-Mahatma Ghandi

"An error does not become truth by reason of multiplied propagation, nor does truth become error because nobody sees it."

"We must evolve for all human conflict a method which rejects revenge, aggression, and retaliation. The foundation of such a method is love."

                          -- Martin Luther King, Jr.

Think globally. . .

Did you know?  . . . American teenagers rank 21st out of 25 countries in math and science. Illiteracy and innumeracy are a greater threat to humanity than terrorism. There are one billion people without clean water on this planet.  

We are increasingly interconnected, interdependent and interacting with peoples of many other cultures. I join with Stiglitz and others, when I propose that we adopt a more global approach to solving the country's and the world's problems. We must value relationships more than transactions. We must synthesize the big picture rather than analyzing a single component of a problem. We must learn to synthesize massive amounts of information. We must learn to be self-directed in our learning. Many other countries are better at this than we are.  We musn't be afraid to do something we don't yet know how to do. We are no longer the lone beacon on a hill. We can't thrive by ourselves any longer. We must embrace a global way of thinking.

A big spiritual payoff today. . .

My brother told me today: "You know how men measure their girlfriends up against their mom's and they try to find women that have qualities that their mom's have?  Well, I don't. I measure them to my sister. I try to find women that have qualities that you have."

Frustration with the Media. . .

I really wish the major news networks would stop playing only a few seconds of President Obama's speeches and then hold a panel of 4 to comment on Obama's words for several minutes.  Why can't they just allow us to hear all of his remarks?  That is why I'm so glad Obama continues to post his weekly webcam address.  

Chinese Proverb

"If the water is too clear, there is nothing for the fish to eat". -Quoted by Fareed Zakaria when discussing corruption in China on November 8, 2009.  He wrote The Post-American World. You can see Fareed Zakaria GPS on Sunday afternoons on CNN.  I just think he is super knowledgeable about foreign affairs, crazy-brilliant and frankly beautiful.

Libertarianism - a look at a different political ideology. . .

The Libertarian Party was originally called the Libertarian Socialists. The party coined itself the Libertarian Party in the mid-19th century. “The Libertarian Party is America's third largest political party, founded in 1971 as an alternative to the two main political parties.  Our vision is for a world in which all individuals can freely exercise the natural right of sole dominion over their own lives, liberty and property by building a political party that elects Libertarians to public office, and moving public policy in a libertarian direction”. (Official Libertarian Website[1], Platform) Sounds great so far, doesn’t it? Who doesn’t want liberty?  In spite of this very attractive language, the mission statement tells us almost nothing about what Libertarians stand for. So, let’s take a closer look at the party’s platform.

The Libertarian Party Platform was adopted in May of 2008. Commentaries and discussions can be found on Reason TV. Ron Paul and Bob Barr were the candidates that represented the party in 2008, and William Redpath is the chairman of the party. There are twenty-five issues briefly covered in the document. In the interest of brevity, three issues from the Libertarian perspective will be considered.

Foreign Policy. In a word: non-intervention. Certainly, this is an unambiguous and uncomplicated approach, even elegant in its simplicity.  I can see why this policy would be attractive to many Americans. In a poll taken by Libertarians, the following statement got 69% of the votes that the poll generated: ”I believe we should follow a Libertarian non-interventionist foreign policy, and start withdrawing troops from Afghanistan”.  Libertarian foreign policy is very clear: we just shouldn’t be over there.

Libertarians agree that the solution to our economic problems is in “free trade as prescribed by America’s founders”. (Official Libertarian Website, Issues). Some Libertarians believe in anti-globalization.  However, Friedman, Stiglitz, and other economists agree that such an approach would greatly hinder the United States’ ability to compete in the world market economy given that in 2009, our economic security is intertwined with other countries.   Taxes. The official website actually stated that all other politicians just want more of your money and are busy increasing the size of government unnecessarily. (Official Libertarian Website, Issues). Further, Libertarians’ position is that the only role the government should have is protecting life, rights and property, and if it limited itself to that, America would prosper and thrive and that government regulation of any kind isn’t necessary to preserve individual rights.

Libertarians’ are disillusioned with the government mainly because the government is subsidizing many expensive unnecessary initiatives like foreign aid, bailing out banks, public art museums, education, railroads, and others. Libertarians don’t want to pay taxes for these purposes.  While most Americans tend to acknowledge that the government does squander money, depending on what the particular American values or does not value and I must agree that some of the government’s spending is wasteful, but certainly not all of it.  I disagree that every service the government provides other than those that protect constitutional rights and those that protect the country from foreign attack, are worthless. Are schools, libraries, national parks, railroads, energy grids, food regulations, and drug regulations unnecessary and worthless services? Libertarians say “yes”.

Healthcare. Libertarians believe that the “only healthcare reforms that will make a real difference are those that draw on the strength of the free market”. (Official Libertarian Website, Issues).  I am starting to see a trend here, are you? By way of reform, Libertarians support a Medical Savings Account. Those without a Medical Savings Account will have a 100% tax deduction for their medical costs. Deregulation of the healthcare industry and the FDA are also part of the Libertarian reform policy.  I was somewhat surprised to learn that the above is their only answer to the current healthcare snafu our country faces.

In general, Libertarians’ approach to pretty much all issues that affect Americans is one of self-determinism, which means that the individual should be able to do whatever he/she wishes, so long as he/she is not forcibly interfering with the equal rights of others, and if a person doesn’t like the direction the government is taking, they should rise up and abolish it. (Libertarian Platform, Section 3.7 and Statement of Principles). For example, Libertarians believe that drug usage, whether medicinally or recreationally, should not be a crime.  Nor do Libertarians believe in regulating drug usage. 

This Laissez-faire attitude, if implemented, could lead to some pretty scary consequences. Any responsible American can easily envision how a person on drugs can and often does forcibly interfere with the rights of others.  Doesn’t a child have a right to grow up in a safe environment?  How safe would that environment be if the parent’s mind is regularly altered by methamphetamine or heroine?  Without drug laws, regulations and child protective services, some children would certainly be at risk under the practice of the Libertarian philosophy. How many people use methamphetamine and heroine recreationally without becoming addicted?  It is said that after one experience with heroine, may people are addicted. If Libertarians employed their “hands off” approach, how would addicted people get access to rehabilitation? Is the answer to just let them figure it out on their own? I opine that this philosophy has not been well thought out, and is clearly dangerous if it were to be implemented.

After reading the entire platform, what does “moving public policy in a libertarian direction” actually mean for Americans?  If you don’t have the means to meet your basic human needs, well that is just too bad. If you are a poor pregnant woman who can’t afford to deliver your baby in a hospital, just give birth wherever you happen to be when the contractions start – women have been doing so for ages.

Libertarians would have surely poo-poo’ed Roosevelt’s New Deal, and all of those millions of people helped by the New Deal would have certainly starved to death. Feeding and clothing thousands of young men, teaching them self-efficacy, offering them an opportunity to learn skills, and providing for the families of the young men would not have happened. These young men would not have provided valuable services to the country, such as putting out forest fires, constructing power grids, planting thousands of acres of trees, creating a ski industry in States that otherwise had no industry, and improving national parks that we enjoy today. FDR’s brilliant program that significantly helped our country recover from the Depression would not have happened if Libertarians were a party in power at the time.

In theory, the Libertarian party has some really good ideas; self-determinism, limited government, natural rights, and a free-market, are all worth striving for. However, without considering other social factors, Libertarianism would lead to chaos, perhaps anarchy, and the poorer, weaker, less intelligent American’s would lose big. How can we all have freedom, if few are allowed to bully, and take advantage of the weak, as would surely occur if contract regulations ceased and further deregulation were to occur. It seems all very Darwinian to this author. The problem is we are not animals. We are humans, hence the term "humanity", the concept of which Libertarians miss entirely.

Would Libertarians have us abolish government entirely, give up our culture, move to the mountains and grow our own food and hunt for our subsistence?  Would this be better than the government we have now, which is admittedly flawed in that governmental bureaucracy is frustratingly slow sometimes. To this author, the Libertarian party seems to support abolishing all government accept civil defense. Libertarians’ answer to social problems in the country is voluntary associations.  How they will get the funding since taxes wouldn’t pay for it. . . is anyone’s guess. Donations, I suppose.

How is this party going to get wide support? How many of us are willing to give up parks, transportation safety regulations, food and drug safety regulations, and many other affectations of government in favor of virtual anarchy?  In my view, this party will never get the support it needs to elect anyone to congress. And what would an elected Libertarian do once there, dismantle the government for which it was elected to work with?  It’s nonsensical. Libertarianism is one of those philosophies that seems very attractive prima facie with its talk of freedom, but on closer analysis, simply not pragmatically sound, nor likely to work for the majority given the size of our country.  In researching this political party’s ideology, this author is reminded of the very important responsibility each American holds.  We must educate ourselves on the parties, platforms and politicians, and apply some critical thinking skills before we vote. 

---

[1]  www.lp.org/platform

Revenge. . .

I've learned that even though the fantasy or the act of exacting revenge is seductive, the only revenge that is truly sweet and satisfying whether now or later, is getting to that place of peace and intending love toward everyone. . . before he does.

What does President Obama have to do to get some love from some Americans??  Win the Nobel Peace Prize??

Movie Recommendation

Have you seen the "Secretary"?  Oh my. It is hot hot hot! Seriously psycho-sexy.  And you can watch it a few times to pick up on the nuances. If anyone watches it, please feel free to let me know your impressions. 

Self-awareness tests

My cognitive psychology professor told the class yesterday about a really cool website that offers mini psychology related tests. Not Cosmo-quality tests but shortened versions of actual professional grade tests. Of course, they don't work unless answered honestly, much like therapy. Here is the link:  discoveryhealth.queendom.com/eiq_abridged_access.html.  Enjoy your scoop of self discovery!

Joseph E. Stiglitz said. . .

(paraphrased) When I asked my parents what I should do when I grow up, they said whatever I do, I should not do it for the money but instead to use your mind for public service.  He became an economist.  

Step one of Project Change Hair Color.

Can you tell it is a dark reddish blonde?  Well I am going to add some chunky copper lowlights and carmel highlights around the face.  What do ya'all think?

I want a mommy. . .

This is an essay I wrote for my composition class. Thought I'd share it. Our assignment was to write an essay about wanting something we don't have. 

I want a Mommy

In the Pulizer Prize winner, The Stone Diaries by Carol Shields, we read about the quiet life of a woman whose mother dies in childbirth. In fact, the first chapter is from an unborn child’s perspective on her own birth and the immediate death of her mother. How surreal. How imaginative, I thought.  The child’s name is Daisy, so named by the lady who lives next-door whose favorite flower is the daisy. Daisy is partially raised by a nanny who feels so sorry for the child because she has no mother and according to this nanny, is certainly the worst thing in the world. I have a mother, technically.  Yet technically, I am not parented. If do-overs were really possible, I would really like to know what having a mother would be like. (If this were a movie - you would hear a harp and the screen would go fuzzy whilst I set up my fantasy).

I want a mommy to massage my nine-year-old calves when I have growing pains. I want a mommy to tell me to brush my six-year-old teeth and make me nutritious meals with lots of color on the plate. I want a mommy to teach me how to cook eggs sunny side up and to make it her business to know that I am in the most remedial reading group in the first grade. I want a mommy to check my homework and teach me how to study on my own and praise me for getting 100% on my spelling tests. I want a mommy to write me a note when I am sick so my teacher will believe I really was sick and did not just lie to her.  I want a mommy to wash my hair when I am sick and too weak to do it myself. I want a mommy to listen to my stories when I get home from school and read to me Dr. Suess books before she tucks me into bed. I want a mommy to lock the front door at night before she goes to bed.   I want a mommy to tell me that I am a good girl and is happy she had me.

As an adult woman, it would be nice to know what it would be like to have a mom . . .  tell me I look beautiful on my wedding day. . . and show me old Louie Jordan movies and tell me why she thought he was so handsome when she was growing up.  It would be really nice if I had a mom that could tell me what I was like as a child so I can understand myself better or to honestly answer my questions about sex, marriage, feminism, women’s health issues and parenting. I wish I had a mom to tell me I have a right to expect my man to respect me. Perhaps if I had a mom to lovingly scold me when I need it and show me a better course than the one I’m on, I can spare myself the wasted time and heartache of making mistakes only codependents make.  I long for a mom who can read my moods and offer soothing words and give the kind of hugs that only moms can give. 

How do I know this is what moms do?  I have watched other moms do their mommy-work and listened to other people’s stories about their mothers.   I would be a good mom, I think. But what if I am not?  What if I get it all wrong and don’t know it?  Who will teach me these things? Where can I find me a mom?

Maybe I should put an ad on craig’s list. “Divorced, 30-something seeking mother figure to teach all mom related lessons. Compensation: gratitude.” That just sounds a bit psycho and perhaps would attract a page-full of psycho-moms. Maybe that isn’t a good idea, after all. 

In an effort to learn the lessons I think my mother should have taught me, I read books on reclaiming and parenting the inner child. I did all the exercises, too! I think I get it. Intellectually, I mean. Books are helpful for creating a mental image of what is normal. Perhaps someday I will have the opportunity to be a mommy and a mom. And if I do it mostly right and my child grows up to be mostly happy and well adjusted, then I’d know I learned most of the lessons my mom was supposed to teach me, except I would have learned it from myself, and from emulating the good moms I know. Perhaps I was parented after all.  

Schreiner Democrats

Kerrville Democrat Party on Labor Day:

Above: Carolyn (school counselor) and me at a Kerrville Democrat BBQ.  We had a great time and met lots of caring and fun people. Kinky Friedman, who is a political celebrity around here came to speak about his candidacy for governor of Texas.  

Schreiner Democrats:

Today, 5 of us had our second interest meeting in the Lion's Den.  Jenn, me, Richard, and David had a really great discussion about how Democrats and Republicans are reacting to the current political climate.  We discussed the possibility of holding a town hall meeting on campus. We would bring in Kerrville Democrats knowledgeable about the health care debate on both sides and allow the students to hear the argument without all of the hate and mud-slinging.  My greatest desire in reviving the Schreiner Democrats is to provide an opportunity to students to get exposure to democratic philosophies and beliefs in a free thinking, no pressure environment. I would very much like to see a free-exchange of ideas occur.  I don't believe that people are justified in demonizing one party or another.  Both parties have good fundamental beliefs. However, I will say that what is on the news lately from the Republican perspective against any Democrat or democratic idea is coming from an attitude of hate and anger, which I think is misplaced. This practice is highly dangerous, I think. I would like to find a way to effectuate a more understanding and accepting attitude towards the "other". 

The Kerr County Democrats have offered resources for our events.  They are very motivated to do whatever they can to help the university keep a club going permanently. 

Next week we will prepare the formation documents and get working on our events and meetings. It is a very exciting time to get politically involved. Stay tuned!  

The First Few Weeks of School

Well, peeps, here is the Fall 2009 lineup:

Spanish II - I had spanish I about 10 years ago so I studied the material over the summer. I am so glad I did because I am able to keep up pretty well. I think the material is my favorite to study out of all of my classes this semester but definitely a challenging class. It meets at 8 am four days a week, which is also a challenge for me.  I'm so not a morning person and have been very spoiled over the last year not having classes until 9. My professora is very thorough and assigns us lots of exercises that help us learn the material better. She is an excellent teacher. 

Research Methods I - this class is all about researching in the psychology field.  Social psychology is my intended field, but this class is very useful and important. I will learn how to ethically, precisely do research and evaluate data while using critical thinking skills to determine if research done in the past is valid and why. It's really amazing how the material covered in my different classes often relate and support one another. Another fun-filled, exciting class by Dr. Biel.  He is one of my faves. But don't tell him that, k?

American and Texas Government - this class would be a real pain in my ass if it wasn't taught by Dr. Ellers, who is awesome!  I've had tons of political science classes that transferred in, but in Texas you have to take Texas government to get a degree. Full Stop. Texas is a really funked up place, in my opinion. The laws and bureaucracy is nutty and nonsensical at times.  When a particularly funny law comes up in class, I'll blog about it.

Personal Adjustment - this class speaks for itself. I will do self reflection papers (which I do anyway) and learn about how to be well adjusted and emotionally healthy, what it looks like and strategies for neurotics like me.  Ha ha. Well, so far I'm learning that I am not as messed up as I thought and most people are dealing with feelings of inadequacy, balance, moral code, and other dilemmas. I really enjoy this class. Professor Gallik, who is also my advisor, is really funny and approachable.  I enjoy her lectures the most I think. 

Advanced Composition - aaaahh. Back with my Professor Hannay.  Last semester I had her for World Literature.  She is great!  This class is going to be in the format of argument writing.  Hmmm. Where have I done that before????  This will not be my most challenging class, but a lot of work.  I think I will become a better writer. I hope to improve my ability to focus and organize my thoughts.  Being a good writer is absolutely essential in any professional career. 

Global Issues in the Cultural Context-I've already blogged about this below.  This class is about how we can take part in integrating the planet's economies, education, energy law, fair trade, and improving the quality of life for all people. I believe Obama is globally minded, thank goodness.  In today's world, we have to work with other countries to be competitive and progress. The professor, Ferguson, is wonderfully knowledgeable and experienced in understanding and presenting issues of other countries and cultures. 

Dexter

Oh, don't ya just looooove Dexter???  Netflx just informed me that season three is available. Soooo excited!!!!  In case you don't know Dex, here is a brief summary - From Wikipedia (portions): "Dexter, Orphaned at the age of three and harboring a traumatic secret, Dexter was adopted by a Miami police officer named Harry Morgan who recognized Dexter's sociopathic tendencies and taught him to channel his gruesome passion for thrill killing by giving it a constructive direction: killing people who deserve it. Most have slipped through the justice system, due to loopholes and technicalities in the law or were never apprehended.

To hide in plain sight and to erase his own crimes, Dexter works as a blood spatter analyst for the Miami Metro Police Department. Although his drive to kill is unflinching (otherwise overcome by a feeling of "emptiness") Dexter is, through extensive instruction from Harry, able to fake normal emotions and keep up his appearance as a socially-responsible human being. Dexter follows this sacred code: that most of Dexter's victims must be killers themselves; people who have killed multiple times with no remorse." 

Dexter's dark side is something I strive to understand, being driven by my need to understand others' psychology, or pathology as the case may be. And I connect with the good side of his character because I am attracted to goodness. It's brain/soul candy!  It's just dark, yummy and macabre like a chocolate cake shot at the Fetish Ball. 

La Belle Dame Sans Merci

John Keats (1795–1821).

La Belle Dame Sans Merci

O what can ail thee, knight-at-arms!

So haggard and so woe-begone?

The squirrel’s granary is full,

And the harvest’s done.

III.

I see a lily on thy brow

With anguish moist and fever dew,

And on thy cheeks a fading rose

Fast withereth too.

IV.

I met a lady in the meads,

Full beautiful—a faery’s child,

Her hair was long, her foot was light,

And her eyes were wild.

V.

I made a garland for her head,

And bracelets too, and fragrant zone;

She look’d at me as she did love,

And made sweet moan.

VI.

I set her on my pacing steed,

And nothing else saw all day long,

For sidelong would she bend, and sing

A faery’s song.

VII.

She found me roots of relish sweet,

And honey wild, and manna dew,

And sure in language strange she said—

“I love thee true.”

VIII.

She took me to her elfin grot,

And there she wept, and sigh’d fill sore,

And there I shut her wild wild eyes

With kisses four.

IX.

And there she lulled me asleep,

And there I dream’d—Ah! woe betide!

The latest dream I ever dream’d

On the cold hill’s side.

X.

I saw pale kings and princes too,

Pale warriors, death-pale were they all;

They cried—“La Belle Dame sans Merci

Hath thee in thrall!”

XI.

I saw their starved lips in the gloam,

With horrid warning gaped wide,

And I awoke and found me here,

On the cold hill’s side.

XII.

And this is why I sojourn here,

Alone and palely loitering,

Though the sedge is wither’d from the lake,

And no birds sing.

On the second day of school, I had my dinner party in my new place.  I invited some really great people. Christian (left to right), Jenn, Fred, me, and BK, Fred's wife appeared bearing wine. Carolyn also was part of the party but went home before the chocolate souffle and this picture because her sweet husband just arrived home from a trip and she missed him.  I had soooo much fun!  Everyone commented that they had a great time, but truth be known: I had the best time of all. I just love serving my friends my favorite dishes and getting/giving lots of hugs and kisses.  We had a prayer to dedicate my new place to my growth, educational goals and that I will feel peaceful in this dwelling that is now my home.  Everyone brought a flower(s) as a representation for their good wishes for my happiness and success in school. Rituals only hold meaning to those doing the ritual, right?  Well, it was a meaningful and neat experience for me.  I am so grateful I have such good friends here after only living here a year.  I am truly blessed! Of course, I missed my friends from home and those that live elsewhere too but isn't true that we carry all that love in our hearts no matter time or space, and we are all just a phone call or email or webcam date away. 

Globalization

I am taking a class called: Global Issues in a Cultural Context. It is one of three classes required in the interdisciplinary studies portion of any degree sought at Schreiner. This is part of this universities efforts to educate its students to think critically, appreciate aesthetics, and understand the perspectives on many issues of other cultures and peoples.  I think it is a really good part of the educational process.  My professor asked us to define globalization for ourselves.  Here is my definition: The process by which all nation-states that have the means to work together to increase the quality of life for all people. Stay tuned: more on this concept as I develop my understanding and form opinions.  Isn't it an amazing thing to try on new ideas and see how they feel? I hope I never get too old or too stubborn to allow new ideas to affect my growth. 

The best thing to eat in Kerrville, Texas

It took me a year but I finally found a food item in Kerrville that is better than anywhere else I've ever been. . .It is a place called Mary's Tacos. It is about a mile from campus.  All they serve is breakfast tacos.  There is usually a line out the door till 2 in the afternoon.  They are cheap and fast and quite fabulous.  Typically, I get 6 of them every Sunday morning and share them with Jenn during the week (breakfast tacos keep well in the fridge. . . bet you did not know that).  I love the egg, cheese and spicy potato with salsa and sour cream. Soooo yummy!  

Sloan got a new job. I got a new place.

Sloan had been working at a restaurant as a cook in a nearby town called Bandera. He was working 6 days a week and lots of overtime but was not compensated for it.  His was did not treat him as a valued employee.  Eventually, Sloan had enough and quit, without first finding another job, which in the current economic climate, was pretty risky.  

Yesterday, however, he called to let me know he got a job here in Kerrville at the best restaurant in town, River's Edge Tuscan Grill as a barback/wine steward.  I'm very proud of him!  I am sure he will do well and learn a lot. 

My uncle Frank decided to move here too.  He resides with Sloan too.  I'm sure they are having a great time over there each night talking about old times.  Frank does construction work and enjoying it.  When I first moved in to my place, Frank had some free time before he started working and spent two days helping me hang pictures and put together  shelves and an entertainment center I designed out of laminated panels of wood for $43. Looks pretty good too. I am diggin my new pad and love to be at home. 

Drew: I love you, man! You are all goodness and love.

I just wanna say one thing today:

I miss my friends and family whole bunches! I hope everyone is well.

Summer 2009 Vegas Trip - Part 1

This is Jenn. Isn't she adorable?  Jenn is a new friend from school that really wanted to see Vegas, and hang out with a cool chick.  Here she is playing roulette at the Wynn.  

Peter, me and Jennifer Helm on Peter's birthday at Grape Street. So fun for me. I got to see all of the Bellons and Tom R. and it wasn't even my birthday. Fun for Jenn too. She thought Mike and Peter were both hotties. She commented on how she has never felt so comfortable in a room full of strangers before. Anyone who knows a Bellon knows how warm and welcoming they are! 

Spring Cleaning

Well it is not Spring. But I've been doing some cleaning. . .  Seems I have offered my friendship to three unworthy characters.  It was bound to happen, some close to me have said. "Shawn, you are a little naive and issue far too many chances and without the filtering system that was your friends and family back home in Vegas to weed out the undesireables, it was bound to happen."  they said.  When I got back here to Kerrville and moved into a new place, organized my home, said a little prayer to dedicate it to my goals and growth, got rid of things that did not have meaning to me and did not want to continue to store, and realized that there were people usurping my energy but not offering anything meaningful or good to my life. So I got rid of them, in a nice way, too. In the future I will endeavor to withhold my friendship until I ascertain whether a person is principled, intends to reciprocate that friendship and authentic.  

Summer so far. . .

So far my summer consists of studying history, math, GRE prep, cardio and strength training, watching the news (big surprise, right?), driving my brother to work, housework, grocery shopping, paying bills (yawn. . . damn I'm boring).  But I am looking forward to two weeks in Vegas.  Luckily I have lots of cousins in from out of town while I am there too)  and when I come back to Texas I will be apartment hunting and moving.  I'm just not cut out to share space with 3 guys, and I think my brother and I will be better friends when we can choose the time we spend together.  This changes things for me financially.  I will need to work the next two semesters but I will have more peace and quiet so it is an even trade, I think.  

Today we are withdrawing most of our troops from Iraq, finally. . .

In light of this fact, I'd like to share something I read recently from a book entitled: "Imperial Hubris: Why the West is Losing the War on Terror".  The writer, who worked in American intelligence concerning the middle east states as follows: "I must candidly say that I abhor aggressive wars like the one we waged in Iraq; it is NOT our character for America in terms of our history, sense of morality, and basic decency. This is not to argue that preemption is unneeded against immediate threats like bin Laden, al Qaeda, but the U.S. invasion of Iraq was not preemption; it was like our war with Mexico in 1846 - an avaricious, premeditated, unprovoked war against a foe who posed no immediate threat but whose defeat did offer economic advantages. Disclaimers issued by the [Bush] White House notwithstanding, this war has not been thrust upon us. We have chosen it. [Under the Bush administration] The U.S. did not view force as something to be used as a last resort. There is a word for this. It is called militarism." 

At this point, we can't just add a scoop of morality to our dealings with Iraq and call it good.  We can't unring a bell. But we can learn a lesson here.  We believe in democracy (even though we haven't perfected it yet) but it doesn't work for everyone.  Perhaps we can facilitate peace in other countries by taking into account their desires and what would work for them. 

Our freedom, our democracy has never been in danger as far as Iraq is concerned like we have heard from Bush's WH and some media.  It was never about that.  We have all been manipulated.  How does it feel? It is time for some introspection, America, why don't we see if our humanity and intelligence can grow to reach the level of our hubris. Sure, I believe in American exceptionalism, likewise so does the Iraqi and Iranian and French and Brit believe their countries are exceptional too. 

Summer Vegas Trip

I will be in Las Vegas July 14th.  Hope to see many of you soon!

Growing up to Michael Jackson

When I was 11 I had a poster of Michael Jackson on my wall. He was wearing a yellow sweater vest.  It was one of the several he took after doing the Thriller album.  I loved both Thriller and Off the Wall.  I loved almost every song. I tried to mimic, like everyone else, the thriller video dance.  I just thought he was magic.  I used to fantasize about being his special friend, sharing our feelings with each other.  I researched all I could about his life. I continued to read about his life, and watch interviews throughout the decades since 1982.  Michael Jackson was the first black person I believed was harmless and kind. (I grew up in a rough North Las Vegas area until age 12. My father was very bigoted and my mother was not present in any real way). Michael's gentle, innocent way he looked at the world was so endearing to me. 

Over the years, as I grew into adulthood, I certainly found his behavior to be strange and eccentric, even odd and unnatural. When I learned that he invited children to be close to him after he was accused and acquitted of child molestation, I considered him to have very poor judgment. 

But I'd like all to read this blog to consider this: Michael was exploited at the age of 10 and has been ever since. First by his parents. He was beaten if he did not get his dance steps right, since he was the lead in Jackson 5, he had to work harder to learn the songs and be perfect and did not get a chance to play like the other children did when they were younger before the family entered the music business.  I believe his emotional growth had been stunted. In fact, when I saw him dangling his infant over the rail of his hotel room in Berlin to the fans below, I did not see a crazy person, I saw a 10 year old boy who wanted to please the hundreds of people chanting to see the child.  Neverland is evidence that Michael was attempting during his life to finish and put closure on the childhood he never had and come to terms with his losses. 

Why didn't we see his lack, his pain, during his life.  We were so quick to judge his odd behavior.  Surely someone within his inner circle had the power to get him into some serious drug free, intensive counseling.  I know Deepak Chopra cared and tried several times, but he wasn't close enough to help him. All of those doctors, family members, and other parasites hanging around and watching him implode over the years should have done an intervention. With enough unconditionally loving people in the room, he would have listened.  They didn't because of their greed.

I believe that Michael was just a lost little boy in a man's body, who hated the way he looked due to being teased mercilessly by family and later by fans that he was ugly and his nose was too big.  I believe Michael loved children because they were unconditionally accepting of him.  I believe Michael never had a chance for happiness without serious long term counseling. I believe that Michael would never knowingly hurt a child.  He directed so much money and artistic energy to helping children.  I doubt that few adults really understood him and was kind to him. Most people tried to use and exploit him, even after his death. 

His father shamelessly plugged his new record company at a press conference about Michael's autopsy and funeral arrangements today; seemingly unaware of how disgusting his behavior truly is.  I blame him.  I blame his weak mother who expected Michael to accept a childhood of work and fear without complaint.  I really believe these two people should be criminally prosecuted for it.  It was child abuse!  

I blame myself as well.  I could have tried harder to understand why his behavior was so peculiar.  He gave me so much good stuff.  Maybe I could have sent him letters offering support and friendship and understanding over the years instead of blindly judging him.  I am sorry I judged him so harshly and I am sorry it took me so long to realize it. I really did not know the death of a stranger could affect me as it has.  But I have cried over the tragedy that was his life. I have cried over the callousness displayed by his father, and his weak family.  The only comfort I have is knowing that God will give him the peace and unconditional love he never had in this life. 

Girls' night out In Austin. June 2009

This is Jennifer.  She is an awesome student. Way smarter than me, if that is possible. She very evolved and a very loyal friend.  And she's got this sexy librarian thing goin on. Check us out!

Iran's History and Our Involvement

Everyone knows, or should know by now that I am a news junky.  I watch msnbc and cnn so much I know what lame comments Pat Buchanan will make and which of the cnn pundits are most knowledgeable and in what capacity. For the record, David Gergen "is the shiz".

So, Iran has been all over the news. The web has provided Iranians with unprecidented access to world opinion and an ability to communicate their greivances with the rest of the world. Clearly, the younger generation, which comprises the majority of Iran's people, want more connection with the outside world and actual freedom. Until recently, I did not know much about Iran's history, policies, and differing attitudes towards other countries. And since I have some extra time right now and an annoying passion of late for foreign affairs, I thought I'd share the nutshell version of what I have learned. Of course, the information contained below is a brief summary, not particularly vetted and edited by me based on what this westernized, Christian, bleeding heart liberal, female college student deems worthy of focus.

Iran’s History in General: I find Iran’s history to be very complicated and interesting. Iran had a civilization since 3000 BCE. Many moons ago it was called Persia and consisted of Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and the eastern parts of Turkey and Iraq. Persia has been invaded and has had its territory altered throughout the centuries by Arabs, Turks, Mongols, British, Russians, Greeks, and others.

The original and oldest religion in Persia was Zoroastrian. There are just a few of them left today because in 633 the Islamic conquest forced most everyone to convert to Islam. Interesting, huh?  The time in history determines if you are an innocent victim or a treacherous warlord. 

For centuries Iran experienced foreign occupation and short-lived native dynasties, (kings are called Shahs). In 1501 Iran became an independent state by the Safavid dynasty who established Shi'a Islam as the official religion of their empire. A monarchy prevailed from 1501 until the 1979 Iranian revolution, when Iran officially became an Islamic Republic in 1979. (Maybe I don’t know anything about a republic form of government, but it sure looks like a theocracy from where I am standing).

But let’s back up for a moment. Remember Genghis Khan?  This was the Mongol dude that invaded Iran around 1218 and slaughtered millions and millions of people. The population went from 2,500,000 to 250,000.  Man, no wonder these people are pissed off. Everyone has f*%#$ed with them since the beginning of time.

Anyway, over the course of 3,000 years, Iran has been a monarchy, republic (in name only), and a theocracy with struggles for power between. All of these invasions led to an interesting recipe. Keep in mind that religion and culture altered somewhat with each invasion.

Currently, the recipe looks like this: “Persian 51%, Azeri 24%, Gilaki and Mazandarani 8%, Kurd 7% and Arab 3%. Iran is a Muslim country, with 89% Shi'a and 10% Sunni Muslims. The remaining 1% belong to Jewish, Bahai and Zoroastrian faiths. The Bahai and Zoroastrian faiths originated in Iran. Major Languages of Iran are Persian (Fars) and Persian dialects 58%, Turkic and Turkic dialects 26%, Kurdish 9%, Luri 2%, Baluchi 1%, and Arabic 1% . . .” (http://www.mideastweb.org/iranhistory.htm)

Pretty much all of the above nationalities can claim a majority in Iran if they are pointing to a particular time in Iran’s history, but originally, the people of Iran/Persia were Persian and their religion was Zoroastrian. So all this bs about the divinity of Islam and the claim that only Islam can save mankind is pretty shaky . . . just as the argument made by any Christian or Jewish faith. Full stop.

Modern political history and current political climate:  So we know that Iran was ruled by Shahs until 1979. Well, Reza Shah, an almost effective Shah ruled for almost 16 years until September 16, 1941, when he was forced to abdicate by the Anglo-Soviet invasion of Iran. He established an authoritarian government that valued nationalism, militarism, secularism and anti-communism combined with strict censorship and state propaganda. Perhaps with the disharmony at the time with the clerics, muslims, etc., this was the best he could do. Anyway, “Reza Shah introduced many socio-economic reforms, reorganizing the army, government administration, and finances. To his supporters his reign brought "law and order, discipline, central authority, and modern amenities - schools, trains, buses, radios, cinemas, and telephones".  However, his attempts of modernisation have been criticised for being "too fast" and "superficial", and his reign a time of "oppression, corruption, taxation, lack of authenticity" with "security typical of police states."

During WWI, because of Iran’s oil, Russians and the British occupied Iran to support fuel needs of the war.  British picked the next Shah, who liked the British more than the Germans, which was son Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi who ruled until 1979.  By the way, after WWII, Russia promised to leave, but stayed until 1946 and wouldn’t leave unless Iran gave them oil. Pahlavi gave much of his power to parliament but parliament was corrupt and never really got it together.

US and Iran: Ever since the Brits were there, they were taking 50% of their oil and a prime minister named Mohammed Mossaddeq tried to nationalize Iran’s oil. With the help of the US, the Brits got rid of him.  Perhaps not the most honorable of calls for the US.  We convinced Iranian Shah to enter into an agreement with an international consortium of foreign companies which ran the Iranian oil facilities for the next 25 years spitting profits fifty-fifty with Iran but not allowing Iran to audit their accounts or have members on their board of directors. “In 1957 martial law was ended after 16 years and Iran became closer to the West, joining the Baghdad Pact and receiving military and economic aid from the US. In 1961, Iran initiated a series of economic, social, agrarian and administrative reforms to modernize the country that became known as the Shah's White Revolution”.  Arguably, this was the most prosperous and free the people of Iran have ever been. 

Iranian Revolution in 1979:  So the Shah Pahlavi at the time had a big ego and threw a lavish party for himself in 1967. The economy has never been very good due to invasions, internal conflicts between the different cultures, despite the reality that Iran has 10% of the world’s oil and gas.  People were pissed off so the Shah suppressed and marginalized his opponents with the help of Iran's security and intelligence organization, the SAVAK, using arbitrary arrest, imprisonment, exile and torture. 

This made the religious leader Ayatollah Khomeini decided to get people to overthrow the Shah, which they did. Meanwhile, back at the ranch the Shah was ill with cancer and came to the US for treatment.  Khomeini decided the Shah was gonna get US support to take back Iran so Khomeini demanded the US extradite him and the US refused. So Khomeini had some students storm the embassy and take 66 US hostages.  We didn’t dig that, see? And we haven’t had a good relationship with Iran since then.  The Ayatollah Khomeini and other clerics delivered extremist and threatening speeches against the United States and against its Persian Gulf allies. On the other hand, the government still headed by Bazargan (the prime minister at the time) tried to maintain good relations with the United States, especially as US supply of spare parts for the army and the oil industry that was desperately needed.

So, in retaliation for taking US hostages, President Carter froze several billion dollars of Iranian assets held by American banks in the United States and abroad. We tried to rescue the hostages but failed. Carter was blamed. Iran wouldn’t release our hostages until we had a new President, which was Reagan.

The Ayatollah preached that the people needed to get closer to God and things would be good but the Ayatollah wasn’t very effective as a leader and the economy got much worse and people’s freedoms even more constricted.  

In 1980 Iran and Iraq had a war. Iraq, under Saddam Hussein used poisonous gas on the Iranians and killed a million or more. We financially supported Iraq. I’d say we made the wrong call there. In 1988 the war finally ended.

Ayatollah Khomeini died on June 3, 1989 of a heart attack. President Ali Khamenei assumed the role of supreme spiritual leader. (Yep, a President got to be supreme leader).

Most recently, Shi'a Iran does not support the Sunni Al-Qaeda terrorist network, and has cooperated in arresting al-Qaeda members. However, Iran supports terror groups including the Lebanese Hizbolla, the Islamic Jihad in Gaza and the West Bank and other groups in Egypt, Algeria and elsewhere. Iranian intelligence is said to be behind the bombing of a Jewish center in Argentina.  In the 1980s, Iran apparently inspired bombing of the US embassy and marine barracks in Lebanon, and Iranian funded groups kidnapped numerous American and other Europeans and held them as hostages.

Iran and Nuclear Power: Russia sold them their reactor. They have enriched uranium which would fuel a nuclear weapon. Since this country is rich in fossil fuels, the International Atomic Energy Agency didn’t buy Iran’s assertion that they needed nuclear energy and gave Iran until October 31, 2003 to submit a full account of its nuclear program, and also asked for the right to snap inspections and other measures. After initial resistance, Iran complied, submitting the report ahead of time, and agreeing also to suspend the upgrading of uranium.

The current President: So we know that the Supreme Leader holds the real power.  And we know they call themselves a republic (a parliament, judges, mayors, etc.). In the Iranian presidential election, 2005 Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the mayor of Tehran, became the sixth president of Iran, who can serve two terms of 4 years each. Ahmadinajad (almonds in a jar) kisses the Ayatollah’s hand, and his booty, apparently. Houssein Mousave, his apponent in the 2009 election had to be vetted by the Ayatollah to run for President, so the presidential election is really not of huge significance. However, it does seem that the Ayatollah does listen to Ahmadinijad at times.  Mousave is more liberal of the two but would really have little power to keep the promises of equality to women that he pledged.

The real change would occur if the people were able somehow to rise up and overthrow the Ayatollah and perhaps a real democratic republic can take root. Perhaps when the Ayatollah dies, this would make things easier. If we wanted to get involved in a constructive way, perhaps we could talk to the expediency council which mediates between Supreme Leader and Parliament to come to a compromise so the people can have more freedoms and the rioting can stop, but I am not convinced that even this interference would not cause the establishment to penalize the people even more. 

Now Ahmadinijad doesn’t like us cause he eats from the Ayatollah’s hand. Nor does he like the British, nor Israel very much.  Much has been said about him being a holocaust denier but he actually didn’t deny that it happened, he just doesn’t think it was that significant. From his perspective, perhaps the Mongol invasion in Iran was worse. (It’s all relative, I guess). Further, Ahmadinijad has been the dude pushing for nuclear capabilities. The clerics find it to be “unislamic”. Interesting twist. Ahmadinijad has sucked as a president.  After his first term, the economy was worse, human rights were worse, woman were worse off. Women can be stoned for infidelity and have no say if their husbands take additional wives. He’s been accused of corruption and favoritism. So, on one hand it would be better for him not to be President but just like when they got rid of the Shah, and the Ayatollah took power, things could get worse.

It seems to me that each time the US intervenes in some way, it gets worse for the people of Iran.  

So what is the US interest?: 1-that Iran does not become nuclear-ly armed; 2-democracy to prevail; 3-some would say: oil. The last one really sucks. This is why focusing on renewable forms of energy is so important. We can’t be like the Brits and just steal Iran's oil. 

President Obama, who apparently knows his world history . . . and because he’s a scholarly kind of dude, will speak today. I hope he can illuminate this topic for us and bring us to an understanding.  There is no reason to for us to have infighting about Iran. And I doubt there would be much if we took the time to educate ourselves. We have made some bad calls in the past. We need to be very thoughtful in our approach to Iran and if it is best for the people of Iran to just provide moral support, then that should be our guide, not any monetary interest. As usual, I agree with Obama's perspective and think his heart and head are in the right place.

A Brief History of Iranian Politics

Everyone knows, or should know by now that I am a news junky.  I watch msnbc and cnn so much I know what lame comments Pat Buchanan will make and which of the cnn pundits are most knowledgeable and in what capacity. For the record, David Gergen "is the shiz". 

So, Iran has been all over the news. The web  has provided its people with unprecidented access to world opinion and taking advantage of their new ability to communicate with the rest of the world. The younger generation, which comprises the majority of its people, want more connection with the outside world. Until recently, I did not know much about Iran's history, policies, and differing attitudes towards other countries. And since I have some extra time right now and an annoying passion of late for foreign affairs, I thought I'd share the nutshell version of what I have learned. Of course, the info contained below is a brief summary, not particularly vetted and edited by me based on what this westernized, christian, liberal, female college student deems worthy of focus. 

Iran had a civilization since 3000 BCE. Many moons ago it was called Persia and consisted of Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and the eastern parts ofTurkey and Iraq.

Dean's List

I made the fall 2009 Dean's List. Yea me!

Rahm Emanuel said:

"Rule One: Never allow a crisis to go to waste. They are opportunities to do big things."

July Visit to Las Vegas.

Peter has threatened to bring me home this summer for two weeks in July.  After I take my CLEP and audit algebra, I'll need a break from studying.  I hope to see y'all then!

Joy and Gratitude

I think that gratitude is probably the best feeling I can have.  It is so close to the feeling of joy for me.  Today I feel so grateful.  For my life.  For my health. For my life's lessons. For the times I can relax and not worry and feel content and happy with who I have become.  I feel grateful for the love of family and friends and goodness in the hearts of so many people that have influenced me. And of course for the Lord.  It just isn't possible to live through what I have, and find peace and joy in life and not know that the Lord lives and loves me. 

My favorite book right now is by Dr. Seuss. Thanks Tami. I read it all the time.

Oh, the Places You'll Go!

Congratulations!
Today is your day.
You're off to Great Places!
You're off and away!

You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes
You can steer yourself
any direction you choose.
You're on your own. And you know what you know.
And YOU are the guy who'll decide where to go.

You'll look up and down streets. Look 'em over with care.
About some you will say, "I don't choose to go there."
With your head full of brains and your shoes full of feet,
you're too smart to go down any not-so-good street.

And you may not find any
you'll want to go down.
In that case, of course, 
you'll head straight out of town.

It's opener there
in the wide open air.

Out there things can happen
and frequently do
to people as brainy
and footsy as you.

And when things start to happen,
don't worry. Don't stew.
Just go right along.
You'll start happening too.

OH! 
THE PLACES YOU'LL GO!

You'll be on your way up!
You'll be seeing great sights!
You'll join the high fliers
who soar to high heights.

You won't lag behind, because you'll have the speed.
You'll pass the whole gang and you'll soon take the lead.
Wherever you fly, you'll be the best of the best.
Wherever you go, you will top all the rest.

Except when you don' t
Because, sometimes, you won't.

I'm sorry to say so
but, sadly, it's true
and Hang-ups
can happen to you.

You can get all hung up
in a prickle-ly perch.
And your gang will fly on.
You'll be left in a Lurch.

You'll come down from the Lurch
with an unpleasant bump.
And the chances are, then,
that you'll be in a Slump.

And when you're in a Slump,
you're not in for much fun.
Un-slumping yourself 
is not easily done.

You will come to a place where the streets are not marked.
Some windows are lighted. But mostly they're darked.
A place you could sprain both you elbow and chin!
Do you dare to stay out? Do you dare to go in?
How much can you lose? How much can you win?

And IF you go in, should you turn left or right...
or right-and-three-quarters? Or, maybe, not quite?
Or go around back and sneak in from behind?
Simple it's not, I'm afraid you will find,
for a mind-maker-upper to make up his mind.

You can get so confused
that you'll start in to race
down long wiggled roads at a break-necking pace
and grind on for miles across weirdish wild space,
headed, I fear, toward a most useless place.
The Waiting Place...

...for people just waiting.
Waiting for a train to go
or a bus to come, or a plane to go
or the mail to come, or the rain to go
or the phone to ring, or the snow to snow
or waiting around for a Yes or a No
or waiting for their hair to grow.
Everyone is just waiting.

Waiting for the fish to bite
or waiting for wind to fly a kite
or waiting around for Friday night
or waiting, perhaps, for their Uncle Jake
or a pot to boil, or a Better Break
or a sting of pearls, or a pair of pants
or a wig with curls, or Another Chance.
Everyone is just waiting.

NO!
That's not for you!

Somehow you'll escape
all that waiting and staying.
You'll find the bright places
where Boom Bands are playing.

With banner flip-flapping,
once more you'll ride high!
Ready for anything under the sky.
Ready because you're that kind of a guy!

Oh, the places you'll go! There is fun to be done!
There are points to be scored. there are games to be won.
And the magical things you can do with that ball
will make you the winning-est winner of all.
Fame! You'll be famous as famous can be,
with the whole wide world watching you win on TV.

Except when they don't.
Because, sometimes, they won't.

I'm afraid that some times
you'll play lonely games too.
Games you can't win
'cause you'll play against you.

All Alone!
Whether you like it or not,
Alone will be something
you'll be quite a lot.

And when you're alone, there's a very good chance
you'll meet things that scare you right out of your pants.
There are some, down the road between hither and yon,
that can scare you so much you won't want to go on.

But on you will go
though the weather be foul
On you will go
though your enemies prowl
On you will go
though the Hakken-Kraks howl
Onward up many
a frightening creek, 
though your arms may get sore
and your sneakers may leak.

On and on you will hike
and I know you'll hike far
and face up to your problems
whatever they are.

You'll get mixed up, of course, 
as you already know.
You'll get mixed up
with many strange birds as you go.
So be sure when you step.
Step with care and great tact
and remember that Life's
a Great Balancing Act.
Just never forget to be dexterous and deft.
And never mix up your right foot with your left.

And will you succeed?
Yes! You will, indeed!
(98 and 3 / 4 percent guaranteed.)

KID, YOU'LL MOVE MOUNTAINS!

So...
be your name Buxbaum or Bixby or Bray
or Mordecai Ali Van Allen O'Shea,
you're off to Great Places!
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting.
So...get on your way!

---Dr. Seuss