40 Years of Thank You's

Saturday, 6 August, 2011 was both a humbling and enjoyable experience for me.  Correction; one of the best days of my life.  The day began early with the eagerly anticipated beginning of my scuba experience.  For me, it was all I'd planned and was, what I believed, the perfect way to spend my day since I discovered a new direction in life (and I begin by thanking Richard, Brian and Christine).  Little did I realize...

For the life of me, I couldn't figure out why Chen, of all people, was lollygagging on getting something to eat and coming up with excuses not to go home.  I figured (and was quite happy) that he was into our new sport as much as I.  After all, why would he be going to different scuba shops with me and actually trying on wetsuits?  After all the excitement of discovering scuba and wearing new (heavy) gear and being in the water for over an hour, I felt content yet tired, hungry and ready to be a slob and get my drink on since I'd officially be "over the hill" the following day.  I was clueless, even when he all of a sudden wanted to go home prior to eating.  I've never been duped before and am usually quite good at spotting a surprise a mile away...especially when so many different people are involved.

After turning a block before our street (with a lame excuse that our street was blocked off for the parade and street fair) and as we pulled into the driveway my adrenaline shot up when I noticed our back gate open.  I jumped out of the car with a, "WHO THE FUCK'S IN OUR BACKYARD?!?!".  I was ready to kick the intruders ass.  Oh, it was just his brother.  That's cool, they know they're welcome to come over anytime.  So I gathered our gear and headed to the back.  I wanted to squeal like a girl, cry, jump for joy and hide at the same time.  A cocktail was definitely in order (I really don't do well in crowds...despite my outward demeanor, I'm really quite self-conscious).  I knew, but never realized, the positive force that others have on our lives.  What was once just a theory to me, became a reality.

Thank you, first, to Chen for making this happen.  I suppose I'll go chronologically (because, truly, my life flashed before my eyes and it was beautiful); my uncle, Mike (who, for all intents and purposes, doesn't really do the "party" thing any more than I do...LOL), Shawn and Allie (my cousin who was like a brother to me growing up and his most awesome wife), Derrick and Stacee (my best friend and, again, like a brother from high school), Kas (words cannot describe her), Verna (the first person I came out to and close confidant during some strange and dark years...LOL), my partner, Chen (again), his parents (soon to be in-laws), his brother, Chen-Wen and Jane, his wife (the cool brother and sister-in-law), Timmy (who was walking down the street on our way home and Chen said, "Yeah, he likes to walk to Safeway...Timmy lied pretty damn good...I bout it...LOL), Alan and Aaron (who took time out of their vacation from San Diego to stop by...truly, I was blown away), Miranda and Jason and their friend Mike (easy to party with, great people, and she will always be Brillo to me...LMAO), Allison and her very cool man Mike (who gets huge props for wearing his Lennon t-shirt), and, of course, Jesus (for making an appearance the following morning on my birthday)...

In all seriousness, I'm truly humbled and don't know what to say except thank you all and I love you.

Kooky Quotes

The Bible has often been used by people to pick and choose verses, out of context, to justify their own agendas.  This post is not about retribution. I could care less about these people who have no knowledge of what they speak ; these types are mere fodder.

Many call The Bible the unequivocal "word of God", as if some guy in the clouds decided to write a book one day.  It is, rather, a compilation of books written by people.  Some as teachings, some as history.  Ancient writing was much different that what we know today; there were no journalists, most people were illiterate and relied on the words of scribes (who were reserved primarily for political or religious agendas).  When The Bible was compiled there were, literally, thousands of such books carefully chosen to reign in and control the many different schools of Christian thoughts into one unified religion; Catholicism (meaning; Universal).  The Bible, as we know it, was chosen by Bishops, Cardinals and Emperors.  This was done hundreds of years after the death of Christ.  What ensued were many horrendous inquisitions and the annihilation of many peoples across the world in an effort to spread this one singular "truth".

My compilation here will keep growing as I scour the books to simply demonstrate the hippocracy of out-of-context quotes and how they can be used to fuel hatred of others.  Or, merely, for the humor of ancient thought and the "divine design" the creators of The Bible found important; disregarding the many books which truly did speak of love and peace.  Remember, most of the New Testament is simply a bunch of letters from a guy who never had any contact with Christ and put to death many early, peaceful, Christians.  I encourage everyone to actually read The Bible to see how and why everything fits so neatly in one little package.  It's all about control, folks.  There are many things I will omit, such as; if the moon is to light the night, what explains nights of darkness (what we now call "New Moon")?  Why are there two differing creation of man stories (I know the answer, but won't elaborate here)?  Why did God say, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness."?  Isn't there supposed to be one god?  Whom is this other to whom he is talking?  No, this will simply be about the so-called "God's word" for the aforementioned reasons.

My source is the New American Bible, Catholic Edition (same thing, just containing 7 additional books in the Old Testament so don't get your panties in a wad). Now, let's begin.

"Throughout the ages, every male among you, when he is eight days old, shall be circumcised, including houseborn slaves and those acquired with money from any foreigner who is not of your blood...If a male is uncircumcised, that is, if the flesh of his foreskin has not been cut away, such a one shall be cut off from his people; he has broken my covenant."  ~Genesis 17:12, 14

"Go and procure lambs for your families, and slaughter them as Passover victims.  Then take a bunch of hyssop, and dipping it in the blood that is in the basin, sprinkle the lintel and the two doorposts with this blood.  But none of you shall go outside until morning...You shall observe this as a perpetual ordinance for yourselves and your descendants.  But no man who is uncircumcised may partake of it."  ~Exodus 12:21-22, 24, 48

"On the seventh day everyone is to stay home and no one is to go out." ~Exodus 16:29

[an interesting editorial note here:  In Exodus 16 an urn of manna was placed "in front of the commandments for safekeeping."  However, the commandments aren't issued until Exodus 20 and the tablets not given to Moses until Exodus 31; which he proceeded to break in Exodus 32.]

"When you purchase a...slave, he is to serve you for six years, but in the seventh year he shall be given his freedom without cost.  If he comes into service alone, he shall leave alone; if he comes with a wife, his wife shall leave with him.  But if his master gives him a wife and she bears him sons or daughters, the woman and her children shall remain the master's property and the man shall leave alone.  When a man sells his daughter as a slave, she shall not go free as male slaves do."  ~Exodus 21:2-4, 7

"Whoever curses his father or mother shall be put to death."  ~Exodus 21:17

"When a man strikes his male or female slave with a rod so hard that the slave dies under his hand, he shall be punished.  If, however, the slave survives for a day or two, he is not to be punished, since the slave is his own property." ~Exodus 21:20


"When a man seduces a virgin who is not betrothed, and lies with her, he shall pay her marriage price and marry her.  If her father refuses to give her to him, he must still pay him the customary marriage price for virgins." ~Exodus 22:15-16

"You shall not favor a poor man in his lawsuit.  You shall not deny one of your needy fellow men his rights in his lawsuit."  ~Exodus 23:3, 6

"You shall not oppress an alien..." ~Exodus 23:9 [wait for it; God contradicts himself later which is what most Bible Thumpers use to justify oppressing foreigners].

"Anyone who does work on the Sabbath day shall be put to death." ~Exodus 31:15

"Thus says the Lord...: Put your sword on your hip, every one of you!  Now go up and down the camp, from gate to gate, and slay your own kinsmen, your friends and neighbors!"...Then Moses said, "today you have been dedicated to the Lord, for you were against your own sons and kinsmen, to bring a blessing upon yourselves this day." ~Exodus 32:27, 29

"Wherever you dwell, you shall not partake of any blood, be it of bird or animal.  Every person who partakes of any blood shall be cut off from his people." ~Leviticus 7:26-27

"When a woman has conceived and gives birth to a boy, she shall be unclean for seven days, with the same uncleanness as at her menstrual period.  On the eighth day, the flesh of the boy's foreskin shall be circumcised, and then she shall spend thirty-three days more in becoming purified of her blood; she shall not touch anything sacred nor enter the sanctuary till the days of her purification are fulfilled.  If she gives birth to a girl, for fourteen days she shall be as unclean as at her menstruation, after which she shall spend sixty-six days in becoming purified of her blood.  When the days of her purification for a son or for a daughter are fulfilled, she shall bring to the priest...a yearling lamb for a holocaust and a pigeon or a turtledove for a sin offering.  Such is the law for a woman who gives birth to a boy or a girl child." ~Leviticus 12:2-7

"If she becomes freed from her affliction, she shall wait seven days, and only then is she to be purified.  On the eighth day she shall take two turtledoves or two pigeons and bring them to the priest...The priest shall offer up one of them as a sin offering and the other as a holocaust.  Thus shall the priest make atonement before the Lord for her unclean flow. This is the law for the man who is afflicted with a chronic flow, or who has an emission of seed, and thereby becomes unclean; as well as for the woman who has her menstrual period, or who is afflicted with a chronic flow [piss or shit yourself]; the law for male and female; and also for the man who lies with an unclean woman." ~Leviticus 15:28-30, 32-33

"You shall not have intercourse with your brother's wife...You shall not have intercourse with a woman and also her daughter...While your wife is still living you shall not marry her sister...You shall not approach a woman to have intercourse with her while she is unclean from menstruation.  You shall not have carnal relations with your neighbor's wife..." ~ Leviticus 18:16-19

Seattle Gay Pride 2011

I've marched in the Pride Parade more often than I've watched.  It's important and so very full of every race, religion, ideology and for everyone concerned about human rights.  For one day out of the year we are treated more as the kings and queens that we so often use in our lingo toward one another than the scourge perpetrated against us by the few.  And, just maybe, a few minds will be changed this day in late June.  Yesterday was no exception.

Sandwiched between two cloudy and rainy days was Seattle's first gorgeous day of summer.  And, this day, it was made more brilliant and illuminant by the fact that the place where our fight for civil rights began, New York, had, the night before, passed Marriage Equality.  It was a day to be proud and celebrate.  In honor of New York, I forgo wearing the t-shirt provided by my company and, instead, chose to wear the shirt I bought at Stonewall; made for this years New York Pride.  Although, a nifty skirt was made out of four company t-shirts that I proudly wore.

(This is my other half modeling)

I decided early on that, this year, I wasn't going to hold a banner but, rather, pass out the "goodies" to the crowd.  Having been on the sidelines watching in previous years, there is such a disconnect with so many of those who march.  I'd always appreciated the people who came up and handed things to the people in the crowd, personally, as opposed to just tossing things willy-nilly (besides, that creates litter - no one picks up shit once it hits the street).  Needless to say, I was the one "left behind" (*wink* *nod*).  I can't even begin to count how many times I had to run to catch up with the rest of the Starbucks crew. But the crowd appreciated it and cheered me on.  I even got a 10 from the ratings guys (mind you, these are hard core queens and a 10 is usually only reserved for the sexy boys; definitely not this old bitch).  LOL  People want that little extra connection and doing it with eye contact and a sense of humor is all it takes.  Of course, it does help working for a company (regardless of it really just being "another" corporation) that cares about it's customers and employees.  It makes my job of advertising and solidarity fun (it also helps that people are rabid for coffee and hats).

There was a lot of talk this year about those funny, silly sociopaths from the Westboro Baptist Church picketing (and we always have some idiot with a bullhorn screaming the same old, redacted for their convenience, Bible quotes).  But something funny happened; I hadn't noticed any of them and, as far as I know, no one else did either.  Sure, it may be the right thing to do to try and reason with someone.  But that only works for those who have the ability to reason.  Otherwise it just turns into a shouting match and everyone ends up looking stupid.  When the idiots of the world are ignored by those of us with better things to do they are the only ones who look ridiculous.  Remember, my fellow gays, we don't have to be the ones to make them look that way; they're brilliant at it on their own.  Look at all the wonderful straight people who go to pride, even with their children to educate them on all human beings and to show that gays are not scary or evil or trying to "recruit" them.  These people are on our side and, together, we far outweigh the ideological bigots of the world.  So celebrate, and fight when you are actually able to make a difference.  Showing peace, love, humor, and kindness are proving to be a bigger "weapon" than any anger or evil words ever have.

I would, personally, like to thank my boyfriend, my straight cousin, a fellow straight Starbucks partner from our store and her straight friend from her other job for marching with us.  Also, a shout out to my friend, Siobhan, who came running and hugged me in the middle of, well, 4th Ave.  It was a special moment.  It was fabulous and fun.  But it also means so much because there truly is strength in numbers and those numbers alone will be the only way for this country to ever recognize full equality.

 (Tracy doesn't like her face photo's sprinkled over the internet, but a thigh should be ok) ;-)

(Me catching up; we actually are supposed to be in front of the van.  LOL)

And, in closing, let us not forget our brothers and sisters who have passed.  Many, of whom, may still be with us had it not been for our very government denying, for 5 years, there was an epidemic.  Until, they realized, their own kind were also dying from AIDS and the official Reaganautic tune of "Gods Wrath Against Gays" came to an end...sort of.

Although I didn't see him, a friend of mine took some wonderful shots.  Here is his link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/damonic/sets/72157627056788078/

The Steerage Class

‎"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter." ~Martin Luther King, Jr.

 

Martin Luther King continues to be a hero for everyone seeking the civil rights "guaranteed" to all people in the United States.  His words sum it up, for me at least, the struggle many of us continue in order to achieve the very things so many in society take for granted.  His actions should be an inspiration to all people to recognize and respond to the dignity of our fellow humans, whomever the oppressed may be, for they are our brothers and sisters.

 

June is "Gay Pride" month.  It appalls me how few gay people actually realize what this one weekend at the end of the month is all about.  Although, it doesn't surprise me in the least; this particular civil rights movement isn't taught in school during American History and many gay people (and even more straights) merely think of it as a fabulous (or pretentious) Parade. However, this, my friends, is our ever growing March on Washington; started by people who refused the abuse any longer. But I digress, there is plenty of information on this history out there and it's every bit as fascinating and horrific as every other group of people who've had to fight for their "guaranteed" rights.

 

Now, having been to where our fight began (you know, the one that spawned this weekend) I've better understood that we not only have an opportunity, but a responsibility, to show we ARE here, we ARE relevant, we ARE strong and we are NOT going to tolerate continuing to be treated as the steerage of society.  I've spoken with a man who was there on that June night back in 1969 (pictured above).  Yes, he's still a bartender at The Stonewall Inn.  Amazing stories of the history before the Stonewall Riots and the unfortunate reality that, for all intents and purposes, little has really changed in over 40 years.  We can pretend all we want that change has been made, but, in reality, only the circumstances have been shifted around.  It's unfortunate how many of us go about and accept it as equality.

 

We have two choices; that of progress and change or that of allowing those that don't see us fit to live continue their antics.  Well, my friends, no matter how you choose to fool yourself the reality is still the same: the day there is no longer discrimination; are no longer kids living in fear and/or being killed (by their own hands or anothers); the day we can walk hand in hand as anyone else is so freely able; the day our families don't disown us or our religions don't harass us; and the day our governments recognize us all equally is the day this struggle will end. The only thing standing in our way is our own apathy.

My Rainbow Race

This is an old song, performed by an old hippie (who's still going and even better), Melanie; whom, for all intents and purposes, seems to be the real deal.  This seemed poignant to my story.

At my place of work I see many people throughout the day.  There are a few regulars who come through, however, that are the type of people you look forward to seeing (and if they don't show for a few days, you worry they aren't well; several such have passed).  One of my favorite older gentleman who comes through always has a joke and makes brilliant anecdotes about life, usually ending on a humorous note.  I enjoy meeting people like him and I've noticed that, like I try to do, he gets to know what's at the core of the person he's talking with (to progress a mutual respect for our fellow man, I suppose).  In a way, this man sort of reminds me of my grandfather; by his world-view and humor.

Today he came through and started out as usual with the some news; "do you follow the news?", he asked.  "Well, wildfires in New Mexico and Arizona, terrible and such beautiful land [then, adding his usually positive spin], but they say it's good to clear the land for new growth so it'll be stronger and more beautiful than before...nature will make it right").  He then said, "Hey, can I tell you a story?"  We were slow at this point and he ordered several other drinks (for his wife and daughter, who's visiting).  Since we had a few minutes and there were no other customers, I said, "Absolutely".  He sort of refrained and thought twice, warning me it wasn't a pleasant one.  There was a moment where he looked at me for a bit, perhaps examining my "soul" in some way.  It felt like that.  It was deeply moving to see what I can only describe as "a beautiful sorrow".  Then he said, "Ok, then."

He said, "Well, you know, I used to live in New Mexico...and Arizona for 11 years."  His story was about how he played football for the University he'd attended and during his Sophomore year a freshman joined the team, "a really tall and big guy, not fat, but built and a really bright kid. Great quarterback!  He was Navaho."  They became good friends, including their families.  When August came around to start training again he noticed his friend wasn't there and inquired about why he wasn't on the team this year.  He found out his friend had committed suicide a few days prior because of the racism he was inundated with.  "A few months later", he went on, "I was at a party and saw my friends' sister.  We talked for awhile and all of a sudden she started crying.  I thought it was because of her brother but asked her why she was crying, anyway.  She told me, 'because I'm an Indian'."  I actually started to cry.  He apologized and said he was sorry for ruining my day.  I told him, "Not at all!" and that I was actually glad he shared it.  He said, "Well, good.  And thank you for listening. Now...tell me a story."

I'm not good at telling stories and told him so.  Then it hit me.  I rescinded my previous statement and told him of a friend of mine from high school.  Like his friend, the purest of heart and kindest person I knew.  Someone whom, despite our differences, still accepted me and everyone around her.  I inquired about her after we'd graduated and found out she'd shot herself.  She was Mexican and the racism was prevalent there, as well.  There are some who's pure heart can't take it, and having "to take it" is something no one should ever have to do.

He told me that, "no matter what you're told, it is still impossible for other people because we say to people, 'you're wrong' and it's always that the white guys' word that's somehow golden.  We need to just realize we're all the same. We need to learn about everyone around us and just try.  I can't believe this is still going on and no one should have to go through that."

His drinks were ready and he ended with, "I've got another story for you next time, have a great day."  I'm hoping I get to hear that story tomorrow.

Examine your own self (I do it often).  To say that we are truly loving and truly want peace, how can we have any form of discrimination against another human being?  It doesn't matter who or why we are projecting it.  This isn't merely me jabbing at white fundamentalists again; most every culture demonstrates this in one form or another.  It's Xenophobia at it's most pure and destructive.  And building walls is merely refusal of your fellow man.

People are still dying because of race, religion, sexual-orientation; things that, in the grand scheme of things, really don't matter.  They are dying not only by the hands of others but also at the hands of themselves.  Our words and our attitudes create this; our societal acceptance of such things perpetuates this; combined we create a bomb.

"Um, Mari-juh-wanna's bad" and Real World "Mr. Mackeyvellian" Ignorance

This used to be my Twitter profile image.  I, quite often, twatted (as Kathy Griffin calls it) about gay rights issues.  As you probably guessed, most replies to me were from the very far right (or, as I like to call them, misguided) Christians.  The surprise was that they had little to say about my going to hell for being a homo.  Instead, they focused on the great evil of Marijuana (thus, the picture).  After I tweeted, "If god hates fags he must despise heteros.  [One] mention of how we're an abomination, countless of the shit you guys doing as an abomination."  The proud moment for me was receiving this message: "@Golfingatnight We all face our own sins.  Like the marijuana you probably smoked after that tweet. Come to Christ, y'all. :)"  This was from the "God Hates Fags" man himself, Fred Phelps of Westboro Baptist Church.   No, he dignifies no response, but it did provide plenty of fodder.

I'm reminded of Animal Farm; "Everyone is equal, except some are more equal than others."  How can so many of us be fooled into such ignorance, let alone allow it to control our lives and very essence of, not only who we are, but how we treat the rest of humanity?  Life is freedom for every living being and element.  Evolution should be the only thing determining what should be eliminated and what should not.  But I digress, this is about a specific creation (by whatever god you want); Cannabis.

There's really not much to say if you already know the truth, and with all the information available there shouldn't be one being alive who doesn't know it already.  However, many of you find it easier to hold fast to the propaganda you've been brainwashed with; whether it be political gain, racial, or capitalist (DuPont, Hearst, Rockefeller and the FDA, to name a few players of the many for why Cannabis is illegal).  What makes the whole thing sad about these folks is that they allow the perpetuation of myth and lies and, in all honesty, zero advancement for much of the worlds problems. Nevertheless, I won't go into the history or culture of Marijuana (it's a proper name, by the way, Mr. Phelps. I know you may be un-a-ma-educated, but, come on, that's first grade grammar).

I speak because of recent events, as a citizen of Washington State and an MMJ cardholder, that the strong-arming by the Federal Government is a crime.  A landmark bill for our Medical Marijuana laws passed both the State House and State Senate.  The Federal Government said if the Governor didn't veto it, our state would, basically, be found in treason of the Federal Government.  I only have to ask, why the change of heart, Mr. President (you can YouTube many pro-Marijuana stances by him)?  You've stated many times how those states with Medical Marijuana laws will not be harassed by your goons.  Is this the same reason you won't federally recognize gay marriage?  Do we not have the rights to live our lives freely, harming no one, as we see fit?  You allow the crazy Christians to run amok, truly damaging society.  Yet what continues to be propagated as the most damaging substance could actually be one of the most beneficial.

When I got my license for Medical Marijuana it was for chronic back pain (stemming from a car accident) and migraines (where "traditional" medications either exacerbated the condition or made me sick elsewhere in my body).  These are a couple of the only "allowable by law" conditions.  However; I have an incurable virus.  At least monthly, I'd take antibiotics that would be, at least slightly, miserable. What I started doing was "chewing" a few buds just for the pain.  I noticed the problems eased much quicker.  Slowly, I was only needing the antibiotics once every other month, then longer stretches of time.  I talked to my licensing doctor and he explained that yes, Marijuana is both an anti-bacterial and anti-viral which has been shown to fight viruses in the body or put things into a sort of stasis (if not, as in several cases, "cure" the condition entirely).  But these are not "legal" reasons for obtaining a license.  These days, I rarely have a migraine and only have a prescription of antibiotics on hand "just in case" (but have never had to use them).

But this is only me.  One person.  I am saddened for the numerous people it could help but who are either too ignorant to be objective or who will never be told the truth.  If you want to believe in a god then you have to believe everyone and everything is here because of it.  Why would such a beneficial plant (for more reasons than mere medical) be so threatening to you?  Think, people.

To analogize this, I would use it as "The Tree of Knowledge".  Take what meaning you will from that, just know that knowledge is not evil.  In fact, it can very well be a blessing.

The Closer We Get, The Further We Are

Technology has provided us with so many advances in becoming a truly global world. We are able to connect with people where we once felt alienated.  We can find long lost friends we never thought we'd see again and re-establish wonderful relationships with them.  We can make new friends from, perhaps, another place on Earth.  And we can learn.  So much is at our fingertips.  This is, truly, quite beautiful.

Yet, at what point does "being connected" actually cause one to lose out on what it means to connect with the rest of the world?  It's one thing to be at home, on your computer but are still being an active part of the global community.  It's another, entirely, when you are in public and can't even make eye contact with another person with whom you're speaking because you're too busy texting or on the phone or internet or have to immediately put whomever you're with "on hold" so you can check the call or text.  What you are actually doing is treating your fellow man, those interacting with you, like the machines you have fallen captive to.  It's simple to not see someone on the other end of a typed conversation (and many forget, even then, that there's an actual human at play there, as well).

I work in a Starbucks drive-thru.  I'd done the office thing for years and it was draining.  I relish the interaction with random people (as well as my co-workers).  An office saps the life out of someone.  The unfortunate thing is that there are only about 20% of our customers who have the ability to interact face to face.  At least several times a day, when someone pulls up to the box to order, we are the ones told to "hold on" as they finish their conversation.  Not once has someone been dying or some other such emergency taken place during these conversations (we're often graced with the whole thing over our headsets; and watch because those boxes have cameras).  They usually, after about a minute, put their friend on hold, rattle off their order and pull away as we are confirming their order.  At the window the conversation (or texting) continues as either money or cards are thrust at us (without a glance) or, if we need to ask a question about the order they neglected to confirm, we get an index finger in our faces.  Our job is to have customers go away happy.  Quite often, however, our complaints are for things beyond our control (yes, there is an online survey) because for some of the detailed complaints we do specifically remember the incidents.  Despite ours, the workers', best efforts we still get negative reviews for the things which could easily have been avoided had we been treated like the flesh and blood we are as opposed to the machines you consider us to be.

Although I complain of the majority, it is the 20% of those, who do have some sort of spark of divinity in them, that make me love what I do and keep coming back.  This is what many of us consider "personal relationships"; those people you can talk to and whom you look forward to seeing.  If I don't see some of our customers some day I actually worry that something may be wrong.  Several dear customers have passed away (one who's wife still comes by) and I continue to think about them.  This is what human interaction is about and it's something I hope we never lose.  Although, we are on that very verge.

A Day of Memory for the World.

Today, in the U.S., we celebrate Memorial Day.  It was first celebrated by newly freed slaves to honor the Union Soldiers who died fighting for them.  It has since evolved to honor every person who's served in the U.S. military.  They deserve this respect.

For me, the honor is broader.  Humanity is not about borders; that's what governments are.  I, instead, like to honor all people who perished due to the violence of warfare; especially those who were in the wrong place at the wrong time or killed for the color of their skin or simply for being someone another person didn't believe was equal in their vision of humanity.

My Memorial Day is for those men and women who never needed a gun to impact the world in a positive way.  People like Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Harvey Milk (kudos if you know who that is) , John F. Kennedy (who wanted an end to the wars and animosity toward those with differing viewpoints), his brother Bobby Kennedy, Malcolm X (whose only violence was in defense of the atrocities blacks were up against).  Further in history we have the "founders" of many religions and thoughts of mind; Siddhartha Gautama (the first Buddha), Jesus (who taught us of the "Christ"), Krishna, Lao Tzu, etc.  Today, these are the men I honor.  I choose the peaceful warrior and the men of thought. 

This is not to say I don't respect an armed services individual.  Shame on you for assuming so.  Many have chosen not to use their guns when they knew what they were doing was wrong and many have had to use their weapon in actual defense.  These are the militaristic soldiers whom should be honored.

I merely believe true and lasting peace can never be achieved by any other weapon than the love and respect for our fellow humans and our willingness to strengthen such ideals within ourselves and children.  Let's start celebrating peace.  Let's start celebrating the world.

Our Image of Divinity

We are all familiar with the popular images, created by artists, of the most influential people in history; Gods, Prophets, Messiah's and every other great religious figure except one; Muhammad.  This seems to aggravate many, yet it intrigues me.

Let's suspend our personal faiths for a moment.  Erase the image of every painting or sculpture or carving, whatever, of every artists' rendering of every spiritual being.  It's quite difficult with so much of it animating our everyday life, but do your best.  When you're ready, imagine not being aware of the place and time to which they emerged.  Now, look into the eyes of the next person you see.  This could be the face of the one with whom you follow.

The Bleeding Heart of Jesus

This is an iconoclastic image.  It's called "The Bleeding Heart of Jesus" (also depicted on some images of Mary).  The symbolism of this is that his blood poored out for all mankind (yes, an intended misspelling of the word "poured"); especially for those in need, those who were suffering and those who were otherwise disparaged by society.

The phrase "bleeding heart liberal" was coined in the 1930's.  And it was referring specifically to what this image represents and a liberals attitude toward those in need, those suffering and otherwise disparaged by society.  Over the years, however, it's somehow become, quite often, by those who claim to be followers of Christ, a negative connotation and a basis for their very bastardization of his teachings (these, perhaps, are the false prophets of whom Christ spoke?).  I've always been raised to believe a bleeding heart is a compassionate heart, so the negative connotation baffles me.  Because of my own faith, I can't see how someone calling me a "bleeding heart liberal" could ever be a bad thing.  In fact, I find it one of the greatest compliments.

Someone recently said in a facebook posting; "better a bleeding heart than no heart at all".  I don't know this person (it's a friend of a friend sort of thing) but I thought she summed everything up beautifully.   I'd rather help, by whatever means I'm able, than to see my fellow travelers suffering and have done nothing at all.  THAT, I believe, is what our existence is about.  Humanity needs to realize that it's not "me" but "we".

Then again, I'm just a freak.

My Mothers Mother: An Immigrant Familys Tale and the Evil They Wraught

This is a tale of a poverty stricken family.  One who's governments were in turmoil and bread truly was the mana of life. Recently, there had been a country who was bestowed an honorable gift establishing a promise for everyone.  They came with one bag each and their final dime was spent as steerage on a Trans-Atlantic journey.

The family knew people who took them in until they could get established.  It wasn't long before they had their own farm and were not only productive but would offer up help to anyone who asked.  The children grew. 

One searched within herself, having been, for the times, a bit of a rebel.  She chose to become a nun after witnessing the good the convent was doing for the poor.  As a nun, one has to choose the name of a saint to be their patron.  She couldn't decide on one to describe her or that felt right.  So she said the next thing she sees will be her name.  They'd passed a box-car with the name Hilaire.  And so it was.  She went on to become a large part of the Native American communities.  She was a teacher and a student.  Her eyes sparkled when she spoke of a different culture and how wondrous it is to be part of humanity where we all, at heart, believe the same thing so little things like religion or color of someone's skin "doesn't make one darn bit of difference".  If you met her, you'd swear she was full Native.

Another went on to be a family woman.  Although she worked around the house and with the kids she also put in hours at the family store.  She was both loved and feared by her children.  Their father was the eternal "kid at heart".  The family became known around town for their incredible generosity; many people were fed with no expectations in return.  They believed in strong education and the arts.  So, many things the family could afford were donated to the school which, in turn, allowed it to grow it's various departments such as music, athletics, math and science.  The local high school honored them by naming the athletic field in their name.  It is still there to this day.

Their children grew up to do various things.  Several became establishments in the golden age of Hollywood as well as the jazz music scene in the South.   Others married, some farmed, some even became cowboys.  They were all characters in their own right, and the family legacy for being known as kind and generous carried on in each and every one of them.  These people were human beings.

Through one of these women a child was born, my mother, who allowed me the pleasure of knowing each and every one of these people.  Not to mention (another tale for another time) the wonderful characters on my maternal grandfather's side (flappers, anti-prohibitionists, fashion designers, women's lib-ists).  He was the man who gave me my love of needing to learn the World.  These two gave me the only person I could ever count on.

It's true; I'm not brown and, truly, that's what the whole "immigration debate" is really about, now isn't it?  If the U.S. had never received the Statue of Liberty as a status of all it stands for; a welcoming beacon of light for all who are in the dark, then this family never would have existed.  The original travelers would have most likely perished in concentration camps (they were Catholics and most, women and children).  That family would have died out before any successive generation, and the good things we think of when we think "The United States" would never have been.

I'm here and no one special.  But I've learned from this family to never think I'm superior (because I'm not) and to never feel undeserving if I'm truthful to myself and others.  Most importantly, I've learned to put myself in someone else's shoes and even if they "didn't fit" to not judge them but, instead, to learn from them.  It's always good to have new experiences.  Yet, only if you're willing to truly experience them as well as respect them.  In other words; be true to yourself and be true to others.

If you don't want to help, then don't.  However; you, certainly, should not be so arrogant as to deny those of use that do want to help our fellow humans to do so.  My United States is a melting pot.  This includes my family and yours; whomever you may be.

Immigration

This is some of the funniest bunk I've read in a long time. For more twisted humor and racism by people who clearly don't comprehend the reasons for the U.S. being formed go to www.immigration911.org and read the tab "Step 2". Below is their take on "Border Security":

"There is a reason you have never heard any sound logic in support of an open border; it is because having an open border with Mexico as our neighbor is completely illogical. In the age of terrorism and out of control government spending, our open border with Mexico is the single largest threat to our national security and economy. Mexico is not only extremely corrupt and poor, it is the murder capital of the world. With no rule of law, rampant murder and no jobs, Mexico is effectively America's largest port of entry. Moreover, for terrorists looking to enter out country with weapons of mass destruction, this is an incredible point of weakness! Despite the threat this poses to our country, our government still refuses to seal the border."

I remind you, again, what "Lady Liberty" represents:

The New Colossus

By Emma Lazarus, 1883

Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
"Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she
With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

 

If you truly do think all this immigration bullshit is true, or even just curious the way "the other side" feels, sans U.S. propaganda, then watch this excellent film, http://www.theothersideofimmigration.com/ and hear from the very people you claim to hate so much. Funny how all you boobs fail to mention NAFTA in all your hatred and how U.S. force has fucked up Mexico; we are the ones that "took their jobs" [doing my best South Park voice] all in the name of corporate greed.