I spent the day reflecting. I saw two great Movies: Mandela Son of Africa & In My Country. They were both focused on South Africa and what Madiba did to transform a country torn by hatred and brought them all together in a spirit of peace and reconciliation. Everyone has to learn from one another. I could not help but remember these admontions as I have had the good fortune to be witness to it:
Let us touch the dying, the poor,
the lonely and the unwanted
according to the graces we have received
and let us not be ashamed
or slow to do the humble work.
- Mother Teresa
We must be ready to learn from one another,
not claiming that we alone possess all truth
and that somehow we have a corner on God.
- Archbishop Desmond Tutu
As I continue onward, I pray that the almighty continues to grant me the privilege and goof fortune to have an open mind, to serve and to do my small part to make a difference despite all that goes on in the World.
It is not easy to be hopeful as I assessed the World over the past week for "outsiders".
The Muslim Holy Month of Ramadan was a violent month in Iraq and Syria. Just on the last day of Eid-Ftr, some 69 people died in car bombs throughout Iraq. I have seen estimates of between 600-1000 people having lost their lives during the Month of July in Iraq. Maliki appears to be totally inept in trying to stem the tide of violence. All he seems to be interested in is power and more power for himself and his cronies in Government.
What I found especially sickening was a story in Al-Monitor that documented the rise of a dysfunctional elite as the ordinary man and woman tries to survive in a Country that has at best 12 Hours of Electricity a Day and simple basic daily supplies are hard to come by. I was shell-shocked by the story of the prostitute in Iraq and how she had turned into an alchoholic with no hope at the age of 23.
As the carnage continues onward in Iraq, Iraqi Kurdistan seems to be an oasis of stability. It has its' own share of profound challenges for sure. For all intent and purpose, it has been an independent state onto itself with its' own Army and Police Force and the independent agreements it has made for Oil Exploration. This aggressive stance was underscored when Barzani came out noting that he would intervene to support the Syrian Kurds against the onslaught by Al-Qaeda Affiliated fighters who have been fighting in Syria as Syria continues to burn.
As for Iran, a new President has taken office and so far he's been making some very interesting moves starting with the make-up of his Cabinet. He submitted it as he took the oath of office before Parliament. The country's economic challengs continue onward though. I remain hopeful that some transformation may be before us as Rohani's Government takes shape. One very interesting directive was from Rohani's new First Vice President when he put a freeze on new Government hiring. I have to wonder whether the hopeful signs and the right rhetoric will actually translate into concerte action that the people are looking for. Sanctions are hurting ordinary Iranians in major ways. I review reports daily coming out of Iran of people dying because of no medicine and other calamities. But, Israel is continuing of its' Anti-Iran campaign as epitomized by this statement from the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met owith a delegation of pro-Israel activists headed by US Rep. James Sensenbrenner (R-WI).
At the start of the meeting the Prime Minister said: "I know that some place their hopes on Iran's new president. He knows how to exploit this and yesterday he called for more talks. Of course he wants more talks. He wants to talk and talk and talk. And while everybody is busy talking to him, he'll be busy enriching uranium. The centrifuges will keep on spinning.
This isn't a secret. The new Iranian president boasts that that is his strategy. He says, 'I talk and I smile and I enrich uranium'. This is unfortunately going on as we speak.
Iran's work and quest towards the achievement of atomic weapons not only continues, it continues unabated - it's actually accelerated. And they're also pursuing, as was recently reported, an alternative route to the enrichment of uranium, which is the plutogenic, the plutonium route, simultaneously. So the situation unhappily is not getting any better; it's actually getting worse. Iran is determined to get the bomb and we must be even more determined to prevent them from getting it."
Egypt and Palestine have also been in the news. I was gratified when John McCain basically called a "Spade" a "Spade" when he noted that what happened in Egypt was a Coup. Juan Cole documented the very concerns about John McCain and Lindsay Graham's Stance on this very fact, though. I also am at a loss to explain why President Obama sent those two anyway. Why he did not choose someone like Keith Ellison is something I don't understand. As a Muslim, Keith Ellison would have been able to talk to Adly Mansour and the rest of the leadership with a crediblity that was clearly lacking with Senator McCain and Senator Graham. The Economist' KAL, though, captured the essence of the Coup that everyone seems to understand except The State Department in Washington:
As Egypt burns, there is also Palestine. Peace Talks have begun again under the auspices of the United States. I have to wonder what is there to negotiate. Area C is exempt and settlements continue with no end in sight.. Although Secretary Kerry's efforts are commendable, there is no viable state and no viable peace process. How will a new nation be created out of the current reality that is out there here and now:
Although I want to be hopeful, what is before us in the Middle East remains ever more challenging as ever. Also released to http//www.outsiderviews.com 08/11/2013
May the sun bring you new energy by day! May the moon softly restore you by night! May the rain wash away your worries! May the breeze blow new strength into your being! May you walk gently through the world! And know its beauty all the days of your life! & remember to:
“Let us endeavor so to live that when we come to die even the undertaker will be sorry.” Mark Twain (1835–1910) American writer
It has been another challenging , yet fascinating week around our World. What Professor Dabashi from Columbia has written on Iran and the broader Middle East and the World is one of those "Must-Reads" as the World comes to grips with the ever changing landscape as Syria is destroyed, Egypt burns and the rest of the Middle East continues to be on the edge of the abyss:
What must be realized, though, is that Iran has its' share of profound challenges which has been brought up to a large extent by the sanctions. The question is whether Rouhani who will take office as of Sunday will be able to move very quickly to change things. His tone has been "interesting". How it translates into action is the sixty four thousand dollar question.
A Vision of the Possible: Thought 4 the Week: The essence of this site is epitomized by this "thought 4 the week": The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expec...
“A couple of kind words can not only make a person’s day, but earn you a friend and supporter for life. For the rest of the week, whenever you see someone you want to judge negatively, pay them a compliment instead. See what happens.”
The past 10 days has been, yet again, quite challenging around our World.
I begin this retrospective with some good news. John Kerry, the US
Secretary of State, has been able to bring the Palestinians and Israelis
back to the negotiating table. We have been here before, though. I
am not sure what will be different this time. However, the fact that
they are talking is something in fact that should be celebrated.
Hopefully it is not talking about talking. What is clear is that both
sides are severely hampered by their own internal political challenges as
exemplified by Hamas in Gaza and the settler community in Israel.
Beyond Israel and Palestine, there is Egypt. Sisi, the Defense
Minister and defacto ruler of the Country, asked for a "mandate" from
the people to help root out terrorists. Masses came out this past
Friday and the punditry declared that the end of political Islam was at
hand. Morsi, in the meantime, has been accused by Egyptian State
Prosecutors of collaboration with Hamas. This is as the Interior
Minister has threatened the Muslim Brotherhood sit-in at Nasser City
with expulsion. The street politics that has characterized the
events of the past few weeks will continue to serve as a challenge to
Egypt as it figures out where it wants to be. It is quite ironic that
the man picked by Morsi was the man that overthrew him.
I have also been assessing Japan. Prime Minister Abe's win was quite am
amazing feat that hopefully will give Japan a measure of Stability it
has not had in quite some time. However, I continue to be concerned
about the assertive military stance taken by Japan by discussing the
creation of a Marine Force and an active conversation about rejecting
pacifism. The Prime Minister did say that he is for dialogue. Where
that goes is an open question that we will work to explore further here.
The country formerly known as Syria continues to burn. Jordan is
hosting the 5th Largest City in Syria. Over 100,000 people have died
and Assad has apparently gained clearly the upper hand. The Kurds
seem to have carved out their own "conclave" to at least protect their
own population. The World, in the meantime, stays silent. Iraq, in
the meantime, continues to drift ever closer to civil war with its'
daily killings especially during the Muslim Holy Month of Ramadan.
3,000 people have been killed over the past 4 months alone.
In the Americas, though, there has been one highlight: World Youth Day.
Pope Francis was in Brazil to attend a very festive World Youth Day
and it was joyous. Whether it helps to resurrect the Catholic Church
remains to be seen. What is clear is that Pope Francis seems to
understand the realities that other Catholic Leaders seem not to have
recognized up to now.
A challenging World that never seizes to amaze..I only hope that we in Outsiders continue to live up to this admonition:
I believe that one defines oneself by reinvention.
To not be like your parents.
To not be like your friends.
To be yourself.
To cut yourself out of stone.”
~ Henry Rollins
Onward & Upward....
Also released to "http://www.outsiderviews.com" 07/29/2013
It has been an interesting week. The world was focused on the birth of the Royal Baby as the country formerly known as Syria burned, people in Iraq died daily and the war in Afghanistan raged on. This is as the headline in the US was on another transgression by Anthony Weiner. Homa Abedin is a strong woman to have forgiven him for as she has. I can't understand why a man even allows his woman to be in such a position is beyond me and to allow her woman to be disgraced.
As the week continues onward, I took comfort in this from the Great Rumi:
I regard not the outside and the words,
I regard the inside and the state of the heart.
I look at the heart if it be humble,
Though the words may be the reverse of humble.
Because the heart is substance, and words accidents,
Accidents are only a means, substance is the final cause.
How long will thou dwell on words and superficialities?
A burning heart is what I want; consort with burning!
Kindle in the heart the flame of love,
And burn up utterly thoughts and fine expressions.
As I begin a new work week, I was needless to say, inspired. When One Dollar can make such a profound difference--anything is possible. The question is one of courage and recognition of it all:
Change For A Dollar Movie: Is he asking for Change, or is he asking for CHANGE? Follow a man as he affects multiple peoples' lives with just one dollar, proving that it doesn't take much to be the change in someone's life. Written and directed by Sharon Wright. Onward and upward.....
As I begin a new work week, I was needless to say, inspired. When One Dollar can make such a profound difference--anything is possible. The question is one of courage and recognition of it all:
Change For A Dollar Movie: Is he asking for Change, or is he asking for CHANGE? Follow a man as he affects multiple peoples' lives with just one dollar, proving that it doesn't take much to be the change in someone's life. Written and directed by Sharon Wright. Onward and upward.....
I was making the "rounds" in Facebook to see what friends were doing, how their vacations were going and see if there were any late breaking developments as I gear up for a work day of talks. This was as I saw Doyle McManus' piece in the LA Times about how bad things are in Europe and how we in the United States have it good despite the political gridlock.
I was reflecting upon the predicament of the World as I have worked to develop "Outsiders" further. I suppose there is a need to remember some of the key teachings of faith--including this one I ran across as I made the "Virtual Rounds". There is a sense of maturity that is needed around us here and now for sure. Suffism's teaching reminds us of it as it notes:
Maturity cannot be achieved alone.
There is a need for guidance and discipline.
The path is unknown, the night is dark,
and the road is full of danger.
Dangers include preoccupation with selfishness,
false visions, misinterpretations of mystical states,
arrest in development, fixation in a particular state,
appeal to various drugs to create false
mystical experiences, and, not infrequently,
overwhelming anxiety and insanity.
How do we achieve it? How do we leave a legacy? These are some of the key questions.
But, it all begins with this admontion from the great Zardosht, when he noted:
The literal meaning of this admonition is: "Never be angry, because an angry human is like a fire that would fire without control and will burn everyone in site......Always be gentle, speak beautiful thoughts and be to the point.". He also was the one that reminded us all to "think beautiful thougths, speak beautiful words and act beautifully ever more". Such is the essence of humanity today. One wonders if we humans are capable of the most decent of behaviors.
Today was Mandela day around the World. As part of this day, all around the World were given a challenge to spend 67 minutes giving back to honor the 67 years Nelson Mandela spent working to transform South Africa. That transformation continues even today. This World Wide commitment was epitomized by this beautiful video:
I remember the day when CNN had live coverage when he was released. I remember the day when he took office as the first black President and he danced in joy--as many of us did. I was inspired by his autobiography "the Long Walk to Freedom" where he reflected on the long years of struggle. I probably have seen the movie Invictus at least 6 times to reflect upon what he was able to do. Although I am well aware of some of the "liberties" taken in that movie, the essential message is the same: Forgiveness, love and compassion along with a sense of purpose to serve.
Along with what I have come to know of Dr. King and Gandhi, I have been inspired to do what I can to give back in anyway I can. In this, I have also taken the admonition from St. Francis of Assisi to heart when he reminded us that, "...For it is in giving that we receive..." Despite some of my on-going challenges, I worked on preparing the weekly outreach efforts for the Scout Websites I oversee to insure that almost 1000 scouts and their families are aware of the latest out there. I committed that 67 minutes today and view myself as quite better for it.
Anyone can make a difference in their own way. For me, that's the ultimate legacy that Nelson Mandela leaves for us all. I have been gratified as I have seen the latest from the South African Presidency on the improving health of Madiba. Mandela will eventually be no more and belong to the ages. He already has in many ways. May we all strive to have every day be Mandela Day in our way and may we all continue to strive for the best every day.
As I reflect upon this day, I close out this personal reflection with this beautiful tribute:
The Third Quarter of "Outsiders" has begun. Welcome to all!!
I begin this with an admonition from Frank Chimero:
Writing is chasing a question—
an inquiry of the mind. Forward is better than
every direction at once. It’s not really writing
until you feel something; until you choke up
at a thought, until you start fidgeting in your seat
in excitement, until you feel the twinge of pain
that happens when a thorn is pulled out of your side.
Go back. Delete everything before you started
fedgeting or crying of deflating like a balloon.
Then, write some more. Go write.
- Frank Chimero
I begin this admonition because I have wondered about the obligation and the responsiblity I have had in this "labor of love" that I have undertaken. I have been ever more grateful for the opportunity to reflect upon our World as the 3rd Quarter of 2013 begins here in "Outsiders". The question I continue to chase in my writings here and other sites is for one purpose: to assess our World and to see whether through this deliberative process a different way can be developed.
I would note that such has been tried before. "No Labels" and "Third Way" in the United States are two such organizations that have been sprung up in order to think about a different way at least in domestic US Politics. Although "No Labels" has gained some traction, it has fallen off the radar screen unless someone like me who happens to be focused on such issues assesses the issues and reflects upon it.
As I reflected upon our World and the roadmap for "outsiders", I was moved by that courageous daughter of the World, Molana, who was shot by the Taliban in Pakistan and spoke on her day at [LINK=https://secure.aworldatschool.org/page/content/the-text-of-malala-yousafzais-speech-at-the-united-nations/]the UN Youth Conference[/LINK] in New York. I yearn for the day that all of us learn from this courageous little girl who had the foresight and the backbone to speak up for the rights of Girls everywhere to be educated and for a better life. She invoked Gandhi, the Prophet Mohammad and Muhammad Ali Jinnah in her admonition to us all to love:
This is as we have been witness, yet again, to a state of affairs this weeks that is as disheartening as ever. Iraq is on the brink of implosion due to continued ethnic strife. The reports of daily bombings throughout Iraq has been horrific. I can't understand why on the holy month of Ramadan such horror continues. Syria's war also continues during the Holy Month of Ramadan as well with no end at all in sight. The Economist of London reflected upon how the map of the Middle East may well be permanently redrawn as a result of the implosion in Syria, the Cantonization in what was known as Syria and the fissures throughout the Arab World. As I also went dark, I was also witness to the coup in Egypt that has seen a change in Government and persecution against the Islamists in the Country. The Military Chief and defacto leader of the Country, General Sisi, has noted that no one will be excluded. Yet, the persecution and arrests are continuing with no apparent end in sight. The new Government can sit pretty for a while with the 8 Billion Dollar lifeline arranged by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates--those two beacons of Democracy.
The latest from Iran, though, is quite fascinating. It is about to have a new President. I am one of those who is hopeful that the new President, Dr. Rohani, will be able to move things along in a major way. A recent speech begfore the Majlis underscored the level of hard truths he has already said. He has noted how the Economic Malaise facing Iran is far worst that imagined. He had noted, for instance, that the level of inflation is at 42%. This is as reports of environmental damage continues to abound especially in Northern Iran at Lake Urmeyeh along with continued social challenges abound in all the reports coming out of the country. Whether Dr. Rouhani will be Iran's Gorbachev is open to question. But what is absolutely clear is that he's made a very strong beginning to at least change the conversation inside the Country. Whether that translates to a sense of change remains to be seen. The Israeli Prime Minister, though, again beat the drumbeats of war as he went on one of the US Sunday Talk shows to note that he would take it upon himself to strike against Iran. I have to wonder how he would gain the rights to fly over Jordan and Iraq is another issue. I have to wonder why this push towards War is again so prevalent. What I only could surmize is that The Israeli Prime Minister has this aim to deflect attention from his profound domestic challenges as he deals with staggering economic difficulties that is to an extent the result of his aggressive pursuit of his "Fortress Israel" policy despite the near blanket support of the United States.
I have also been keeping a close eye on Africa. I have had a long interest in Zimbabwe and have commented extensively on Mugabe's disastrous reign over Zimbabwe. He is again running for elections and the elections is slated in two weeks. As I write this, members of the military and security services in the Country have voted as the country continues to be polarized. Supposedly, there has been some "uptick" in activity. But this uptick, it seems, may be temporary. This is as South Africa gears up for an election in 2014 that that would see Jacob Zuma return as South African's President even though the Country is faced with a profound set of challenges that may well result in a revolt by the Youth. The Rev. Frank Chikane warned of this when he spoke with Al Jazeera not too long ago:
As I conclude, I wanted to note that the recent figures coming out of China shows an economic slowdown that is worrisome. Although Chinese State Television and Chinese Government spokesmen tried to put a positive spin on it, the slowdown is real which presents challenges for the viability of the World Economy right now. Although a 7.6% growth rate is a dream for many parts of the World, for China it is not enough to sustain support 1.3 Billion People. This is as Europe is mired in recession, the US is in a period of anemic Growth and Asia has its' share of challenges.
What would happen to our World? How would we deal with profound changes before us? These are some of the very questions that warrant further reflection that is critical for the long-term. Future generations deserve no less.
Onward to the New Quarter.....
Also Released to "Outsider Views" as part of the Daily Outsiders development work//All Rights Reserved 2013
