Mood: Depressed

[dwgm]

My dear ones, I know you don't remember the helpless disillusionment of the '60's and early '70's. You will perhaps say that no, we weren't helpless, that the war was protested strongly. Yet it went on and on anyway, as you know, and it was later revealed that our leaders, people who supposedly cared for us and our country, concealed information, distorted information, let themselves turn a blind eye to truth that might have spared the lives of so many.

In many ways the world is a better place than it was a hundred, or even fifty years ago, and I try to keep that in focus to fuel the optimism that seems much more natural to me than despair. But human nature is what it is, and there are too many people who still consider violence, and particularly large scale violence, to be a viable solution to life's problems, and too many people who allow themselves to be sucked in by a shiny package of lies and propaganda and false patriotism. It breaks my heart. This country can be great, in very many ways it is great, but we need to look at ourselves with clear vision and see ourselves as citizens of the World, not just as Americans.

I generally try not to think of this stuff much, as it does provoke such a feeling of helplessness. However, firesignwriter posted this link, and I could not remain silent.

Comments

Re: bit happier note?

[rennie1265.livejournal.com]

Switching over to vegetarian has been pretty easy, all things considered. I'd already quit with the red meat due to arthritis, one meal wasn't worth several days of acute pain in the joints. Was able to go through the heart of cattle country in Alberta and across the prairies and not feel guilty when we passed all those cattle. We have a growing number of vegetarians at work, although we seem to have quite a few variations on the theme. Recipes are now the thing, in fact, the people in my office spend much time talking about food in some form or other. I hope to look in to your recipe journal for ideas. The goal is to be healthier and to reduce the risks for cardiovascular disease which has been rampant in my family for generations, especially on the Scottish side. Seems such a simple change to get so much benefit. Much better for the environment and farm workers too with the growth in the organics area. We're always being encouraged to think globally and act locally so this is one way to help.

As for the Maya, they never left their lands. They've been subjected to 5 centuries of subjugation, genocide, identity destruction and disenfranchisement but they are still there. The Maya we have in Vancouver are mostly from Guatemala; the genocides in the early 1980's, part of a long period of genocide, forced many to leave just to survive. One way they ahve been disenfranchised, not just the Maya, but all through the Americas, is to categorize them as "indios" not as Maya or whatever. This helps to discredit any land claims and such they have and is heavily fostered by the governments of the regions. There are so many levels of political, military, ethical questions that we will never get to the end of them. At least I have the luxury? of being in classes where we are made aware of these issues and to see with critical eyes. Marv's class could have subtitles from the X-Files quite easily, especially "Believe Nothing (at Face Value)."

Some of my student assistants have gone into International Relations and are off getting started trying to make a difference in the refugee situations and with land mines. These are bright youngsters and we've tried to encourage them to follow their goals but to keep a realistic view of who they will be dealing with, at all levels. My hat's off to them and any others who try to make a difference at whatever level they can.

We have a 24 hour run as well, it's held at Central Park, just a few blocks from where I live. Nice venue although those big fir trees make it a bit eerie late at night.

The weather has been mixed, we've set a new record for the wettest September and there are still 12 days left. We had almost 4 inches of rain Thursday night/early Friday morning and more is expected in a day or three. Can't seem to win, drought for most of the last two or three years now we have tons of the wet stuff. They had over a foot of snow up in the Peace River country too,looked just like Vancouver's snow, all wet and slushy. Yuck.

Glad your pool is still in use, I'm envious of that although I can swim at work. Had a peek into your daughter's journal, from something yours said. She sounds quite the character, Weemonkey that is. I gather she has a cockatiel called Ninnie-bird and they are learning how to live together. I have two cockatiels and both are spoiled rotten. The eldest will be 23 her next birthday and the other will be 11 next month. Squawk, that's the eldest, likes to sit on the hand that's over the mouse and she goes to sleep. If I move too much, then she pokes me one. She gets annoyed if I mouse too much so she sits on my knee or my shoulder then. I've never tried putting them into harnesses to take outside, neither of mine like to be constrained. I used to clip them but now that they are older, I have a screen door and am very careful with openings. They get more exercise this way and are in pretty good shape, especially Squawk.

Have to go do homework now as I've goofed off enjoying the weekend. Take care.

Re: bit happier note?

[geekmama.livejournal.com]

...we've set a new record for the wettest September and there are still 12 days left.

Wow! My older daughter, ladymora, and her husband, dr_mrow, went to Victoria during the first part of the month but didn't say anything about rain. You've really been getting hit! We could use some down her (as always), but I've been enjoying the warm weather and the pool. I think the weather's a little cooler today, though. Fall is arriving.

If you have any good vegetarian recipes, maybe you could find time to post them to prettygoodfood. ladymora is always looking for new ones, as am I.

Cockatiels are great, aren't they? At one time we raised them, and had lots of them. weemonkey6 has moved back in with my Mom and me, and we are not only enjoying seeing her occasionally, but are having fun playing with her bird Ninnie, too. He's a sweetie.

Stay dry, and don't work too hard!