After a several hour discussion with my brother-in-law and my mother about Israel/Palestine I'm tired. My brother-in-law's mother lives in Northern Israel and has been there recently. He talks of a world view where Israel wants peace but the Palestinians prevent it.
We agree on the need for a Palestinian state including Gaza and the West Bank - with secure borders and a true peace. Jerusalem - he says Israel will never give up any of. I don't know how Jerusalem can be resolved between mutually exclusive demands of both sides.
I see a need for trust building. I see a need for American Jews to confront the U.S. Government and help change how the U.S. Government treats the Israeli Governent as well as others in the Middle East. He believes that I am wrong in opposing Israeli Government positions.
It is hard to face the truths of the divides among American Jews. Building peace will take time and breaking down barriers between us. It will be hard to imagine a peace when "liberals" like my brother-in-law and I disagree as strongly as we do.
Listening to each other is important. Talking with each other is important. Thanks!
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Friday, May 18, 2007
I Must be Confused - RE: Israel, Fatah, Hamas etc.
Per Scott Wilson of the Washington Post proximate to May 18, 2007:
"Israel this week allowed the Palestinian Fatah faction to bring into the Gaza Strip as many as 500 of its troops trained under a U.S.-coordinated program, to counter Hamas, the Islamic movment that won Palestinian parliamentary elections last year."
"The troops deployment illustrates the increasingly partisan role that Israel and the Bush administation are taking in the volatile Palestinian political situation."
"But both Israel and the United States, each deeply unpopular among Arabs in the region, have been trying to avoid the perception of taking sides in a conflict that this week in Gaza has resembled a nascent civil war."
Hmmmmmm - Let's assume that several of the major leaders of countries in Europe were to decide that they should fund one of the major Democratic Party candidates (indirectly of course - in "legal ways") and provide a clear platform allowing she or he to get a lot more positive publicity. They would be presuming that it would be in their best interests (and the rest of the world's of course!), if a Democrat, and this particular one, were to be elected.
I presume that our current administration would admire their pluck and sadly say: "We tried to get their support for a Republican, but unfortunately they wouldn't support Him."
Now let's, see: Arafat was a corrupt dictator and not one to be trusted. His successor wasn't seemingly corrupt, but he couldn't bring things together before the elections and bring about any kind of "successes" with Israeli and USian authorities.
Democracy is the Answer in the Middle East. Oh, my gosh, why did those crazy Arabs elect Hamas? Couldn't they see how WE in the U.S. were doing everything in our power to create a viable Palestinian State under Abbas, the Fatah candidate.
Oh, he lost political power with the election results, yet we still: "Israel this week allowed...."
Now of course Israel might possibly have had the support of the U.S. Government in this, don't you think!?
Thanks!
"Israel this week allowed the Palestinian Fatah faction to bring into the Gaza Strip as many as 500 of its troops trained under a U.S.-coordinated program, to counter Hamas, the Islamic movment that won Palestinian parliamentary elections last year."
"The troops deployment illustrates the increasingly partisan role that Israel and the Bush administation are taking in the volatile Palestinian political situation."
"But both Israel and the United States, each deeply unpopular among Arabs in the region, have been trying to avoid the perception of taking sides in a conflict that this week in Gaza has resembled a nascent civil war."
Hmmmmmm - Let's assume that several of the major leaders of countries in Europe were to decide that they should fund one of the major Democratic Party candidates (indirectly of course - in "legal ways") and provide a clear platform allowing she or he to get a lot more positive publicity. They would be presuming that it would be in their best interests (and the rest of the world's of course!), if a Democrat, and this particular one, were to be elected.
I presume that our current administration would admire their pluck and sadly say: "We tried to get their support for a Republican, but unfortunately they wouldn't support Him."
Now let's, see: Arafat was a corrupt dictator and not one to be trusted. His successor wasn't seemingly corrupt, but he couldn't bring things together before the elections and bring about any kind of "successes" with Israeli and USian authorities.
Democracy is the Answer in the Middle East. Oh, my gosh, why did those crazy Arabs elect Hamas? Couldn't they see how WE in the U.S. were doing everything in our power to create a viable Palestinian State under Abbas, the Fatah candidate.
Oh, he lost political power with the election results, yet we still: "Israel this week allowed...."
Now of course Israel might possibly have had the support of the U.S. Government in this, don't you think!?
Thanks!
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
When We Hurt
Today is my 56th Birthday.
The weather has changed from yesterday's warmth and sunshine to today's coolness and clouds.
Our house has some type of sewer related problem which will hopefully be fixed within the next few hours.
I'm behind on sleep and feeling very tired.
I'm also sad.
When I am hurting
It may be
because of something unexpected like
a friend who has been hit by a car
or something expected like
the recent death of my aunt - cancer related
It may be because of something or somethings
nasty
which others have done to me
When I am hurting
because
I have hurt
the one I love
I have failed
because
I have made
major mistakes
hurting
the one I love
I am sad.
I reflect
and hope
that
I will do better
moving ahead
at age 56,
Not
Using perceived hurts
or Other Pain
to Falsely Justify
Hurting Others
I'm glad
to have the chance
to Do Better
May my 56th Birthday
be
A Day of Growth
A Day of Hope
A Day to Reflect
and perhaps to be Sad
The weather has changed from yesterday's warmth and sunshine to today's coolness and clouds.
Our house has some type of sewer related problem which will hopefully be fixed within the next few hours.
I'm behind on sleep and feeling very tired.
I'm also sad.
When I am hurting
It may be
because of something unexpected like
a friend who has been hit by a car
or something expected like
the recent death of my aunt - cancer related
It may be because of something or somethings
nasty
which others have done to me
When I am hurting
because
I have hurt
the one I love
I have failed
because
I have made
major mistakes
hurting
the one I love
I am sad.
I reflect
and hope
that
I will do better
moving ahead
at age 56,
Not
Using perceived hurts
or Other Pain
to Falsely Justify
Hurting Others
I'm glad
to have the chance
to Do Better
May my 56th Birthday
be
A Day of Growth
A Day of Hope
A Day to Reflect
and perhaps to be Sad
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Caught Amongst the Trees
Caught amongst the
tangled branches of
the large dark tree
of the cool forest
Moving outside –
- Also inside
takes
much patience, energy,
thought – and
Perhaps,
Some Luck
The perspiration drips
from the upper branches
The whispers of the wind
move in slowly with their
sweet, but subtly strong energy
Tis “only” nature – but
Is it really a tree? Or
Rather – human nature
05/15/2007
Friday, May 04, 2007
Respect
Respect is something that comes back time and again in my life.
Yesterday, my mother's 80th birthday, which meant something to her. To her aging husband it meant things perhaps in moments, but Not when he felt "wronged" or otherwise not feeling any need to defer to her feelings. For her respect comes in moments countered with periods when she doesn't matter. This, of course, hurt her, though it is little different from how it's been over the 34 years they've been together.
When my partner and I have our difficulties communicating nearly always each of us feels that the other isn't honoring and respecting the other. Not feeling heard and having one's words or feelings accepted as valid and important (in one's mind at least) is common in our relationships and our world in general.
Respect is accepting the other, whether an individual, a group, a nation, or whatever. Respect is not knowing what is best for the other. It is not knowing what the other should be feeling. It is not knowing what is best for the other.
Respect for others comes out of groundedness and respect for oneself. When I (or We) feel deep pain and hurt inside we can not respect ourselves. When we can't live comfortably within ourselves, it is doubly hard to support others. Being able to escape the "me, me, me" feeling of neediness isn't always easy for us as individuals or groups or countries we are a part of. The religious dogmas which tell us: "you are better than all the others" can feed zenophobia and hatred among people who feel attacked. Economic inequalities and often related political exploitation fuels dissonance among those who "succeed" and those who are put down.
Among those who are a "minority" or feel that way respect among their fellow group members is often very important to cope with the dominant culture. Nearly all, if not all of us feel like we are a "minority" in some parts of our lives. When we don't see ourselves as a minority, we often don't feel a wholesome pride in our culture and being.
I hope naively perhaps that we will find better ways to respect each other in the future. IF we do we may deal with how we in the U.S. abuse children, women, Muslims and others perceived as Muslims, People of Color, Gays/Lesbians/Bi's/Transgendered Folks and many others.
It is hard for people to heal their hurts. We can say we are sorry. We can also work to change the systems that cause the hurts.
Thanks!
Yesterday, my mother's 80th birthday, which meant something to her. To her aging husband it meant things perhaps in moments, but Not when he felt "wronged" or otherwise not feeling any need to defer to her feelings. For her respect comes in moments countered with periods when she doesn't matter. This, of course, hurt her, though it is little different from how it's been over the 34 years they've been together.
When my partner and I have our difficulties communicating nearly always each of us feels that the other isn't honoring and respecting the other. Not feeling heard and having one's words or feelings accepted as valid and important (in one's mind at least) is common in our relationships and our world in general.
Respect is accepting the other, whether an individual, a group, a nation, or whatever. Respect is not knowing what is best for the other. It is not knowing what the other should be feeling. It is not knowing what is best for the other.
Respect for others comes out of groundedness and respect for oneself. When I (or We) feel deep pain and hurt inside we can not respect ourselves. When we can't live comfortably within ourselves, it is doubly hard to support others. Being able to escape the "me, me, me" feeling of neediness isn't always easy for us as individuals or groups or countries we are a part of. The religious dogmas which tell us: "you are better than all the others" can feed zenophobia and hatred among people who feel attacked. Economic inequalities and often related political exploitation fuels dissonance among those who "succeed" and those who are put down.
Among those who are a "minority" or feel that way respect among their fellow group members is often very important to cope with the dominant culture. Nearly all, if not all of us feel like we are a "minority" in some parts of our lives. When we don't see ourselves as a minority, we often don't feel a wholesome pride in our culture and being.
I hope naively perhaps that we will find better ways to respect each other in the future. IF we do we may deal with how we in the U.S. abuse children, women, Muslims and others perceived as Muslims, People of Color, Gays/Lesbians/Bi's/Transgendered Folks and many others.
It is hard for people to heal their hurts. We can say we are sorry. We can also work to change the systems that cause the hurts.
Thanks!
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Time Management and Priorities
In 1976 or so in my early days with The Social Security Administration in Chicago I heard a story about the Detroit Downtown Social Security Office. In those days urban social security offices were swamped with claimants due to the problems with the Supplemental Security Income program which began in 1974. It had been normal in our office for claimants to wait 2-3 hours for service and there was no internet or other alternatives for service (before we began our telephone service).
The manager of the Detroit Downtwon Social Security Office was asked why he didn't have a section of his office taking claims over the telephone to ease the pressures on his staff. His response was: "I have 25 claims representatives taking claims all day long. How could I spare staff to take claims over the telephone?"
Taking claims over the telephone was more efficient than in the office. It also was a way to skim part of the workload (in a sense prioratizing it) so that those filing for retirement, disability and survivor benefits could not waste a lot of time just waiting.
Obviously, the manager was taking a short-sighted view of the problem that he faced. His claimants had no choice. They had to come into his office. He couldn't control the number of people who needed service. He could control how they were served.
Much of life is similar to the story above. We face time pressures day-in and day-out in our lives. We make choices, but often not good choices, as to how we live our lives. We see only the surface of our issues - and feel trapped.
When we're in "crisis moments" we may have few options. Much of the time though, it is our normal lives, seemingly out of control. When life is more leisurely, we have no need to organize things efficiently and prioratize, so we often are inefficient. Then things revert to long-term "craziness" and we're stuck.
Much in our lives doesn't need to be so complicated. We make choices as to what is important and often choose to take on too much in our lives. Even when we face such situations in our lives we do have far more choices than we see.
Thanks!
The manager of the Detroit Downtwon Social Security Office was asked why he didn't have a section of his office taking claims over the telephone to ease the pressures on his staff. His response was: "I have 25 claims representatives taking claims all day long. How could I spare staff to take claims over the telephone?"
Taking claims over the telephone was more efficient than in the office. It also was a way to skim part of the workload (in a sense prioratizing it) so that those filing for retirement, disability and survivor benefits could not waste a lot of time just waiting.
Obviously, the manager was taking a short-sighted view of the problem that he faced. His claimants had no choice. They had to come into his office. He couldn't control the number of people who needed service. He could control how they were served.
Much of life is similar to the story above. We face time pressures day-in and day-out in our lives. We make choices, but often not good choices, as to how we live our lives. We see only the surface of our issues - and feel trapped.
When we're in "crisis moments" we may have few options. Much of the time though, it is our normal lives, seemingly out of control. When life is more leisurely, we have no need to organize things efficiently and prioratize, so we often are inefficient. Then things revert to long-term "craziness" and we're stuck.
Much in our lives doesn't need to be so complicated. We make choices as to what is important and often choose to take on too much in our lives. Even when we face such situations in our lives we do have far more choices than we see.
Thanks!
Monday, April 02, 2007
Rachel Corrie and Jonathan Kozol
Yesterday we saw a very well done production of: "My Name is Rachel Corrie" and afterwards heard her parents and sister and others talk about the play and her life. Rachel Corrie was killed at age 23 by an Israeli Defense Force bulldozer just over four years ago in Rafah in Gaza trying to prevent the demolition of Palestinian homes there.
The play was written for a single narrator (Rachel Corrie) speaking from her diaries, emails and other writings about her life. The play portrays her as a lively, fascinating individual questioning much in worlds trying to work to make our lives better for All of us humans.
The play is very political, but also very personal and beautiful in exploring what is important in life (for all of us) as well how she was quirky and funny in many ways. I was crying at various times as the seriousness of her life grew once she arrived in Gaza shortly before her death.
I am reading Jonathan Kozol's "The Shame of the Nation: The Restoration of Apartheid Schooling in America" a fascinating book helping expose the underbelly of the U.S.'s public school system. Kozol's books are always fascinating and scary as he talks with poor, generally Black children in our inner cities.
Both Corrie and Kozol point to the need for all of us to work in many different ways to help make our planet a better place. They both indict the leadership of the U.S. in multiple ways as well as exposing the need for major changes in much in our lives and the lives of others affected by our lives.
Thanks1
The play was written for a single narrator (Rachel Corrie) speaking from her diaries, emails and other writings about her life. The play portrays her as a lively, fascinating individual questioning much in worlds trying to work to make our lives better for All of us humans.
The play is very political, but also very personal and beautiful in exploring what is important in life (for all of us) as well how she was quirky and funny in many ways. I was crying at various times as the seriousness of her life grew once she arrived in Gaza shortly before her death.
I am reading Jonathan Kozol's "The Shame of the Nation: The Restoration of Apartheid Schooling in America" a fascinating book helping expose the underbelly of the U.S.'s public school system. Kozol's books are always fascinating and scary as he talks with poor, generally Black children in our inner cities.
Both Corrie and Kozol point to the need for all of us to work in many different ways to help make our planet a better place. They both indict the leadership of the U.S. in multiple ways as well as exposing the need for major changes in much in our lives and the lives of others affected by our lives.
Thanks1
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Resignations - Corruption in the Bush Administration
--- "I can not tell a lie. I have never lied." ---
Such a statement reflects my perspective on the basic tenets of the Bush adminstration.
Mr. Bush and his advisors seem to believe that they know what is best for all of us at least nearly all the time. Where we agree with them - great, where we disagree with them - we are simply WRONG - and they will do things the RIGHT way.
The pressures on Bush to force his Attorney General to resign are another example of someone being caught doing wrong and when the political pressures are too great, he'll be gone (assuming this happens which seems likely now).
When someone such as Colin Powell (it seems like an eternity ago) stands up for himself or wants to, s/he must decide whether to leave or to keep their mouth shut.
Fortunately - reality - The War in Iraq, the draconian changes in laws such as in the Patriot Act and many other things show clearly a few people who have created far, far more terrorists than they've weeded out and whose vision of the world leaves out many of us.
Most of us face a world where tax cuts for the wealthy primarily are not our highest priority. Most of us face a world where health care needs are not simply tax credits which do not take care of the needs of the poor and often are not helpful or unnecessary for the well off.
Most of us face a world where we increasingly see how veterans' care neglect is the norm, not an exception as "little people" don't matter and people with wealth already have the ins to get what they want.
Most of us see advisors like Karl Rove and Dick Cheney seeking a world where we are not important.
Sound bites and lies can delay the truth being told, but the truth will start coming out eventually. One can only hope that more Democratic politicians will start to develop a backbone (and some depth to their thinking) and some Republican politicians will see it in their own self-interest to begin to change.
The politics of deception are the norm today. Mr. Bush's "compassionate conservatism" and "faith" have been shown for what they are.
Hopefully more of us will do more to bring about substantive change!
Thanks!
Such a statement reflects my perspective on the basic tenets of the Bush adminstration.
Mr. Bush and his advisors seem to believe that they know what is best for all of us at least nearly all the time. Where we agree with them - great, where we disagree with them - we are simply WRONG - and they will do things the RIGHT way.
The pressures on Bush to force his Attorney General to resign are another example of someone being caught doing wrong and when the political pressures are too great, he'll be gone (assuming this happens which seems likely now).
When someone such as Colin Powell (it seems like an eternity ago) stands up for himself or wants to, s/he must decide whether to leave or to keep their mouth shut.
Fortunately - reality - The War in Iraq, the draconian changes in laws such as in the Patriot Act and many other things show clearly a few people who have created far, far more terrorists than they've weeded out and whose vision of the world leaves out many of us.
Most of us face a world where tax cuts for the wealthy primarily are not our highest priority. Most of us face a world where health care needs are not simply tax credits which do not take care of the needs of the poor and often are not helpful or unnecessary for the well off.
Most of us face a world where we increasingly see how veterans' care neglect is the norm, not an exception as "little people" don't matter and people with wealth already have the ins to get what they want.
Most of us see advisors like Karl Rove and Dick Cheney seeking a world where we are not important.
Sound bites and lies can delay the truth being told, but the truth will start coming out eventually. One can only hope that more Democratic politicians will start to develop a backbone (and some depth to their thinking) and some Republican politicians will see it in their own self-interest to begin to change.
The politics of deception are the norm today. Mr. Bush's "compassionate conservatism" and "faith" have been shown for what they are.
Hopefully more of us will do more to bring about substantive change!
Thanks!
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Grieving
Tears Under The Sea
- Surging Up - then
slowly sweeping ashore
Diffuse
Quiet - as Memories are Stirred
Images over many Years
Her Smile -
her Gentle - Strong
caring love
Her Inner Beauty - shared and Visible
No More -
The Cancer took her Away from Us
A full life she had
Giving to Many -
- her large family
- the students and others she counseled
- neighbors and friends
were Helped
in so Many ways.
In my childhood
her kindness wasn't as visible to me
She was different (in my image)
- seemingly simple - not fashionable
but kind and loving
Later on she Saved
one Important to Me
in So Many Ways
Taking a young, troubled Adult
- who hadn't made it through his childhood Intact
Accepting him -
when He was Weak,
Trying to help him
find his path
Becoming - over Time
His Surrogate Mother
A small, but vital part
of the many loving,
caring things she did
for all around her.
Most of her dreams -
She made real -
with children, grandchildren and great grandchildren,
caring for other Children,
Having - a house
Open to others
who Sought sustenance, advice and Learning -
Helping her Learn
the Yiddishkite
That was her life
Now - Others close to her
must move on -
saddened, but having taken in
a Rare gift
in many, many different ways.
Death is an awakening
Bringing individually
Our Spirits - more Alive
Teaching us - we are a little more
than we've seen and believed,
Helping our hearts - reopen
and Be.
I'm sad - but happy to have had my life
Touched and given such a gift
Lucky to have been able to
Say - My Farewell
a Month ago
and to now
Feel the loss and much more
in my life as I return home.
Words - fail -
Feelings - Memories
linger on
Now and Beyond
3/19/2007
(My aunt - 77 - died early 3/17/2007 after nearly two years of facing cancer)
- Surging Up - then
slowly sweeping ashore
Diffuse
Quiet - as Memories are Stirred
Images over many Years
Her Smile -
her Gentle - Strong
caring love
Her Inner Beauty - shared and Visible
No More -
The Cancer took her Away from Us
A full life she had
Giving to Many -
- her large family
- the students and others she counseled
- neighbors and friends
were Helped
in so Many ways.
In my childhood
her kindness wasn't as visible to me
She was different (in my image)
- seemingly simple - not fashionable
but kind and loving
Later on she Saved
one Important to Me
in So Many Ways
Taking a young, troubled Adult
- who hadn't made it through his childhood Intact
Accepting him -
when He was Weak,
Trying to help him
find his path
Becoming - over Time
His Surrogate Mother
A small, but vital part
of the many loving,
caring things she did
for all around her.
Most of her dreams -
She made real -
with children, grandchildren and great grandchildren,
caring for other Children,
Having - a house
Open to others
who Sought sustenance, advice and Learning -
Helping her Learn
the Yiddishkite
That was her life
Now - Others close to her
must move on -
saddened, but having taken in
a Rare gift
in many, many different ways.
Death is an awakening
Bringing individually
Our Spirits - more Alive
Teaching us - we are a little more
than we've seen and believed,
Helping our hearts - reopen
and Be.
I'm sad - but happy to have had my life
Touched and given such a gift
Lucky to have been able to
Say - My Farewell
a Month ago
and to now
Feel the loss and much more
in my life as I return home.
Words - fail -
Feelings - Memories
linger on
Now and Beyond
3/19/2007
(My aunt - 77 - died early 3/17/2007 after nearly two years of facing cancer)
Friday, March 09, 2007
Rojo - with protection + Onyx (after his surgery)
Rojo has 5+ days of wearing the plastic cover after he was neutered yesterday.
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Heroism - "Serving Our Country"
I'm having a lot of difficulty accepting the purported Heroism of our soldiers in Iraq and elsewhere. In saying this I'm not saying that our soldiers aren't necessarily sincere, nor questioning their feelings that may be called "patriotism" by themselves and others.
Though it is an exaggerated and not similar example, I think of a gang member who saves the life of his comrade through pulling him away from a bullet that might have killed him. Such a young man (or woman) is doing a good deed and saving the life of another.
One may argue that being in a gang isn't "patriotic" and that being in the military is. I will agree with the former statement, but disagree with the latter one.
One of the biggest problems our country has faced over many years is its irrational support of military, rather than diplomatic solutions to problems it sees. If Iraq (or for some Vietnam and Iraq) were the only "mistakes" and if "mistakes" weren't Simply because: "we didn't win", but rather because the cause was wrong, then I might see things differently.
The United States Government does do some good around the world. We also have a history of invading and otherwise controling the economic interests of others through the world where we have economic interests. For a long time this meant The Americas as we dominated in many smaller countries. Increasingly things like oil and other valuable resources become more and more important in other parts of the world.
I don't see the legitimacy of the current government in Iraq. It serves at the pleasure of the U.S. I don't see how we are "doing good" in our entire operation in Iraq. Certainly some good things are done for the people, however at least as many bad things are also done. I don't see how we can know who should legimately rule this country. Unfortunately we've created such a mess that the Iraqis may go through a lot more pain until they figure out how to run their own country, assuming that we even let them do that at some point in time.
We have a clear responsibility to do our best to make peace in Palestine - The West Bank and Gaza. The U.S. has interfered with peace efforts that the Israelis have made and helped make peace much more elusive. We could help end the losses of life and economic oppression as well as the lives of fear that both Israelis and Palestinians have today.
We aren't doing this now! The U.S. is clearly allied with the Israelis and against the Palestinians. A "neutral stance" and pressure could help both sides find peace.
I think that we have many heroes among us! Many incredible people help children, adults and elderly people be educated, be physically and mentally healthy, as well as doing many other things for others. Some famous people like like the actor Danny Glover help push for a society free of oppression.
For me a lot of the true heroes don't seek fame and often don't get it. Men like Paul Kivel of Oakland, California, commit themselves to issues of racism, sexism, and even progressive Judiasm and help all of us and our children. Far, far more women such as Alice Walker and Marion Wright Edelman have helped millions of people in the U.S. and elsewhere have better lives.
Our soldiers mean well. Far too many of them are in Iraq because they need the money from their service and because they have had a faith in the leadership of this country. I admire Ehren Watada and others who at least in part resist what they see as wrong.
Patriotism comes from building our country and the world to be a better place! I know that most soldiers want to think and some do think that they are doing this in the military.
I believe that building peace and love and caring and a world free of oppression is the true way we can serve our country and be a hero.
Thank you!
Though it is an exaggerated and not similar example, I think of a gang member who saves the life of his comrade through pulling him away from a bullet that might have killed him. Such a young man (or woman) is doing a good deed and saving the life of another.
One may argue that being in a gang isn't "patriotic" and that being in the military is. I will agree with the former statement, but disagree with the latter one.
One of the biggest problems our country has faced over many years is its irrational support of military, rather than diplomatic solutions to problems it sees. If Iraq (or for some Vietnam and Iraq) were the only "mistakes" and if "mistakes" weren't Simply because: "we didn't win", but rather because the cause was wrong, then I might see things differently.
The United States Government does do some good around the world. We also have a history of invading and otherwise controling the economic interests of others through the world where we have economic interests. For a long time this meant The Americas as we dominated in many smaller countries. Increasingly things like oil and other valuable resources become more and more important in other parts of the world.
I don't see the legitimacy of the current government in Iraq. It serves at the pleasure of the U.S. I don't see how we are "doing good" in our entire operation in Iraq. Certainly some good things are done for the people, however at least as many bad things are also done. I don't see how we can know who should legimately rule this country. Unfortunately we've created such a mess that the Iraqis may go through a lot more pain until they figure out how to run their own country, assuming that we even let them do that at some point in time.
We have a clear responsibility to do our best to make peace in Palestine - The West Bank and Gaza. The U.S. has interfered with peace efforts that the Israelis have made and helped make peace much more elusive. We could help end the losses of life and economic oppression as well as the lives of fear that both Israelis and Palestinians have today.
We aren't doing this now! The U.S. is clearly allied with the Israelis and against the Palestinians. A "neutral stance" and pressure could help both sides find peace.
I think that we have many heroes among us! Many incredible people help children, adults and elderly people be educated, be physically and mentally healthy, as well as doing many other things for others. Some famous people like like the actor Danny Glover help push for a society free of oppression.
For me a lot of the true heroes don't seek fame and often don't get it. Men like Paul Kivel of Oakland, California, commit themselves to issues of racism, sexism, and even progressive Judiasm and help all of us and our children. Far, far more women such as Alice Walker and Marion Wright Edelman have helped millions of people in the U.S. and elsewhere have better lives.
Our soldiers mean well. Far too many of them are in Iraq because they need the money from their service and because they have had a faith in the leadership of this country. I admire Ehren Watada and others who at least in part resist what they see as wrong.
Patriotism comes from building our country and the world to be a better place! I know that most soldiers want to think and some do think that they are doing this in the military.
I believe that building peace and love and caring and a world free of oppression is the true way we can serve our country and be a hero.
Thank you!
Thursday, March 01, 2007
"I didn't Mean it That Way"
Often in life we make statements that may not sound to the listener the way we think we intended the words to be heard:
I didn't mean that I don't love you but .....
Of course I respect you my child. What I said to you was for the best even though you may not see it that way now.
I have nothing against (take your pick): Arabs, Jews, Feminists, Black People ... Some of my best friends are (take your pick).
Upon hearing that my partner (Black Woman) is Jewish: "Oh, you and Sammy Davis Jr.
Frequently the statements are not as blatant. The person listening may have had a lot of painful experiences in their life related to what the other person is seemingly flippantly saying.
As a White Man I often don't realize how others who may be Female, of Color, or of a Working Class Background may be "translating" in their daily lives, making the dominant culture people such as me "comfortable" and living in a "foreign" world for themselves (at least in the area I'm talking about).
Listening and really hearing, feeling and thinking all can help a little at least!
Thanks!
I didn't mean that I don't love you but .....
Of course I respect you my child. What I said to you was for the best even though you may not see it that way now.
I have nothing against (take your pick): Arabs, Jews, Feminists, Black People ... Some of my best friends are (take your pick).
Upon hearing that my partner (Black Woman) is Jewish: "Oh, you and Sammy Davis Jr.
Frequently the statements are not as blatant. The person listening may have had a lot of painful experiences in their life related to what the other person is seemingly flippantly saying.
As a White Man I often don't realize how others who may be Female, of Color, or of a Working Class Background may be "translating" in their daily lives, making the dominant culture people such as me "comfortable" and living in a "foreign" world for themselves (at least in the area I'm talking about).
Listening and really hearing, feeling and thinking all can help a little at least!
Thanks!
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Palestinian - Jewish Communication etc.
Last evening I attended a meeting with nine others to try to begin coordinating plans for peace related events towards ending the occupation of The West Bank and Gaza for the 40th Anniversary of the beginning of the Occupation (in June, 2007).
We were: three Palestinians, four Jews and probably three White Christian ("normal folks").
We had few visible boundaries between us and much mutual respect.
It is strange how "Muslims" are in the U.S. this scary monolithic people who we are so afraid of.
It is also strange how most people in the U.S. don't understand the importance to millions of people in other parts of the world (many of whom are Muslim) of the Palestinian people having their own completely independent state.
I will continue feeling a need to work with other Jews, in cooperation with others to try to help change things for the better in the U.S. primarily seeking changes in U.S. foreign policy. While Jewish Israelis are certainly not the sole "problem", their fears must be dealt with in building peace for all in this part of the Middle East. It will take work among all - U.S. people and leadership, the Palestinians, other Arab and nearby countries and the Israelis to finally achieve peace.
Let's not pretend though that the hurts of the wars and the occupation have hurt Israel and Jews More than they've affected the Palestinians. 40 years of occupation and 59 years of the State of Israel have greatly affected the Palestinians. The Palestinians aren't a meaningless part of the Arab/Muslim world which lack importance any more than we, the Jews of the U.S., are meaningless because we don't live in Israel.
Thanks!
Thanks!
We were: three Palestinians, four Jews and probably three White Christian ("normal folks").
We had few visible boundaries between us and much mutual respect.
It is strange how "Muslims" are in the U.S. this scary monolithic people who we are so afraid of.
It is also strange how most people in the U.S. don't understand the importance to millions of people in other parts of the world (many of whom are Muslim) of the Palestinian people having their own completely independent state.
I will continue feeling a need to work with other Jews, in cooperation with others to try to help change things for the better in the U.S. primarily seeking changes in U.S. foreign policy. While Jewish Israelis are certainly not the sole "problem", their fears must be dealt with in building peace for all in this part of the Middle East. It will take work among all - U.S. people and leadership, the Palestinians, other Arab and nearby countries and the Israelis to finally achieve peace.
Let's not pretend though that the hurts of the wars and the occupation have hurt Israel and Jews More than they've affected the Palestinians. 40 years of occupation and 59 years of the State of Israel have greatly affected the Palestinians. The Palestinians aren't a meaningless part of the Arab/Muslim world which lack importance any more than we, the Jews of the U.S., are meaningless because we don't live in Israel.
Thanks!
Thanks!
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
A Different World - I May Not Understand
I, a White Man, live with my Black Partner and her two (biracial) children who are now 8 and 11 years old. I also have a son from my first marriage who is attending an Ivy League University. We are certainly "upper-middle class" and indeed our family income is around three times the median income for our area.
The first week of school I met the mother of a classmate of our 8 year old in the halls of their school. She has a child in the fifth grade, in whose classroom I work as a parent volunteer, as well as an 18-19 year old son I've never met. She is White and her husband is Black.
Q, the fifth grader, dresses nicely and is a cooperative, pleasant boy. He clearly struggles academically, though he seems to fit in fairly well with his classmates. R, our fifth grader, has been accepted in the public schools' gifted program which should allow him in middle school to have his core classes with other similar children.
My 19 year old son S got over a 4.0 grade point average 2nd semester last year and dipped "significantly" to a little over a 3.6 gpa last semester. This woman's 18-19 year old's girlfriend gave birth to a child a few months ago. The woman told me that the girlfriend had lied about her age to her son and was only 15 (perhaps 16 by now).
I'm retired and on a federal pension. My partner has an excellent job she will start soon, with temporary work since her last job ended. This woman has told me that her husband needs to lose a signifcant amount of weight before he can safely have major surgery he needs to be able to have a chance at working again. She quit her job to take care of him and now has her three children, the girlfriend (fiance) and the grandbaby in her household.
We live in a different world from these people! My guess is that we don't understand their issues and struggles and probably they know little of what we face.
There are other divides in our country and the world. I hope that we can learn from each other and accept and care for each other. Thanks!
The first week of school I met the mother of a classmate of our 8 year old in the halls of their school. She has a child in the fifth grade, in whose classroom I work as a parent volunteer, as well as an 18-19 year old son I've never met. She is White and her husband is Black.
Q, the fifth grader, dresses nicely and is a cooperative, pleasant boy. He clearly struggles academically, though he seems to fit in fairly well with his classmates. R, our fifth grader, has been accepted in the public schools' gifted program which should allow him in middle school to have his core classes with other similar children.
My 19 year old son S got over a 4.0 grade point average 2nd semester last year and dipped "significantly" to a little over a 3.6 gpa last semester. This woman's 18-19 year old's girlfriend gave birth to a child a few months ago. The woman told me that the girlfriend had lied about her age to her son and was only 15 (perhaps 16 by now).
I'm retired and on a federal pension. My partner has an excellent job she will start soon, with temporary work since her last job ended. This woman has told me that her husband needs to lose a signifcant amount of weight before he can safely have major surgery he needs to be able to have a chance at working again. She quit her job to take care of him and now has her three children, the girlfriend (fiance) and the grandbaby in her household.
We live in a different world from these people! My guess is that we don't understand their issues and struggles and probably they know little of what we face.
There are other divides in our country and the world. I hope that we can learn from each other and accept and care for each other. Thanks!
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Those "Feisty???" Democrats ???
It seems pathetic that the Democrats in Congress can speak so seemingly strongly against President Bush's Iraq failures and general policies, but then can't unify and work minimally with some Republicans where helpful to really take a STRONG stand against current policy!
I don't hear anyone saying that we should oppose the individual troop members in Iraq. I don't hear anyone saying that we should do any more than trying to help end the killing and let the Iraqis determine their own future without our interference.
Yes there may be chaos if/when U.S. troops are withdrawn! There certainly is plenty of chaos now also.
The grandstanding and protecting of posteriors seems more important than actually working to end the War! Obviously "the people" haven't spoken loud enough yet to really change things more than superficially.
Thanks!
I don't hear anyone saying that we should oppose the individual troop members in Iraq. I don't hear anyone saying that we should do any more than trying to help end the killing and let the Iraqis determine their own future without our interference.
Yes there may be chaos if/when U.S. troops are withdrawn! There certainly is plenty of chaos now also.
The grandstanding and protecting of posteriors seems more important than actually working to end the War! Obviously "the people" haven't spoken loud enough yet to really change things more than superficially.
Thanks!
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Candidate Predicting for 2008
My perspective is hardly insightful or unique!
The Democratic Party seems more predictable than the Republicans.
I'd be very surprised if the Democratic Party contenders don't narrow down to:
Hillary Clinton
Barack Obama and
John Edwards
very quickly. None of the other Democratic candidates seem likely to be able to raise enough money and have visibility to compete.
The main questions about Clinton seem to be:
1.) Is she electable? - Does she have too many people opposed to her to win a general election?
2.) Her position(s) on Iraq also may come into question particularly if Democrats push towards the more - "pull out now" direction which much of the electorate seems to favor.
The questions about Obama seem to be:
1.) Is the country really ready for a Black President?
2.) Where does he really stand on most issues?
3.) Is he too inexperienced as a politician?
The questions about Edwards seem to be:
1.) Will his strategy of being "the liberal candidate" (or most liberal) work?
2.) Can he move up from the #3 position and be in the limelight?
It seems hard to predict what may happen!
The Republicans may have more potential major candidates if Bush's position on the War remains unpopular towards the end of 2007. If Bush looks "good" on the War (doubtful) John McCain may pull into the lead well ahead of other candidates.
If McCain's stance in support of Bush now - doesn't prove popular, I'd guess that:
Chuck Nagel - would be the "middle of the road favorite" and perhaps
Sam Brownback would be the "traditional Conservative" choice and
maybe Mitt Romney will become a major Conservative candidate.
We'll see what happens! A lot can change in 2007 and in early 2008.
Perhaps - the voting public will have a little input ???
Thanks!
The Democratic Party seems more predictable than the Republicans.
I'd be very surprised if the Democratic Party contenders don't narrow down to:
Hillary Clinton
Barack Obama and
John Edwards
very quickly. None of the other Democratic candidates seem likely to be able to raise enough money and have visibility to compete.
The main questions about Clinton seem to be:
1.) Is she electable? - Does she have too many people opposed to her to win a general election?
2.) Her position(s) on Iraq also may come into question particularly if Democrats push towards the more - "pull out now" direction which much of the electorate seems to favor.
The questions about Obama seem to be:
1.) Is the country really ready for a Black President?
2.) Where does he really stand on most issues?
3.) Is he too inexperienced as a politician?
The questions about Edwards seem to be:
1.) Will his strategy of being "the liberal candidate" (or most liberal) work?
2.) Can he move up from the #3 position and be in the limelight?
It seems hard to predict what may happen!
The Republicans may have more potential major candidates if Bush's position on the War remains unpopular towards the end of 2007. If Bush looks "good" on the War (doubtful) John McCain may pull into the lead well ahead of other candidates.
If McCain's stance in support of Bush now - doesn't prove popular, I'd guess that:
Chuck Nagel - would be the "middle of the road favorite" and perhaps
Sam Brownback would be the "traditional Conservative" choice and
maybe Mitt Romney will become a major Conservative candidate.
We'll see what happens! A lot can change in 2007 and in early 2008.
Perhaps - the voting public will have a little input ???
Thanks!
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Combatants For Peace - An Interesting Group !
Combatants For Peace - is a most interesting group!
Hearing a Palestinian former "terrorist" talking with an Israeli Jewish former counter-intelligence specialist (Israeli Army) of the necessary dialogue between Palestinians and Israeli Jews was most positively illuminating!
These two men spoke of their pasts, the forces from both of their pasts who inflame things with violence and the need to break down the distrust between their peoples.
Talking of the need for dialogue to build a true, lasting peace was most helpful for me! Their patience and realization that it will take time to be successful working with non-violence (only) is very true to me.
www.combatantsforpeace.org. Another important group together with: Tikkun, Jewish Voice for Peace, Brit Tsedek among Jews and other groups representing others.
Thanks!
Hearing a Palestinian former "terrorist" talking with an Israeli Jewish former counter-intelligence specialist (Israeli Army) of the necessary dialogue between Palestinians and Israeli Jews was most positively illuminating!
These two men spoke of their pasts, the forces from both of their pasts who inflame things with violence and the need to break down the distrust between their peoples.
Talking of the need for dialogue to build a true, lasting peace was most helpful for me! Their patience and realization that it will take time to be successful working with non-violence (only) is very true to me.
www.combatantsforpeace.org. Another important group together with: Tikkun, Jewish Voice for Peace, Brit Tsedek among Jews and other groups representing others.
Thanks!
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Monday, February 05, 2007
The Exodus from Iraq
Based upon the data I quoted about the Middle East and the U.S. recently Iraq's population is approximately 1/11th of the population of the United States.
Based upon the numbers shown in an article originally written by Sudarsan Raghavan of the Washington Post entitled: "Exodus from Iraq creates friction in Middle East" if one were to multiply the given Iraqi numbers by eleven, we would have:
1. Almost 22 million who had fled our country,
2. 18.7 additional millionwho had been forced to move to safer places in the U.S.
3. As many as 550,000 USians fleeing their homes each month.
It's hard for me to imagine such staggering numbers.
Similarly, suicide bombings that kill 30 to 120 or so Iraqis would be killing - 330 to 1320 Usians - quite regularly lately at least!
This is pretty scary to me! We talk of the 3000 (now) + dead USian soldiers.
Pretty scary (and unnecessary) !!!
Thanks!
Based upon the numbers shown in an article originally written by Sudarsan Raghavan of the Washington Post entitled: "Exodus from Iraq creates friction in Middle East" if one were to multiply the given Iraqi numbers by eleven, we would have:
1. Almost 22 million who had fled our country,
2. 18.7 additional millionwho had been forced to move to safer places in the U.S.
3. As many as 550,000 USians fleeing their homes each month.
It's hard for me to imagine such staggering numbers.
Similarly, suicide bombings that kill 30 to 120 or so Iraqis would be killing - 330 to 1320 Usians - quite regularly lately at least!
This is pretty scary to me! We talk of the 3000 (now) + dead USian soldiers.
Pretty scary (and unnecessary) !!!
Thanks!
Sunday, February 04, 2007
The US - and "interests" - and control ???
Below are some population figures I just got off the internet. The U.S. spends more money on its military than the rest of the world put together (or close to it). The U.S. has a "larger" economy that its population would otherwise indicate. The U.S. also uses a disproportionate amount of the world's resources.
I think a little humility (including Listening, Really Listening to people in other countries) might be a good idea for our leadership and our people.
We have around 4.5% of the world's population and are dwarfed by China and India. The Middle East and neighboring relevant countries have a population greater than ours. Our national debts each year, deficits in exports vs. imports and amount of our economy which is owned by others from outside the USA - all point to our weakening position in the world - outside of our military strength.
Thanks!
George
I think a little humility (including Listening, Really Listening to people in other countries) might be a good idea for our leadership and our people.
We have around 4.5% of the world's population and are dwarfed by China and India. The Middle East and neighboring relevant countries have a population greater than ours. Our national debts each year, deficits in exports vs. imports and amount of our economy which is owned by others from outside the USA - all point to our weakening position in the world - outside of our military strength.
Thanks!
George
http://www.photius.com/wfb1999/rankings/population_0.html (1999)
1 World5,995,544,836
2 China 1,246,871,951
3 India1,000,848,550
4 United States272,639,608
5 Indonesia216,108,345
6 Brazil171,853,126
7 Russia146,393,569
8 Pakistan138,123,359
9 Bangladesh127,117,967
10 Japan126,182,077
11 Nigeria113,828,587
12 Mexico100,294,036
13 Germany82,087,361
14 Philippines79,345,812
15 Vietnam77,311,210
16 Egypt67,273,906
17 Turkey65,599,206
18 Iran65,179,752
19 Thailand60,609,046
20 Ethiopia59,680,383
http://www.mnsu.edu/emuseum/information/population/ (figures change by the minute there)
TOTAL: 334 Million (adding only the million totals)
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