Category: Right Speech


Charlie Hebdo and Free Speech

Filed under: Right Speech, Social Justice
January 9, 2015

celebrities-charlie-hebdo-violence_833D60E342464269AC0AE417BF4A4246Four cartoonists, journalists and bystanders were murdered by Islamist radicals in the offices of Charlie Hebdo. In the aftermath, much of the world rallied in solidarity with cartoonists and their right to free speech. Count me as another voice in solidarity.

It should be noted that Charlie Hebdo didn’t pull punches. Critics claimed the newspaper pushed the boundaries of decency by portraying nuns masturbating, popes wearing condoms and Muhammad in pornographic poses.

Still, as a whole, free speech has been under a conservative eye for some time.

For instance, whether Sony’s computer hack and extortion was the result of a ‘pissed-off’ employee or North Korea, the ability to distribute an uncensored film was targeted. When a treasure trove of highly personal information led Sony to censor themselves, free speech became the larger victim – simply because of widespread fears of violence. And for a while, caving emboldened those who hate free speech.

Sony’s isn’t alone. Russian President Putin fines bloggers, citizen journalists, and activists failing to register as members of the media, and further fines if bloggers failing to uphold strict media rules. Online media expert and high-profile Russian blogger Anton Nosik told the agency that China is “much more liberal” than Russia.

On Friday Saudi Arabia began publicly flogging a blogger sentenced to 1,000 blows, 10 years in prison and a large fine for starting a website critical of the country’s religious establishment. Jen Psaki, a State Department spokeswoman, stated Mr. Badawi would face “the inhumane punishment of a thousand lashes in addition to serving a 10-year sentence in prison for exercising his rights to freedom of expression and religion.”

In 2010, Jetsun Pema, the younger sister of the Dalai Lama, was scheduled to present a lecture at the Festival of Tibetan Spirituality, Arts, and Culture in Bangkok, Thailand. She was denied a visa because her presence might be seen as a Tibetan political statement by the Thai government.

Then there’s the Chinese. The Chinese government imprisoned three brothers of a Washington-based reporter for Radio Free Asia, apparently intensifying its suppression of free speech coverage of the troubled province of Xinjiang. The harassment of Hoshur’s family started after reporting on an Uighur torture victim. Additionally, in September, China sentenced moderate Uighur scholar Ilham Tohti to life imprisonment for “advocating separatism” and voicing support for terrorism, a move that the White House condemned as persecution of someone who merely expressed peaceful dissent.

When the Sony hack occurred, Columnist Deon Price argued that in the wake of The Interview, there should have been no rally in support of freedom of speech. Instead, there should have been a rally protesting Sony Pictures and their irresponsibility.

I couldn’t disagree more.

The problem free speech oppressors fail to comprehend is that free thinkers cannot be silenced. The reason we live in a free society is that offensive speech is allowed. Humor exposes the vices and follies of the powerful and is a wonderful means of resistance for ordinary citizens. One may not like someone’s particular thought process or viewpoint, but I like knowing one has the right to like or not to like it.

Laughter is the most terrifying sound to any and all terrorists, especially when such laughter is born from a satirical caricature, drawn from a cartoonist’s hand. For this reason, the pen is mightier than the sword. Ironically, the terrorists failed, as they emboldened surviving Charlie Hebdo staff to print 1 million copies of their next edition.

From a strict Buddhist perspective, speech is a very powerful tool. If we verbally attack someone, those words linger for years. On the other hand, well thought out words can stop conflict, make friends and heal rifts. This is the power of speech and this is why Buddha included Right Speech in the Eightfold Path.

While I concur with Buddha’s right speech perspective, I’m not about to censor anyone whose views conflict. Their words and perspective may establish credible dialogue. Thus, while I haven’t read any of its publications, I’m buying Charlie Hebdo’s next edition. And I’m buying Sony’s “The Interview.”

With that, my personal message to French citizens is I stand in support.

And my message to all upcoming terrorists? Simple … fuck you!

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Ability To Self-Assess

Filed under: Life Lessons, Right Speech
September 29, 2014

imageIn life, we tend to negate personal fault. As Buddha claimed, “The fault of others is easily perceived, but that of oneself is difficult to perceive; a man winnows his neighbor’s faults like chaff, but his own fault he hides, as a cheat hides the bad die from the gambler.” This is similar to Christ:

“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.“

When I think of the US Ryder Cup team performance and Phil Mickelson’s open criticism of Team Captain Tom Watson, I think of the above two statements. Judge not, that you will be judged.

A clearly ticked off Phil Mickelson implicitly bashed U.S. captain Tom Watson for the team’s routing by the European team. The proceedings were especially uncomfortable given that the remainder of the US team were sitting at the same table during Mickelson’s rant. It was the true self-centered, epiphany … “he’s responsible; she’s responsible; their responsible. But I am not responsible.”

Deserved or not, Watson became the Ryder Cup scapegoat. Accordingly, most coaches know they’re in the true ‘hired to be fired’ position. As a coach, no matter what you do or say, you’re bound to be fired for lack of performance. With that being said, the hallmark of a good leader is the ability to accept fault, to self-assess. It’s the willingness to review the past and think about what could have been different. Self-assessment is crucial in sports and whether you play in a community of golfers or in a work project, the ability to self-assess is crucial to team success.

Most of us, Tom Watson and Phil Mickelson included, rarely self-assess. In truth, regardless of race or position, honest self-assessment is one of the most vital steps in life, it is also one of the most difficult.

In attempting to assess ourselves we no longer observe an external person or entity as the sole proprietor for our sins. Instead we sit at the seat of observation itself, the most elusive center from which we gaze out upon our world and cast all motive to critical light. Entering this domain of inquiry runs counter to personal identity. Yet doing so, we can pierce through the thick screens of delusion and blind ego all have.

If Tom Watson and Phil Mickelson are to grow; for that matter, if we are to grow; the role of honest self-assessment is a prerequisite. Even a beautiful bowl, discarded in a dusty place, only becomes dirtier and dustier. Thus, if we fail to recognize the blemishes of our minds we will not make any effort to eliminate them, but will continue to harbor greed, hate and delusion and will die with a corrupted mind.

And just as a dirty bowl is cleansed and polished, in time, we too become radiant. So if we recognize the blemishes of our minds, we can arouse our energy to purification. The task of self-knowledge is always a difficult one, but it is only by knowing our minds can we shape them. It’s only by shaping our minds that we can become better.

Until you can do that, never publicly roll your teammates under a bus.

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An Opportunity to Breath Free

Filed under: Faith & Doubt, Life Lessons, Right Speech
July 27, 2014

ImmigrationUnless you’ve lived under a cloud for the last several months, illegal immigration appears to have become a distressing issue. Just raising the issue is almost guaranteed to extract diverse viewpoints with such passion that common everyday people burst into open battle.

Going back to New York’s Statue of Liberty where thousands of immigrants passed nearly a century ago and query, “What’s the most famous quote on the Statue of Liberty?” One may receive the following:

“Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.”

Contrast New York to Texas. In a recent speech of floor of the US House of Representative’s, Texas’ Republican Representative Louie Gohmert compared the surge of migrant children to soldiers invading France during World War II. “Our continued existence is at risk with what’s going on at the southern border,” he explained. Gohmert also added that the Department of Homeland Security was complicit because it had “… actually assisted the criminal conspiracy in achieving its illegal goals” by not enforcing the law. Gohmert also asked Texas Governor Rick Perry to “use whatever means,” including troops, ships of war, or taxes to “stop the invasion.”

Immigration is a significantly difficult topic. However, all I’ve seen is an overt form of racism and the dehumanization of children. This form of racism often centers upon protecting national borders, i.e., “the American way of life.” Additionally, news sound bites profess to economic costs, added pressures to schools, disease, and law enforcement. These may be legitimate issues, but there is no explicitly Christian orientation to the debate.

If you want to focus Biblically, then one needs to go no further than Leviticus 19:33-34:

“When a stranger sojourns with you in your land, you shall not do him wrong. You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.“

Instead of that, our current form of Southern Conservatism slaps a heavy dose of naive anti-intellectualism with bullshit. As Reverend Cornel West noted, “the fundamentalist Christians want to be fundamental about everything, except ‘love thy neighbor.’“

In truth, all of us are immigrants and sojourners in the world.

Early Buddhism is mostly silent on immigration. And while it’s hard to argue against enforcing the law, we should also be looking at what compels many people to risk their lives and freedom crossing into the US illegally. Could it be that our own economic policies perpetuate injustice and poverty in their countries? Could our political and military actions be undercutting democratic movements and propping up unpopular and oppressive dictators? Instead, we should work hard to reverse the trend of poverty and injustice. If their lives are better in their home country, then I’m sure they’ll be more patient with the legalities of proper immigration.

The Statue of Liberty quote originated from Emma Lazarus’ sonnet, ‘New Colossus.’ New Colossus was written for the pedestal fundraiser upon which the Statue of Liberty rests. In it’s entirety, New Colossus is as follows:

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

Ms. Lazarus’ poem did not receive much recognition and was forgotten soon after the fundraiser. However, maybe we should be shunning the lamp of ignorance and give the huddled masses an opportunity to breath free.

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Palin’s Impeachment Drumroll

Filed under: Right Speech, Social Justice
July 10, 2014

palin-impeach-obama-hannityAs you may know, a few political conservatives have called for President Obama’s impeachment. Former Republican Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin indicated the spike in illegal border crossings was another reason to impeach Obama.

Palin, writing on the Brietbart website, stated:

“His unsecured border crisis is the last straw that makes the battered wife say, ‘no mas,’” she wrote. “President Obama’s rewarding of lawlessness, including his own, is the foundational problem here.”

First of all, trying to link illegal immigration to a battered wife is stupid. And I apologize to all those women who’ve suffered accordingly. The opening lines of Palin’s editorial are a gesture that all rational thought should be tossed aside.

As blogger Blackeyedbeaver noted on ‘Politico,’ “ … What’s frightening is someone “published” an op-ed by her [Palin] as if she has any credibility on ANY subject,” and “… some people may actually read it and change their previously held opinion …”

Palin posed two arguments for Obama’s impeachment:

  • Untold number of illegal immigrants will kick off their shoes and come on in, competing against Americans for our jobs and limited public services.
  • It’s the American worker who is forced to deal with Obama’s latest crisis with our hard-earned tax dollars while middle class wages decrease, sustainable jobs get more scarce, and communities become unrecognizable and bankrupted due to Obama’s flood of illegal immigration.

What she neglects to clarify is that during the 2000s, U.S. multinational companies cut their work forces in the U.S. by 2.9 million while increasing overseas employment by 2.4 million [Wall Street Journal, 4/19/11]. Republicans also voted against efforts preventing or discouraging of shipping American jobs overseas, cracking down on offshore tax havens and while simultaneously increasing pro-outsourcing measures. And Republicans fought to keep and expand corporate tax loopholes, rewarding outsourcing of American jobs (fully detailed here)

However, without learning a specialized skill, immigrants would never be able to move up the income ladder. As long as there are thousands of undocumented workers competing for low-end jobs, salaries are more likely to fall than to rise. Additionally, Of the 472 civilian occupations, only six are majority immigrant (legal and illegal). These six occupations account for 1 percent of the total U.S. workforce.

What’s scary is that Sarah Palin could have been President of the United States. We shouldn’t forget that. Remember, this is the same Palin who babbled, “… you can actually see Russia, from land, here in Alaska.”

Whether or not President Obama violated some oath of office worthy of impeachment is not my call. But Palin’s evidence for impeachment appear devoid of factual reality. And truthfully, we should never consider Palin’s opine worthy of anything.

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One Person’s Yang is Another’s Yin

Filed under: Faith & Doubt, Right Speech
June 8, 2014

Yin&YangYesterday afternoon, a friend of mine decided to take a quick two-hour nap.  Approximately, thirty-minutes into her sleep, county tornado sirens pierced the air, awakening her.  Seeing no immediate threat present, she informed all that this was her reminder from God to get up and attend a Bible study scheduled that evening.

Her comments mirror that within many faiths, that if something significant happened, it’s a message from God.

Maybe it would have behooved her to have read the news before making her announcement; that her very message from God resulted in severe storms, including a confirmed tornado, causing damage to restaraunt, a fitness club, an apartment complex, a condominium and a slew of automobiles. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.

I found it strange how somehow could confirm her ‘Yang’ while not accepting that that same message was another’s ‘Yin.’ For my friend, if such was the case, could all damage have been avoided by simply deciding to go to Bible study? And from a legal perspective, could a victim sue my friend for simply not deciding to attend Bible study outright?

From Noah’s fabled flood to 21st-century disasters like Hurricane Katrina and the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, some people still blame incomprehensible calamities on human sinfulness. Such interpretations often offend victims and for public servants, many such as Tokyo Governor Shintaro Ishihara are forced to apologize for calling the disaster a “divine punishment” for Japanese egoism.

Maybe it’s better to remind everyone what causes a tornado. Tornadoes form in violent thunderstorms when sufficient instability and wind shear are present. When hot air near the ground has a cold air layer slide up on top of it, the weather becomes unstable. But when the air masses move quickly and are extreme, any opening for warm air to move up through the cold air mass is like water going down the drain in reverse. The air rises and is rotated due to the rotation of the earth. Basically, weather causes a tornado.

The relationship of Yin & Yang and illustrates interdependence between the ‘Yin’ and ‘Yang.’ Nothing is totally Yin or totally Yang. They constantly transform into each other. The weather is similar … bad weather is interdependent upon good weather and vice versa.

I’ve never seen a hidden message from God in a tornado or any other natural disaster. Personally, if God has such a message, tell Him to pick up the phone and call me.

So stop doing this, it’s offensive.

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Arizona: Call to Legalized Racism

Filed under: Right Speech, Social Justice — 2 Comments
February 26, 2014

as_a_man_thinksApproximately 10,000 athletes came to 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi to compete, athlete against athlete. In doing so, we read of no physical fights, no reported athlete-to-athlete racism or outward hatred. In fact, outside of the former band “Pussy Riot” and a few others, little disparagement noted.

This does not mean Putin is a wonderful human being, for he isn’t. And this doesn’t mean Russia’s overall position against and gay lesbian members of the community can be legitimized, for it doesn’t. It simply means that in this world, there is a significant capability for the world’s global body to come together, harmonize, live and enjoy one another.

Contrast that with Arizona where the legislative body seemingly came together and forged legislative bill SB 1062, making it legal for businesses to discriminate against gay and lesbians on the grounds of promoting religious freedom. Reflecting upon SB 1062, I’m struck by several things:

  • First, some congressman actually thought of this idea;
  • Second, Arizona’s high-priced talent actually thought this was an idea of great worth to society; and
  • Third, it’s taken Arizona Governor Jan Brewer a long time to deny the bill’s merits.

In spite of Arizona’s pressing needs, legislative proponents say the bill protects religious liberty. Basically, extremely conservative members of Arizona’s congressional caucus believe this form of legalized racism is good for Arizona businesses.  Lacking hindsight, the return on investment for SB 1062 is significantly diminished when one ponders the counterarguments and issues raised by such legislation.

Let’s sample some legal issues. If SB 1062 is signed into law:

  • Can gay and lesbian business owners deny service to a Catholic, Protestant, or any other member of faith? Or is the law only valid for Christian business owners denying service toward members of other faiths or social class?
  • Can a Catholic business owner deny services to members of the Protestant faith?
  • Can a conservative Christian bus driver deny entry to Muslim onto a city bus?
  • Is it legally justifiable for religiously affiliated hospitals to deny emergency healthcare on the basis of faith? Can a member of faith deny a pregnant woman out-of-wedlock any type of medical service? Can I deny someone welfare services and benefits based upon faith or any other social position?
  • Can I deny a mortgage application to someone of another faith on the basis of faith?
  • Can Arizona prosecute an Atheist, Buddhist, Muslim, Jews or any member of another faith differently? Can we hold them to different standard because of their faith?
  • As a Christian grocer, can I deny members of other faiths the ability to buy food for their family?
  • Is there a difference between a Christian owner’s dog and Muslim owner’s dog? Or can I just shoot the Muslim owner’s dog on the basis of faith alone?
  • Can I rape and intimidate a female coworker because she’s Taoist?
  • Could a Muslim gas station owner who believes women shouldn’t allowed to drive alone refuse to sell gas to a woman driver?
  • Could a Muslim refuse to work with women or women who didn’t wear a burka?
  • Could a Jewish short order cook sue his employer for forcing him to cook bacon?
  • As Christian business owner, would I be able to pay a non-Christian Mexican immigrant less than a Christian Mexican Immigrant?
  • I can legally deny service to a gay man, but is it ok to serve a former child rapist? Rapist? Drug dealer? Murderer? Wife beater?

The list goes on and on.

In reality, in most of Arizona, and most states in the U.S., businesses don’t need a license to discriminate against gays: It’s already legal. If you reside outside of Tucson, Phoenix or Flagstaff, there is no federal law that consistently protects LGBT individuals from employment discrimination, and most states lack laws that explicitly prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation. Unlike race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, and other such classes, sexual orientation is not covered in the federal anti-discrimination law. The only thing this legislation would do is confirm Arizona is a nut case and opens up a Pandora’s Box of questions resulting in a flood of litigation against business owners from those willing to test the limits.

The broader question resides within our minds. If we have already allowed a habit to form in our thought, then the thought lives and it becomes extremely difficult to change the path of our thoughts. The aphorism, “As a man thinketh in his heart so is he,” not only embraces the whole of a man’s being, but is so comprehensive as to reach out to every condition and circumstance of life. A man is literally what he thinks, his character being the complete sum of all his thoughts.

Should Governor Jan Brewer sign SB 1062 into law, would we really be any different from Russian President Vladimir Putin or Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni?

———————————————————–

Late Update: Gov. Jan Brewer on Wednesday vetoed SB 1062.  “My agenda is to sign into law legislation that advances Arizona,” Brewer said at a news conference. “I call them like I seem them despite the tears or the boos from the crowd.“

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Perfect Liberty

Filed under: Faith & Doubt, Life Lessons, Right Speech, Social Justice
October 23, 2013

1999-xmas-ignorance-wantAccording to a Standard and Poor’s estimate, the US economy lost up to $24 billion during the recent shutdown-showdown.  And if you listen to the White House, some 120,000 jobs we erased as well.  While I pretty much concede with the former, the latter is most likely open to interpretation.

However, with the multitude of lessons learned, one would think politicians reaching across the aisle would snag the top spot on anyone’s list.  However, Democratic Representative Alan Grayson whipped out an email that basically compared the Tea Party to the Ku Klux Klan, referring to “… the Tea Party is no more popular than the Klan” while also claiming the “ultimate Tea Party Republican desire” is to “bring about the End of Days.”

The email went to Grayson’s supporters in a Monday email that also features a picture of a burning cross, with two KKK members in the background, forming the first letter T of the words “Tea Party.” “Now you know what the “‘T’ stands for,” a caption of the photo reads. Upon clicking upon the controversial photo, users are redirected to a page requesting donations for the representative’s campaign.  Grayson also claimed, “… Tea Party is the home of bigotry and discrimination in America today, just as the KKK was for an earlier generation.  If the shoe fits, wear it.”

Personally I find Grayson’s comments utterly ignorant. Frist, the tea party movement arose in response to economic issues in 2009 and, unlike the KKK, is led by a number of black leaders. The tea party has engaged in no acts of anti-black terrorism, unlike the KKK.

Secondly, I cannot recall any time where a tea party member actually wore a white robe and white hood while burning crosses in front of black congressmen/women offices.  Also, correct me if I’m wrong, there was not a single lynching, cross burning and no advocacy for advocated extremist reactionary currents such as white supremacy, white nationalism, and anti-immigration which was historically expressed through terrorism.

Unfortunately, intended or not, the behavior exhibited by Grayson exudes bigotry. This lends proof to the fact that ignorance is not “harmless” but is often “hateful.” While one can find themselves on the opposite end of Republican theology, the ignorance directed by Grayson toward Republican members of Congress was “reprehensible.”  Whether you’re a person of faith, a believer or non-believer, hatred will never bring change. The only thing hatred leads toward is violence.

There are many outstanding members of congress, including Independent thinking Democrats, Republicans and Tea Party alike. In Buddhism, we are taught harboring three specific poisons often leads to suffering. The three poisons are lobha, dvesha and moha, translated as “greed,” “hate” and “ignorance.” Grayson’s comments come straight from ignorance and hate.

As the spirit of the holidays near, I suggest all of us reread Dickens’ social message in the “The Christmas Carol.” The problems of “Ignorance” and “Want” are prevalent now. To Grayson … and all like him … our nation is starving. Better imperfect means to help the poor than allowing a search for some ideological perfection that leaves people in ignorance and want.

Perfect liberty without food is not liberty at all.

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Censorship: Liberal Conservatism

Filed under: Life Lessons, Right Speech
September 26, 2013

a-long-wayAs I traveled through the middle of nowhere the other day, the car’s radio dial rested upon a National Public Radio Program titled, “The Takeaway.”  Part of the show focused upon the procedure to ban books. The show’s host discussed the topic with three guests:

  • Mike Holzknecht, a lawyer and parent who was part of the opposition to the book “The Absolutely True Story of a Part-Time Indian” by Sherman Alexi.
  • Sarah Pacheco, Public Information Officer for the Sierra Vista Unified School District; and
  • Amy Crump, Library Director at Homewood Public Library in Illinois.

While the program was interesting, I became fixated upon the segment discussing censorship, including of the book “The Absolutely True Story of a Part-Time Indian” by Sherman Alexi.” In truth, I never heard of this banned book, so a quick internet search revealed a few schools who’ve banned this publication.

According to well published sources, censorship may have begun around 2010 in Stockton, MO where a resident(s) supported banning The Absolutely True Story of a Part-Time Indian for containing material too mature for children. The New York Daily News reported middle schoolers at Public School 114 in Rockaway, Queens, wouldn’t be reading Sherman Alexie’s prized illustrated novel either. The school caved to pressure from at least one angry parent and phone calls from a tabloid (newspaper). The book was also removed from reading lists in Oregon and Washington as well. It was banned by Washington’s Richland School District—until board members actually read the book and reversed their decision.

In Stockton, MO, local media outlets indicated the author’s book may not have reflected community values. And while specific citations remain elusive, reports indicate supporters citing “… Biblical references.” Stockton residents also listed book descriptions of masturbation, sexual language and foul jokes, along with themes encompassing racism, alcoholism and violence.

Man … that must be one badass book.

Some may justifiably argue that not every child is emotionally mature to handle the content. Thus, it should be a parent’s decision of how much information is provided to their children. Fair enough. While those with such opposing views may have a point, I remember a similar badass book a lot of parents freely give their children.  Here are just a few themes:

  • 4 Kings 2:23-24 – Don’t make fun of bald people or two female bears may eat you
  • Genesis 38:8-10 – Neologism – hidden reference to onanism, an archaic term for masturbation
  • Judges 19:22-30 – Unwilling to let guests be rapped, so owner throws his daughters to the crowd
  • Found in: 1 Kings 18:25-27 – David kills two hundred men to gather foreskins
  • Exodus 33:23 – Exhibitionism, God exposed his back parts to Moses
  • Numbers 22:28-30 – A talking donkey
  • Genesis 1:28 – God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it.” So (1 Chronicles 1) Adam begat Seth, Seth begat Enosh, Enosh begat Kenan, Mahalaleel, Jered … etc., etc. Question, who did Cain and Able marry? Maybe … sisters?
  • Genesis 19:30-36 – Lot has drunken sex with daughters (i.e., incest)
  • Genesis 29:21-28 – Jacob takes a job where payment is a woman (so much for women’s rights)
  • Judah 38:8-10 – Judah said to Onan, go marry your brother’s wife and get her pregnant
  • Genesis 38:15-16 – The prostitute I has sex with turned out to be my daughter (i.e., another quality relationship)
  • Solomon’s Song: A complete sexual love letter
  • 2 Kings 6:24–7:20 – Cannibalism
  • Exodus 21 – Gives advice on how to sell your daughter (so much for women’s rights)
  • 2 Samuel 11 – King David’s Adultery and Murder of Uriah just to get Uriah’s wife
  • Ephesians 6:5 – Slaves, obey your earthly masters with deep respect and fear.  Serve them sincerely as you would serve Christ (So your master is Christ?)
  • Leviticus 19:20-22 – If a man rapes his female slave … the woman gets punished and the man’s sins are forgiven
  • 1 Corinthians 11:3-9 – God over Christ, Christ is over man, and man is over woman.  After all man was not created for woman, but woman was created for man
  • Judges 21:12 – Basically, young virgins are considered a spoil of war and can be taken for the use of the victors
  • Deuteronomy 25:10 – Ladies, a man has an obligation to produce a child for his widowed sister-in-law (ladies, I guess you just have to deal with it)
  • Mark 10:29 – Man who leaves his house, wife, brothers, parents, or children for the sake of the kingdom of God will receive special rewards

In complete transparency, I admit to having never read Sherman Alexi’s book. And in truth, I’ll be damned if I could find any published articles reflecting Stockton, MO’s community values. A Google keyword search of “Stockton, MO community values” revealed little. But I didn’t spend a lot of time researching either.

Still … should one go to their local community and demand the Bible be banned from all schools and public libraries? I mean the “Good Book” does have “… hidden references to masturbation, rape, murder, sexual language, racism, alcoholism and violence.” Or should we just allow future generations to ask their parents how to properly spill their seed on the ground (“onanism?)”  Bet you never hear that sermon Sunday morning. Ah … there’s nothing like having your children snuggle up with a good book on a rainy day!

Seriously, let’s stop hiding and call it what it is: censorship. And some forms of censorship can be filled with cocky snide remarks, intemperance and self-congratulatory smiles. When this occurs, it’s a play to the gallery. While some believe proper censorship protects the community, many forms of censorship are simply subjective intolerance and self-imposed righteousness.

It’s strange how liberal conservatives are in applying the First Amendment and how conservative they become in applying the Second.

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Let He Who Is Sinless

Filed under: About Love, Faith & Doubt, Life Lessons, Religion, Right Speech, Social Justice — 2 Comments
September 19, 2013

SinelessLast week, Bishop Thomas Tobin of Providence, Rhode Island, wrote he was “a little bit disappointed” that Francis hadn’t addressed abortion since being elected.  Pope Francis acknowledged that he had been “reprimanded,” but responded:

“We cannot insist only on issues related to abortion, gay marriage and the use of contraceptive methods. This is not possible,” he said. “The teaching of the church, for that matter, is clear and I am a son of the church but it is not necessary to talk about these issues all the time.”

To me, the more important statement made occurred several months ago.

“A person once asked me, in a provocative manner, if I approved of homosexuality. I replied with another question: ‘Tell me: when God looks at a gay person, does he endorse the existence of this person with love, or reject and condemn this person?”

Having been personally condemned by the Catholic Church, I concur with Pope Francis that the church’s pastoral ministry cannot be insistently obsessed with a disjointed multitude of doctrines. The church must find a new balance; otherwise even the moral edifice of the church is likely to crumble, losing the freshness and fragrance of the Gospel.  The Catholic church should be thinking we are the home of all, not just small group of selected people.

Someone recently queried my thoughts of homosexuality and abortion. To dodge the question, I carefully stated neither is a true, ‘black or white,’ ‘yes or no’ answer. But in truth, I genuinely sail my ship to a more holistic path.  So when I look at someone who may have had an abortion or someone who believes that gay and lesbian couples should have similar rights, I often think of John 8:7, “…let he who is sinless cast the first stone.”

Like Jesus, I won’t condemn a woman or homosexual relationship. It’s not because I am some free thinking whacked out liberal nor is it because I condone either. The real truth of what I see is that the men and women who make such black or white arguments are hypocrites. And hypocrites use the Bible to drive home hatred, bias and ignorance. As such, Americas’ churches are filled with such hatred. We believe more in hatred and guns than love and integrity. Don’t believe me? Then research Scott Lively, the Westboro Baptist Church or Terry Jones, who was recently arrested with thousands of kerosene-soaked copies of the Muslim holy book in his possession.

The most important goal for Buddhism is to awaken, to realize one’s true nature, putting an end to suffering. Pope Francis has thrown an olive branch of sorts by making it abundantly clear that we need all members of society. Not because there is some magic in numbers or the loss of time and dignity spent fighting personally partisan issues.  But more so because all of us are interconnected. We always have been and always will.

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Missouri: “The Shoot Me State”

Filed under: Do No Harm, Life Lessons, Right Speech, Social Justice
September 11, 2013

Screen Shot 2013-09-11 at 7.07.54 PMWith a 109-49 count, the Missouri House voted to change Missouri’s motto to the “Shoot Me State.” In essence, the highly conservative Missouri State House overrode Democrat Governor Jay Nixon’s veto of house measure HB 436 (federal gun law nullification).

The latest Missouri measure would declare invalid any federal policies that “infringe on the people’s right to keep and bear arms.” Federal authorities who attempt to enforce those laws could face state misdemeanor charges punishable by up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine. Similar penalties would apply to anyone who publishes identifying information about gun owners.

In essence, the legislation:

  • Declares any federal policies that “infringe on the people’s right to keep and bear arms” shall be invalid in Missouri;
  • Allows state misdemeanor charges to be brought against federal authorities who attempt to enforce those laws;
  • Allows state misdemeanor charges against anyone who publishes the identity of a gun owner; and
  • Would lower Missouri’s concealed-gun permit age to 19 instead of 21 and allow specially trained teachers or administrators to serve as a “school protection officer” able to carry a concealed gun.

Does anyone really believe it’s a good idea for Missouri or any state for that matter to start declaring which federal laws it believes it has to follow and which ones it doesn’t? Do individual Missouri towns, for example, get to decide which Missouri laws it wants to follow, nullifying any state law it chooses to disagree?

The Missouri legislation goes on to specify some, but not all, of those federal acts which would be “rejected” by Missouri, and considered “null and void and of no effect:”

  • Such federal acts, laws, orders, rules, and regulations include, but are not limited to:
    • The provisions of the federal Gun Control Act of 1934;
    • The provisions of the federal Gun Control Act of 1968;
    • Any tax, levy, fee, or stamp imposed on firearms, firearm accessories, or ammunition not common to all other goods and services which could have a chilling effect on the purchase or ownership of those items by law-abiding citizens;
    • Any registering or tracking of firearms, firearm accessories, or ammunition which could have a chilling effect on the purchase or ownership of those items by law-abiding citizens;
    • Any registering or tracking of the owners of firearms, firearm accessories, or ammunition which could have a chilling effect on the purchase or ownership of those items by law-abiding citizens;
    • Any act forbidding the possession, ownership, or use or transfer of any type of firearm, firearm accessory, or ammunition by law-abiding citizens; and
    • Any act ordering the confiscation of firearms, firearm accessories, or ammunition from law-abiding citizens.

The main problem I see with Missouri legislators and the citizens who elect them is ignorance. Because of personal bias and ignorance, legislators project their fear and turn those who are different into enemies. Politicians know that once you demonize gun control advocates and federal law enforcement, they become less human, allowing one to inflict a certain amount of future pain without guilt or shame.

Politicians who seem to know what they’re doing as they spew contempt, consciously provoking their citizens with fear and hate are enthralled by conflict and power. From a Buddhist perspective, this level of ignorance appears to have a purpose, but ends only by leading to further suffering.

~ “When you stare into the abyss, the abyss stares back into you.” ~

Philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche

—————————————– 9:33 PM Update —————————————–

Missouri State Senate fell one vote short of approval.

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