A 7.0 earthquake struck Haiti on January 12th killing as many as 500,000 people.† At that time, the island nation was still struggling to recover from the aftermath of several hurricanes. The suffering continues.
Haiti is plagued by a toxic stew of social ills: pervasive poverty, unstable government, poor building standards and low literacy rates. In addition, deforestation has destroyed 98% of the island's forest cover. This causes erosion leaving them further vulnerable to mudslides and massive flooding.
In confluence with trees felled by continuing natural catastrophe, Haiti leads the hemisphere in tree-clearing. The trees are cut down mostly for cooking because of their extreme poverty. Combined with Haiti's location in a hurricane track and its unstable tectonics, they are caught in a vicious cycle of calamity. Their island's infrastructure cannot adequately prepare them for disaster, it cannot support their recovery, and it in fact makes them more vulnerable in the future.
All that can change, however. A grassroots movement called Yéle Haiti seeks to inspire change through programs in education, sports, the arts and the environment. By building Haiti back up from the ground up, there is hope that they can finally be delivered from continuing disaster. They cannot do it alone, though.
Help me support their recovery efforts, including the planting of new trees to prevent further flooding and devastation. Visibly demonstrate your support by clicking on my Yéle Haiti banner. All you need do is complete simple activities and corporate sponsors will provide the dollars. The price of saving a human life comes very cheaply indeed.
Isn’t human life and hope worth a minute of your time? Please take a few moments now to help end the suffering!
(Yéle Haiti is sponsored by Sony, Visa & other companies, and also accessible via SocialVibe on the Internet.)
† As relayed by Senator Youri Latortue to the Associated Press.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Smoke a Doobie for Jesus
Marijuana is still illegal in all 50 of the United States. Despite recent debate and controversy over medical usage, the universal ban on a substance reportedly used by 41% of the population remains firmly in place. Mind you, that's 31% more of the population than are supposedly homosexual (oh dear!), yet this particular behavior is still a legally prohibited taboo. Oddly, the bible doesn't mention marijuana even once. It's a stretch to say it even mentions drugs of any kind, other than alcohol. Nonetheless, the moral majority still believes that this prohibition is an act of enlightened social intervention and in harmony with God's will.
Christians and Jews have cited Galatians 5:19-21 as a moral justification for condemning narcotics. Specifically, this passage, unique in the bible, claims that individuals will never know the kingdom of heaven by virtue of indulging in "pharmakeia." This can either be translated as either: a) the use or the administering of drugs; or b) sorcery. I doubt anyone would seriously consider the smoking of marijuana as sorcery, so let's focus on the first definition.
There is no distinction denoted between good or bad drugs. The definition of which is which is irrelevant for the moment, however. What is pertinent is that prominent members of the global religious community, including the Popes, indulge in the use of drugs when they deem it necessary. Simply look to any one of their hospitalizations for an indisputable example of their indulgences in this regard. In short, when it serves one's own purposes, the literal interpretation of biblical text is conveniently discarded by moral authorities.
To disobey god in one instance and honor him in another regarding the same prohibition is not only inconsistent, it is blasphemy. Regardless of your religious or political affiliations, it is easy to identify a hypocrite when that person does not even respect their own doctrines. Or perhaps, simply, they were twisting a vague bit of scripture to their own ends when it suited them. Maybe God did mean sorcery after all, and not medicine and drugs.
Now none of this answers the question regarding whether God cares about marijuana specifically. However, given factual scripture, He, through his supposed, representative scribes, has absolutely nothing to say on the subject. He does have rather a lot to say about condemning alcohol though. One might even conjecture that He would prefer you smoke weed rather than get drunk. Certainly society would prefer you consign yourself to watching cartoons or rambling inanely than beating and maiming your wife and children. No doubt, they would as well.
In short, it all comes down to interpretation. Of course, that interpretation is rather threadbare. Either the God of the Hebrews is a moron, or He saw more of a danger in alcohol than in other narcotics. That behavioral studies uphold his apparent wisdom is ignored by our elected representatives. Or perhaps their conspiracy is more sinister. They would prefer you imbibe a substance that renders you a moron, rather than ones that make you more resistant to authority. And of course leniency in this regard would limit the market value of resold narcotics seized from American citizens. How else would the past few American administrations fund their secret wars but by the sale of such?
So smoke a doobie for Jesus, and turn the other cheek to your neighbor as is your natural inclination while so imbibing. God doesn't care, and your government, despite its protestations, demands your consumerism in this regard. Your chosen representatives and religious leaders will throw you in jail, anyway. However, remain steadfast and ignore their support of an ever-growing war machine. Instead, choose to awake to a sense of universal peace and brotherhood. That's what God intended, and nothing shall prosper that stands before you should you choose that path.
Christians and Jews have cited Galatians 5:19-21 as a moral justification for condemning narcotics. Specifically, this passage, unique in the bible, claims that individuals will never know the kingdom of heaven by virtue of indulging in "pharmakeia." This can either be translated as either: a) the use or the administering of drugs; or b) sorcery. I doubt anyone would seriously consider the smoking of marijuana as sorcery, so let's focus on the first definition.
There is no distinction denoted between good or bad drugs. The definition of which is which is irrelevant for the moment, however. What is pertinent is that prominent members of the global religious community, including the Popes, indulge in the use of drugs when they deem it necessary. Simply look to any one of their hospitalizations for an indisputable example of their indulgences in this regard. In short, when it serves one's own purposes, the literal interpretation of biblical text is conveniently discarded by moral authorities.
To disobey god in one instance and honor him in another regarding the same prohibition is not only inconsistent, it is blasphemy. Regardless of your religious or political affiliations, it is easy to identify a hypocrite when that person does not even respect their own doctrines. Or perhaps, simply, they were twisting a vague bit of scripture to their own ends when it suited them. Maybe God did mean sorcery after all, and not medicine and drugs.
Now none of this answers the question regarding whether God cares about marijuana specifically. However, given factual scripture, He, through his supposed, representative scribes, has absolutely nothing to say on the subject. He does have rather a lot to say about condemning alcohol though. One might even conjecture that He would prefer you smoke weed rather than get drunk. Certainly society would prefer you consign yourself to watching cartoons or rambling inanely than beating and maiming your wife and children. No doubt, they would as well.
In short, it all comes down to interpretation. Of course, that interpretation is rather threadbare. Either the God of the Hebrews is a moron, or He saw more of a danger in alcohol than in other narcotics. That behavioral studies uphold his apparent wisdom is ignored by our elected representatives. Or perhaps their conspiracy is more sinister. They would prefer you imbibe a substance that renders you a moron, rather than ones that make you more resistant to authority. And of course leniency in this regard would limit the market value of resold narcotics seized from American citizens. How else would the past few American administrations fund their secret wars but by the sale of such?
So smoke a doobie for Jesus, and turn the other cheek to your neighbor as is your natural inclination while so imbibing. God doesn't care, and your government, despite its protestations, demands your consumerism in this regard. Your chosen representatives and religious leaders will throw you in jail, anyway. However, remain steadfast and ignore their support of an ever-growing war machine. Instead, choose to awake to a sense of universal peace and brotherhood. That's what God intended, and nothing shall prosper that stands before you should you choose that path.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
The Bank Bailout—Here We Go Again
So we're probably all wondering why the United States is spending trillions of dollars bailing out billionaires. Let's not be stupid. The obvious answer is that those dollars are trickling down into the pockets and secret offshore accounts of our irresponsible governors and their cronies. Back in 2008, they were Republicans. Today, they are Democrats.
If anyone still harbors enough idealism to believe there is any ideological difference between Republicans and Democrats, please dispel any such notions before you look foolish. In truth, the only difference between the two camps is to which competing fraternity they belonged during their formative years. This has all the apparent difference of routing for either the Mets or the Yankees. Both teams are battling for the favor of the same political demesne. Both serve Gotham. Both have conspicuously similar agendas and voting records.
A curious notion was presented to me by one American citizen: why not simply distribute the total cash value of the bank bailout amongst the American citizenry? If we're going to embrace socialism, why not do so to the profit of every American? Why support a system of corrupt, failing, financial institutions, when we can bolster our shaky economy more directly? Perhaps allowing Americans to pay for their own bailout is simply too silly a notion for Congress.
More practically, why not let the banks fail, like any other American business, and be replaced by their leaner competitors. If our politicians support capitalism so faithfully, then why do they not allow it to function as it was meant to? To the jaded amongst us, the reason for our current alternative is obvious: A laissez-faire solution would only profit the People of the United States. It would not make those who hold political office or those who dictate the nature of our debased, oligarchic economy any wealthier.
Remarkably, Americans still vote for "their guy" on a regular basis believing that somehow, during the constancy if his/her apparently infinite term, this individual will do anything but continue their routine: to violate every single one of their god-given, constitutionally-guaranteed civil liberties while simultaneously expanding the powers of our central government. That the reality of our current situation is quite the opposite of paradise is in rare debate. But at whose feet can the blame for this situation be truly laid?
It's your fault.
You are to blame. You let the wolves rule the hen house. You let the barbarians breach the walls. You voted for monsters and yet wonder why we are left living a nightmare. Every single person you elected promised you disaster and gladly delivered on that promise. You simply weren't listening closely.
Is there a solution to this debacle? It's quite simple, but most probably won't act on it. First, simply toss out every single candidate at every level of government who holds office and has supported the current state of affairs. Second, refuse to elect any who promise anything less than a republic free of every brand of statism or grotesque privilege. Last, let those who are newly elected betray the public faith at their own peril.
Perhaps along that route of recovery, the American people may stumble. However, blindly continuing on our current road of disaster is nothing short of suicide. Bravely lift your heads, shake them clear of delusion and dismay, and move forward with clarity into prosperity. And mortgage your future for the sake your progeny, not your bankers.
If anyone still harbors enough idealism to believe there is any ideological difference between Republicans and Democrats, please dispel any such notions before you look foolish. In truth, the only difference between the two camps is to which competing fraternity they belonged during their formative years. This has all the apparent difference of routing for either the Mets or the Yankees. Both teams are battling for the favor of the same political demesne. Both serve Gotham. Both have conspicuously similar agendas and voting records.
A curious notion was presented to me by one American citizen: why not simply distribute the total cash value of the bank bailout amongst the American citizenry? If we're going to embrace socialism, why not do so to the profit of every American? Why support a system of corrupt, failing, financial institutions, when we can bolster our shaky economy more directly? Perhaps allowing Americans to pay for their own bailout is simply too silly a notion for Congress.
More practically, why not let the banks fail, like any other American business, and be replaced by their leaner competitors. If our politicians support capitalism so faithfully, then why do they not allow it to function as it was meant to? To the jaded amongst us, the reason for our current alternative is obvious: A laissez-faire solution would only profit the People of the United States. It would not make those who hold political office or those who dictate the nature of our debased, oligarchic economy any wealthier.
Remarkably, Americans still vote for "their guy" on a regular basis believing that somehow, during the constancy if his/her apparently infinite term, this individual will do anything but continue their routine: to violate every single one of their god-given, constitutionally-guaranteed civil liberties while simultaneously expanding the powers of our central government. That the reality of our current situation is quite the opposite of paradise is in rare debate. But at whose feet can the blame for this situation be truly laid?
It's your fault.
You are to blame. You let the wolves rule the hen house. You let the barbarians breach the walls. You voted for monsters and yet wonder why we are left living a nightmare. Every single person you elected promised you disaster and gladly delivered on that promise. You simply weren't listening closely.
Is there a solution to this debacle? It's quite simple, but most probably won't act on it. First, simply toss out every single candidate at every level of government who holds office and has supported the current state of affairs. Second, refuse to elect any who promise anything less than a republic free of every brand of statism or grotesque privilege. Last, let those who are newly elected betray the public faith at their own peril.
Perhaps along that route of recovery, the American people may stumble. However, blindly continuing on our current road of disaster is nothing short of suicide. Bravely lift your heads, shake them clear of delusion and dismay, and move forward with clarity into prosperity. And mortgage your future for the sake your progeny, not your bankers.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
The Good Rules
So many in the world are looking for edicts by which to rule their lives. In turn, they are often offered bloodshed, poverty, defilement or beguilement. Allow me to offer my own commandments, unbiased by mysticism, power or profit. Perhaps God had a hand in their inspiration, as I woke up this morning compelled to publish them. Wouldn't it be amazing if in a number of years these become the basis of some new philosophy or movement that didn't customarily include the slaughter or depredation of our fellow human beings? Be forewarned, however. These will lead to a greater state of joy and communion with the universe:
1) Existence exists, and so do you, your senses and consciousness. Explore them all.
2) Reason should be your only master. His mistress Faith only fills in the gaps where there is no information.
3) Contradictions cannot exist. Rethink your premises as necessary.
4) You are the purpose of your own life. Choose to be the best person you can be.
5) If it does no harm, do as you will.
6) Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
7) Envision what you desire, believe you are worthy and be grateful to receive. Steadfastness in this regard is most often required for the best things in life.
8) Posterity and real estate are the only lasting investments. Spend accordingly.
1) Existence exists, and so do you, your senses and consciousness. Explore them all.
2) Reason should be your only master. His mistress Faith only fills in the gaps where there is no information.
3) Contradictions cannot exist. Rethink your premises as necessary.
4) You are the purpose of your own life. Choose to be the best person you can be.
5) If it does no harm, do as you will.
6) Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
7) Envision what you desire, believe you are worthy and be grateful to receive. Steadfastness in this regard is most often required for the best things in life.
8) Posterity and real estate are the only lasting investments. Spend accordingly.
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