1.
Nature --
in the pages of history
man’s greatest friend
man's greatest foe.
To survive, our putative mandate has been
to study and shape and harvest Nature --
for the sake of all men at all times.
“From each according to one’s talents
to each initially according to one’s labours
to each ideally according to one’s needs.”
3.
In fact our minds have largely been dulled
by a persistent paradigm of alienation –
about the nature of Nature and the nature of man
about the fruits of Nature and the fruits of man’s labour.
Our social nature has grown aberrant
long hostage to the cultural lies
of the court's weavers of sand.
4.
We have to write our own history
of Nature and man.
*Chapter 5, Fractured Memories
Showing posts with label blue posts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label blue posts. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Haiku 062809
lighting up
downtown's skyline...
sunrise
***************
Recently, we read the following:
Los Angeles Times: “Apparent coup in Honduras: President tells of his 'brutal kidnapping' “ by Tracy Wilkinson and Alex Renderos
"Honduran army troops seized President Manuel Zelaya early today and sent the leftist president into exile in an apparent coup, reports from the Central American country said.
"Troops moved through the Honduran capital, Tegucigalpa, and surrounded the presidential palace and other government buildings. The state television network was off the air as hundreds of angry Honduran citizens poured into the streets and shouted support for Zelaya....
"The military action followed days of unrest ahead of a referendum over constitutional reforms scheduled for today. The vote was to ask Hondurans whether they wanted another referendum to change the constitution in a number of ways, including allowing re-election of the president.
“Army leaders opposed the vote, which they, Congress and election officials said was illegal. In response, Zelaya last week fired the top military commander and then ignored a Supreme Court order to reinstate him.
"President Obama, in a statement issued by the White House, said he was 'deeply concerned' about the developments.
" ‘As the Organization of American States did on Friday, I call on all political and social actors in Honduras to respect democratic norms, the rule of law and the tenets of the Inter-American Democratic Charter,’ the president said. ‘Any existing tensions and disputes must be resolved peacefully through dialogue free from any outside interference….’ "
***************
And we thought:
…A fascist faction in the Honduran military forces perhaps thinks the world is still in the dark era of banana republics. On the other hand, was Zelaya in fact trying to have his country’s constitution amended for selfish interests? Was he angling for another presidential term? ....
a contemporary haiku and current events blog. occasional notes on [and pokes at] nature and society. and some of their maddening stuff…like the economy finance capital mergers energy health care insurers jobs retirement politics government congress courts conflicts united nations human rights lennon peace culture mores education alienation religion erving goffman artifacts history social change twitter scientific method sports travel environment wildlife carbon footprint global warming earth...
lighting up
downtown's skyline...
sunrise
***************
Recently, we read the following:
Los Angeles Times: “Apparent coup in Honduras: President tells of his 'brutal kidnapping' “ by Tracy Wilkinson and Alex Renderos
"Honduran army troops seized President Manuel Zelaya early today and sent the leftist president into exile in an apparent coup, reports from the Central American country said.
"Troops moved through the Honduran capital, Tegucigalpa, and surrounded the presidential palace and other government buildings. The state television network was off the air as hundreds of angry Honduran citizens poured into the streets and shouted support for Zelaya....
"The military action followed days of unrest ahead of a referendum over constitutional reforms scheduled for today. The vote was to ask Hondurans whether they wanted another referendum to change the constitution in a number of ways, including allowing re-election of the president.
“Army leaders opposed the vote, which they, Congress and election officials said was illegal. In response, Zelaya last week fired the top military commander and then ignored a Supreme Court order to reinstate him.
"President Obama, in a statement issued by the White House, said he was 'deeply concerned' about the developments.
" ‘As the Organization of American States did on Friday, I call on all political and social actors in Honduras to respect democratic norms, the rule of law and the tenets of the Inter-American Democratic Charter,’ the president said. ‘Any existing tensions and disputes must be resolved peacefully through dialogue free from any outside interference….’ "
***************
And we thought:
…A fascist faction in the Honduran military forces perhaps thinks the world is still in the dark era of banana republics. On the other hand, was Zelaya in fact trying to have his country’s constitution amended for selfish interests? Was he angling for another presidential term? ....
a contemporary haiku and current events blog. occasional notes on [and pokes at] nature and society. and some of their maddening stuff…like the economy finance capital mergers energy health care insurers jobs retirement politics government congress courts conflicts united nations human rights lennon peace culture mores education alienation religion erving goffman artifacts history social change twitter scientific method sports travel environment wildlife carbon footprint global warming earth...
Friday, June 26, 2009
Haiku 062609
a wet quilt
of leaves and grass...
stormy night
***************
Recently, we read the following:
NPR: “Michael Jackson: Life Of A Pop Icon” by Neda Ulaby
“Singer Michael Jackson, the man known as the King of Pop to legions of fans around the globe, who lived most of his extraordinary life in the public eye, died Thursday in Los Angeles after going into cardiac arrest. He was 50 years old….
“It used to be that Jackson's talent was the most compelling thing about him, says music critic Jody Rosen….
“And then came the charges of child molestation.
“For comedians like Chris Rock, Michael Jackson became a punch line….
“Or an extended riff….
“Not long ago, Rosen was at a nightclub. Everyone there was too cool to dance. Then the DJ started spinning Jackson's early hits, one after the other.
" ‘As soon as he started playing those, the dance floor was stampeded,’ Rosen says. ‘The longer it went on, the more ecstatic the crowd got, and everyone was dancing. That's the image I'd like to remember MJ by: just sheer joy generated by his best music.’
“The Michael Jackson in his mind, Rosen says, was not a has-been, a controversy or a joke. He was a genius.”
***************
And we thought:
… People are stunned all the more by Michael’s sudden passing because, in the last 5 years, he did keep a low profile for the most part. Out of sight, out of mind. People were practically unaware as Michael was being buffeted by storms -- emotional, legal, financial, etc. -- caused by child molestation charges being filed against him one after the other. Most will be kinder now….
a contemporary haiku and current events blog. occasional notes on [and pokes at] nature and society. and some of their maddening stuff…like the economy finance capital mergers energy health care insurers jobs retirement politics government congress courts conflicts united nations human rights peace culture& society education alienation religion erving goffman artifacts history social change twitter scientific method sports travel environment wildlife carbon footprint global warming earth...
a wet quilt
of leaves and grass...
stormy night
***************
Recently, we read the following:
NPR: “Michael Jackson: Life Of A Pop Icon” by Neda Ulaby“Singer Michael Jackson, the man known as the King of Pop to legions of fans around the globe, who lived most of his extraordinary life in the public eye, died Thursday in Los Angeles after going into cardiac arrest. He was 50 years old….
“It used to be that Jackson's talent was the most compelling thing about him, says music critic Jody Rosen….
“And then came the charges of child molestation.
“For comedians like Chris Rock, Michael Jackson became a punch line….
“Or an extended riff….
“Not long ago, Rosen was at a nightclub. Everyone there was too cool to dance. Then the DJ started spinning Jackson's early hits, one after the other.
" ‘As soon as he started playing those, the dance floor was stampeded,’ Rosen says. ‘The longer it went on, the more ecstatic the crowd got, and everyone was dancing. That's the image I'd like to remember MJ by: just sheer joy generated by his best music.’
“The Michael Jackson in his mind, Rosen says, was not a has-been, a controversy or a joke. He was a genius.”
***************
And we thought:
… People are stunned all the more by Michael’s sudden passing because, in the last 5 years, he did keep a low profile for the most part. Out of sight, out of mind. People were practically unaware as Michael was being buffeted by storms -- emotional, legal, financial, etc. -- caused by child molestation charges being filed against him one after the other. Most will be kinder now….
a contemporary haiku and current events blog. occasional notes on [and pokes at] nature and society. and some of their maddening stuff…like the economy finance capital mergers energy health care insurers jobs retirement politics government congress courts conflicts united nations human rights peace culture& society education alienation religion erving goffman artifacts history social change twitter scientific method sports travel environment wildlife carbon footprint global warming earth...
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Haiku 062409
morning glories
lie still on the grass...
summer sunset
***************
Recently, we read the following:
NPR: “Iran Supreme Leader Vows Not To Bow To Protests”
“Iran's supreme leader said Wednesday that the government would not give in to pressure over the disputed presidential election, effectively closing the door to compromise with the opposition.
" ‘Neither the system nor the people will give in to pressures at any price,’ Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in a meeting with lawmakers Wednesday….
“In his remarks on state television, Khamenei was adamant. ‘On the current situation, I was insisting and will insist on implementation of the law. That means we will not go one step beyond the law,’ he said…
“Mousavi claims that hard-line President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad stole the June 12 election through massive fraud. He has called for annulling the results and holding a new vote.
“Mousavi supporters have flooded the streets of Tehran and other cities on a near-daily basis since the election, massing by the hundreds of thousands in protests larger than any since Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution. Security forces initially stood by and permitted the demonstrations.
“Khamenei said in a stern sermon broadcast to the nation Friday that Ahmadinejad was the legitimate winner. He told opposition supporters to halt their protests and blamed the U.S., Britain and other foreign powers for instigating unrest.
“The government then ramped up both the use of force and its rhetoric, beating protesters, firing tear gas and water cannons at them. State media say at least 17 people have been killed in the postelection unrest. Amateur footage of a woman bleeding to death from a gunshot on a Tehran street unleashed outrage at home and abroad….”
***************
And we thought:
… You’d think that Iran’s mullahs would at least try to provide a safe forum to hear out the protesters. Or do Iran’s laws actually prohibit dialogue between its leaders and its people? Scores of protesters have since fallen in the streets – some killed, a lot more injured. But the protests continue. Obviously, "threats, beatings, and imprisonments" -- and blaming other countries -- will not resolve the issues protesters have raised. A good-faith dialogue might just help start the process....
morning glories
lie still on the grass...
summer sunset
***************
Recently, we read the following:
NPR: “Iran Supreme Leader Vows Not To Bow To Protests”
“Iran's supreme leader said Wednesday that the government would not give in to pressure over the disputed presidential election, effectively closing the door to compromise with the opposition.
" ‘Neither the system nor the people will give in to pressures at any price,’ Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in a meeting with lawmakers Wednesday….
“In his remarks on state television, Khamenei was adamant. ‘On the current situation, I was insisting and will insist on implementation of the law. That means we will not go one step beyond the law,’ he said…
“Mousavi claims that hard-line President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad stole the June 12 election through massive fraud. He has called for annulling the results and holding a new vote.
“Mousavi supporters have flooded the streets of Tehran and other cities on a near-daily basis since the election, massing by the hundreds of thousands in protests larger than any since Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution. Security forces initially stood by and permitted the demonstrations.
“Khamenei said in a stern sermon broadcast to the nation Friday that Ahmadinejad was the legitimate winner. He told opposition supporters to halt their protests and blamed the U.S., Britain and other foreign powers for instigating unrest.
“The government then ramped up both the use of force and its rhetoric, beating protesters, firing tear gas and water cannons at them. State media say at least 17 people have been killed in the postelection unrest. Amateur footage of a woman bleeding to death from a gunshot on a Tehran street unleashed outrage at home and abroad….”
***************
And we thought:
… You’d think that Iran’s mullahs would at least try to provide a safe forum to hear out the protesters. Or do Iran’s laws actually prohibit dialogue between its leaders and its people? Scores of protesters have since fallen in the streets – some killed, a lot more injured. But the protests continue. Obviously, "threats, beatings, and imprisonments" -- and blaming other countries -- will not resolve the issues protesters have raised. A good-faith dialogue might just help start the process....
Monday, June 22, 2009
Haiku 062209
a squirrel's nest
of twigs and leaves...
summer home
***************
Recently, we read the following:
Washington Post : “Reporters Escape Taliban Captors” by Keith Richburg
"A New York Times reporter kidnapped by the Taliban and held for seven months in the rugged mountainous region along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border escaped Friday, along with a local Afghan reporter, by climbing over a wall and finding a nearby Pakistani army base, according to the newspaper, U.S. officials and the journalist's family.
"David Rohde, 41, was taken captive Nov. 10 along with local reporter Tahir Ludin, 35, and their driver while Rohde was researching a book on Afghanistan. News organizations, including The Washington Post, did not report on the abduction at the request of the Times and Rohde's relatives, who feared that publication of the news could endanger the lives of the captives....
"According to sources, the FBI worked closely with the Times in Afghanistan to negotiate his release. There were intermittent communications with the kidnappers, who also provided several 'proof of life' videos confirming Rohde was alive. But sources said the family insisted on using private security consultants to resolve the case, and it was those consultants who insisted on an absolute news blackout…"
***************
And we thought:
…Rohde's escape is fortunate. But what's most fortunate is he’s a member of a fraternity that has great resources (influence, connections, funds) and takes care of its own. Just wondering -- would this media fraternity agree as well to a “news blackout” for a private individual or a public figure, given the same "life-or-death" situation? Why do some of us doubt it will?...
a squirrel's nest
of twigs and leaves...
summer home
***************
Recently, we read the following:
Washington Post : “Reporters Escape Taliban Captors” by Keith Richburg
"A New York Times reporter kidnapped by the Taliban and held for seven months in the rugged mountainous region along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border escaped Friday, along with a local Afghan reporter, by climbing over a wall and finding a nearby Pakistani army base, according to the newspaper, U.S. officials and the journalist's family.
"David Rohde, 41, was taken captive Nov. 10 along with local reporter Tahir Ludin, 35, and their driver while Rohde was researching a book on Afghanistan. News organizations, including The Washington Post, did not report on the abduction at the request of the Times and Rohde's relatives, who feared that publication of the news could endanger the lives of the captives....
"According to sources, the FBI worked closely with the Times in Afghanistan to negotiate his release. There were intermittent communications with the kidnappers, who also provided several 'proof of life' videos confirming Rohde was alive. But sources said the family insisted on using private security consultants to resolve the case, and it was those consultants who insisted on an absolute news blackout…"
***************
And we thought:
…Rohde's escape is fortunate. But what's most fortunate is he’s a member of a fraternity that has great resources (influence, connections, funds) and takes care of its own. Just wondering -- would this media fraternity agree as well to a “news blackout” for a private individual or a public figure, given the same "life-or-death" situation? Why do some of us doubt it will?...
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Haiku 062009
waves of water
from the lawn sprinkler...
surfing robin
***************
Recently, we read the following:
NBC Washington: “99-Year-Old's Water Bill Jumps Almost 4000%” by Matthew Stabley
“Stop complaining about your utility bills. Jeannette Cohen's water bill jumped almost 4000 percent.
“The 99-year-old northwest Washington woman insists it must be a mistake. Usually, her water bill is $30. In March, she did a double take.
" ‘I got my usual bill and opened the envelope and looked at the amount,’ she said. ‘Huh? I looked again.’
“It was $1,181.
“Cohen complained and had plumbers check her house twice. Usually, she uses about 3,000 gallons of water per month. D.C. Water and Sewer Authority's records show that 139,876 gallons went into her house that month, and they insist she must pay for them.
" ‘It's just so obvious that, as the plumber said, You couldn't use that much water,' she told News4's Tom Sherwood….”
***************
And we thought:
… Not if Cohen's in fact one of Cheney's new sub-contractors – for secret off-site waterboarding assignments… =)
waves of water
from the lawn sprinkler...
surfing robin
***************
Recently, we read the following:
NBC Washington: “99-Year-Old's Water Bill Jumps Almost 4000%” by Matthew Stabley“Stop complaining about your utility bills. Jeannette Cohen's water bill jumped almost 4000 percent.
“The 99-year-old northwest Washington woman insists it must be a mistake. Usually, her water bill is $30. In March, she did a double take.
" ‘I got my usual bill and opened the envelope and looked at the amount,’ she said. ‘Huh? I looked again.’
“It was $1,181.
“Cohen complained and had plumbers check her house twice. Usually, she uses about 3,000 gallons of water per month. D.C. Water and Sewer Authority's records show that 139,876 gallons went into her house that month, and they insist she must pay for them.
" ‘It's just so obvious that, as the plumber said, You couldn't use that much water,' she told News4's Tom Sherwood….”
***************
And we thought:
… Not if Cohen's in fact one of Cheney's new sub-contractors – for secret off-site waterboarding assignments… =)
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Haiku 061809
dense clouds
masking the sunrise...
long faces
***************
Recently, we read the following:
New York Times: “Clerics May Be Key to Outcome of Unrest” By Neil MacFarouhar
“With Iran’s political establishment at war with itself, a central question lurking behind the postelection tumult is which side the country’s highly influential clerics will back.
”So far the mullahs — a potentially critical swing vote — have remained largely silent, with the notable exception of a few prominent grand ayatollahs, including one who has attacked the vote count as ‘a gross injustice.’ And few religious leaders have joined the tens of thousands of Iranians expressing their fury by marching through the streets of Tehran and other cities.
‘The clerics and their thousands of pupils, concentrated in the holy city of Qum, are a generally conservative lot who have been known to jump into the political fray en masse only when a clear winner starts to emerge….
“One of the mysteries behind this week’s mass demonstrations is who is coordinating them. Some suspect that the hidden hand is the powerful political organization of former President Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani. His daughter Faezeh Hashemi Rafsanjani, a former member of Parliament famous for opening sports to women, was spotted at a march for Mir Hussein Moussavi, who the Interior Ministry says came in second in a landslide for the country’s incumbent president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
“One of the country’s most influential clerics, Mr. Rafsanjani has been notably silent since Mr. Ahmadinejad was declared the winner last week, and there has been speculation that Mr. Rafsanjani is in Qum trying to muster clerical opposition to the country’s leaders. But those reports are difficult to confirm with any authority.
“Mr. Rafsanjani leads the 86-member Assembly of Experts, whose duties include endorsing the performance of the supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who on Saturday called the election’s outcome ‘‘a divine blessing.” In theory, the group has the power to remove him, but that has never been done and any attempt to do so would probably further inflame the situation, analysts said….”
***************
And we thought:
….Is there a good number of Iran's clerics inclined to ride Moussavi’s green bus? For now, this seems like a long shot....
dense clouds
masking the sunrise...
long faces
***************
Recently, we read the following:
New York Times: “Clerics May Be Key to Outcome of Unrest” By Neil MacFarouhar
“With Iran’s political establishment at war with itself, a central question lurking behind the postelection tumult is which side the country’s highly influential clerics will back.
”So far the mullahs — a potentially critical swing vote — have remained largely silent, with the notable exception of a few prominent grand ayatollahs, including one who has attacked the vote count as ‘a gross injustice.’ And few religious leaders have joined the tens of thousands of Iranians expressing their fury by marching through the streets of Tehran and other cities.
‘The clerics and their thousands of pupils, concentrated in the holy city of Qum, are a generally conservative lot who have been known to jump into the political fray en masse only when a clear winner starts to emerge….
“One of the mysteries behind this week’s mass demonstrations is who is coordinating them. Some suspect that the hidden hand is the powerful political organization of former President Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani. His daughter Faezeh Hashemi Rafsanjani, a former member of Parliament famous for opening sports to women, was spotted at a march for Mir Hussein Moussavi, who the Interior Ministry says came in second in a landslide for the country’s incumbent president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
“One of the country’s most influential clerics, Mr. Rafsanjani has been notably silent since Mr. Ahmadinejad was declared the winner last week, and there has been speculation that Mr. Rafsanjani is in Qum trying to muster clerical opposition to the country’s leaders. But those reports are difficult to confirm with any authority.
“Mr. Rafsanjani leads the 86-member Assembly of Experts, whose duties include endorsing the performance of the supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who on Saturday called the election’s outcome ‘‘a divine blessing.” In theory, the group has the power to remove him, but that has never been done and any attempt to do so would probably further inflame the situation, analysts said….”
***************
And we thought:
….Is there a good number of Iran's clerics inclined to ride Moussavi’s green bus? For now, this seems like a long shot....
Saturday, June 6, 2009
What Ifs*
1.
We had read:
“Transcending one’s class is living
the dreams of the labouring class,
becoming the labouring class,
being the labouring class.”
2.
What if we did hew our disparate lives
with the steady hands
of the toiling classes,
and grasped history with a proletarian’s mind?
What if we did reckon our days,
like men and women for others --
for brothers and sisters exploited
and bridled?
What if we did become the spark
that lit the prairie fire --
ending man's exploitation
of man?
Musings of a petit-bourgeois...
3.
We muse instead, who took the path
less bloody.
*Chapter 4, Fractured Memories
We had read:
“Transcending one’s class is living
the dreams of the labouring class,
becoming the labouring class,
being the labouring class.”
2.
What if we did hew our disparate lives
with the steady hands
of the toiling classes,
and grasped history with a proletarian’s mind?
What if we did reckon our days,
like men and women for others --
for brothers and sisters exploited
and bridled?
What if we did become the spark
that lit the prairie fire --
ending man's exploitation
of man?
Musings of a petit-bourgeois...
3.
We muse instead, who took the path
less bloody.
*Chapter 4, Fractured Memories
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Haiku 053109
broken branches
and missing blossoms…
a late spring storm
***************
Recently, we read the following:
The Sun: “Britain's Got Talent sensation Susan Boyle was in the Priory clinic last night suffering from exhaustion” by Sara Nathan
“The singer, dubbed SuBo, had an "emotional breakdown" following Saturday's final in which she was runner-up. Boyle-mania has swept the country since the Scot stunned the judges with her performance of 'I Dream A Dream' seven weeks ago….
“The 48-year-old virgin, tipped to earn £8million, survived tears and a tantrum to finish second in Saturday's gripping final of telly's Britain's Got Talent (BGT). But the pressure finally told late yesterday as the Scots singer ... was rushed to the private clinic suffering from exhaustion. Show aides had contacted police to say she was acting strangely at her London hotel….
“Favourite Susan, beaten by dance act Diversity, faced a backlash last week when she was ushered from her previous hotel by worried show bosses after a rant in a bar. She was also spoken to by cops after arguing with her sister.
“Earlier, she had launched into a furious four-letter outburst when told her glittering stage costume had failed to arrive just 15 minutes before she was due to appear on stage…. ‘That was what set her off….They ushered her into a room, but we could still hear her swearing like a trooper….’ ”
***************
And we thought:
….Prima donna behavior? Even before being declared “prima”? Worse, Ms. Boyle actually came in second in the finals...
Will SuBo be able to survive the pressures of being a celebrity? Does she have the strength of character to complement her talent? Well, as Sid Hartman always says, time will tell...
a contemporary haiku and current events blog. occasional notes on [and pokes at] nature and society. and some of their maddening stuff…like the economy finance capital mergers energy health care insurers jobs retirement politics government congress courts conflicts united nations human rights lennon peace culture mores education alienation religion erving goffman artifacts history social change twitter scientific method sports travel environment wildlife carbon footprint global warming earth...
broken branches
and missing blossoms…
a late spring storm
***************
Recently, we read the following:
The Sun: “Britain's Got Talent sensation Susan Boyle was in the Priory clinic last night suffering from exhaustion” by Sara Nathan
“The singer, dubbed SuBo, had an "emotional breakdown" following Saturday's final in which she was runner-up. Boyle-mania has swept the country since the Scot stunned the judges with her performance of 'I Dream A Dream' seven weeks ago….
“The 48-year-old virgin, tipped to earn £8million, survived tears and a tantrum to finish second in Saturday's gripping final of telly's Britain's Got Talent (BGT). But the pressure finally told late yesterday as the Scots singer ... was rushed to the private clinic suffering from exhaustion. Show aides had contacted police to say she was acting strangely at her London hotel….
“Favourite Susan, beaten by dance act Diversity, faced a backlash last week when she was ushered from her previous hotel by worried show bosses after a rant in a bar. She was also spoken to by cops after arguing with her sister.
“Earlier, she had launched into a furious four-letter outburst when told her glittering stage costume had failed to arrive just 15 minutes before she was due to appear on stage…. ‘That was what set her off….They ushered her into a room, but we could still hear her swearing like a trooper….’ ”
***************
And we thought:
….Prima donna behavior? Even before being declared “prima”? Worse, Ms. Boyle actually came in second in the finals...
Will SuBo be able to survive the pressures of being a celebrity? Does she have the strength of character to complement her talent? Well, as Sid Hartman always says, time will tell...
a contemporary haiku and current events blog. occasional notes on [and pokes at] nature and society. and some of their maddening stuff…like the economy finance capital mergers energy health care insurers jobs retirement politics government congress courts conflicts united nations human rights lennon peace culture mores education alienation religion erving goffman artifacts history social change twitter scientific method sports travel environment wildlife carbon footprint global warming earth...
Friday, May 29, 2009
Haiku 052909
whirly seeds
attacking the yard –
spring winds
***************
Recently, we read the following:
Washington Post: “Pope on Facebook in attempt to woo young believers” by Philip Pullella
“You won't get an email saying Pope Benedict added you as a friend and you can't ‘poke’ him or write on his wall, but the Vatican is still keen to use the networking site Facebook to woo young people back to church.
“A new Vatican website, http://www.pope2you.net/ , has gone live, offering an application called ‘The pope meets you on Facebook,’ and another allowing the faithful to see the Pope's speeches and messages on their iPhones or iPods.
“The Vatican's World Communications Day this Sunday is devoted to communicating the gospel with new technologies.
" ‘We recognize that a church that does not communicate ceases to be a church,’ said Monsignor Paul Tighe, secretary of the Vatican's Social Communications department. ‘Many young people today are not turning to traditional media like newspapers and magazines any more for information and entertainment. They are looking to a different media culture, and this is our effort to ensure that the Church is present in that communications culture.’
“Users of the new site can select from more than a dozen ‘virtual postcards’ with pictures of the pope and messages from him on faith, love and life specifically aimed at young people, and send them to other users.
“The Catholic Church, which has seen vocations to religious life decline and church attendance fall, has already turned to the Internet. Last January the pope became one of the oldest people to have his own YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/vaticanit. The pope, known to write most of his speeches by hand, while his aides manage his forays into cyberspace, has even admitted that the Vatican does not use the Internet enough.
“The Vatican got egg on its face in January when the pope admitted that, if the Church had surfed the web more, it might have known that a traditionalist bishop whose excommunication was lifted had for years been a Holocaust denier.
“The new applications are currently available in Italian, English, Spanish, French and Dutch.”
***************
And we thought:
….The Vatican into Facebook, YouTube, messaging via iPhones and iPods, etc. -- all meant to reach out to young people. Is this part of some grand public relations offensive or media blitz by the Vatican? Communications-wise, this looks like the equivalent of saturation-bombing by the Holy See.
Hope the point of it all is to provide timely and concrete guidance for the youth -- and the rest of us -- about the Vatican’s positions on a variety of our “worldly” concerns and how to address them as believers. What’s the Vatican’s position on pedophile priests? Its position on hunger and child malnutrition? On regional conflicts, human rights abuses, and global climate change? On nuclear proliferation and rogue states? What’s the Vatican doing about these secular concerns -- given the wealth, authority, and influence that it has? How is it being relevant?….
a contemporary haiku and current events blog. occasional notes on [and pokes at] nature and society. and some of their maddening stuff…like the economy finance capital mergers energy health care insurers jobs retirement politics government congress courts conflicts united nations human rights peace culture& society education alienation religion erving goffman artifacts history social change twitter scientific method sports travel environment wildlife carbon footprint global warming earth...
whirly seeds
attacking the yard –
spring winds
***************
Recently, we read the following:
Washington Post: “Pope on Facebook in attempt to woo young believers” by Philip Pullella
“You won't get an email saying Pope Benedict added you as a friend and you can't ‘poke’ him or write on his wall, but the Vatican is still keen to use the networking site Facebook to woo young people back to church.
“A new Vatican website, http://www.pope2you.net/ , has gone live, offering an application called ‘The pope meets you on Facebook,’ and another allowing the faithful to see the Pope's speeches and messages on their iPhones or iPods.
“The Vatican's World Communications Day this Sunday is devoted to communicating the gospel with new technologies.
" ‘We recognize that a church that does not communicate ceases to be a church,’ said Monsignor Paul Tighe, secretary of the Vatican's Social Communications department. ‘Many young people today are not turning to traditional media like newspapers and magazines any more for information and entertainment. They are looking to a different media culture, and this is our effort to ensure that the Church is present in that communications culture.’
“Users of the new site can select from more than a dozen ‘virtual postcards’ with pictures of the pope and messages from him on faith, love and life specifically aimed at young people, and send them to other users.
“The Catholic Church, which has seen vocations to religious life decline and church attendance fall, has already turned to the Internet. Last January the pope became one of the oldest people to have his own YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/vaticanit. The pope, known to write most of his speeches by hand, while his aides manage his forays into cyberspace, has even admitted that the Vatican does not use the Internet enough.
“The Vatican got egg on its face in January when the pope admitted that, if the Church had surfed the web more, it might have known that a traditionalist bishop whose excommunication was lifted had for years been a Holocaust denier.
“The new applications are currently available in Italian, English, Spanish, French and Dutch.”
***************
And we thought:
….The Vatican into Facebook, YouTube, messaging via iPhones and iPods, etc. -- all meant to reach out to young people. Is this part of some grand public relations offensive or media blitz by the Vatican? Communications-wise, this looks like the equivalent of saturation-bombing by the Holy See.
Hope the point of it all is to provide timely and concrete guidance for the youth -- and the rest of us -- about the Vatican’s positions on a variety of our “worldly” concerns and how to address them as believers. What’s the Vatican’s position on pedophile priests? Its position on hunger and child malnutrition? On regional conflicts, human rights abuses, and global climate change? On nuclear proliferation and rogue states? What’s the Vatican doing about these secular concerns -- given the wealth, authority, and influence that it has? How is it being relevant?….
a contemporary haiku and current events blog. occasional notes on [and pokes at] nature and society. and some of their maddening stuff…like the economy finance capital mergers energy health care insurers jobs retirement politics government congress courts conflicts united nations human rights peace culture& society education alienation religion erving goffman artifacts history social change twitter scientific method sports travel environment wildlife carbon footprint global warming earth...
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Haiku 052709
I espy
I espy
more leaves from last fall –
late spring
***************
Recently, we read the following:
Global Post: “The slaves next door” by Mildrade Cherfils
“Yasmina was 12 years old when an aunt and uncle brought her to France from Mali to be a live-in nanny to their children. Once she was settled in a suburb near Paris, her new life consisted of 16 hours of household chores and regular beatings with electric cables. The first time she ran away, the couple found her, brought her home, stripped her nude, tied her hands behind her back and beat her bloody...
“Lakhdar said she is asked often, by police, for instance, why a person doesn’t leave the home when presented with the chance, while the family is on vacation or while out running an errand like picking up a child from school.
“ The barriers can be mental,’ she said. Victims are often told they’ll be arrested for being in the country illegally if caught by police. Most often, the abused know their abusers and likely come from the same social circle, village or even family. In cases involving high-ranking officials, the enslavement might occur with impunity because of diplomatic immunity. Often wives, who are more apt to deal with household matters, are complicit in the abuse against other women, Lakhdar said.
“In France, Lakhdar said about 10 to 20 percent of the cases she sees also involve sexual abuse and rape. Physical abuse can include smashing teeth, torturing with pepper, hitting with high heels on the arms and burning with cigarettes. Mental abuse can range from depriving a person of food, or only allowing her to eat only scraps; forcing her to sleep on the ground, while the rest of the household sleeps in beds, or allowing her to bathe only once or twice per week.
“ ‘I never imagined there were such cases in France,’ said Gillaume Herbaut, a French photojournalist whose work documenting the victims as a newspaper assignment turned into an ongoing project with Lakhdar and the committee….
“ ‘They’re lost when they’re enslaved, and they’re lost when they are free,’ he said. ‘They have to relearn freedom.’ ”
***************
And we thought:
….It’s nearly a decade into the 21st century and there are still “slaves” in our midst? We wonder whether this report datelined in France might be an isolated case. However, recent headlines from other parts of the world do echo similar or worse examples of how brutish we continue to be against one another. Consider the enforced starvation of displaced people in Darfur and other places with regional conflicts. The reports of torture and other human rights violations in repressive regimes. The suicide bombings that victimize innocent civilians.
No doubt some part of our being remains as primitive as it had been eons ago – except now our atavism is inflicted with more sophisticated gadgets and weapons. We have a less evolved side -- a dark side -- that periodically frustrates our noble side that’s been otherwise responsible for progressive and collective endeavors meant to advance our species, such as genome research and space exploration. Hatred, greed, utter disregard for human life -- we need to continue addressing this dark side....
late spring
***************
Recently, we read the following:
Global Post: “The slaves next door” by Mildrade Cherfils
“Yasmina was 12 years old when an aunt and uncle brought her to France from Mali to be a live-in nanny to their children. Once she was settled in a suburb near Paris, her new life consisted of 16 hours of household chores and regular beatings with electric cables. The first time she ran away, the couple found her, brought her home, stripped her nude, tied her hands behind her back and beat her bloody...
“Lakhdar said she is asked often, by police, for instance, why a person doesn’t leave the home when presented with the chance, while the family is on vacation or while out running an errand like picking up a child from school.
“ The barriers can be mental,’ she said. Victims are often told they’ll be arrested for being in the country illegally if caught by police. Most often, the abused know their abusers and likely come from the same social circle, village or even family. In cases involving high-ranking officials, the enslavement might occur with impunity because of diplomatic immunity. Often wives, who are more apt to deal with household matters, are complicit in the abuse against other women, Lakhdar said.
“In France, Lakhdar said about 10 to 20 percent of the cases she sees also involve sexual abuse and rape. Physical abuse can include smashing teeth, torturing with pepper, hitting with high heels on the arms and burning with cigarettes. Mental abuse can range from depriving a person of food, or only allowing her to eat only scraps; forcing her to sleep on the ground, while the rest of the household sleeps in beds, or allowing her to bathe only once or twice per week.
“ ‘I never imagined there were such cases in France,’ said Gillaume Herbaut, a French photojournalist whose work documenting the victims as a newspaper assignment turned into an ongoing project with Lakhdar and the committee….
“ ‘They’re lost when they’re enslaved, and they’re lost when they are free,’ he said. ‘They have to relearn freedom.’ ”
***************
And we thought:
….It’s nearly a decade into the 21st century and there are still “slaves” in our midst? We wonder whether this report datelined in France might be an isolated case. However, recent headlines from other parts of the world do echo similar or worse examples of how brutish we continue to be against one another. Consider the enforced starvation of displaced people in Darfur and other places with regional conflicts. The reports of torture and other human rights violations in repressive regimes. The suicide bombings that victimize innocent civilians.
No doubt some part of our being remains as primitive as it had been eons ago – except now our atavism is inflicted with more sophisticated gadgets and weapons. We have a less evolved side -- a dark side -- that periodically frustrates our noble side that’s been otherwise responsible for progressive and collective endeavors meant to advance our species, such as genome research and space exploration. Hatred, greed, utter disregard for human life -- we need to continue addressing this dark side....
a contemporary haiku and current events blog. occasional notes on [and pokes at] nature and society. and some of their maddening stuff…like the economy finance capital mergers energy health care insurers surplus labor jobs retirement politics government congress courts conflicts united nations human rights lennon peace culture mores education alienation religion erving goffman artifacts history social change twitter scientific method sports travel environment wildlife carbon footprint global warming earth...
Monday, May 25, 2009
Haiku 052509
for the night
the setting sun’s bed ...
squirrel's nest
***************
Recently, we read the following:
New York Times: "American Woman Is Freed After Philippines Abduction" by Carlos H. Conde
"An American woman was freed five days after armed and hooded men believed to be military agents abducted her and two companions in a Philippine province north of Manila, her colleagues said Monday.
"The woman, Melissa Roxas, 31, an activist from Los Angeles who had been doing volunteer health work in Tarlac Province, was kidnapped on May 19 along with two other health volunteers for a nongovernmental nationalist group called Bayan.
"She 'surfaced this morning,' said Renato Reyes Jr., secretary general of the group. Mr. Reyes said it was not yet clear why only Ms. Roxas was freed. The fate of the two other workers, Juanito Carabeo and John Edward Handoc, remained unknown.
"It was the first time that an American citizen had fallen victim to what Bayan and human rights groups here call 'enforced disappearances,' or the abduction of activists by those suspected of being military agents....
"According to the human rights group Karapatan, more than 200 Filipino activists have been kidnapped and never heard from since 2001, the year President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo came to power. Others have turned up dead or showing signs of torture.
"Groups like Human Rights Watch have said that activists’ disappearances are part of the government’s counterinsurgency campaign against leftist rebels. The military has consistently denied that charge, calling it propaganda by leftist groups sympathetic to the three-decade-old Communist movement in the Philippines.
"But the United Nations Human Rights Council, in a report last year prepared by its special rapporteur, Philip Alston, called on Ms. Arroyo to institute reforms within the military and to investigate thoroughly what Mr. Alston called 'credible allegations' that the military was behind most of these killings and abductions.
"Eduardo Ermita, Ms. Arroyo’s executive secretary and spokesman, called the rapporteur’s report inaccurate and said Mr. Alston was biased toward leftists."
***************
And we thought:
…. Most find a place for the night on their own. Some appear to find a place for the night on their own. Others are forced to spend the night in secret detention cells by agents of repressive governments -- sometimes for days or months on end. Sometimes they end up joining the ranks of Los Desaparecidos.
The Philippines is one of those countries where forced disappearances continue to occur. Ms. Melissa Roxas is fortunate; she is an American citizen….
for the night
the setting sun’s bed ...
squirrel's nest
***************
Recently, we read the following:
New York Times: "American Woman Is Freed After Philippines Abduction" by Carlos H. Conde
"An American woman was freed five days after armed and hooded men believed to be military agents abducted her and two companions in a Philippine province north of Manila, her colleagues said Monday.
"The woman, Melissa Roxas, 31, an activist from Los Angeles who had been doing volunteer health work in Tarlac Province, was kidnapped on May 19 along with two other health volunteers for a nongovernmental nationalist group called Bayan.
"She 'surfaced this morning,' said Renato Reyes Jr., secretary general of the group. Mr. Reyes said it was not yet clear why only Ms. Roxas was freed. The fate of the two other workers, Juanito Carabeo and John Edward Handoc, remained unknown.
"It was the first time that an American citizen had fallen victim to what Bayan and human rights groups here call 'enforced disappearances,' or the abduction of activists by those suspected of being military agents....
"According to the human rights group Karapatan, more than 200 Filipino activists have been kidnapped and never heard from since 2001, the year President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo came to power. Others have turned up dead or showing signs of torture.
"Groups like Human Rights Watch have said that activists’ disappearances are part of the government’s counterinsurgency campaign against leftist rebels. The military has consistently denied that charge, calling it propaganda by leftist groups sympathetic to the three-decade-old Communist movement in the Philippines.
"But the United Nations Human Rights Council, in a report last year prepared by its special rapporteur, Philip Alston, called on Ms. Arroyo to institute reforms within the military and to investigate thoroughly what Mr. Alston called 'credible allegations' that the military was behind most of these killings and abductions.
"Eduardo Ermita, Ms. Arroyo’s executive secretary and spokesman, called the rapporteur’s report inaccurate and said Mr. Alston was biased toward leftists."
***************
And we thought:
…. Most find a place for the night on their own. Some appear to find a place for the night on their own. Others are forced to spend the night in secret detention cells by agents of repressive governments -- sometimes for days or months on end. Sometimes they end up joining the ranks of Los Desaparecidos.
The Philippines is one of those countries where forced disappearances continue to occur. Ms. Melissa Roxas is fortunate; she is an American citizen….
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Haiku 052109
heat rising
from the blacktop --
spring afternoon?
***************
Recently, we read the following:
New York Times: “In Britain, Scandal Flows From Modest Request” by John F Burns
“It began modestly enough back in 2005, when an American freelance writer and journalism teacher living in London, Heather Brooke, entered a request under Britain’s newly promulgated freedom of information act for details of the expense claims of British members of Parliament. Ms. Brooke’s initiative to expose the politicians’ greed, now led by one of the country’s principal newspapers, The Daily Telegraph, has led to the biggest scandal to hit the House of Commons in decades. On Tuesday, the affair claimed its biggest victim yet when the speaker of the House of Commons, Michael Martin, became the first man to be ousted from that job in more than 300 years.
“At one level, the scandal is a rich tale of politicians exploiting a lax system of expenses to claim a mind-boggling array of benefits. The claims have centered on so-called second-home allowances, which have allowed some members of Parliament to use nearly $40,000 a year in taxpayers’ money to renovate and even sell properties for profit, while others have claimed monthly payments for mortgages that had already been paid off. Still others claimed ‘necessities’ like the clearing of a country house moat, an electrical massage chair and even a Kit Kat bar….
“In response, they have made groveling apologies, waved reimbursement checks before television cameras and pledged to restore 'respect for Parliament'....
“For readers of The Telegraph, many of them staunch Conservatives, the revelations have carried an irony of their own. The day-by-day exposures have raised questions about the integrity of many Conservatives, as well as members of Labor and the Liberal Democrats, the third major party in the Commons, making for what some commentators have called an ‘equal opportunity’ scandal....”
***************
And we thought:
…. In the face of such greed and arrogance, Ms. Brooke’s expose appears a proper public flogging of these so-called proper members of the British Parliament. These errant politicians -- representa-thieves -- brought this scandal upon themselves and deserve the heat they're getting from the public. Expense claims for "KitKat" bars?...
heat rising
from the blacktop --
spring afternoon?
***************
Recently, we read the following:
New York Times: “In Britain, Scandal Flows From Modest Request” by John F Burns“It began modestly enough back in 2005, when an American freelance writer and journalism teacher living in London, Heather Brooke, entered a request under Britain’s newly promulgated freedom of information act for details of the expense claims of British members of Parliament. Ms. Brooke’s initiative to expose the politicians’ greed, now led by one of the country’s principal newspapers, The Daily Telegraph, has led to the biggest scandal to hit the House of Commons in decades. On Tuesday, the affair claimed its biggest victim yet when the speaker of the House of Commons, Michael Martin, became the first man to be ousted from that job in more than 300 years.
“At one level, the scandal is a rich tale of politicians exploiting a lax system of expenses to claim a mind-boggling array of benefits. The claims have centered on so-called second-home allowances, which have allowed some members of Parliament to use nearly $40,000 a year in taxpayers’ money to renovate and even sell properties for profit, while others have claimed monthly payments for mortgages that had already been paid off. Still others claimed ‘necessities’ like the clearing of a country house moat, an electrical massage chair and even a Kit Kat bar….
“In response, they have made groveling apologies, waved reimbursement checks before television cameras and pledged to restore 'respect for Parliament'....
“For readers of The Telegraph, many of them staunch Conservatives, the revelations have carried an irony of their own. The day-by-day exposures have raised questions about the integrity of many Conservatives, as well as members of Labor and the Liberal Democrats, the third major party in the Commons, making for what some commentators have called an ‘equal opportunity’ scandal....”
***************
And we thought:
…. In the face of such greed and arrogance, Ms. Brooke’s expose appears a proper public flogging of these so-called proper members of the British Parliament. These errant politicians -- representa-thieves -- brought this scandal upon themselves and deserve the heat they're getting from the public. Expense claims for "KitKat" bars?...
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Haiku 051909
waiting still
on the patio chair –
a cardinal
***************
Recently, we read the following:
Washington Post: “After Years of Fighting, Questions of Reconciliation” by Emily Wax
"In a triumphant address to parliament Tuesday, Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa declared that his country had been ‘liberated’ from terrorism with the reported death of Tamil Tiger chief Velupillai Prabhakaran, one of the world's most ruthless and elusive rebel leaders.
“Even as a spokesman for the rebel group insisted that Prabhakaran was still alive, Rajapaksa reached out to the country's ethnic Tamil minority, using their native language during his victory speech to promise that after nearly 30 years of civil war, ‘we all must now live as equals in this free country'....
“Top military commanders bearing bouquets of flowers met Rajapaksa in his living room Monday to deliver the news that the war was over. The Tamil Tigers, who had been fighting for a separate Tamil homeland, were officially defeated, they said, and the entire island was reunited under one flag….
" ‘The end of this war is something that we genuinely didn't think could ever happen,’ said Rajinda Jayasinghe, 27, a civil society leader who is Sinhalese and works in the northern Tamil aid camps. ‘With the death of Prabhakaran, the symbol of the divisions between Sri Lankan people is gone. The real question now is, will there be goodwill towards Tamils? Will Tamils feel the government has their best interest in their hearts?’….
“Prabhakaran was widely seen by Tamils as their only hope against the discrimination and alleged human rights abuses by the Sinhalese-dominated government....
“The Sri Lankan government has been criticized by human rights groups for overstepping its powers. Officials marshaled public opinion to their cause by painting the conflict as a war against terrorism…. They skirted dissent by journalists, aid workers and civil society groups, denouncing their scrutiny of the government and its war efforts as treasonous, rights groups said. ‘There needs to be a look at the real causes of this war,’ said Jehan Perera, executive director of the National Peace Council of Sri Lanka. ‘Otherwise there could be a second Prabhakaran….”
***************
And we thought:
….What Mr. Perera of the National Peace Council of Sri Lanka said is worth repeating: Unless the root causes of the Tamil disaffection with the central government are addressed, there will be others who will take Prabhakaran’s place. History has taught us this lesson very well.
If the Tamils want a separate homeland, why wouldn’t that be a better situation overall than the continuing tension and conflict between the Sinhalese and the Tamils? As it is, Sri Lanka will continue to be “one island” only in geographic terms. And it will remain so until the minority Tamils feel they are being treated fairly and equally.
Hopefully, the Tamils will not have to wait too long for concrete changes to their situation this time around. Otherwise it should come as no surprise that the idea of a separate Tamil homeland will refuse to die....
waiting still
on the patio chair –
a cardinal
***************
Recently, we read the following:
Washington Post: “After Years of Fighting, Questions of Reconciliation” by Emily Wax
"In a triumphant address to parliament Tuesday, Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa declared that his country had been ‘liberated’ from terrorism with the reported death of Tamil Tiger chief Velupillai Prabhakaran, one of the world's most ruthless and elusive rebel leaders.
“Even as a spokesman for the rebel group insisted that Prabhakaran was still alive, Rajapaksa reached out to the country's ethnic Tamil minority, using their native language during his victory speech to promise that after nearly 30 years of civil war, ‘we all must now live as equals in this free country'....
“Top military commanders bearing bouquets of flowers met Rajapaksa in his living room Monday to deliver the news that the war was over. The Tamil Tigers, who had been fighting for a separate Tamil homeland, were officially defeated, they said, and the entire island was reunited under one flag….
" ‘The end of this war is something that we genuinely didn't think could ever happen,’ said Rajinda Jayasinghe, 27, a civil society leader who is Sinhalese and works in the northern Tamil aid camps. ‘With the death of Prabhakaran, the symbol of the divisions between Sri Lankan people is gone. The real question now is, will there be goodwill towards Tamils? Will Tamils feel the government has their best interest in their hearts?’….
“Prabhakaran was widely seen by Tamils as their only hope against the discrimination and alleged human rights abuses by the Sinhalese-dominated government....
“The Sri Lankan government has been criticized by human rights groups for overstepping its powers. Officials marshaled public opinion to their cause by painting the conflict as a war against terrorism…. They skirted dissent by journalists, aid workers and civil society groups, denouncing their scrutiny of the government and its war efforts as treasonous, rights groups said. ‘There needs to be a look at the real causes of this war,’ said Jehan Perera, executive director of the National Peace Council of Sri Lanka. ‘Otherwise there could be a second Prabhakaran….”
***************
And we thought:
….What Mr. Perera of the National Peace Council of Sri Lanka said is worth repeating: Unless the root causes of the Tamil disaffection with the central government are addressed, there will be others who will take Prabhakaran’s place. History has taught us this lesson very well.
If the Tamils want a separate homeland, why wouldn’t that be a better situation overall than the continuing tension and conflict between the Sinhalese and the Tamils? As it is, Sri Lanka will continue to be “one island” only in geographic terms. And it will remain so until the minority Tamils feel they are being treated fairly and equally.
Hopefully, the Tamils will not have to wait too long for concrete changes to their situation this time around. Otherwise it should come as no surprise that the idea of a separate Tamil homeland will refuse to die....
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Haiku 051709
shadows
of fluttering leaves --
spring winds
***************
Recently, we read the following:
New York Times: "After Years of Isolation, a Dissident Still Torments Her Tormentors" by Seth Mydans
“ ‘Why are you so afraid of us?’ Aung San Suu Kyi called out, taunting the military government of Myanmar as thousands of rapturous supporters listened in the rain, whistling and cheering from under a sea of black umbrellas.
“That was 13 years ago, during a temporary period of freedom from house arrest, and Suu Kyi was putting into words the dynamic that has kept her under detention for most of the past two decades.
“The seemingly all-powerful junta, which jails its opponents and crushes popular uprisings by force, is afraid of Suu Kyi, 63, the pro-democracy opposition leader in the country formerly known as Burma, and of the continuing undercurrent of support she commands among the people.
" ‘Her achievement has been to concentrate the values that are associated with democracy and freedom into one person,’ said David Steinberg, an expert on Myanmar at Georgetown University.
“On Thursday, the generals who rule the country demonstrated their continuing fear of this lone challenger by charging Suu Kyi with violating the terms of her most recent, six-year term of house arrest and locking her inside what it calls a prison 'guesthouse.'
“She faces a hearing on Monday on charges that could result in a prison term of up to five years, a harsher form of the isolation she has endured for 13 of the past 19 years….
“But the circumstances of the latest charges against her have a touch of the absurd. They stem from the capture of an American adventurer, John Yettaw, 53, who twice swam across a lake to her house where, according to her lawyer, he delivered her a Bible, although she is a Buddhist.
“Suu Kyi is on trial for violating the terms of her house arrest, though her lawyer describes the American as an intruder, not a guest….”
***************
And we thought:
…. Who knows: this alleged American intruder, John Yettaw, could in fact be working for the rogue Myanmar military government -- precisely to set up Suu Kyi for additional charges and continued imprisonment.
Unfortunately, Myanmar has nothing to offer economically, politically, or diplomatically to U.S. politicians at this time. Thus, this deafening silence in Washington about the plight of this pro-democracy, Nobel Peace prize winner....
shadows
of fluttering leaves --
spring winds
***************
Recently, we read the following:
New York Times: "After Years of Isolation, a Dissident Still Torments Her Tormentors" by Seth Mydans“ ‘Why are you so afraid of us?’ Aung San Suu Kyi called out, taunting the military government of Myanmar as thousands of rapturous supporters listened in the rain, whistling and cheering from under a sea of black umbrellas.
“That was 13 years ago, during a temporary period of freedom from house arrest, and Suu Kyi was putting into words the dynamic that has kept her under detention for most of the past two decades.
“The seemingly all-powerful junta, which jails its opponents and crushes popular uprisings by force, is afraid of Suu Kyi, 63, the pro-democracy opposition leader in the country formerly known as Burma, and of the continuing undercurrent of support she commands among the people.
" ‘Her achievement has been to concentrate the values that are associated with democracy and freedom into one person,’ said David Steinberg, an expert on Myanmar at Georgetown University.
“On Thursday, the generals who rule the country demonstrated their continuing fear of this lone challenger by charging Suu Kyi with violating the terms of her most recent, six-year term of house arrest and locking her inside what it calls a prison 'guesthouse.'
“She faces a hearing on Monday on charges that could result in a prison term of up to five years, a harsher form of the isolation she has endured for 13 of the past 19 years….
“But the circumstances of the latest charges against her have a touch of the absurd. They stem from the capture of an American adventurer, John Yettaw, 53, who twice swam across a lake to her house where, according to her lawyer, he delivered her a Bible, although she is a Buddhist.
“Suu Kyi is on trial for violating the terms of her house arrest, though her lawyer describes the American as an intruder, not a guest….”
***************
And we thought:
…. Who knows: this alleged American intruder, John Yettaw, could in fact be working for the rogue Myanmar military government -- precisely to set up Suu Kyi for additional charges and continued imprisonment.
Unfortunately, Myanmar has nothing to offer economically, politically, or diplomatically to U.S. politicians at this time. Thus, this deafening silence in Washington about the plight of this pro-democracy, Nobel Peace prize winner....
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Haiku 050909
goslings
paddling behind mom ...
spring training
***************
New York Times: “Priest Known as Padre Oprah Strays in South Florida” (by Damien Cave)
“They called the Rev. Alberto Cutié 'Padre Oprah' for his insightful advice about relationships. Now his parishioners, his television and radio audience, and readers of his best-selling book, 'Real Life, Real Love,' know he speaks from experience.
“On Tuesday, photographs in a Spanish-language tabloid showed the 40-year-old priest with deep blue eyes lying shirtless beside, and cuddling with, a dark-haired woman on a North Florida beach. Within hours, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Miami removed him from his post as pastor of a Miami Beach church, and now all of South Florida seems to be abuzz with discussions of celibacy, celebrity and temptation….
“Father Cutié, born in Puerto Rico to Cuban parents, grew up in Miami. He developed an international following of millions with his television show, ‘Padre Alberto,’ which was first broadcast on Telemundo in 1999….
“Father Cutié’s parish sits in the heart of South Beach, where even the mannequins have extra-large breasts, and many here have also questioned whether this was the time or place for Catholic priests to stay celibate….”
***************
….Is it outmoded -- requiring priests to be celibate? There are fewer and fewer entrants to the priesthood. There is a relatively smaller number of priests to go around to minister to the faithful, especially the growing numbers of alienated and distressed "faithful". How should the church address this reality?
A number of married men have been given special dispensation by the Vatican to become priests. Maybe it’s time the church seriously debated whether to allow priests to test the waters of marriage or not. "Married" priest sounds better than "fornicating" priest; indeed, much better than "pedophiliac" priest….
goslings
paddling behind mom ...
spring training
***************
New York Times: “Priest Known as Padre Oprah Strays in South Florida” (by Damien Cave)
“They called the Rev. Alberto Cutié 'Padre Oprah' for his insightful advice about relationships. Now his parishioners, his television and radio audience, and readers of his best-selling book, 'Real Life, Real Love,' know he speaks from experience.
“On Tuesday, photographs in a Spanish-language tabloid showed the 40-year-old priest with deep blue eyes lying shirtless beside, and cuddling with, a dark-haired woman on a North Florida beach. Within hours, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Miami removed him from his post as pastor of a Miami Beach church, and now all of South Florida seems to be abuzz with discussions of celibacy, celebrity and temptation….
“Father Cutié, born in Puerto Rico to Cuban parents, grew up in Miami. He developed an international following of millions with his television show, ‘Padre Alberto,’ which was first broadcast on Telemundo in 1999….
“Father Cutié’s parish sits in the heart of South Beach, where even the mannequins have extra-large breasts, and many here have also questioned whether this was the time or place for Catholic priests to stay celibate….”
***************
….Is it outmoded -- requiring priests to be celibate? There are fewer and fewer entrants to the priesthood. There is a relatively smaller number of priests to go around to minister to the faithful, especially the growing numbers of alienated and distressed "faithful". How should the church address this reality?
A number of married men have been given special dispensation by the Vatican to become priests. Maybe it’s time the church seriously debated whether to allow priests to test the waters of marriage or not. "Married" priest sounds better than "fornicating" priest; indeed, much better than "pedophiliac" priest….
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Haiku 050709
breakfast call
a rabbit sniffing
the spring air
***************
NPR: “Rights Lawyers In China Face Growing Threats” by Louisa Lim
“A new report by Amnesty International says China has intensified its crackdown on activists and particularly lawyers. It says there has been a disregard of national laws, noting at least four cases this year in which lawyers were threatened with violence by the authorities.
“Lawyer Yan Yiming was called to his law firm's conference room in Shanghai to give advice to three men. When he turned around to write on a whiteboard, he was suddenly assaulted. The three men beat him with iron bars and a hammer….
“So far, Yan doesn't know who ordered the attack or why. He has made many enemies over the years, through his work in environmental protection, defending shareholders and pushing for government transparency. He knew the risks.
" ‘China is changing from a society ruled by men to one ruled by laws, but we're not even halfway yet. Rule of man is much stronger. Eight of the top 10 whistleblowers have been arrested. Those who fight corruption get caught,’ he says.
" ‘If China's legal system is a skyscraper, it should be 100 stories. But it's not finished, we've only built 30 or 40 stories. If we're standing high up in the building, and I get knocked to the ground and killed by corrupt officials and their friends, at least the 30 or 40 stories we've built will still exist,’ he says….”
***************
.... After reading about the difficulties they have been made to endure for “doing their duty”, how can one not be in awe of these lawyers in China? In spite of harassment, beatings, and kidnappings, they still remain so optimistic that things in their society will improve down the road.
These “rights” lawyers themselves point out that China has made inroads into becoming a society ruled by laws from a society ruled by men. They acknowledge that the legal skyscraper may only be about 30 or 40 stories, out of 100, completed -- certainly still a long way to go. But, as these men of the law see it, change is in the air. And that's a long way from where they started ....
breakfast call
a rabbit sniffing
the spring air
***************
NPR: “Rights Lawyers In China Face Growing Threats” by Louisa Lim
“A new report by Amnesty International says China has intensified its crackdown on activists and particularly lawyers. It says there has been a disregard of national laws, noting at least four cases this year in which lawyers were threatened with violence by the authorities.
“Lawyer Yan Yiming was called to his law firm's conference room in Shanghai to give advice to three men. When he turned around to write on a whiteboard, he was suddenly assaulted. The three men beat him with iron bars and a hammer….
“So far, Yan doesn't know who ordered the attack or why. He has made many enemies over the years, through his work in environmental protection, defending shareholders and pushing for government transparency. He knew the risks.
" ‘China is changing from a society ruled by men to one ruled by laws, but we're not even halfway yet. Rule of man is much stronger. Eight of the top 10 whistleblowers have been arrested. Those who fight corruption get caught,’ he says.
" ‘If China's legal system is a skyscraper, it should be 100 stories. But it's not finished, we've only built 30 or 40 stories. If we're standing high up in the building, and I get knocked to the ground and killed by corrupt officials and their friends, at least the 30 or 40 stories we've built will still exist,’ he says….”
***************
.... After reading about the difficulties they have been made to endure for “doing their duty”, how can one not be in awe of these lawyers in China? In spite of harassment, beatings, and kidnappings, they still remain so optimistic that things in their society will improve down the road.
These “rights” lawyers themselves point out that China has made inroads into becoming a society ruled by laws from a society ruled by men. They acknowledge that the legal skyscraper may only be about 30 or 40 stories, out of 100, completed -- certainly still a long way to go. But, as these men of the law see it, change is in the air. And that's a long way from where they started ....
Friday, May 1, 2009
Haiku 050109
wind chimes
an empty porch --
spring breeze
***************
Washington Post: "Europeans rally on May Day amid economic worries" (by Jenny Barchfield)
"Hundreds of thousands of European workers feeling the pinch of the economic crisis rallied at May Day protests Friday from Moscow to Berlin to Istanbul….
"But overall participation fell short of what many countries' unions had hoped for on May Day, a public holiday in many countries that has long celebrated the social and economic achievements of labor movements. Many of the protesters complained about rising unemployment and lost benefits, but few specifics appeared to emerge from the demonstrations about what governments should be doing to fight the global crisis….
"In Italy, union leaders shifted May Day rallies from major cities to the earthquake-stricken town of L'Aquila as a sign of solidarity with thousands who lost their jobs when businesses crumbled in last month's quake.
"Spain — which has gone from being one of Europe's strongest economies to having its highest unemployment rate — saw tens of thousands of people demonstrate….
"In Turkey, which only last week declared the international labor day a public holiday, unionists rallied at a previously banned site where dozens died during a May Day demonstration three decades ago….
"A protest in the German capital turned violent as leftists hurled bottles and burning objects at police….
"In neighboring Austria, officials said five people were arrested and more than 20 injured in clashes between protesters and police at a rally in the northern city of Linz, organized by the local branch of the Communist Party.
"Greek officers used flash grenades to disperse violent protesters in Athens after attacks on banks and traffic cameras….
"It was the first May Day since the advent of the global financial crisis, and Russia police were out in force as Communists and liberals gathered to criticize the government…"
***************
…. Many porches were empty today, International Labor Day. The boulevards and plazas of protest were the day’s porches. Around the world today, along with the European workers, millions more gathered to voice their aspirations for a fairer deal, a better life, and ultimately -- in spite of some violent confrontations with the authorities -- a peaceful world.
In fact, the Labor Day rallyists were sending a common message to the rest of the world: “…never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee….”
wind chimes
an empty porch --
spring breeze
***************
Washington Post: "Europeans rally on May Day amid economic worries" (by Jenny Barchfield)
"Hundreds of thousands of European workers feeling the pinch of the economic crisis rallied at May Day protests Friday from Moscow to Berlin to Istanbul….
"But overall participation fell short of what many countries' unions had hoped for on May Day, a public holiday in many countries that has long celebrated the social and economic achievements of labor movements. Many of the protesters complained about rising unemployment and lost benefits, but few specifics appeared to emerge from the demonstrations about what governments should be doing to fight the global crisis….
"In Italy, union leaders shifted May Day rallies from major cities to the earthquake-stricken town of L'Aquila as a sign of solidarity with thousands who lost their jobs when businesses crumbled in last month's quake.
"Spain — which has gone from being one of Europe's strongest economies to having its highest unemployment rate — saw tens of thousands of people demonstrate….
"In Turkey, which only last week declared the international labor day a public holiday, unionists rallied at a previously banned site where dozens died during a May Day demonstration three decades ago….
"A protest in the German capital turned violent as leftists hurled bottles and burning objects at police….
"In neighboring Austria, officials said five people were arrested and more than 20 injured in clashes between protesters and police at a rally in the northern city of Linz, organized by the local branch of the Communist Party.
"Greek officers used flash grenades to disperse violent protesters in Athens after attacks on banks and traffic cameras….
"It was the first May Day since the advent of the global financial crisis, and Russia police were out in force as Communists and liberals gathered to criticize the government…"
***************
…. Many porches were empty today, International Labor Day. The boulevards and plazas of protest were the day’s porches. Around the world today, along with the European workers, millions more gathered to voice their aspirations for a fairer deal, a better life, and ultimately -- in spite of some violent confrontations with the authorities -- a peaceful world.
In fact, the Labor Day rallyists were sending a common message to the rest of the world: “…never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee….”
Friday, April 17, 2009
Haiku 041709
robin landing --
burrowing back down
two earthworms
***************
Yahoo.com: “Ashton Kutcher Becomes First Twitter Member To Net 1 Million Followers, Beats CNN Breaking News” (Access Hollywood)
“Ashton Kutcher has become the first member of Twitter to have over one million followers. Surrounded by his wife, Demi More, Soleil Moon Frye, and Sean "Diddy" Combs supporting him via phone, the star officially crossed the one million mark, beating out rival CNN Breaking News shortly after 11 PM Pacific time…. CNN, which lost by less than 1,200 followers, quickly congratulated the star…. The race was a tight one with only a handful of followers separating the two Tweeters as their numbers inched closer to one million on Thursday evening.
" ‘Tell me this isn't better than watching tv,’ Ashton Tweeted on Thursday, just a few hours before he crossed the finish line. ‘We get to participate in the entertainment. I feel like I'm directing an episode of punk'd.’ …. Ashton promised if he became the first user to reach 1 million followers on Twitter, he would buy 10,000 mosquito nets, a pledge he repeated on Thursday afternoon. ‘I'm calling to have a check made out for $100,000 to the Malaria No More Fund,’ he wrote.”
***************
…. Here’s something silly that had something worthwhile going on as well. For beating CNN Breaking News in the run-up to 1 million Twitter followers, Ashton Kutcher is donating $100,000 to the Malaria No More Fund. Way to go – wish more and more celebrities would use their popularity to steer folks to worthy social causes. Hey, Ashton, how about another $100,000 to Free Rice – a UN World Food Programme to address world hunger. Anyone has Ashton’s email address? High time this blog learned how to Twitter, maybe ….
robin landing --
burrowing back down
two earthworms
***************
Yahoo.com: “Ashton Kutcher Becomes First Twitter Member To Net 1 Million Followers, Beats CNN Breaking News” (Access Hollywood)“Ashton Kutcher has become the first member of Twitter to have over one million followers. Surrounded by his wife, Demi More, Soleil Moon Frye, and Sean "Diddy" Combs supporting him via phone, the star officially crossed the one million mark, beating out rival CNN Breaking News shortly after 11 PM Pacific time…. CNN, which lost by less than 1,200 followers, quickly congratulated the star…. The race was a tight one with only a handful of followers separating the two Tweeters as their numbers inched closer to one million on Thursday evening.
" ‘Tell me this isn't better than watching tv,’ Ashton Tweeted on Thursday, just a few hours before he crossed the finish line. ‘We get to participate in the entertainment. I feel like I'm directing an episode of punk'd.’ …. Ashton promised if he became the first user to reach 1 million followers on Twitter, he would buy 10,000 mosquito nets, a pledge he repeated on Thursday afternoon. ‘I'm calling to have a check made out for $100,000 to the Malaria No More Fund,’ he wrote.”
***************
…. Here’s something silly that had something worthwhile going on as well. For beating CNN Breaking News in the run-up to 1 million Twitter followers, Ashton Kutcher is donating $100,000 to the Malaria No More Fund. Way to go – wish more and more celebrities would use their popularity to steer folks to worthy social causes. Hey, Ashton, how about another $100,000 to Free Rice – a UN World Food Programme to address world hunger. Anyone has Ashton’s email address? High time this blog learned how to Twitter, maybe ….
Monday, April 6, 2009
Bit players*
1.
Like Sandburg’s fog
fractured conversations
would move in,
and on, in their minds:
“They shape our personal stories --
these hardy hands
in factories and fields…."
“They create wealth and histories
not yet their own…."
“Except in true red zones,
they remain nameless
invisible to bourgeois mores….”
2.
Back then, they thought -- and they struggled --
that their lives were petty and feckless
like the bit parts that bit actors profess
they only suffer for food on the table.
They imagined themselves progressives
taking on lead roles for love of the masses.
They referred day to day to little red books
presuming the act bestowed vanguard status.
3.
Down the long road, slowly stripped of dogma
layer by layer, they learned in practice --
there are really no bit roles, only bit players.
They serve the people -- even teachers in classes.
Perhaps the flaws they've unraveled
will better inform future journeys
of new travellers
now less naive.
*Chapter 2, Fractured Memories
Like Sandburg’s fog
fractured conversations
would move in,
and on, in their minds:
“They shape our personal stories --
these hardy hands
in factories and fields…."
“They create wealth and histories
not yet their own…."
“Except in true red zones,
they remain nameless
invisible to bourgeois mores….”
2.
Back then, they thought -- and they struggled --
that their lives were petty and feckless
like the bit parts that bit actors profess
they only suffer for food on the table.
They imagined themselves progressives
taking on lead roles for love of the masses.
They referred day to day to little red books
presuming the act bestowed vanguard status.
3.
Down the long road, slowly stripped of dogma
layer by layer, they learned in practice --
there are really no bit roles, only bit players.
They serve the people -- even teachers in classes.
Perhaps the flaws they've unraveled
will better inform future journeys
of new travellers
now less naive.
*Chapter 2, Fractured Memories
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