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Spiritual consciousness is the highest form of politics.
-- Hau-den-no-sau-nee
Intolerance betrays a want of faith in ones cause.
-- Gandhi
A couple of nights ago, a news commentator said that while Mario Cuomos Democratic Convention speech defined his career, his lesser-known speech at Notre Dame delivered an equally-important message. Hours later, after both of my daughters had gone to bed -- leaving my computer open -- I re-read that speech.
http://archives.nd.edu/research/texts/cuomo.htm
This Christian nation argument should concern -- even frighten -- two groups: non-Christians and thinking Christians.
I believe it does.
-- Mario Cuomo at Notre Dame
Governor Cuomos commentary on the ever-present tension between politics and religion is worth reading. He understood -- much like Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. -- that tensions can be either positive or negative. The positive aspect brings forth growth, starting with the individual, and thus benefiting the group. The negative aspects include self-righteousness, and violence.
A few hours after reading that wonderful speech, the initial reports about the ugly violence in France began to play on the television. Like everyone, I found the news disturbing
.disgusting in that it is all too common. Having had two relatives shot in October, with one killed, the viciousness of this act leaves me less interested in considering an in-depth analysis of the political, economic, social, religious, and cultural dynamics that came into play. It is not that I do not recognize the importance of such things; rather, at this time, I dont have the energy to go there. Sometimes the human condition simply knocks you for a loop, and its okay to just sit back for a brief moment.
With all the bad in the world -- and theres enough difficulty in just every day life, without the brutality of the morally- and ethically bankrupt brutes -- there is a heck of a lot of good, including good people
..or else the world wouldnt keep on going. I try to not forget this. I try to think about ways in which good people can make progress, not because of this extremely negative tension, but in spite of it.
This morning, for the second day in a row, I dropped my older daughter off at a recording studio. In a few days, its back to the university for her; besides classes, shell continue with her music. Human expression, be it music, writing (including satire), or whatever, have the ability to make sense of life, and even to lift our spirits. Life goes on.
Peace,
H2O Man
MineralMan
(146,317 posts)spanone
(135,844 posts)niyad
(113,336 posts)I often think, and certainly more so these last 14 years, that the ability to go on with one's life, no matter what else is going on in the world, is a small jab in the eye at those who would have us cower and live in fear. **** them. I refuse to give in to fear or despair.
My younger daughter is writing her "big" paper for one of her AP classes; she picked the topic of how Dr. Rubin "Hurricane" Carter influenced the way in which she views, and thus lives, life. Having grown up knowing Rubin, her perspective is likely unique for her class.
In the past 5-6 weeks, she's read through the five books on his life/ legal struggle; my three scrapbooks (dating from 1962 to present); court transcripts; and a number of the letters he sent me over the decades. And, of course, she knew him personally.
From the movie, she always was fascinated by the scene where, in solitary, he had the break. The separation of selves. And she compares that with the gentleman she knew.
No matter how harsh our experiences, we can endure. And, once we endure, we can grow. And growth leads to the flowering of our human potential for Good. And that is exactly what we need at this time, when human dignity is under brutal assault.
MADem
(135,425 posts)Lovely essay.
H2O Man
(73,559 posts)Much appreciated.
hunter
(38,317 posts)The Gandhi quote is appropriate too, not just as scolding of those ideologues or religious fundamentalist who would kill for their cause, but for those who would see this tragedy as justification for their own intolerance of Islam, or worse, as justification for their own violent action.
H2O Man
(73,559 posts)Part of the lower levels of being involves the compulsive need to "justify" our own errors in thinking and weaknesses, by pointing out others'. It's a curious habit, and rather difficult to break. But it is important to be aware of it in ourselves, and to work hard to kick the habit.
herding cats
(19,565 posts)Life does go on in spite of all the mean people and bad things they do, that's what the rest of us do to keep them from winning.
H2O Man
(73,559 posts)It's not just a job -- it's an adventure!
Spazito
(50,362 posts)Thanks for posting this, it is very timely.
About a dozen years ago, our family (and all of humankind) was rocked by a horrendous act by a family member. It felt like the rug was pulled out from under me. It was hard to guide my children because I felt lost.
After a couple of years, it hit me that despair would not make my life better. It was as simple as seeing that doing good is the only way to lessen evil. I thought I had to fight it somehow, but that does not do anything but make one tired and forlorn. Just be good. Love others. Be helpful to others.
I do think my kids learned this, maybe it's easier when you're younger and still learning about the world. I was afraid this would affect them negatively, but they have grown to be loving, kind and helpful people.
"Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me"
H2O Man
(73,559 posts)Thank you for this!
lpbk2713
(42,759 posts)... and there are so many of them.
antigop
(12,778 posts)McCamy Taylor
(19,240 posts)BlancheSplanchnik
(20,219 posts)This is worth saving to read again.