Two Quotes For Today
"I can't understand why people are frightened of new ideas. I'm frightened of the old ones." ~ John Cage
"The world will not be inherited by the strongest, it will be inherited by those most able to change." ~ Charles Darwin
Remember This...
LARGE Government = DEMOCRACY (three equal branches: Executive, Legislative, and Judicial). When this is an intricately balanced system, Large Government provides opportunities and benefits for masses of people who are in need of help one way or another that enrich their lives and the life of the country.
SMALL Government = DICTATORSHIP (one branch: Executive!). When there are No "Other" Branches of Government (or are only ones that are there as figureheads), then there is no ability to have balance...and no need either. Because, when a middle class ceases to exist and there is only a "Ruling Class" and "the poor", the masses have no choice but to accept being Controlled by a Financially Powerful Hierarchy. Nothing is contestable anymore after that, because, technically, they even control the food, the water, and the air you breathe. Those who think they are with the hierarchy ...are fools. Because to those who seek that kind of power...you who are just an ordinary person (even if you like to think of yourself "heading to the top") are only one of two things to them: "useable" or "expendable". Be careful of the game you get involved with and who you think you are, because you may be sorry that you weren't more careful about what you believed.
We are at a crossroad...make your choices wisely.
And, Remember This...
"Dishonesty will stare honesty out of countenance any day in the week, if there is anything to be got by it." ~ Charles Dickens
Pusher/Addict...Predator/Prey
I'm beginning to see this whole "fundamental extremism" thing as a pusher/addict scenario. And, although both are equally dangerous "under the influence", I don't like to blame the addict as much as I do the pusher. If all the "segregationist" preachers had to face justice for what they've done to their flock..."some" of those they've crippled might be able to recover.
Ironically, the very place these type of "pushers" go to acquire converts...is prisons, and many who are there are already addicted to something else.
I have no respect for predators who gain "money and power" off of the vulnerable.
Culturicide
The disregard for and attempt to destroy other cultures in order to have only one culture based on fundamental extremism and incorrect history.
The Destruction Of Cities, Lives, and Culture
No man has the right to destroy "whole cities", "thousands of innocent lives", and "the entire culture of a country"!
These are the actions of a man who has LOST HIS SOUL.
A TERRIBLE ILLUSION
It's a terrible illusion for Americans to think that the U.S. is somehow selectively separated from the rest of the world when it comes to the "huge" increase of terror since the U.S.'s occupation of Iraq. Whatever happens "anywhere" on this earth affects "everywhere". And, just because we don't see it or feel it, doesn't mean it isn't true.
If "any" place is less safe in the world today since the U.S. invasion of Iraq..."every" place is less safe. Because, contrary to what some would like us to believe, the U.S. is "not" separate from the rest of the world when it comes to the emotional and environmental impact of terror "anywhere" on this planet.
The poverty in America, the aids in Africa, the starvation in the Sudan, the violence in Haiti...affects us all. It doesn't matter whose land it's on ~ the increased suffering of humanity around the world, increases the suffering of all humanity. We must not fall prey to a "dangerous illusion" that this is not true...for it will only increase "our own" suffering.
If "any" place is less safe in the world today since the U.S. invasion of Iraq..."every" place is less safe. Because, contrary to what some would like us to believe, the U.S. is "not" separate from the rest of the world when it comes to the emotional and environmental impact of terror "anywhere" on this planet.
The poverty in America, the aids in Africa, the starvation in the Sudan, the violence in Haiti...affects us all. It doesn't matter whose land it's on ~ the increased suffering of humanity around the world, increases the suffering of all humanity. We must not fall prey to a "dangerous illusion" that this is not true...for it will only increase "our own" suffering.
Protect America
"To make America safer, we can no longer go it alone in the world. We need to move in a new direction. When it comes to protecting our nation, I will stop at nothing to find and kill the terrorists. If I'm president, America will always have the strongest military. But I will return our foreign policy to the values that have always earned us the respect of the world...to be safer at home, America must be respected in the world." ~ John Kerry
"to work on the vision that we all seek"
Vote For John Kerry and John Edwards on Nov. 2
Liberals are "Pro ALL Life"
Fundamentalists are "pro-life" and "against life" at the same time.
You can't have it both ways.
One of the innate characteristics of "Liberalism" is the "ability to embrace change". Liberals are people who operate according to the dynamic laws of a universe that is constantly moving in the cycles and changes which create life.
Liberalism is "not" the opposite of Conservatism. It is the opposite of Fundamentalism.
You are the decider of your own values. Do you consider yourself a segregationist and a prejudice person...or...are you a person who has a big enough heart and/or mind to encompass ALL of humanity. "You" decide...and then vote accordingly. We will soon know what kind of a nation we have.
The Most Negative Force On Earth
Greed and lust for power...is the most negative force on earth ~ or what some would call the "Devil" or the "Anti-Christ".
World Cultures Versus Christian Fundamentalism
One of the innate characteristics of Fundamentalism is the"inability" to change...which is an unnatural thing. It goes against the natural flow of life that's filled with cycles and change. Natural movement and honest progress are necessary for life to continue. Civilization, cultures, science, history, art, music, literature...depends on that.
At this present time in history, world cultures, including the history of our own cultures in America, are being destroyed by wars (real or otherwise) that are caused by addictions to power and money and fundamentalist beliefs.
Who Will Tell The People
The Title and Chorus of a song written by David Rovics:
Who will tell the people that free speech is a ruse
The corporations run the country and then they make the news
Is it media or mind control, heroic victories or crimes
Who will tell the people that we're living in these times
The Direction We Need To Go In...In Order To Be Whole
Aside from, but not separate from, ones own personal religion...there is the spirituality of everyday life. We all share similar feelings when we walk out in nature, or listen to the birds, or watch a sunset. We are all part of this intricate web of life...not just the life of our own small little groups but all life on earth.
America is our piece of Mother Earth to be good stewards of. The earth's natural resources sustain our lives, and it's important for us to become more reverent of her and what she gives us. We need to make a necessary transformation to be more in harmony with nature and each other. Having a more meaningful relationship with nature, heightens our awareness of the spiritual in everyday life. And, that leads to an improvement in how we treat each other. From that comes more reverence for ALL life on earth...which in turn diminishes the need for suffering.
~ Patty Ann Smith
Discrimination, Segregation, Bigotry, and Prejudice
ALL of these are separators and dividers of mankind!
~ Patty Ann Smith
The Inability For People To Make Logical Choices
This is what happens to the brain when FEAR is instilled in it!
Think About THESE Words
Think about these words: Discrimination, Segregation, Bigotry, and Prejudice
Think about these words: Christian Fundamentalism
Think about these words: Military Corporate Complex
Think about these words: Empire Building
Now, answer this question: Are any of these words what you would call "Pro" American!
From Truthout
"Shame on this administration for exploiting our fears after September 11 in order to get this war. Shame on them for lying to us all, day after day, for all this time...Shame on any American who continues to support this administration and its policies. Shame on us all if these policies are allowed to continue after November." ~ from an article entitled "Bearing Bloody Witness" by William Rivers Pitt
Please read the entire article at: www.truthout.org
The War On Science
"Politicians who reject the findings of science imperil us all." ~ Kevin Knoblock, Orion Magazine
What Is Life?
It is the flash of a firefly in the night.
It is the breath of a buffalo in the wintertime.
It is the little shadow which runs across the grass
and loses itself in the sunset.
~ Crowfoot (Blackfoot warrior and orater - 1890)
6 More U.S. Soldiers Killed In Iraq,Today...A Heartbreaking Echo Of An Unnecessary War
An honest headline.
Mainstream media is welcome to use it!
Who Will Be Accountable For Ignoring The Majority!
It's obvious that the network media cannot go against the President. John Kerry has to go it alone when it comes to the mainstream media. It appears that he gets equal coverage regarding the campaigns, but for the tremendous groundswell of support Kerry is getting everywhere every day all over the country with young and middle class people...which is the "majority" of America...if you watch television news, you would think nothing's going on at all. But, the truth is...a lot is going on, and it is not being reported like it should be.
In the past several days, there have been sell out crowds with thousands of people attending Vote For Change Concerts with performances by some of our country's finest musical artists such as Bonnie Raitt, Bruce Springsteen, Keb Mo, and James Taylor...to name just a few. And, all across America, there's Michael Moore's sell out "college tour" crowds filled with thousands...and the grassroots Rock The Vote campaign for months now has been inspiring thousands of young people to vote for the first time. And, "Yes" these people are for "John Kerry". Isn't that "worthy" news! Isn't that what it's all about! The truth of what's really happening!
The presence of "The Majority" is being ignored by the media. When it comes to the majority of people in America...the media makes only a "whisper". Instead, they place an almost maniacal emphasis on the extreme right wing of this country which is, in truth, a "minority". The media allows the extreme right wing position to appear as if it's the majority, when the word "extreme" instantly identifies something as being outside the status quo. Who will be held accountable for promoting this "delusion"...Before It's Too Late? The most important election of our lives is JUST three weeks away.
additional information on this topic:
"Bloggers: Documenting The Media Coup of 2004" at: www.anonymoses.com
"Is There Still A Place For Truth" at: www.iddybud.com
Mental Illness
The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) is dedicated to eliminating mental illness and to improve the quality of life for everyone whose life has been affected by it.
NAMI works to achieve services and treatment for more than 15 million Americans living with mental illnesses.
NAMI works to achieve services and treatment for more than 15 million Americans living with mental illnesses.
The Difference Between Delusions and Myths
definitions of delusion:
(psychology) an erroneous belief that is held in the face of evidence to the contrary
a false belief, seen most often in psychosis (for example --- schizophrenia)
a groundless, irrational belief or thought, usually of grandeur or persecution; generally a characteristic of paranoia
definition of myth:
traditional story accepted as history; serves to explain the world view of a people
a common story or legend. Although the word "myth" means untrue to some people, to others it embodies a different kind of "truth" which expresses their deepest and truest values, fears, hopes, and beliefs.
Like allegory, myth usually is symbolic and extensive, including an entire work of
study.
any "story that teaches". The story need not be "true" or historically accurate, but is designed to teach moral lessons.
a story that expresses a spiritual truth or basic conviction of a culture through narrative.
(psychology) an erroneous belief that is held in the face of evidence to the contrary
a false belief, seen most often in psychosis (for example --- schizophrenia)
a groundless, irrational belief or thought, usually of grandeur or persecution; generally a characteristic of paranoia
definition of myth:
traditional story accepted as history; serves to explain the world view of a people
a common story or legend. Although the word "myth" means untrue to some people, to others it embodies a different kind of "truth" which expresses their deepest and truest values, fears, hopes, and beliefs.
Like allegory, myth usually is symbolic and extensive, including an entire work of
study.
any "story that teaches". The story need not be "true" or historically accurate, but is designed to teach moral lessons.
a story that expresses a spiritual truth or basic conviction of a culture through narrative.
The Importance of Preserving Cultures
Quote from Jamie Sams book entitled "Earth Medicine":
"Human life on our planet is a shared dream. When the legends, myths, and stories are allowed to die, the basic values of life deteriorate. The dreams of any culture are based upon the role models of legend. Not having any larger-than-life role models when the tales vanish, the following generations of any culture lose their drive to excel. When there is nothing to aspire to, dreams die hard, leaving the shared planetary dream resembling a night mare.
The tales of harmony and honesty, sharing and valor, loving and forgiving, come alive when the Medicine Stories are told. When the basic values of harmonious living are told and retold, heroes and heroines come to life, becoming treasured teachers and friends. When the Wise Ones go silent, the dreams of the young wither, being replaced by the unhealthy values on the street. Without the storytellers, entire cultures can pass into oblivion."
"Human life on our planet is a shared dream. When the legends, myths, and stories are allowed to die, the basic values of life deteriorate. The dreams of any culture are based upon the role models of legend. Not having any larger-than-life role models when the tales vanish, the following generations of any culture lose their drive to excel. When there is nothing to aspire to, dreams die hard, leaving the shared planetary dream resembling a night mare.
The tales of harmony and honesty, sharing and valor, loving and forgiving, come alive when the Medicine Stories are told. When the basic values of harmonious living are told and retold, heroes and heroines come to life, becoming treasured teachers and friends. When the Wise Ones go silent, the dreams of the young wither, being replaced by the unhealthy values on the street. Without the storytellers, entire cultures can pass into oblivion."
How About A Rendezvous With Redemption
"I believe America has a rendezvous with redemption
and that the spiritual question is the principle one.
We are intended to establish respect for our differences and
then, on the basis of that respect,
transcend our differences to embrace the highest common
denominator of the human spirit."
~ former Vice President Al Gore
Memphis Prayer Breakfast - Nov. 4, 2000
Today's Offering Is For The Media...
"Such as it is, the press has become the greatest power within the Western World, more powerful than the legislature, the executive and judiciary. One would like to ask: by whom has it been elected and to whom is it responsible?" ~ Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn
"During times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act." ~ George Orwell
"More! More! is the cry of a mistaken soul." ~ William Blake
"How important it is to own that we've been wrong." ~ Patty Ann Smith
"America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves." ~ Abraham Lincoln
EVERY Day, I hear" A U.S. Soldier Was Killed", "A U.S. Soldier Was Killed", "A U.S. Soldier Was Killed"...and now I hear, There Were NO WMD'S!
A mother is being buried with her son, this week.
The son was a U.S. soldier killed in Iraq.
The mother...died of a broken heart.
Here's An Offer You Shouldn't Refuse: John Edwards For Vice President
I love the "hominess" of John Edwards. During the Debate, he told this heartwarming story:
You know, when I was young and growing up, I remember coming down the steps into the kitchen, early in the morning, and I would see the glow of the television. And, I'd see my father sitting at a table. He wasn't paying bills, and he wasn't doing paperwork from work. What he was doing was learning math on television.
Now, he didn't have a college education, but he was doing what he could do to get a better job in the mill where he worked. I was proud of him. I'm still proud of him. And I was also hopeful, because I knew that I lived in a country where I could get a college education.
Here's the truth: I have grown up in the bright light of America. But that light is flickering today. Now, I know that the vice president and the president don't see it, but you do. What they're going to give you is four more years of the same.
John Kerry and I believe that we can do better. We believe in a strong middle-class in this country. That's why we have a plan to create jobs, getting rid of tax cuts for companies outsourcing your jobs; give tax cuts to companies that'll keep jobs here in America. That's why we have a health care plan. That's why we have a plan to keep you safe and to fix this mess in Iraq.
The truth is that every four years you get to decide. You have the ability to decide where America's going to go. John Kerry and I are asking you to give us the power to fight for you, to fight to keep that dream in America, that I saw as a young man, alive for every parent sitting at that kitchen table.
We Are Supposed To Be A "Humanitarian" Superpower
Vote Wisely.
Indeed, vote worldly.
Vote Kerry/Edwards in November.
The future is our friend.
And Peace is better than War.
~ AnonyMoses
We Are Supposed To Be An Advanced Civilization
This was a headline at the Kerry-Edwards Blog:
" Stop Sacrificing Science For Ideology".
Michael J. Fox was campaigning with John Kerry in New Hampshire, and both spoke on the topic of stem cell research. Michael has Parkinsons Disease, and stem cell research has the potential to cure Parkinsons as well as Alzheimers, Diabetes and many other diseases. Kerry believes that some of the most pioneering treatments could be right at our fingertips, but remain beyond our reach until the stem cell ban is lifted. When John Kerry is President, he will lift that ban!
We Are "An Advanced Civilization" and it is absolutely illogical, unethical, and rediculous to sacrifice science for ideology when we have already learned from numerous examples in history and know better. How could we possibly even think of going back to the Dark and Middle Ages of ignorance.. after so many advancements and discoveries.
We are supposed to be an advanced civilization. And my definition of an advanced civilization is: mankind understanding that we live in a meaningful, continuously evolving universe, dedicated to inclusiveness, interdependence, appreciation, sensitivity, adaptability, and responsibility.
True Vision
"You asked me if I thought your visions were true,
I would say that they were if they make you become
More human,
More kind to every creature and plant
That you know."
~ Hafiz
There's A Little More Hope Today
If fairy tales could come true, the one I'd want most to come true would be for people to live in peace all over this world.
During the Presidential Debate last night, millions of people finally got a chance to hear some of John Kerry's wisdom; and as a result, there are more people today experiencing a little more hope.
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