The author's true, exciting and serendipitous journey through the wilds of Papua New Guinea, the Himalayas, around the planet and into the heart of life guaranteed to change the way you see the world.
Who cares about forests?
I’ve just signed a petition to European Environment Ministers urging them to lead on climate.
On October 4th, climate talks continue in China.Since the Copenhagen summit, global climate negotiations have been on the brink of collapse, and a breakthrough is urgently needed. Now, several European nations are leading a push for an accounting trick that would let rich countries cut down as many trees as they wanted — without having to report the increased climate damage.
Let’s push back with a citizens’ roar of strong support for forests — click below to take action:
Next week, a small group of European countries are planning to carve a loophole into the shaky foundation of a global climate treaty that could doom the talks. A global outcry now could halt their plan and re-energize work on a deal.
Since the Copenhagen summit, global climate negotiations have been on the brink of collapse, and a breakthrough is urgently needed. Now, Sweden, Finland and Austria are leading a push for an accounting trick that would let rich countries cut down as many trees as they wanted — without having to report the increased climate damage.
Other European countries can stop the creation of this loophole, leave the international race to the bottom and take on the climate leadership role that the world so desperately needs. But without public pressure, there’s no incentive for them to lead. Let’s come together now, as global citizens, and sign on to a ringing message to all European Environment Ministers urging them to be bold on climate and make forests count. Only one week remains – click below to sign petition, then forward this email around to your friends and family:
The negotiation over the forest loophole comes at a pivotal time. Political momentum on climate change has slowed — while the climate crisis itself has grown worse. 2010 has been the hottest year ever on record, with a rising tide of climate-related disasters from Pakistan to Russia.
Forests are the lungs of our planet, sustaining people, animals and plants worldwide. They’re also a potential life-saver in the fight against climate change. But they’re threatened: deforestation already contributes to 20% of all global greenhouse gas emissions. We can’t let a handful of countries undermine efforts to protect them, exploiting forests to avoid taking on real action to protect our common future.
If we can stiffen Europe’s backbone and tackle this issue, we can inject new hope into the climate negotiations that will shape the world we all live on. Let’s show European politicians that global citizens want them to lead the way — sign on and forward this message:
In the wake of the recession, the European Union has suffered a crisis of confidence on climate — too paralyzed by fear of failure to resume its historic role in pressing the world forward. We know that Europe can lead the way on forest protection, because it’s done so before: earlier this year European citizens and leaders played a pivotal role in curbing the devastating trade in illegal timber.
In the sustainable future that we all seek, forests will be accorded the same respect by governments that they have always received from the world’s people. As we build a movement capable of overcoming climate change, let’s use this moment to protect the trees that have protected humankind for millennia.
With hope,
Ben, Iain, Alex, Graziela, Ben M, Mia, David and the rest of the Avaaz team.
“In Search of Simplicity is a unique and awe-inspiring way to re-visit and even answer some of the gnawing questions we all intrinsically have about the meaning of life and our true, individual purpose on the planet. I love this book.”
“In Search of Simplicity is one of those rare literary jewels with the ability to completely and simultaneously ingratiate itself into the mind, heart and soul of the reader.”
Peace is not just the absence of violence but the manifestation of human compassion.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama
An eye for an eye and the whole world would be blind.
Kahlil Gibran
The following words recently arrived in my inbox and are surely worth reflecting on. They come from another heart-based initiative bringing humanity that much closer to maturity and peace.
As we plan to grow the Charter for Compassion, we are reflecting on the many signs of peace and compassion among us today. These voices grow in confidence as we respond to the harmful rhetoric around an Islamic community center in New York and an unprecedented natural disaster in Pakistan. Opportunities for dialogue, compassionate action, empathy, altruism, and forgiveness are in abundance and we invite you all to rise to the challenge for a more compassionate world.
This fall, we begin our focus on three key initiative areas for the Charter—youth engagement, compassionate cities, and congregational life and interfaith dialogue. Resource development, partner engagement, and website enhancements are also part of this work. We will share more details with you over the following weeks and look forward to working with you to spread the Charter for Compassion.
In November, the Charter for Compassion celebrates its first anniversary. To honor this special day, we are planning an exciting event in conjunction with the United Nations in New York City. More information to follow! As you continue to hold events that celebrate the Charter, November would be a wonderful time to renew your commitment to compassion and plan to celebrate the anniversary. As an example, Amsterdam continues to inspire us with their planning and commitments. Mozes & Aaronkerk recently offered an update:
On November 11, Charter supporters will celebrate compassion with lectures, workshops, music and a Hindu fire ritual. On November 20, TEDxYouth @Amsterdam will participate in TEDxYouthDay in support of the Charter culminating with a presentation of the Dutch translation of the Children’s Charter for Compassion.
The Charter Community
Karen Armstrong
In light of the Qu’ran burning threats and the Mosque debate, Karen was inspired to respond in the midst of a busy lecture season. The Huffington Post ran her piece as the lead article on the religion section on Saturday, September 11.
Flooding in Pakistan
TED Curator Chris Anderson and his wife Jacqueline Novogratz of the Acumen Fund spent five days on the ground in Pakistan to see for themselves the devastation caused by the floods that have displaced 20 million individuals and destroyed or damaged over 6 million homes. Committed to sharing this story and asking for action, Chris shared this blog entry and videos and Jacqueline journaled extensively. There are countless stories of compassion, hardship and healing sprinkled throughout the wealth of important facts about this disaster the world must attend to.
Monterrey, Mexico
A major world conference addressing values and culture and human rights, Encuentro Mundial – Valores y Cultura de la Legalidad, will occur in Monterry, Mexico later this month. Children’s activities will be aimed towards the practice of compassion and peace, the Department of Education of Nuevo León will be participating with a campaign where the Charter for Compassion’s message will be shared in dozens of schools. Over 25,000 students will write messages for peace and practice acts of compassion. These efforts will be documented and published on a special issue in a local paper on Saturday, October 2nd.
News from the Charter Facebook Page
We are struck by the use of the Charter Facebook page to share deep insights, offer inspiring updates, and examples of compassion from around the globe. Here are a few from the past few weeks:
Last week, on the anniversary of 9/11, many of you reposted this line from the Charter for Compassion, along with a pledge to always live compassionately: ‘”The principle of compassion lies at the heart of all religious, ethical and spiritual traditions, calling us always to treat all others as we wish to be treated ourselves…” We remember and honor the compassion shown to those directly and indirectly impacted by the events of 9/11. Let us bring compassionate to our daily lives again, especially now, especially when it is difficult. In response, Sarah wrote, “This September 11th, we can best honor those who died by turning our backs on hatred, and generating compassion (loving kindness). Is it easy? No. Is it better than the alternative? DEFINITELY!!”
In response to the proposed Qu’ran burning, many of you responded with thoughtful comments and links. Michael responded to Pastor Jones, “Dear Pastor Terry Jones, thank you for helping me see more clearly than ever before, the wisdom and dire necessity for the Charter for Compassion. Maybe that was your mission all along? … I will spread the Charter’s message, and I will stand up for the rights of my Muslim neighbors.”
Poems, quotes, stories, and commitments regularly surface online. Thank you for sharing your wisdom, please continue to do so.
Melissa: “If we all were to just move in love, walk, breathe and speak in love, what a beautiful moment we could share.
Lobsang: “Despair is never a solution, it is the ultimate failure. In Tibetan we say, ‘if the rope breaks nine times, we must splice it together a tenth time.’ Even if ultimately we do fail, at least we will have no feelings of regret. And when we combine this insight with a clear appreciation of our potential to benefit others, we can begin to restore our hope and confidence. – The Dalai Lama”
Oliver: “Go into the world and do well. But more importantly go into the world and do good.”
“In Search of Simplicity is a unique and awe-inspiring way to re-visit and even answer some of the gnawing questions we all intrinsically have about the meaning of life and our true, individual purpose on the planet. I love this book.”
“In Search of Simplicity is one of those rare literary jewels with the ability to completely and simultaneously ingratiate itself into the mind, heart and soul of the reader.”
Prepare to be inspired. John goes in depth on Voices from the North with Sun and Light, a couple who have been together for 41 years and who are the co-founders of Gentle World, the non-profit vegan community based in Hawaii and New Zealand. They speak with reverence for their early days and the reasons they became vegans. They speak with sincerity for a life dedicated not only to seeking the Truth, but to living it. They haven’t wanted to protest the things they haven’t wanted; they’ve spent their lives living the changes they want to see in the world. They describe how they’ve overcome chronic health problems through their choices, choices founded on the premise that they don’t want to support violence in the world; and their excellent health is only a by-product of their vegan lifestyle.
If you’re not already a vegan, you’ll want to be after listening to this passionate interview. Sun and Light explain how they came to New Zealand and found their incredible rural property called Shangri La. If there is one question that has predicated their choices in life it is, “Is it better?” As I said before, prepare to be inspired:
“In Search of Simplicity is a unique and awe-inspiring way to re-visit and even answer some of the gnawing questions we all intrinsically have about the meaning of life and our true, individual purpose on the planet. I love this book.”
“In Search of Simplicity is one of those rare literary jewels with the ability to completely and simultaneously ingratiate itself into the mind, heart and soul of the reader.”
Economics is extremely useful as a form of employment for economists.
John Kenneth Galbraith
Dr. Kennedy Graham was a recent guest on Voices from the North The complete interview can be listened to below:
Ken teaches international politics and international law at the School of Law, Canterbury and Victoria University, and has previously worked for NGOs, the UN and as a diplomat. He was involved in negotiating the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone, defending the policy as a NZ diplomat before the UN in Geneva and New York and was also Director of a UN programme in the Middle East. Having returned to New Zealand he now aspires to contribute his experience and perspectives to helping the country tackle the global problems we face.
Ken is now a Green Party MP and he was touring the Far North in order to share his perspectives on sustainable economic principles. He also enunciated some of the details of his Private Members’ Bill to augment the economic indicators (like inflation, GNP and GDP) that economists and politicians presently use when forming or justifying policy.
In economics, the majority is always wrong.
John Kenneth Galbraith
One of the greatest pieces of economic wisdom is to know what you do not know.
John Kenneth Galbraith
Some of the ground covered in our talk included:
The ‘growth’ philosophy
The greatest myth of the age – that we will be better off if everything grows. The impact on the environment is becoming unsustainable.
Population growth
We know world population now is nearing 7 billion and the prediction is that we will reach 9 billion by mid century. Some claim that a sustainable world population is much lower than this. How can we cope with this rise in population and still maintain fair standards of living for all people?
The growing gap between rich and poor
Success is often measured in the amount of ‘stuff’ we have. How can we create a more ‘holistic’ way of life that brings in social, environmental and spiritual aspects to balance the economic side?
“In Search of Simplicity is a unique and awe-inspiring way to re-visit and even answer some of the gnawing questions we all intrinsically have about the meaning of life and our true, individual purpose on the planet. I love this book.”
“In Search of Simplicity is one of those rare literary jewels with the ability to completely and simultaneously ingratiate itself into the mind, heart and soul of the reader.”
The ear of the leader must ring with the voices of the people.
Woodrow Wilson
The most basic of all human needs is the need to understand and be understood. The best way to understand people is to listen to them.
Ralph Nichols
Sir John Goulter is running for mayor of the Far North District Council. He certainly has the credentials to lead an organization of this sort. Her Majesty The Queen approved John’s re-designation as a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (KNZM) in August 2009. This tribute follows on from the many John has received during a long, productive and successful career as a business and community leader. For 15 years John was Managing Director for Auckland International Airport Limited as it moved purposefully forward into the private sector. He has been chairman of such diverse organizations as the New Zealand Lotteries Commission and United Carriers Group.
In December 1999, the NZ Business Herald announced John as its Business Leader of the Year. Within the Deloitte/Management Top 200 Awards John Goulter was selected New Zealand Executive of the Year in 2002. The National Business Review named John as the NBR New Zealander of the year in 2003 and in September of that year he was inducted as a laureate into the New Zealand Business Hall of Fame. He was also inducted into the Manukau City Business Hall of Fame in July 2003. For more on the superlative executive exploits of Sir John Goulter visit here.
The Beach in Paihia Where John Goulter Lives
I interviewed John Goulter on September 15, 2010 on Voices from the North. John’s slogan for the campaign is ‘I Hear You.’ During the course of our conversation he tells an inspiring story that I feel exemplifies the need for leaders to listen. We all know this doesn’t always happen. Click below to hear John’s four minute story of a time when he was a high-priced consultant who dared to listen and to acknowledge the wisdom of those doing job. To paraphrase Woodrow Wilson’s quote above, at the time John was ringing with the voice of the people.
John’s views on a variety of subjects pertinent to the voters of the Far North have been excerted from our interview. Feel free listen. Most are only about two minutes long.
“In Search of Simplicity is a unique and awe-inspiring way to re-visit and even answer some of the gnawing questions we all intrinsically have about the meaning of life and our true, individual purpose on the planet. I love this book.”
“In Search of Simplicity is one of those rare literary jewels with the ability to completely and simultaneously ingratiate itself into the mind, heart and soul of the reader.”
“We must make every effort for the promotion of peace and inner values.
I fully support [Peace One Day].”
His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Nobel Peace Laureate
Each of us, with every breath we take, is able to contribute to peace. Last night, while recording some things for the radio, my friend Gay alerted me to the following:
In 1999, preoccupied with questions about the fundamental nature of humanity and the most pressing issues of our time, filmmaker Jeremy Gilley launched Peace One Day and set out to find a starting point for peace. He had a mission: to document his efforts to establish the first ever annual day of global ceasefire and non-violence with a fixed calendar date.
Remarkably, two years on, he achieved his primary objective when the 192 member states of the United Nations unanimously adopted 21 September as an annual day of global ceasefire and non-violence on the UN International Day of Peace. We call that day Peace Day.
The UN International Day of Peace on 21 September every year is not only about creating peace between nations, it’s about non-violence in our homes, communities and schools. Therefore Peace Day is relevant to every human being on the planet.
Now the next major objective is to introduce 3 billion people to Peace Day by 2012. To do it, we need the help of all people regardless of age, race, nationality, religion or gender; people who are willing to stand up for peace.
Jeremy Gilley on Right
“My experience of conflict is that those who are involved in it long for even a day of peace. To have a day of cessation of violence, that to me is an idea whose time has come.”
Mary Robinson, then UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, from a filmed meeting with Jeremy Gilley.
I urge you to visit the site, get involved and, especially, to think about what you will do today to create peace and harmony in your life and in the world.
Peace, John
P.S. Below is the recording we’re playing on the radio here in New Zealand’s Far North today. I recorded it last night:
“In Search of Simplicity is a unique and awe-inspiring way to re-visit and even answer some of the gnawing questions we all intrinsically have about the meaning of life and our true, individual purpose on the planet. I love this book.”
“In Search of Simplicity is one of those rare literary jewels with the ability to completely and simultaneously ingratiate itself into the mind, heart and soul of the reader.”
My recent guest on Voices From the North, Linda Hindley, is a visitor from her native England. University educated with majors in science, economics and sociology, in the course of her long, productive and eclectic working life she’s been a teacher, organic farmer, consultant, administrator in various social service fields, all leading to her present occupation of healing—or, as she would say, a channeller of energy.
Her healing/energy work today finds her variously engaged in hospitals, a drop-in centre and in private practice. Much of what she does is given freely.
A common theme throughout the interview was Linda’s conviction that the universe provides her with exactly what she needs, at precisely the time it is needed. She gives the example of setting up a refuge for the homeless during a particularly brutal winter in 1995 and 1996 when people living on the streets were dying from exposure to the cold. Much of what was required for the refuge was entirely dependent on the generosity of the local community—in terms of time, energy and money.
Waiora Gardens - Where Linda Stayed in New Zealand
All went well until the day they were due to open, January 1st. Appliances had been donated, plumbed and wired in. Unfortunately, at the eleventh hour, a washing machine was leaking and a cooker was not wired in. The next two knocks on the door of the final day were made by a plumber and an electrician—seemingly delivered by providence—and the necessary repairs were completed, just on time.
That night, as Linda and the homeless guests settled into their warm, dry, temporary home, one of the volunteer helpers remarked, “You know. We have everything we need.”
Linda replied, “Yes, but it would be nice to have a television.” The phone rang just after they spoke. It was someone with a television they no longer needed, supporting Linda’s belief that all that is needed is provided and even, sometimes, what is wanted as well.
Linda had a near death experience at the age of 21 and nothing that has happened to her since can shake her knowing that she has guardian angels and that all the events of her life have a purpose in bringing her precisely to the place she’s at today.
A few years back her partner of ten years, a lifelong smoker, was diagnosed with terminal throat cancer and given a year to live After radiation treatment, he and Linda made their way to what was then called the Bristol Cancer Help Centre (it has since been renamed thePenny Brohn Centre). Linda says if there’s a heaven on earth, this is it. They were swept up and cocooned in an atmosphere of love and embarked on a journey of healing embracing nutrition and a cornucopia of therapies complementary to the allopathic treatment prescribed by his doctor(s). They were gently guided to take control of the healing process, to reduce stress and deal with all aspects of physical, emotional, mental and spiritual healing. He used the Essiac herbal mixture a An ancient Canadian Ojibway Indian herbal formula passed on to nurse Rene Caisse—Essiac is her name spelled backwards—by a native Canadian healer in the 1920s) and other natural means and completely eliminated the cancer.
Unfortunately, he’d suffered horrific earaches as a consequence of the radiation treatment. Being terminal, he was prescribed morphine for the pain and, contrary to what the doctors said could happen, he became addicted to the drug. Ultimately, he underwent a painful period of detoxification to over come the physical addiction.
All was well until he was diagnosed with lung cancer. It was determined to be incurable and he was told to get his affairs in order. The doctors were unable to help.
They turned once again to the Penny Brohn Centre and immediately embarked on a basket of complementary treatments of his choice. The eight tumours were reduced to three in a matter of months and he was gaining weight and making plans for the future. Until he died tragically in a car accident. Life can seem so unfair at times.
When asked at the end of the interview what one could do if diagnosed with cancer Linda’s response was so stirring I’ve cut a little clip out of the interview and uploaded it here. I’ve summarized (in my words) the gist of her reply here:
Take power back to yourself. No one knows you better than you. Your body is your best friend, often showing you through illness, serious or otherwise, the changes you need to make to attain a sense of wholeness of self. Don’t reject the help mainstream doctors can provide but embrace the tool bag full of natural therapies which complement traditional medical treatment. Sometimes cancer’s natural outcome will lead to death. But many times, Linda emphasizes, it is a wake up call. Listen to what the disease has to tell you, listen to your body, trust in a higher power (call it what you like), make the necessary dietary and lifestyle changes (especially areas that reduce stress) and healing is often possible.
We played two pieces of Irish music—Moonchild by Celtus in the middle of the hour and finished with part of Clannad’s Theme from Harry’s Game.
Click below for the complete therapeutic interview:
Anyone wishing to contact Linda may leave a response to this blog and I’ll pass it on to her.
“In Search of Simplicity is a unique and awe-inspiring way to re-visit and even answer some of the gnawing questions we all intrinsically have about the meaning of life and our true, individual purpose on the planet. I love this book.”
“In Search of Simplicity is one of those rare literary jewels with the ability to completely and simultaneously ingratiate itself into the mind, heart and soul of the reader.”
Six million people belong to Avaaz. The organization has been the subject of a smear media campaign, highlighting the power some media magnates have. Isn’t it great that the internet has the possibility of bipassing those who’ve for too long contolled what we call news. Read the following email I just received from Avaaz and follow the links to gain further insight into this story that threatens to make a farce of democracy.
Dear friends,
Avaaz has come under attack from a major media-mogul.
Huge numbers of Canadian Avaazers recently mobilized against government favours for a new radical-right propaganda network run by the Prime Minister’s former spin doctor. The media empire behind the network and its billionaire owner, Pierre Karl Peladeau, has attacked our community with several smear pieces in their own newspapers, and one of their executives admitted insider knowledge of a criminal sabotage of our campaign. Now the mogul has threatened to sue Avaaz if we don’t take down our campaign within 24 hours!
This is how big corporate power works to silence people’s voices. But Avaaz is a community of almost 6 million people — together we’re far stronger than any corporate bully.
“Crony-media” and its incestuous combination of unscrupulous politicians and biased reporting is a rising threat to democracy in many countries, from Italy to the US to Australia. Let’s take a stand, and show them their intimidation tactics will only backfire. They’ve given us a 24 hour ultimatum: Let’s donate to give them our answer and keep the fight alive against crony-media across the world:
Democracy is on the march across the world, but anti-democratic interests have figured out a counter-attack: crony-media. When a political leader teams up with a massive media empire, they become hard to beat at the polls, no matter how bad they are.
In Italy, Prime Minister Berlusconi controls over 80% of the news channels, and has a major stake in leading newspapers, magazines and publishing. Berlusconi is mired in scandal and corruption allegations, but the spin on his networks is always positive. In the US, UK, and Australia, mega-mogul Rupert Murdoch exploits his empire to get sweet deals from politicians, whom he in turn backs for office. His infamous Fox News is the largest cable news network in the US. After President Barack Obama spurned Murdoch and boycotted his propagandistic network, Fox News spawned the radical right Tea Party group, and provided a platform for hate and racism, suggesting that Obama is a terrorist and hates white people.
The idea for a new Canadian crony-media network was reportedly hatched in a secret lunch between Rupert Murdoch and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper. Harper was George W. Bush’s closest ally on climate change and many other issues, and is widely understood to be importing a radical form of right-wing politics to Canada from the US. The new network, dubbed “Fox News North” would transform Canada’s media landscape, bringing an unscrupulously biased mouthpiece for a political leader. Avaaz’s campaign opposes a special government favour that would force taxpayers to foot the bill for this new network through their cable TV fees. This is an example of how crony-media works — a billionaire gets government-mandated funding for their media network while pushing propaganda that backs that government’s leader.
Many of these media barons are also ruthless in how they achieve their political objectives: pushing opinions that poison people’s hearts and polarize our world, threatening democracy and peace. Canada is the latest battle — let’s make it the battle where people-power begins to turns the tide on crony-media. We have 24 hours to win this one — click below to donate:
Part of the promise of the Avaaz movement is our ability to work on the issues that cut across all others. The subversion of democracy by the collusion of political leaders and media-corporations is a threat to all the things we care about, from climate change to poverty to human rights. With our global reach, Avaaz might be one of the only organizations that can fight this rising threat to democracy. We’ve been given a 24 hour challenge — let’s rise to it.
With hope,
Ricken, Luis, Iain, Emma, Alice, Ben, Giulia, Alex and the rest of the Avaaz team.
Support the Avaaz community! We’re entirely funded by donations and receive no money from governments or corporations. Our dedicated team ensures even the smallest contributions go a long way — donate here.
“In Search of Simplicity is a unique and awe-inspiring way to re-visit and even answer some of the gnawing questions we all intrinsically have about the meaning of life and our true, individual purpose on the planet. I love this book.”
“In Search of Simplicity is one of those rare literary jewels with the ability to completely and simultaneously ingratiate itself into the mind, heart and soul of the reader.”
This morning I opened an email power point attachment. I have to say I hardly ever do this. I find these messages urging us to send on the presentation to ‘X’ number of people a bit forceful; but I’m glad I watched this one. It was in Dutch accompanied by modern music. So I went on YouTube and found this English version with Celtic music. The story is touching in any language. It brought tears to my eyes (not that that is so unusual for me) in English and in Dutch. It’s a lovely message. My thanks to Marja for sending it to me. Enjoy.
Blessings,
John
A farmer had some puppies he needed to sell. He painted a sign advertising the pups and set about nailing it to a post on the edge of his yard. As he was driving the last nail into the post, he felt a tug on his overalls. He looked down into the eyes of a little boy.
“Mister,” he said, “I want to buy one of your puppies.”
“Well,” said the farmer, as he rubbed the sweat of the back of his neck, “These puppies come from fine parents and cost a good deal of money.”
The boy dropped his head for a moment. Then reaching deep into his pocket, he pulled out a handful of change and held it up to the farmer. “I’ve got 39 cents. Is that enough at least to take a look?”
“Sure,” said the farmer. And with that he let out a whistle. “Here, Dolly!” he called.
Out from the doghouse and down the ramp ran Dolly followed by four little balls of fur. The little boy pressed his face against the chain link fence. His eyes danced with delight. As the dogs made their way to the fence, the little boy noticed something else stirring inside the doghouse.
Slowly another little fur ball appeared, this one noticeably smaller. Down the ramp it slid. Then the little pup began awkwardly wobbling toward the others, doing its best to catch up. “I want that one,” the little boy said, quickly pointing to the runt.
The farmer knelt down at the boy’s side and said, “Son, you don’t want that puppy. He will never be able to run and play with you like these other dogs would.”
With that the little boy stepped back from the fence, reached down, and began rolling up one leg of his trousers.
In doing so he revealed a steel brace running down both sides of his leg attaching itself to a specially made shoe. Looking back up at the farmer, he said, “You see, sir, I don’t run too well myself, and he will need someone who understands.”
With tears in his eyes, the farmer reached down and picked up the little pup. Holding it carefully he handed it to the little boy.
“How much?” asked the little boy. “No charge,” answered the farmer, “There’s no charge for love and understanding.”
Like that special puppy, the world is full of people who need someone who understands.
“In Search of Simplicity is a unique and awe-inspiring way to re-visit and even answer some of the gnawing questions we all intrinsically have about the meaning of life and our true, individual purpose on the planet. I love this book.”
“In Search of Simplicity is one of those rare literary jewels with the ability to completely and simultaneously ingratiate itself into the mind, heart and soul of the reader.”
“The man who speaks of the enemy / Is the enemy himself.”
Bertolt Brecht
Here’s another one that just arrived in my inbox. Think about the kind of world you want to live.
In Unity,
John
By Michael Moore, Michael Moore.com
11 September 10
If the ‘mosque’ isn’t built, this is no longer America.I am opposed to the building of the “mosque” two blocks from Ground Zero.
I want it built on Ground Zero.
Why? Because I believe in an America that protects those who are the victims of hate and prejudice. I believe in an America that says you have the right to worship whatever God you have, wherever you want to worship. And I believe in an America that says to the world that we are a loving and generous people and if a bunch of murderers steal your religion from you and use it as their excuse to kill 3,000 souls, then I want to help you get your religion back. And I want to put it at the spot where it was stolen from you.There’s been so much that’s been said about this manufactured controversy, I really don’t want to waste any time on this day of remembrance talking about it. But I hate bigotry and I hate liars, and so in case you missed any of the truth that’s been lost in this, let me point out a few facts:
1. I love the Burlington Coat Factory. I’ve gotten some great winter coats there at a very reasonable price. Muslims have been holding their daily prayers there since 2009. No one ever complained about that. This is not going to be a “mosque,” it’s going to be a community center. It will have the same prayer room in it that’s already there. But to even have to assure people that “it’s not going to be mosque” is so offensive, I now wish they would just build a 111-story mosque there. That would be better than the lame and disgusting way the developer has left Ground Zero an empty hole until recently. The remains of over 1,100 people still haven’t been found. That site is a sacred graveyard, and to be building another monument to commerce on it is a sacrilege. Why wasn’t the entire site turned into a memorial peace park? People died there, and many of their remains are still strewn about, all these years later.
2. Guess who has helped the Muslims organize their plans for this community center? The JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER of Manhattan! Their rabbi has been advising them since the beginning. It’s been a picture-perfect example of the kind of world we all want to live in. Peter Stuyvessant, New York’s “founder,” tried to expel the first Jews who arrived in Manhattan. Then the Dutch said, no, that’s a bit much. So then Stuyvessant said ok, you can stay, but you cannot build a synagogue anywhere in Manhattan. Do your stupid Friday night thing at home. The first Jewish temple was not allowed to be built until 1730. Then there was a revolution, and the founding fathers said this country has to be secular – no religious nuts or state religions. George Washington (inaugurated around the corner from Ground Zero) wanted to make a statement about this his very first year in office, and wrote this to American Jews:
“The citizens of the United States of America have a right to applaud themselves for having given to mankind examples of an enlarged and liberal policy – a policy worthy of imitation….3. The Imam in charge of this project is the nicest guy you’d ever want to meet. Read about his past here .
“It is now no more that toleration is spoken of as if it were the indulgence of one class of people that another enjoyed the exercise of their inherent natural rights, for, happily, the Government of the United States, which gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance, requires only that they who live under its protection should demean themselves as good citizens …
“May the children of the stock of Abraham who dwell in this land continue to merit and enjoy the good will of the other inhabitants – while every one shall sit in safety under his own vine and fig tree and there shall be none to make him afraid.”
4. Around five dozen Muslims died at the World Trade Center on 9/11. Hundreds of members of their families still grieve and suffer. The 19 killers did not care what religion anyone belonged to when they took those lives.
5. I’ve never read a sadder headline in the New York Times than the one on the front page this past Monday: “ American Muslims Ask, Will We Ever Belong?” That should make all of us so ashamed that even a single one of our fellow citizens should ever have to worry about if they “belong” here.
6. There is a McDonald’s two blocks from Ground Zero. Trust me, McDonald’s has killed far more people than the terrorists.
7. During an economic depression or a time of war, fascists are extremely skilled at whipping up fear and hate and getting the working class to blame “the other” for their troubles. Lincoln’s enemies told poor Southern whites that he was “a Catholic.” FDR’s opponents said he was Jewish and called him “Jewsevelt.” One in five Americans now believes Obama is a Muslim and 41% of Republicans don’t believe he was born here.
Armenian World Peace Symbol
8. Blaming a whole group for the actions of just one of that group is anti-American. Timothy McVeigh was Catholic. Should Oklahoma City prohibit the building of a Catholic Church near the site of the former federal building that McVeigh blew up?
9. Let’s face it, all religions have their whackos. Catholics have O’Reilly, Gingrich, Hannity and Clarence Thomas (in fact all five conservatives who dominate the Supreme Court are Catholic). Protestants have Pat Robertson and too many to list here. The Mormons have Glenn Beck. Jews have Crazy Eddie. But we don’t judge whole religions on just the actions of their whackos. Unless they’re Methodists.
10. If I should ever, God forbid, perish in a terrorist incident, and you or some nutty group uses my death as your justification to attack or discriminate against anyone in my name, I will come back and haunt you worse than Linda Blair marrying Freddy Krueger and moving into your bedroom to spawn Chucky. John Lennon was right when he asked us to imagine a world with “nothing to kill or die for and no religion, too.” I heard Deepak Chopra this week say that “God gave humans the truth, and the devil came and he said, ‘Let’s give it a name and call it religion.’” But John Adams said it best when he wrote a sort of letter to the future (which he called “Posterity”): “Posterity! You will never know how much it cost the present Generation to preserve your Freedom! I hope you will make a good use of it. If you do not, I shall repent in Heaven that I ever took half the Pains to preserve it.” I’m guessing ol’ John Adams is up there repenting nonstop right now.
Friends, we all have a responsibility NOW to make sure that Muslim community center gets built. Once again, 70% of the country (the same number that initially supported the Iraq War) is on the wrong side and want the “mosque” moved. Enormous pressure has been put on the Imam to stop his project. We have to turn this thing around. Are we going to let the bullies and thugs win another one? Aren’t you fed up by now? When would be a good time to take our country back from the haters?
I say right now. Let’s each of us make a statement by donating to the building of this community center! It’s a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization and you can donate a dollar or ten dollars (or more) right now through a secure pay pal account by clicking here. I will personally match the first $10,000 raised (forward your PayPal receipt to webguy@michaelmoore.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it). If each one of you reading this blog/email donated just a couple of dollars, that would give the center over $6 million, more than what Donald Trump has offered to buy the Imam out. C’mon everyone, let’s pitch in and help those who are being debased for simply wanting to do something good. We could all make a huge statement of love on this solemn day.
I lost a co-worker on 9/11. I write this today in his memory.
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Ken is now a Green Party MP
