I have to talk about this. If you don't appreciate my political opinions, and you think this might put a bad taste in your mouth, close this window and move on to something else. This is too important to ignore.
Last weekend, Congresswoman Gabrielle Gifford (a Democrat from Arizona) was hosting a public town-hall event at a grocery store in Tucson. A young man named Jared Lee Loughner shot her point blank in the back of her head with a semi-automatic weapon. In the process, he also killed six people and injured 13 others. One of the victims was nine-year-old Christina Taylor Green. She was born on September 11, 2001 and was part of the Faces of Hope: Babies Born on 9/11 project.
We MUST talk about this senseless act of violence. It was clearly politically motivated. We don't know if Loughner was motivated by any particular politician or commentator, and we might never know. But it doesn't change the fact that the rhetoric in this county is out of control. That it wouldn't hurt a single one of us to dial back a bit and make sure we always communicate in a respectful manner.
With power, comes responsiblity.
I listen to the radio talk show host Ed Schultz regularly. He is very progressive, and very loud. And sometimes he's kind of arrogant, but I think he's spot-on with the issues of the day. Yesterday, when I tuned in to hear him, his message was basically this (paraphrased, of course): He said that everyone with a microphone has a responsibility, himself included. He said that he spent a big part of the weekend in self-reflection. He acknowledged that he's a partisan commentator, and has crossed the line in the past, and said that it was a good opportunity for him to consider how he relays his message.
Brilliant. Thank you, Ed. It's exactly what I wanted to hear from you. In light of such tragedy, some humility.
I'm not playing the Blame Game. It's not that I'm not interested. It's not that I don't care. It's just that there is no evidence. But every politician and commentator, in this world of communication and transparency, should take this opportunity to check themselves. It would be great to hear more apologies. In the future, I will expect more. If there is a chance that rhetoric could lead to actual violence, then it would be a good idea to withhold the angry, hateful speech, lest someone consider it a call to action and more people get hurt.
Christina Taylor Green's entry in Faces of Hope, reads: "I hope you know all the words to the Star Spangled Banner and sing it with your hand over your heart. I hope you jump in rain puddles."
May her legacy change the world.
Showing posts with label Current Events. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Current Events. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Peace.
To start out a new week -- and take a little break from the recipes -- I thought I'd post something topical. I recognize that this is a hot topic, and I know the opposing side of my argument. Feel free to post your thoughts in the comments, as always.
We've been having a bit of a conflict in the US of A. Well, we've been having a few, but this is the one I want to talk about. In case you've been living under a rock, I thought I'd inform you that there is a group of Americans who want to build a Muslim community center in Manhattan. The proposed site is near Ground Zero, and many Americans think it's disprespectful to the memory of the lives lost to build it near the place of the September 11 attacks. Truth is, there was a mosque there previously (as well Muslim religious facilities within the Twin Towers themselves).
The argument has become: does religious freedom exist in America? "Tasteful" or otherwise, the project has been deemed perfectly legal. The outcome is yet undetermined. The funds aren't even in place to actually build the community center, and the plan isn't to construct it in the immediate future. But, in my humble opinion, that's not the real issue. The issue is whether or not we're assuming that all Muslims are terrorists. It turns out that a great many Americans are making that assumption.
Then, just before September 11 of this year, a pastor in Florida by the name of Terry Jones tried to start a "holiday" called National Burn a Quran Day. Luckily, he called it off, but not before he posed as a Christian representative to the rest of the world. If the terrorists are a case of extreme Islam, then Pastor Jones is surely an example of extreme Christianity. And I feel sad about that image. I realize that most Christians don't feel the way Pastor Jones does, but with the press he received and the attention we all gave him...it validated his opinion. So loving, isn't it...burning another person's holy book? So kind, isn't it...spewing that kind of hatred for an entire group of people?
I've always maintained that one of President Obama's major accomplishments has been restoring our reputation in the world. I think he is a great diplomat, and the rest of the world listens. In the midst of the controversy, he made a statement (in part, please feel free to seek out the entire speech):
But let me be clear. As a citizen, and as president, I believe that Muslims have the same right to practice their religion as everyone else in this country. And that includes the right to build a place of worship and a community center on private property in Lower Manhattan, in accordance with local laws and ordinances. This is America. And our commitment to religious freedom must be unshakable. The principle that people of all faiths are welcome in this country and that they will not be treated differently by their government is essential to who we are. The writ of the Founders must endure.
Last week, out of the blue, I got an email from a friend of mine in Denmark. She and I have recently become reacquainted and I assume she knew little of my political opinions prior to this email. When I asked her if I could post her email on my blog her response was: "Go ahead and post it, whatever it takes to change the mind of just one person ;-)"
So. Here it is. Enjoy.
"By the way, I wanted to congratulate you on your president (Obama) again! I heard parts of his speech on 9/11 - or the day before - in which he insisted that we should not fight muslims but terrorists and that if you could build a church or a synagogue, then you could build a mosque as well. I really do believe that he is doing a HUGE leap for world peace saying those things. People in the entire world listens to what he is saying, and I know that for the many Muslims in Europe, this is so important. Especially the young Muslims here, when they become teenagers they often get this "who-am-I?" feeling, because they realize they are not REALLY turks (or whereever their parents come from) and if they feel excluded from the West as well, their only identity is being fundamental, extreme Muslims. However, when Obama says those things about being equal, I think they feel welcome and included and part of the society they live in. And it is strange, that what the American president says has this effect on Europeans - but that's just the way it is :-)"
So don't take it from me. Take it from my sweet friend in Europe, who offers us another perspective and gives us something else to mull over. We are not the only citizens of the world. I think we'd do ourselves a service by looking outside of our own lives and loving everyone. And as Christians, let our light truly shine. Not only when it's painless and comfortable, but all the time. Instead of carrying around signs of protest that speak of hatred and fear, can we not reach out with love? Especially in a time when the world is fragile and people are hurting...can we not seek out peace?
"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:15-16
We've been having a bit of a conflict in the US of A. Well, we've been having a few, but this is the one I want to talk about. In case you've been living under a rock, I thought I'd inform you that there is a group of Americans who want to build a Muslim community center in Manhattan. The proposed site is near Ground Zero, and many Americans think it's disprespectful to the memory of the lives lost to build it near the place of the September 11 attacks. Truth is, there was a mosque there previously (as well Muslim religious facilities within the Twin Towers themselves).
The argument has become: does religious freedom exist in America? "Tasteful" or otherwise, the project has been deemed perfectly legal. The outcome is yet undetermined. The funds aren't even in place to actually build the community center, and the plan isn't to construct it in the immediate future. But, in my humble opinion, that's not the real issue. The issue is whether or not we're assuming that all Muslims are terrorists. It turns out that a great many Americans are making that assumption.
Then, just before September 11 of this year, a pastor in Florida by the name of Terry Jones tried to start a "holiday" called National Burn a Quran Day. Luckily, he called it off, but not before he posed as a Christian representative to the rest of the world. If the terrorists are a case of extreme Islam, then Pastor Jones is surely an example of extreme Christianity. And I feel sad about that image. I realize that most Christians don't feel the way Pastor Jones does, but with the press he received and the attention we all gave him...it validated his opinion. So loving, isn't it...burning another person's holy book? So kind, isn't it...spewing that kind of hatred for an entire group of people?
I've always maintained that one of President Obama's major accomplishments has been restoring our reputation in the world. I think he is a great diplomat, and the rest of the world listens. In the midst of the controversy, he made a statement (in part, please feel free to seek out the entire speech):
But let me be clear. As a citizen, and as president, I believe that Muslims have the same right to practice their religion as everyone else in this country. And that includes the right to build a place of worship and a community center on private property in Lower Manhattan, in accordance with local laws and ordinances. This is America. And our commitment to religious freedom must be unshakable. The principle that people of all faiths are welcome in this country and that they will not be treated differently by their government is essential to who we are. The writ of the Founders must endure.
Last week, out of the blue, I got an email from a friend of mine in Denmark. She and I have recently become reacquainted and I assume she knew little of my political opinions prior to this email. When I asked her if I could post her email on my blog her response was: "Go ahead and post it, whatever it takes to change the mind of just one person ;-)"
So. Here it is. Enjoy.
"By the way, I wanted to congratulate you on your president (Obama) again! I heard parts of his speech on 9/11 - or the day before - in which he insisted that we should not fight muslims but terrorists and that if you could build a church or a synagogue, then you could build a mosque as well. I really do believe that he is doing a HUGE leap for world peace saying those things. People in the entire world listens to what he is saying, and I know that for the many Muslims in Europe, this is so important. Especially the young Muslims here, when they become teenagers they often get this "who-am-I?" feeling, because they realize they are not REALLY turks (or whereever their parents come from) and if they feel excluded from the West as well, their only identity is being fundamental, extreme Muslims. However, when Obama says those things about being equal, I think they feel welcome and included and part of the society they live in. And it is strange, that what the American president says has this effect on Europeans - but that's just the way it is :-)"
So don't take it from me. Take it from my sweet friend in Europe, who offers us another perspective and gives us something else to mull over. We are not the only citizens of the world. I think we'd do ourselves a service by looking outside of our own lives and loving everyone. And as Christians, let our light truly shine. Not only when it's painless and comfortable, but all the time. Instead of carrying around signs of protest that speak of hatred and fear, can we not reach out with love? Especially in a time when the world is fragile and people are hurting...can we not seek out peace?
"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:15-16
Monday, March 15, 2010
History
I went to the reviewal for my cousins' grandpa tonight. He was a bomber in WWII. Facinating. I'm not going to have exact details from memory, but as I looked at the memorabilia there, I learned that he was part of the 100th Squadron; they called themselves the Bloody 100s because of the number of people they lost. He kept a journal of his days in the service. He hand-wrote the journal, of course, but my aunt typed it up and put it into a spiral binder. Bound and typed (with many pages of news clippings and photographs), it's probably 300 pages. I want to read the entire thing (although that was, admittedly, not the time nor place). One quote I loved (and I'm paraphrasing from memory): I went to confession and communion before today's mission. (I always do. You never know which mission is going to be your last). There are no athesists among the pilots. That's one good thing about war, I guess.
In high school, history was such a chore. Now, I can't get enough. Thanks to those brave people for freeing so many and for preserving our freedom. Rest in Peace, Robert, you served your missions well.
In high school, history was such a chore. Now, I can't get enough. Thanks to those brave people for freeing so many and for preserving our freedom. Rest in Peace, Robert, you served your missions well.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Haiti
We're all talking about it. We're all thinking about it. It was an earthquake and devastation beyond my comprehension.
I have to stop watching CNN.
I feel selfish, but those babies without moms and those children hurt and scared...my heart can't take it.
I have been struggling emotionally the past couple days, and I'm starting to realize that this tragedy is at the core of my sadness. I am helpless and I don't want to be. I do not have the resources to do much, and that makes me sad. If money were no option, and if there was a way, I'd go there. I'd take those babies home.
And I know that none of this horror should be about me. But this blog is and I wanted to share how I'm feeling right now. I won't stop praying and asking God to be with those little ones (and the big ones, of course), and give them healing and peace.
I say this all the time, but I didn't ask to be born in the United States of America in 1977. It was a beautiful gift, and for it I am insanely grateful. Thanks to God for that good fortune.
Additionally, Kendall's struggle continues. Please, my readers, say a prayer for her too.
I am humbled.
Thank you, God, for my healthy children, the roof over our heads, and the food on our table. Help me always remember those without and never take for granted the gifts You've given me. Amen.
I have to stop watching CNN.
I feel selfish, but those babies without moms and those children hurt and scared...my heart can't take it.
I have been struggling emotionally the past couple days, and I'm starting to realize that this tragedy is at the core of my sadness. I am helpless and I don't want to be. I do not have the resources to do much, and that makes me sad. If money were no option, and if there was a way, I'd go there. I'd take those babies home.
And I know that none of this horror should be about me. But this blog is and I wanted to share how I'm feeling right now. I won't stop praying and asking God to be with those little ones (and the big ones, of course), and give them healing and peace.
I say this all the time, but I didn't ask to be born in the United States of America in 1977. It was a beautiful gift, and for it I am insanely grateful. Thanks to God for that good fortune.
Additionally, Kendall's struggle continues. Please, my readers, say a prayer for her too.
I am humbled.
Thank you, God, for my healthy children, the roof over our heads, and the food on our table. Help me always remember those without and never take for granted the gifts You've given me. Amen.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
I'm letting him speak for me today.
...
And when this happens, when we allow freedom to ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual, "Free at last! free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!"
I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal."
...
This will be the day when all of God's children will be able to sing with a new meaning, "My country, 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing. Land where my fathers died, land of the pilgrim's pride, from every mountainside, let freedom ring."...
And when this happens, when we allow freedom to ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual, "Free at last! free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!"
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Current Events
I've been thinking about the following today. There are other important things to discuss besides health care reform, right? Here are some things that sparked my interest this week and my reactions/responses:
1. Jaycee Dugard. Amazing. I can't wait to hear the rest of this story. As a parent, there could be no greater horror than losing your child. And never hearing what happened to them. I do not think I could survive. I am praising God for her reunion with her mother and pray that they find the resources to heal from this incredible tragedy.
2. Michael Vick. I am really torn emotionally on this one. On one hand, his crime was horrendous. On the other hand, he did his time under the law. Should he not get a second chance? What do you think? Are there crimes that are unforgivable? Which, of course, would lead to a really good discussion about True Forgiveness. I'd love your thoughts.
3. Mike Perham. How about this kid?! Rock on, dude. How do you inspire your children to be all they can be? I had a facebook friend saying that her neighbor - 18-year-old football player - always stops and buys lemonade from the kids when they sell it. How to I get that kid? Honestly. I feel like my greatest goal is to raise honorable men. Heaven help me. Literally.
I'd love your thoughts!
1. Jaycee Dugard. Amazing. I can't wait to hear the rest of this story. As a parent, there could be no greater horror than losing your child. And never hearing what happened to them. I do not think I could survive. I am praising God for her reunion with her mother and pray that they find the resources to heal from this incredible tragedy.
2. Michael Vick. I am really torn emotionally on this one. On one hand, his crime was horrendous. On the other hand, he did his time under the law. Should he not get a second chance? What do you think? Are there crimes that are unforgivable? Which, of course, would lead to a really good discussion about True Forgiveness. I'd love your thoughts.
3. Mike Perham. How about this kid?! Rock on, dude. How do you inspire your children to be all they can be? I had a facebook friend saying that her neighbor - 18-year-old football player - always stops and buys lemonade from the kids when they sell it. How to I get that kid? Honestly. I feel like my greatest goal is to raise honorable men. Heaven help me. Literally.
I'd love your thoughts!
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
This Guy...
...is a real hero. Not just because of what he did, but because of his kindness and humility. I loved this article; read it if you get a chance. (Image from the NEWSWEEK article.)
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Outraged.
If you haven't heard yet, this ridiculous new law will put all retailers of children's clothing that cannot afford testing for lead and phthalates out of business. Literally. It's absurd that this is happening in the middle of a really tough economy. According to the LA Times:
"Barring a reprieve, regulations set to take effect next month could force thousands of clothing retailers and thrift stores to throw away trunkloads of children's clothing.The law, aimed at keeping lead-filled merchandise away from children, mandates that all products sold for those age 12 and younger -- including clothing -- be tested for lead and phthalates, which are chemicals used to make plastics more pliable. Those that haven't been tested will be considered hazardous, regardless of whether they actually contain lead....
...The new regulations take effect Feb. 10 under the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, which was passed by Congress last year in response to widespread recalls of products that posed a threat to children, including toys made with lead or lead-based paint."
So if you've got an Etsy shop or shop at Once Upon a Child and the like, you oughtta care. Write or call your congressman and senators today! Click here if you need a template. A really good blog that explains how it might affect home-based businesses and what you can do about it is here.
ETA: There is an exception for retailers of used childrens clothing and toys (consignment stores, ebay), per a press release issued by the CPSC today.
"Barring a reprieve, regulations set to take effect next month could force thousands of clothing retailers and thrift stores to throw away trunkloads of children's clothing.The law, aimed at keeping lead-filled merchandise away from children, mandates that all products sold for those age 12 and younger -- including clothing -- be tested for lead and phthalates, which are chemicals used to make plastics more pliable. Those that haven't been tested will be considered hazardous, regardless of whether they actually contain lead....
...The new regulations take effect Feb. 10 under the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, which was passed by Congress last year in response to widespread recalls of products that posed a threat to children, including toys made with lead or lead-based paint."
So if you've got an Etsy shop or shop at Once Upon a Child and the like, you oughtta care. Write or call your congressman and senators today! Click here if you need a template. A really good blog that explains how it might affect home-based businesses and what you can do about it is here.
ETA: There is an exception for retailers of used childrens clothing and toys (consignment stores, ebay), per a press release issued by the CPSC today.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Steve Fossett
Isn't that an incredible story? Thank God for that they found him, what a sense of closure for his family. http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/10/02/steve.fossett.search/index.html
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Notables
As I've spent the last week (as many of Americans have) watching and listening to the financial crisis in this country. Honestly, sometimes I wish I was ignorant. I know it's better to be aware and help effect change but this stress is getting to many of us. So I dedicate this blog to the hundreds of words of wisdom from many wonderful people in my life. I have incorporated so many of their advice into my life and try to take their lessons with me daily. I want to share some of them - some are related to stress and dealing with it and some are just wise and worth sharing. Please feel free to share your favorites.
Roger Brewer (God rest his soul): "Surround yourself with good people."
Nancy K (and I have a wealth of stuff from her): "You can't control what people do. The only thing you can control is how you react to it."
My Dad: "If you lose say little, if you win say less."
My Dad: "It's better to have a lot of good friends than one best friend."
My mom - although not a direct quote: put others first, be kind.
And of course, from the Bible:
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your path." (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Roger Brewer (God rest his soul): "Surround yourself with good people."
Nancy K (and I have a wealth of stuff from her): "You can't control what people do. The only thing you can control is how you react to it."
My Dad: "If you lose say little, if you win say less."
My Dad: "It's better to have a lot of good friends than one best friend."
My mom - although not a direct quote: put others first, be kind.
And of course, from the Bible:
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your path." (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Monday, September 1, 2008
Prayers for Gustav's victims...
I cannot understand why one would choose to live in a place that frequently gets hurricanes. Or earthquakes. Okay, I guess I can see that because then you get CALIFORNIA! I'd take CA with earthquakes. I'll take a random tornado any day (but I may re-post about this when it's sub-zero in January). But that's not my point. I'm sending prayers for those in this storm - that they stay safe and that those who left get to return home soon. For those of you from "my board" who have evacuated...my continued prayers. Stinkin' storm.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
