripture (1 Corinthians 13:4)
Love is patient - allow people to come into their own
Love is kind - offer forbearance & compassion with our thoughts & words
It does not envy - do not demean what we do not understand about others
It does not boast - do not hype hype our spiritual superiority
It is not proud - approach serving others with humility
It is not rude - accommodate with love
It is not self-seeking - not placing your social or spiritual interest above others'
It is not easily angered - do not be vitriolic or bigoted; borne out of judgement
It is keeps no record of wrongs - offer grace for we receive it daily
Love does not delight with evil - do not take joy in the pain of others
But rejoices with the truth - we are all made in the perfect image of The Creator
It ALWAYS protects - reach out to our youth - accept them as God made them
ALWAYS trusts ... believe that God makes no mistakes; we are "whole" in His eyes
ALWAYS hopes ... a mindset that says: I can change; so others will gain
ALWAYS perseveres ... to Love & Accept people, unconditionally as God has
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost
Homosexuality is "abnormal," he says, and kids know it, which leads them to despair. That's why he wants to confront gay activism in public schools. For example, his group supports the Day of Truth, when Christian high-schoolers make their case that homosexuality is a sin.")
Tony Perkins does not speak for me, my faith or family. Some Christians forget that FAITH is a TOOL of love, compassion and service; not a WEAPON of judgement, divisiveness and punishment.
My take on that famous scripture (1 Corinthians 13:4)
Love is patient - allow people to come into their own
Love is kind - offer forbearance & compassion with our thoughts & words
It does not envy - do not demean what we do not understand about others
It does not boast - do not hype hype our spiritual superiority
It is not proud - approach serving others with humility
It is not rude - accommodate with love
It is not self-seeking - not placing your social or spiritual interest above others'
It is not easily angered - do not be vitriolic or bigoted; borne out of judgement
It is keeps no record of wrongs - offer grace for we receive it daily
Love does not delight with evil - do not take joy in the pain of others
But rejoices with the truth - we are all made in the perfect image of The Creator
It ALWAYS protects - reach out to our youth - accept them as God made them
ALWAYS trusts ... believe that God makes no mistakes; we are "whole" in His eyes
ALWAYS hopes ... a mindset that says: I can change; so others will gain
ALWAYS perseveres ... to Love & Accept people, unconditionally as God has
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Food Stamp Usage Soars Among Working Families
i volunteer @ a local soup kitchen whenever possible.
let me tell you who i see showing up:
children
elderly
retired (on limited income)
disabled
white
hispanic
black
asian
university students
unemployed
homeless
single income family folks - who cannot afford 3 meals a day
people facing financial difficulty (due to large medical bills)
the point is - before we start pointing fingers and judging or blaming ... let us understand that people from all walks of life are struggling & in need. this is America where we have an overabundance of food ... there is no reason why a child, a senior, a student, a mother, etc. should ever go hungry.
ten people who could be given the same opportunity will not respond to that opportunity equally. and let's be honest - opportunity is not equal in our country. and at our very core, we are varied as the colors of the rainbow; therefore, our response to life will be high individualized -- sometimes perfect; at other times, imperfect.
while people write eloquently about the ought to's and wait for idyllic selflessness to change our society, we cannot ignore the reality of the growing disparity between the haves and have-nots.
i continue to say: this is America - we can do better. we are individuals, indivisible by our desire to create a more perfect union -- not individualism that creates a wide chasm that leaves our middle class hanging off of a cliff.
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost
let me tell you who i see showing up:
children
elderly
retired (on limited income)
disabled
white
hispanic
black
asian
university students
unemployed
homeless
single income family folks - who cannot afford 3 meals a day
people facing financial difficulty (due to large medical bills)
the point is - before we start pointing fingers and judging or blaming ... let us understand that people from all walks of life are struggling & in need. this is America where we have an overabundance of food ... there is no reason why a child, a senior, a student, a mother, etc. should ever go hungry.
ten people who could be given the same opportunity will not respond to that opportunity equally. and let's be honest - opportunity is not equal in our country. and at our very core, we are varied as the colors of the rainbow; therefore, our response to life will be high individualized -- sometimes perfect; at other times, imperfect.
while people write eloquently about the ought to's and wait for idyllic selflessness to change our society, we cannot ignore the reality of the growing disparity between the haves and have-nots.
i continue to say: this is America - we can do better. we are individuals, indivisible by our desire to create a more perfect union -- not individualism that creates a wide chasm that leaves our middle class hanging off of a cliff.
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost
Friday, October 22, 2010
Glenn Beck & Palin make fun of Grayson and call him an "odd duck"
Glenn Beck & Sarah Palin make fun of Democratic Congressman (Florida) Alan Grayson. Palin calls him an "Odd Duck" and doesn't understand what the people in Florida find so interesting about him. Beck, uses his sophomoric humor to sarcastically say that Grayson is "hot ... and that Palin would leave her husband for Grayson had Palin's husband not been so good looking himself. These are political entertainers -- not intellectual heavy-hitters.
So, I am not surprised that folks like Palin & Beck are intimidated by Alan Grayson. After all, Grayson is the quintessential American story. They are Jealous & truly afraid because they cannot compete with Grayson.
- Grows up very poor in the Bronx.
- Works his way through Harvard (bachelors) as a Janitor and Watchman
- Graduates Summa Kum Laude in three years
- At Harvard - within 4 yrs, he earns his Law Degree, Masters in Public Policy and PhD in Government
- Law Clerked in the Colorado Supreme Court & DC Circuit Court of Appeals
- Lectured at George Washington University
- President of a billion dollar telecom company
- Represented a Iraq war "whistle-blower" contractor
He is not in "political entertainment" because he needs the money (like Palin & Beck). This is a man who knows the meaning of hard work, perseverance and advocating for the underdog. He actually "knows" the law and can dance circles around Beck & Palin when it comes to the constitution.
They are jealous and afraid of him -- and he sounds just like another man who had similar accomplishments (minus the big money private sector job). He is our current President.
-
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost
So, I am not surprised that folks like Palin & Beck are intimidated by Alan Grayson. After all, Grayson is the quintessential American story. They are Jealous & truly afraid because they cannot compete with Grayson.
- Grows up very poor in the Bronx.
- Works his way through Harvard (bachelors) as a Janitor and Watchman
- Graduates Summa Kum Laude in three years
- At Harvard - within 4 yrs, he earns his Law Degree, Masters in Public Policy and PhD in Government
- Law Clerked in the Colorado Supreme Court & DC Circuit Court of Appeals
- Lectured at George Washington University
- President of a billion dollar telecom company
- Represented a Iraq war "whistle-blower" contractor
He is not in "political entertainment" because he needs the money (like Palin & Beck). This is a man who knows the meaning of hard work, perseverance and advocating for the underdog. He actually "knows" the law and can dance circles around Beck & Palin when it comes to the constitution.
They are jealous and afraid of him -- and he sounds just like another man who had similar accomplishments (minus the big money private sector job). He is our current President.
-
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Joe Miller is a fraud & a hypocrite -- Alaskans deserve better!
to those who continue to support Joe Miller (Republican / Tea Party candidate of Alaska) and say that these latest revelations are "mistakes" and that he is an imperfect human ... here's what I say:
no... no candidate is perfect
but then again ... have we ever seen a candidate that:
- rails against publicly funded programs; yet, his wife accepts unemployment benefits
- talks about accountability; yet, is reprimanded (and quits before being fired) for doing his politicking on taxpayer funded job
- talks about ethics in politics; yet, campaigns against his republican rival for abusing his office and politicking on taxpayer time (while Miller used his publicly funded office time to do so!!)
- talks about integrity & personal accountability; yet, applies for & receives hunting & fishing licenses reserved for low-income Alaskans (even though Miller had just purchased a home & received an offer at a big law firm)
- rails about how our Constitution is disrespected by Democrats; yet, has a reporter handcuffed & detained by non-law enforcement goons in a public place
- rails about how government is taking away our freedoms; yet, hails the Berlin wall as a a symbol of way of dealing with border problems in a democratic society
no candidate is perfect; but Joe Miller is just the kind of "imperfect" that Alaska cannot afford!
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost
no... no candidate is perfect
but then again ... have we ever seen a candidate that:
- rails against publicly funded programs; yet, his wife accepts unemployment benefits
- talks about accountability; yet, is reprimanded (and quits before being fired) for doing his politicking on taxpayer funded job
- talks about ethics in politics; yet, campaigns against his republican rival for abusing his office and politicking on taxpayer time (while Miller used his publicly funded office time to do so!!)
- talks about integrity & personal accountability; yet, applies for & receives hunting & fishing licenses reserved for low-income Alaskans (even though Miller had just purchased a home & received an offer at a big law firm)
- rails about how our Constitution is disrespected by Democrats; yet, has a reporter handcuffed & detained by non-law enforcement goons in a public place
- rails about how government is taking away our freedoms; yet, hails the Berlin wall as a a symbol of way of dealing with border problems in a democratic society
no candidate is perfect; but Joe Miller is just the kind of "imperfect" that Alaska cannot afford!
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Don't vote for Politicians based on Religion
Don't pick politicians based on religion -- only God is qualified to see the heart of the person (no matter what they claim to be).
I have run into many who carry a Bible in one hand while stealing from the pocket of their neighbors' with the other. Vote for people with a record of serving everyday people -- especially, the least among us. Vote for people who understand what it is to be among the everyday people. If someone has to tell you within their first 5 sentences of a speech about their religious beliefs - RUN!!!
You see ... those are spiritual smoke-screens. They'd hide behind dogma than actual policy or a proven track record. I mean ... come on! We are not voting for a Pastor - we are voting for civic Leaders who will impact our everyday life -- "our daily bread" life.
Is it nice to have a politician that we can identify with based on our faith? Sure ... but that should not be the main reason we vote for them. I don't know about you - but I like to know who I am praying with. Voting for some candidate because they share the same religious values or dogma is not the same as having intimate prayer fellowship with that same person.
Instead of voting for Politicians based on Religion, I propose that we vote based on their civic leadership, skill and ability to serve the common man.
And leave Faith & spiritual life up to the individual. Don't look for authentic practice of your faith or acceptance of who you are in your faith walk through the actions of Politicians. Instead, follow the steps of Jesus: hang out with sinners, do for the "least of our brothers", speak up for those without a voice, do the right thing - as if God were watching you; have honor in all that you do -- whether it is work, business, your neighbor, the grocery store or even your church; be generous with your time -- you are better off spending time with some one who needs a friend than standing in a pulpit speaking to those who agree with you.
Give your last dime; instead of taking the last dime from others; reach out to folks -- especially, those that do not look or act like you; above all - be good to children; you will see the face of God in the eyes of a child long before you will in a politician's.
I have run into many who carry a Bible in one hand while stealing from the pocket of their neighbors' with the other. Vote for people with a record of serving everyday people -- especially, the least among us. Vote for people who understand what it is to be among the everyday people. If someone has to tell you within their first 5 sentences of a speech about their religious beliefs - RUN!!!
You see ... those are spiritual smoke-screens. They'd hide behind dogma than actual policy or a proven track record. I mean ... come on! We are not voting for a Pastor - we are voting for civic Leaders who will impact our everyday life -- "our daily bread" life.
Is it nice to have a politician that we can identify with based on our faith? Sure ... but that should not be the main reason we vote for them. I don't know about you - but I like to know who I am praying with. Voting for some candidate because they share the same religious values or dogma is not the same as having intimate prayer fellowship with that same person.
Instead of voting for Politicians based on Religion, I propose that we vote based on their civic leadership, skill and ability to serve the common man.
And leave Faith & spiritual life up to the individual. Don't look for authentic practice of your faith or acceptance of who you are in your faith walk through the actions of Politicians. Instead, follow the steps of Jesus: hang out with sinners, do for the "least of our brothers", speak up for those without a voice, do the right thing - as if God were watching you; have honor in all that you do -- whether it is work, business, your neighbor, the grocery store or even your church; be generous with your time -- you are better off spending time with some one who needs a friend than standing in a pulpit speaking to those who agree with you.
Give your last dime; instead of taking the last dime from others; reach out to folks -- especially, those that do not look or act like you; above all - be good to children; you will see the face of God in the eyes of a child long before you will in a politician's.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Jesus already paid - our youth do not have to!
Christians must speak up against Bullying - especially, when it is against our youth based on sexual identity.
I've watched the Christian right oppose anti-bullying laws. Their claim that such laws will lead to homosexual indoctrination is mindboggling. Allowing our youth to continue to be the target of life-ending bullying has nothing to do w/ GRACE.
A few years ago, my 10yr old son looked at me and said: "if things don't change, i don't want to live anymore". Bullying doesn't just kill the body; it also kills the spirit of the child & the entire family.
He never followed through -- but the dispair & the pain was no less.
I told his school that I wanted my son to live more than i wanted him educated -- that if the law was not strong enough to protect my son, it was not going to be strong enough to sue me when i kept him at home.
My son was not bullied because he was gay - he was bullied because he had disabilities. He looked different. He acted differently. My son had as much control over his disabilities & looks as these youth had being gay.
I told my son that God - who makes us all in His perfect image, does NOT makes mistakes.
He's older now & has come a long way. But I bear witness to his pain.
To all of you morally perfect, self-righteous Christians out there : God would NEVER want anyone to go through this pain on His behalf!
Jesus already paid - our youth do not have to!
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bishop-gene-robinson/how-religion-is-killing-o_b_764568.html
Rand Paul says "Accidents Happen" when Miners in Kentucky were trapped
(Rand Paul had said some time ago that "Accidents Happen" in response to a mining accident that took place in Kentucky a few months ago -- the state he wants to Represent as US Senator; a state that relies heavily on mining. This is a man who is in favor of deregulation due to his libertarian views. Here are my thoughts.)
Accidents Happen - because GREED Happens!
"Accidents Happen" is an acceptable philosophy as a byproduct of absolute capitalism for folks like Rand Paul. For him & others who want Government to not regulate and allow Businesses to self-regulate while markets dictate pricing & quality shows a remarkable disdain for the safety, protection & wellbeing of the American people.
Allowing businesses to self-regulate (or "deregulate") is like allowing a dog to be in charge of a Steak!
We can all agree that idealism & the reality of human behavior are two different things. Making a profit is the American way - but it is not acceptable for profits to be made on the broken backs of American families.
Americans, collectively, can learn about the role of government and people taking care of each other from the Chilean mine story. Miracles happaned, because Government, Business & Labor ('the people") worked together.
I try to imagine how chaotic things were at the Chilean mine in the beginning -- trying to survive in total darkness, poor ventilation & limited space. The survival of the fittest insticts must have been prevalent.
But - human decency prevailed!
working together; not tearing each other apart
caring about the well-being of each other
motivation, comraderie, brotherhood, unity, one voice
national pride
this is what worked!
It's time Americans started to stick up for one another -- not politicians dictating who we are.
Demand protection; fight for our neighbors right to exist; buy made in America; unite; have national pride!
After all, we ARE Americans!
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost
Accidents Happen - because GREED Happens!
"Accidents Happen" is an acceptable philosophy as a byproduct of absolute capitalism for folks like Rand Paul. For him & others who want Government to not regulate and allow Businesses to self-regulate while markets dictate pricing & quality shows a remarkable disdain for the safety, protection & wellbeing of the American people.
Allowing businesses to self-regulate (or "deregulate") is like allowing a dog to be in charge of a Steak!
We can all agree that idealism & the reality of human behavior are two different things. Making a profit is the American way - but it is not acceptable for profits to be made on the broken backs of American families.
Americans, collectively, can learn about the role of government and people taking care of each other from the Chilean mine story. Miracles happaned, because Government, Business & Labor ('the people") worked together.
I try to imagine how chaotic things were at the Chilean mine in the beginning -- trying to survive in total darkness, poor ventilation & limited space. The survival of the fittest insticts must have been prevalent.
But - human decency prevailed!
working together; not tearing each other apart
caring about the well-being of each other
motivation, comraderie, brotherhood, unity, one voice
national pride
this is what worked!
It's time Americans started to stick up for one another -- not politicians dictating who we are.
Demand protection; fight for our neighbors right to exist; buy made in America; unite; have national pride!
After all, we ARE Americans!
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost
Monday, October 11, 2010
We are well into October!
I do write so much ... whether it is Facebook or Political blogs - or sometimes, for work (through emails and updating my web site) Write, write, write.
Not too long ago, I spent time reading a mini-book - it was too long to be a short-story ... yet too short to be a full book. There, too - I did some writing. Write, write, write.
And then, I helped a friend write a "Mafia letter" to his ex-employer ... one of those: "give me my money or else" ones. The fella got his money - all of it! Sweet mercy ... it feels good! Write, write, write.
But at other times, these thoughts swirl through my head. I've been told that I type like a bat out of hell!! Even so, I don't know if my fingers could keep up with the thoughts that fly faster than them bats! So, here it is .. a random thought about the realization that it is already October - we are 1/3 of the way through!
I have been doing quite a bit of gardening - it is beautiful this time of year. Gardening is therapeutic ... and when the weather is cooperative -- where i don't have to worry about dying from skin cancer in the next 2 months because it is a 1000 degrees (or feels like it anyway) outside -- it is wonderful to be out there.
It is 1:30 in the morning ... and I had the most peaceful moments looking at my latest handy work!
All but the Basil has been potted and ready for the winter. I added Greek Oregano to the mixture of herbs. The Basil is overgrown - but I will uproot both plants ... as-is ... and re-pot. At that point, maybe i will keep as much of the Basil leaves. Basil is a new found love for me - in the culinary sense : )
The collection of herbs planted and ready for the winter gives me great joy. I don't know why .. but it just does. Maybe because in their own way, they are just beautiful ... and the fragrance on the porch is just wonderful! Perhaps, it is the notion of completion of one season ... and looking forward to the next. And there IS something to be said about beautiful porches.
And then it occurred to me that it is October, already ... my goodness - where did the time go???
And then it hits me ... i am out here, looking at my porch, taking in the beauty of the garden and the patting myself on the back for the effort and creativity ... but it is 1:30 in the morning!! I am .... ???
Not too long ago, I spent time reading a mini-book - it was too long to be a short-story ... yet too short to be a full book. There, too - I did some writing. Write, write, write.
And then, I helped a friend write a "Mafia letter" to his ex-employer ... one of those: "give me my money or else" ones. The fella got his money - all of it! Sweet mercy ... it feels good! Write, write, write.
But at other times, these thoughts swirl through my head. I've been told that I type like a bat out of hell!! Even so, I don't know if my fingers could keep up with the thoughts that fly faster than them bats! So, here it is .. a random thought about the realization that it is already October - we are 1/3 of the way through!
I have been doing quite a bit of gardening - it is beautiful this time of year. Gardening is therapeutic ... and when the weather is cooperative -- where i don't have to worry about dying from skin cancer in the next 2 months because it is a 1000 degrees (or feels like it anyway) outside -- it is wonderful to be out there.
It is 1:30 in the morning ... and I had the most peaceful moments looking at my latest handy work!
All but the Basil has been potted and ready for the winter. I added Greek Oregano to the mixture of herbs. The Basil is overgrown - but I will uproot both plants ... as-is ... and re-pot. At that point, maybe i will keep as much of the Basil leaves. Basil is a new found love for me - in the culinary sense : )
The collection of herbs planted and ready for the winter gives me great joy. I don't know why .. but it just does. Maybe because in their own way, they are just beautiful ... and the fragrance on the porch is just wonderful! Perhaps, it is the notion of completion of one season ... and looking forward to the next. And there IS something to be said about beautiful porches.
And then it occurred to me that it is October, already ... my goodness - where did the time go???
And then it hits me ... i am out here, looking at my porch, taking in the beauty of the garden and the patting myself on the back for the effort and creativity ... but it is 1:30 in the morning!! I am .... ???
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)