As the New Week Dawns....

It has been a tough and challenging Quarter around the World.    There has been welcome development in Cyprus as the European Union and Cyprus have agreed to a deal to avoid a financial meltdown.    At least the small depositors won't have to be faced with a levy and all depositors under 100,000 Euros will be protected under the European Insurance Scheme.    This is also the latest in a series of "fires" that the European Union has had to deal with.    The age of austerity is here to stay for a while longer.  The United Kingdom continues to be dealing with the aftermath of the massive austerity imposed by David Cameron's Government and has again been placed on negative watch as a result of the continued concerns about the long-term economic viability of the country.

Beyond Europe, there is Africa.   The President of the Central African Republic has been overthrown by Rebels.   France has had a long-standing presence there.   The Central African Republic is one of those basket cases that does not seem to get its' act together.  It is rich in mineral resources--but it has not been endowed with leaders that would allow it to be developed into the powerhouse that it could possibly be.  This is the situation with leaders throughout Africa.   I view this as especially tragic as I see the same situation developing in South Africa.     Zimbabwe adopted a new Constitution curbing Mugabe's Powers.  But it will not matter because Mugabe will continue onward with his thugs running around Zimbabwe with impunity as the Country suffers.   I was hopeful when the leader of the MDC became Prime Minister.   But I have been disappointed with the lack of progress despite the hope I had back in 2009 as I was witness to history and commented on it in Outsiders.

I have also been reflecting upon the continued challenge that China poses.   The Organization for Economic Cooperation & Development (OECD) is reporting that China is destined to take over the United States as the Number 1 Economy in the World by 2016.    As the Political Class in Washington continues to live in its' own fantasyland, the rest of the World continues to move on, to build and to look to a viable future.    China is planning its' own Space Station and flexing its' muscle as never before.     America, in the meantime, continues to "rent space" as someone recently noted to catch a ride to the International Space Station.

Pervez Musaharf returned to Pakistan with dreams of a political comeback after having driven the Country to the ground that ultimately culminated in the assassination of Benazir Bhutto.   The only good news I see coming out of Pakistan is the possible election of Imran Khan that may present the only hope of an outsider working to transform a Pakistan ravaged by Corruption and Insurgency throughout the Country.   There is also, Afghanistan.    The last reports I reviewed noted that Karzai wants to have peace talks with the Taliban.  This is after he made the speech about how the US and the Taliban were in collusion for the US to extend its' stay in Afghanistan--while Chuck Hagel was in Afghanistan.   I have written for the longest time about how useless he was--now it appears that the whole World knows.     The question is what happens after 2014.

Despite a very challenging World, I can't help but remember what Gandhi reminded us about the seven sins: Wealth without work; Pleasure without conscience; Knowledge without character; Commerce without morality; Science without humanity; Worship without sacrifice; Politics without principle.    It seems to me that our World seems to have forgotten his admonitions to be avoided at all costs.     He also told us that we have to be the change we want to see in the World--the question continues to remain whether we have the courage or not.  

"Outsiders" will go dark until the advent of the 2nd Quarter, 2013.     I leave all with this "thought" which I hope underscores the belief that a sense of hope and optimism has to prevail no matter what:

[B]*******************************************
There’s plenty of negativity that comes into your life. And you can let it go just as quickly as it comes.

To empower yourself, you don’t have to grab hold of anything new. Let go of all the negative stuff, and you’ll find that the power has been there all along.

You can’t avoid all the negative people, situations, words and events. You can, however, choose precisely what to do with each of them within yourself.

The most effective thing to do is to focus your awareness, your energy and your efforts elsewhere. Allow your beautiful, unique purpose to push you forward.

The negativity exists, and you cannot help but notice it. But you don’t have to let it be yours.

As soon as you encounter negativity, remind yourself to let it go. Rise above it, and move right ahead on your positive, purposeful path.

— Ralph Marston
*************************************************[/B]
There is no other choice, Is there?

Also @ http://www.outsiderviews.com, retrieved March 25, 2013

View of The Week: Being Thankful Evermore....

I was reflecting upon the past 30 days and the year 2013--and all that has transpired.     Today is exactly 30 days since I got the fateful call about my Son's accident. It has been, needless to say, a very interesting number of weeks. It has made me ever more thankful and appreciative of what is hand and ever more determined to do what I can to serve, to make a difference, to smile & be joyful and never to succumb to a culture of blame and regret. The life's challenges will be before us--it is how we deal with it that will ultimately determine our fate and our success. Isn't that what living an Ethical Life is about? 

As I thought about our session during a day of service yesterday, I wondered what could be done differently. What I know is that there is a lot to be hopeful for despite all the challenges. I say this as I read up on this message from a prisoner of conscious in Iran--whose only crime is to speak up for Human Rights...

Inspiring Norooz Message From Imprisoned Rights Attorney Abdolfatah Soltani

Distinguished imprisoned rights attorney Abdolfatah Soltani has sent out a Norooz (Iranian New Year)message from Evin prison which was posted by his daughter Maedeh on her Facebook.

Abdolfatah Soltani, a rights lawyer, spokesman and co-founder of the Center for Human Rights Defenders, was arrested on September 10, 2011.
Soltani was tried and convicted on charges of “receiving illegal income through being awarded the 2009 Nuremberg International Human Rights Award, interviews with foreign media about his clients’ cases, and Co-founding the Center for Human Rights Defenders.
Soltani was initially sentenced to 18 years imprisonment and a 20 years ban from practicing law. His sentence was later overturned and reduced to 13 years imprisonment.
Following is translation of Mr. Soltani’s Norooz message:

“They may close your eyes, ears and mouth, but never will they be able to enchain your thoughts. So bread the bird of liberty with such pure and creative minds that it becomes so strong that it throws down and shatters the hour-glass of the life of the demon of ignorance and darkness, and tears apart the ropes and chains of the worshipers of the darkness.
May your minds be joyful and ever green, your souls cheerful, your hearts filled with love and happiness, and your arms filled with strength for building a better future.”
Happy Norooz 1392

Maede Soltani, who lives in Germany: “My father was told that his sentence would be reduced (further) if he would apologize and speak out against Ms. Ebadi in an open letter or an interview,” Maede Soltani said. “He declined.” June 13, 2012 – By Associated Press BERLIN

Abdolfattah Soltani, a prominent human rights lawyer, was arrested on September 10, 2011. On January 8, 2012, Branch 26 of Tehran Revolutionary Court under Judge Pirabbasi sentenced him to 18 years in prison, exile to Borazjan, and 20 years’ ban on his legal practice on charges of “being awarded the [2009] Nuremberg International Human Rights Award,” “interviewing with media about his clients’ cases,” and “co-founding the Center for Human Rights Defenders.”

Read more: http://www.persianicons.org/human-right/inspiring-norooz-message-from-imprisoned-rights-attorney-abdolfatah-soltani/#ixzz2OUR9sVRO

Thought 4 the Week: 10 Life Lessons from John Wooden | All Pro Dad

As the first day of spring is before us, some very timely "food 4 thought" 2 reflect upon:

10 Life Lessons from John Wooden | All Pro Dad

View of the Week: Reflections Upon Our World

As I write right now, I am watching the coverage of the inauguration of Pope Francis.   I was struck by its' sense of simplicity and yet a sense of hope.   He invoked the word "Esperanza" a number of times and reminded the whole World about having a sense of goodness and tenderness for all.    There needs to be a sense of simplicity and a sense of forgiveness that needs to be the order of the day.     There was a sense of not being afraid.     

As I understand it, the Pope chose the day of the Feast day  of St. Joseph for his inauguration.  Despite the majesty of the moment, I was struck by how simple it all was.   To me, this is critical as a new era begins for the Catholics around the World.  Pope Francis does take over a church that has some profound challenges before it.   I also understand that he's already made his first major decision not to permanently appoint the Senior Leadership of the Curia and allow the existing leadership to serve until he makes determinations.     It shows that he intends to make profound changes in how the Church.   He's now officially the 266th Pope.

Beyond this transformation, though, today is also another grim anniversary:  10 years ago today George W. Bush launched the invasion of Iraq.     The opposition to the war in Iraq was the impetus for me to launch Outsiders.    I was especially struck by the sheer nerve that Tony Blair had when he talked about "no regrets".     I wonder what answers he has for the orphans of Iraq.  I wonder what response he has for all the British and American brave men and women who took up the call to serve and will never be the same.    I wonder what he, George W. Bush, Jose Maria Anzar and the rest of the leadership who made the fateful decision to go into Iraq will now say.       This is as Iraq is no more--and is only a country in name only and broken.     Joe Scaraborough, on Morning Joe, asked whether Iraqis are better off than they were.    David Iganaius talked about the legacy of George W. Bush and how 'Stable" Iraq became.   I reject that assertion because it is not supported by the facts on the ground.     The Iranians won the peace and the The Turks have won the Economic War.      After 4500 death, 30,000 injured, 3 Trillion Dollars of direct costs and trillions of indirect cost, was it worth it?   The answer is no.    Richard Haas says something very clearly:   Understand local realities and respect them.    I wonder if George W. Bush understands it now.  I was shocked when I heard Bob Woodward talked about the fact George W. Bush did not even bother to ask either Collin Powell or Donald Rumsfield actually thought about whether they should go to War because he said, "I know what they thought".   Really?     

What is critical to observe in all of this is the current debate on Iran.   Barack Obama has gone on to Israel for a State Visit.     As he geared up for his State Visit, he talked about how "all options were on the table":  http://t.co/EgnDlnTJxo.     Iran is faced with a Presidential Election as it also continues to deal with profound economic challenges.   It has, interestingly enough, continued to flex its' military muscle in a major way too by the deployment of its' Second Domestically Built Destroyer in the Caspian Sea and developing its' military capabilities.       Iran is also going to be "going dark" for about two weeks as it celebrates the new year.   Hopefully there will no profound "surprises" for at least two weeks before the elections seasons begin.   

Beyond the immediate, there is also the on-going challenges in Europe.   As I also write this, Cyprus is in the midst of a Banking Holiday.   The European Union has approved a 13 Billion Dollar Rescue Plan.   The only way the rescue plan is going to work is to have a one time 6% tax on people's savings.  The people made runs on the banks which forced the Government of Cyprus to shut the banks as they try to figure out a different way to do this.  What is clear is that if Cyprus falls, other dominoes will fall as well.    

I have also been continuing my assessment of China.   China finished its' once in a decade leadership transition.  The New President talked about a  a sense of renewal as the new Premier of the State Council (Cabinet) reiterated its' commitment to austerity and Democracy and by leading by example.

As I conclude this latest "outsiders" snapshot, I wonder about legislation on Gun Control.   It appears that all the hope that I had after the Newton Tragedy for some source of Gun Control Legislation will be in vain.    The Assault Weapons Ban will apparently not be part of any legislation at all.  Even if something passes through the US Senate, it will die in the House.     It will be simply tragic.

A Challenging World....but ever more hopeful as Spring arrives!!!

Also released to http://www.outsiderviews.com  retrieved 3/19/2013

An Irish Blessing 4 All On this St. Patrick's Day...

As this day begins, I wanted to begin this day as I see the birds fly and I continue to be thankful for all the blessings I have in this World.   Spring is also in the Air.....and a chance for us all and for nature to begin anew--may we continue to ever more hopeful:

May flowers always line your path and sunshine light your day.

May songbirds serenade you every step along the way.

May a rainbow run beside you in a sky that's always blue.

And may happiness fill your heart each day your whole life through.

- Traditional Irish Blessing

May love and laughter light your days, and warm your heart and home.

May good and faithful friends be yours, wherever you may roam.

May peace and plenty bless your world with joy that long endures.

May all life's passing seasons bring the best to you and yours.

- Irish Blessing

May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind be ever at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face and the rain fall softly on your fields.

And until we meet again, May God hold you in the hollow of his hand.

- Irish Blessing

May God grant you always...

A sunbeam to warm you,

a moonbeam to charm you,

a sheltering Angel so nothing can harm you.

Laughter to you.

Faithful friends near you.

And whenever you pray,

Heaven to hear you.

- Irish Blessing 

Paid in Full

Paid in Full

Reflecting Upon Our World.....

I am still trying to catch my breath!!

The headlines over the past 24 hours have been focused on the election of a new Pope for the 1.2 Billion Catholics of our Mother Earth. He is from Argentina and has taken the name Francis after St. Francis of Assisi. There have been a lot of discussions around his election and how he's broken a lot of precedence. As I write this, he has begun his first day of work as the Supreme Pontiff and the Bishop of Rome by spending time in private prayer.

I have done some brief reading on him. He has been quite a contradiction. Someone who has given up the luxuries of his office to be close to the people would be quite a change. It will be interesting to see in what way the evolution will begin.


I have also been assessing the aftermath of Hugo Chavez' death. Venezuela will have an election within the next 30 days. I have been, at times, disappointed about Chavez and have commented on it here in "outsiders". I will admit that I will miss his outbursts. Despite whatever the differences, I would note that he was re-elected with wide margins during three elections. He had become increasingly autocratic and his policies will cause profound challenges for the Country for years to come. Venezuela matters because it sits atop the largest known Oil Reserve in the World.

Beyond Venezuela, there is China. The leadership transition has been finalized. What happens in China matters because it is 20% of our Mother Earth. It has profound Economic Challenges despite its' massive headway over the 10 years Hu Jianto was President. I will never forget how he and his Prime Minister spent their days deep underground with the miners. I will never forget how Premier Wen was on the plane no sooner than 2 hours after the big Earthquake to take personal charge--working non-stop. They were an interesting team to observe and study. The new President, a Princeling, is one that has committed to transform China by combating Corruption. There is no choice because the Communist Party has to make sure it justifies its' existence. China has arrived--and the World is taking notice.

Although there is a sense of spiritual transformation at hand, the people on the street in Europe are suffering ever more. One development I would be observing is how austerity will continue to work. The austerity plan in the UK is one example of where the people are increasingly turning against the Government. The Conservatives are not that popular and have already lost a number of by-elections. The coalition has so far survived--but for how long is a major question.

Also released to http://www.outsiderviews.com, March 2013

Never Forgetting One's Value.....

A Tribute to NASA’s History

A few minutes ago, I just saw the International Space Station Pass over my local town with its' light shinning in a beautiful day.    Despite the "earthly challenges", I continue to be amazed by what humans can still achieve to ovecome the impossible as this tribute clearly shows (thanks to the All Pro Dad team):

A Tribute to NASA’s History

Will People Remember?

Will we embrace, understand, evolve and emerge better?

I wonder....Grateful for this by the DreamthisDay.com team that reinforces what we need to remember:

Onward to the new week.!!!

Beginning a New & Challenging Week....

I am beginning what is promised to be a very challenging week before me.      I begin with this very timely reminder about the true art of the possible--the rules of life:

A "Thought 4 the Week-End".....

A "thought 4 the week" and remember why we live.....and what to be thankful 4!!!

I will greet this day with love in my heart.

And how will I do this?

Henceforth will I look on all things with love and be born again.

I will love the sun for it warms my bones;

yet I will love the rain for it cleanses my spirit.

I will love the light for it shows me the way;

yet I will love the darkness for it shows me the stars.

I will welcome happiness as it enlarges my heart;

yet I will endure sadness for it opens my soul.

I will acknowledge rewards for they are my due;

yet I will welcome obstacles for they are my challenge.

- Og Mandino

On the Canvas of Life

The sequester in Washington has taken hold.  I have been assessing reports of Navy Ships delayed, furloughs and other steps that has been taken.  It is a shame to run a Government.      I thought about this admonition by Abraham Lincoln:

“I am not bound to win but I am bound to be true.

I am not bound to succeed,
but I am bound to live by the light that I have.
I must stand with anybody that stands right,
and stand with him while he is right,
and part with him when he goes wrong.

~ Abraham Lincoln

Where is Lincoln now?   When can the leadings lights of our Country remember to Govern?

Thought 4 the Week: Courage Doesn't Always Roar Movie

The need to remain enthusiastic and look for a better tomorrow despite the challenges of today is part of the evolution of life.     I was reading about this excerpt that the  Middle Eastern Scholar Sheda Vasseghi noted in a recent Facebook posting she did: 

"... Zoroaster reminds us: 'Nobody grows old merely by living a number of years. People grow old by deserting their ideals. Years wrinkle the skin, but giving up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul. Worry, doubt, self distrust, fear, and despair—these are the long years that bow the head and turn the growing spirit back to dust. You are as young as your faith and as old as your doubts; as young as your self-confidence, as old as your fear; as young as your hope, as old as your despair.'"

~ excerpt from “To Reach Even unto You” (1980) by James E. Faust, 

The need to reach deep within oneself is something that is part of life..and the need to remain courageous despite the challenges.    I was reflecting on it today as a friend reached out to share his current predicament as to how he is dealing with losing his Wife to Cancer.    I could not find the words--only to comfort him to strengthen his sense of faith.   It is not easy to keep that focus during the "heat and passion" of the moment--but there is no other way:   Courage Doesn't Always Roar Movie

Onward to March 2013....May the almighty bless and help the less fortunate, heal the broken hearts, grant solace to all who have lost loved ones and heal the sick.

Celebrating Life.....Despite the challenges....

It has been a very challenging 2013 on all fronts.    Yet, somehow, I continue to be sustained by a sense of hope.    The Sufi Poet Rumi said it best on this sense when he reminded us:

The Friend has come! 

My sun and Moon, my sight and hearing

that Beauty suddenly appeared by my side.

The one who was always in my thoughts

for whom I've searched so long

has come to me with open arms 

laying flowers on my path.

My deepest wish has been granted.

What can I fear when my shield

my water of life has come ?

Today is a day of Glory!

Today I am like Solomon

with the ring of abundance on my finger

and the divine crown on my head.

I can fly for he has given me wings

I can roar like a lion, I can rise like dawn.

No more verses

for I am taken to a place from where 

this world seems so small. .  

 

As a New Week Dawns...Some Brief Reflections.....

A new week full of challenges is before us all,  yet again.     As the daily debates over sequestration, guns & wars continue onward,   I was thinking about the purpose of life and sometimes wondered about where the "big break" is going to come for us as individuals and our World.    I remembered this admonition that is so crucial to a heart-filled, responsible and yes, happy life:

I also thought about the "when" in a break..and the fact that one has to keep going is so vital:

I think everyday is our day..if we decide to make it so--sometimes one wonders whether one worries about finances, one's job and others.    The key is to keep trying and keep pushing along--and to paraphrase Dr. King, keep crawling if there is no option left.     

What also gives me hope is such stories that underscores a sense of humanity is very much out there for all.  Our World and we as humans are all better for it:

Onward to the new week with all its' possibilities!!!

A "Thought 4 the Week" For us All To Remember...

The key to a selfless life!!!
:-)

JFK50: Let the Word Go Forth

Today is President's Day in the United States.   I caught this on the Last Word w/Lawrence O' Donnell.   He talked about whether people would cry or not...I admit I did...about we have to step up and really work to make a difference.     I pray that I am granted the strength to do so as we remember all those souls who took on the mantle of the Presidency of the United States.

10 Leadership Lessons from George Washington | All Pro Dad

A "lesson" 4 all: 10 Leadership Lessons from George Washington | All Pro Dad