On Egypt: Brief Notations 4 the Day

Egypt continues to be on the edge.    I have just reviewed a report from the UN noting that the country only has two months of Wheat supplies left.   Beyond that, there is the continued political challenges.   The country has become a pawn in the game of chess between the big four in the Middle East: Qatar, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.    This is as it has been revealed that the United States apparently worked to undermine Morsi: Exclusive: US bankrolled anti-Morsi activists - Features - Al Jazeera English

Morsi's profound oversights are well-known.   It is part of the tragedy of Egypt as it evolves right now.

What will happen to the "ordinary faces" on the street?

On the Dawn of a New Day...

The World Today has been as dangerous as ever.   Syria continues to burn, Lebanon was subject to an attack in the heart of its' Capital, Egypt continues to be on the edge of the abyss and other countries around the World continue to struggle with the most basic of rights.

It is not easy to be "Happy" or "hopeful" as I have been making the "rounds".   I could not help but be thankful  for this I saw on the Foundation for Better Life's Facebook page especially as Ramadan Begins for over a billion Muslims around the World:

Ramadan Kareen to all Muslims around the World.

"Thoughts" 4 the Day

Laugh when you can, apologize when you should, and let go of what you can't change. Life's too short to be anything... but happy. - Anonymous Three grand essentials to happiness in this life are something to do, something to love, and something to hope for. - Joseph Addison

Wow!!

Congratulations to Al Jazeera for uncoverin this bombshell that underscore how failed a State Pakistan is

Leaked report shows Bin Laden's 'hidden life' - Central & South Asia - Al Jazeera English

Daily Notations 4 the Day (7/8/2013)

• The new week has begun.      As I look to a new week before me, I had promised myself to stay off the "Social Grid" for the week.  But, I could not help myself due to the profound need to be aware and stay engaged with the on-going developmental work for "Outsiders". The World, though, remains ever more dangerous and unpredictable.  
  
  But, the highlight of my "rounds" for the AM were these "thoughts 4 the day"...the admonitions shared below are so critical for a solid understanding of the human condition--it is just beyond words.   I was reminded of this very fact as I met with one of the key mentors whom I have come to truly respect.   This is a man who has a mother who is ill, a brother who is ill,  who has a myriad of business interests around the World that he manages--and yet he takes the time to work on serving the community.    It is such men that insures that a sense of hope is before us to make this World a better place despite all the hatred, jealousy and hyprocacy around:
  
  

  • 
    

    Positively Positive

    Beginning today, treat everyone you meet as if they were going to be dead by midnight. Extend to them all the care, kindness and understanding you can muster, and do it with no thought of any reward. Your life will never be the same again.
    — Og Mandino

    
    

    Options
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    Saadi

    Fights, arguments, and disagreements
    are all a part of relationships.
    Those who don't fight through these obstacles
    were never meant to be together in the first place.

    
    

  
  

Daily Reflections as a New Week is Before Us

A new work week is upon us.   This is as the World continues to be ever more dangerous and frankly depressing at times.    Egypt continues to be on the edge of the abyss.   People continue to die daily in Syria.    The most horrific thing I saw in making the "rounds" was when I saw a 20 year old Referee beheaded after he (the referee) stabbed a player who refused to leave the field in Brazil.    This is just one example of how the World has become ever more violent.   55,000 people lost their lives in Brazil last year.

Will we remember to live up to Rumi's admonition or not?  I wonder:

“Without love,
all worship is a burden,
all dancing is a chore,
all music is mere noise.
All the rain of heaven may fall into the sea.
Without love,
not one drop could become a pearl.”
— Rumi♥

Onward 2 the Week-End w/this "Admontion" From the Great Rumi

It has been a tough week.  But we have to look ahead.  Rumi's admonition is as timely as ever:

Do not look back,

No one knows how the world ever began.

Do not fear the future, Nothing lasts forever.

If you dwell on the past or future,

You will miss the moment.

Making the "Virtual Rounds": Daily Thoughts 4 the Day & A V-Thought 4 the Week-End

I have been making the Social Media Rounds for the weekend.  This is as I am watching history continues to be made in Egypt.    Marwan Bashara, the Great Al Jazeera Analyst, talked about how Egypt's 2011 revolution has yet to run its' course.   The country is polarized.  People have been killed.  The Anti-Morsi folks have noted that this has been an impeachment.   The Muslim Brotherhood has begun its' major push as its' Guide General (who was reportedly under arrest) spoke earlier. But, Bashara noted what about next time?  For now, the power is with the Generals.   I also am with Bashara in that bringing Morsi back is not the solution anymore.

Egypt, though, is emblematic of the power around the World as the entire World is aroused ever more.  It is not easy to be hopeful and motivated.  But there is no other choice as this "V-Thought" for the week truly indicates: Motivational Quotes

The Chinese always say for us all to live in interesting times.    We indeed are.   Power to the people!! :-)

Thought 4 the Week

Be Impeccable With Your Word.

Speak with integrity.

Say only what you mean.

Avoid using your word to speak against yourself

or to gossip about others.

Use the power of your word

in the direction of truth and love.

- don Miguel Ruiz 

Personal Reflections on Independence Day 2013

Today was a beautiful day.   For me it was special because I had a chance to once again join the City of Laguna Niguel's 24th Annual Run in the Park.  I was there with a contingent of Scouts and Scouters who helped to staff the event by serving breakfast, by collecting trash and simply there to make a difference.  It was just a beautiful day.

I also had a chance to spend time with family as it was my Father's Birthday.   I hosted my immediate family as my Son and his beautiful Mother were away on vacation in Hawaii.     As America celebrated its' day on July 4, our Scoutmaster sent out this beautiful admonition on what's important that all Scouts and Citizens must always remember...an very crucial remembrance of all that is important and is the essence of America:

On Independence Day we celebrate;

We celebrate the trust our nation’s first leaders invested in one another.

We celebrate loyalty they mutually pledged: their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor.

We celebrate the helpfulness of those who aided our fledgling country.

We celebrate friendship born in service and devotion to the aims of liberty.

We celebrate courtesy, the civility that both values our own ideals and treats those of others with respect.

We celebrate kindness our nation extends to welcome those seeking refuge and hope.

We celebrate our obedience to the laws of our nation, among which are those laws that allow us to challenge the law itself an orderly manner.

We celebrate cheerfully knowing that a nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal has long endured.

We celebrate the thrift, prudence and providence that have carried us forward.

We celebrate the bravery of millions who have defended our independence in word and deed.

We celebrate the clean, clear potential inherent in every citizen.

We celebrate reverently, honoring the many traditions of faith that live peacefully together.

We reaffirm our duty to country, to engender cooperation in seeking the common good and to uphold the dignity of individual independence.

We don’t ignore our differences but recognize the strength diversity brings to the foundation of our nation.

The sense of mutual respect and admiration for all is the essence of scouting and its' character building legacy that is part and parcel of what America's ideals represent.    It seems as if, at times, in the political discourse at the time it is forgotten.

Americans must also continue to remember the ugly legacy of slavery and how it continues to play a profound part as America changes and its' demographics are changing in ways that is yet to be realized.    I was thinking about this as I made the rounds in Facebook and saw this from the Zinn Education Project about the speech by the great Frederick Douglas

What, to the American slave, is your 4th of July? I answer; a day that reveals to him, more than all other days in the year, the gross injustice and cruelty to which he is the constant victim. To him, your celebration is a sham; your boasted liberty, an unholy license; your national greatness, swelling vanity; your sound of rejoicing are empty and heartless; your denunciation of tyrants brass fronted impudence; your shout of liberty and equality, hollow mockery; your prayers and hymns, your sermons and thanks-givings, with all your religious parade and solemnity, are to him, mere bombast, fraud, deception, impiety, and hypocrisy—a thin veil to cover up crimes which would disgrace a nation of savages. There is not a nation on the earth guilty of practices more shocking and bloody than are the people of the United States, at this very hour.” Listen to Danny Glover read a portion of Frederick Douglass's speech as part of Howard Zinn's The People Speak series here:http://bit.ly/14Vv2d5 and find link to full speech.

The question is whether America has changed--as the Supreme Court has told us it has or not.   I wonder.   There is also this article that appeared in the July 3rd edition of the Washington Post that has some hard truths that all should take account: The American Revolution...A Lot of Questions Still.....   As I read through this article, the one comment from Jefferson struck me especially that some in the Conservative Movement especially seem to have forgotten today.

The quest for a more Perfect Union Continues ever more--as America begins its' 238th Year as an Independent Nation.

Happy B-Day America!!

As America celebrates, I wanted to share this from Justice Brandeis that all persons striving for liberty must never forget.  I wish all friends in the US and around the World a wonderful 4th of July!! :-)

Reflecting Upon a Very Interesting Few Days...

What has happened in Egypt is nothing less than extra-ordinary. Mohammad Morsii has been deposed by the Egyptian Military and has been replaced by the head of the Judiciary in Egypt. What I found ironic was that he was a man appointed by Morsi i and had just taken office within the past week. Morsi was deposed by a Defense Minister who was also an appointee of his.

Over the past 24 hours, pundits throughout the World have been deliberating the "why" and the "how" it all came to this. What was clear was that Egypt was on the brink and as Borzou Darghani of the Financial Times noted, Morsi was the wrong man for the wrong job at the wrong time. The economic collapse and the deterioration of law and order was the beginning of the end. Morsi made some bold moves and I noted this throughout my comments throughout his one year in Office. But his increasingly dictatorial tendencies and lack of regard for the will of the people caused the hard fought gains of the Muslim Brotherhood to be withered away by a broad coalition that ultimately led to the Coup. I agree with Al Sisi's statement that Mosri's final speech was not helpful at all. 

The speech by Al Sisi, the head of the armed forces, was quite powerful in that it featured all key religious and political leaders--including Mohammad El Baradei, the former head of the IAEA who emerged as a key opposition leader and was appointed by the movement of the young who began a petition drive that culminated in some 22 Million People signing a petition for the President to resign. 

As I write this, President Mosri and key aides have been detained by the Army. I saw an unconfirmed clip that depicted the now ex-President being detained by security forces. What is crucial to recognize is how Egypt continues to be a pivotal player. It is the preeminent seat of Islamic thinking. It is the largest nation in the Middle East and has profound potentials. Unfortunately, though, she is looking to at least one more year of turmoil before a semblance of stability is recognized. I did laugh when I saw reports of Bashar Assad and the King of Saudi Arabia congratulating the new Interim President of Egypt. 

Beyond Egypt, I have been assessing the situation in Europe. I have been especially concerned about the situation in Portugal. Portugal's government is about to collapse after a number of key ministers submitted their resignations to protest against future cuts which again has brought the viability of the Euro into question. This is as France and Spain continue to also deal with profound economic challenges with no apparent end in sight. 

There are also three key hot spots around the World that must not be forgotten: Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan. Hundreds have lost their lives in Iraq. Pakistan just suffered the latest in a series of drone strikes despite protests again from the new Pakistani Government. As for Afghanistan, the Taliban are continuing their spring offensive. This is as a very insightful report recently documented the infighting within the Karzai clan as the jockeying has begun to replace Hamid Karzai as his term ends next year. 

The World is as eventful as ever--and ever more fascinating. This is also a day, though, that America celebrates its' independence and communities throughout the country will celebrate it with fireworks and parades. 

Happy Birthday America!!!

Not Forgetting.......

“What counts in life
is not the mere fact that we have lived.
It is what difference we have made
to the lives of others
that will determine
the significance of the life we lead.”
~ Nelson Mandela

July 2013 Has Begun: Some Brief Personal Thoughts

The new month and the new quarter has started with a "bang".    The position of President Morsi in Egypt is precarious at best as the Egyptian Army has intervened and given everyone 48 hours to intervene or else.    In the US State of Arizona, 19 fire fighters have lost their lives as the Western Half of the US continues to deal with temperatures that are over 100 degrees.  

I also begin this month here in this that started this "Virtual Labor of Love" by remembering all who have paid the price for freedom and democracy.   This is Canada celebrates its' day today and America is about to celebrate its' day later on July 4.   It is also fitting to remember this admonition from Madiba as he reminded us all “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived.  It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.” ...I pray that that the almighty grants me this privilege to do my small part.  I wish all my brothers and sisters around the World the same.  :-)

I leave all w/this clip from Keiko Matsui's New Album, Soul Quest.   Enjoy and make it a great week:

A "Thought 4 the Week" As a New Month Begins.....

As I pray for this every day, I also was reminded--thanks to the daily thoughts from Jonathan Luckwood Huie--that as Hellen Keller said, "....As selfishness and complaint pervert and cloud the mind,
so love with its joy clears and sharpens the vision.".    I pray daily to do what I can to make a difference.

Onward to the new quarter..wishing all the very best..and looking forward to the very essence of better days:

Do we care enough about animals? - South 2 North - Al Jazeera English

I am working on winding down the quarter and gearing up for the new quarter before us while listening to this very scary show.    I was on "Social Media" earlier to share this to underscore what we must do.  I could not help but wonder whether we have the courage--a "Bee Hotel!!" :-)

Do we care enough about animals? - South 2 North - Al Jazeera English

Remembering All Who Are On the March 4 Freedom.....

Thank you to the Economist' KAL who, as ever, brilliantly depicts the true sentiments of the way it is..and how People around the World have arisen to demand basic human rights.   Two people have lost their lives in Egyptian Protests as I write this retrospective.

I salute all these brave souls.   They are living up to the admonitions of these great thinkers about how a better life can be possible:

Inaction breeds doubt and fear.

Action breeds confidence and courage.

If you want to conquer fear,

do not sit home and think about it.

Go out and get busy.

- Dale Carnegie

There are risks and costs to action.

But they are far less than the long range

risks of comfortable inaction.

- John F. Kennedy

Iron rusts from disuse;

water loses its purity from stagnation...

even so does inaction sap the vigor of the mind.

- Leonardo da Vinci

On "Outsiders", Our World..and Remembering Madiba

As I work to "wind down" the Quarter, it has been a very interesting and challenging one.

It was five years ago this month that what has ultimately evolved into "Outsiders" now residing @ http://www.outsiderviews.com was launched.    I decided to go dark to think about the second half of the year.  But the first six months of the year has been quite remarkable.

Throughout the year, I wrote about Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan and the BRICS countries.     As I decided to go "dark", I saw a change of Government in Australia which was quite shocking.  I wrote about it when I noted that "what goes around, comes around".     Kevin Rudd made some bold moves when he was first Prime Minister.  I wonder if he's able to pull it off a second time to avoid a defeat at the Polls.  The United States Supreme Court also made history with the decisions it handed down both on Voting Rights and the rights of same sex couples.    It has been, needless to say, quite fun to be "Witness to History".

As I finish this "final retrospective" for the quarter, I was also listening to an interview with Winnie Mandela, the former wife of Nelson Mandela.   Madiba and his family has been in my thoughts and prayers and his moral courage is an inspiration to all.   One of his key thoughts has continued to inspire me that I wanted to end this retrospective on:

The greatest glory in living lies not in  never falling, but in rising every time  we fall.

The Need to be Strong...A "thought 4 the week (II).......

A "Thought 4 the Week" As the New Week Dawns...

As I am gearing up for the new week, I was making the "rounds" in the World Town Square, "Facebook".   I was pleased to see reports that Nasrin Soutodeh, the Iranain Lawyer and Human Rights Activist,  was free, caught up w/some deal friends and shared thoughts and ideas throughout.   But, when I saw this, I was speechless.  May we continue to be blessed with such wisdom...

Onward to the New Work Week........