Gay people continue to see big gains in acceptance, even in the U.S., where our numbers dropped recently as Karl Rove used the issue for cynical political reasons in the 2004 election. Oh well, he has to live with himself, which must be a special sort of hell.
3/31/10
Attitudes toward homosexuality softening
Gay people continue to see big gains in acceptance, even in the U.S., where our numbers dropped recently as Karl Rove used the issue for cynical political reasons in the 2004 election. Oh well, he has to live with himself, which must be a special sort of hell.
3/30/10
The unacceptable cost of DADT
A wonderful collection of photos of closeted military service members. Click here.
The power of love & intimacy in a person's life
David Brooks makes a good case for intimacy over materialism. Read it here.
3/29/10
On why to meditate
If we know how to keep silence properly, we can maintain silence even when speaking and acting.--Steve Hagen
3/28/10
The anger behind the tea-baggers
From Frank Rich in the New York Times:In fact, the current surge of anger — and the accompanying rise in right-wing extremism — predates the entire health care debate. The first signs were the shrieks of "traitor" and "off with his head" at Palin rallies as Obama’s election became more likely in October 2008. Those passions have spiraled ever since — from Gov. Rick Perry’s kowtowing to secessionists at a Tea Party rally in Texas to the gratuitous brandishing of assault weapons at Obama health care rallies last summer to "You lie!" piercing the president’s address to Congress last fall like an ominous shot.
If Obama’s first legislative priority had been immigration or financial reform or climate change, we would have seen the same trajectory. The conjunction of a black president and a female speaker of the House — topped off by a wise Latina on the Supreme Court and a powerful gay Congressional committee chairman — would sow fears of disenfranchisement among a dwindling and threatened minority in the country no matter what policies were in play. It’s not happenstance that Frank, Lewis and Cleaver — none of them major Democratic players in the health care push — received a major share of last weekend’s abuse. When you hear demonstrators chant the slogan "Take our country back!," these are the people they want to take the country back from.
--Frank Rich
I can understand people being angry about the financial meltdown, lack of government regulation, and gridlock in Congress, but the tea-baggers are upset at the wrong people. They should be protesting outside George W.'s house, at the RNC, and in front of hundreds of lobbyists' offices who represent all sorts of business interests. These are the forces that have made life harder for the tea-baggers.
3/27/10
More about the deaf boys who complained of being molested by a priest but the Vatican (and Pope) did nothing.
The Catholic Church just lost any remaining shred of moral creditability. Read this article from the NYTimes.
3/26/10
3/25/10
The church official who blocked the trial of a priest who molested hundreds of deaf boys is now the Pope. Another scandal for the Catholic Church
Beyond outrageous, especially for an organization that supposedly is "pro-life" and "pro-family." I am appalled and saddened. Read this.
Ted Kennedy's great dream...realized for the U.S.
A note left by Patrick Kennedy, on Monday, at his father's graveside: "Dad --The unfinished business is done." Amen.
3/24/10
Now, time for financial regulation
Having wrested control of health care away from insurance companies, it is time for the President to take on regulate our banks, and prevent future financial collapses. Read here.
3/23/10
Today is a great, new day for this country. It is morning again in America.
To help all Americans, this is why I worked so hard to elect this President and change this country for the better.
3/22/10
Nancy Pelosi: the velvet hammer for good
Congressional Republicans are much more orderly and controllable than their Democratic counterparts, until Nancy Pelosi became speaker. Read this Time Magazine profile of her, from last December, that asserts she is the most powerful and successful Democratic Speaker of the House in 50 years. Go to the article here.
This is my president, my country and my health care reform plan
Kudos to forward-looking Americans who did so much to help President Obama and Nancy Pelosi to pass landmark health care legislation last night. It took political courage and tenacity to do this, overcoming the hundreds of millions of lobby dollars showered on the Republicans by their insurance and pharmaceutical company overlords.
Read this article on how Nancy Pelosi got Obama and Reid on track after the Scott Brown victory.
Read this article on how Nancy Pelosi got Obama and Reid on track after the Scott Brown victory.
3/19/10
The power in admitting I screwed up
I got an email from a friend this morning where he called me on something I did that was inappropriate. He was right and I was wrong and apologize, as simple as that. Instead of finding ways to defend myself, I just admitted it and felt the vulnerability and power of being defenseless. I like these feelings and can extend it to other areas of my life. It is an absolutely beautiful day in San Francisco and experiencing its warmth.
3/18/10
Living with a grin
We should tackle reality in a slightly joking way, otherwise we miss the point.--Lawrence Durrell
3/17/10
6 Signs you're in a healthy relationship
by Brett Blumenthal - Sheer BalanceNot long ago, I published an article about six qualities to admire in others, and the response was extraordinary. I prefaced the article by saying that the six I mentioned were by far not an exhaustive list, but included those traits that seemed especially hard to find. In reading all of the comments, however, I was inspired to write a follow-up list that covers some of the other qualities that I, as well as others, believe to be important when looking for friendships and relationships with others.
Our relationships are vital to our mental well-being. However, toxic relationships can really do a number on our happiness and outlook on life. As a result, it is important to look for individuals who possess qualities that allow for healthy relationships. Although, once again, not an exhaustive list, the qualities listed below are those that should be at the very heart of a healthy relationship. And, just as you would expect your friend, family member or loved one to display these qualities, it is just as important to reciprocate.
Loyalty: Whether it's in friendships or in family, loyalty is truly important to maintain a healthy relationship. All of us are guilty, at one time or another, of making mistakes, having ups and downs, and even displaying some behavior that we may not always be proud of. When we find friends or loved ones who can forgive us and stand by us…even during our worst moments…we should be especially grateful. That said, loyalty should never be taken for granted and we should always be deeply appreciative when it comes our way.
Respect: I once knew an individual who was very opinionated about political topics. She would talk down to people who disagreed with her and would be very disrespectful. Not only did she make people feel stomped on, but she left many disinterested in friendship. Treating others with kindness and the respect they deserve is important in gaining the respect that WE desire. It never feels good to be taken for granted, judged or used and it doesn’t feel good to be talked down to or treated rudely or inappropriately. There will be times that we may not always have full agreement with our friends or loved ones, but respecting them along the way is a must.
Unconditionally There: There is nothing worse than having someone always resurface in your life when they are in need, are looking for something or need a favor. In a culture of “you scratch my back, and I’ll scratch yours,” it is somewhat rare to find those “who just scratch your back,” period. Finding individuals who want you in their lives just because…and not because they want something in return is refreshing and worth holding on to. Those who are generous of heart are to be treasured!
Trustworthy: I once worked with a woman who, within my first week on the job, felt the need to tell me all of the intimate details of the various extra-marital affairs that had occurred with the management of the firm. She was supposedly friends with these people and I have no doubt, was told this information in the most strictest of confidences. How she felt it was appropriate to divulge this information to a new-hire like me, I still have no idea. But, it was her nature to gossip about everyone and everything. If you share something in confidence, you should be able to trust that the information will remain that way.
A Genuine Sounding Board: Taking a genuine interest in what others have to say and really listening to someone is important in developing solid relationships. Letting go of the “me, me, me” and focusing on the other person not only makes the other person feel valued and appreciated, but they feel that they can really talk to someone who cares. Those who take the time to really listen to our thoughts and feelings, and then help us work through difficult times and situations, share our lives at a much deeper level than those who don’t. These are individuals worth hanging on to.
Dependability: I had a friend who frequently would RSVP to small gatherings and then would never show. They never explained…never brought it up…and never apologized. Although this example is somewhat trivial, it still makes the point. Obviously there are times when things come up that prevent individuals from following through on what they promise, but if a friend, co-worker or family member perpetually drops the ball, they may be sending you a message. If a friend says they are going to do something or be somewhere, you should be able to count on them. And, in reciprocation, they you.
What traits do you look for in a friend or partner? Are your relationships healthy?
3/16/10
The challenge of democracy
Democracy is no easy form of government. Few nations have been able to sustain it. For it requires that we take the chances of freedom; that the liberating play of reason be brought to bear on events filled with passion; that dissent be allowed to make its appeal for acceptance; that men chance error in their search for truth.--Robert F. Kennedy
3/15/10
3/10/10
Compassion: "to suffer with"
The essence of love and compassion is understanding, the ability to recognize the physical, material, and psychological suffering of others, to put ourselves "inside the skin" of the other. We "go inside" their body, feelings, and mental formations, and witness for ourselves their suffering. Shallow observation as an outsider is not enough to see their suffering. We must become one with the subject of our observation. When we are in contact with another's suffering, a feeling of compassion is born in us. Compassion means, literally, "to suffer with." --Thich Nhat Hanh
3/9/10
Karl Rove's new memoir should be called "Cowardice & Cronyism," not "Courage & Consequence"
Just read these passages from one of the most cynical political dividers ever to grace this nation's political stage.
Elizabeth Warren: No one is looking out for the financial interest of the middle class
One of the wisest and most courageous people in Washington,DC.Watch her recent segment on Charlie Rose.
Why love is fundamental
If there is love, there is hope to have real families, real brotherhood, real equanimity, real peace. If the love within your mind is lost, if you continue to see other beings as enemies, then no matter how much knowledge or education you have, no matter how much material progress is made, only suffering and confusion will ensue.--His Holiness the Dalai Lama
3/8/10
After all the listening and compromising, Obama comes out charging on health care reform. It is time.
I am glad to see this aggressive side of Obama after this year-long process. Read about his speech today.
3/7/10
Hooray for integrity: Hurt Locker, Precious and The Blind Side were recognized tonight
It feels good to watch the Academy Awards and see such non-commercial, high-quality independent films do so well. All three movies take courage to watch as well as to make. Facing the difficulties of life -- the hardship of war, child abuse, and children without families -- has a beauty all its own. Tonight, I was inspired by the quality of the winning movies and the winning artists. It was a good night.P.S. Two other nominated films, An Education and A Single Man, were excellent too.
3/4/10
Not too taut, not too loose
The Buddha emphasized the Middle Way, which he likened to the successful playing of the lute, the strings being not too taut, not too loose, but with just the right amount of pressure. We all need to seek a way to bring forth such balance in our own lives.I deeply believe that it is vital to our spiritual practice that we become spiritually disciplined. Without spiritual discipline we are never going to wake up or advance on our soul’s journey through this life. But our discipline must be wedded to joy, and we must find pleasure in the myriad wonders that this life offers.
--Joan Gattuso , "The Balancing Buddha," Tricycle Winter 2008
Fear-driven and racist GOP campaign strategy for 2010 will haunt them for many years to come
These slides are from an official GOP presention. Yes, the GOP is going into the 2010 elections with a strategy of fear and misinformation. This is a conscious strategy that might help them in the short-run, but not in the future. It is racist, cynical and mean-spirited...not the party of Ronald Reagan. Read all about it here. By doing this, they are planting the karmic seeds that will haunt them in the future, especially with Generation M, who already is voting 2 to 1 for Democrats. Yes, the future does not bode well for the GOP. Watch this recent news clip about the Millennial Generation.
Finally, as the Conservatives are learning in the UK, their base of supporters is dying out as they age. The Conservative Party is having to reinvent itself, painfully at times, and come to closer to the center, especially on social issues. Simply put, this party realizes it has to change or die, something that the GOP is still in denial about.
3/3/10
Feel life
In a certain sense Zen is to feel life instead of feeling something about life.--Alan Watts
3/2/10
What is success?
In my mens' group last night, we briefly touched on what it means to be successful. One idea discussed was that it is one's body of work over a lifetime. This got me thinking about success.When I think of the most successful persons in my life, they are very present and kind. These folks have the ability to show up in the moment, no matter how difficult the circumstances, feel their and other beings' pain, and keep their hearts open. They are accepting of people, have genuine compassion for others' suffering, and set clear and respectful boundaries. They tend not to gossip or focus on others' faults, even though they are aware of these failings and say "no" as needed.
As I begin this day, I am inspired by last night's discussion and the examples of friends. To be present and kind.
3/1/10
The dignity of work: 98-year-old barber
Doing one of the most valuable things on the planet, Anthony Mancinelli listens to his customers...as he has been doing so for many decades. He is the wise man, sage, and Buddha of his village. There is no better example of right livelihood. Read about this man on NYTimes.com
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