A Review of Matrix Revolution

image by Warner Bros
by Greg Stewart

Editor’s Note: I originally wrote this review for my Anthropology of Popular Culture class in the December of 2003. At the time, I was at different mindset. Some of this will come across as agenda ridden from a liberal left perspective. Guess what? It was and is, but the cultural perspective from some will find it valid and a bit understated. So, I ask you for moment and step outside the box of rigidity and look beyond the obvious and view from “The Others” perspective.

I wanted to see the ultimate movie experience in special effects, martial arts, and conclude a storyline cliffhanger from the second movie, Matrix Reloaded; however, the epoch Matrix Revolutions was to be the definitive conclusion of the series, but left me confused. Why?

For the most part, the third Matrix movie wraps up the trilogy with very few open-ended questions. Yet, I am plagued with a single question about the series: the casting of the characters both— primary and secondary. It is subtle. I would like to think that it is unintentional, but my suspicions are that it may not be. What am I referring to? Even though the movie purports diversity, the hegemonic themes of Christianity are riddled throughout the movie (and the trilogy—to be honest).

Let me explain, in general, the cast of the characters in the film are minorities with a few minor exceptions, such as the main hero—Neo. Although liberating, the minority cast selection represents another level within the tale that is not immediately obvious because of the overlaying story. The basic premise of the movie was this: it takes place some time in the distant future when computers (and machines) have taken over the world and humanity is relegated as being batteries. The machines use humanity as Eveready batteries; they have to create a virtual world for the humans, a simulacrum, so that the human brain is engaged in choosing its own reality (Baudrillard).

Another within the story is the crew of the Nebakanezzer searching for the “One,” a.k.a. “Neo,” to save humanity; and the representation thereof—minorities (both ethnic and racial). Neo (played by Keanu Reeeves, who is white) was found in the virtual world of the machines (in the first movie), and for the most living his bland, vanilla existence one day at a time. When he wakes up (reborn), the world is dark and foreboding. The world is in the belly of the Earth awaiting for the city of Zion to reclaim and restore humanity from darkness.

In the second movie, citizens of Zion are a mullato racial culture, and interestingly enough are I n the minority. This is strikingly subtle message to the audience. Why?

Because Neo realizes and represents how sheltered he has been (in the world) not seeing the oppression of others (remember the first Matrix moving was in 1999 2 years before September 11^th). In essence, actuality of acknowledging the outside world parallels –United States’ wake up call to terrorism; as Neo sees the wrongs from the perspective of being a white male. Thus, the audience should connect that the United States has become more racially diverse and the institutions of the Caucasian retaining power, to some, are outmoded. Does this movie depict the United States institutions as machines?

Maybe, if one is inclined to think that the United States has and is subjecting its citizenry to a finite conclusion. Morpheus (played by Laurence Fishburne, who is black), in the second movie, answers the oppression of the machines through terror and death have brought. He says, “For one hundred years they have fought the machines.” They, the machines, have tried to kill them, squelch their spirit, and take their nature; he concludes dramatically, “that they, [human city of Zion], are still here!”

The image the came to mind to my mind when hearing the oration of Morpheus was the “I Have a Dream” speech by Martin Luther King Jr., speech in 1963, of the Emancipation of the slaves. Morpheus’ role is liken to John the Baptist despite embodying leadership, however, he is still subordinate to the One, but his resolve to is founded in his belief of a single savior—Neo; and, that he is messiah for humanity.

Ultimately, the multi-layered movie plot reveals itself through Christian symbolism. In the final edition of Matrix Revolution, Neo has to choose his path knowing that he may have to sacrifice his life along with Trinity’s (played by Carrie Ann Moss, who is white), the love of his life. As he tells her, “You are a part of me.” (Neo—“He” gives his life to save His people’s lives’ in order to make peace with the Father—called the Architect in the movie).

The Christian symbols within the movie are almost operatic and virtually predictable. The machines attack Zion as Neo (the Messiah) and (the) Trinity go to the Machine City to confront the Architect. However, Neo has a final destination; he first must face himself before he can face the waves of Sentinels (flying mechanized soldier machines), dark angels, if you will, to secure his destiny of himself, Trinity, and the last refuge of mankind. The “Messiah” and Trinity pay the price for Zion’s salvation. They fought the noble battle to save the worthy savage—humanity.

One final thought, it could be interpreted from a radical point of view that, the casting of Neo, being white, the true message here is: “I, the white man, am and always the savior of the masses, especially to the minorities.” Nonetheless, from a popular culture perspective, this movie is another reinforcement of traditional and popular ideals.

Editor’s Post Note: The issue of race has been forefront in recent weeks, with OJ Simpson coming to mind specifically. However, I would like to point out the treatment of Ed Bradley on CBS and other MSM outlets. The care and respect they showed Bradley was rather profound. For 60 minutes to do 6o minutes was a bit of a surprise, especially during the coveted sweeps period, but it is also illustrated the respect he commanded for his body of work. Like him or hate him, the quality of Ed Bradley work was of good measure. So do I think race relations have been forwarded and improving—emphatically yes! Nonetheless, the Matrix series of movie reflected the globalization to come and the realization that America’s ethnocentrism will be confronting more of the “Others” than “US” and for the majority we will not be dealing with “White Anglo-Saxon Protestant.”

Time to be Socialized

By Greg Stewart

It is time to be socialized. Question-why we are social beings? Why do we, as a species, feel compelled to discourse about how one and has become socialized? Why is it that, we find it necessary to impart our beliefs, dreams, and ideals, that are contained from within, in what we believe is the social fabric of reality? Why is it, that we explain the way we are, as an individual, or group? Why is it, we are not contented in just being? And, why is it that, we do not understand that we simply are?

The simple answer, of course, was best put forth by the philosopher Descartes, “I think therefore, I am!” which is the first step—to realize that we exist, and that we think. To question who, what, when, why, and how allows us the ability to have introspection. As an individual, it, being engaged in social relationships, allows us the confirmation of our perceptions. As a culture, made up of individuals, realized as a group, that we recapitulate the “social contract” in belief and the confirmation of perceived reality.

In essence, we are social beings not because we chose to be, but because we have to be in order to validate the essentials of who we are, we may, at times, want to stand alone—but the endeavor of doing so is frighteningly surreal that we must have confirmation in our perspective.

This perspective of knowing is referred to as the “culture”-at-whole, or one’s society. In anthropology, the study of the human condition, for instance, has six concurrent points. According to one Dr. Robert Carlsen from the University of Colorado at Denver, “culture,” is 1) a blueprint for survival 2) learned 3) adaptive 4) intangible 5) shared, and finally 6) integrated. On the other hand, according to Dr. Richard T. Schaefer in his textbook Sociology defines culture as “the totality of learned, socially transmitted customs, knowledge, material objects, and behavior (10^th Edition, p. 53). Although in political science, views culture as symbols, words, colors objects, and artifacts that are transmitted through “lens” and “frames” and is covered through a broad strokes of one’s culture’s identity through enculturation [1] and acculturation[2] that is transmitted (shared).

With those definitions in hand, we see similarities of their terms, but the nuances of how they are perceived and utilized. For instance, anthropology, sociology, and political science have one essential point they agree on, in order to have a “culture” must be “shared,” thus, requiring that two (or more) persons be in attendance in order for the ideals, beliefs, values to be transmitted (shared).

The sharing, if you will, creates an opportunity for others to share their aspect of reality. In truth, the narration of perceptions helps establish the “norms,” “sanctions” (both punishments and rewards), whether it is from the aspect of politics, music, art, or controlled through the guise of social control and order.

In political science speak, this social control and order is sometimes referred to as quadrants, broken down into four separate entities: upper left (psychological inside, why I do what I do), upper right (individual behavior and appearance, what I do), lower left (cultural values and meanings, why we do what we do), and lower left (natural values and social systems, what we do what we do).[3] The bottom two quadrants are from out of the person lower left is primary social control is performed from the mass media “primarily” meaning that there is overlapping in each quadrant. While the lower right systems of control are both from the outside by cooperation and coercion, through the participation in the “social contract,” in this quadrant we are reliant on the “rule of law.” We also in this contract are reliant that the governmental institutions will not abuse its power.

In the terms of power and abuse, the mass media-at-large would have one believe that it is not part of the institutions, but more in the bottom left—a reflection of the people. Needles to say, it is one of our primary institutions in a democratic republic. In so being that, even Marshal McLuhan[4] saw mass media as the over saturation of social control of the culture. He particularly found this true of the electronic media and the commodification of consumerism. The food products and consumer goods have been “branded”[5] to be integrated in the everyday “subsistence” of American life. One such purveyor of this over saturation, consumerism, and branding is McDonalds.

McDonalds as one of the “founders” that exemplified business model for chain store, franchises, of commodification of a product, and certainly an identity. See the examples of Kmart, Target, and the current king of the hill—Walmart. In the worlds of McDonalds, most everything is about “instant gratification” of what one wants: “I want what I want when I want it” is the mantra of the American consumer. In the movie Super Size Me, the protagonist Morgan Spurlock, tries to illustrate the “addiction” of convenience to both the product—and the consumerism of the individual. Furthermore, this “convenience” (the ability to have what we want when we want it) has led us to be more of net-debtor nation[6]. Investment foreign dollars outweighs the net domestic investment. Americans personal debt is consuming yet we are spending uncontrollably, for instance, in a recent Reuters report Americans feel “swamped” and are “nervous” about their debt.[7] However, Americans willingness to accept debt has fed their need for overindulgence and created children of entitlement. As an example, in the movie Super Size Me, stated that children view more than 10,000 food and products toys advertisement.

Advertisement geared toward children in order to adjoin the parents to buy the product for their kids. This is a form of socialization, by implicit peer pressure, or reverse enculturation. The begging of mom and dad of “this is what I want” creates hyper-consumerism and entitlement. Some social critics say the root cause of this overindulgent attitude is the welfare state, education, and the lack of god in schools—including the latest reports of the lack of work ethics—“of being slackers” has led it to its coming “Fall”[8] in values, ideals, morality, and again, lack of religion.

The prestige of America has fallen. The “beacon on the hill” has been dimmed. The American dream has been tarnished. The previous statements have been the sentiment of some of the social critics. Let me explain, as I return to the topic of culture of socialization, one steps outside their familial setting into the influence of others, inundated with differing perspectives. Those of one’s peers from school, from work, from mass-electronic media, which includes the Internet, education, and governmental institutions, shape one. Moreover, the “rule of law” through cooperation and coercion has one participate in their own acculturation.

For instance, in a book by Philippe Bourgois called In Search of Respect: Selling Crack in El Barrio tries to make the case for crack dealers that by definition are individuals who have been marginalized socially, economically, and culturally have had negative long-term relationships with mainstream society. In his discourse, Bourgois suggests those who are perceived outside of the “norm,” shunted away deliberately and are the pariah to the culture, to the society-at-large, become marginalized and ignored. This is another form of socialization known as isolation. The social control of the culture has determined what is acceptable, and what is not: to be a drug addict and a drug dealer is deviant and considered out of the norm. Furthermore, this is defined as being “labeled” and “framed” because of the user and dealer compunction for instant gratification so that the normative can ridicule and excoriate those who fail to take initiative for their lives (also known as personal responsibility—the behavior quadrant, upper right).

In other words, their type of self-indulgence is outside the line of normalcy, even though one can make a case with all the drug advertisement on television that Americans have drug addiction problems albeit legal one because it is with prescription drugs: have a headache—take a pill (Excedrin). Have back pain—take a pill (Advil). Have a sexually transmitted disease—take a pill (Valtrex). Can’t get it up—take a pill (Viagra). So, one version of perversity is accepted, even blended within American toleration, from the political lobbyists known as “Big Pharma” (pharmaceutical) to the instant gratification of the individual to cure quickly the pain or illness that one has been suffering from. Meanwhile, the illegalities of illicit and undesired drugs are condemned.

Therefore, the one aspect of socialization affects the entirety of the “group” and illustrates how and individual can be skewered to one aspect of correction, while another could be compelled toward insurrection, because of “socioeconomic” conditions and the influence of their peers.

Earlier I made the following assertions that the society-at-whole was a confirmation of the individual—but let me add this, that the individual gives credence to the society by reaffirming, recapitulating, reenacting the values, ideals, beliefs, philosophies—and structure of the culture. By doing so, the socialization of the individual through immediate influences of their parents, who have been indoctrinated by the culture values from previous influences of their family and outside culture of their time. This is known as passing of traditions. It is also known as transmission, or better put retransmission of social instruction (values, ideals, beliefs, and of structure).

The social instruction can be termed as “culture,” which by this author preference as defined by anthropology. It allows for the encompassing “intangibility”—which adjoins that statement of culture and is shared, integrated, and connected to that culture in order to socially instruct the blueprint for survival, while obviously being learned—and is adaptable. Sociology and political science do not necessarily account for these aspects and are not ordinarily apparent within their definitions.

Human creatures can associate the definitions of the abstract, but needless to say want clarity. This can be seen in the compunction for it, the “War on Terror” as an example, shows the public cognitive dissonance of “who attacked us” versus “who is believed to have attacked us” (by the way this author will not restate the obvious—and the facts have been catalogued by history and has been “pretexted” [9] by the extremes on the both sides).

This author also asserted the nuances of the term “sharing” and that “reality is the narration of perception.” Let me further define, it also mythologizes it. Joseph Campbell, the once great storyteller and interpreter of western mythos see this as necessary to embrace, the acceptance of one’s place within the community, and the acceptance of one’s culture milestones (sweet sixteen, eighteenth birthday to mark adulthood, college, marriage, children to name a few).

Let me further state the assertions this paper makes are to challenge you—“the reader” perspectives and for you to recognize one’s identity within the examples of abstraction. I have also given grand sweeping illustrations to associate with, such as “The War on Terror,”—what emotion was attached, or felt, when read by you? This too is a form of socialization. Keywords, symbols, ideals, values—or key phrases can relate a shape of emotion. This is the quadrant of what I feel—upper left. This has been described by Sherry Ortner, an anthropologist, as summarizing and elaborating symbols as a necessary function of culture—and indeed a form of social control of how one perceives it.

For example, how one views the American flag is a summarizing symbols, it has mean that has been innately taught by the parents of how they react to it, while elaborating symbols via root metaphors (one personal myths are learned via family and social connections) and key scenarios the cultural scripts (prejudgments and stereotypes). This is what I mean, Vine Deloria Jr., was a history, law, political science professor at the University of Colorado at Boulder, advocated in his book Red Earth White Lies that anthropology has marginalized Native Americans through its bias—bigotry. While there is no mistaking his position, he says

“The bottom line about information possessed by non-western peoples is that the information becomes valid only when offered by a white scholar recognized by academic establishment; in effect, the color of skin guarantees scientific objectivity” (p. 35).

But then he earlier relays the story of Immanuel Velikovsky, who published Worlds in Collision which promulgated the theory that “Earth had been subjected to several catastrophes of an extraterrestrial nature. …and based on Old Testament memories…” (p 31) was “overall’ ostracized by other scientists and academic community. In other words, he is trying hard to impart the hostility and dogma of the sciences as a way to illustrate the groupthink. This too is socialization.

In essence, these two examples, as the others are perspectives of socialization from the coercive point-of-view. A shaming mechanism or marginalization of deviance (being different), outside of the norm, ideas not readily shared within the “in-group” of culture.

To be sure the “in-group” implicates that there may be and is an “out-group.” This author can relate; as a teenager and well into adulthood I have been science fiction fanatic—a geek even. I still from time to time can be “geeked out” for the latest science fiction film. See Star Wars—pre trilogy and fantasy genre Lord of the Rings trilogy as examples. These movies are cooperative socialization and are transmitted by the bottom left—the socialization of “art” but with an exception. The science fiction nerd views the world from the outside in and considered deviant—out of the norm.

Some view the science fiction nerds, geeks, as the deviant who is lost in whimsy that they are only connected to robots, busty science fiction damsels, pristine utopias, dark dystopias, and magical elf fantasy worlds of realities. I see them, of course, as wondrous possibilities. I see them as a way transform and transcend the politic, social, and economic woes—and I see it as world centric, universe centric, view, with a twist of western-American centrism, that believes in the freedom right standards and combined with leanings of the bottom social left and bit of bottom order right. However, the social control of the bottom left and the bottom order right are too dogmatic at the extremes, and I find them too polarizing. Meaning that trying to legislate morally and behavior is nonsensical, not pragmatic, and certainly uncontrollable. Unfortunately for me, the polar extremes believe one can—and once again, I am considered deviant and a voyeur, looking into the world of normalcy of and for the extremes, of the bottom quadrants.

The bottoms, social left and order right although diametrically opposites cooperate through social control and governmental systems of the citizenry have their uses. Upon reflection however, there is one certainty—television. The electronic media’s altar and institution aids in the installation or instillation of culture is never ending; patient (after a fashion); caring not of consequences; and, is the ultimate “socializing” entity. Speaking of which, it is time to be social and turn it on. Click! Of course, McDonalds Egg McMuffin being advertised, huh—I am hungry for McGriddle though…. And so it goes this socialization...

Bibliography

Bourgois, Philippe, “In Search of Respect: Selling Crack in El Barrio” Cambridge Press (1996, 2003).

Campbell, Joseph, “The Power of Myth.” Anchor Book (1988, 1991).

Deloria, Jr., Vine, “Red Earth, White Lies: Native Americans and the Myth of Scientific Fact” Fulcrum Press (1997).

Lambek, Michael, editor, “A Reader in Anthropology of Religion” (Sheryl B. Ortner-- “On Key Symbols” p. 158) Blackwell Publishing (2002).

McLuhan, Marshall, and Fiore, Quentin, “The Medium is the Massage: An Inventory of Effects,” Ginko Press (2001).

Schaefer, Richard T, “Sociology: Tenth Edition” (1983, 2005-2007).

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[1] Enculturation is being defined as to instill from within the familial unit” the ideas, beliefs, and religion from one’s parents and immediate social groupings (which includes close-considered friends).

[2] Acculturation is being defined as to “instill from without the familial unit” the ideas, belief, and religion from the perspective of social control, through the “rule of law, education (schools), and mass media.

[3] These perspectives are from class lectures by Professor Harv Bishop from the University of Colorado at Denver.

[4] A social critic of mass media.

[5] “Branded” has been defined as market place familiarity with its products that its name replaces the actual name itself.

[6] Edward L Hudgins wrote a memorandum September 24, 1985 that US had move to a debtor nation. See http://www.heritage.org/Research/Economy/EM92.cfm

[7] In a Boston Reuters articles touches on consumers feeling of debt. See http://www.boston.com/business/personalfinance/articles/2006/07/20/poll_americans_nervous_about_high_levels_of_debt/.

[8] Some social critics such as Jim Nelson Black, discourses in his book “When Nations Die.” See the review at http://www.probe.org/content/view/783/91/.

[9] This is the new word for “lying.”

Pardon Our Dust

by Hari Seldon

Okay, okay, okay....If you have visited this site before, you may have noticed some changes. Well, like life itself, change is a part of it, in fact, change is necessity. We do not stay infants in the physical, or, hopefully, mentally--this site has changed its appearance to get a different feel. It loaded slowly and was a bit insufferable with some browsers. Part of this is Blogger itself, and how it works with pictures and others application, and other was this site itself. So, over the next couple of months--the new plug-in will be fully functional.

In additiom, this site will also be running contests and asking for guest bloggers to post, from not only here locally in the US--but also from outside the US-- especially outside the US. One can not have a world view, if one does not hear from the world. As a result, this site administrator of policy change for the use of pen names has changed. It was thought this would create a more open discourse among the panalists. However, all it created was a discourse between this site administrator and one other panelist --for the most part--if you wish to use a pen name so be it, if not--feel free to plug your site and name.

The purpose of this site is to have active discourse from varying perspectives. One comment to this site, not to long ago, accused this site of not being so open to discourse, this is simply not true. It has been this site administrator failing in not promoting the primary purpos of this site. And, that purpose is discussion on topics that affect us globally.

Although this site is based in the United States, and the majority of the issues will be US centric, the purpose of this site is to see the world outside of the American culture. Note, this site administrator will not censor any topic, say for one, pornography, this is not a site for pornography promotion, but the subject of pornography and the effects on culture is open to discourse. And, finally, the site does reserve the right to ban a posting that commit or promote criminal activity of any sort.

This site adminstrator is surely forgetting other minutia rules, but for now, this is all. So, enjoy the new look and feel to rate this blog. In fact, your feedback is much appreciated--and you do not have to member of Blogexplosion to do so.

This is your site administrator and I appreciate your help--will keep the site up--and pardon our dust.

Superman Returns Review—Part One*

I have been told that I write long posts. Yes. Yes I do. What of it? So in the effort of brevity, and for those with attention span of gnat you have been warned this is not a short blog! I will be breaking up into parts until my muse has ran out.

On so many levels, one can see where the debate regarding Superman Returns as a messianic figure can be connected. It has also been stated, falsely, that United of America was founded as a Christian nation.

Yes, the US Constitution and Declaration of the Independence values, ideals, and principles were Christian based, but it was not found as a democratic theocracy—if there is such a thing. The “Grand Experiment” was founded in the form of a democratic republic. Yes, it we are a representative government that covets the peoples participation in the form of “rule of law.” And, yes this Grand Experiment is not perfect.

So, what does this have to do with Superman Returns? My standard answer is “nothing and everything.” However, the truth is that how we define ourselves as a people is as important to our perspective reality as the denials.

This is what I mean, Christians insecurity, albeit the hegemonic religion in America, finds the necessity to proclaim itself as being victimized. To bark at shadows that may or may not be there. So, when Christians see their allegories of its symbols, their Christ figure, the Christ messages, Christ’s philosophy they get hyped. Their message is retransmitted over and over again in order to co-opt another generation into the fold of belief.

In a nation, whose hegemony is Christian in various forms and sects (including Judaism and Catholicism), in whether their “message” is heard or not, Christian insecurity belies the importance of telling their narrative to the population in the overall images and symbols of the Western-American culture. Christianity presence in the West is well rooted in its core foundation. Our mythos, our stories, legends, fairy tales, and western-folk lore have often been used to retransmit these symbols.

Nevertheless, some feel that Christianity dominance is overbearing, overburdens, overindulgences, and preoccupies itself with reaffirming the message of the religion. Some have come to view as fanatical, and look upon it as divisive and dangerous for the modernity of our culture.


For instance, one late night radio talk show host, Steve Seidenfeld of 850 KOA, finds the usurpation of Christianity co-option offensive. In my many conversations with him, he felt that the Christian hoopla regarding Superman Returns Christ signs as overstated and corruptive. He felt that Superman’s representation as the messiah figure delusional. He asked, “Isn’t Jesus enough? Do we need to make Superman into the Messiah?” He then proceeded to list the various pros and cons reason that Superman and Jesus were not the same and could not be: X-ray vision, flying, from another planet no comparison. His litany of reasons of why Superman could not be the Savior of man was that they were mutually exclusive. One is a God figure and the other is a comic book character.

True. Yet, that is the movie, Superman Returns, presupposes…

End Part I
*Images from Warner Bros.

The Ever Changing World

The picture has no relation to the story below. It is picture I found on my Dell computer hard drive. I am using it to symbolize what some of us may think an American family may look like. Or, should look like. Again, this is NOT THE FAMILY OF THE STORY BELOW.....

By Hari Seldon

It is not often that I react on impulse. However, click on this link here>> CNN News story makes me wonder what is happening to those values, ideas, and beliefs. It makes me question who we are as a people. This is what I mean.

Is the story a symptom of the times? Or have we as a culture, as community of individuals just hidden these perverse crime stories? Has the Internet change the nature of secrecy? Has the Internet changed the expectation of privacy? Or are we and do we expect the same level of privacy with the Internet? Can we? My immediate reaction to these are—No. But on some level, the Internet can be a closed community. Groups, cultures, and counter-cultures, and corporate entities and interests are a mixed in this convoluted world of globalization is responsible for this type of pandering. This couple felt comfortable enough with the “perceived virtual world” of the Internet of “anything goes” that they thought a raping of their three year old child was acceptable.

So, what I am going to do here is instead of letting myself expound on this issue, I will let you, the community of bloggers, speak of this issue. What do you think this means for our culture? What does it say about us as a nation? Is this acceptable behavior? Etc….. I will publish all comments. If you wish to do a post, or to add additional information, email me at gksden@gmail.com, and I will send you an invite from Blogger.com and I will give the first 20 persons to do so 30 Blogexplosion credits.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

A Possible Middle East Solution?

by Hari Seldon

<--Hey if these two opposites can get along there is always hope for the Middle East. Image by Suganspice. She informed me that before and after the picture they were biting each other. taken. Nevertheless, their subconcious gives them away in their sleep and dreams.

The “War on Terror” has a new player, actually an old player that has restrained itself considerably—Israel. However, this restraint has led to it to respond in an unbalanced fashion. This is what I mean.

The decisions of past American administrations and other Western powers not to invest fully into Lebanon, so the moderates as such, could fully exert themselves over Hezbollah radicals who have 21 percent of the elected parliamentary seats and three cabinet postings should have been able to be squelched by other 79 percent who, at the least, wish to exist with Israel.

In other words, since the day President Eisenhower sent troops in to Lebanon, in the late 1950’s, has been our responsibility. It has been built and rebuilt twice, once considered the jewel of the Middle East, rich in history—and well educated population—but the rebuilding of Lebanon has been decimated in less than 13 days.

The infrastructure of Lebanon has once again been set back 20 years, and has created nearly 500,000 refugees according to reports by Israel for essentially a “counting coup” tactics employed by both sides—as viewed by some.

This is not to say, Israel does not have the right to defend itself, and its citizenry has been certainly victimized by Hezbollah, but only to point out that Israel, and yes, the US and the other Western powers missed an opportunity to put pressure on Hezbollah. This is in turn would have put pressure on, although indirectly, on Syria and Iran. By fully backing and arming the moderates and creating a “coalition of force," the moderates might have been able to stomp out the radical arm of the Lebanon’s government Hezbollah sooner.

Instead, this latest round of violence beget violence may have or has created more members of Hezbollah—and at the least—sympathizers. This is an unfortunate circumstance. True, as reported “willing” to set the buffer zone they are creating with “international coalition troops”—after the fact. However, this may fall on deaf ears as the tension builds with both sides shooting at each other.

Nevertheless, Israel must pay reparations for their incursion into southern Lebanon, and the bombing of Lebanon’s infrastructure. In order to have Hezbollah disarmed the coalition force to secure the borders of Israel and to deflate resentment and build peace with Lebanon with the expulsion of Hezbollah out of its government.

This may shift Hezbollah into Syria and Iran—but so be it—a nearly established democracy that has been working through the growing of a people government is certainly allowed to make mistakes. We, as in the US, certainly have—and it has been practice in various forms more than 30 years. And, Lebanon was on the brink of success until the assassination of former Prime Minister Hariri in 2005.

Nonetheless, these proud people have continued to strive for a better life and are trying to coexist despite its tolerance of Hezbollah. Hariri’s assassination should have emboldened the West to do more. On the surface has failed.

This suggestion of reparations is not a permanent solution—but to put a further death nail into the deconstruction of terrorism.

Question, should Israel pay reparations once a peace agreement has been reached?

Question, should the Lebanon expel Hezbollah and sanction the cabinet posting belong to them?

Question, should the US and the West powers put their full support into moderates so that Hezbollah can be removed?

For those who wish to comment or wish to post a response, please send your commentary in a MS Word file to gksden@gmail.com. Or ask me for a blogger.com invitation by sending your email address.

Those from outside US will be posted first. This site after all, is searching for a global perspective.... not just an American centric one…

Thought of the Day #1

I like your Christ,
but I do not like your Christians,
They are so unlike your Christ
~Gandhi

Confession of a Site Administrator: The View of Charity Part II

The third blogger I am sponsoring this year is known as Bozette in BE. Boze was one of the first bloggers to openly welcome me to BE, and in my humble opinion, one of the best photo bloggers in BE. She like all of us has been met with challenges of late, but our common link is our love of sunsets and wildlife. As a native Coloradan, I appreciate her love for nature, wildlife, and family.

Sunset by Bozette

She is one of nine children, Bozette’s talents stands out. I have been wondering when she will put together a book and publish, but it is understandable she is a diary farmer by day in “Wis’cow’son” as she puts it, and blogger by night. I say however, do a book now—life is too short. She has two blogs Pictures From My World and Life My Way.

She is sponsoring the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) during the Blogathon 2006. My memory of this organization is the “Smackdown” it gave the World Wrestling Federation (now the WWE) over the initials of their name, WWF, nevertheless, this organization does good work.

In closing, I will leave you with this thought that our own view of paradise comes through the actions of participation. “Corporate Responsibility” as business owners, as individuals, as the popular mass is beholden to us—and unto the government (as well in order to facilitate leadership from the citizenry and is not to become arbiter of expansionism, and or intrusion), but to aspire, inspire, and conspire the forward and evolving motion of humanity. Simply, we need to be more kind to one another, and to follow the examples of Gandhi, Christ, Mohamed, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Confucius. And, furthermore to understand that, sometimes as a nation of individuals we will revert at times. Knowing this, will lead to shorter conflicts in the future as a nation—as a planet. As for individuals, more tenderizing of the hearts will come in time—and being charitable to our fellow citizens is the seasoning we need to do so.

Confession of a Site Administrator: The View of Charity

Editors: I have decided to break this confession into two parts in the interest of brevity.

This site administrator has a confession: I am a Libertarian. Fiscally conservative and for the most part, socially liberal on the left—I am a middle of the road type person. I am a pragmatist. This drives my friends and colleagues to explode in anger at me often.

Well, not necessarily explode, but we have very heated debates. I don’t be believe, I know anybody who is an IED (Intermittent Explosive Disorder).

I am believer in self-promotion, and personal responsibility with the “corporate entity” of society, of the people, to sustain the rule of law. In essence, that we, as a culture, define our character, as a civilization, by the deeds we do as a people in terms of the social contract by the treatment of each other, well or poorly. We, (the collective), as individuals, as groups, as “corporate interests” ought to try to aspire, and inspire to be better than the “we” both the group and the individual aspect of the word.

This is not always possible. I certainly can attest to that, however—and what is important—is that we try. Sometimes a person’s may be hurt by a simple misunderstanding. We, they, or I may feel bad –but in the moment of controversy-we find the generosity of the heart. For me, this year it is the Blogathon 2006 on July 29^th twenty-four hours of blogging for charity.

To give to a charity is one of the most socially responsible acts one can do for their community. I do believe the government, at time, ought to lead the way to aspire, to inspire the citizenry to recognize and embrace the differences of individuality, expression, and the promotion of free liberty of “consenting adults.”

This means for me that, government’s role is limited to support its citizenry, to provide defense, and to impart and apply the laws put forth by its citizenry—and to know that it is tempered by the people who entrusted it with the power to enforce those laws. This temperament is not to be found by the Executive, or the US Congress—but the Courts.

Needless to say, and to return to my point, charity is best expressed through the individual. Recently, Warren Buffett, American investor, stock speculator, and entrepreneur will donate the bulk of his wealth nearly 85 percent of it to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (that dedicates itself with the disenfranchised and providing educational opportunities to all).

In my case, I am not a billionaire, not yet anyway. Not a millionaire, or a thousandaire, on a good month yes, but I feel compelled like Buffett to contribute toward my community en masse.

So, I return to Blogathon 2006 to illustrate the part of this participation with my community. At present, I have been part of the world of online blogging. I am addicted, may be compulsive, a traffic exchange site that I spend most of time with BlogExplosion (BE). This is a place where one is suppose to be able to view other blogs.

Although, at times, I haven’t always agreed with my fellow BE’ers or adjoin their perspectives, I do believe in their organizations they are representing and that trumps associations. In essence, to aspire and to inspire for a better world even if I do not agree with their politics or world view, what matters are those ideas, ideals, and beliefs that can move a community forward together despite polarizing differences. I have chosen the Maryland branch of SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), WWF (World Wildlife Fund), WHSA (television station) Crusade for Children.

First up, referred to as B, by most, and Ano by others. She has two blogs one of them as a personal journal, All-Nite.org and the other, a expose of serial killers, Dead Silence. She is also NASCAR fanatic—and she is an animal lover.

This is our common ground—the animals—not the NASCAR. A few years back, I had to give away my cats due to change of a living situation (too long to recount). Anyway, it is our love for animals that we share, she has expressed on a number of occasions, both public and privately, that if she had the money she would start a pet sitting service or an animal shelter. Recently, I found out the she is a bit of a crime buff. As I mentioned before, her blog Dead Silence, she does a very good job relaying the aspects of the crime stories of serial killers.

Needless to say, B’s passion for animals endears one’s heart, these are the words she uses to describe why her charity is the Maryland SPCA:

“Their slogan is “We are their voice” and I couldn’t agree more. Animals depend on us. They can’t tell us “hey, my owner beats me” or “I’m not feeling too well.” They depend on us to keep an eye out for them, to watch out for their welfare. I don’t see pets as just another animal. To me, they are furry little people and it breaks my heart to hear about abuse and neglect. The ASPCA website features many ways to help raise awareness about the abuse that goes on in this country. On their website, they list ways to help fight and prevent cruelty. The first thing is just to be aware of what’s going on around you. Does your neighbors dog look a little too thin? Is he/she outside 24-7 with no shelter, food or water? Have you actually seen someone hit or abuse an animal? Remember, if no one reports it, is it happening? No. If it goes unreported it will continue to happen. Step up and report it!

They also list ways to help teach your children about animals. Remember, kids are the future and they need to learn to respect everyone, including animals. It’s well known that most serial killers started out by abusing and killing animals. Don’t take things like that lightly. Talk to your kids, teach them that animal’s breath and live just like we do. They need to be treated with kindness and a soft touch.”

I met this next blogger, in the BE shout box and she is one of the nicest persons thus far in the blogosphere. There are those who claim to be sweet as peaches, but are pitted people throughout even holding grudges from a third grade rival. Ahem, sorry I digress. She, however, is not as far one can tell these things over a cyberlink. Her passion is for children, our interest to help kids physically and mentally challenged, therein lays our common ground.

She is another blogger of the personal journal type, known as the Long, Slow, Beautiful Dance, has her, Laci, also known as ProducerChic, aesthetic design blog illustrates one of the childhood transition from the world of wonder to the world of change. The feel of blog is if one is pondering to go through the “looking glass,” but is waiting for Alice in Wonderland returns. Well, this Alice is all grown up. It has a populist Matrix feel. As for Laci, her personality is well communicated throughout her blog. She is an outgoing, no bull type that, encourages, and helps other bloggers when she can. She is a big hearted person.

In that vain, the charity she has chosen reflects that big heart, although it is related to where she works. She is sponsoring WHSA Crusade for Children. It was established by the local television station in 1954 that she works at, and has raised over $115 million during the years. All the money stays locally, in the state of Kentucky, and 100% of the money is used in giving children in need charitable grants.

As a Libertarian, this is kind of “corporate citizenry" I speak of, in which, the citizenry provides the services needed to the community instead of relying on the expansion of government to do it for the disadvantaged and displaced.

This past year, the station rose over $5 million in its annual weekend of fund raising. So, if you come across her blog send a contribution via her (link), or to the WHSA Crusade for Children directly.

End Part 1.

A Book Review of Chris Hedges’—War is a Force that Gives Us Meaning

by Hari Seldon

One immediately knows where Chris Hedges’ stands on the view of war. One does not have to guess. Unlike some writers, who obscure their views in fluff and circumstance, Hedges’ treatise on war is cathartic as well as a “real life” experiential perspective and rational survey view of war.

Nonetheless, Chris emotes passionately in his discourse of war. He presupposes three points:

· The “culture of war” is a living organism unto itself that propagates and consumes.

· There is “addiction of war” once it begins, it is like a “drug addict trying to chase after a bigger high.”

· The “myths of war” is a narrative that is full of heroic epics, which hypnotizes the masses in popularizing unforgivable acts against another human being.

These are some of the organism’s parts that bring about the “fate” of the culture in order to secure the continuation of hostile acts. The twin sisters, if you will, are really subsets of the umbrella of the actual “culture of war” and they deepen and ingrain the institutions of wars, in which, it makes it easier to commit heinous crimes over and over.

For instance, the processing the extermination of a “prisoner” in a concentration camp, or the act of “ethnic cleansing” such as that in Bosnia, Serbia, and Croatia relies on the surreal perspective of the “myths of war.”

The distinction is, in which, “the myths of war” relies on the “culture of war,” to impart the “lies of heroicisms” and therefore must be separated from those who have actually participated in a war, in order for the state, the government, to be given the ability to recruit and pander to the public and the creation of the “addiction of war.”

Of course, “the myths of war” lets those in charge change the language itself. Instead of gray broad strokes is the refinement of colors. Correction! Not colors, but are separated in two colors that of black and white. In that, in the terms of simplicity for the audience, their can be only two alternatives.

Essentially, it is not the party of “Left,” nor the party of “Right are most politically correct, but is right and wrong for the drug stupor mind of the addicted.

The argument, of course, for what is right and wrong shifts the entire argument of war into the realm of simple logic, morality, and ethics. The difference of the latter two; ethics is a representation of one’s personal code. The rules, in which, one aspires to live out their daily lives by an orderly construction of the self.

On the other hand, these moralites, if you allow, are those standards, in which, “we as a culture,” apply to the individuals, groups, or citizenry values in order to construct a more “orderly” civilization. However, these individualistic codes are consolidated into a social contract of behavior, of sorts, which seems to come to the people—divinely.

In Chris Hedges book, he speaks of a code that demands us coming to terms with the “sins,” some out of necessity admittedly, of war—but the ones that were not necessary during the commission of the war, their acknowledgment and the reconciliation thereof.

Furthermore, Hedge’s book is a revealing autobiography of his raw emotion; strike that, a cold analysis of his “sensory” perception of the events of El Salvador, Angola, Sudan, and Balkan Wars. Sensory is to mean in “real time,” watching events as they happen.

One would presume his passivism. Moreover, after his strident testimonials of the horrors of war that he, would, Hedges’, be yelling from the rafters for immediate—peace. Not so! His thesis, or treatise, in regards to how we hold dear those principles, moralities, and ethics, in which “we as a culture,” as a “nation” prosecute the war; in that, we remain principled in the discipline, in the remembering and reconciling our humanity, when the time to cease, or at least transform the “culture of war” into cessation of hostilities.

Hedges’ clarion call is foreboding, to foretell the possibility of darkness if we fail to do so, yet at the same time communicate about the “addiction” and “myths” in the culture of war. He wishes to remind of our own humanity, which in turn, will lead us “home,” and through to the eventual loving of ourselves and of the “other.”

I highly recommend this book to everyone, even for those who are the hardliner war types. It is a thought provoking book, which challenges ones perspectives, values, beliefs, and ideals. To me this is what a book is suppose to do, no?

Marine sings bout dead muslims lmao!

Music Video About Marine Sparks Anger Jun 13 1:58 PM US/Eastern Email this story

Here is link to music video, very funny. Marine singing.

By LOLITA C. BALDOR
Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON

A music video posted to the Internet, telling a tale about a U.S. Marine killing members of an Iraqi family, is being condemned by an Islamic group and investigated by the Marine Corps.

The four-minute video, called "Hadji Girl," appears to be sung by a Marine in front of a cheering audience. The lyrics talk about the Marine gunning down members of an Iraqi woman's family after they confront him with automatic weapons.

Lt. Col. Scott Fazekas, a spokesman for the Marines, said Tuesday that the Marines were aware of a video posted on the Internet that "purports to show a Marine singing an insensitive song about Iraqis." Fazekas said officials don't know the identity of the singer or whether he is in the military.

The song was "inappropriate and contrary to the high standards expected of all Marines," Fazekas said. He said Marine officers are looking into the matter.

Nihad Awad, executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, said that in light of recent allegations of atrocities committed by Marines in Haditha and other towns in Iraq, the video should be investigated by the Pentagon and Congress.

"The inappropriate actions of a few individuals should not be allowed to tarnish the reputation of all American military personnel," said Awad.

The video was posted anonymously on the http://www.youtube.com Web site, but was removed. It is still available on CAIR's web site. A Hadji is a pilgrim who journeys to Mecca, but CAIR said the word has often been used as a disparaging term by U.S. troops in Iraq.

"The video is not reflective of the tremendous sacrifices and dedication demonstrated, on a daily basis, by tens of thousands of Marines who have assisted the Iraqi people in gaining their freedom," Fazekas said. "We agree with the executive director of the Council on
American-Islamic Relations that the inappropriate actions of a few individuals should not tarnish the reputation of all American military personnel."

The singer is shown playing a guitar and singing about meeting an Iraqi woman and then being confronted by her brother and father, who have guns. The lyrics describe the Marine pulling the woman's little sister in front of him and watching blood spray from her head.

He then sings about blowing the father and brother "to eternity."

Defense officials are investigating allegations that U.S. Marines massacred as many as two dozen unarmed civilians in Haditha last November. Another probe is under way into charges that U.S. troops pulled an unarmed Iraqi man from his home in Hamandiya in late April and shot him to death without provocation.

The Terrorists at Home

Well, that tears it! We have officially lost the “War on Terror”! Mark this day down, the so called argument “Fighting them over there, in order to protect us here” is done. And, you can thank the major four drug (link) companies for not only identifying the terrorist among us, but also finding a cure for them and terrorism a well. Hey, take these two pills and call your psychiatrist in the morning.

And, who said big pharmaceuticals companies don’t have compassion for their fellow man. The proof is in the pudding—yes? Essentially, a study clarifies by way of surveying over 9000 US adults on road rage, and as a result a new mental disorder: Intermittent Explosive Disorder and may effect as much as 7.3 percent of American adults (see June 8th Mayo Clinic online).

Hmm? We have IED’s in America! That tears it! It is time to kick all the bums out of office in charge of Homeland Security. To let such roadside terror to infiltrate the country, to terrorize Americans and to find “we fought the enemy and they are us!”

While the troops in Iraq blaze by the IED’s (Improvise Explosive Devices) on the highways of Baghdad, which are mechanical in nature, the citizenry of American highways are in danger by our IED’s; a seeing red, enraged, (mostly) male adult “blowing up” at us in our cars.

Huh, that certainly explains Jake Plumber, who recently had his IED moment here in Denver.

I can see defense attorneys throughout America already lining up to co-opt this latest mental disorder to protect their wayward “clients.”—hmph!

Whatever, happened to personal responsibility; and, being accountable for your own actions? Oh, yeah we gave up it to socialists, Godless nannyists, communists on the Left and the God fearing, authoritarian fascists, Neocons on the Right. Oh well, it is just another day in paradise and we now have our own IED’s to make it complete.

Find the Dead Terrorist in the Pizza Contest!

Find the Dead Terrorist in the Pizza Contest!

Prize Winner receives a FREE Makeover of their Cave!

ISLAM Muslim Pizza

Admittedly Ann Coulter

by Hari Seldon

Dateline: June 07, 2006 Wednesday

Today, as I watched the evening national news (World News Tonight), an outspoken and most benevolent Anne Coulter was quoted as spewing her usual treatment of liberals. In this case, she pounded, nailed, stomped, berated, incited, demonized, and victimized four women whose husbands were killed in the 9/11 World Trade Center Towers. The following quote is out of context, but illustrates her perspectives and attitude of how she feels about her polar opposites politically, quoted as followed from the NBC, Today Show:

Lauer to Ann Coulter: "Alright on the 9/11 widows and in particular a group that had been outspoken and critical of the administration.’ These self-obsessed women seem genuinely unaware that 9/11 was an attack on our nation and acted as if the terrorist attack only happened to them. They believe the entire country was required to marinate in their exquisite personal agony. Apparently denouncing Bush was an important part of their closure process.' And this part is, is the part I really need to talk to you about. 'These broads are millionaires lionized on TV and in articles about them reveling in their status as celebrities and stalked by grief-arazzis. I've never seen people enjoying their husbands' death so much.'"

-Admittedly, her remarks are to be considered rude, sweeping, and are a hasty generalization of these women.

-Admittedly, this is only a small snippet of her book, and a viewpoint to create sales for it.

-Admittedly, this book will create an "active discussion" the role of the victim, nonetheless, the tone of her statements in the book makes one wonder about her true motivation.

-Admittedly, what is fascinating, is that, the gullibility of MSM (Main Stream Media) in the reporting of her "controversial statements" throughout her book has the extremes frothing at the mouth.

-Admittedly, this is truer of the Far Left than the Far Right.

-Admittedly, this outspokenness is her shtick (and to some degree tiresome) to generate publicity for her books.

-Admittedly, what is unfortunate that her tone and vitriol is necessary to be heard above the fray of the public minutia.

-Admittedly, such attitudes can lead to intolerance and can eventuate into fascism for the Right, and eventuation of socialism for the Left.

-Admittedly, with a Democratic Republic this will lead to a hybrid of "fascioism" (my term) where the "nannyist" on the Left and the "authoritarians" on the Right both meet at the edges and willing to restrain the liberties of the citizenry.

-Admittedly, this leads to the cognitive dissonance to schizophrenia of logic and the irrational emotion of the public forum.

-Admittedly, the social ills that Ann Coulter point towards with "doctrine of infallibility" of victims has been pierced but not destroyed.

-Admittedly, this may embolden victimization and set a new level for pity and "infallibility."

-Admittedly, Ann's remarks will do more harm than good in the public debate, in that, her ultimate goal may have been to undermine the "illusory" role if the "infallible" victim so that their "magical defense" can be pierced, but her divisiveness precedes her and lessens her credulity.

-Admittedly, this is because of the own groups that she represents has been guilty of the same tactic, the use of the "doctrine of infallibility" to their own political agenda.

-Admittedly, this is hypocritical, and marginalizes her, which eventuates in her own level of victimization aiding her to sell more books.

-Admittedly, that is and was her and her publishers point. After all, it is just another day in paradise....

Nixon spinning in Grave!

Dear Blogger: You guys remember Watergate? If I recall it was about Richard Nixon ordering a covert operation at the DNC. Purpose, to find out what the democrats were planning for the upcoming Presidential election. Poor Dick Nixon. All he had to do was ask Dept of Justice to raid congressional offices of Democrats. He would have saved his legacy. If you ask me; we as a nation have lost forever precious rights. All cause of Bush's love for Muslims.

We insulted out priceless allies in South America. We have broad washed a whole race of Americans as illegal aliens. We now raid congressional offices of the opposing party. Instead of NSA monitoring the Muslims in the Middle East, the NSA monitors U.S. citizens instead. Now soldiers, our sons and daughters are being framed for killing terrorists. The US Army charge is that they were innocent civilians. Have you ever met a Muslim that wasn't a terrorist?

Iran builds nuclear missiles and threatens USA daily, yet we are too busy admitting mistakes in Iraq and persecuting innocent illegals. Republicans goodbye. You will lose the house in November and the White house on next election.

When my Brother came home from Viet Nam. He had a few bullet wounds in his back. He also received a silver star. Mom hung him from the porch the next day. While he was swinging from rafters, Mom screamed at his body. "I didn't raise cowards." As I buried my brother, mom was whipping me in the hole all the while screaming " Swear to me you'll never run from a fight". I did. I will always harm and destroy Muslims no matter where they are. My heart is black and I bring death to every Muslim that crosses my path.

The Evil of Deception.....

Image by 3dfiction.com

Updated May 30, 2006

This following post is response to a commentary to an author, who lacked the courage to keep their comment attached to a previous post. So I am going to repost it. So here it is entirety, say for one, the authors name. Observe.....
begin comment

I was called a racist because I don't feel like talking to people at the moment. I am 1/2 ojbue indian and Danish. I was called a 1/2 breed while in school. It hurt.I was brought up in a family the taught us that everyone is equal. I don't look at the color of the skin or what God you pray to. I have many dark skinned friend of a nationality's.

So a man is a man. No matter what color of skin he has. There is no room in this world for Racists people.
I am NOT a racist.
So I hope the person who called me that can look deep down and see that.God Bless"

end comment

Some of the biggest "I am not a racist" persons claim to "be this or that" or "have this or that," but they are, on the average, some of the most judgmental, spiteful, and bitter individuals. They claim that they will be always there for you, or claim that, they love you as a friend or whatever. And, they say that they will always be there for you when you need them. Nonetheless, when the moment of truth comes, they will stand over in judgment of you.

This may be because of one's acceptance of another, when they do not. Or, it may be simply that, one decision to stay neutral in the firestorm they may have for another. It is either see it their way or to be shunned, and begrudged forever and break the pledge they made to you. When person promises that, "that they will always be there"---that means something. It means always. It is not beset with conditions, exceptions, or buts --it means no matter what that one is there for each other.

Yes, racism also known as hatred comes in many forms. Any form of hate, against a person, is racism. Any! So, speaking the truth does not mean that ones has to be spiteful, angry, or bitter. The truth is the truth, and always it wills itself out, eventually. So, one makes a statement that, "they will always be there" and are not (absent of death) then it should be able to trust their truthful words--yes? Idealistic--you bet.

The philosophy of one such man espoused such idealism. He spoke of forgiveness. He spoke of setting aside differences. He spoke of "turning the other cheek." To be told who to hate or to dislike is the first step of racism and is the most insidious, "Dont like that person--because I dont!" And, if you dont see it there way, then, "You are not my friend, and I will hate you as well." This is the true form of racism.

And then to hide behind one's God to show one's worthiness is the first deception of a racist of not only of others, but to themselves as well. To claim that, "I have many 'dark skinned friends'" (why do they have to be 'dark skinned' friends. Why are they not simply 'friends' who would say otherwise) then set the condition of the friendship is another manipulation of a racist.

So, one does not like that person. So, be it (that is between you and that person). It does not mean it is a betrayal, if another does, or tolerates them, to be civil to them, or even befriends them. It is what is. Meaning, that each relationship is judged individually.....

There is certain clarity, a truth, if you will when those who espouse their love of their "God" and "equality," and then later set hateful words towards others, or hateful feelings towards are the true racist. So, look deep down and take note of their words and actions. It is insidious, deceitful, and most of all intolerate--and yes even racist.


Side-note: (I have not addressed this issue with other panelists that have posted or commented here, but I will when I return from Chicago next week. I was asked, why did I tolerate this panelist. Simply, to restrict their view points gives them more power to their argument. And, secondly this site is welcomed to ALL viewpoints. I may not like their opinions, and even disagree strongly, but they are entitled to have them. Let the discussion be judged on its own merits).

After all, racism is not limited to a skin color, or an ethnic, or relgious group it is the hatred of another human being that is part of the human race. It is an attitude. Don't think so? Look at this country state of mind regarding illegal immigration and where most of the hateful words and actions is pointed towards.....

Prejudice and Racism

by Gabriel Thrace

Why are we still hearing about prejudice and racist people in America? Shouldn’t things be getting better by now? Why am I still hearing my children call a black person the “n” word or a person from South America a wetback. How about someone from India and Asia? Yeah I have heard it all. Is it fear from the unknown culture? Are these people not people? Why do they have to be labeled as anything at all? We are all people folks no matter the color!

Recently I encountered a racist person who didn't like the idea of me having black people in my house (not that it is anyone’s business who is in my house). Why can’t I enjoy fellowship with people of color in peace? I tell you what the person told me. “Your grandmother would disown you for having black people in your house!” Well… She may but I would stand for what I believe in. People are people after all and you don’t have to come to my house.

I am glad that my children are learning that we all are people and shouldn’t be labeled at all. Yes I live in the south and I know that many older adults were brought up to hate and be racist and prejudice but its time for us to change that. Our generation should make sure it stops or at least try.

I am white but mixed with Cherokee and Irish. Didn’t our founding fathers have hatred for Indians? Didn’t people talk about the Irish and shun them when they come to America? So why did that all change? How did that prejudice and racism change? We need to teach tolerance people or our children will grow up angry at a race they know nothing about. I encourage you to start something like a day out of a month to sit your kids down and have a talk with them about tolerance. Maybe you could put a festival together in your community that encourages heritage day. For instance like having booths set up to teach people about each country and heritage.

Make that change!

The Problem With Lou Dobbs

The Problem With Lou Dobbs

From the Fat Lady Sings Blog

May 10, 2006

The Problem With Lou Dobbs

Where to begin? You see – I don’t really know what to make of the man. On the one hand, his daily harangues against illegal immigration have escalated to the point of absurdity. And it’s always exclusively ‘Mexican’ illegal immigration. You rarely hear him talk about the huge number of Polish or Irish immigrants who enter America sans invitation. Nor do you hear him rail against the paucity of INS agents along the much larger border with Canada. No – he really seems to have a jones for Hispanics, and that levels a charge of bigotry that would seem to have some basis in fact. He even advocated INS agents infiltrating the immigration marches and rally’s that swept through our country last week. That’s so Richard Nixon! I mean – please! So – I think I have him pegged - then he turns around and, quite rightly in my opinion, points out our enormous trade deficit (most especially with China – and I’ll get to that in a moment), excoriates Bush on his ham-handed handling of the nations economy (and just about everything else) and stands up for the ever pressured, now dwindling middle class. It’s as if he’s two completely different people – one who would seem at home attending a meeting of the John Birch society; and another who understands how fucking hard it is out here to make ends meet and is on our side. So what’s the truth? Who is Lou Dobbs, really?

I watched his show last night. He fairly quivered with righteous fury at having the ‘racist’ label hurled at him. I’ve heard him tack this direction before. Mention partiality or bigotry of any kind and he fair fly’s to the moon – his jaws clicking in frustration; intent on defending his besmirched ‘honor’. But is that charge true? Here’s where that wicket gets mighty sticky. He’s concerned about how easily transversed our borders are. Check. He thinks we need more agents to patrol said borders. Check. He blames Vincente Fox for not lifting a finger to stem the tide of Mexican citizens heading north in search of a better life for them and their families. Check. Now we get into murky territory. Lou Dobbs endorses the vigilante ‘Minutemen’ group. He often has their founder on his show promoting the Minutemen and saluting the ‘job’ they are doing. Now – Jim Gilchrist, the Minutemen’s founder has been definitively linked to white supremacist groups. I found that out by using Google and my finger. So I don’t buy that Dobbs would be unfamiliar with this tidbit; and if he was he should have grilled the man on it. I knew the Minutemen were bigots the moment I saw several of their number flying the Stars & Bars. I’m sorry – but the battle flag of the Civil War south only stands for one thing – and everyone who has half a brain knows it. So why give these people a platform if you don’t agree with EVERYTHING they stand for?

Yet – Dobbs seems really sincere in his support for working class America. It was from him I learned that the last textile manufacturing plant in the US had closed – a dreadful circumstance. He constantly harps on the porous nature of our port facilities, and brings up the inequities that have arisen from our burgeoning debt and out of control and ever rising trade deficit. Which brings me around to China. Lou seems China obsessed. Yes, our deficit with China is greater than that of any other trading partner; but they are not isolated in this. Canada is also a problem. So is Mexico and Japan; but Lou harps on China as if they alone stood between American workers and the middle class lifestyle that is the backbone of both our democracy and economy. Could it be the Chinese people themselves he dislikes with an almost mock ferocity? Unfortunately, I don’t have the answer to that question; and because I don’t, I have to question the mans motives. I have learned over time and with a great deal of experience to beware those who sound ‘reasonable’ while stating edgy opinions. Often that ‘reason’ is merely a cover for the snake oil they are trying to slip in under the radar. I always hold off, tempering my good opinion with at least a modicum of good sense while playing the ‘wait and see’ game. Well – I’ve waited, and I’ve seen, and I’m afraid that Mr. Dobbs harbors some deep-seated dislikes of certain ethnicities. What makes this all the more sad is his much appreciated support of and for everyday Americans. I agree with him on many things – but his unquestioning support for the obviously racist Minutemen renders the rest of his opinions suspect.

Now how can someone be reasonable and believable on the one hand; and a stone cold bigot on the other? It is possible. Just look around at your family, your friends, your neighbors. You know someone like this – we all do. I used to try and pick this question apart. It puzzled me to no end; how someone ‘nice’ could also be racist. The two just seemed antithetical. But they’re not. I know and have known people in my life who cared about the environment, donated time and funds to local charitable causes, decried cruelty to any living creature and yet would turn around and use the word ‘nigger’ to my face. A man whom I called friend recently emailed me a terrible, racist, anti-Hispanic joke that just about took my breath away. It was his Cinco de Mayo ‘gift’. And he knew better. He knows me. He is well aware of my views on the subject. And he did it anyway; essentially ending any possibility of a meaningful relationship between us. And he didn’t think he was being a bigot, by the way. He didn’t see that it was bad or wrong. He actually thought it was funny and was taken aback by my fury. This man is not some knuckle-dragging, sheet wearing Nazi fanatic. He’s quite ordinary. Quite normal. Much like Lou Dobbs. So I’m betting Mr. Dobbs doesn’t see it either; this connection between what he promotes and being a bigot. I’m sure were he to read this essay he would take great umbrage. But that doesn’t change the facts. I’m sorry for you, Lou. Your good idea; namely protecting our borders and controlling immigration - is getting lost in the attached undercurrent of ethnic separatism. You have gotten in the way of your own message.