Monday, July 31, 2006

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.


Monday, July 24, 2006

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…

Tuesday, July 18, 2006

Thought of the Day #1

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

Sunday, July 16, 2006

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 29th 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.

Wednesday, July 05, 2006

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?