The Liminal World

A REDESIGNED WORLD---COME VISIT

2007-02-23T23:26:00.000-08:00

Well, hello...... The Liminal World went under some remodeling recently. I haven't transferred all the old post yet. But here is a preview, go ahead, its not going to hurt you...I promise... really [click here]. Oh, by the way you can change the look of the template, look for it in the sidebar under search..."

Leave the poor kid alone.

2007-02-23T23:25:00.000-08:00

Single Ladies Please read!

2007-02-22T21:24:00.001-08:00

Guess this means Catholics and Jewish folk have less chance?
By MARIA CHENG

(AP) Scientists say conclusive data shows there is no question circumcision reduces men's chances of...

LONDON (AP) - Scientists say conclusive data shows there is no question circumcision reduces men's chances of catching HIV by up to 60 percent - a finding experts are hailing as a major breakthrough in the fight against AIDS. Now, the question is how to put that fact to work to combat AIDS across Africa.

The findings first were announced in December, when initial results from two major trials - in Kenya and Uganda - showed promising links between circumcision and HIV transmission. However, those trials were deemed so definitive that the tests were halted early.

The full data from the trials, carried out by the United States' National Institutes of Health, were published Friday in The Lancet.

"This is an extraordinary development," said Dr. Kevin de Cock, director of the World Health Organization's AIDS department. "Circumcision is the most potent intervention in HIV prevention that has been described."

Circumcision has long been suspected of reducing men's susceptibility to HIV infection because the cells in the foreskin of the penis are especially vulnerable to the virus.

A modeling study done last year projected that in the next decade, male circumcision could prevent 2 million AIDS infections and 300,000 deaths. Last year, 2.8 million people in sub-Saharan Africa became infected with HIV, and 2.1 million people died.

Experts say the breakthrough is a significant one on par with the identification of the virus and the use of lifesaving combination drug therapy.

The two U.S. studies confirm similar results from an earlier trial in South Africa. Given the recent failure of a microbicide trial in Africa and India, and the ongoing difficulties in developing an AIDS vaccine, the potential of circumcision as a new weapon against HIV has become even more significant.

But they caution solid evidence is not justification for mass circumcisions.

African health systems are already overburdened. Circumcision requires much more planning than, for example, an immunization campaign.

"It's a tricky one, but it's something we're going to have to move on," said Dr. Catherine Hankins, a scientific adviser at UNAIDS.

"Male circumcision is such a sensitive religious and cultural issue that we need to be careful," she said.

Several African countries have already met with U.N. agencies to explore new strategies for increasing circumcision services. Swaziland, for instance, recently experimented with a series of "Circumcision Saturdays," where existing health care facilities, normally closed on weekends, were opened by local doctors to circumcise approximately 40 men a day on certain Saturdays.

Providing circumcisions across Africa would not be the first time surgical procedures have been adopted by public health campaigns.

"Cataract surgeries have been carried out extremely efficiently to prevent blindness worldwide," said Dr. Richard Hayes, an AIDS expert at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. In some places, the cataract surgeries are performed by trained paramedics.

In recent years, the fight against the AIDS pandemic has focused on the provision of lifesaving drugs. The circumcision data gives prevention, rather than treatment, renewed emphasis.

"Treating people with antiretrovirals is completely unsustainable unless we can turn off the tap of infection," said Hayes.

While circumcision may offer new hope, it is not a cure for the epidemic.

"This is an additional tool, and it must not replace other interventions," said de Cock, who added that there will be no push for universal circumcision. "There is no one size fits all solution for AIDS."

Together with the United Nations AIDS agency, WHO is convening a meeting in Switzerland in early March to evaluate the circumcision data, and to decide on the next steps in slowing the AIDS pandemic.

In the Kenyan study, 1,391 circumcised men were compared to 1,393 who were not. And in Uganda, 2,474 circumcised men were compared to 2,522 men who were not. After tracking the men for two years, scientists found that circumcised men were 51 to 60 percent less likely to contract HIV than their uncircumcised counterparts. Since the studies were stopped, all the men have been offered the opportunity to be circumcised. And all the men were warned not to lapse into sexually risky behavior, such as abandoning condom use.

Scientists theorize that women would benefit indirectly from lower HIV prevalence in men, and a study is currently ongoing in Uganda to determine this.

In areas where HIV is spread primarily through heterosexual sex, such as sub-Saharan Africa, male circumcision could theoretically slash the infection rate in half.

It is unknown whether circumcision would be equally effective in concentrated AIDS epidemics, as in Asia and eastern Europe, where AIDS primarily strikes gay men and drug users.

A REDESIGNED WORLD---COME VISIT

2007-02-22T18:49:00.000-08:00

Well, hello...... The Liminal World went under some remodeling recently. I haven't transferred all the old post yet. But here is a preview, go ahead, its not going top hurt you...I promise... really [click here]. Oh, by the way you can change the look of the template, look for it in the sidebar under search..."

Part Three—Celebrity, Choices, Friends: A Study of Gang Culture (Death of Darrent Williams)

2007-01-27T00:00:00.000-08:00

There is an unwritten code; failure to conform to the group means one’s death. In the real world failure to conform meant to be branded as deviant, or as a troublemaker, or as a weirdo who is living outside “the normative” (what is normal) of society. Or the same deviant can be seen as innovative, groundbreaking, entrepreneurial, in that, the individual is seen as a hero. Or there is a possibility that can be in the crossroads of transition, betwixt and between; sometimes this status can be instantaneous, or either, a long conversion.

Darrent Williams was entombed in the long conversion. His shifting of his socioeconomics left him entwined with the old and new. Transitioning from a have not to a have; the inability of doing—and the ability of making a difference had a young Darren Williams, full of personality, wanting to please everybody, was beginning to find his niche.

But the leaving behind his core reality which shaped him, left him in a quarry, often chastised for choosing friends poorly—and sometimes making poor choices. He, Darrent William, placed himself, in the varying positions of danger, until his fate besmirched his potential and destiny. His public image of being the fan’s favorite; and, bit of “cheerleader” and “class clown” warmed the public hearts. His associations, however, with gang-banger hip-hoppers, only reveals an aspect of Darrent Williams personality. He was trying to move from a “cred” capital world to a “cultural” capital (Bourgois 1995) world to convert his life. The difference of the two: “cred” is the proving of oneself through “acts” often tinged with violence versus the “proper,” “civil,”
“lawful” acts in providing one’s skill and knowledge.

These cultural worlds are overlapping and are and was spoon-fed to us—as it was to Darrent Williams. In William’s youth, choices made by were susceptible by the lack of leadership and parentage of a father being present. One of the decision (according to hegemony) is the having children out of wedlock at the early age of sixteen. This is where one of his most vocal critics comes into play—Steve Seidenfeld, of Colorado 850KOA.

He, Seidenfeld, believes that the “over the top” lionizing was unworthy of Darrent Williams. Since he, Williams, association of neighborhood friends, which were in gangs, were still around, and that he “rapped” gang-banger hip-hop music, was vilified by Seidenfeld as being a “thug.” He, Seidenfeld, and his audience castigated aspersion against Williams for having children out of wedlock. Saying that he was not “smart enough” not get someone pregnant and to wear a condom. Fair enough.

However, Darrent Williams, was not trying to aspire to be an angel, but was trying to be best person possible. These sling-shots and negativity that spun outward from the radio host show, where his audience attacked Williams as “scum” and deadbeat, was also in the extreme and overstatement. The very radio host himself, who did not finish college—actually expelled—nor has gone back to finish his degree is not virtuous himself, and has made bad choices.

Whereas, Darrent Williams finished school, became one of the 1650 athletes employed in the National Football League, and started after three games into his rookie season, and was willing to learn and listen to veterans on his team, had a bright future ahead, but Williams intermittent lack of judgment cost him life—and he paid the price. In comparison to a talk radio host (granted an enviable positions as well), the radio host locked into mediocrity shrouded in bitterness, envy, and jealousy dies a thousand deaths each time he looks himself in the mirror. Darrent died brightly and furious, where insidiousness of the radio talk show host drones on instilling negativity and dearth on his audience—seemingly tearing down the possibility of good that might come out of the tragic death. Yes, Darrent Williams’ minor celebrity brought focus to gang violence and culture, and it is unfair that our own failure does not notice until someone of status is killed—but sometimes it takes a clarion call to shake up the hegemonic society to see the truth.

(End part three)

Two Days After-Part Two; Darrent Williams: A Study of American Gang Culture

2007-01-18T20:52:00.000-08:00

Two days after Darrent Williams death, a Denver Bronco, an American football player, was shot and killed, Denver Radio talk show hosts bombarded the airways, trying to figure out what happened. Two individual in particular stuck out: Peter Boyles of Denver 630 KHOW and Steve Seidenfeld of Colorado 850 KOA . These two gentlemen tried to bring perspectives other than the speculative what happened New Years Eve night.

Peter Boyles claims that his “sources” know who killed Darrent Williams, and the police were trying to connect the dots. He also, through the follow weeks, actually the very next day began to be critical of the politicos: city and state of their silent voices in regards to the killing. And then later, speculated the reason for this was the possibility of the upcoming announcement of the Democratic Party National Convention for the 2008 presidential race. It was the Tale of Two Cities: New York and Denver both vying for the privilege of hosting the convention (Denver won).

Boyles further speculated on the deviant behavior of gang-banger hip-hop culture. How this culture’s music, attitudes, socioeconomics, and unlawfulness recapitulated the violence against citizenry. He moreover stated the Denver Police was performing poorly due to the fact of the city politico’s silence, of the neighborhood tolerance, and the decried minority leaders that lack the nerve to speak out. And, by implication their silence was due to the fact that, gangs intimidated city official and witnesses.

He, Boyles, at times, addressed the fact of how the gang-banger hip-hop culture sees those who talk to the police, “tattlers,” or “snitches.” He had plenty of empirical data to make his case. For example, three witnesses ready to testify were killed on the eve of their testimonies just this past year. In fact, in the last year, the number of police officers, witnesses deaths has been on the rise, at the least since 2001. Denver Police lack of protection of witnesses can be attributed to the failure of their oversight, and failure to anticipate, or even take seriously the death threats of the gang-bangers.

This lack of foresight has made the city a dangerous place for witnesses. Public, very public drive bys-yet “no proof” or witnesses are invisible. The crips, the bloods, the ms13, to some extent, have quietly ruled the roost of Denver Metropolitan streets. However, let me not leave you with the impression that Denver is amok in lawlessness—far from it. There are certain spots “these gang-bangers” claim as their own—club and neighborhoods. The city is far from strife.

Arguments were made by Boyles that the intimidation by the gangs was keeping silent the witnesses, he also asserts that “music” of gang-banger hip-hop was some how encouraging children, minority children, to embrace the violence. In essence, the music instills the disrespect, the “villainizing” of authority, and the emboldening of cultural power through violence. In that, the only way to gain respect is through one’s violent acts—to gain “props.” Essentially, to prove one’s manhood is to either withstand perpetrated acts against oneself, or to perpetrated an act themselves. But there is darker side, a greater illusion, is that, gang culture believes that, through fear and intimidation that they can usurp authority. The second illusion gang culture tries to foster is a sense of family. The gang will take care of you. We will be the parent, the disciplinarian, the trust your own parent/s never gave you. As Boyles puts it, “don’t bet on it…”

Peter Boyles probing statement throughout the cadre of shows,” It is what, what it is”; or his other profound statement, “What does this mean?” Well, those are certainly statement and inquiries. He later parlays this tragedy into debate regarding illegal immigration. This is certainly an interesting perspective.

(End part two).

Photo credits of Darrent Williams is from his Myspace.com page and image of the limousine is from AP photo from a written article by Foxnews.

Darrent Williams: A Study of American Gang Culture—Part One

2007-01-14T03:19:00.000-08:00

Let me begin this way, by way of an admission, when I first heard about Darrent Williams, a Denver Bronco, an American footbal player, being shot, the farthest thought from my mind was that, his death was gang involved. In fact, I chastised a fellow blogger for bringing it up; and, for the record, I still would. I chastised them for it, because speculations were made before the facts were in.

Their “speculations” as they put it was “based” on athlete related violence. Maybe. Maybe not. My attitude was a wait and see. Let’s find out first what happened, then opine on what the state of athletics, and the culture that surrounds it. To recapitulate the obvious, the clichéd, hinders us, and ties us to unsubstantiated facts, and once out there can never be redacted out of existence. Their assumption, of this blogger, only indicated their own bias.

Admittedly, however, the end result of their “speculation” turned out correct, but it was not based on the normative idea, but on the multicultural assumptions, not raw data or presented facts, their assumptions were based on clichés and stereotypes—not facts. Furthermore, their “speculation” did not count or include the man, the type of man, Darrent William was, and yet to be ascertain the worthiness of praise or ridicule.

What is apparent is that Darrent Williams (dwill) was playing a dangerous game. He was trying to balance his popularity (locally) with his teammates, his fans, his coach, his old neighborhood, and his family with an outside the “normative” popular culture extreme known as “violent hip-hop.” Some call it gang-bang hip-hop; some refer to it as “keeping it real.”

Darrent Williams, ever the one trying to please everybody, with those from his own neighborhood, or former socioeconomic grouping, he was trying to remain with those in the hood. Unfortunately, for Darrent Williams, you can’t please all the people al l the time. Young male egos (whether white, yellow, black, or red) are hypersensitive—trying to prove their own value; and, often these egos become easily bruised. They are often emboldened, especially within groups, trying to prove their manhood, their machismo, their worth.

It’s not because they feel “inferior,” or “less than,” the individuals who they feel that have slighted are consider “beneath,” thus it is the attitude of superiority that belies their anger toward the person. The thought is this, “How dare you? Don’t you know who I am?” Or what I can do to you?” Their confidence is in their numbers, the group, and their family of brothers or sisters.

No Darrent Williams walked, no ran, into the piety of self-righteousness, arrogance of an attitude that believes that they are untouchable. And now, he is dead, because of a mistake by him. His own inability to say “no,” his youth, lead to his death—and always to wanting to please other had him cultivating a culture he should have walked away from. Nonetheless, I will not demonize him for it… (end part one).

photo credit by AP

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let it Snow!

2007-01-07T18:28:00.000-08:00

The above words are from a traditional Christmas song often heard ad nauseam leading up to the very day, and thankfully dissipates afterward as the new year approaches. Well, the sentiment of it of snowing prior was brought forth, however, only days before Christmas in my hometown of Denver, Colorado.

The city, state, and the airport, Denver International Airport, which is 30 miles outside city limits, were brought to a stand still. The snow fell from the sky, growing higher, like a steady stream of water, ready to overflow. The wind blew, cars slipped, buses skewered sideways, down the streets as the day grew late. Our state planners, our city planners, and mayors, statewide, urgently, valiantly (ahem) tried to illustrate (and implement), that they had a plan. It (the plan) and they failed.

Not as costly as Bush-Rumsfeld-Iraq stay the course plan—in fact—not even close, but it failed. The storm cyclone its way across the mountains first, obviously, then backed up into the valley of Denver, and then across the eastern plains of Colorado. The radar screens of the hyper-excited weatherpersons looked like a hurricane on land. Inch by inch the overjoyed, seemingly, weather generals, the sexiest of them Kathy Sabine, had command, albeit short lived of the news and newscast.

The storm’s intensity gave the brave at heart pause; and, the foolish the moments for their stupidity, while the dedicated made their way to work—by any means necessary.

By mid-afternoon of the second day, cars went abandoned, bus service halted, even Denver’s “heralded” light rail choked, puttered to a stop. City and a state plows raced to the cities—and roads of the state. Their attempts were futile. Airport runways, taxi ways, exit ramps, the equivalent of a city, laid dormant.

Mere days following after the storm, critics began to pick on the carcasses of the politicos failure. It was as if they, the critics, took glee from the “state emergency” by giving them permission to cascade all their pent up venomous vitriol at the leaders of the cities and state. This whipped the public into whine and what about me mode. They decried the inconvenience and how the plows failed to come down their streets during the storm.

Passengers, at the airport, from all stripes, family with children, individuals curled in corners, asleep, waited to join their anxious family members and friends across the country.

Of course, no one had seen such a storm since the “blizzard of 1982”, or the abruptness of the storm “spring of 2003.” No, this storm was different; it left cars scattered—and adrift in snow. People in shelters trying to find warmth—and comfort as the Red Cross did its duty. The spirit of community and togetherness lasted as long as the clouds and blue sky were obscured.

Slush filled streets, which refroze nightly, greeted vehicles and pedestrians alike in the daily melt down. Cars splashed. Pedestrians stumbled, staggered, and slipped along side streets, main roads, and thoroughfares. Stepping over high drifts, falling in indiscernible sink holes as locals tried to return to the daily grind.

No, this storm was different yet the same. It reminded us, how vulnerable we are; how spoiled we are; how powerless we are in the face of nature; and, how we take things for granted as Mother Nature—yet again reminded us, like little children, who have forgotten their manners that she has command over us and always will.

All photos are by Site Administrator, except the United Airlines terminal which is done by George Kochaniec, Jr. © Rocky Mountain News, and stock photo of airport by Photovault Aviation Museum

Let Green Business be the Grinch

2007-01-01T11:40:00.000-08:00

A fish out of water is how I felt. Out of place; struggling to recognize a single face from my Introduction to Politics class, and feeling that I had walked into an Amway meeting. I did not see anyone I knew, until the presentations were done. The ceremony was informal yet celebratory. The individuals and businesses who contributed to the “greening” the Earth’s ecosystem smiled broadly as each took their awards.

It is a new way of doing business. A new a type of currency, a new energy to be resourced, and it relies on an old tradition called the barter system. Essentially, I will do “X” for you, if you will “X” for me. Renamed, “Connectory,” allows businesses and individuals with something to sell or market, to exchange services in the forms of credits to have access to “local resources.”

In essence, to keep the local dollar with neighborhood, city, or state, it is a network of businesses, which embolden the philosophical idea of the local community first. Instead of “outsourcing” the dollar out f the sphere of local influence, it brings together, the talents within the community at a commodifed price in for the form of bartered price credits.

It also sets the “Connectory” and “customers” along the same path. As the purveyors of products, the consumption of doing business and doing the customers requires the necessity of talents—and adaptation of the “green consumer market.” This formula requires innovation as well; as this new form business seems to be taking hold in sweeping ethics in how the environment is treated.

This is what I mean, in the “green integral politics,” is having businesses adapt the practice/s of the how they use resources such as energy. For instance, Belgium Brewing Co., a local Colorado manufacturer of a local favorite beer—Fat Tire Ale—distribution is powered primarily by windmills.

By Belgium Brewing using windmills, to power their plants, it has contributed to the reallocation of resources—and energy transmissions. Essentially, they are not overtaxing, or overusing the energy from the power grid to make, or market their product.

But to return to the subject at hand, “green integral politics on small business is beginning to pave the way, at the least, the grassroots, to find support at the market place for the post-modernist environmentalist searching for a new way to be responsible. These companies try to establish themselves as leaders of conscious. They try to “integrate” all four quadrants in the political dynamic model: Upper left (individual emotion) and Upper right (individual behavior) as the lower left (social peer group that establishes cultural mores) and the lower right (which establish the rule of law and governmental systems) and evolving a global citizen.

By the combing of resources, such as sharing office space, networking with other business through the bartering for services on an alternate currency known as credits give power plants to redistribute energy transmissions elsewhere making for a more efficient use of the plants power.

In addition, referred to earlier as “Connectory,” a repackaged name for networking, part of this is an organization called MDB. They will help you, for a small membership fee, services to enhance cash flow, increase sales, reach new customers, and help reduce cash expenses. The Micro Business Development (MDB) group does this as way to keep local dollars in the community as well as offering lines of credits, merchants, and other global green integral corporations.

Nevertheless, the competition of green individual and/or corporation will be at the suffrage of globalization politics. This brand of diversity, innovation, and creativity will be a small subset of the globalized world—but as these companies compete and contribute to the betterment of—and for the environment, they will realize the inevitable conclusion that no matter how much one tries to localize community—one is still part of the global citizenry.

Finally, as for the feeling like fish out of water, out of place, and the impression of being at an Amway meeting, this emotion will soon pass; however, I doubt the Amway feeling will though.

A Review of Matrix Revolution

2006-11-21T17:23:00.000-08:00

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 sing 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

2006-10-26T18:58:00.000-07:00

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).

[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

2006-10-20T14:02:00.000-07:00

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*

2006-08-09T18:23:00.000-07:00

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

2006-07-31T16:10:00.000-07:00

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?

2006-07-24T18:17:00.000-07:00

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

2006-07-18T18:04:00.000-07:00

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

2006-07-16T02:19:00.000-07:00

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

2006-07-16T02:16:00.000-07:00

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

2006-07-05T17:48:00.000-07:00

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!

2006-06-13T13:54:00.000-07:00

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

2006-06-12T19:01:00.000-07:00

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!

2006-06-11T16:16:00.000-07:00

Find the Dead Terrorist in the Pizza Contest!

Prize Winner receives a FREE Makeover of their Cave!

Admittedly Ann Coulter

2006-06-09T13:20:00.000-07:00

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!

2006-05-26T12:59:00.000-07:00

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.....

2006-05-24T14:04:00.000-07:00

By Hari Seldon

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 indain 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

2006-05-21T07:32:00.000-07:00

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

2006-05-13T16:35:00.000-07:00

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.

Spring Cleaning

2006-05-13T05:31:00.000-07:00

by Hari Seldon

I have been doing some reviewing of old essays that I have written. I am waxing melancholy as I read over them. Each one of them tears away piece of me, bit by bit, and yet is somewhat restorative. Interesting. I am renewed. The semester for school is almost over and I have one last task to complete. I will take a couple days to reenergize and return to blogging shortly. One does not try blog when it end semester crunch. Nothing but brain damage can come of it. Raw emotion and adrenaline do not mix.

So, what to do for a posting? I will leave you with image above and old essay below. I wrote this three years ago for my Chinese language I was taking. I was going to school part time and working full time and another part time job to supplement my income before my student loans kicked in. At any rate, I was going through one of my moods that is described my astrological sign, and was have a bipolar moment. So, I vented in my paper and discovered that I am really ready to settle down, in a fashion, but first I must finish school. I am no good to anyone bittered. Finish the goals set. Hmph.

Observe.....

Chinese Festival: Men Have Biological Clocks, Too

It had been a long night; my relief shift for graveyard failed to come in to work. I stewed; once again, I had failed to trust my instincts. I wanted to blame someone, naturally I blamed the person who was to relief me, of course, but ultimately I blamed myself. I had seen this coming and I did nothing to prepare for it. My feet ached as well as my body. It was not a coincidence that when I am wrapped in emotional turmoil I feel stiffness and pain. So, there I waited for the morning to arrive as I busied myself with shift duties to keep my mind distracted. It did not work.

My mind replayed countless scenarios of why the entity – I can not honestly refer to “it” as a person, because a person knows the value of consideration to other human beings – had not called, but I knew why. Today had been payday, and this entity had given its two weeks notice four days earlier. So, I and my mind eventually settled and stewed, every thought ebbing at my consciousness, which churned and twisted the fury within, seemingly, unbearably in the moment of forever until I wanted to snap. However, the raging winds dissipated into nothingness not unlike a funnel cloud disappearing because the realization of my isolation impacted me in the stillness of the night.

I stood there alone in the stillness, behind the counter, looking at all the displays of snacks, candy and groceries. The mirror of my life had reminded me, that the anger I felt, was not of betrayal, but of loneliness. I had no wife and kids to share my disappointment and feel angry with me. Finally, the darkness ended and my morning relief showed. However, my dark mood returns when the morning person conveys to me that the store manager had been aware of the entity’s treachery. My manager left on a camping trip with her family for the weekend. I stewed momentarily as I rushed home to get some sleep before my afternoon at the Chinese festival….

My melancholy mood waned as I groggily stretched out my arm to turn off my alarm clock. It was 1:30 p.m. and my sleep had been disrupted throughout the morning to make arrangements for covering shifts for the rest of the weekend, because of the missing entity from the night previous. I laid in the stillness of the afternoon, only to surrender to a shower and clothes to wear for the day. I was running late. So, I grabbed my book bag as I rushed for the bus that would connect me to the light rail and eventually another bus.

I made descent time to other end of town, where the Chinese Festival was going to be – the University of Denver (DU). October 1^st, had been China’s national holiday, it is the equivalent to the United States’ July 4^th, and the local association was putting on festivities for the University and the community. At any rate, I had made decent time, unfortunately however I had forgotten the flyer to which building the events were going to take place. The old rust bucket of my mind evoked the address 2065 E. Evans. It was wrong of course, but I searched for the address anyway. Alas, the campus of DU is huge and I was walking in circles. I had to perform an unnatural act, for an American male anyway; I had to ask for directions. I found myself standing at the campus library, upon entering the doors, I saw a young Asian woman behind the circulation desk and a momentary feeling of relief wafted over my body as I approached.

She unfortunately, for me, did not know of the event – but suggested the multicultural building. Make sense right? However, I dismissed it, because the address of the building did not match my memory. I left and pondered what to do next. I looked over the vastness of the campus and decided to return to the library. I asked the young woman once more, but this time I looked at the addresses again – the multicultural building was on 2025 Race. In other words, across the street where all the parked cars were, and the building was adjacent to them. As I entered the build, I saw through the glass doors a mass of people, children playing, vendors selling the wares and upon entering I smelled the odor of food drifting in the air of the corridors.

As I wend my way through, I eventually ran into my instructor, my laoshi, for Chinese standing at the ticket table. I greeted her in Chinese, and listened to her speak to the ticket attendant on the price of my ticket. She explained to me that I had missed the first performance, but there would be another at 6 p.m. While I waited, I gathered materials on local Chinese schools that immersed children and adults in the language and customs of China. I wandered through the hallways observing families, and I sampled various dishes, one of which reminded of bak lava from Greece, a fried tortilla cut in triangles, and breaded rice with beef and curry. I also had several different pastries with red beans, and I eventually settled for a bowl of rice, chicken and peppers.

I watched families interact. Listened to them speak in Chinese. I even attempted to explain in Chinese, that I was learning the language in school. They smiled at me, like a grade school child learning to speak his first words, and were patient with me. No offense was taken. One has to rollover first, before one can crawl, and one has to crawl, before one can walk, and walk before one can run. Children’s laughter rang throughout the hallway, mothers and fathers strolled with their kids in tow, and I felt like an anthropologist observing in his first field assignment – out of place and unnerved.

However, the unsettling feeling of calmness coursed throughout me, and an immense sense of awe eventually over took me, as I watched the performers on stage. I listened to the emcees announce each act, my ear slowing picking up each word as they spoke in the language I was learning. I watched the dancers, singers, instrumentalists play. I watched families in the darkness of the theater, some holding their children on their laps, take pride in celebrating their heritage, their customs and their children. I watched a community of people – a family of people – willingness to pass along traditions to another culture, and realized how much of an American I am. An infant in the vastness of time comparatively and I embraced the awe. Understanding that the values of patience, tradition and family. And, finally also understood the unsettling feeling of calmness – one cannot deny the traditions of existence and family. It has worked for the Chinese for over 5,000 years, and it will work for me, given time and patience. It is the legacy of the family that is the culture’s immortality, and I now, understand my desire for family – to pass along my own little bit of immortality. After all, men have biological clocks, too.

Your a special American?

2006-05-06T18:12:00.000-07:00

Dear Bloggers: Every other blog lately has an opinion about Illegal Aliens, specifically with Mexicans. Did I miss something? Hey you reading this blog!. If your an "American", guess what? YOUR A WETBACK TOO! Oh wait, before you claim that you entered legally with a "visa" I say to you, then your a deserter.

You deserted your country in tatters and came to the USA. What scumbags we all are. Many people from the world come to the USA, but don't stay. They go back their countries. Why didn't your relatives go back? What made them feel so special, that they felt they could break the "law" and stay in America.

Something else. Did Mexicans bring down the Trade Towers? Did the Mexicans kill 2,899 of our Sons and Daughters in Iraq? Is Osama bin Laden Mexican? Is Mexico threatening USA and Israel daily with Nuclear weapons like Iran? Wake the fuck up please. Those Mexicans even share our God. THE ENEMY IS ISLAM, are you too scared to face it? Does the Muslim next door frighten you into silence? Take it from me. They die just as easily as anybody else.

In regard to Mexicans waving their flags during protests and refusing to "assimilate". During the American Civil War. The Irish the "Mexicans" of that time. Felt they had assimilated enough into America. That when congress passed a law. Letting the wealthy hire the poor to take their place in the Civil War. The Irish rioted in New York under the banner, that "they didn't come from Ireland to die for Niggers" The Irish hanged 1000's of Innocent Black men,women and children in New York. To this day Harlem has never regained their pre civil war population. Mexicans just want to work. Muslims want to kill you.

A moment to laugh

2006-05-05T17:34:00.000-07:00

Sometimes one forgets to laugh at their own silliness and seriousness of their own life. Here is such an opportunity to do so from the vaults of YouTube TV:

Star Trek Cribs - The Director's Cut by G4tv.com

the life i tried to hide

2006-05-04T02:36:00.000-07:00

I’ve been living in a bliss that I’ve been trying to hide….

It’s everything I ever wanted, FREEDOM, where I can be ME. I can do everything that I want, I can say what’s on my mind, I can go where my feet leads me… I OWN MY LIFE. No one is ever telling me what should and should not do. No one is keeping me from being MYSELF. And I’ve never been so happy like this before…

But the truth is, its nothing but a LIE. The freedom is something that I made. That is why I am hiding it. I should have been in guilt by now, but NO I don’t want to think about it NOT until I face the reality. For now, I wanted to enjoy what the “FAKE” freedom brings me…

My Take On The Da Vinci Code

2006-04-28T20:53:00.000-07:00

I have read The Da Vinci Code... twice. Both times I truly enjoyed it and will read it again someday. I believe there are 3 main facets of this book...

1. The writing style. I love the way Dan Brown writes. He doesn't try to cram a ton of information in at one time. He spreads out explanations in little chunks throughout the entire book (as he does with his other books). So, unlike authors such as James Patterson, you don't go into info-overload. He isn't overly descriptive either.. A pet peeve of mine... IE: "her long chestnut hair was flowing in the balmy spring breeze like the poppies in a field..." *gag*

2. The mystery & clues. I absolutely LOVE mysteries! But the way Dan delivers it... the clues aren't all in the book... you have to "go outside" of the story. That is so intriguing to me. And, because of his writing style, the internal clues are not diluted. You actually have a chance at following them.

3. The most controversial... The storyline. The Great Debate. The way I see it... most people either hate or love the book because of the ideas put forth. I think people need to realize... it's a story. A work of fiction that uses bits and pieces of facts to make it work. Whether or not you believe in the possibilities that Jesus & Mary were married, it's still just a story.

I am not a religious person, but I am spiritual. Do I believe there was a Jesus Christ that walked the earth and was crucified? Absolutely. Do I believe he was the son of God? No. Do I believe he was married to Mary and that they conceived a child? I think it's not an unreasonable suggestion. Do I believe there is a great network of men and women that protect the secret of the bloodline of Jesus... Not really.

All in all, it just boils down to this... It was an amazingly well written and entertaining story and I can't wait to see the movie.

To the owner of the blog.

2006-04-28T13:04:00.000-07:00

LOL must suck to live in fear of others. I rather not live if that was my only choice. --edited--

Here let me help. Heres my addresses. Anybody want to come over and do something bout me your welcome 24/7. I dont use guns I prefer knives or my own hands. You of course are free to choose any weapon you like. If you need anymore prodding. Hmm, how this. Mohammad was a camel humper and a child molestor. If your not Catholic your dammned. Anything else come to mind that you want to try to hurt me over. Please come tell me in person. Hurry though I leave to Europe in June. Untill then to those that hate me. I was owning when you were leaking down your jackal of a moms thigh.

I'll leave the light on for ya. LMAO (Bring some friends too Please!)
-edited--

You need to grow a pair son.

2006-04-27T16:08:00.000-07:00

LMAO CHILDISH YOU SAY? Son its you kind that makes us weak. Lets see here, you say i try to lie and confuse the issue. "Socrates: we make war so we can live in peace" "Homer The wise man in peacetime prepares for war" Livy: He who conquers endures". Now Mr. I am so peacefull, Do those statements made 2-3000 years ago apply today? Your kind was there when the walls of Rome fell and your kind died there as well. Sorry Man you love the muslims so much why arnt u a muslim then? or better yet go to muslimland see how long your ideas keep you alive there. LOL Peacefreaks that always think with thier hearts but you are the first to flee like women when its time to defend the kids.

Neo Nazis will die.

2006-04-27T15:45:00.000-07:00

Dear Bloggers: I can't wait till the Nazis come to my towm :) I am blonde, blue eyed and just itching to knife some Nazis in the liver here. Please God send them to my town, PLEASE I BEG YOU!

Extremists Declare 'Open Season' on Immigrants: Hispanics Target of Incitement and Violence

As the public debate over immigration reform has taken center-stage in American politics and public life, white supremacists, neo-Nazis and other racists have declared "open season" on immigrants and attempted to co-opt and exploit the controversy by focusing their efforts -- and their anger -- on the minority group at the center of the controversy: Hispanics.

As a result, to a level unprecedented in recent years,

America

's Latino immigrant population has become the primary focus of hateful and racist rhetoric and extreme violence -- aided, abetted and encouraged by

America

's white supremacist and racist haters.

Spurred in recent weeks by the debate on Capitol Hill and the groundswell of grassroots activism in support of

America

's immigrant community, extremists have become increasingly emboldened by, and fixated on, the controversy over immigration policy, encouraging their supporters to capitalize on the issue by encouraging anti-immigrant activism, and even violence against all Hispanics.

While white supremacists have for many years attempted to exploit rising anti-immigration sentiments in the

U.S.

, the level and intensity of their attacks against Hispanics has reached dangerous new highs, with right-wing extremists joining anti-immigration groups, distributing anti-immigrant propaganda and holding frequent anti-immigration rallies and protests.

As a result, Hispanics, regardless of their citizenship or immigration status, increasingly are becoming the targets of hatred and violence from hardcore white supremacists.

A Brief Announcement

2006-04-26T22:38:00.000-07:00

I have added a space where other webloggers can advertise their website. This month I have chosen one of those that has had a major influence over me the past few months. She is one of the nicest persons I have met since joining the community of bloggers. She like me, this site's adminstrator, is going to college, embarking on a similar quest of exploration of discovery in the business world.

In her blog, she entails her narrative of her life's personal journey. She discourses on her hopes, dreams, family, and friends. We get to see a snapshot of her life with the trials and tribulations and her journey with Chronic PID. She has created a support group on Yahoo, while taking care of her father who had a heartattack few months back, and her three children. She will make you think, cry, and laugh. So, please "click on" the rent-my-blog and visit her website today!

A Response: Da Vinci Books Sucks

2006-04-25T05:51:00.000-07:00

image by Battlerock

By Hari Seldon

Someone asked me the other day, why I set up this post? What does the term "liminal" mean? The simple answer is---"transition." But as with all things, it is a little more complex. Right now this nation is a precipice, a moment in history to either to embrace the opportunity for the next step in our civil evolution and go beyond our fear, or to retreat and be stuck into darkness. Essentially, this is the moment, where we are seeing history at the "threshold" of discovery, where choices seem to be obscure by emotionalism, and where technology is bringing clarity to our physical world.

One example of this obfuscation can be witnessed in the posting by one of our panelists, whether to incite, or simply irrational, brings the discussion in focus of what kind of people do we want to be? Are we the kind people that disseminate fear, intolerance, and ignorance? Or, are we something more, beyond our base emotions. Are we a nation of greatness, with broad shoulders that can handle not just the easy celebratory moments---but the darkest moments of the hearts? Can we accept the ugliest of the world, in fact, embrace as a part of our nature? Or do we cut ourselves in half? Trying to shield ourselves in reality and hide in the emotionality of religiosity.

In the posting below, you see the metaphor of two types: the confusion of fiction as fact and allegory as literalism. The panelist seems to think that by spewing hate, misinformation, hasty generalizations that they are convincing us that their perspective is valid. All they have done is proven that the irrationality of their discourse and the inanity of their of intolerance. You may ask, why allow such venom and obvious ignorance to be posted? Simply to hide it, to censor it, does not allow the opportunity to learn, to reject, and ignore such childlike behavior. We must always shine the light on such destructive and emotional attitudes.

To understand that such emotions are grounded in fear that fear makes one small that fear blinds oneself with ignorance that fear closes opportunities; and, fear destroys the spirit and our relation with the Universe. Understanding this, the allowance of this panelist is primary, because to obstruct it, allows it to fester in darkness and the opportunity to mushroom as well as sow the seeds of distrust, deceit, and self delusion. To shine the light on such myopic viewpoints gives us the ability to properly discern our role with our own spirituality as humans, as a nation, and as a community citizen of the world.

One final point to answer to reply to directly: all of these areconcerns trivial. They are just a book, or movies, after all, and as such mutable. Meaning they are subject to the culture that retransmits them. If you fear that Catholicism is under attack, it is your own rejection of reality and aspect of rationality that you are seeing the mirror of your own rage and instability. As does Islam and as does any religion. And to redress, the return, to advocate for the KKK makes their idealism all the prove the audience needs to turn away your argument of ill conceived notion of validity. After all, it’s just another day in paradise and as a nation living well....

Da Vinchi book sucked!

2006-04-24T16:45:00.000-07:00

What a load of crap that book was. The idea that Jesus married Mary Magdalene and had kids. LMAO could you be stupider? How about this as a next movie. Mohammads life story. He was a camel thief, had a 200 woman harem. Also he committed horrible sexual acts on camels. That would be a great movie yes? Oh, wait the studios don't want to get Muslims mad only Catholics.

If the book was this bad I dread the movie. I mean Tom Hanks is ok ,but he's no Laurence Olivier. Bloggers my question is? How come no Muslims parade in USA saying that Osama and Iran are wrong? You have millions of Immigrants prosteting daily to stay here, but no Muslim parades? Why are we not raiding Mosques and removing the criminal illegal Muslims? Its not like the pagans are picking lettuce. Their sleeping cells waiting for the Muslim bosses order to attack.

Notice how we turned down the barbarians from handling the ports, Boom gas prices up through the roof. Yea we good pals.

I always found the KKK to be stupid and baseless as they attacked Black Americans. To me that's like attacking pilgrims from the Mayflower. What we need now is a new KKK, a pure KKK made up of all Americans except for Muslims.

Burning Crosses should be impaled on Muslims and let them serve as an example. Mexicans didn't bring down our beloved towers. It was the sand people, the followers of the devils Prophet. it was Islam.

The Liminal World Honor Role

2006-04-23T09:30:00.000-07:00

LunaStone's Celtic Rainbow

Pictures From My World

I'm With The Government.
I'm Here to Help

30 Year Old College Idiot

It's About The Culture

Saartje's World

Jetting Through Life

Dead Puppy

Maldita Bratinella

Thought Bubbles

Amazing Illusions

New York Nitty-Gritty

Living with Multiple Personalities

Angel-Jane's Blog

Truth on Iraq

Worldview

Grrl Ignored

Mexican Chick Online

New Illuminati

Yankeeography

Martian Anthroplogist

About Paula

I did a bad thing last night.

2006-04-22T15:55:00.000-07:00

Hi all! I am superstoned lmao. Last night I bought a very old whiskey and had some. Today or just now I downed 3 shots lol. Wheeeeeeeee. So Ijust finished seeing a crappy movie called "seed of chucky" holy mackerel it was weird and stupid, but lol I watched it through the end lol! It was nice seeing Jennifer Tilly with some meat on the bones, lol. I don't know why men like me love women's breasts.

Oh yea I am sure 1000's of reasons in the mind game biz and medical can explain it. Just for me the bigger the better, that's how I roll. Its weird when you think back of your childhood and the games,toys you played with. It shocks you into time reality when you see what kids play today with. As kids I remember my cousin and I playing stalk Godzilla in the backyard. One of us would have a BB gun and the other a bag of M80's. Even at the mines we kids would find time to play anything. Our favorite game there was pitching scorpions, same rules as pitching pennies. Whoever got stung less won. I have so much in my head but by now the booze is heavy on the brain.

It would be just more ramblings from a drunken old fool. Inst -edited- pretty. Her lovely face and eyes are so symbolic of a fresh young girl full of life and ideas. when you meet an oldewr woman shes diffrent than a young woman. you can see it in the eyes, the pain of life and its joys and faliures. A young lass her eyes are wide eyes and open no bittnerness or future preconcived notions. just beautifull acceptance of waqy life is. bye i AM OUT TY -HS-for your invite I am sure your regretting it by now lmao ill undertsnad if if you take me off no hard feelings man.

Personal responsibility is under attack!

2006-04-16T11:39:00.000-07:00

Do we want to be protected or free?

by Jhak Rath

The media notes sites like MySpace attract sexual predators. I hear people declare, that MySpace fails to moderate the sites to protect the defenseless. What?!? Is there a test for sexual deviancy out there? Man, where was I. I didn’t know such accurate screening existed. Why don’t we use this miraculous test to screen out sexual predators before they even commit crimes? We can identify Them, and send these fiends to special camps. Oops, wait a minute. That sounds suspiciously familiar. The world is full of people hoping to take advantage of people’s greed, laziness, and fears. Hmmm, who could we trust to distribute these tests? Someone might misuse these tests to label some group they personally don’t like, and declare that group to be deviant. Put the breaks on. I am getting WAY off track. This is not about fascism. This is about good clean Americans being preyed upon, being victimized.

Sad phrase, "protect us from being victimized". The US Constitution guarantees only freedom to pursue happiness. What about those who are victimized? It is terrible when bad things happen to people. No one likes it. All we can do is arm ourselves appropriately be well informed, be aware, and be cautious. Even with appropriate education, bad things may still happen. Making mistakes are part of being human. A victim must reclaim their power through justice and forgiveness. I believe failing to forgive the victim for feeling bad about the crime victimizes a victim. Robs the victim of power and dignity. In short, the first crime harms the individual. Pity and recrimination victimizes the individual. Justice occurs when the criminal must face responsibility for the action, and the victim is forgiven for being human. Forgiveness must come both from within and without. Not easy in the least, but when has life been easy?

Is it MySpace’s responsibility to protect its users? No. Internet companies are not huge conglomerations with thousands of people reading every post and email. Their computers do the work keeping it impersonal and anonymous. Developers and IT professionals just keep the computers running. Let me put MySpace’s responsibilities into focus with this analogy. Is it a real estate developer’s job to protect people moving into the neighborhood from crime? No. That is for police.

I understand MySpace gains media attention when police doing their jobs uncover Internet criminals. Good, our police are doing their job. Everyone slowly learns that the person receiving email, IM, or reading posts might be a law enforcement representative. Sounds like the system is working.

The world is a breeding ground for every kind of offender out there. Predators become comfortable and bolder through practice. People need to look out for themselves. Parents should be teaching awareness to children. Bad things will happen. Thankfully, bad things can be minimized. Minimizing personal risk is everyone’s individual responsibility.

I cannot force someone to learn and be safe. I do try to educate. Some people listen. Some do not. Everyone seems to have to learn the hard way. I just hope each person learns through a small lesson and not a disastrous one.

Wanted! More Predators at Myspace!

2006-04-14T12:37:00.000-07:00

by Medea Crete

To follow with Hari Seldon's post about the media attacks on MySpace and the rest of the internet is something that should be front and center in the minds of parents and the like.

Hari's question is MySpace responsible?? To a point yes and to a another point, no. MySpace I am sure was not intended to create internet stalkers and others who are sexually deviant. The part where MySpace has failed was with moderation. Where are the owners of this site at when there was this "breakdown" of the site? When it boils down to it... It is the site owners responsibility to police, if you will, the actions held on their respective sites. The site owners responsiblity to report any behavior or activiity that is inappropriate.

Who wants to be a member of MySpace? Not me! I don't want to be affiliated by any means with these weirdos across the world. This is a generalization, yes, but a good one indeed. You never hear of a good story about MySpace. But when do you ever hear of good stories about anything? We all fail to assure the positive along with the negative. We as people tend to be negative regarding recognition.

The internet is a breeding ground for every kind of offender out there. Not only can predators prey on your children in person, they can prey on them on-line in the comfort of their own homes. And really no child or adult is safe... Adults are equally at risk alongside children. There are gullible adults willing to fall for stupid tactics that usually end up in rape.

The point to be had here is MySpace is not the only place this is happening... It's happening everywhere!! Recently in the news there has been two men of Homeland Security have been arrested. These are the very same men "trying" to protect our citizens and our borders and maintain the integrity of our Country. Well they failed miserably. This point brings up that no matter where you are or where you work you potentially are working or breathing the same air as someone who wants to prey on your loved ones.

We need to be proactive with our children and naive adults and educate them about these bad men or women trying to hand out virtual candy.

2006-04-13T13:58:00.000-07:00

Introduction by site publisher: This week subject is in regard to Dateline NBC report on Myspace.Com, and local reports on sexual predators and identity thieves. The question is who is ultimately responsible for their children's welfare, when it comes to the Internet? Parents? Lawmakers? Or, Myspace.com? The postings to follow will share their perspective with us and all opinions on comments are welcomed---Hari Seldon...
__________________________________________________________

Internet and Children
by Gabriel Thrace

In today’s world we have become accustomed to certain things as adults. Chatting online and an Instant message popup from a friend or even from people we don’t know. Even going to a chat room to us seems harmless.

What about our children? Should they feel safe on the Internet? My answer would be yes but it is a fact that they are being sexually solicited online by predators. These are Sick people who find preying on young people amusing and arousing.

In the news recently MySpace© has been under fire for young children being exploited. Should they be the only ones who are being attacked? I don’t think so. I think that the parents should also be under fire. Where were they? Awareness needs to be made out there and the parents should monitor their children’s activities on the Internet.

As a mother of 3 young children, 1 being a teen, I follow their every move. They have rules on the Internet just as they would go out to the movies with friends. Private chat rooms only that the parents setup, Instant messages only from people they and the parents know. Monitor emails also. Think this is invasion of privacy? Good! Because you have to know who they are talking to!!!!

I know you can’t be there for them for everything but please inform your children on what to do if they do receive an email or a person who is seeking personal information about them. The computer is not a new babysitter that took over the TV or the game systems. It is very dangerous.

As for chat clients and other online communities, try to give out information on what to do if they are approached by someone and needs help in getting away.

Remember; Don’t always believe the TYPE!!!!!

So it begins....

2006-04-11T12:32:00.000-07:00

by Hari Seldon

Hello. My name is Hari Seldon. In the past few weeks, I have watched a great amount of turmoil, angst, and scathing bitterness within the small protective community world known as America. It seems to me that, the raw emotion comes from our own temerity of the uncertain and has become tangible, even palpable to the hearts and minds of the American republic. It seems that, America, us, the people of it, are on the brink of a precipice awaiting a fall into a pit of vipers and a world of disillusionment.

As a result, great apathy for responsibility, honesty, integrity, and ethics has become an under current of malevolence in the hearts of the citizenry, where the beacon of liberty, democracy, and light for humanity has been shrouded in obfuscation and fear.

This is the type of fear that brings ugliness to the human condition and harms the spiritual nature of the self and a nation. So, when the main writer of The Stewart Consortium (TSC) and I talked of the issues of religion, illegal immigration, sexual abuse, responsibility, and community, we understood that we may not always agree, but how we, as citizens, participate in discourse, argumentation is as important and is a greater in how we ought to be have towards our fellow citizens of the globe.

We, the US citizenry, are only one aspect of this blue marble; and although, our gravitas tend to stoke the ire of some, for the most part, Americans are a grand example of humanity’s potential greatness. So, when the writer of the TSC asked, if we could forge together—a “communitas” (Victor Turner, 1969)—community that illustrated the world in “liminality” (Ibid)—transition.

Both of these words are from the world of anthropology, and from one of our favorite and notable anthropologist, Victor Turner, and although he is work is viewed as significant, he has not been considered as laudable as Durkheim or Geertz. Nevertheless, his contributions, Turner’s, gives us insight that we sometimes overlook in the culture of the human condition. His assertion that, we as humans are in state of “betwixt” and “between” at certain moments of culture, and that some are grand sweeping in macro scale, and while other moments can be observed in the micro. This state in transitory, a moment, if conscious of it, one would notice “crossing of threshold” of liminality, but this moment is fleeting, non permanent, and furthermore is a reflective.

In addition, this reflection is often representative of the popular culture of the “moment”—but also repeatable in the grand scheme of the “core values” of the hegemonic culture itself. Some may term this as the “rites of passage,” or “cycles of revitalization” (Wallace, 1960) that forwards the hegemony of the culture small and grand.

Our admiration of Victor Turner’s perception, prescription, and “postscription” (after affects) of culture as being a “story arc” like “dramas" and cyclical is that, in so being, life as always liminal whether ritualized, socialized, encultured, or for that matter an “opiate for the masses.” We are an ever changing world in transition. Thus, we as authors felt that a page within The Stewart Consortium may better shone the variety of people here in the US, but across the globe.

Therefore, this website will be dedicated to the showing of: how different cultures, different peoples’and their own personal narratives affect their daily lives of friends, families, and society while they navigate from day to day in an ever changing world--The Liminal World...

The Liminal World Honor Role

2006-03-10T09:23:00.000-08:00

Return to Home Page

LunaStone's Celtic Rainbow

Pictures From My World

I'm With The Government.
I'm Here to Help

30 Year Old College Idiot

It's About The Culture

Saartje's World

Jetting Through Life

Dead Puppy

Maldita Bratinella

Thought Bubbles

Amazing Illusions

New York Nitty-Gritty

Living with Multiple Personalities

Angel-Jane's Blog

Truth on Iraq

Worldview

Grrl Ignored

Mexican Chick Online

New Illuminati

Yankeeography

Martian Anthroplogist

About Paula

Liminal Thoughts on Plan B part 1

2006-01-25T09:00:00.000-08:00

This is an emotional issue, however, no matter how one slices it, it is also a liberty issue. An individual issue, what one might do in the bedroom is no body's business....

This posting will you see is a bit out of context. My apologies. This blog is long enough, and I do not want be to accused as a paste & copy site for political fodder, so I ask you to read the posting of Diego from the blog Conservative Majority (link)....

A majority of the post discussion is in the commentary related to the subject. There are times when wonder away from the topic. However, the overall intent is on the discourse of the effect, and attitude toward sexuality, abortion, and morality. Below, and subsequent posts is, the discussion. Observe...

Anonymous made a point about the different birth control methods and how they function. Yes, one can masturbate as well. There are several options--Plan B is another....

And yes, there is a potential for abuse as well. However, I just remember a rape case locally, Denver, where a woman was brought into hospital-St. Anthony's (yes--a Catholic hospital) and was not "allowed" all medical choices, because of "hospital" policy (which is their right to--but lacks compassion)--and the doctor was not allowed to do a "referral..."

If this option was available the woman could have safely resolved the issue herself (if she had mental capacity to do so)...

Controlling the aspects of others lives whether it is from the right or left is very dangerous. We need to find the middle ground...

Personal accountability and responsibility is part of this middle ground...

Government at its best to provides informed choices to its citizenry. To protect the citizenry well being, mentally and physically, and to regulate when necessary via the people's concern...

It is not to interfere in reasonable "consenting adults" liberties, that does not break the basic social contract and rule of law....

The FDA did this, meaning that they left the choice to the person....

Diego your argument is specious and emotional, oft used, "what about the children?" Yes-- a possibility, but is a false dilemma-->

"This is a horrible decision because this is going to lead females to a feeling that is a false sense of security, especially since it is known to be not as effective as regular birth control." <--- Again not your decision, not your choice. Yes some may do this, but they will have to deal with consequences themselves. Then you say,--->

"Then, you’ve got to think about the predators that will potentially rape minor females and force the pill upon the victim." Again, yes this is a possibility as well, but they have been raped, and have committed an "illegal act," which means if the victim speaks out, the evidence of "act" will still be there. Also, as I understand this, that two pills are required for consumption and must be taken within 12 hours of each other and within 72 hours.

This is not likely, unless the predator is willing to detain (kidnap) the minor child, and in those cases the child would more likely end up killed.

Besides that long of access would be troublesome for a predator, and This would highly indicate a family member or parent of incest.

The bottomline is this, teaching your children accountability and responsibility starts with the parents. However, shrouding one's child(ren) is not responsible nor accountable. If one has done there job, and have had active discussion with one's children they will surprise and make correct decisions and right choices.

Education and fully informed choices and [doing] the best one can is all one can do... After one, parent(s), has done there work, free will to make stupid choices is afforded to every free person including children....