Foreign Policy magazine yesterday, apparently in honor of the worldwide recognition of Liu Xiaobo's Nobel Peace Prize posted Freedom House's list of imprisoned dissidents.
You can read it in full here.
A petition to allow Liu Xiaobo and/or his family to attend the Nobel Ceremony today remains available though the hour has already passed for any such action.
Seems that Speaker Nancy Pelosi has made a special trip.
If only more conscientious, righteous leaders truly cared.
continuing . . .
Friday, December 10, 2010
Friday, December 3, 2010
Then they came for me
The National Post has this brief, but stirring account of Dr. Norbert Vollersten and his encounters with both North Korean (and South Korean) intransigence in the face of the continuing deprivation, starvation and spiritual destruction of the North Korean people.
The North Korean gulag and genocide must not be allowed to continue.
The transcript of a October 14, 2003 appearance by Vollersten on Capitol Hill can be read here as well as his account (elsewhere on the same site here) noting that "South Korea is infiltrated by Pyongyang's agents."
Finally, as Vollersten says in the The National Post article, still haunted and apparently motivated:
"Some day, I'll go back. That is my goal: I will be a doctor in North Korea again."
continuing . . .
"They came first for the Communists,~ Pastor Martin Niemöller (1892–1984)
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Communist.
Then they came for the trade unionists,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Jews,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew.
Then they came for me
and by that time no one was left to speak up.
The North Korean gulag and genocide must not be allowed to continue.
The transcript of a October 14, 2003 appearance by Vollersten on Capitol Hill can be read here as well as his account (elsewhere on the same site here) noting that "South Korea is infiltrated by Pyongyang's agents."
Finally, as Vollersten says in the The National Post article, still haunted and apparently motivated:
"Some day, I'll go back. That is my goal: I will be a doctor in North Korea again."
continuing . . .
Saturday, November 27, 2010
When all the grow-ups had died . . .
. . . or were imprisoned, . . .
North Korean hostilities toward the South, the West and all things NOT fully "Korean" have never truly abated as anyone who has followed or cared about that small (tiny would be insulting) nation - "the keeper of the original legacy" - certainly should know by now.
. . . while the younger, stronger patients had been running the asylum . . .
In last week's artillery exercise, however, the world saw a decidedly self-directed destructiveness, though the South seemed unfazed, mostly.
. . . and rat had replaced all other meat as the gogi to gorge upon . . .
Hence, a less common, possibly more-close-to-the-truth conclusion might be made.
. . . combined with either gruel (of who knows what), a few grains of boiled rice and the occasional, treasured banchan gathered from makeshift, covert gardens;
Not only has North Korea revealed its "military first" politics, once more, but the truly evil, occasionally dormant root has become clearly visible.
The adults, two to three generations,(at least) have been beaten down, subsumed and virtually consumed by the spoiled child mentality of a thought system (Juche) not only completely at odds with most of the modern world, but with its own culture and indeed, itself.
. . . suddenly, one day, a few of the local children who had been keeping the artillery polished for the next visit of The Dear Leader, grew bored.
What self-centered, angry, outburst can the world expect next?
Are there any Parents, yet left in the house?
The End . . . and/or beginning.
For balance (or hope?), some interesting reading on the death of American grow-ups (North Koreans and other Axis of Evil minions not allowed) can be found in Diana West's (2007) book, conveniently and aptly titled, The Death of the Grown-Up: How America's Arrested Development Is Bringing Down Western Civilization.
I recommend it.
North Korean hostilities toward the South, the West and all things NOT fully "Korean" have never truly abated as anyone who has followed or cared about that small (tiny would be insulting) nation - "the keeper of the original legacy" - certainly should know by now.
. . . while the younger, stronger patients had been running the asylum . . .
In last week's artillery exercise, however, the world saw a decidedly self-directed destructiveness, though the South seemed unfazed, mostly.
. . . and rat had replaced all other meat as the gogi to gorge upon . . .
Hence, a less common, possibly more-close-to-the-truth conclusion might be made.
. . . combined with either gruel (of who knows what), a few grains of boiled rice and the occasional, treasured banchan gathered from makeshift, covert gardens;
Not only has North Korea revealed its "military first" politics, once more, but the truly evil, occasionally dormant root has become clearly visible.
The adults, two to three generations,(at least) have been beaten down, subsumed and virtually consumed by the spoiled child mentality of a thought system (Juche) not only completely at odds with most of the modern world, but with its own culture and indeed, itself.
. . . suddenly, one day, a few of the local children who had been keeping the artillery polished for the next visit of The Dear Leader, grew bored.
What self-centered, angry, outburst can the world expect next?
Are there any Parents, yet left in the house?
The End . . . and/or beginning.
Copyright © 2010 pajamadeen.com
For balance (or hope?), some interesting reading on the death of American grow-ups (North Koreans and other Axis of Evil minions not allowed) can be found in Diana West's (2007) book, conveniently and aptly titled, The Death of the Grown-Up: How America's Arrested Development Is Bringing Down Western Civilization.
I recommend it.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
A variable speed of light
What if the speed of light is not (or has not been) constant?
Apparently such an idea has been tossed about over the last decade or so.
The implications, particularly in the area of cosmology (and ultimately theology), of a variable speed of light seem to be fairly staggering.
A 2003 article in the Christian Science Monitor states:
So, maybe . . . E≠MC²?
And God (in some primal form, at least) has slowed down (just a bit or for just a while)?
Or perhaps, the speed of light is constant, but only for God and His angels?
For as Einstein himself purportedly said:
"Science without religion is lame, religion without science is blind."
Maguejo's postulation (formulated as he teamed with Andreas Albrecht in 1998) and other musings have been showing on the Science Channel since May of 2008.
A colleague of his has referred to VSL as "very silly."
Whatever the case, his book, Faster Than the Speed of Light: The Story of a Scientific Speculation may be worth a look.
Unfortunately, like many great ideas, time remains a major factor.
Maybe even, The Factor.
Wake me when we (as a yet, peopled planet) get to Alpha Centauri . . .
Apparently such an idea has been tossed about over the last decade or so.
The implications, particularly in the area of cosmology (and ultimately theology), of a variable speed of light seem to be fairly staggering.
A 2003 article in the Christian Science Monitor states:
"At the heart of Einstein's elegant equation, E=MC², is the constant speed of light. Indeed, the mind-warping special theory of relativity allows time and space to bend, but light, Einstein insisted, must remain traveling at 186,000 miles per second, throughout the universe, for all observers.
"Whoa!" cries João Magueijo, a young theoretical physicist. This iconoclastic professor at the Imperial College in London has the courage, or some may say the audacity, to challenge that key component of Einstein's deeply ingrained work.
In short, Magueijo claims that some of the most complex mysteries about the origin of the universe can be solved if we consider that light may have traveled much faster at the Big Bang than it does now. In other words, the speed of light is variable.
So, maybe . . . E≠MC²?
And God (in some primal form, at least) has slowed down (just a bit or for just a while)?
Or perhaps, the speed of light is constant, but only for God and His angels?
For as Einstein himself purportedly said:
"Science without religion is lame, religion without science is blind."
Maguejo's postulation (formulated as he teamed with Andreas Albrecht in 1998) and other musings have been showing on the Science Channel since May of 2008.
A colleague of his has referred to VSL as "very silly."
Whatever the case, his book, Faster Than the Speed of Light: The Story of a Scientific Speculation may be worth a look.
Unfortunately, like many great ideas, time remains a major factor.
Maybe even, The Factor.
Wake me when we (as a yet, peopled planet) get to Alpha Centauri . . .
Alpha Centauri A and B resolved over the limb of Saturn, as seen by Cassini–Huygens
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
God and Confucianism
A much persecuted Islamic sect, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, has brought forth this interesting view of Confucianism.
Contrary to much popular belief and some concern, Classic Confucianism is apparently, indeed - of God - according to some research and the perspective of the late Mirza Tahir Ahmad.
His thoughts on Confucianism (and other religions) have been made into the book, Revelation, Rationality, Knowledge and Truth.
Granted, as the author originally wrote (circa 1987), that while today "few followers of Confucius have a clear belief in any Divine existence," nevertheless, "they believe in the world of spirits and souls, and some even practice ancestor worship."
Moreover, he wrote in this apparently well-referenced chapter:
Sadly, deviations from original purpose and intent seem not to be unique to Confucianism.
If such were the case, the Laogai (also often referred to as gulags) of China, North Korea, Vietnam and Myanmar would simply stand alone.
Yet, there have been and remain so many others.
Why?
Contrary to much popular belief and some concern, Classic Confucianism is apparently, indeed - of God - according to some research and the perspective of the late Mirza Tahir Ahmad.
Mirza Tahir Ahmad (December 18, 1928 – April 19, 2003)
His thoughts on Confucianism (and other religions) have been made into the book, Revelation, Rationality, Knowledge and Truth.
Granted, as the author originally wrote (circa 1987), that while today "few followers of Confucius have a clear belief in any Divine existence," nevertheless, "they believe in the world of spirits and souls, and some even practice ancestor worship."
Moreover, he wrote in this apparently well-referenced chapter:
"Examining the early texts upon which Confucianism is founded, there is no doubt that this religion [too] is squarely built on a sound belief in the existence of God. It owes much of its philosophy and wisdom to revelation, rather than to the contemplations of wise men.
Sadly, deviations from original purpose and intent seem not to be unique to Confucianism.
Confucius, by Tang Dynasty artist Wu Daozi (680–740)
If such were the case, the Laogai (also often referred to as gulags) of China, North Korea, Vietnam and Myanmar would simply stand alone.
Yet, there have been and remain so many others.
Why?
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Drawings from the Gulag
The UK's Guardian newspaper again today has something of interest.
As Roland Brown notes in his review of Drawings from the Gulag, these [Baldaev's drawings] are
Or simply view the brief, brutal video put out by the publisher:
As Roland Brown notes in his review of Drawings from the Gulag, these [Baldaev's drawings] are
"not the work of a passive witness, nor are they products of the imagination. They are good art, but they bear the taint of his choice between authority and victimhood. While it would be naive to judge him from a position of safety and comfort, Baldaev dared only to hate the system and bear witness to it; he did not, as the intrepid Solzhenitsyn did, risk confronting it. The terrible truth he identified – that for many of its servile intermediaries, the Gulag had its contemptible pleasures – was one that could never justly remain buried. It is scarcely surprising that Baldaev longed for the old church, for the bottom drawer must have made a poor confessional. While his drawings may have unburdened him a little, his lengthy private lingerings over their horrors must also have enervated him, and have helped his superiors to secure his submission.
Or simply view the brief, brutal video put out by the publisher:
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Confusion - what else? - in North Korea
NPR (among a select few others) files this report from Pyongyang.
As noted, however: "The big, unanswered question is why North Korea has opened its doors to the world's press at this point in time, and exactly what it wants us to see.
Be sure not to read Korea Central News Agency reports for any clues.
One thing (or person) for sure, seems to be, Kim Jong-Un.
Any questions?
Coincidentally, the party mood in Pyongyang was heightened by reports that Hwang Jang-yop, the most senior North Korean official ever to defect, had been found dead (from an apparent heart attack) at his home in Seoul on Sunday. The 87-year-old former secretary of the Workers Party and one-time tutor to Kim Jong-il, had been a constant critic of the seemingly never-ending Pyongyang capers since his defection in 1997.
If only elder brother had succeeded in his Tokyo Disneyland escapade . . .
As noted, however: "The big, unanswered question is why North Korea has opened its doors to the world's press at this point in time, and exactly what it wants us to see.
Be sure not to read Korea Central News Agency reports for any clues.
One thing (or person) for sure, seems to be, Kim Jong-Un.
Here he is, seated left.
Any questions?
Coincidentally, the party mood in Pyongyang was heightened by reports that Hwang Jang-yop, the most senior North Korean official ever to defect, had been found dead (from an apparent heart attack) at his home in Seoul on Sunday. The 87-year-old former secretary of the Workers Party and one-time tutor to Kim Jong-il, had been a constant critic of the seemingly never-ending Pyongyang capers since his defection in 1997.
If only elder brother had succeeded in his Tokyo Disneyland escapade . . .
Bill and Melinda and Karol and Teresa
60 Minutes, the CBS news magazine had an interesting, unimposing piece on computer age/humanitarian icons Bill and Melinda Gates
last Sunday.
Earlier in the day, I was in Baltimore (again) where I encountered a couple of other icons (here) well known (as well as one perhaps mostly less so).
It was, for me anyway, one of those odd juxtapositions in this incredibly wonderful, oddly disjointed age.
insert here RCC approved photo of Karol Józef Wojtyła (aka Pope John Paul II) and Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu (aka Mother Teresa) hand in hand for full effect
On the other hand . . .
last Sunday.Earlier in the day, I was in Baltimore (again) where I encountered a couple of other icons (here) well known (as well as one perhaps mostly less so).
It was, for me anyway, one of those odd juxtapositions in this incredibly wonderful, oddly disjointed age.
Icons of the New?
Icons of the Old?
insert here RCC approved photo of Karol Józef Wojtyła (aka Pope John Paul II) and Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu (aka Mother Teresa) hand in hand for full effectOn the other hand . . .
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Gulags on both sides of the DMZ?
Gavin McCormack, Australian Orientalist wrote a book review a few years ago with an interesting conclusion:
His equivocation of the two prison systems is elegantly simple, though likely far from accurate, even applying such to that mythical monicker,"Land of the Morning Calm."
Meanwhile, autodidact, William "Bill" Caraway, has some interesting insights on certain origins behind that particular nomenclature here. As Bill writes on the home page of his "Korea History Project,":
Well, it certainly did happen . . . and does.
The book, The Aquariums of Pyongyang, along with two others mentioned in the broadcast apparently, Unbroken Spirits, and Brotherhood of the Bomb, might yet remain pertinent and compelling reads.
Find a calm, quiet place.
Picture yourself in a land far, far away.
Now scream.
(Or keep reading.)
"One dearly wishes therefore for a book that would offer us a dialogue between Kang, prisoner in the North Korean labour camp for 10 years, and Suh, political prisoner in South Korea for 19 years. When each can feel grief and outrage over the brutality and violence inflicted on the other, perhaps then Korea north and south will be able to move towards its democratic future, one without gulags of any kind."Professor McCormack's full review from an ABC Radio broadcast of Book Talk on March 1, 2003 can still be found here.
His equivocation of the two prison systems is elegantly simple, though likely far from accurate, even applying such to that mythical monicker,"Land of the Morning Calm."
"Choson, the Land of the Morning Calm,"
by Percival Lowell (1885)
Meanwhile, autodidact, William "Bill" Caraway, has some interesting insights on certain origins behind that particular nomenclature here. As Bill writes on the home page of his "Korea History Project,":
"History forgotten, never happened."
Yi Song-gye (aka, Taejo of Joseon) - Very Calm
Well, it certainly did happen . . . and does.
The book, The Aquariums of Pyongyang, along with two others mentioned in the broadcast apparently, Unbroken Spirits, and Brotherhood of the Bomb, might yet remain pertinent and compelling reads.
Find a calm, quiet place.
Picture yourself in a land far, far away.
Now scream.
(Or keep reading.)
Monday, September 13, 2010
The Atheist on God
A brief, piss-poor interview recently with Christopher Hitchens:
Though I've enjoyed reading some of Mr. Hitchens' scribblings over the years (see: God is Not Great and that Shakespearean Slate piece, "Free Exercise of Religion. No Thanks.") and respect his craft tremendously, particularly (oddly?) lately, it just all, ultimately (for me), rings hollow.
Perhaps, with Hitchens (and others not completely unlike him) it is as Friedrich Nietzsche (that great lover of fate or what?) noted in one of his many aphorisms:
"The irrationality of a thing (God?) is no argument against its existence, rather a
condition of it,"
or
"Insanity in individuals is something rare - but in groups, parties, nations and
epochs, it is the rule,"
or
"The visionary lies to himself, the liar only to others,"
or
"Battle not with monsters, lest ye become a monster, and if you gaze into the
abyss, the abyss gazes also into you,"
or
"In heaven all the interesting people are missing,"
or especially,
"In truth, there was only one Christian, and he died on the cross,"
Deists, of late, and romanticists, generally, might want to hold onto this one:
"What is done out of love always takes place beyond good and evil."
May we ALL (my own underlying, quiet idealism springing eternally), in the end, find true peace.
Though I've enjoyed reading some of Mr. Hitchens' scribblings over the years (see: God is Not Great and that Shakespearean Slate piece, "Free Exercise of Religion. No Thanks.") and respect his craft tremendously, particularly (oddly?) lately, it just all, ultimately (for me), rings hollow.
Perhaps, with Hitchens (and others not completely unlike him) it is as Friedrich Nietzsche (that great lover of fate or what?) noted in one of his many aphorisms:
"The irrationality of a thing (God?) is no argument against its existence, rather a
condition of it,"
or
"Insanity in individuals is something rare - but in groups, parties, nations and
epochs, it is the rule,"
or
"The visionary lies to himself, the liar only to others,"
or
"Battle not with monsters, lest ye become a monster, and if you gaze into the
abyss, the abyss gazes also into you,"
or
"In heaven all the interesting people are missing,"
or especially,
"In truth, there was only one Christian, and he died on the cross,"
Deists, of late, and romanticists, generally, might want to hold onto this one:
"What is done out of love always takes place beyond good and evil."
May we ALL (my own underlying, quiet idealism springing eternally), in the end, find true peace.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Continuity
Back to the darkness today . . . remembering Beslan:
The mountain people of Chechen - "a short step from love to hatred"?
Journeyman Pictures attempts to uncover the roots of war, terror and despair here.
The mountain people of Chechen - "a short step from love to hatred"?
Journeyman Pictures attempts to uncover the roots of war, terror and despair here.
Friday, August 27, 2010
God Lives Underwater
Taking one of my occasional forays into "alternative or underground" music which often seems to lead to some weird confluence or insight on life atonal or "extra-tonal," some harmonious convergence or commentary on Life in the So-Called Space Age emerges.
Today the agency for that is from a group that called itself "God Lives Underwater."
Sadly, the group no longer exists though a fan site can be found here.
The Wikipedia entry/epitaph states:
God Lives Underwater was an industrial rock band from rural Perkiomenville, Pennsylvania (near Philadelphia), formed in 1993 by band members David Reilly and Jeff Turzo. God Lives Underwater was originally signed to American Recordings after being discovered by Rick Rubin, who subsequently produced the band's first two albums. Prior to the band's breakup, there were two other members, Andrew McGee and Scott Garret, and one ex-member, Adam Kary.
The band produced an Extended Play (EP) in 1995. Later that year, they released their first studio album, Empty. In 1998, they released another studio album, Life in the So-Called Space Age. It was their first and only album to ever chart, peaking #6 on Heatseekers, and #137 on the Billboard 200. Later that year, the released their second EP, Rearrange. In 2004, God Lives Underwater released their last album, Up Off The Floor. One year later, lead singer David Reilly died in his sleep, after the band's breakup.
God bless.
Today the agency for that is from a group that called itself "God Lives Underwater."
Sadly, the group no longer exists though a fan site can be found here.
The Wikipedia entry/epitaph states:
God Lives Underwater was an industrial rock band from rural Perkiomenville, Pennsylvania (near Philadelphia), formed in 1993 by band members David Reilly and Jeff Turzo. God Lives Underwater was originally signed to American Recordings after being discovered by Rick Rubin, who subsequently produced the band's first two albums. Prior to the band's breakup, there were two other members, Andrew McGee and Scott Garret, and one ex-member, Adam Kary.
The band produced an Extended Play (EP) in 1995. Later that year, they released their first studio album, Empty. In 1998, they released another studio album, Life in the So-Called Space Age. It was their first and only album to ever chart, peaking #6 on Heatseekers, and #137 on the Billboard 200. Later that year, the released their second EP, Rearrange. In 2004, God Lives Underwater released their last album, Up Off The Floor. One year later, lead singer David Reilly died in his sleep, after the band's breakup.
God bless.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
When the famous quit religion
Anne Rice (famous author of vampire and other novels) has quit Christianity.
Silence.
For those who don't know or care, here's the chronology from her Facebook page
(according to Wikipedia):
On July 29, 2010, Rice publicly renounced her dedication to her Roman Catholic
faith, yet remaining committed to Christ, on her Facebook page stating:
"For those who care, and I understand if you don't: Today I quit being a
Christian. I'm out. I remain committed to Christ as always but not to being
"Christian" or to being part of Christianity. It's simply impossible for me to
"belong" to this quarrelsome, hostile, disputatious, and deservedly infamous
group. For ten years, I've tried. I've failed. I'm an outsider. My conscience
will allow nothing else."
---following the post a few hours after with:
"As I said below, I quit being a Christian. I'm out. In the name of Christ,
I refuse to be anti-gay. I refuse to be anti-feminist. I refuse to be
anti-artificial birth control. I refuse to be anti-Democrat. I refuse to be
anti-secular humanism. I refuse to be anti-science. I refuse to be anti-life. In
the name of Christ, I quit Christianity and being Christian. Amen."
She reaffirmed her faith in Christ with stance of non-adherence to organized
Christianity an hour or so later with the following post:
"My faith in Christ is central to my life. My conversion from a pessimistic
atheist lost in a world I didn't understand, to an optimistic believer in a
universe created and sustained by a loving God is crucial to me. But following
Christ does not mean following His followers. Christ is infinitely more
important than Christianity and always will be, no matter what Christianity is,
has been, or might become."
Anne further clarified her statements as follows:
My commitment to Christ remains at the heart and center of my life.
Transformation in Him is radical and ongoing. That I feel now that I am called
to be an outsider for Him, to step away from the words, "Christian" and
"Christianity" is something that my conscience demands of me. I feel that my
faith in Him demands this of me. I know of no other way to express how I must
remove myself from those things which seek to separate me from Him.
In an August 7, 2010 interview with the Los Angeles Times, she elaborated on her
view regarding being a member of a Christian church: "I feel much more morally
comfortable walking away from organized religion. I respect that there are all
kinds of denominations and all kinds of churches, but it's the entire
controversy, the entire conversation that I need to walk away from right
now." In response to the question, "[H]ow do you follow Christ without a
church?" Rice replied: "I think the basic ritual is simply prayer. It's talking
to God, putting things in the hands of God, trusting that you're living in God's
world and praying for God's guidance. And being absolutely faithful to the core
principles of Jesus' teachings.
Sometimes, it seems to me, the famous simply talk too much and/or we listen to or read them too often without context or more sober perspective.
Anyway, here is Anne Rice talking with apologist Bishop of Durham, N.T. Wright about writing, religion, her gay son, etc., at a Grace Cathedral forum dated May 14, 2006.
Vampires (and those who love them), please consider these St. Paul words to the
Corinthians:
"And why stand we in jeopardy every hour?
I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily."
~1 Corinthians15:31
Of course one cannot be anti son or daughter or even anti-death.
But - BEING - anti-God?
Happens more within organized religion than even the greatest "organizers" care
to admit or say - everyday.
So how to avoid being organized personally and collectively without losing our soul?
Rejoice in the Lord . . . and "die" daily.
Silence.
For those who don't know or care, here's the chronology from her Facebook page
(according to Wikipedia):
On July 29, 2010, Rice publicly renounced her dedication to her Roman Catholic
faith, yet remaining committed to Christ, on her Facebook page stating:
"For those who care, and I understand if you don't: Today I quit being a
Christian. I'm out. I remain committed to Christ as always but not to being
"Christian" or to being part of Christianity. It's simply impossible for me to
"belong" to this quarrelsome, hostile, disputatious, and deservedly infamous
group. For ten years, I've tried. I've failed. I'm an outsider. My conscience
will allow nothing else."
---following the post a few hours after with:
"As I said below, I quit being a Christian. I'm out. In the name of Christ,
I refuse to be anti-gay. I refuse to be anti-feminist. I refuse to be
anti-artificial birth control. I refuse to be anti-Democrat. I refuse to be
anti-secular humanism. I refuse to be anti-science. I refuse to be anti-life. In
the name of Christ, I quit Christianity and being Christian. Amen."
She reaffirmed her faith in Christ with stance of non-adherence to organized
Christianity an hour or so later with the following post:
"My faith in Christ is central to my life. My conversion from a pessimistic
atheist lost in a world I didn't understand, to an optimistic believer in a
universe created and sustained by a loving God is crucial to me. But following
Christ does not mean following His followers. Christ is infinitely more
important than Christianity and always will be, no matter what Christianity is,
has been, or might become."
Anne further clarified her statements as follows:
My commitment to Christ remains at the heart and center of my life.
Transformation in Him is radical and ongoing. That I feel now that I am called
to be an outsider for Him, to step away from the words, "Christian" and
"Christianity" is something that my conscience demands of me. I feel that my
faith in Him demands this of me. I know of no other way to express how I must
remove myself from those things which seek to separate me from Him.
In an August 7, 2010 interview with the Los Angeles Times, she elaborated on her
view regarding being a member of a Christian church: "I feel much more morally
comfortable walking away from organized religion. I respect that there are all
kinds of denominations and all kinds of churches, but it's the entire
controversy, the entire conversation that I need to walk away from right
now." In response to the question, "[H]ow do you follow Christ without a
church?" Rice replied: "I think the basic ritual is simply prayer. It's talking
to God, putting things in the hands of God, trusting that you're living in God's
world and praying for God's guidance. And being absolutely faithful to the core
principles of Jesus' teachings.
Sometimes, it seems to me, the famous simply talk too much and/or we listen to or read them too often without context or more sober perspective.
Anyway, here is Anne Rice talking with apologist Bishop of Durham, N.T. Wright about writing, religion, her gay son, etc., at a Grace Cathedral forum dated May 14, 2006.
Vampires (and those who love them), please consider these St. Paul words to the
Corinthians:
"And why stand we in jeopardy every hour?
I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily."
~1 Corinthians15:31
Of course one cannot be anti son or daughter or even anti-death.
But - BEING - anti-God?
Happens more within organized religion than even the greatest "organizers" care
to admit or say - everyday.
So how to avoid being organized personally and collectively without losing our soul?
Rejoice in the Lord . . . and "die" daily.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
De Tocqueville's France
I find it odd that after all these years there is still a controversy or lack of full clarity on some of Alexis de Tocqueville's actual words to his countrymen as regards America. Scan the web as I have (below) and even read a real book or two (Democracy in America perhaps?) and see if you might understand my meaning.
"America is great because America is good."
Bartleby has this excerpt from Respectfully Quoted: A Dictionary of Quotations (1989).
AUTHOR: Alexis de Tocqueville (1805–59)
QUOTATION: I sought for the greatness and genius of America in her
commodious harbors and her ample rivers—and it was not there … in her
fertile fields and boundless forests—and it was not there … in her
rich mines and her vast world commerce—and it was not there … in her
democratic Congress and her matchless Constitution—and it was not
there. Not until I went into the churches of America and heard her
pulpits flame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her
genius and power. America is great because she is good, and if America
ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great.
ATTRIBUTION: Attributed to ALEXIS DE TOCQUEVILLE by Dwight D.
Eisenhower in his final campaign address in Boston, Massachusetts,
November 3, 1952. Unverified.
The last two sentences are attributed to de Tocqueville’s Democracy
in America by Sherwood Eddy, The Kingdom of God and the American
Dream, chapter 1, p. 6 (1941). This appears with minor variations in A
Third Treasury of the Familiar, ed. Ralph L. Woods, p. 347 (1970), as
"attributed to de Tocqueville but not found in his works."
Leaving some to conclude that it might be Eisenhower or one of his
speechwriters who coined the phrase often quoted in sermons and
speeches within the last century (and to this day).
However, this page from the The Big Apple blog by OED contributor and consultant Barry Popick is a pretty good compilation regarding the facts of the matter.
And Barry notes a possible source for subsequent newspaper and other citations,
especially Eisenhower's usage of the phrase in that campaign address just noted.
6 September 1922, The Herald and Presbyter,
"A Presbyterian Family Paper" pg. 8, col. 3:
NEW YORK LETTER.
BY REV. CLARENCE G. REYNOLDS, D.D.
As most of the pastors had not returned from their vacations, there were
very few Labor Day sermons preached last Sabbath. All of the daily papers
had a message from Rev. John McDowell, D.D., one of the secretaries of our
Presbyterian Board of Home Missions, in which he plead for the spirit of
Christ in modern industry, both on the part of employers and employes. Dr.
McDowell says that industry has a right to look to the Church for moral
guidance on economic matters. Dr, McDowell says that the spirit of Christ is
the spirit of cooperation, justice and fair dealing, brotherhood and
humanity, service and sacrifice. Dr, McDowell closed his message with the
quotation from Alexis de Tocqueville, as follows:
"I sought for the greatness and genius of America in her commodious harbors
and her ample rivers, and it was not there. I sought for the greatness and genius of
America in her fertile fields and boundless forests, and it was not there. I
sought for the greatness and genius of America in her rich mines and her
vast world commerce, and it was not there. I sought for the greatness and
genius of America in her public school system and her institutions of
learning, and it was not there. I sought for the greatness and genius of
America in her democratic Congress and her matchless Constitution, and it
was not there. Not until I went into the churches of America and heard her
pulpits flame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius
and power. America is great because America is good, and if America ever
ceases to be good America will cease to be great."
From the text of the book, Empty Pews, Selections from Other Sermons on Timely
Topics, Madison Clinton Peters; Zeising, 1886, p. 35 we are left with a very different quote:
Some years ago, De Tochneville [sic], the distinguished
French statesman, was commissioned by his country for
the purpose of studying the genius of our institutions.
In reporting to the French Senate, he said:
"I went at your bidding, and passed along their thoroughfares of
trade. I ascended their mountains and went down their
valleys. I visited their manufactories[sic], their commercial
markets, and emporiums of trade. I entered their judicial
courts and legislative halls. But I sought everywhere in
vain for the secret of their success, until I entered the
church. It was there, as I listened to the soul-equaliz-
ing and soul-elevating principles of the Gospel of Christ,
as they fell from Sabbath to Sabbath upon the masses of
the people, that I learned why America was great and
free, and why France was a slave."
Additionally:
De Montalembert, another French statesman, said:
"Without a Sabbath, no worship, without worship, no
religion, and without religion, no permanent freedom."
Here we have the corner-stone of American liberties.
There can be no permanent freedom without religion,
and there can be no religion without Worship, and there
can be no worship without the Sabbath. Therefore,
without the Sabbath there can be no permanent freedom.
I believe that the security or disaster of American insti-
tutions depends upon the issue of the Sabbatic contest."
Again, here is the newer, more common (Sherwood Eddy / Eisenhower) quote from the "New York Letter" dated September 6, 1922 within "Herald and Presbyter, Volume 93" from Rev. John McDowell:
"I sought for the greatness and genius of America in her democratic Congress
and her matchless Constitution, and it was not there. Not until I went into
the churches of America and heard her pulpits flame with righteousness did I
understand the secret of her genius and power. America is great because
America is good, and if America ever ceases to be good America will cease to
be great."
So the key to the puzzle seems to lie somewhere between the time of Dr. Madison
Clinton Peters' writing (1886) and Rev. John McDowell's writing (1922).
The 1908 copy of The Methodist Review in which de Toqueville was quoted as
saying:
"It was there, as I listened to the soul-equalizing and soul-elevating
principles of the Gospel of Christ as they fell from Sabbath to Sabbath upon
the masses of the people, that I learned why America is great and free, and
why France is a slave."
--Seem not to be [all] de Tocqueville’s words either. [Guess which ones]
Somewhere between the various "Sabbatic contests" - and letters from ministers
to their own Methodist Review(s) or Herald and Presbyter(s) - as De Montalembert may
have written it, the "security or disaster of [American] institutions" and
the nation's very soul was inspired, declared or simply made elegant,
wise [?] slogan for the Ages:
Time and the actions of men and women - under God - will continue to tell.
Is a nation that attracts, produces and encourages great people, great?
In the meantime, more clues to De Tocqueville's France lie here.
Alexis-Charles-Henri Clérel de Tocqueville
Par exemple:"America is great because America is good."
Bartleby has this excerpt from Respectfully Quoted: A Dictionary of Quotations (1989).
AUTHOR: Alexis de Tocqueville (1805–59)
QUOTATION: I sought for the greatness and genius of America in her
commodious harbors and her ample rivers—and it was not there … in her
fertile fields and boundless forests—and it was not there … in her
rich mines and her vast world commerce—and it was not there … in her
democratic Congress and her matchless Constitution—and it was not
there. Not until I went into the churches of America and heard her
pulpits flame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her
genius and power. America is great because she is good, and if America
ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great.
ATTRIBUTION: Attributed to ALEXIS DE TOCQUEVILLE by Dwight D.
Eisenhower in his final campaign address in Boston, Massachusetts,
November 3, 1952. Unverified.
The last two sentences are attributed to de Tocqueville’s Democracy
in America by Sherwood Eddy, The Kingdom of God and the American
Dream, chapter 1, p. 6 (1941). This appears with minor variations in A
Third Treasury of the Familiar, ed. Ralph L. Woods, p. 347 (1970), as
"attributed to de Tocqueville but not found in his works."
Leaving some to conclude that it might be Eisenhower or one of his
speechwriters who coined the phrase often quoted in sermons and
speeches within the last century (and to this day).
However, this page from the The Big Apple blog by OED contributor and consultant Barry Popick is a pretty good compilation regarding the facts of the matter.
And Barry notes a possible source for subsequent newspaper and other citations,
especially Eisenhower's usage of the phrase in that campaign address just noted.
6 September 1922, The Herald and Presbyter,
"A Presbyterian Family Paper" pg. 8, col. 3:
NEW YORK LETTER.
BY REV. CLARENCE G. REYNOLDS, D.D.
As most of the pastors had not returned from their vacations, there were
very few Labor Day sermons preached last Sabbath. All of the daily papers
had a message from Rev. John McDowell, D.D., one of the secretaries of our
Presbyterian Board of Home Missions, in which he plead for the spirit of
Christ in modern industry, both on the part of employers and employes. Dr.
McDowell says that industry has a right to look to the Church for moral
guidance on economic matters. Dr, McDowell says that the spirit of Christ is
the spirit of cooperation, justice and fair dealing, brotherhood and
humanity, service and sacrifice. Dr, McDowell closed his message with the
quotation from Alexis de Tocqueville, as follows:
"I sought for the greatness and genius of America in her commodious harbors
and her ample rivers, and it was not there. I sought for the greatness and genius of
America in her fertile fields and boundless forests, and it was not there. I
sought for the greatness and genius of America in her rich mines and her
vast world commerce, and it was not there. I sought for the greatness and
genius of America in her public school system and her institutions of
learning, and it was not there. I sought for the greatness and genius of
America in her democratic Congress and her matchless Constitution, and it
was not there. Not until I went into the churches of America and heard her
pulpits flame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius
and power. America is great because America is good, and if America ever
ceases to be good America will cease to be great."
From the text of the book, Empty Pews, Selections from Other Sermons on Timely
Topics, Madison Clinton Peters; Zeising, 1886, p. 35 we are left with a very different quote:
Some years ago, De Tochneville [sic], the distinguished
French statesman, was commissioned by his country for
the purpose of studying the genius of our institutions.
In reporting to the French Senate, he said:
"I went at your bidding, and passed along their thoroughfares of
trade. I ascended their mountains and went down their
valleys. I visited their manufactories[sic], their commercial
markets, and emporiums of trade. I entered their judicial
courts and legislative halls. But I sought everywhere in
vain for the secret of their success, until I entered the
church. It was there, as I listened to the soul-equaliz-
ing and soul-elevating principles of the Gospel of Christ,
as they fell from Sabbath to Sabbath upon the masses of
the people, that I learned why America was great and
free, and why France was a slave."
Additionally:
De Montalembert, another French statesman, said:
"Without a Sabbath, no worship, without worship, no
religion, and without religion, no permanent freedom."
Here we have the corner-stone of American liberties.
There can be no permanent freedom without religion,
and there can be no religion without Worship, and there
can be no worship without the Sabbath. Therefore,
without the Sabbath there can be no permanent freedom.
I believe that the security or disaster of American insti-
tutions depends upon the issue of the Sabbatic contest."
###########
Again, here is the newer, more common (Sherwood Eddy / Eisenhower) quote from the "New York Letter" dated September 6, 1922 within "Herald and Presbyter, Volume 93" from Rev. John McDowell:
"I sought for the greatness and genius of America in her democratic Congress
and her matchless Constitution, and it was not there. Not until I went into
the churches of America and heard her pulpits flame with righteousness did I
understand the secret of her genius and power. America is great because
America is good, and if America ever ceases to be good America will cease to
be great."
So the key to the puzzle seems to lie somewhere between the time of Dr. Madison
Clinton Peters' writing (1886) and Rev. John McDowell's writing (1922).
The 1908 copy of The Methodist Review in which de Toqueville was quoted as
saying:
"It was there, as I listened to the soul-equalizing and soul-elevating
principles of the Gospel of Christ as they fell from Sabbath to Sabbath upon
the masses of the people, that I learned why America is great and free, and
why France is a slave."
--Seem not to be [all] de Tocqueville’s words either. [Guess which ones]
Somewhere between the various "Sabbatic contests" - and letters from ministers
to their own Methodist Review(s) or Herald and Presbyter(s) - as De Montalembert may
have written it, the "security or disaster of [American] institutions" and
the nation's very soul was inspired, declared or simply made elegant,
wise [?] slogan for the Ages:
"America [or any nation] is great
because [when] America [or any nation] is good."
Time and the actions of men and women - under God - will continue to tell.
Is a nation that attracts, produces and encourages great people, great?
In the meantime, more clues to De Tocqueville's France lie here.
Monday, August 2, 2010
Human rights idealism - lost forever?
An interesting piece of commentary was posted yesterday on the Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty website.
You can read it here.
While I agree that "faith in [certain] nonviolent human rights ideals among the young is essential and perhaps that "older Helsinki watchers [should or must] rededicate . . . to the very basics -- freedom of the media and freedom of association," something is clearly missing in this attempt at parallel.
As Ms. Fitzpatrick notes:
[One could blame Neil Young, I suppose.]
Moreover, the anti-war movement of 1960s America was just that: Anti-war. Rising during the era of the Vietnam War (1965 to 1973), it was "the largest and most successful antiwar movement in U.S. history." It became the "war at home," rooted in early student radicalism protesting political repression on college campuses and considered to be a direct outgrowth of the Free Speech Movement.
Human rights lies in a broader, often nebulous arena known quintessentially, worldwide today, as: The United Nations. The OSCE with Kazakhstan at its head currently is mere sideshow to that main attraction.
The "spirit" of Helsinki has served its purpose (encouraging and supporting the death of communism) and now also fades in the face of such current, chaotic and challenging realities.
Why are the young not inspired to get involved individually and/or collectively?
I think the answer is certainly that "human rights groups are victims of their own success," in the sense noted, but the solution offered, albeit reflexively (or even reflectively), "Joan Baez stuff" is no solution at all.
In any case, I applaud Ms. Fitzpatrick for her peaceful "protest" in regards to the closure of newspapers and also in highlighting the Zhovtis case. Plurality of voices (via media) are essential for not only developing personal and public clarity, but for freedom and democracy. The young Kazakh public relations expert needs to get a grip as does his government.
Open and continuous dialogue (free press and association, too) serve as the internal and external preconditions for diminishing violence, improving government AND institutional response. It is not the limitations of new technologies that should be our concern, but the quantity, and more essentially, the quality of the message that gets conveyed.
Joan Baez and Bob Dylan at The March on Washington (August 28, 1963)
You can read it here.
While I agree that "faith in [certain] nonviolent human rights ideals among the young is essential and perhaps that "older Helsinki watchers [should or must] rededicate . . . to the very basics -- freedom of the media and freedom of association," something is clearly missing in this attempt at parallel.
As Ms. Fitzpatrick notes:
"Today, a young Canadian endorses the anarchists’ rampage at the G20 summit in Toronto and meets my expression of concern about violence with a sneer -- "That Joan Baez stuff doesn't work anymore." A young Kazakh public relations expert can reply to my protest about the closure of newspapers with a cynical shrug that "plurality breeds confusion."First, I think the young Canadian was confused to equate Joan Baez (and that era, presumably) with current human rights realities and struggles in Central Asia or (more than likely) anywhere else.
[One could blame Neil Young, I suppose.]
Moreover, the anti-war movement of 1960s America was just that: Anti-war. Rising during the era of the Vietnam War (1965 to 1973), it was "the largest and most successful antiwar movement in U.S. history." It became the "war at home," rooted in early student radicalism protesting political repression on college campuses and considered to be a direct outgrowth of the Free Speech Movement.
Human rights lies in a broader, often nebulous arena known quintessentially, worldwide today, as: The United Nations. The OSCE with Kazakhstan at its head currently is mere sideshow to that main attraction.
The "spirit" of Helsinki has served its purpose (encouraging and supporting the death of communism) and now also fades in the face of such current, chaotic and challenging realities.
Why are the young not inspired to get involved individually and/or collectively?
I think the answer is certainly that "human rights groups are victims of their own success," in the sense noted, but the solution offered, albeit reflexively (or even reflectively), "Joan Baez stuff" is no solution at all.
In any case, I applaud Ms. Fitzpatrick for her peaceful "protest" in regards to the closure of newspapers and also in highlighting the Zhovtis case. Plurality of voices (via media) are essential for not only developing personal and public clarity, but for freedom and democracy. The young Kazakh public relations expert needs to get a grip as does his government.
Open and continuous dialogue (free press and association, too) serve as the internal and external preconditions for diminishing violence, improving government AND institutional response. It is not the limitations of new technologies that should be our concern, but the quantity, and more essentially, the quality of the message that gets conveyed.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Astro Soichi and the attack of the space sushi!
While some of us earthlings fumble about the inn or suffer at the hands of the oppressor in some forgotten, God-forsaken "gulag," (Not, The Gulag, it is hoped) I'm orbiting the globe finding myself not only in "mixed company," but with some of my favorite food, too (Hint: not bran muffins).
As time seems to get lost in space (the same in spirit world as we know from our Swedenborg (pg. 16) and possibly certain non-gastronomical experience), I thought I'd try and get a handle on Astro_Soichi and the sheer *impact* he seems to have had on all of Earth.
Japanese astronaut Soichi Noguchi begins his trek aboard the International Space Station. Representing the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, he is one of five astronauts from three countries who comprise Expedition 22 and staff the Japanese-built Kibo orbiting laboratory. Two Russians and two Americans round out the rest of the crew.
NASA outfits the space station with live internet. Soichi Noguchi starts a live Twitter feed under the name Astro_Soichi.
Noguchi makes sushi in space while floating weightless aboard the space station. He wears a chef's hat in the live-feed interview and demonstration with Fuji TV reporters.
No mention was made of any wasabi accompanying Noguchi's space sushi.
History however notes that one astronaut, the remarkable American Sunita Williams (who has her own gallery of earth from space photos here) of NASA, took a tube of the spicy green condiment to the space station in 2007. It got loose and stuck to the walls and henceforth was eventually banished to a cargo ship to "avoid future spills," as Williams relayed it in a televised interview at the time.
For what else should the mission of Expedition 22 be remembered and noted in the annals of weightless timelessness?
Completion of the Cupola observation deck, the space station's seven-window observation deck that even Leonardo (Da Vinci) would be proud of. The huge, 31-inch (80-cm) window looking down on the Earth, is billed as the world's largest space window ever built. Noguchi is the first astronaut to send a photo of earth from it.
Here it is:
Astro Soichi's reputation as Twitter space shutterbug may seal his place in Japanese and world history. As for sushi chef extraordinaire? Homeland security, time (and/or timelessness) will tell.
Astronaut Noguchi Soichi returns to earth after just over five months as a flight engineer aboard the International Space Station via a Russian Soyuz spacecraft. That is the longest time any Japanese astronaut has yet spent in space.
As the National Geographic Society blog notes:
"Barring only the Hubble Space Telescope, Noguchi may go down in history as the most beloved orbiting space photographer."
One must wonder about that.
Belovedness, after all, may simply trump everything in the end.
As posted by Astro_Soichi 59 days ago:
One more look at our beautiful Mt. Fuji, Japan. on Twitpic
Astro_Soichi's full, amazing collection of Youtube Videos can be found here.
His Twitpics can be found here.
Be sure to keep following me on Twitter here; otherwise, I'll surely become twitterpated and that can't be all that good for Earth (or me).
Oh, and be sure read this on the importance of not being a litter bug.
Huge hunks of metal trump sushi.
And Chicken Little may not have been so wrong after all?
As time seems to get lost in space (the same in spirit world as we know from our Swedenborg (pg. 16) and possibly certain non-gastronomical experience), I thought I'd try and get a handle on Astro_Soichi and the sheer *impact* he seems to have had on all of Earth.
December 2009
Japanese astronaut Soichi Noguchi begins his trek aboard the International Space Station. Representing the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, he is one of five astronauts from three countries who comprise Expedition 22 and staff the Japanese-built Kibo orbiting laboratory. Two Russians and two Americans round out the rest of the crew.
January 2010
NASA outfits the space station with live internet. Soichi Noguchi starts a live Twitter feed under the name Astro_Soichi.
February 26, 2010
Noguchi makes sushi in space while floating weightless aboard the space station. He wears a chef's hat in the live-feed interview and demonstration with Fuji TV reporters.
No mention was made of any wasabi accompanying Noguchi's space sushi.
History however notes that one astronaut, the remarkable American Sunita Williams (who has her own gallery of earth from space photos here) of NASA, took a tube of the spicy green condiment to the space station in 2007. It got loose and stuck to the walls and henceforth was eventually banished to a cargo ship to "avoid future spills," as Williams relayed it in a televised interview at the time.
For what else should the mission of Expedition 22 be remembered and noted in the annals of weightless timelessness?
backtrack a bit to . . .
February 17, 2010 Completion of the Cupola observation deck, the space station's seven-window observation deck that even Leonardo (Da Vinci) would be proud of. The huge, 31-inch (80-cm) window looking down on the Earth, is billed as the world's largest space window ever built. Noguchi is the first astronaut to send a photo of earth from it.
Here it is:
Credit: Twitter via NASA
Noguchi took this view from inside the cupola just after its windows were first opened. The cupola's window shutters are open and the Sahara desert is visible below. Astro Soichi's reputation as Twitter space shutterbug may seal his place in Japanese and world history. As for sushi chef extraordinaire? Homeland security, time (and/or timelessness) will tell.
June 2, 2010
Astronaut Noguchi Soichi returns to earth after just over five months as a flight engineer aboard the International Space Station via a Russian Soyuz spacecraft. That is the longest time any Japanese astronaut has yet spent in space.
As the National Geographic Society blog notes:
"Barring only the Hubble Space Telescope, Noguchi may go down in history as the most beloved orbiting space photographer."
One must wonder about that.
Belovedness, after all, may simply trump everything in the end.
As posted by Astro_Soichi 59 days ago:
One more look at our beautiful Mt. Fuji, Japan. on Twitpic
Astro_Soichi's full, amazing collection of Youtube Videos can be found here.
His Twitpics can be found here.
Be sure to keep following me on Twitter here; otherwise, I'll surely become twitterpated and that can't be all that good for Earth (or me).
Oh, and be sure read this on the importance of not being a litter bug.
Huge hunks of metal trump sushi.
And Chicken Little may not have been so wrong after all?
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
U.S. Still Fails on North Korea
A Baptist preacher and some others made some ethical points on North Korea recently:
*****************
Michael Horowitz, senior fellow at the Hudson Institute and a longtime
advocate for religious freedom, said the key to bringing change lies with
the Korean Americans, not with the U.S. government or the United Nations (U.N.).
"[W]hat I have learned about America living in Washington is that when
Americans speak out for their brothers and sisters in their home country,
the rest of America always listen, always," Horowitz told the audience,
which was dominated by Korean Americans.
"In America, you earn respect not by the wealth you have and the money you
get, but by standing up for others. There has not been enough of that ...
from the Korean-American community."
"You have more power than you understand, and American history teaches you
that."
The U.S. policy on North Korea "is a disgrace" under President Obama and was
under President Bush.
"Our policy is very simple: Kim Jong Il, if you promise not to have more
weapons, we'll give you money. If you promise not to use your weapons, we'll
make you legitimate," Horowitz said.
Read more here.
"Americans may have limited knowledge of the details of North Korea's extreme repression of its people, but they know enough to bear responsibility if they do not take action," said Southern Baptist ethicist Richard Land.
Speaking at a Washington news conference sponsored by the Korean Church Coalition for North Korea Freedom, the president of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission called for Americans and their government to accept responsibility for aiding citizens of the Asian dictatorship.
"We may not know the precise numbers, but we know [the atrocities exist]....
If we know what's going on, and we choose to do nothing, then we become morally culpable, we become complicit," Land said.
*****************
Michael Horowitz, senior fellow at the Hudson Institute and a longtime
advocate for religious freedom, said the key to bringing change lies with
the Korean Americans, not with the U.S. government or the United Nations (U.N.).
"[W]hat I have learned about America living in Washington is that when
Americans speak out for their brothers and sisters in their home country,
the rest of America always listen, always," Horowitz told the audience,
which was dominated by Korean Americans.
"In America, you earn respect not by the wealth you have and the money you
get, but by standing up for others. There has not been enough of that ...
from the Korean-American community."
"You have more power than you understand, and American history teaches you
that."
The U.S. policy on North Korea "is a disgrace" under President Obama and was
under President Bush.
"Our policy is very simple: Kim Jong Il, if you promise not to have more
weapons, we'll give you money. If you promise not to use your weapons, we'll
make you legitimate," Horowitz said.
Read more here.
Monday, July 12, 2010
It Takes a Thief
The Gulags of not-so-old described by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn (previously defined here and exposed in other stories from around the globe) are mostly gone, but that doesn't stop anyone from keeping the memory alive or uncovering gulag-like or inspired shenanigans today.
Witness the latest episode in regards to the trading of Russian spies imprisoned (according to at least one report "in harsh regions once housing the communist Gulag") for agents captured under "deep cover" here in America.
For some (non-spies, it is hoped) "deep cover" becomes code word for coping with an oil spill or life under oppressive circumstances (whether self-made, corporate initiated or government mandated).
Getting to the impetus for writing anything at all today, the spy story coverage has been spotty (sparse, at best) so yours truly did a little more digging to uncover some of the details.
The Moscow Times notes that a man convicted of stealing oil from his own company got an "unexpected surprise" today "when he learned that he had won a presidential pardon along with the four prisoners involved in the U.S. spy swap."
Dmitry Malin, an oil engineer working in the Saratov region, convicted in 2008 (along with two accomplices) of stealing about 20 tons of crude worth $8,000 from an oil field was among 20 inmates pardoned by President Dmitry Medvedev late (last) Thursday night.
His lawyer, Lyudmila Tomsen, was candid:
“If we had known that he was going to be granted a pardon so quickly, we wouldn't have asked for early parole,” Tomsen told the newspaper.
The 20 pardons mark only the second time that Medvedev has exercised his presidential right to pardon prisoners. In 2009, he pardoned 12 inmates, all convicted of minor offenses.
A Kremlin spokesman however could only comment that he "could not shed light" on Medvedev's thinking behind his decision to "abruptly" pardon the 16 prisoners in addition to the four sought by the United States.
Well, no kidding.
Columnist Dmitry Sidorov argues that Medvedev also should have pardoned former Yukos CEO Mikhail Khodorkovsky "in a display of his commitment to democracy."
Khodorkovsky, who is serving an eight-year sentence for tax evasion, is currently being tried on charges of stealing 350 million tons of crude worth $30 billion from his own company. Supporters say the government's case against him is politically motivated and have called on Medvedev to pardon him.
The Kremlin has said that it cannot consider a pardon without a confession.
(It is good for the soul after all.)
Khodorkovsky however, has maintained his innocence.
Says Khodorkovsky's lawyer Yury Shmidt in regards to the Malin release:
"I'm not a big admirer of the Russian authorities, but giving a pardon to a petty thief is good."
Bigger admiration, bigger pardon, perhaps?
Meanwhile, in the USA (where size also matters), Marc Rich might be recalled along with certain presidential truisms (converging Trumanesquely) as regards all of these current events greased by/with oil.
Oh, and lest we forget:
Witness the latest episode in regards to the trading of Russian spies imprisoned (according to at least one report "in harsh regions once housing the communist Gulag") for agents captured under "deep cover" here in America.
For some (non-spies, it is hoped) "deep cover" becomes code word for coping with an oil spill or life under oppressive circumstances (whether self-made, corporate initiated or government mandated).
Soviet stamp featuring Neft Daşları 'Oil Rocks'
"First oil platform in the world"
Getting to the impetus for writing anything at all today, the spy story coverage has been spotty (sparse, at best) so yours truly did a little more digging to uncover some of the details.
The Moscow Times notes that a man convicted of stealing oil from his own company got an "unexpected surprise" today "when he learned that he had won a presidential pardon along with the four prisoners involved in the U.S. spy swap."
Dmitry Malin, an oil engineer working in the Saratov region, convicted in 2008 (along with two accomplices) of stealing about 20 tons of crude worth $8,000 from an oil field was among 20 inmates pardoned by President Dmitry Medvedev late (last) Thursday night.
His lawyer, Lyudmila Tomsen, was candid:
“If we had known that he was going to be granted a pardon so quickly, we wouldn't have asked for early parole,” Tomsen told the newspaper.
The 20 pardons mark only the second time that Medvedev has exercised his presidential right to pardon prisoners. In 2009, he pardoned 12 inmates, all convicted of minor offenses.
A Kremlin spokesman however could only comment that he "could not shed light" on Medvedev's thinking behind his decision to "abruptly" pardon the 16 prisoners in addition to the four sought by the United States.
Well, no kidding.
Columnist Dmitry Sidorov argues that Medvedev also should have pardoned former Yukos CEO Mikhail Khodorkovsky "in a display of his commitment to democracy."
Khodorkovsky, who is serving an eight-year sentence for tax evasion, is currently being tried on charges of stealing 350 million tons of crude worth $30 billion from his own company. Supporters say the government's case against him is politically motivated and have called on Medvedev to pardon him.
The Kremlin has said that it cannot consider a pardon without a confession.
(It is good for the soul after all.)
Khodorkovsky however, has maintained his innocence.
Says Khodorkovsky's lawyer Yury Shmidt in regards to the Malin release:
"I'm not a big admirer of the Russian authorities, but giving a pardon to a petty thief is good."
Bigger admiration, bigger pardon, perhaps?
Meanwhile, in the USA (where size also matters), Marc Rich might be recalled along with certain presidential truisms (converging Trumanesquely) as regards all of these current events greased by/with oil.
Oh, and lest we forget:
"As long as you keep stealing . . ."
One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him:
“Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and us!”
But the other criminal rebuked him.
“Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence?
We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve.
But this man has done nothing wrong.”
Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
Jesus answered him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:39-43)
Sunday, July 4, 2010
America the Free (and still strong?)
On this day of commemoration for American independence (officially, commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence), it is well perhaps for Americans to not only reflect upon the meaning of our national sovereignty, but the origins and price as well.
Michelle Malkin does a pretty good job on these subjects here and here.
Michelle Malkin does a pretty good job on these subjects here and here.
USAF photo by Roland Balik
Army "carry team" transfers remains of Army Spc. Israel Candelaria Mejias at Dover Air Force Base, Del., April 2009.
While I am ever a believer at looking closer, particularly toward origins, national sovereignty underlies so much of both national and international discourse these days that it becomes impossible to ignore.
In regard to the subject at hand, there is the matter of Richard Henry Lee who acted under the instruction of the Virginia Convention.
On June 7, 1776, Lee introduced a resolution in the Second Continental Congress that proposed independence for the colonies. The Lee Resolution contained three parts: a declaration of independence, a call to form foreign alliances, and "a plan for confederation."
Richard Henry Lee
On June 11, 1776, the Congress appointed three concurrent committees in response to the Lee Resolution: one to draft a declaration of independence, a second to draw up a plan "for forming foreign alliances," and a third to "prepare and digest the form of a confederation."
Because many members of the Congress believed action such as Lee proposed to be premature or wanted instructions from their colonies before voting, approval was deferred until July 2. On that date, Congress adopted the first part (the declaration). New York cast no vote until the newly elected New York Convention upheld the Declaration of Independence on July 9, 1776.
The plan for making treaties was not approved until September of 1776; the plan of confederation was delayed until November of 1777.
(Information excerpted from National Archives Education Staff. The Constitution: Evolution of a Government. Santa Barbara: ABC-CLIO, Inc., 2001.)
The original resolution for independence by Richard Henry Lee of the Virginia Convention in his writing:
Resolved,
- That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved.
- That it is expedient forthwith to take the most effectual measures for forming foreign Alliances.
- That a plan of confederation be prepared and transmitted to the respective Colonies for their consideration and approbation.
Scribbles on a page that lead to more scribbles. And consensus (in more poetic, perfectionist form; pausing first in Philadelphia, then New York), at last. Culminating in a peaceful aftermath (until the year 1812), originating out of a few scathing skirmishes with scrambling farmers, known simply and succinctly today as the Shot Heard Round the World.
And so, America was born.
Can it be trusted, proven or verified that She stands, yet strong, today?
"A strong body makes the mind strong. As to the species of exercises, I advise the gun. While this gives moderate exercise to the body, it gives boldness, enterprise and independence to the mind. Games played with the ball, and others of that nature, are too violent for the body and stamp no character on the mind. Let your gun therefore be your constant companion of your walks."~Thomas Jefferson
Can it be trusted, proven or verified that She stands, yet strong, today?
"A strong body makes the mind strong. As to the species of exercises, I advise the gun. While this gives moderate exercise to the body, it gives boldness, enterprise and independence to the mind. Games played with the ball, and others of that nature, are too violent for the body and stamp no character on the mind. Let your gun therefore be your constant companion of your walks."~Thomas Jefferson
"To preserve liberty, it is essential that the whole body of the people always possess arms, and be taught alike, especially when young, how to use them."~Richard Henry Lee
"Of the four wars in my lifetime, none came about because the U.S. was too strong."
~Ronald Reagan
"Of the four wars in my lifetime, none came about because the U.S. was too strong."
~Ronald Reagan
Sunday, June 13, 2010
200 Years Together
Within the pantheon of time, places and people memorial and immemorial there are bicentennials.
Some are celebrated and cherished, while others are perhaps best forgotten?
Came across the blog of Kevin MacDonald, Professor of Psychology at California State University–Long Beach, today as I scoured the web (briefly) as well as my own internal one (but that should go without saying). He reminds us today of another "important" Alexandr Solzhenitsyn tome, 200 Years Together (Full Title: Two Hundred Years Together: Russo-Jewish History, Vol. 1: 1795-1916) that has "unfortunately not been translated into English," though, [of course] the process is beginning (reasons why the process seems to be overall quite slow is speculated about here. Hint: Antisemitism).
An (apparently) Russian site (ethnopoliticsonline.com) or "hub" responsible for posting content of the book online comprising (mostly rough) translations can be followed here with Chapter 1 also having been completed (by "two Christians that share a common theological outlook and (in consequence) a substantially common outlook on culture.") found here.
An interesting interview (2003) with the late author revealing his own thoughts and feelings about Dvesti let vmeste (200 Years Together) can be found here.
Interviewer, Lydia Chukovskaya, from The Moscow News concludes in her afterword:
"The Occidental Observer will present original content touching on the themes of white identity, white interests, and the culture of the West. Such a mission statement is sure to be dismissed as extremism of the worst sort in today’s intellectual climate—perhaps even as a sign of psychiatric disorder. Yet there is a compelling need for such a site. A great many other identifiable groups in the multicultural West have a strong sense of identity and interest, but overt expressions of white identity and white interests (or European-American identity and interests) are rarely found among the peoples who founded these societies and who continue to make up the majority . . . . "
I don't know about any of that (and I'm "white").
"Touching on" such theme may be okay as long as there is some humility, as well (for certain), persistence, consistency and balance in the presentation of ideas.
As history, conscience and "God" (and granted, to some possible degree, even "evolutionary psychology"; though "group *evolutionary* strategy" remains suspect) must ever be our guide, then let THEM speak, too.
This article in the Encyclopedia of Chicago by David R. Roediger, professor of history at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) who reportedly "writes from a Marxist theoretical framework," may be of some use in the pursuit of that. Or perhaps this one from the same source on "Our Common Hurtage."
With all of his books and articles, Professor MacDonald has been called a lot of names over the last few years, including the "Marx of Anti-Semites," possibly first coined in this 2003 article from The American Conservative.
Summaries and reviews of his books on Judaism appear on his own website here.
A pattern or "group strategy" emerges, possibly.
Motivations remain, seemingly, ever complex and mysterious in any case.
So many academics relegated to the dustbin, so little time (and good material) for distance learning . . .
*****************
And now for something completely different.
Some are celebrated and cherished, while others are perhaps best forgotten?
Came across the blog of Kevin MacDonald, Professor of Psychology at California State University–Long Beach, today as I scoured the web (briefly) as well as my own internal one (but that should go without saying). He reminds us today of another "important" Alexandr Solzhenitsyn tome, 200 Years Together (Full Title: Two Hundred Years Together: Russo-Jewish History, Vol. 1: 1795-1916) that has "unfortunately not been translated into English," though, [of course] the process is beginning (reasons why the process seems to be overall quite slow is speculated about here. Hint: Antisemitism).
An (apparently) Russian site (ethnopoliticsonline.com) or "hub" responsible for posting content of the book online comprising (mostly rough) translations can be followed here with Chapter 1 also having been completed (by "two Christians that share a common theological outlook and (in consequence) a substantially common outlook on culture.") found here.
An interesting interview (2003) with the late author revealing his own thoughts and feelings about Dvesti let vmeste (200 Years Together) can be found here.
Interviewer, Lydia Chukovskaya, from The Moscow News concludes in her afterword:
"Solzhenitsyn's is a different, above-the-fray vantage point. His is a different objective, totally devoid of writer's vanity: Not really needing our approval, Solzhenitsyn seeks to act as a kind of referee in a protracted historical debate. He does not seem to care even whether there is still anyone left in the ring or whether Russian Jews, having acquired the Russian language and culture, have fully assimilated. Meanwhile, anti-Semites, for want of something better to do with their narrow minds, will keep harping on their tune, even if not a single Jew, so hateful to them, remains on the planet.As for The Occidental Observer, the mission statement (with fund raising appeal) must be noted here:
With his book, comprising evaluations of tsars, Khrushchev, Beria, Galich,and Zhabotinsky, and quotations from Lenin to Stalin to Grigory Pomerants to Lydia Korneevna Chukovskaya, Solzhenitsyn stepped into the minefield of the Jewish issue. And he walked across it confidently - maybe because there is no longer a mine that could blow up his authority.
"Russian Jew. Jew. Russian. How much blood has been spilled, how many tears shed over this; what untold suffering there has been, and at the same time how much joy in spiritual and cultural growth. There were, and there still are, many Jews who bore this brunt - being a Russian Jew and Russian at the same time. Two loves, two passions, two struggles - isn't this too much for one heart?"
"The Occidental Observer will present original content touching on the themes of white identity, white interests, and the culture of the West. Such a mission statement is sure to be dismissed as extremism of the worst sort in today’s intellectual climate—perhaps even as a sign of psychiatric disorder. Yet there is a compelling need for such a site. A great many other identifiable groups in the multicultural West have a strong sense of identity and interest, but overt expressions of white identity and white interests (or European-American identity and interests) are rarely found among the peoples who founded these societies and who continue to make up the majority . . . . "
I don't know about any of that (and I'm "white").
"Touching on" such theme may be okay as long as there is some humility, as well (for certain), persistence, consistency and balance in the presentation of ideas.
As history, conscience and "God" (and granted, to some possible degree, even "evolutionary psychology"; though "group *evolutionary* strategy" remains suspect) must ever be our guide, then let THEM speak, too.
This article in the Encyclopedia of Chicago by David R. Roediger, professor of history at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) who reportedly "writes from a Marxist theoretical framework," may be of some use in the pursuit of that. Or perhaps this one from the same source on "Our Common Hurtage."
With all of his books and articles, Professor MacDonald has been called a lot of names over the last few years, including the "Marx of Anti-Semites," possibly first coined in this 2003 article from The American Conservative.
Summaries and reviews of his books on Judaism appear on his own website here.
A pattern or "group strategy" emerges, possibly.
Motivations remain, seemingly, ever complex and mysterious in any case.
So many academics relegated to the dustbin, so little time (and good material) for distance learning . . .
*****************
And now for something completely different.
Richard Pryor as "Rev. James L. White":
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Other Angels
As I prepare to meet The Little Angels of Korea at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts tonight, a stark reminder of why there need to be little angels (of Korea or anywhere) comes to me by way of Canada's National Post:
A sordid, revealing video from Reuters of life behind that veil (briefly lifted) appears here.
N.B.: On second thought, "other" angels seemed a more appropriate header here.
"In her youth, Kim Young-soon was a dancer and a member of the North Korean elite who lived a life of calculated caution, surrounded by privilege and propaganda in Pyongyang."Read more about Kim Young Soon here and here.
A sordid, revealing video from Reuters of life behind that veil (briefly lifted) appears here.
N.B.: On second thought, "other" angels seemed a more appropriate header here.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
24 hours, 33 minutes . . .
Distractions.
We live amidst constant distractions and therefore, in a state of constant distractedness.
The doomsday TV series "24" has finally completed its inexorable run recently, and I must admit, in the beginning of its run 8 years ago, I was captivated by the story; particularly, the character of Jack Bauer. His wild, impossible, yet strangely feasible exploits against the forces of darkness seeking the destruction of all things "America" held me in fascination for weeks.
Then, I woke up or got sick; I forget.
Or maybe it really was the fear, cowering in some dark corner within me somewhere that just knew it was all too true.
Meanwhile, politics and religion remain strange bedfellows just as God remains not, easily or lightly, uncovered within; The Gulag.
Which brings me to the subject of a new documentary, "33 Minutes," produced by The Heritage Foundation.
Are we, in reality, under the threat of some great nuclear attack?
Is the character of Jack Bauer somehow prescient or an actual precursor of things (or actual persons) yet to come?
Of course not (I mean, let's hope not, or hope so; depending).
The facts of the (complex) matter is that most folks really don't know (including me).
Oh, for the simpler days of High Frontier, SDI and Lieutenant General Daniel O. Graham.
I remember those days and a meeting or two . . .
The precipice between war and peace, between (again) - God and The Gulag - seems to be, yet, quite narrow.
And that's not being alarmist, neo-conic or foolish either.
Polarizations of party, ideas and peoples are one thing, but surely we can eventually --inexorably-- come to agree that little mankind, the human species, NEEDS transcendence or transcendent meaning; in other words, God.
If not God, who?
And, if God is not there, where is He/She?
And then you have more words along with more numbers:
We live amidst constant distractions and therefore, in a state of constant distractedness.
The doomsday TV series "24" has finally completed its inexorable run recently, and I must admit, in the beginning of its run 8 years ago, I was captivated by the story; particularly, the character of Jack Bauer. His wild, impossible, yet strangely feasible exploits against the forces of darkness seeking the destruction of all things "America" held me in fascination for weeks.
Then, I woke up or got sick; I forget.
Or maybe it really was the fear, cowering in some dark corner within me somewhere that just knew it was all too true.
Meanwhile, politics and religion remain strange bedfellows just as God remains not, easily or lightly, uncovered within; The Gulag.
Which brings me to the subject of a new documentary, "33 Minutes," produced by The Heritage Foundation.
Are we, in reality, under the threat of some great nuclear attack?
Is the character of Jack Bauer somehow prescient or an actual precursor of things (or actual persons) yet to come?
Of course not (I mean, let's hope not, or hope so; depending).
The facts of the (complex) matter is that most folks really don't know (including me).
Oh, for the simpler days of High Frontier, SDI and Lieutenant General Daniel O. Graham.
I remember those days and a meeting or two . . .
The precipice between war and peace, between (again) - God and The Gulag - seems to be, yet, quite narrow.
And that's not being alarmist, neo-conic or foolish either.
Polarizations of party, ideas and peoples are one thing, but surely we can eventually --inexorably-- come to agree that little mankind, the human species, NEEDS transcendence or transcendent meaning; in other words, God.
If not God, who?
And, if God is not there, where is He/She?
And then you have more words along with more numbers:
"Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door. I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. Heaven and earthwill pass away, but my words will never pass away." (Matthew 24:33)
Thursday, June 3, 2010
"Katyn" - A Heritage Event
Went to the Heritage Foundation this evening for a special viewing of a really cool, hot, exciting, special effects feature movie!
NOT really.
Some may have already seen "Katyn" as it has been on DVD (and Netflix) for some time.
Lee Edwards, Heritage Distinguished Fellow in Conservative Thought (and resident historian) introduced the presentation after a reception that included Heritage Expert and Director of the Margaret Thatcher Center for Freedom, Nile Gardiner, who introduced Robert Kupiecki, the Polish Ambassador to the United States.
The Ambassador's brief remarks were warmly received and deeply appreciated.
Edwards noted that for Poles, when it comes to the preservation and revival of their culture and history, they themselves give much credit to the three Ws - [Lech]Walesa, [Karol] Wojtyla, and [Andrzej] Wajda.
Comparable in quality though not quantity to the Holocaust for Jews (who were most significantly targeted in Poland; 3 million + victims), but with a difference. The selected targets, according to recently (1999-2004) released/declassified NKVD documents in the case of the Katyn Massacre (22,000 victims) were "all members of the Polish Officer Corps" as well as a big chunk of the Polish intelligentsia (hence, the hope of any future for Poland).
Like vultures fighting over a carcass, the two evil powers could in no way share opposite borders or "scraps" with each other, much less - the victim in the middle -- and brought untold destruction and chaos upon Poland as first one, then the other took control, then lost it again.
The last occupier (the USSR) thought it could seal that deal (and cover it up).
By the grace of God, that plan has ultimately failed.
And seen, perhaps, from a certain nationalistic/Roman Catholic view (beyond all recent tragedy), God indeed, has apparently prevailed.
Of interest -- though Soviet responsibility for the massacres has finally been confirmed (noting only 1,803 as the numbered dead) Russia still refuses to classify Katyn as a war crime or an act of genocide.
Its own investigation has been closed on grounds that the perpetrators of the massacre are already dead. Also, the Russian government does not classify the Katyn dead as victims of Stalinist repression. They are therefore not subject to formal posthumous rehabilitation.
The Polish Investigation, which began in 2004, continues.
**************
Was proud to see how apparently strong the Heritage Foundation remains both in terms of its outreach in regards to the highest ideals of clarity, integrity and co-prosperity as well as in terms of the hospitality of its bright and youthful staff.
For those in the Washington, D.C. vicinity, I recommend a visit to The Heritage Foundation for reasons already noted as well as for the many resources and civic education programs it offers.
Check them out here.
Now also is a good time to view a part of "The Gulag Collection" which is soon to make a national tour (including the George H.W. Bush Library in Austin, TX).
I wrote a bit about the collection last year.
NOT really.
Some may have already seen "Katyn" as it has been on DVD (and Netflix) for some time.
Lee Edwards, Heritage Distinguished Fellow in Conservative Thought (and resident historian) introduced the presentation after a reception that included Heritage Expert and Director of the Margaret Thatcher Center for Freedom, Nile Gardiner, who introduced Robert Kupiecki, the Polish Ambassador to the United States.
The Ambassador's brief remarks were warmly received and deeply appreciated.
Edwards noted that for Poles, when it comes to the preservation and revival of their culture and history, they themselves give much credit to the three Ws - [Lech]Walesa, [Karol] Wojtyla, and [Andrzej] Wajda.
Comparable in quality though not quantity to the Holocaust for Jews (who were most significantly targeted in Poland; 3 million + victims), but with a difference. The selected targets, according to recently (1999-2004) released/declassified NKVD documents in the case of the Katyn Massacre (22,000 victims) were "all members of the Polish Officer Corps" as well as a big chunk of the Polish intelligentsia (hence, the hope of any future for Poland).
Like vultures fighting over a carcass, the two evil powers could in no way share opposite borders or "scraps" with each other, much less - the victim in the middle -- and brought untold destruction and chaos upon Poland as first one, then the other took control, then lost it again.
The last occupier (the USSR) thought it could seal that deal (and cover it up).
By the grace of God, that plan has ultimately failed.
And seen, perhaps, from a certain nationalistic/Roman Catholic view (beyond all recent tragedy), God indeed, has apparently prevailed.
Of interest -- though Soviet responsibility for the massacres has finally been confirmed (noting only 1,803 as the numbered dead) Russia still refuses to classify Katyn as a war crime or an act of genocide.
Its own investigation has been closed on grounds that the perpetrators of the massacre are already dead. Also, the Russian government does not classify the Katyn dead as victims of Stalinist repression. They are therefore not subject to formal posthumous rehabilitation.
The Polish Investigation, which began in 2004, continues.
**************
Was proud to see how apparently strong the Heritage Foundation remains both in terms of its outreach in regards to the highest ideals of clarity, integrity and co-prosperity as well as in terms of the hospitality of its bright and youthful staff.
For those in the Washington, D.C. vicinity, I recommend a visit to The Heritage Foundation for reasons already noted as well as for the many resources and civic education programs it offers.
Check them out here.
Now also is a good time to view a part of "The Gulag Collection" which is soon to make a national tour (including the George H.W. Bush Library in Austin, TX).
I wrote a bit about the collection last year.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill: 35 Days From Space
From space, a lot can be viewed that we miss down here on terra firma.
The continuing saga of the gushing deepwater oil geyser in the heart of the Gulf of Mexico captures our attention and pulls at our hearts and/or minds in various, unique ways.
Some of us seem to want justice in the form of Oil Company Executive "Heads on a Stick" (or at least a guarantee of a lifetime supply of fish and chips).
Others, of course, want government heads or The President's for the slowness of progress in clean-up as well as for the usual retroactive accountability that behemoth regulatory body (or bodies) are known for and should have foreseen.
Why do we hate the oil companies? Maybe this guy really does have the right idea.
I don't know.
Call me a Forrest Gump or whatever; somehow, not quite powerless, I just want to cry.
More images from NASA-Goddard can be found here.
The continuing saga of the gushing deepwater oil geyser in the heart of the Gulf of Mexico captures our attention and pulls at our hearts and/or minds in various, unique ways.
Some of us seem to want justice in the form of Oil Company Executive "Heads on a Stick" (or at least a guarantee of a lifetime supply of fish and chips).
Others, of course, want government heads or The President's for the slowness of progress in clean-up as well as for the usual retroactive accountability that behemoth regulatory body (or bodies) are known for and should have foreseen.
Why do we hate the oil companies? Maybe this guy really does have the right idea.
I don't know.
Call me a Forrest Gump or whatever; somehow, not quite powerless, I just want to cry.
More images from NASA-Goddard can be found here.
Monday, May 17, 2010
The Greatest Gift
In the interest of full disclosure and a certain sense of foreboding lately, let me explain a bit about how, "I was once a feature reporter for a major metropolitan newspaper."
The year was 1976.
The newspaper was The News World.
In brief, my career as bona fide print journalist consisted of a few interviews (Nathan Pritikin, James Irwin and one or two others) under the editorship of the lovely and gracious, Josette Sheeran.
The city was New York.
Arguments can and should be made, of course, as to whether that defunct newspaper (or its reinvention as The New York City Tribune) was major in any sense of the word.
As for New York City, it has been and will always be *major* now and forevermore. Amen.
As newspapers, generally, struggle (constantly, it seems) to re-invent, retool, and/or revamp themselves (choose your own poison, accordingly) there seems to be some minor dispute as to whether The Washington Times (offspring of that brave, New York endeavor) is and/or has ever been part of some great, Asian or right-wing conspiracy.
For those not following such a premise, congratulations (and God bless you!).
For everyone else, The Times, founded in 1982 by the Rev. Sun Myung Moon, has been subsidized by the Unification Church community (similar in that to The Christian Science Monitor and The Deseret News) since its inception.
Some differences appear when one looks closer, naturally, as that community of subsidizers has been comprised mostly of members of the Japanese Unification Church, which, "of late" (in the news sense, at least) have been waging a separate battle against parents and certain "Christian" pastors who've decided that it's better to [be?] forcibly kidnap[ped] and/or imprison[ed] than to be a "Unificationist."
Previous writing on that appears here.
Also, the Reverend Sun Myung Moon, born in Sangsa-ri, Deogun-myon, Jeongju-gun, North P'yŏng'an Province (now in North Korea) has ever been, "controversial."
"Houston, we have a problem."
Asians in America, for the most part, have long gotten a bum rap for some reason.
The great yellow scare (or peril) goes back to 1895 and Kaiser Wilhelm II who reportedly had a portrait (ostensibly painted by himself) that depicted the Archangel Michael and an allegorical Germany leading the charge against an Asiatic threat represented by a golden Buddha entitled Gelbe Gefahr or "Yellow Peril." That "portrait" was reportedly hung in all ships of the Hamburg America Line, which exclusively connected European ports with North American ports, such as Hoboken, New Jersey and New Orleans, Louisiana.
And how long have Native Americans been demonized and "China-men" ridiculed by Hollywood?
Then, there is the ever present "Chinese Dragon," that either gets slayed or dominates the realm, depending upon one's mythical, moralistic or mystical perspective or worldview.
A book that debuted earlier this year, The Dragon's Gift: The Real Story of China in Africa, may offer some tangential insight on this recurring allegory/reality within an essential and contemporary context.
An aspect of author, Deborah Brautigam's thesis seems to be that China's influence via investments in Africa (unlike those in other arenas; though surely not including America?) should be viewed less strategically, more plainly or pragmatically (i.e., for economic benefit). America and the West may win on one level or another - or not. Regardless, China (that great dragon) is there (and here) to stay.
In other words, the great dragon is us, not them as Nietzsche, Russell and especially Pogo would say:
Hence, further extrapolating liberally here, The Washington Times newspaper of today (and not the one found only in archives past ), is either friend or foe; agent/representative of God or the devil, literally (see here, if still not convinced).
Die-hard cynics, etc., or those simply disinclined when it comes to religious and/or moral motivations, meditations; generally, should turn away at this point.
*****
The real story of The Washington Times, from this insider, one who was there and has been there since before its auspicious birth (until last year), officially on May 17, 1982 is something more profound and much less sinister than any scenario aforementioned or even yet conceived.
Further, it has neither been the worst [of] Times, nor the best [of] Times, but somewhere in the middle like so much else when all veils, walls and myths are at last removed.
Amidst the highs and lows, the glowing gems and the mediocre, unpolished minerals; the role of journalism or "media" as fourth estate and/or watchdog remains as the essential.
The "Best. Journalism Quotes. Ever." noted here certainly support that humble observation.
Let it be noted quite boldly and brightly here and now in any case that The Washington Times, in the broad world of "media," IS (or has been) the greatest gift, bar none, ever given to one nation (or people) from another.
[Perhaps therein lies the rub. The "gift" may have been far too generous?!]
Granted, The Washington Times might have been more like The Christian Science Monitor in clearly delineating or simply publishing some of its spiritual message or content within from the very beginning; but that seems fairly academic at this point.
Since The Times founder, the Reverend Sun Myung Moon, was at the time of its establishment, "under suspicion" or attack by other media as well as various agencies of the U.S. government, there seems not to have been much objectivity to spare.
And that's the story of Christmas and/or Democracy in America . . . sort of.
God's speed to the gift that remains The Washington Times (in whatever form or configuration) now and forevermore!
The year was 1976.
The newspaper was The News World.
In brief, my career as bona fide print journalist consisted of a few interviews (Nathan Pritikin, James Irwin and one or two others) under the editorship of the lovely and gracious, Josette Sheeran.
The city was New York.
The (Old) Tiffany Building (Built in 1905)
Offices of The News World from 1977-1991 (circa)
Arguments can and should be made, of course, as to whether that defunct newspaper (or its reinvention as The New York City Tribune) was major in any sense of the word.
As for New York City, it has been and will always be *major* now and forevermore. Amen.
As newspapers, generally, struggle (constantly, it seems) to re-invent, retool, and/or revamp themselves (choose your own poison, accordingly) there seems to be some minor dispute as to whether The Washington Times (offspring of that brave, New York endeavor) is and/or has ever been part of some great, Asian or right-wing conspiracy.
For those not following such a premise, congratulations (and God bless you!).
For everyone else, The Times, founded in 1982 by the Rev. Sun Myung Moon, has been subsidized by the Unification Church community (similar in that to The Christian Science Monitor and The Deseret News) since its inception.
Some differences appear when one looks closer, naturally, as that community of subsidizers has been comprised mostly of members of the Japanese Unification Church, which, "of late" (in the news sense, at least) have been waging a separate battle against parents and certain "Christian" pastors who've decided that it's better to [be?] forcibly kidnap[ped] and/or imprison[ed] than to be a "Unificationist."
Previous writing on that appears here.
Also, the Reverend Sun Myung Moon, born in Sangsa-ri, Deogun-myon, Jeongju-gun, North P'yŏng'an Province (now in North Korea) has ever been, "controversial."
"Houston, we have a problem."
Asians in America, for the most part, have long gotten a bum rap for some reason.
The great yellow scare (or peril) goes back to 1895 and Kaiser Wilhelm II who reportedly had a portrait (ostensibly painted by himself) that depicted the Archangel Michael and an allegorical Germany leading the charge against an Asiatic threat represented by a golden Buddha entitled Gelbe Gefahr or "Yellow Peril." That "portrait" was reportedly hung in all ships of the Hamburg America Line, which exclusively connected European ports with North American ports, such as Hoboken, New Jersey and New Orleans, Louisiana.
And how long have Native Americans been demonized and "China-men" ridiculed by Hollywood?
Then, there is the ever present "Chinese Dragon," that either gets slayed or dominates the realm, depending upon one's mythical, moralistic or mystical perspective or worldview.
A book that debuted earlier this year, The Dragon's Gift: The Real Story of China in Africa, may offer some tangential insight on this recurring allegory/reality within an essential and contemporary context.
An aspect of author, Deborah Brautigam's thesis seems to be that China's influence via investments in Africa (unlike those in other arenas; though surely not including America?) should be viewed less strategically, more plainly or pragmatically (i.e., for economic benefit). America and the West may win on one level or another - or not. Regardless, China (that great dragon) is there (and here) to stay.
In other words, the great dragon is us, not them as Nietzsche, Russell and especially Pogo would say:
"The man who fights too long against dragons becomes a dragon himself."
~Friedrich Nietzsche
"It is possible that mankind is on the threshold of a golden age; but, if so, it will be necessary first to slay the dragon that guards the door, and this dragon is religion."~Bertrand Russell
"We have met the enemy and he is us!"~Pogo
Hence, further extrapolating liberally here, The Washington Times newspaper of today (and not the one found only in archives past ), is either friend or foe; agent/representative of God or the devil, literally (see here, if still not convinced).
Die-hard cynics, etc., or those simply disinclined when it comes to religious and/or moral motivations, meditations; generally, should turn away at this point.
*****
The real story of The Washington Times, from this insider, one who was there and has been there since before its auspicious birth (until last year), officially on May 17, 1982 is something more profound and much less sinister than any scenario aforementioned or even yet conceived.
Further, it has neither been the worst [of] Times, nor the best [of] Times, but somewhere in the middle like so much else when all veils, walls and myths are at last removed.
Amidst the highs and lows, the glowing gems and the mediocre, unpolished minerals; the role of journalism or "media" as fourth estate and/or watchdog remains as the essential.
The "Best. Journalism Quotes. Ever." noted here certainly support that humble observation.
Let it be noted quite boldly and brightly here and now in any case that The Washington Times, in the broad world of "media," IS (or has been) the greatest gift, bar none, ever given to one nation (or people) from another.
Look! Écoute! 봐!
[Perhaps therein lies the rub. The "gift" may have been far too generous?!]
Granted, The Washington Times might have been more like The Christian Science Monitor in clearly delineating or simply publishing some of its spiritual message or content within from the very beginning; but that seems fairly academic at this point.
Since The Times founder, the Reverend Sun Myung Moon, was at the time of its establishment, "under suspicion" or attack by other media as well as various agencies of the U.S. government, there seems not to have been much objectivity to spare.
And that's the story of Christmas and/or Democracy in America . . . sort of.
God's speed to the gift that remains The Washington Times (in whatever form or configuration) now and forevermore!
"America is great because she is good. If America ceases to be good, America will cease to be great."~Alexis de Tocqueville
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Messengers of Peace, Beauty and Love
The Little Angels Children’s Folk Ballet of Korea kicks off a tour of the world in commemoration of the 60th Anniversary of the Korean War in Washington, D.C. next month.
According to the official website of the tour:
"Washington, D.C. is the place where many soldiers who fought and died in the Korean War are buried in [the] Arlington National Cemetery, including the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It is also the location of the Korean War Memorial Park, Capitol Hill, and the U.S. Congress, and is home to many government organizations. Therefore, it is the most logical place to have the kick-off of the 60th Anniversary Memorial Project. The next city will be Norfolk (VA), where the General Douglas MacArthur Memorial is located. General Douglas MacArthur is the great American hero who commanded the UN troops in the Korean War."
NOTE: On Monday June 7th, the Little Angels will go to Norfolk, VA for an opening ceremony at the Douglas MacArthur Memorial Center.
Dennis Hastert, Former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives is listed as the Chairman of the Korean War 60th Anniversary Memorial Committee (or "KW60") with Song Kang listed as Co-Chairman and Dr. Bo Hi Pak also Co-Chairman as well as Executive Director.
Having seen the Little Angels perform in tours past and having met Dr. Pak, as well, I'm fairly sure that "Executive Director" means "main grunt and organizer."
Official supporting entities listed include: The Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism; the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade; the Korean Tourism Organization; Seoul City; the Korean 6.25 War Veterans Organization; the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs; the National Patriotic Elders Conference; (Approved); the Korean Veterans Association; the Korean Retired Generals & Admirals Association; the ROKMC Veterans Association; the Korean War Veterans, Washington D.C.; the Veterans of Foreign Wars (U.S.A); the Korean War Veterans Association, Inc. (U.S.A.); the U.S.– Korean War Commemoration Foundation(U.S.A.); The American Legion(U.S.A.)and the Disabled American Veterans(U.S.A.).
Civilian supporting entities include: Korean Airlines; Samsung Company; Shin Se Gae; Shin Han Bank; Woori Bank; Daewoo Construction Company; The Federation of Korean Industries; The Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Rotary International and Lions Club International.
What is most notable about this tour beyond the geography (16 nations) is certainly the timing for veterans (though I'm not one), particularly of the Korean Conflict (or "Forgotten War" as it has been called).
This is, quite simply, Korean sincerity, grace, beauty and gratitude expressed on its most grand scale.
The Little Angels truly are messengers of peace, beauty and love.
I highly recommend an evening with them as they forge ahead on this historic whirlwind tour, particularly as they honor the veterans of the 16+ nations who shed their sweat, tears and blood in that never-to-be-forgotten war which began June 25, 1950.
Special free performance dates for Veterans of all wars and their families are being made available, but will likely go quickly (still available as of May 9th, however).
Prices for other dates are set at relatively modest levels.
Check your local newspaper, theater, "supporting entity" or here for further information.
For the Kennedy Center link go here.
Donations for purposes listed below are also being sought here:
* To pay for the Little Angels Performing Art Group's 16-Nation World Tour.
* To subsidize the Revisit program of Korean War Veterans and their families to Korea.
* To start a Scholarship program for the Korean War Veterans familiy members.
* To support Korean War Memorial and Museum programs.
* To support Korean War book publication programs.
Korean War Memorial Committee
5215 Old Orchard Road, Suite 740,
Skokie, IL. 60077
According to the official website of the tour:
"Washington, D.C. is the place where many soldiers who fought and died in the Korean War are buried in [the] Arlington National Cemetery, including the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It is also the location of the Korean War Memorial Park, Capitol Hill, and the U.S. Congress, and is home to many government organizations. Therefore, it is the most logical place to have the kick-off of the 60th Anniversary Memorial Project. The next city will be Norfolk (VA), where the General Douglas MacArthur Memorial is located. General Douglas MacArthur is the great American hero who commanded the UN troops in the Korean War."
NOTE: On Monday June 7th, the Little Angels will go to Norfolk, VA for an opening ceremony at the Douglas MacArthur Memorial Center.
Dennis Hastert, Former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives is listed as the Chairman of the Korean War 60th Anniversary Memorial Committee (or "KW60") with Song Kang listed as Co-Chairman and Dr. Bo Hi Pak also Co-Chairman as well as Executive Director.
Having seen the Little Angels perform in tours past and having met Dr. Pak, as well, I'm fairly sure that "Executive Director" means "main grunt and organizer."
Official supporting entities listed include: The Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism; the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade; the Korean Tourism Organization; Seoul City; the Korean 6.25 War Veterans Organization; the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs; the National Patriotic Elders Conference; (Approved); the Korean Veterans Association; the Korean Retired Generals & Admirals Association; the ROKMC Veterans Association; the Korean War Veterans, Washington D.C.; the Veterans of Foreign Wars (U.S.A); the Korean War Veterans Association, Inc. (U.S.A.); the U.S.– Korean War Commemoration Foundation(U.S.A.); The American Legion(U.S.A.)and the Disabled American Veterans(U.S.A.).
Civilian supporting entities include: Korean Airlines; Samsung Company; Shin Se Gae; Shin Han Bank; Woori Bank; Daewoo Construction Company; The Federation of Korean Industries; The Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Rotary International and Lions Club International.
What is most notable about this tour beyond the geography (16 nations) is certainly the timing for veterans (though I'm not one), particularly of the Korean Conflict (or "Forgotten War" as it has been called).
This is, quite simply, Korean sincerity, grace, beauty and gratitude expressed on its most grand scale.
The Little Angels truly are messengers of peace, beauty and love.
I highly recommend an evening with them as they forge ahead on this historic whirlwind tour, particularly as they honor the veterans of the 16+ nations who shed their sweat, tears and blood in that never-to-be-forgotten war which began June 25, 1950.
Special free performance dates for Veterans of all wars and their families are being made available, but will likely go quickly (still available as of May 9th, however).
Prices for other dates are set at relatively modest levels.
Check your local newspaper, theater, "supporting entity" or here for further information.
For the Kennedy Center link go here.
Donations for purposes listed below are also being sought here:
* To pay for the Little Angels Performing Art Group's 16-Nation World Tour.
* To subsidize the Revisit program of Korean War Veterans and their families to Korea.
* To start a Scholarship program for the Korean War Veterans familiy members.
* To support Korean War Memorial and Museum programs.
* To support Korean War book publication programs.
Korean War Memorial Committee
5215 Old Orchard Road, Suite 740,
Skokie, IL. 60077
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