On November 8, 2004, Artist and Political Essayist Andrew Wahl, penned his thoughts on "Might." Then, the current war in Iraq may have been on his mind. Fiscal policies that ruled in favor of the wealthy could have evoked his visual essay. Way back then, religious factions, each of which was ready to deem the others wrong, were engaged in combat. That thought, coupled with the rest, may have brought this toon to be. Today, all these realities remain true.
It was 11:22 Ante Meridian, on January 21, 2009. I did as I rarely do. I stood silently and watched television. As one who listens to what is aired, and does so from another room, this was an unusual occurrence. However, the Cherokee wisdom of wolves, an illustration that represents the internal strife within every human being beckoned me.
Then, at the very same hour on the very next day, again I was compelled to do what is odd for me. I did not say a word as I glared at humanitarian actions took place on the screen. President Barack Obama proclaimed, by Executive Order, the United States would not torture. Nor would we, as a nation, detain presumed "combatants" without a just trial. On each occasion, I was in awe as I gazed upon what I had not imagined would come to pass. Upon reflection, the two events seem to be related.
On this, the anniversary of Martin Luther King Junior's birth, January 15, war is in the wind. In cyberspace communities, and on the streets of Israel, Gaza, Iraq, Afghanistan, even on the supposedly serene avenues in America, people are engaged in brutal battles. Be the clashes verbal or written, the combat is cruel. The punishment is not proportional. This truth is not unusual. Sadly, it is the convention, steeped in tradition. There is abundant conflict in every corner of the globe, contrary to the Civil Rights Leader, and nonviolent activist would want. Certainly, these crusades are not as G-d would grant just.
The command, "an eye for an eye" is used to justify vengeance. Retaliation is said to be the way of the Almighty, Allah, and the son, Jesus. Yet, theologians would admonish such interpretations of sacred text.
History will have to record that the greatest tragedy of this period of social transition was not the strident clamor of the bad people, but the appalling silence of the good people.
In the End, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.
Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter. ~ Martin Luther King Junior
Martin Luther King Junior offers his veracity, which may speak to those who have faith in any of the teachings of holy passages. Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, are not silent on the subject of peace. Please peruse, ponder, and perhaps, walk in peace . . .
Just days ago, throughout the globe, people celebrated religious holidays. Peace on Earth and good will to all men was the palpable feeling that filled the air. Everywhere anyone turned expressions of fondness for our fellow beings could be heard. People were filled with glee. Then, suddenly, the sound that is the silent hum of joyous laughter was broken. Everything changed. Yet, indeed nothing did. The cycle of violence that has perpetually existed on this planet began again. The qualified quest for justice was once more the people's agenda. In Israel and Gaza, bombs blasted. Bullets whizzed by the heads of frantic, frightened people who sought shelter from another Mediterranean storm. Some died. Hamas was blamed for the initial attacks, this time. As had occurred on other occasions, Israel, in the name of self-defense, fought back. The roles might have been reversed and have been.
She said, "If one is to pass, it will have to be my sister." Jennifer would not allow a baby to die. Although the newborn had yet to take a single breath, and was still safely tucked away in her mother's belly, Jenn decided the infant must live. Had she been an employee of one of more than 584,000 health-care organizations her word would have been considered a "right of conscience." Jenn would not be held responsible if she refused to treat the soon-to-be Mom who was also her sibling.
Today, just as every Saturday, at a local intersection, I stood vigil for war veterans, civilians and soldiers. As I held a sign which reads "Love. Not War. Love," I contemplated the combat overseas, the recent tragedy in Mumbai, India, the protracted wars in Iraq, Afghanistan. The situations in Israel and Iran, were not far from my consciousness. Threats and acts of terrorism, nations in turmoil; thoughts of a desired global tranquility filled my mind. I imagined, as I do daily, a transition, and a hopeful worldwide transformation towards peace.
As I pondered the profound, a man in a very large Sports Utility Vehicle stopped near me. He rolled down his car window. The gent was perhaps in his forties, well-groomed, and thankfully polite. Calmly, concerned, and a bit critical of what he seemed to think my naivety. this anonymous chap announced, "What would you do if they came on to our shores and attacked us."
Without a thought I said, "Violence begets violence." He repeated his query and expanded the thought. "Would you not fight back?" I reflected on what I observe to be true. People kill other people in the name of peace. Christians, Muslims, Jews proclaim a love of the Lord and all mankind, except when they define another as the enemy. I stated, "I would wonder of their reasons. Might they believe we had done them harm." Agitated, the stranger shrieked, "Do you mean to say that we, Americans are to blame?" Without hesitation I responded, "No." I than shared, "I believe as my grandfather taught me, 'Two wrongs do not make a right.'" Seemingly in a huff, the man quickly sped away.
As an afterthought, I realized I might have asked as Andrew Wahl had more than two years ago; "Does It Matter?" (Archive No. 0626a) Does it matter who assaulted whom first or last. For me, it does not. Jew, Muslim, Christian, no matter the race or creed; a life is a life.
I thank you Andrew for the illustration that speaks more than a thousand words might.
Imagine a world where all inhabitants did not fear strangers for everyone was familiar with the other. When races and religions are integrated, not solely by means of a physical proximity, but also through empathy, tranquility is inevitable. If we teach and do not preach, we may achieve world peace.
Instruction is possibly the prerequisite to unity.
He was a beautiful bouncing baby boy. He was born to two parents that love him dearly. Even before his birth, indeed, prior to conception, this little fellow was the apple of his parent's eyes. His biological beginning was carefully calculated. As the seeds of life developed into a bright-eyed baby, the people he now knows as Mom and Dad thought of little else but Maxwell. The soon to be proud Papa and Momma anxiously anticipated the day they could hold this bundle of joy. Each of his parents was eager to meet and greet the small, sweet face of the guy that they would call Max. Maximum value, supreme significance, marvelously magnificent, all this was and would be their son. After Max was delivered and during any political season, such as this, Mom and Dad feel certain Max is issue number one.
Why is it that in America we always look for the easy and the convenient. We always want everything to fit into a nice neat box. That's right, no contemplative thought, no analyzing, just give it to me in a form that will not require a lot of work or thought on my part. It is a simple task to chalk up the Reverend Jeremiah Wright as some angry black lunatic who is going to single handedly destroy the Obamania tour. It is amazing to me how so many people blogging will write all these prose and essays extolling the virtues of the American electorate and how badly they want policy white papers and how hungry they are for detailed plans. When the truth of the matter, as the fall-out from Reverend Wright has once again displayed, is that the majority of voters could care less about timetables and figures. Not when there is some juicy story floating around about some crazy black man and his relationship to the leading Democratic Presidential contender.
The fact that so many people are surprised to hear that anger in some of Reverend Wright's sermons simply reminds us of the old truism that the most segregated hour in American life occurs on Sunday morning. ~ Barack Obama [Senator and Potential President] March 18, 2008
When we are separate, our experience is never equal. African-Americans mingle among the many Anglos in this country. However, individuals with dark-complexions do not fully unite or fit into a society that segregates by color. While Americans have forcibly progressed beyond the laws that allowed for racial discrimination, the bias and bigotry that filled the hearts of many citizens in the United States for centuries still thrives. While we muse, we love thy neighbor, we react to those whose race is not our own.
I wish to present a glorious and comprehensive tome, written by Judith Moriarty. "Eve of Destruction" examines the state of affairs in America. In abstraction, the author contemplates the annihilation of this country. The original text was published at rense.com. I marveled as I first read this missive. I hope you will appreciate this deft deliberation. I am honored and privileged to share this thought-provoking treatise.
"The eastern world it tis explodin',
violence flarin', bullets loadin'
ah, you don't believe we're on the eve of destruction"
If I were given unlimited power, money, and the unknowing assistance of multitudes of pawns, players, shills, toadies, lap dogs, etc; to take down a nation, how would I do it?
After marrying, my Mom tried diligently for four full years to give birth to a child. She went from specialist to specialist. Batteries of tests were run, and then, re-run. Although she and my father were both fertile and they were a couple that thoroughly enjoyed intercourse, they could not seem to produce a baby. My Mom, a scientist at heart, concluded that perhaps, she was not fecund when most women were. Perchance her cycle was different. Once considering that possibility was enough. From then on, she was able to plan her pregnancies. My Mom gave birth to three children, none born in the first three years.
Apparently, if a Washington State initiative passes, couples such as my parents would be required to have their marriage annulled. "Naturally," gay partnerships, would not, could not be considered. Obviously, such a union would not be classified as marriage material. The Religious Right, may have felt embolden after the state Supreme Court upheld a ban on same-sex marriage, however they did not propose a plan to go further. They did not restrict what constitutes marriage in a manner that might seem feasible to them. Numerous pious persons say the bible deems the purpose of matrimony is procreation. Thus, the Washington Defense of Marriage Alliance took action.
'Tis Christmas here and abroad. I love the holiday and marvel at the traditions. I recognize that many dream of a "White Christmas." There is talk of sleigh bells ringing and people singing. Chestnuts are roasting on open fires, and Jack Frost is nipping at our noses.
Among Christians, in countries far and wide, 'tis the season. People rejoice as they celebrate the birth of Baby Jesus.
In churches and among the devout, I hear conversations and characterizations. The religious speak of Jesus and his divine conception. It is said "the son of G-d" was born in a manger. His parents, Mary and Joseph realized there was no room at the Inn. Thus, they sought shelter from the cold. "Our Lord Jesus" was, perhaps born on a stormy day in winter. At least, that is the tale, the legend that is frequently told.
Religion was once thought to be a reflective path. Theologians were said to be thoughtful souls; they immersed themselves in theory and philosophy. They garnered greater understanding, slowly. Many criticized those that invested little time or energy in understanding God. Those that professed devotion; yet, only attended services on the high holidays or the Sabbath were judged severely. In those days, life was a travel, not merely a tour.
Now, in this whirlwind-world, religion and faith are for sale. A buyer can grab the notes quickly. They can grasp all they need to know of the Bible and man's beginnings in 100 minutes or less. A new version of the Holy Book will be available at your local bookstore before long. The title is the 100-Minute Bible.
The Reverend Dr. Michael Hinton and his 100-Minute Bible. Canterbury Cathedral. [Gerry Penny/EPA]
I believe in God, a higher force, and the powers that be, and yet those that believe "faithfully," to the intensity of fanaticism, baffle me.
I relish religion, the traditions, values, and culture that faith creates; however, as I experience the "hate" and hurt that zealots dole out, I wonder, is this what God wants?
There are those that say God is not punitive, and those that believe he is the final judge. Some say God is benevolent; others believe they will be punished for their sins. Many state, "we are all sinners," while maintaining that humans are created in "his" or "her" image. These ideas seem quite contrary, as is humankind.
There is the thought of free will, choice, desire, and determination. Man or woman, he, or she determines when they honor God; do as he commands, or how. We do this as we violate "his," "her" commandments.
We humans, kill, covet, and say the Lord's name in vain. We do not honor our parents or our neighbors; we do worship false idols. The wares of the famous and infamous are our worth.
We have re-written the rules as these and then ask to display them in their "original" form, in front of our courts.
• Let me act as though I am the "Lord," my own God, better and brighter than all others. Those that defy me are deemed "evil."
• Let me take vengeance on those that violate my truth, for there is no God before "me." Others are with me or against me.
• Let me and my brethren bomb and blast for Allah, God, the Almighty, the omnipotent, and omniscient.
• Remember the Sabbath; keep it holy; it is a day to spend frivolously. This is sanctified. We are strong when the economy is sustained.
• Let us attack [unilaterally] in the name of peace, freedom, and justice, kill our mothers, fathers, their sons and daughters.
• Let my brethren, my nation, and me murder and maim, rape, and pillage, for piety. Declare war, for we are "right" and righteous.
• Infidelity is a fertile finding; indulge freely. Infidels propagate.
• Let us adorn our homes, bodies, and communities, as we destroy the Lord's. Ignore nature, the environment, and the essence of life.
• Steal as you will; all is there for your taking. Seize oil, gold, diamonds, and deliverance.
• Bare false witness, for you are the Architect, the creator, you can claim your birthright.
• Covet your neighbor's house, oil fields, wife, and wisdom. For your own is not enough to gratify your insatiable appetite.
Go forth my child, in your unripe, egocentric state, and prosper.
I believe in God, a higher force, and the powers that be, and yet those that believe "faithfully," to the intensity of fanaticism, baffle me.
I relish religion, the traditions, values, and culture that faith creates; however, as I experience the "hate" and hurt that zealots dole out, I wonder, is this what God wants?
There are those that say God is not punitive, and those that believe he is the final judge. Some say God is benevolent; others believe they will be punished for their sins. Many state, "we are all sinners," while maintaining that humans are created in "his" or "her" image. These ideas seem quite contrary, as is humankind.
There is the thought of free will, choice, desire, and determination. Man or woman, he, or she determines when they honor God; do as he commands, or how. We do this as we violate "his," "her" commandments.
We humans, kill, covet, and say the Lord's name in vain. We do not honor our parents or our neighbors; we do worship false idols. The wares of the famous and infamous are our worth.
We have re-written the rules as these and then ask to display them in their "original" form, in front of our courts.
• Let me act as though I am the "Lord," my own God, better and brighter than all others. Those that defy me are deemed "evil."
• Let me take vengeance on those that violate my truth, for there is no God before "me." Others are with me or against me.
• Let me and my brethren bomb and blast for Allah, God, the Almighty, the omnipotent, and omniscient.
• Remember the Sabbath; keep it holy; it is a day to spend frivolously. This is sanctified. We are strong when the economy is sustained.
• Let us attack [unilaterally] in the name of peace, freedom, and justice, kill our mothers, fathers, their sons and daughters.
• Let my brethren, my nation, and me murder and maim, rape, and pillage, for piety. Declare war, for we are "right" and righteous.
• Infidelity is a fertile finding; indulge freely. Infidels propagate.
• Let us adorn our homes, bodies, and communities, as we destroy the Lord's. Ignore nature, the environment, and the essence of life.
• Steal as you will; all is there for your taking. Seize oil, gold, diamonds, and deliverance.
• Bare false witness, for you are the Architect, the creator, you can claim your birthright.
• Covet your neighbor's house, oil fields, wife, and wisdom. For your own is not enough to gratify your insatiable appetite.
Go forth my child, in your unripe, egocentric state, and prosper.
The President of the United Sates does not approve of gay marriage. He has repeatedly requested that the Constitution be amended to ensure that gay couples cannot legally unite. We know, that God speaks through Mr. Bush, for he has mentioned this often. Therefore, we can assume that God does not approve of gay unions. The current Pope, Benedict XVI is strongly opposed to the prospect; the past Pope, John Paul II was as well. The Vice President and his family are conflicted.
In November 2004, eleven states referendums rejecting recognition of gay marriages, passed decisively.
Public polls show that people throughout this country are more in favor then opposed.
This Sunday, after much dialogue, a committee of 50 United Church of Christ representatives gave their blessings. They believe the Church must sanction gay marriages. They rejected the notion that marriage be defined as "a union between one man and one woman." They are asking the General Synod to do the same in their Monday meeting.
Call me a saint or a sinner, a sage or a scrooge,
be I a sweet person or a scoundrel, I am I!
I am a unique individual.
If you call me a black man, a white woman, a Jew, or a kike,
if you say that I am an Irishman or a Mick, then you do not see me for me.
If you consider my appearance and not my heart than you negate me, or attempt to.
You classify me, you intend to reduce my worth, and you do, in your own mind's eye.
However, you cannot lessen my value.
I am a treasure.
I am not as you see me or as you state.
I am not part of this group or that.
I am myself; I am I.
During recent discussions of W. Mark Felt, the now admitted "deep throat," many people ask us to ignore what President Nixon and Chief of Staff HR Halderman said of the man. While conversing in the oval office, the former President and his Chief of staff spoke of Mr. Felt. The exchange was aired last evening, May 31, 2005, on NBC Nightly News. It had been taped; it was among the infamous "Nixon Tapes."
On this recording, Nixon is heard to ask, "Is he [FBI Deputy Chief Felt] a Catholic?" Mr. Halderman answers "No, he is a Jew." Nixon replies, "Christ, put a Jew in there?" They each conclude ??that is the problem!' For Mr. Nixon, "Jews" are a problem. It matters not whether they are individuals or a group; they are not good! Nixon is exemplary of a frightening consensus. Many think, they all look alike, sound the same, and have a distinctive smell. They are identical in thought, word, and deed. President Nixon's words clearly demonstrate a disdain for a group.
Yet, people ponder the inaccuracy of the statement. Numerous persons declare, Felt is of Irish descent. Nonetheless, for me, the significance of the original statement is the same.
Once you label me, you negate me. Soren Kierkegaard [Danish Philosopher]
Tonight, on NBC Nightly News a tape was played, a Nixon tape. While in the oval office, HR Halderman and the former President Nixon were discussing the Watergate break-in and all the stories that followed. There was a possible leak. Could it be that Deputy Associate Director and second-in-command at the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Mark Felt was the dreaded "deep throat?" Was he their source?
They realized that he could be and likely was. Mr. Felt was the problem. Upon reflection, Mr. Nixon asked, "Is he Catholic?" Halderman replied, "No, he is a Jew." Ah, Nixon replied, "Christ, put a Jew in there?" That is the problem!
This, and more in a country founded on the principles of tolerance and the separation of church and state!
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