Divided we fall. Encouraging religious freedom starts in every person’s heart and mind. You don’t have to agree with other belief systems but never denigrate them. Explore other religions, read their literature and attend services. I’ve found that the basic tenants of each faith are nearly identical; it’s just how and when they are invoked. The best method is to venture beyond tolerating other religions and celebrate the diversity of all faiths, agnostics, and atheists. Practice inclusiveness. They all have a right to exist. Intolerance is taught and violence is perpetuated by the weak. It takes real strength to live a life of peaceful coexistence. No religious system is superior, period, end of discussion.
Religious extremists are born out of ignorance, lack of hope, fear and anger. One method to reduce their power is to raise the standard of living worldwide. Adequate food, water, shelter and safety are essential. Access to education is imperative, especially for the females. Elevating the status of women will improve the health and wealth of the community. Extremists will always exist but their attraction will be lowered when day-to-day survival isn’t in peril. Don’t permit extremists to control your faith. Don’t let them weaken your community with violence.
Coalition building is key to promoting global stability. America can never again unilaterally decide that it “knows best” and march ahead with sanctions or military efforts. We must work with other countries and coalitions to promote stability. The United States must become a bright beacon for democracy again. The United Nations needs to be strengthened and redesigned to be more efficient and effective. War is the failure of politicians and diplomats. The world can’t afford it anymore.
United We Stand, Aloha We Serve.
Volunteer www.handsonnetwork.org or www.volunteermatch.org
Donate to nonprofits 501(c)3s which offer programs to better the world. www.theadvocatesforhumanrights.org
Vote for politicians who will uphold democracy in a positive manner. www.nolabels.org
One World, One People.
©2011
Showing posts with label 9-11. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 9-11. Show all posts
Friday, September 9, 2011
Thursday, September 8, 2011
RESPONDING TO 9/11
Part III of the series, which began with “That Dreadful Day.”
I mourn for the thousands of innocent people who were murdered on September 11th, 2001; the valiant first responders who ran into the disaster and perished; those who were injured physically and or psychologically; and the loss of America’s naiveté. We were so confident that nothing could harm us that it made the United States vulnerable. I mourn for the cockeyed hopefulness that has been consumed by paranoia and fear; the civil rights that have been stripped away by the so-called Patriot Act (which was recently extended); the members of our military and civilians in other countries who died or were injured by the continuing wars; the desecration of the Geneva Conventions and Protocols that harmed prisoners and placed our military at risk; and the waste of money, time, and effort. So much lost potential will never be recouped. The family and friends directly and the people indirectly affected by the terrible events of 9/11 and its aftermath continue to suffer.
I don’t remember much about September of 2001. My mouth gets dry, throat tightens, eyes tear up, and heart hurts every time I see the images of the towers being hit and crumbling, smoldering remains of the Flight 93 crash, and the torn Pentagon. I was employed at the American Red Cross, Minneapolis Area Chapter, arrived before sunrise and remained until after sunset well into October. We were open 24/7 for three weeks. My boss was concerned that I was working too much but I asked her, “What am I to do, sit in my apartment and fret?” I felt better by staying busy. I never had time or energy to attend the memorial events. My work assisted the survivors, family of victims, and first responders who were on the direct line. I didn’t have time to be sad, though in retrospect I wish that I had taken time to mourn.
Restaurants were kind enough to donate meals. I was profoundly grateful since didn’t have time to shop or cook meals. I especially remember the Holy Land Deli dropping off delicious food. Bigots had vandalized their store but the owner said that more kind people came to offer support than cause harm. He is a gracious person to forgive the fools who blamed all members of a religion for the actions of a few mislead zealots.
Minnesota is blessed with many people who want to others. Unfortunately, due to the nature of 9/11 it was not possible to send untrained people to the sites. The military took care of the Pentagon, unions took control of New York’s Ground Zero, and the local authorities and the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) were responsible for Shanktown, Pennsylvania. I knew several people who helped at each site. They were and continue to be deeply affected by their experiences.
Myriad Minnesotans were directly affected by the repercussions of the multiple tragedies. They had friends and family in New York, Washington, DC and on the Pennsylvania plane. The Red Cross helped to connect people who could not find each other. The debris of the falling towers displaced families and several came to Minnesota with few or no belongings. The Red Cross provided assistance for many people in a variety of ways for years afterwards.
In the ten years since that horrific day, 9-11, America is worse in many aspects. Fear and paranoia has given power to people who want to tear apart the government, aka Bitter Tea Party. The arrogance of George W. Bush and cronies squandered good-will from other countries; stole rights from the American people with the so-called Patriot Act; and, manipulated us into an unnecessary war with Iraq war. We are now hog-tied politically, economically struggling, environmentally battled, and spiritually drained. The pre-9/11 optimism has morphed into a bitter pile of bile perpetuated by negative media personalities and political pundits. We have accomplished more harm than four airplanes by trashing our democratic values, stripping government, empowering corporations, and being negative. Osama bin Laden must be laughing in his watery grave, he is winning because we wound ourselves more than the Al Qaeda minions ever could.
Every American has a duty to reverse this negative path. We can become strong again, not dominate, but have strength through peace. Don’t go along with the nasty rhetoric. Tell the mean-spirited politicians and media personalities that they are wrong. Vote for positive people. Boycott companies who advertise on negative media shows, and tell them why. You don’t have to be a Pollyanna and ignore the truth but at least hold onto optimism. Shake off the malaise and anxiety. Be thankful for those who help you and then help others yourself. You have a responsibility to be a good citizen of the world. It starts in your home and you are linked with every human on this planet. Be good to every person and prove the weak violent zealots wrong. Only the strong can maintain peace but it’s our only hope for survival.
Peace Be With You & The World.
©2011
I mourn for the thousands of innocent people who were murdered on September 11th, 2001; the valiant first responders who ran into the disaster and perished; those who were injured physically and or psychologically; and the loss of America’s naiveté. We were so confident that nothing could harm us that it made the United States vulnerable. I mourn for the cockeyed hopefulness that has been consumed by paranoia and fear; the civil rights that have been stripped away by the so-called Patriot Act (which was recently extended); the members of our military and civilians in other countries who died or were injured by the continuing wars; the desecration of the Geneva Conventions and Protocols that harmed prisoners and placed our military at risk; and the waste of money, time, and effort. So much lost potential will never be recouped. The family and friends directly and the people indirectly affected by the terrible events of 9/11 and its aftermath continue to suffer.
I don’t remember much about September of 2001. My mouth gets dry, throat tightens, eyes tear up, and heart hurts every time I see the images of the towers being hit and crumbling, smoldering remains of the Flight 93 crash, and the torn Pentagon. I was employed at the American Red Cross, Minneapolis Area Chapter, arrived before sunrise and remained until after sunset well into October. We were open 24/7 for three weeks. My boss was concerned that I was working too much but I asked her, “What am I to do, sit in my apartment and fret?” I felt better by staying busy. I never had time or energy to attend the memorial events. My work assisted the survivors, family of victims, and first responders who were on the direct line. I didn’t have time to be sad, though in retrospect I wish that I had taken time to mourn.
Restaurants were kind enough to donate meals. I was profoundly grateful since didn’t have time to shop or cook meals. I especially remember the Holy Land Deli dropping off delicious food. Bigots had vandalized their store but the owner said that more kind people came to offer support than cause harm. He is a gracious person to forgive the fools who blamed all members of a religion for the actions of a few mislead zealots.
Minnesota is blessed with many people who want to others. Unfortunately, due to the nature of 9/11 it was not possible to send untrained people to the sites. The military took care of the Pentagon, unions took control of New York’s Ground Zero, and the local authorities and the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) were responsible for Shanktown, Pennsylvania. I knew several people who helped at each site. They were and continue to be deeply affected by their experiences.
Myriad Minnesotans were directly affected by the repercussions of the multiple tragedies. They had friends and family in New York, Washington, DC and on the Pennsylvania plane. The Red Cross helped to connect people who could not find each other. The debris of the falling towers displaced families and several came to Minnesota with few or no belongings. The Red Cross provided assistance for many people in a variety of ways for years afterwards.
In the ten years since that horrific day, 9-11, America is worse in many aspects. Fear and paranoia has given power to people who want to tear apart the government, aka Bitter Tea Party. The arrogance of George W. Bush and cronies squandered good-will from other countries; stole rights from the American people with the so-called Patriot Act; and, manipulated us into an unnecessary war with Iraq war. We are now hog-tied politically, economically struggling, environmentally battled, and spiritually drained. The pre-9/11 optimism has morphed into a bitter pile of bile perpetuated by negative media personalities and political pundits. We have accomplished more harm than four airplanes by trashing our democratic values, stripping government, empowering corporations, and being negative. Osama bin Laden must be laughing in his watery grave, he is winning because we wound ourselves more than the Al Qaeda minions ever could.
Every American has a duty to reverse this negative path. We can become strong again, not dominate, but have strength through peace. Don’t go along with the nasty rhetoric. Tell the mean-spirited politicians and media personalities that they are wrong. Vote for positive people. Boycott companies who advertise on negative media shows, and tell them why. You don’t have to be a Pollyanna and ignore the truth but at least hold onto optimism. Shake off the malaise and anxiety. Be thankful for those who help you and then help others yourself. You have a responsibility to be a good citizen of the world. It starts in your home and you are linked with every human on this planet. Be good to every person and prove the weak violent zealots wrong. Only the strong can maintain peace but it’s our only hope for survival.
Peace Be With You & The World.
©2011
FAITH AND DOUBT
Tears continue to run down my face after watching the PBS Frontline episode “Faith and Doubt at Ground Zero.” I sobbed off and on during the entire two-hour program. I didn’t have time to mourn during the aftermath of that dreadful day. I was too busy working. I had responsibility to support first responders, people directly affected by the disaster, and the families of victims. I didn’t have time to grieve or feel.
I wasn’t numb but I had to tamp down my emotions. It was the only way to survive the experience and still function. I now know that this non-reactive state can lead to PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). That is probably why so many first responders and members of the military develop mental health issues. If you don’t deal with the emotion soon after the event/disaster, it will morph into something worse and cause problems.
As a disaster worker, I felt responsible for helping others. I put their needs ahead of my own. Was that wrong? No and yes. No because I knew that I was actually helping. Yes because it caused unintended personal consequences. Vulcans aren’t as vulnerable as humans so I began to revert to emulating Mr. Spock. I had a very difficult time for several years. I sought out counseling in 2003 and it really helped me deal with the delayed emotions.
The program dealt with people's approach to faith after 9-11. I’d like to address the questions posed:
1. Where was God on Sept. 11?
First, you have to believe in a “higher being” of whatever name(s). I don’t know if I believe in a Creator(s). If there is a Source(s), it doesn’t have a gender and may not be singular. Second, if it does exist why would it give humans the capacity to destroy each other? Why create a being that is so self-destructive? I don’t see the logic...
2. What is the nature of evil?
What is the nature of good? If “Evil” is a noun and outside of humans, then so must “Good.” Forces of Good must be equal to the Forces of Evil and we are mere pawns in their game of chess. Not so! Each person is responsible for his or her own choices. We make choices every day to do good or to do evil. No outside Force compels us.
3. Is religion itself to blame, or is it our last refuge?
Religion is to blame only when it is used as a weapon. As one of the program’s spiritual leaders said, we all have blood on our hands; all religions have been manipulated as a reason to harm others. In this instance, Islam was contorted but you cannot blame all Muslims for the actions of a few zealots. You must make certain that your religion is not used to harm others. You have a responsibility to not permit extremists of your faith to use violence.
4. What faith can be salvaged from Ground Zero?
I don’t know. I have been questioning organized religion since I was a child. I know that something exists beyond this mortal coil but exactly what, I don’t know. Each person has to decide for himself or herself how their faith (or non faith) reacts to this horrific day. I’m still working on my answer.
www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/faith/
Probably one of the best Frontline programs ever produced. I hope they do a follow up program and re-interview the participants (add in more women and people of diversity, too).
Still doubting faith.
© 2011
I wasn’t numb but I had to tamp down my emotions. It was the only way to survive the experience and still function. I now know that this non-reactive state can lead to PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). That is probably why so many first responders and members of the military develop mental health issues. If you don’t deal with the emotion soon after the event/disaster, it will morph into something worse and cause problems.
As a disaster worker, I felt responsible for helping others. I put their needs ahead of my own. Was that wrong? No and yes. No because I knew that I was actually helping. Yes because it caused unintended personal consequences. Vulcans aren’t as vulnerable as humans so I began to revert to emulating Mr. Spock. I had a very difficult time for several years. I sought out counseling in 2003 and it really helped me deal with the delayed emotions.
The program dealt with people's approach to faith after 9-11. I’d like to address the questions posed:
1. Where was God on Sept. 11?
First, you have to believe in a “higher being” of whatever name(s). I don’t know if I believe in a Creator(s). If there is a Source(s), it doesn’t have a gender and may not be singular. Second, if it does exist why would it give humans the capacity to destroy each other? Why create a being that is so self-destructive? I don’t see the logic...
2. What is the nature of evil?
What is the nature of good? If “Evil” is a noun and outside of humans, then so must “Good.” Forces of Good must be equal to the Forces of Evil and we are mere pawns in their game of chess. Not so! Each person is responsible for his or her own choices. We make choices every day to do good or to do evil. No outside Force compels us.
3. Is religion itself to blame, or is it our last refuge?
Religion is to blame only when it is used as a weapon. As one of the program’s spiritual leaders said, we all have blood on our hands; all religions have been manipulated as a reason to harm others. In this instance, Islam was contorted but you cannot blame all Muslims for the actions of a few zealots. You must make certain that your religion is not used to harm others. You have a responsibility to not permit extremists of your faith to use violence.
4. What faith can be salvaged from Ground Zero?
I don’t know. I have been questioning organized religion since I was a child. I know that something exists beyond this mortal coil but exactly what, I don’t know. Each person has to decide for himself or herself how their faith (or non faith) reacts to this horrific day. I’m still working on my answer.
www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/faith/
Probably one of the best Frontline programs ever produced. I hope they do a follow up program and re-interview the participants (add in more women and people of diversity, too).
Still doubting faith.
© 2011
Monday, May 2, 2011
OSAMA BIN LADEN
I cannot celebrate his death. Osama Bin Laden was an evil person who financed, organized and inspired others to do acts of violence. Cowards use violence. They are too weak to utilize ethical political methods (like democracy) or diplomacy to achieve their goals.
Death is too easy of a punishment. Lifetime imprisonment would have been better. The Hague would have provided an international trial. Al-Qaeda members have killed and harmed people around the world. Bin Laden was their commander in chief but their “army” has split into many units worldwide. The death of this one man will neither bring back the thousands of civilians killed, injured in body and mind nor heal the multitude of people who care about those who were harmed. Military deaths and injuries are sad too but at least they knew it was a possibility when they joined (yes, I am a member of a military family).
It is imperative to completely uphold every article of the Geneva Conventions. These guidelines (conventions and protocols) protect our troops and civilians. Al-Qaeda may not fall under the auspices of a singular country, but they are an organized group. Send all Guantanamo Bay Detention Camp prisoners to The Hague’s International Criminal Court for a proper trial.
Peace requires strength.
© 2011
Death is too easy of a punishment. Lifetime imprisonment would have been better. The Hague would have provided an international trial. Al-Qaeda members have killed and harmed people around the world. Bin Laden was their commander in chief but their “army” has split into many units worldwide. The death of this one man will neither bring back the thousands of civilians killed, injured in body and mind nor heal the multitude of people who care about those who were harmed. Military deaths and injuries are sad too but at least they knew it was a possibility when they joined (yes, I am a member of a military family).
It is imperative to completely uphold every article of the Geneva Conventions. These guidelines (conventions and protocols) protect our troops and civilians. Al-Qaeda may not fall under the auspices of a singular country, but they are an organized group. Send all Guantanamo Bay Detention Camp prisoners to The Hague’s International Criminal Court for a proper trial.
Peace requires strength.
© 2011
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