Displaying 2,041 To 2,070 Of 2,240 Comments The Supreme Court puts our democracy in the hands of corporations Netherlands? We asked one of our favorite exchange students, Daan, to “adopt” us. Then we can move to St. Maarten, use all our retirement money, and be his “kids”. It was a joke, but not quite as funny today as it was last summer……. Cher, that is what every good parent wants – a better world for their kids than they have/had. Even childless, I want the better scenario for my Afghan kids. So we don’t give up. After struggling with the situation in Afghanistan, and feeling like it’s an uphill battle, I look now at my own land and see a much more difficult struggle. I mean, after looking at Haiti, I wonder: How much damage can a non-nuclear terrorist do versus what good old Mother Nature can do all by herself? But now I see this shift to a corporatocracy and it just saddens me. How can we preach good governance when we don’t even have it???? Hope you feel better – I had somne flu-ey thing that lasted a good week and has left me weak as a kitten. Go to bed, pull the covers up, and wait it out. I’ll be thinking of you and hoping you get better QUICK. We need you! » Posted By AlphaBitch On January 21, 2010 @ 1:39 pm Fundraising and Membership Drive – Winter 2010 Dang! You WOULD. Jefferson is The Blov’s key man. I choose….YOU! My bluegrass bud. And AdLib who speaks with the Big Guy. And Kalima, for her gentle loveliness. And K7 for his ability to present the other side with facts. These are the REAL founding fathers, in this our country’s second incarnation. » Posted By AlphaBitch On January 21, 2010 @ 3:44 pm I second that! Cheers to our founding mothers/fathers for this planet. And AdLib – please pass on my thanks to God for giving us such talented posters and for making His/Her/Its Appearance here from time to time! THAT’S something I doubt “she who shall not be named” can never claim! I’ve mentioned the site to friends; now will lean on them to “get on board” (there’s a train a-comin’). » Posted By AlphaBitch On January 21, 2010 @ 1:29 pm Hey Boomer: So sorry you had this experience. Good on ya for coming here to seek wise counsel, which it seems many have offered (as well as sympathetic ears and lots of tsk-tsking). I’ll share an experience that turned out well to try and lighten your heart. As you know, I work with Afghan exchange students. During July 2008, we had a meeting of the prospective host families (three families) to prepare them for the year ahead, with all the cultural challenges. I knew all were conservative, some just politically and some both politically and religiously. We sat down to eat when one of the new host dads (thinking, I am sure, that he was in “safe” company) began with a “Did you see what that *idiot* Obama said….” I stopped him mid-sentence and said “Wait, wait, wait. You need to know that my husband (The Blovicator) and I are Democrats, and we are HUGE supporters of Obama.” The look on their faces during the awkward pause made everyone just a tad uncomfortable. A former host mom had joined us; I knew she was also a Democrat, but chose not to “out” her. I started on how we all wanted the exact same things – safe places to shop, go to school, etc. – and that what we disagreed on was HOW to achieve these goals; but that we were all in agreement as to the value of the YES program, etc. etc. I went on about what a great opportunity it would be for the children to see democracy in action in an election year, to see how people could become passionate, how tempers could flair, but how during this time, no one would be KILLED or MURDERED because of what they believed…….. ……when at that exact moment, the former host mom bit into her cherry tomato and splattered red tomato juice across my face, across my white shirt, and even across the Blov’s shirt, who was sitting at my right. EVERYONE burst out laughing. The awkwardness had been broken completely with a comedic moment. Postscript: I came to love and admire these now friends, even though we STILL disagree. We no longer work together, since I am not working on the program this year; but we socialize and visit each other often. They are interested in the work with refugees, and have offered their help and support. We all changed just a little bit, and I think for the better. After an evening socializing with these precious new friends, The Blov still mumbles, shakes his head in disbelief, and then looks at me and wails: “They are so nice, and so smart. How can they be REPUBLICANS????” » Posted By AlphaBitch On January 20, 2010 @ 6:25 pm What Martin Luther King Jr. Day means to me Thank you for your honest essay, Pepe. And thank you even more for breaking that chain. Your father learned what he was taught by his parents, IMHO. However, he “rebelled” when he married your mother. Still, the tenacles of hatred were woven a bit too tight to release him, I would guess. You were the one to finally break the chain, and be free. Congratulations, and I am sure your daughter – even if she doesn’t like your choice of music – will realize how lucky she is to have you for her father, someone who is wise and true. My own daddy was a racist early on in my life, but became a real champion of “people” (meaning all people) later in life. My sister, who is a decade older, and who was a high school senior when we moved to Florida in 1959-1960, has had much more of a struggle to overcome her own prejudices. I was lucky; I still lived at home when my dad had his change of heart, and living in the Pacific NW for a year, I overcame the last vestiges of judgment-attached-to-color there in my own life. It has caused an irreparable rift, I am afraid, with my sister. But all you can do is speak the truth and check your own heart. If my dad was still alive (we’ve talked before about the smoking deaths), I would gladly “share” him with you. Change is possible, but you have to want to change. I’m lucky he did. » Posted By AlphaBitch On January 18, 2010 @ 1:19 pm Maybe AdLib can ask the Big Guy when next they talk? » Posted By AlphaBitch On January 18, 2010 @ 12:22 pm AB *snarls* lovingly at you! Because I am short on time (always, it seems), I don’t know exactly what group you work with – have you made that public knowledge? I DO know you always have the type of comments that make me pause, and reflect. Good things. I’d like to know more about your group. I do know you are based in CA, that’s it. My “work” (never paid, unfortunately) with Afghan students, and now refugees, has great meaning and gives so much back to me. I can’t imagine doing something that didn’t, but hard times may mean a return to real work (isn’t that a bit like “real” America?) for me…… I’ll never quit my meaningful work, though. Even if I have to prostitute my time for money. It’s when I get to *see* the face of God. It’s what gives me hope, and courage. I always loved the quote “Without justice, there can be no peace” which I believe came from MLK. “Knock ’em down when you have to”, my daddy would say, “but never forget to give ’em a hand back up.” (I came from a scrappy background with lots of boy cousins and only one sibling, who was a decade older. I was taught to stand up for myself, a lesson I am eternally grateful for.) Still a life motto, I guess. » Posted By AlphaBitch On January 18, 2010 @ 12:21 pm Hey to all: Just stopped by – what a GREAT article this is, and what wonderful discussion it has generated. I call myself a Christian, because I choose to follow the teachings of Jesus (who admonished us not just to love our neighbors, but to also love our enemies – no other prophet did this, to my knowledge). I have problems with Paul – a great amount of distrust that no amount of research or comparison of teachings alleviated (instead, it made it only deeper). I belonged to a Tri=Faith Dialogue group, where I learned many things about my own faith by listening to teachings from other faiths. For example, in the Qur’an, Mary is one of the most highly regarded women. In fact, she is mentioned more often in the Qur’an than in our own Bible. Mary is also believed to be an Essene, a sect of Jews that I was never taught about in Lutheran Sunday School. The Essenes wore white linen, lived apart from society, were for the most part vegetarians and perfected the practice of healing the sick. All this I learned from a Rabbi! Does this sound somewhat like Jesus? Many Muslims believe he was Essene because of Mary’s family’s ties to Qom. Today I count among good friends a nun (high up in her order), an Imam and two of my best friends are Jewish (no Rabbis yet, but I have learned scores from my friends. I have fewer friends in my own faith (Protestant)than in other faiths. I do believe in a higher power/Great Spirit/God or anything you wish to call it. I’ve been lucky enough to have a “road to Damascus” experience myself; although unlike Paul, I do not profess to have answers or rules for anyone other than myself. I cannot nor will not deny that experience; it is what is my faith, not just my belief. Why do things happen? Shit happens. It’s that simple. But I have found – from my own life – that when shitty things happen, I often am presented a chance to react to them in a positive manner, or a negative manner. And how I choose moves my soul in a direction that can bring me closer to my God, or move me further away. It’s easy for me to be very judgmental, angry, self-righteous. Like choicelady (btw: you are one of my faves, lady!), I work for justice while trying to show charity. I believe when we face challenges, we can choose love OR fear. Not both. I pray every morning: Use me today, God, as Your hands and feet to do what YOU would have me do. And I close my eyes at night with the thought: Thank You, God, for this day (whatever it might have brought). I believe my thoughts and actions ARE my “prayers” each day; and unlike Paul, who believed that all that was needed for salvation was faith, I trust James, Jesus’ brother, who said that faith without good works is nothing. Thank you all for this wonderful post. It’s good to see respectful discussion on such a thorny (pun intended) topic! » Posted By AlphaBitch On January 18, 2010 @ 11:30 am Good one, BSM. I will try and piss old Pat off by praying for him. Preying on him has proven a little too easy, although you have certainly mastered this parody. I’ve launched a link to it for many friend who can appreciate this type of humor……. » Posted By AlphaBitch On January 16, 2010 @ 12:42 pm Thanks, Boomer. I’ll compete with you as well for Craig. We’re a bunch of brogue-hos, I think! » Posted By AlphaBitch On January 15, 2010 @ 2:18 pm Hey e’cat! I’ve missed you. When I get a tad stronger, I’ll send you a long email to catch up. » Posted By AlphaBitch On January 15, 2010 @ 2:17 pm Did you see my boyfriend Craig’s riff on “My, that’s a lovely banana!” and how – with that brogue – it just SOUNDED dirty????? I can’t look at bananas the same anymore. (Sorry, God.) and with the tummy virus….I’ve been swamped with bananas…… Thanks everyone for the kindness. It’s just a stupid virus. This, too, shall pass, right? » Posted By AlphaBitch On January 15, 2010 @ 2:16 pm Me too! (the taping I mean, unless I stay up to sing the theme song and then feel obligated to actually stay up and sleep at work the next day). Hey God – can you make Craig like me more than Javaz? He’s MY boyfriend (watch out, Blov). I used to love Raul Malo, but I’ve always been such a twit for a Scotsman’s brogue. And while you are at it, Big Guy – can you get rid of this totally NASTY tummy virus? I’m pretty sure it was not the nachos – I’ve always thought they are in and of themselves quite heavenly – but it’s the stomach bile of those that digest them that makes that scent. But You already know that, right? I’ve been under the weather (and near a trashcan) since Monday, and I’m tired of it. In Pat’s name I curse, your humble servant AB. » Posted By AlphaBitch On January 15, 2010 @ 11:56 am PlanetPOV’s Top Posts of 2009 – The Winners! Bito: I’m crawling into some nice warm jammies even as I type. (I learned to change clothes while driving as a teen; don’t do it anymore, and don’t even approve of cell phones being used while operating cars! Still, it came in handy when leaving the beach to meet the cute surfer dude for dinner….) *Sniff* – is that Gain you are wearin’ on those sweats? » Posted By AlphaBitch On January 12, 2010 @ 8:56 pm So……was I the only one dressed formally for the occasion?? Geez, now I’ve got to return the jewels and dress…… » Posted By AlphaBitch On January 12, 2010 @ 8:39 pm Long live the Planet! and stay away from Pepe’s rear….he wanted a “shootout” w/ Khirad! I’m proud to be a member, even if not here as much as I would like. I love to check in a few times a day, just to increase my knowledge base. I love all the community here and am proud to be a Planetarian! Go us! » Posted By AlphaBitch On January 12, 2010 @ 3:23 pm Morning/evening, Ms. K. I have not had time to check in for weeks; I’ve been unbelievably busy, but all for the good. There is so much to catch up with – I don’t know where to start! It’s always reassuring, however, to have a “home”. Where shall I start? Hate in America? I have about 30 minutes before the day begins rolling for real. Working to start up a NP organization to help assimilate refugees into our culture. If we don’t work on this, we risk becoming more like some places in Europe, with “ghettos” of immigrants. Since most of us who live here have families that arrived from other places (my family from Germany), it seems almost critical to me that we extend the same hand to others, when they are given the opportunity. That, coupled with my “adoption” of a MOST precious Afghan refugee family (my first, after having worked/known about 60 solitary Afghans) has kept me hopping. I have great dreams, late at night, of blogging away and sharing this experience, but I nod off or choose to do something other than sit at the computer for yet more time. Conundrum. Hope you are well and your kitties are happy. I live in S. Texas, and it was never out of the 30s (albeit F) yesterday. I am being hounded by my very own two fuzzy beings at present. They need lap, I think. Then naps. Ah, life is hard for Beto and Sable! » Posted By AlphaBitch On February 1, 2010 @ 4:44 am Good night, and sleep well. » Posted By AlphaBitch On January 19, 2010 @ 7:11 am Thanks as always, Kalima, I’ve just looked at the photos, but so helpful to me to start the day here – another “prayer”, if you will. A picture is worth 1000 words, no? » Posted By AlphaBitch On January 19, 2010 @ 6:57 am And won’t they be surprised when it is all done?? There are times – and out of respect from what I have learned from Jewish and Muslim friends as well as wise teachers of my own faith – when I cannot in good faith declare myself “Christian”, but prefer to think of myself as “VERY tolerant Abrahamic”. I once saw the tee-shirt that summed it up for me: » Posted By AlphaBitch On January 7, 2010 @ 1:25 pm Cher: I will encourage him to write, and thanks for your perspective. We both live in San Antonio, where John Hagee holds his annual night for Israel to fundraise to provide monies to build yet more settlements. All the while thinking only a dozen dozen or so Jews will be invited to Kingdom IF they accept Jesus???? Please. To quote Austin Powers: Fat Bastard. (Hagee, NOT Jesus) Don’t get me started…….. Thanks again. AB » Posted By AlphaBitch On January 7, 2010 @ 12:36 pm Amazing and great article, Cher. Prior to becoming steeped (mired?) in Afghanistan, my husband and I devoted much time to the issue of Israel/Palestine. In fact, he went to the land in 2003 to see for himself what was happening. I grew up as a child, believing in the pure goodness of Israel. My father, a WWII veteran, had fought for the right for them to exist. We were Lutheran, not Jewish; but there was tremendous pride and admiration over the state of Israel in my home. We, too, cheered during the six-day war. That bubble popped for me – horrifically I might add – when confronted with the issue of the wall, and the land grab/illegal settlements, and the facts on the ground. Still not content to just believe what we had read/heard, my husband went over to see and document things for himself. It was an epiphany of sorts. To this day, I have many Jewish friends. Some of the people I most admire in this world are these people. But I have to be honest, and say my sympathies have switched sides. I also claim Palestinians as dear friends. My take is this: 1) Israel has a right to exist. Pure and simple. But it needs to be very cautious about at what cost it does so. AND – most importantly – 2) IF the situation were 100% reversed – if Israelis had lived for thousands of years here and then Palestine was created some 60 years ago and over that time, Palestine kept encroaching and stealing land and resources from the Israelis – I would TOTALLY be on the side of the Israelis and speaking out as forcefully on their behalf. It’s the actions and the politics I abhor, not the people. Fair is fair. God is not a real estate agent. Many claim this land; no one should be forced off or locked in what amounts to open air prisons. I will let the Blov write his own perspective from his own eyes, and post his own photos or the link to them. Again, it was our passion until personal circumstances forced us to abandon this issue and refocus on Afghanistan. Thanks, Cher. Your piece was honest, and beautiful. Factual and touching. Top contender for 2010, I’m betting. » Posted By AlphaBitch On January 7, 2010 @ 8:30 am V: Congratulations on being such a gifted artist, and an even bigger congratulations on your struggle for sobriety! I know far too many artists/musicians who have lost their struggle. While I miss them, there are times I miss the things that they COULD have done just as much, were they able to get to where you are today. Thank you for your honesty. It is a gift. » Posted By AlphaBitch On January 6, 2010 @ 7:45 am Hey all: Just back on for a bit. Wow. Hot debate, and well done, too. Question: how many of us have actually READ the Qur’an? I’m interested in knowing. And I know that some feel it’s not really reading it unless you read it in the orginal Arabic; to that I say: I do the best I can, and I’m pretty sure God speaks in many languages. If I come across a passage which causes me confusion, I ask them to take out their “official” copy, and to read it in Arabic then translate it for me so that we can discuss. My question is – for ALL religions – how well do YOU know YOUR book? By reading their book (even in the English language), I am able to engage in spirited and informed debate. And with that, we have come to realize there are many things upon which we can agree, or if not, how we can learn to respect and tolerate other beliefs. I tell my Muslim friends (and teachers) that I can agree with certain aspects, not others. I am not afraid to point out the call to jihad and defense of lands found in my own religious text, as well as questioning aspects found in their book. And I speak honestly with those aspects that I have found hard to accept (the final prophet thing being one). It always seems to make sense to them in some way when I tell them honestly that I cannot lie to them, and say something false just to appease them, because God truly knows what I believe in my heart, and how COULD I lie to God? I do think we should have this as a topic. Misinformation creates many unnecessary chasms. The Blovicator and I belonged to a Tri-Faith Dialogue group for many years. We also had atheists, agnostics and pagans as part of the group. No one converted, but everyone learned. But let’s wait a few days/weeks. I can’t STAND missing this!! » Posted By AlphaBitch On January 5, 2010 @ 2:04 pm Em – I agree. I have long been suspicious of Cheney’s decision to stay in McLean VA instead of in Dallas TX (home of his beloved, Halliburton) or his “home” (what a farce – only because the candidate for Pres and VP cannot be from the same state which would have been TX in the case of Bush43) of WY. He would not think twice – based on his prior historically documented record – of risking thousands of American lives to justify his “war”. He is a cancer on all of mankind, in my mind. That is why I pray for his “release” to God each and every day. I used to wish I could die 5 minutes BEFORE Dick Cheney, Karl Rove and Rush Limpballs so that I could watch them when they approaced the “pearly gates”, only to be told “Sorry!” That way, I would wish them to have a long life (as I myself am not quite ready to go), but would have the pleasure (albeit a guilty one) of watching them get sent “home”. (Note: I don’t really believe in a physical concept of heaven and hell – it’s just a fantasy I indulge in when it comes to these shite-heads.) » Posted By AlphaBitch On January 5, 2010 @ 10:53 am Vote Now for PlanetPOV’s Top Posts of 2009! Geez Louise guys! Wow, that’s taking an idea and running it to the nets/posts. Great job, all. Javaz: Love the idea of the progress report. When we raised $$ to buy, equip and ship a lab from the US to Herat Afghanistan (no aluminum tubes or centrifuges – more like magnets, prisms, color wheels, etc for a VERY BASIC physics lab) – we sent out the request for donations and then did weekly progress reports w/ the thermometer graphic. People seemed to love it – gave them a quick visual to check progress, and more detailed information in the body (a listing of ALL new donors, but not the $$ contributed). This project – which helped my one student win a 4 year scholarship to university and made it possible for him to come see me at Christmas -became a real community effort, even though the community was throughout the US. Donations came from CA, PA, NY, TX, DC and FL to name a few. In the end, we were all thrilled to have made this happen. I am now hoping to begin fundraising to get the others back for college, and will employ the same “look what we have done!” technique. I haven’t had time to catch up on all the posts regarding the swag, but am so happy this is moving forward. I’ll try and catch up this weekend. “Good to the last post” says it all. I have been describing Planet POV as free community college – it’s definitely a community, and I feel I receive an education of sorts from our fabulously gifted and knowledgeable posters – so it counts, right? Of course, I never intend to graduate. Off to spend the last day w/ the boys. BTW: USA! USA! USA! The Blovicator managed to win the two day Risk game and dominate the world for the US, defeating two Afghans who were speaking Dari. Although I despise imperialism in any form, I have to say – I was proud of the Blov for being the only non-cheater in the game (yes, they admitted to their tactics and even showed how they cheated), and for winning. He promptly returned all territories to the rightful peoples once the game ended. Blovicator for el Presidente! » Posted By AlphaBitch On January 7, 2010 @ 8:15 am Ad Lib: I think also that this is a way to advertise (write off the expense) AND to help generate income. When our situation changes (and I know that it will), I will make more donations. For now, all our charitable monies went to Kiva for Christams gifts. But if we can help – by ideas like this, which can help raise money, then glad to do it! Guess everyone will get PlanetWear next Christmas – thanks to Em and Jan and e’cat for their support. Maybe we can have a design contest? Or maybe the founding fathers/mothers get to make the final choice? Either way works for me. » Posted By AlphaBitch On January 6, 2010 @ 7:38 am Will do, Jefe! and think about the swag idea….I only have godzillions of tee shirts, but always looking for more. I gave one to my Pashtun students that say “I like you. I will kill you last.” Both seemed to enjoy them – should that worry me??? » Posted By AlphaBitch On January 5, 2010 @ 10:15 am Hidy hi, Em! Good to see you, too. I think I joined around October; best thing I’ve done in I don’t know how long. I described it to a friend as “community college re-dux”. It’s a community; it’s a college! Hallelujah! I don’t work (at least at a paid job), but manage to stay busy. I think of this as my time for contributions – to the world, to the Planet, to my friends and to my fellow humans. I’m very lucky in that regard. My love is my “family” of Afghan students/friends. I have been blessed -truly, no matter what religious beliefs you may or may not hold – by these encounters. I’m hoping to write a few blogs soon – one about the game of Risk (world domination, right?) that my husband (The Blovicator) is undertaking against my two Afghan students, one about the extreme honor I had of spending New Year’s Day with my adopted Afghan refugee family (oh, how I love them all!), and one about all the cats I have loved before (a humorous look at life with Al, Binx and Beto). Time is the one commodity I most crave. More time with these sweet kids, more time with the Blov, and more time on the Planet. » Posted By AlphaBitch On January 5, 2010 @ 10:13 am Hi Abby! I’m so happy to see you here, and love your posts. Huge fan from “over there”. I think we should get tee-shirts. I have a friend who makes them. What say? I’m always into shirts as slogans: we had one w/ W.s smirking face saying “Operation Enduring Stupidity” that we wore after the invasion of Iraq. Fun to garner the glares. I’m a “bring it on” kinda gal myself….. Borrowing from PeaceKitten’s “I’ve been craptured” moment, with the amazing graphic, I went and made bumper stickers w/ Sarah Palin’s photo saying “If I’m elected – you will ALL be CRAPTURED!” for my liberal friends (I have friends of all types, and love them all). Was quite the hit this year, although most are not willing to actually put it on their cars….. I see swag (shirts, stickers, caps) as an additional way to garner revenue. Support the Planet – and advertise and help with $$! How ’bout it, founding fathers/mothers? We can shop around for best deals. I’ll be happy to help (NEXT week, after reading and voting) » Posted By AlphaBitch On January 5, 2010 @ 10:05 amComments Posted By AlphaBitch
Love them all, and let God sort it out.
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