Yesterday in Washington DC, there was another mobilization of protesters against the Iraq War, and with the presence of celebrities - plus the enhanced power of the anti-war vote as evidenced by the Democratic takeover of Congress - it got more media coverage than the last time, September 2005, when I participated.
It's a shame I couldn't participate this time, though it's unrealistic for me to fly to DC and attend every single anti-W protest.
If and when these protests bear fruit, when Congress redirects the wasteful war spending to domestic programs and middle class tax relief, I will be happy.
BBC
28 January 2007
23 January 2007
The US loses its goodwill
Of course, this is old news. All the goodwill that the US had post-September 11th has evaporated long ago.
And when it is so difficult to travel to/within the US for foreign visitors, starting with paying $100 (US dollars only, no local equivalents) just to apply for a visa, these travelers won't leave happy. The US is the least tourist-friendly nation on earth, according to a survey of travelers from 16 nations (though the article below doesn't identify which nations). Not surprising for a nation that refuses to run a tourist bureau and has a strong dislike for pictorial signs, and where speaking a foreign language is considered a sign of weakness. (Remember that some refused to support Senator John Kerry for President because, well, he speaks some French.)
MSNBC
There was also a poll posted yesterday at the BBC website, which covered 25 nations, on America's positive/negative role in world affairs. Just about everybody, except Nigeria with its primitive moral laws and maybe Kenya and the Philippines, considered the US a negative influence, especially in its handling of the Middle East. South Americans and most Europeans were extremely vocal about their dislike for the US government and policies.
BBC
In any case, one thing is clear to me. The US must transition from its burgeoning death industry (war, violence, energy overuse, and denial of healthcare) to a true life industry, if it ever wants to be liked again (or even matter at all) in the bigger world.
And when it is so difficult to travel to/within the US for foreign visitors, starting with paying $100 (US dollars only, no local equivalents) just to apply for a visa, these travelers won't leave happy. The US is the least tourist-friendly nation on earth, according to a survey of travelers from 16 nations (though the article below doesn't identify which nations). Not surprising for a nation that refuses to run a tourist bureau and has a strong dislike for pictorial signs, and where speaking a foreign language is considered a sign of weakness. (Remember that some refused to support Senator John Kerry for President because, well, he speaks some French.)
MSNBC
There was also a poll posted yesterday at the BBC website, which covered 25 nations, on America's positive/negative role in world affairs. Just about everybody, except Nigeria with its primitive moral laws and maybe Kenya and the Philippines, considered the US a negative influence, especially in its handling of the Middle East. South Americans and most Europeans were extremely vocal about their dislike for the US government and policies.
BBC
In any case, one thing is clear to me. The US must transition from its burgeoning death industry (war, violence, energy overuse, and denial of healthcare) to a true life industry, if it ever wants to be liked again (or even matter at all) in the bigger world.
22 January 2007
Sanctity of Life? Mean it!
Every January 19, which is the anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision that legalized first trimester abortions in America, the W regime marks what it calls of the National Sanctity of Human Life Day. W, and other conservatives such as the Moonie puppet Sam Brownback, repeatedly call for a culture of life, joined by the Secretary of Faith, Pope Benedict.
However, "culture of life" is the last thing that can describe the United States of America and the Vatican. There is a huge amount of obsession with unborn fetuses, yet once they are born, they are on their own. There is no collective effort in ensuring the best possible family and social environment for the children to grow up in, and eventually become productive citizens. Schools are in disarray thanks to repeated education cuts, and many of the nation's youth are cut down by violence.
Even once they grow up into adults, they have to deal with the fact that healthcare is either too expensive or simply not available. They say 18,000 Americans die annually due to lack of healthcare, and I consider it a severe undercount. Remember that there are people like me, who can pay for a decent insurance policy, but can't get one, due to so-called "pre-existing conditions." I can (in fact, I have to) insure my car, but I can't insure myself, and that just shows the priorities of the American society.
And the US has a burgeoning death industry, in the form of oil companies and weapons manufacturers. They create new wars, so that unsuspecting Third World regimes can kill each other off using American weapons, and so that Americans can keep their gas-guzzling SUVs filled up.
A nation that truly believes in a culture of life will take far more interest in the well-being of people already born and living, respect the environment, and be a leading global citizen that can extend help to those nations in need. But the US, and its prevailing Christian theology, completely fail that criteria. There has never been a worse culture of death than the America of George W. Bush, Pat Robertson, and their ilk.
However, "culture of life" is the last thing that can describe the United States of America and the Vatican. There is a huge amount of obsession with unborn fetuses, yet once they are born, they are on their own. There is no collective effort in ensuring the best possible family and social environment for the children to grow up in, and eventually become productive citizens. Schools are in disarray thanks to repeated education cuts, and many of the nation's youth are cut down by violence.
Even once they grow up into adults, they have to deal with the fact that healthcare is either too expensive or simply not available. They say 18,000 Americans die annually due to lack of healthcare, and I consider it a severe undercount. Remember that there are people like me, who can pay for a decent insurance policy, but can't get one, due to so-called "pre-existing conditions." I can (in fact, I have to) insure my car, but I can't insure myself, and that just shows the priorities of the American society.
And the US has a burgeoning death industry, in the form of oil companies and weapons manufacturers. They create new wars, so that unsuspecting Third World regimes can kill each other off using American weapons, and so that Americans can keep their gas-guzzling SUVs filled up.
A nation that truly believes in a culture of life will take far more interest in the well-being of people already born and living, respect the environment, and be a leading global citizen that can extend help to those nations in need. But the US, and its prevailing Christian theology, completely fail that criteria. There has never been a worse culture of death than the America of George W. Bush, Pat Robertson, and their ilk.
13 January 2007
Belief-O-Matic
When I was at the Unitarian Church in Berkeley, I was alerted to an online quiz named Belief-O-Matic, hosted at a multi-religious site named Beliefnet, that assesses my personal views on religion and calculates which of the 27 major religions most closely match them. The church members strongly recommended that I take the test.
And it indeed was very eye-opening. There was no surprise in that I was not very compatible with Islam and most versions of Christianity, but it was pleasantly surprising to know that New Age, paganism, and Buddhism scored high with me. The Unitarians scored a perfect 100% compatibility.
Here are my actual results:
And it indeed was very eye-opening. There was no surprise in that I was not very compatible with Islam and most versions of Christianity, but it was pleasantly surprising to know that New Age, paganism, and Buddhism scored high with me. The Unitarians scored a perfect 100% compatibility.
Here are my actual results:
| 1. | Unitarian Universalism (100%) |
| 2. | Neo-Pagan (89%) |
| 3. | Liberal Quakers (88%) |
| 4. | New Age (79%) |
| 5. | Reform Judaism (74%) |
| 6. | Mahayana Buddhism (71%) |
| 7. | Mainline to Liberal Christian Protestants (69%) |
| 8. | Secular Humanism (68%) |
| 9. | New Thought (65%) |
| 10. | Theravada Buddhism (63%) |
| 11. | Jainism (56%) |
| 12. | Bah�'� Faith (55%) |
| 13. | Scientology (55%) |
| 14. | Hinduism (55%) |
| 15. | Sikhism (52%) |
| 16. | Taoism (49%) |
| 17. | Orthodox Judaism (46%) |
| 18. | Nontheist (45%) |
| 19. | Orthodox Quaker (43%) |
| 20. | Christian Science (Church of Christ, Scientist) (42%) |
| 21. | Islam (40%) |
| 22. | Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons) (22%) |
| 23. | Mainline to Conservative Christian/Protestant (21%) |
| 24. | Seventh Day Adventist (19%) |
| 25. | Eastern Orthodox (13%) |
| 26. | Roman Catholic (13%) |
| 27. | Jehovah's Witness (11%) |
12 January 2007
Fashion Corner
A triple feature to start 2007.
All photos are from MSN Movies' "Undressed" - I picked three sore standouts for my own commentary.
Paris Hilton was recently named one of the worst-dressed celebrities. I've never liked any of the outfits she has worn over the past months. And this casual setup is a mess. The striped top is okay, but I've seen another picture of her (in the same outfit) with a nipple slip - never a good idea. The pants need to lose whatever writing is on the left leg. While I don't mind the shades and the scarf, I really take an exception to the rainbow-colored purse - which clashes badly with the prevailing brown; there are other ways to add splash to a look that is primarily one color.
Here, Britney, another worst dressed award winner, looks just like the stereotypical redneck airhead that she really is. A see-through slip dress in a rather public place? No thanks. And the fluorescent colored bikinis underneath are a bad idea too - but not as bad an idea as flashing the genitals around, as Britney had done in recent months. The hairdo is just a mess too. Finally, the cowboy boots really add to that "redneck airhead" feel.
The media wants to keep selling Britney as a role model for teens. But her conduct clearly indicates otherwise, and her outfits just tell the story.
Here is one of the Olsen twins, Mary-Kate. The black is way overwhelming - it'd be a good idea to lose the hat, or add a bright accessory somewhere. The boots are awful ugly - is it even possible to walk in those? And I am certainly not partial to wearing tights with huge runs as a bottom (and this is not the first time I've seen Mary-Kate going pants optional).
Mary-Kate (and Ashley) looked great as kids, and still look great as adults, when dressed well - but this isn't one of those moments. The slouchy posture doesn't help either.
All photos are from MSN Movies' "Undressed" - I picked three sore standouts for my own commentary.
Paris Hilton was recently named one of the worst-dressed celebrities. I've never liked any of the outfits she has worn over the past months. And this casual setup is a mess. The striped top is okay, but I've seen another picture of her (in the same outfit) with a nipple slip - never a good idea. The pants need to lose whatever writing is on the left leg. While I don't mind the shades and the scarf, I really take an exception to the rainbow-colored purse - which clashes badly with the prevailing brown; there are other ways to add splash to a look that is primarily one color.
Here, Britney, another worst dressed award winner, looks just like the stereotypical redneck airhead that she really is. A see-through slip dress in a rather public place? No thanks. And the fluorescent colored bikinis underneath are a bad idea too - but not as bad an idea as flashing the genitals around, as Britney had done in recent months. The hairdo is just a mess too. Finally, the cowboy boots really add to that "redneck airhead" feel.The media wants to keep selling Britney as a role model for teens. But her conduct clearly indicates otherwise, and her outfits just tell the story.
Here is one of the Olsen twins, Mary-Kate. The black is way overwhelming - it'd be a good idea to lose the hat, or add a bright accessory somewhere. The boots are awful ugly - is it even possible to walk in those? And I am certainly not partial to wearing tights with huge runs as a bottom (and this is not the first time I've seen Mary-Kate going pants optional).Mary-Kate (and Ashley) looked great as kids, and still look great as adults, when dressed well - but this isn't one of those moments. The slouchy posture doesn't help either.
Gender Gap in China
I just ran across an article that shows how severe of a problem the gender imbalance in China has become.
There may be a surplus of up to 30 million men, who will be unable to find a woman to marry. With so many frustrated men, there may even be social instability.
This tells me the evils of traditional Confucian belief system, which emphasizes male supremacy and marriage/family. The male supremacy, combined with the one-child policy, means that many female fetuses are aborted. And since Confucianism does not consider a person a full member of the society until married, there will be a huge underclass of leftover men who will not be able to function properly in society.
This also shows a huge difference in the ways of thinking between the East and the West; while abortion is seen as an issue of women's reproductive rights in the West, it is seen as a means of population control - and a way to reinforce the prevailing male supremacy - in the East. While I'm firmly in the pro-choice camp, I am completely against gender-based abortions.
I've read elsewhere that this may result in a horde of Chinese bachelors taking wives from neighboring nations like Vietnam, and spreading the problem throughout the Asian continent. I hope not.
MSNBC
There may be a surplus of up to 30 million men, who will be unable to find a woman to marry. With so many frustrated men, there may even be social instability.
This tells me the evils of traditional Confucian belief system, which emphasizes male supremacy and marriage/family. The male supremacy, combined with the one-child policy, means that many female fetuses are aborted. And since Confucianism does not consider a person a full member of the society until married, there will be a huge underclass of leftover men who will not be able to function properly in society.
This also shows a huge difference in the ways of thinking between the East and the West; while abortion is seen as an issue of women's reproductive rights in the West, it is seen as a means of population control - and a way to reinforce the prevailing male supremacy - in the East. While I'm firmly in the pro-choice camp, I am completely against gender-based abortions.
I've read elsewhere that this may result in a horde of Chinese bachelors taking wives from neighboring nations like Vietnam, and spreading the problem throughout the Asian continent. I hope not.
MSNBC
11 January 2007
David Beckham, Los Angeles-bound
Living in a city that lacks an NFL franchise, but boasts two soccer teams (Galaxy and Chivas USA) instead, I am more likely to follow soccer - the true football - than American football.
Looks like the Galaxy will get a huge boost, thanks to its acquisition of arguably the most popular player in the world - former England captain and Real Madrid player David Beckham. I hope this starts a trend that will bring more interest into soccer, and improve American soccer players' levels while at it.
BBC
Looks like the Galaxy will get a huge boost, thanks to its acquisition of arguably the most popular player in the world - former England captain and Real Madrid player David Beckham. I hope this starts a trend that will bring more interest into soccer, and improve American soccer players' levels while at it.
BBC
War Escalated
W decided that he wants to be The Decider again, deciding with utter disregard for the findings of the Iraq Study Group and voices of the American public.
Despite calls for phased troop withdrawal, W will instead increase American military presence in Iraq by over 20,000. All this, to continue to ruin a country whose social fabric was torn apart by America's very presence.
I see this development in two different ways. First, W is determined to occupy Iraq as long as possible, parading his puppet al-Maliki around, and fatten special interest contractors (such as Halliburton) and the oil companies. Second, more American manpower in Iraq will allow W to start a war against Syria or Iran at the slightest hint of a provocation, probably staged. After all, defense contractors need their money, and war is the way to make them some money.
I am currently shopping for health insurance, and have been let down by the inability to get insured for "prior conditions." The US remains the only country in the world that can afford universal healthcare, but can't offer it, because it smells more money in making wars and killing innocent people. This needs to be overturned. The Democratic takeover of Congress is one promising development, and I will make sure that the Democrats will push for eventual American withdrawal from Iraq, leaving Iraq in the hands of the Iraqis themselves, and re-direction of the budget toward healthcare and other perks that American people can actually benefit from as a whole. Instead of a death industry, we need a life industry.
Despite calls for phased troop withdrawal, W will instead increase American military presence in Iraq by over 20,000. All this, to continue to ruin a country whose social fabric was torn apart by America's very presence.
I see this development in two different ways. First, W is determined to occupy Iraq as long as possible, parading his puppet al-Maliki around, and fatten special interest contractors (such as Halliburton) and the oil companies. Second, more American manpower in Iraq will allow W to start a war against Syria or Iran at the slightest hint of a provocation, probably staged. After all, defense contractors need their money, and war is the way to make them some money.
I am currently shopping for health insurance, and have been let down by the inability to get insured for "prior conditions." The US remains the only country in the world that can afford universal healthcare, but can't offer it, because it smells more money in making wars and killing innocent people. This needs to be overturned. The Democratic takeover of Congress is one promising development, and I will make sure that the Democrats will push for eventual American withdrawal from Iraq, leaving Iraq in the hands of the Iraqis themselves, and re-direction of the budget toward healthcare and other perks that American people can actually benefit from as a whole. Instead of a death industry, we need a life industry.
01 January 2007
Ringing in the New Year
As scheduled, I rang in the new year at the sold-out CodePink party in San Francisco. Definitely a breath of fresh air compared to the reactionary Southern California politics that I am used to.
A sad milestone has just come and gone while I was partying. American casualties in Iraq have reached 3,000, and there will be a vigil at noon today at Golden Gate Bridge. It's a shame that I won't make it, as I need to get on the road and return home.
Medea Benjamin, one of the founders of CodePink, is being interviewed by CBS 5. Fox 2 also interviewed her, and asked her if progressives knew how to party too. What an insulting question - so typical of Fox.
I spoke briefly with Medea, handing her the TruthOut article on the Moonies.
People are partying as a band named The Average Dykes rings in the new year.
Zeum was getting very crowded!
Here I am, shortly after midnight, wearing my "CodePink" coat.
Here is to a wonderful 2007.
A sad milestone has just come and gone while I was partying. American casualties in Iraq have reached 3,000, and there will be a vigil at noon today at Golden Gate Bridge. It's a shame that I won't make it, as I need to get on the road and return home.
Medea Benjamin, one of the founders of CodePink, is being interviewed by CBS 5. Fox 2 also interviewed her, and asked her if progressives knew how to party too. What an insulting question - so typical of Fox.I spoke briefly with Medea, handing her the TruthOut article on the Moonies.
People are partying as a band named The Average Dykes rings in the new year.Zeum was getting very crowded!
Here I am, shortly after midnight, wearing my "CodePink" coat.Here is to a wonderful 2007.
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