The word "God" is merely a signpost, that points to what words can't describe.
It is impossible to be apart from God. God is light, and God is the dark from which the light came. God is all, and God is one; the beginning, and the end. God is love. God is motion, and God is rest. God is Being. God is universal. God is Energy. God is boundless. God is purity. God is essence. Wherever you are, God is there. God is Heavenly Father, the light of the Sun, and Mother Earth. Outside of God, there is nothing. God is indescribable, and nothing compares to God.
Jesus is my savior because he told me that the greatest commandment is to love God with all of my heart, soul, and mind; and that the second greatest commandment, which is like the first, is to love each other as we love ourselves. (Matthew 22:36-40)
Jesus told me of the undescribable power of faith (Matthew 7:7), the way to personal enlightenment by ending judgement (Matthew 7:1), and to get to know God by living in the present (Matthew 6:34).
Islam teaches the same thing. Allah is what God is called in Islam.
"Allah is the protector of those who have faith; from the depths of darkness, he will lead them forth into light. (2:256)
"None of you has faith unless he loves for his brother what he loves for himself." "Visit the sick, feed the hungry, and free the captives. (Bukhari)
"Take to forgiveness and enjoin good and turn aside from the ignorant." (7:199)
"And the servants of Allah are those who walked on the earth in humility, and when the ignorant address them, they say 'peace.'" (25:63)
It (the Koran) is simply a reminder to all the worlds."(38:87)
Respectfully, Mr. President, It Was Written on Parchment
If this quote is accurate, as reported, we have serious problems.
"Stop throwing the Constitution in my face. It's just a g**damned piece of paper!"
-George W. Bush, November, 2005
The article is at: http://www.capitolhillblue.com/artman/publish/article_7779.shtml
"Stop throwing the Constitution in my face. It's just a g**damned piece of paper!"
-George W. Bush, November, 2005
The article is at: http://www.capitolhillblue.com/artman/publish/article_7779.shtml
An Appeal to Supporters of Preemptive Bombing Campaigns
As a veteran of two combat tours, I know that collateral damage precludes the military benefits of strategic bombing. In the recent past we have seen the horror and carnage of war in a way that past civilizations never could. We have been shown that with even the most technologically advanced, well-trained fighting force in the world, we cannot defeat an invisible enemy that is all too eager to die for a cause.
Increasing the violence in terrorist breeding grounds (such as the middle east) through further warfare is a loosing strategy. Terror recruitment is the lynchpin for ending terror. The way to win is through surgical strikes (Special Ops), and more importantly, through properly distributed foreign aid, to include basic needs, healthcare, and education. Imagine a war budget spent on pragmatic, effective development programs, with the potential for new capital markets to emerge. Our leaders wanted a simple, quick solution to the problem of terrorism, but a winning solution will take more time.
If the United States is again attacked, we must demand that our political leaders not unleash chaos on another peaceful, civilian population, due to the actions of a few religious radicals. War creates chaos, and thus perpetuates terror recruitment, especially in places like the middle east. Anytime someone's father, brother, sister, mother, or friend is killed or maimed through collateral damage, new enemies are created.
The way to peace is no longer through war. We can stop future terror attacks in the United States. Do not let our leaders attack Iran, Syria, or anywhere else. If we begin a bombing campaign, because of the actions of a small group of religious zealots, state-sponsored cells operating in the US will get the go-ahead to unleash real terror, and our free, peaceful way of life here in America will be over.
Protest, and let your voice be heard on myspace, youtube, blogger, etc, in any way you can. Tell your friends, or anyone who will listen. Write your Congressional Representative, and stage protests outside of their offices if it appears that our leaders might make another terrible mistake.
We have nothing to fear. There is none in our government with which to be angry, to blame, to hate. You cannot gain influence, or try to convince anyone of anything from a place of anger or contempt. Calmly listen, agree openly when you are on common ground, and present your view in a calm, thoughtful manner. Some people will not listen. Focus on those who will.
Increasing the violence in terrorist breeding grounds (such as the middle east) through further warfare is a loosing strategy. Terror recruitment is the lynchpin for ending terror. The way to win is through surgical strikes (Special Ops), and more importantly, through properly distributed foreign aid, to include basic needs, healthcare, and education. Imagine a war budget spent on pragmatic, effective development programs, with the potential for new capital markets to emerge. Our leaders wanted a simple, quick solution to the problem of terrorism, but a winning solution will take more time.
If the United States is again attacked, we must demand that our political leaders not unleash chaos on another peaceful, civilian population, due to the actions of a few religious radicals. War creates chaos, and thus perpetuates terror recruitment, especially in places like the middle east. Anytime someone's father, brother, sister, mother, or friend is killed or maimed through collateral damage, new enemies are created.
The way to peace is no longer through war. We can stop future terror attacks in the United States. Do not let our leaders attack Iran, Syria, or anywhere else. If we begin a bombing campaign, because of the actions of a small group of religious zealots, state-sponsored cells operating in the US will get the go-ahead to unleash real terror, and our free, peaceful way of life here in America will be over.
Protest, and let your voice be heard on myspace, youtube, blogger, etc, in any way you can. Tell your friends, or anyone who will listen. Write your Congressional Representative, and stage protests outside of their offices if it appears that our leaders might make another terrible mistake.
We have nothing to fear. There is none in our government with which to be angry, to blame, to hate. You cannot gain influence, or try to convince anyone of anything from a place of anger or contempt. Calmly listen, agree openly when you are on common ground, and present your view in a calm, thoughtful manner. Some people will not listen. Focus on those who will.
Who is your enemy?
(Matthew Chapter 6, 43-44)
"Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good for them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you."
"Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good for them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you."
An Appeal to Critics of Universal Healthcare
The US is the only western country that puts over half of health care costs on it's recipients. There are many working, sustainable models of universal healthcare, to adapt and adopt pragmatically in the US. The UK, France, and Canada all have good systems that lift the burden of healthcare costs, while providing a quality of medical care that exceeds our own. (life expectancy, infant mortality, etc.)
Privatized medicine still exists in these countries, so elective surgeries, for conditions that are not of immediate concern, can still be bought if the patient does not want to wait.
Universal Healthcare will not make more organ donors, but it will provide treatment and medicine for those who are waiting for organ transplants, providing a greater chance of survival, and a better quality of life, without the stress of bankrupcy.
Universal Healthcare would be good for health care professionals, whose salaries would not need to be significantly affected, who's medical training would be paid by the government, in return for a set amount time as a civil servant. With no loan debt to pay back, and no malpractice insurance, physicians can still earn a lucrative salary, with bonuses and insentives given to those that have better records for providing care, such as in the UK. Many physicians would love to focus on healing instead of business, and no loan debt would encourage those who desire to heal to become physicians.
Patients would be taken in and treated according to need, not insurance coverage. Insurance company profit would not keep care from those who are preyed upon by the headhunters of the insurance industry, who receive salary incentives for finding any and all means of denying care. The many thousands who do not qualify for health insurance, because of their health conditions, would have a chance at life, and their families will be blessed by having them alive.
The tax cost on citizens, to pay for universal healthcare, will be offset by having no need for health insurance; not to mention the benefit of having the burden of financial stress lifted off of the patient in their time of crisis. Everyone will benefit, at one point or another, from the free or low cost medical care.
The infrastructure for universal healthcare is already in place in the United States.
Universal Healthcare is bad for health insurance companies, whose executives should find a new business, because we must no longer support companies that profit from needless human suffering and death.
We have to take better care of each other. We are all God's children. If my tax dollars help to save a life, or pay a doctor's salary, instead of funding war, I will be happy to pay them. I am open to the idea that I am missing some considerations here, and am open to criticism. I do not feel that this is a political issue.
Privatized medicine still exists in these countries, so elective surgeries, for conditions that are not of immediate concern, can still be bought if the patient does not want to wait.
Universal Healthcare will not make more organ donors, but it will provide treatment and medicine for those who are waiting for organ transplants, providing a greater chance of survival, and a better quality of life, without the stress of bankrupcy.
Universal Healthcare would be good for health care professionals, whose salaries would not need to be significantly affected, who's medical training would be paid by the government, in return for a set amount time as a civil servant. With no loan debt to pay back, and no malpractice insurance, physicians can still earn a lucrative salary, with bonuses and insentives given to those that have better records for providing care, such as in the UK. Many physicians would love to focus on healing instead of business, and no loan debt would encourage those who desire to heal to become physicians.
Patients would be taken in and treated according to need, not insurance coverage. Insurance company profit would not keep care from those who are preyed upon by the headhunters of the insurance industry, who receive salary incentives for finding any and all means of denying care. The many thousands who do not qualify for health insurance, because of their health conditions, would have a chance at life, and their families will be blessed by having them alive.
The tax cost on citizens, to pay for universal healthcare, will be offset by having no need for health insurance; not to mention the benefit of having the burden of financial stress lifted off of the patient in their time of crisis. Everyone will benefit, at one point or another, from the free or low cost medical care.
The infrastructure for universal healthcare is already in place in the United States.
Universal Healthcare is bad for health insurance companies, whose executives should find a new business, because we must no longer support companies that profit from needless human suffering and death.
We have to take better care of each other. We are all God's children. If my tax dollars help to save a life, or pay a doctor's salary, instead of funding war, I will be happy to pay them. I am open to the idea that I am missing some considerations here, and am open to criticism. I do not feel that this is a political issue.
NOW, The Eternal Present
Now is the time for divine, unconditional love to come forth on the earth. Now is the time for all to awaken and realize that we are all connected, pieces of the same creation, all children of God. It is time for us to pray, and to ask that the light and love of God may shine on all, from all, and through all. We must begin to care for one another in every thought, word, and action. We must change our outlook, and trust in God; and we must do it right Now.
It is time for everyone in the world to find the prosperity of God, and to give openly, as Christ taught. It is time for change. May the love and peace of God find you, and may you get to know God, and come to realize that you are ONE with God.
Make a concerted effort to reduce the effect that stress has on your life through relaxation and meditation. Have faith that there is Good in the world, and that the light of God may deliver our world from violence and suffering. Trust in God at all times, in all places, in all interactions with each other. If you need help, ask for help from a place of love.
At present, the media and entertainment has little, if anything of value to offer. Meditation will help you to get to know yourself, and to get to know God. In the silence of no mind, when fear and anxiety dissipate, there you will find the spirit. Let it lead you in your daily life. Ask yourself, when you are uncertian, do you feel the presence of peace. Is your mind at ease? To what degree do you feel peace?
Now is the only point in time that exists. Past and future are illusions created by the mind as a memory trace, in the case of the past, or an imagined, projected fantasy. You never did anything in the past, you did it in the Now. You will never do anything in the future, you will do it in the Now. Live in the Now because that is where you will find God.
It is time for everyone in the world to find the prosperity of God, and to give openly, as Christ taught. It is time for change. May the love and peace of God find you, and may you get to know God, and come to realize that you are ONE with God.
Make a concerted effort to reduce the effect that stress has on your life through relaxation and meditation. Have faith that there is Good in the world, and that the light of God may deliver our world from violence and suffering. Trust in God at all times, in all places, in all interactions with each other. If you need help, ask for help from a place of love.
At present, the media and entertainment has little, if anything of value to offer. Meditation will help you to get to know yourself, and to get to know God. In the silence of no mind, when fear and anxiety dissipate, there you will find the spirit. Let it lead you in your daily life. Ask yourself, when you are uncertian, do you feel the presence of peace. Is your mind at ease? To what degree do you feel peace?
Now is the only point in time that exists. Past and future are illusions created by the mind as a memory trace, in the case of the past, or an imagined, projected fantasy. You never did anything in the past, you did it in the Now. You will never do anything in the future, you will do it in the Now. Live in the Now because that is where you will find God.
That ye be not judged
A large part of what keeps people from the fullness of their abilities is fear. Fear keeps a person locked in illusion, blindly trapped in compulsive thinking, and at the mercy of illusory, self-created pain and suffering.
Fear is overcome by ending judgment. If you see something, and judge it to be frightening, you will be afraid. If you judge it to be saddening, you will be sad, to the degree that you judge it to sadden you. This applies to all that is seen and experienced in everyday life. From an everyday perspective, the judgement of self, others, and the situation limits one's ability to interact, and can result in fear.
Always remember that you have a choice. To give up responsibility for your emotional state is to give up your freedom to feel and to BE any way that you choose. With resposibility and practice comes control, and eventually inner peace.
At first, the judgements will still come. Observe them, but don't get down on yourself. After all, dissapointment stems from another judgement. Simply observe your thoughts in love.
Be an observer. Be a passerby.
When you begin to observe, the random, compulsive thoughts that the mind seems to create might surprise you. The constant or uncontrollable chatter of random thoughts is insanity, even though, at present, almost everyone is afflicted.
As you begin on the path of being the observer your thoughts, mental labels which vainly attempt to classify, and categorize people and situations will still come to mind. Others will still appear to be "mean," "inconsiderate," even "stupid," among other things. Situations will still seem to be "uncomfortable," "upsetting," or "unispiring." At this point, one is sucessful if one can observe the mind, and smile at the random thoughts that come in, instead of being swept about by them. The level of success in presence can be measured by the degree of peace in your emotional state.
Try not to judge anything, because whatever judgement you pass, will not affect who or what you judge, but will make You suffer in the form of negative emotions and attitudes about the world around you. These attitudes and labels are your own, and the fear and suffering you create inside only belongs to you. The practice of presence can be difficult. Not getting angry upon seeing the injustices of the world; not letting the ego provide that familiar sense of inferiority or superiority, with regard to others.
In time and practice, it might become apparent that the world around you is like a mirror, in which the outcomes of situations reflect personal attitudes back at the person. When emotions no longer have a significant effect on your attitudes and behavior, you will begin to see how wonderous and magical the world really is. In the absence of the ups and down of emotion is joy.
An end to judging is part of the road to salvation, now and forever. This knowledge is a gift from God, and the way out of the suffering and pain that people create for themselves. Without judgement , percieved "problems" in your life will no longer get you down. Stress can be a thing of the past, if you want it to be.
When you are at a point in your life where fear does not affect you anymore, you might notice all kinds of things that went unnoticed before. They were always there, they just went unnoticed through the veil of ego and repetitive thought. Be at peace in the knowledge that God will not give you any challenge or perception that you cannot handle.
Fear is overcome by ending judgment. If you see something, and judge it to be frightening, you will be afraid. If you judge it to be saddening, you will be sad, to the degree that you judge it to sadden you. This applies to all that is seen and experienced in everyday life. From an everyday perspective, the judgement of self, others, and the situation limits one's ability to interact, and can result in fear.
Always remember that you have a choice. To give up responsibility for your emotional state is to give up your freedom to feel and to BE any way that you choose. With resposibility and practice comes control, and eventually inner peace.
At first, the judgements will still come. Observe them, but don't get down on yourself. After all, dissapointment stems from another judgement. Simply observe your thoughts in love.
Be an observer. Be a passerby.
When you begin to observe, the random, compulsive thoughts that the mind seems to create might surprise you. The constant or uncontrollable chatter of random thoughts is insanity, even though, at present, almost everyone is afflicted.
As you begin on the path of being the observer your thoughts, mental labels which vainly attempt to classify, and categorize people and situations will still come to mind. Others will still appear to be "mean," "inconsiderate," even "stupid," among other things. Situations will still seem to be "uncomfortable," "upsetting," or "unispiring." At this point, one is sucessful if one can observe the mind, and smile at the random thoughts that come in, instead of being swept about by them. The level of success in presence can be measured by the degree of peace in your emotional state.
Try not to judge anything, because whatever judgement you pass, will not affect who or what you judge, but will make You suffer in the form of negative emotions and attitudes about the world around you. These attitudes and labels are your own, and the fear and suffering you create inside only belongs to you. The practice of presence can be difficult. Not getting angry upon seeing the injustices of the world; not letting the ego provide that familiar sense of inferiority or superiority, with regard to others.
In time and practice, it might become apparent that the world around you is like a mirror, in which the outcomes of situations reflect personal attitudes back at the person. When emotions no longer have a significant effect on your attitudes and behavior, you will begin to see how wonderous and magical the world really is. In the absence of the ups and down of emotion is joy.
An end to judging is part of the road to salvation, now and forever. This knowledge is a gift from God, and the way out of the suffering and pain that people create for themselves. Without judgement , percieved "problems" in your life will no longer get you down. Stress can be a thing of the past, if you want it to be.
When you are at a point in your life where fear does not affect you anymore, you might notice all kinds of things that went unnoticed before. They were always there, they just went unnoticed through the veil of ego and repetitive thought. Be at peace in the knowledge that God will not give you any challenge or perception that you cannot handle.
Peace be upon you!
The religious faiths all teach Love, for God, for all of God's creations and manifestations, for ALL of humanity, for ourselves, and our families. The true fundamental Christian teachings, those of Jesus of Nazareth, can be found in the Bible in what is called the Sermon on the Mount. It's doesn't take long to read, and begins in Matthew chapter 5. The gnostic Book of Thomas is a more in-depth record of the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth, and may be found, among other places at:
http://www.earlychristianwritings.comthomas.html
Love of God begins in the elimination of resistance to what is, in the eternal Now, becoming an observer of God in all manifestations. From that place, you can more easilly change an adverse life situation, if you choose. For those who practice presence and observation, life becomes easy. When detached from an egoic, fleeting, material illusion of the world, suffering becomes impossible. That is why Christ said that his "yoke is easy and (his) burden is light."
http://www.earlychristianwritings.comthomas.html
Love of God begins in the elimination of resistance to what is, in the eternal Now, becoming an observer of God in all manifestations. From that place, you can more easilly change an adverse life situation, if you choose. For those who practice presence and observation, life becomes easy. When detached from an egoic, fleeting, material illusion of the world, suffering becomes impossible. That is why Christ said that his "yoke is easy and (his) burden is light."
Boomeritis, and how to cure it. (short version)
It is hard for me to be inspired by the lofty ideals and unparalleled narcissism that characterized the boomer generation. In order to bring positive change in the world, my generation cannot fall into the trap of purely self-centered intentions. That is not to say that one should not look inward. Observing one's own ego is the first step toward overcoming the impermanent cycles of emotion that create needless suffering in our lives. What is the voice inside your head saying? What's "on your mind," so to speak? Having control over one's mind entails the ability to overcome compulsive thinking and needless identification with the ego. Even more important, though, is observation of the unnecessary emotional reactions to these uncontrolled thought patterns. True, everlasting, peace and joy are found outside the ego driven ups and downs of life. In the present moment, the eternal now, "taking, therefore, no thought for the morrow; for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself" (King James Bible, Matthew 6:34).
Cited authors: Ken Wilber, Eckhart Tolle, and Jesus of Nazareth.
Cited authors: Ken Wilber, Eckhart Tolle, and Jesus of Nazareth.
An end to fear
It's easy to speak words of praise and worship. These are good things, but the words alone have no value. The truth in the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth, about how one can eliminate suffering and get to know God is too often left out. Tragically, the golden bit of truth is often obscured by the dogmatic underpinnings of organized religion.
Instead of preaching to us that we are apart from God, sinful and stupid; instead of speaking idle, vain, and repetitious words, churches should be getting congregations together to help their communities, and to make the world a better place, in the light and love of God.
It's worth it to live like Jesus taught, and it is easy to work with God. The only true joy in this life comes from living as Christ, the godly essence that lives in all of God's children. Jesus showed us the door to salvation. Mohammad was a vehicle for it as well, as was the Buddha.
Even though he was Jewish, the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth are similar to Buddhism. Read his words in the Bible and, the Dead Sea Scrolls to understand what is meant by this. Practices described by Christ in the Sermon on the Mount seem similar to the practical application of what is called Zen and Tao in the east.
Sin is a symptom, not a proper diagnosis in its own right. Sin only points to the underlying disease, which is characterized by self-centered, ego driven aspirations and actions.
The term "god-fearing" demonstrates an unfortunate, and twised interpretation of the teachings of Christ. God is Love, not fear. Love and God are everywhere; and only in the Now, outside of the human mind, in the eternal present.
To fear God is to fear oneself, one's life situation, the very essence of Being itself. If God is omnicient, omnipresent, and omnipotent, it means that God IS everything, everywhere, always, and, in so being, is all knowing. To fear God is to fear life. To fear God is to fear everthing that is, was and ever will be.
Loving God is Loving all.
"And in the end, the LOVE you take, is equal to the LOVE you make."
Lennon-McCartney
Instead of preaching to us that we are apart from God, sinful and stupid; instead of speaking idle, vain, and repetitious words, churches should be getting congregations together to help their communities, and to make the world a better place, in the light and love of God.
It's worth it to live like Jesus taught, and it is easy to work with God. The only true joy in this life comes from living as Christ, the godly essence that lives in all of God's children. Jesus showed us the door to salvation. Mohammad was a vehicle for it as well, as was the Buddha.
Even though he was Jewish, the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth are similar to Buddhism. Read his words in the Bible and, the Dead Sea Scrolls to understand what is meant by this. Practices described by Christ in the Sermon on the Mount seem similar to the practical application of what is called Zen and Tao in the east.
Sin is a symptom, not a proper diagnosis in its own right. Sin only points to the underlying disease, which is characterized by self-centered, ego driven aspirations and actions.
The term "god-fearing" demonstrates an unfortunate, and twised interpretation of the teachings of Christ. God is Love, not fear. Love and God are everywhere; and only in the Now, outside of the human mind, in the eternal present.
To fear God is to fear oneself, one's life situation, the very essence of Being itself. If God is omnicient, omnipresent, and omnipotent, it means that God IS everything, everywhere, always, and, in so being, is all knowing. To fear God is to fear life. To fear God is to fear everthing that is, was and ever will be.
Loving God is Loving all.
"And in the end, the LOVE you take, is equal to the LOVE you make."
Lennon-McCartney
Power and Responsibility
Ninety percent of those killed in Iraq are civillians. The 2.5 Million displaced people in Darfur face a horrific, genocidal fate, as the UN (at the time of this posting) still has failed to provide peacekeepers to strengthen the African Union's efforts. One of every five people on Earth does not have access to drinkable water, as apathetic materialism continues to characterize the west. AIDS is killing off entire generations of sub-Saharan Africans, leaving a population of orphans, themselves not educated in methods for preventing the disease. US "relief" (Why is there no "War against AIDS?") comes with a mandated part "abstenence-only" curriculum.
War is profitable, and as such, has been capitalized. Government contracted corporations, owned by our political leaders and their cronies, funnel our tax money into their pockets. Lobbyists give campain contributions and lucrative jobs to politicians who champion their causes. In the US, our tax money is spent on bringing death and destruction to peaceful civilians, instead of providing healthcare and education to our citizens. The rich do not pay taxes. They use corporations to shelter their assets. As such, the tax burden falls solely on the middle class.
Americans are enslaved by the fear of losing their jobs and their health insurance. To be educated, one must go into debt, or join the military.
Any opponent to universal healthcare and education, who is worried about the expanded role of government, should worry also about current and pressing erosion of civil rights by the Patriot Act, and the attempted suspension of the Writ of Habias Corpus, which began to assure the liberty to question one's imprisonment, and be fairly tried by due process in 1305. Are we slipping back into the dark ages?
With great power and influence comes an equally great resposibility. Blind idealism is no longer an acceptible foreign policy. Abstainence-only AIDS prevention programs do not work, and neither does creating a power vaccum and subsequently trying to occupy a brewing sectarian battleground, where all doctors and educated professionals with the means to do so, have taken their families and fled.
Vote with your dollar, Vote at the ballot box, vote with your voice, and with your heart. Christ taught love and compassion for all of God's children. As citizens of this nation, who give the government your money (and their power), we must demand accountability and transparency of government. The "closed door" meetings of the World Bank and World Trade Organization, that decide the fate of millions in developing countries, must be open to the scrutiny of the citizens who fund it with their taxes.
I am so greatful for the wonderful life that I enjoy, here in this beautiful country. I am proud to be an American, where I have the right and the obligation to voice my discontent with the government. Do not be afraid of your government, and certianly don't be apathetic.
It is time for us to give, to volunteer, to vote, to care, and to be informed.
War is profitable, and as such, has been capitalized. Government contracted corporations, owned by our political leaders and their cronies, funnel our tax money into their pockets. Lobbyists give campain contributions and lucrative jobs to politicians who champion their causes. In the US, our tax money is spent on bringing death and destruction to peaceful civilians, instead of providing healthcare and education to our citizens. The rich do not pay taxes. They use corporations to shelter their assets. As such, the tax burden falls solely on the middle class.
Americans are enslaved by the fear of losing their jobs and their health insurance. To be educated, one must go into debt, or join the military.
Any opponent to universal healthcare and education, who is worried about the expanded role of government, should worry also about current and pressing erosion of civil rights by the Patriot Act, and the attempted suspension of the Writ of Habias Corpus, which began to assure the liberty to question one's imprisonment, and be fairly tried by due process in 1305. Are we slipping back into the dark ages?
With great power and influence comes an equally great resposibility. Blind idealism is no longer an acceptible foreign policy. Abstainence-only AIDS prevention programs do not work, and neither does creating a power vaccum and subsequently trying to occupy a brewing sectarian battleground, where all doctors and educated professionals with the means to do so, have taken their families and fled.
Vote with your dollar, Vote at the ballot box, vote with your voice, and with your heart. Christ taught love and compassion for all of God's children. As citizens of this nation, who give the government your money (and their power), we must demand accountability and transparency of government. The "closed door" meetings of the World Bank and World Trade Organization, that decide the fate of millions in developing countries, must be open to the scrutiny of the citizens who fund it with their taxes.
I am so greatful for the wonderful life that I enjoy, here in this beautiful country. I am proud to be an American, where I have the right and the obligation to voice my discontent with the government. Do not be afraid of your government, and certianly don't be apathetic.
It is time for us to give, to volunteer, to vote, to care, and to be informed.
By their fruits
Frankly, I find that I don't agree with most contemporary takes on Christianity. Instead of all the focus on sin, death, guilt and recruiting, I wish they had told me to focus on the words of Jesus at a young age, instead of the myriad of passages used to validate an exclusionist paradigm.
I want for myself the peace that Jesus must have felt. To follow Jesus's advice is to save oneself from the struggles of life. To truly love your enemies (or to have no enemies); to be able to look upon the creations and manifestations of God without judgement, To look at someone who just slapped your face, being so humble as to not return the favor, and so "above it" as to show that it really wouldn't bother you, to the slightest degree, if he were to slap your other cheek. I wish that peace for myself and the entire world. No worries, not if you live like Jesus.
Shed your ego and live here and now. Smile, don't have the countenance of burden, Love everyone, in the whole world, even Osama, GWB, Rumsfeld, Ted Haggard, and Hillary Clinton, to name a few polarizing public figures.
How do we know who to follow? Jesus said that we will know our leaders by their fruits, which I take to mean their actions. (Matthew 7:20) So, who is bringing forth worthy fruit? Personally, I think that the fruit of most of our current leaders is bitter to the taste, and ugly to look upon. Posion.
I am optimistic, though. I am alive. There is some pretty tasty, fullfilling fruit out there, you just have to look for it. Fortunately, the media in America is starting to become such a parody of itself that people are starting to catch on.
I want for myself the peace that Jesus must have felt. To follow Jesus's advice is to save oneself from the struggles of life. To truly love your enemies (or to have no enemies); to be able to look upon the creations and manifestations of God without judgement, To look at someone who just slapped your face, being so humble as to not return the favor, and so "above it" as to show that it really wouldn't bother you, to the slightest degree, if he were to slap your other cheek. I wish that peace for myself and the entire world. No worries, not if you live like Jesus.
Shed your ego and live here and now. Smile, don't have the countenance of burden, Love everyone, in the whole world, even Osama, GWB, Rumsfeld, Ted Haggard, and Hillary Clinton, to name a few polarizing public figures.
How do we know who to follow? Jesus said that we will know our leaders by their fruits, which I take to mean their actions. (Matthew 7:20) So, who is bringing forth worthy fruit? Personally, I think that the fruit of most of our current leaders is bitter to the taste, and ugly to look upon. Posion.
I am optimistic, though. I am alive. There is some pretty tasty, fullfilling fruit out there, you just have to look for it. Fortunately, the media in America is starting to become such a parody of itself that people are starting to catch on.
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