Deep Hate and How to End It (Part II)

YOU hold the key...

So you think you have no real power in this world?

Think again. It's because of people like you that the world hasn't totally imploded. And you are needed now more than ever. Don't let your sense of smallness stop you from changing the world. Step into the role you've always known was yours to fulfill. Read on and save the world!

You play a major part in the healing of the world. In fact, without you, we may well go down the tubes. But you won't let that happen. You will take it upon yourself to help the world open its collective eyes, minds, and hearts. You won't do it by trying to shove your religious beliefs down our throats; rather, you will reach out your hand to us in love (respect) and a sincere desire to help. And you will do it in four simple steps. Again, not necessarily easy steps, but simple nonetheless.

First, you will take charge. You will quit listening to the voices of fear, apathy, and selfishness that tend to clap around your inner and outer ears, telling you that you can do nothing to help this useless species called Human. You’ll quit giving into the habits of laziness and sloth. Oh, you have those habits, if you're totally honest. But they don't have to be your dictators.

Second, you will take responsibility. You are a member of the human family. What happens to one happens to all. Pain, suffering, cruelty, no matter where they happen in the world, are part of your personal legacy. If you want them to stop, you must be willing to place yourself squarely in the middle of the fray. You are related to all of us.

Third, you will take action. This may be the simplest of all. If you knew how many organizations and groups of all sizes need your help, you would quit the excuse making and be out there everyday, literally saving the world. Everything—from environmental causes to political action groups—is clamoring for your attention. Raise your intellectual and emotional radar, and the right group will show itself. If you're already involved, intensify!

And finally, you will take heart. Remember, the world only seems to be falling apart.

Hear this: Currently (2013), the average age in the U.S. is 75-80 years. At the turn of the 20th century, it was less than 50. Today we have medicines and surgeries and psychological services that save many more lives than at any time in history. We know how to feed ourselves better. We are actually doing something about the environment. (It may not seem or sound like it, but the collective mind is opening.) Even the poorer nations of the world are getting more attention.

There's a long way to go, but that's why you're here. Mind you, nothing is yet perfected. Nothing is completely whole nor the work finished. We have much ahead of us. And we are up for the challenge, terrorism not withstanding.

One day, Christian, Jew, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist and even atheist will recognize our common humanity and end the conflicts that have kept us at each other's throats for millennia. We have it within our power right now, this minute, to create the world that the Mahatma Gandhi spoke of. And he also said that we must be the change we would see in the world. It rests upon our shoulders. Nothing else will do it for us. And each individual is essential.

Take it upon yourself to save the world. And I will, too. Together, we will make a real difference. Don't let doubt keep you from the task. The world needs you. You are the key. You are the one. If you’ve been called for anything, it is this. After all…

Who are you not to be great?

Deep Hate and How to End It (Part I)

Hate is a strong emotion--stronger than most when it goes deep. It can move individuals, groups, nations to carry out unimaginable destruction and grief. It already has, down through the centuries. It continues today--in the forms of terrorism, racism, sexism, homophobia, child abuse, gun abuse, and more.

Those of us who consider ourselves civilized have good reason to be scared. It seems as though there is nothing we can do to halt the growing menace. Our police seem weak, our governments impotent, our borders unprotected, and more and more 'unbalanced' individuals are armed with high powered weapons fit for the military. 

What hope is there?

There's more than hope. And in this two-part series, you’ll discover how you can help bring hatred to its knees. You can and must play a major role in bringing sanity back to an insane world. You have it within you and around you to save this planet and her people, her creatures, her resources. But will you? Or will you succumb to the fear? No need. You will now have the tools to turn on the light.

You probably live in a city or town that has community access TV channels. In my city, there are several.

The other night, I was flipping through the channels and happened upon a weird little program put on by the so-called Aryan Nation. This white guy, around 30, was spouting about how the White race is superior, how he hated Hispanics and Jews in particular, and what we needed to do to get rid of "the pests." He didn't come right out and advocate murder and terrorism, but it was definitely implied.

The guy claimed that the White race had given all its best stuff—technology, literature, music, art—to the inferior races of Asia, Africa and South America. And they had used it all against us.

What?

Gunman Kills Two At Clackamas Town Center Mall, Portland, Oregon

Another deadly shooting, this time in my own back yard...  

Yesterday, Dec. 11, 2012, a lone gunman ran into the Clackamas Town Center mall just outside Portland and began shooting. Before he killed himself, he killed two Christmas shoppers and seriously injured a third, who is currently recovering at a local hospital.

Over the past few years as I have watched gunmen kill people all over America--in theaters, on college and high school campuses, in churches, temples, and of course, shopping malls--I've wondered just how long it would be before it happened here, in Portland. Now it has. And I feel a very personal loss.

Every Friday, around 11:30 a.m., my best friend Iris and I have coffee together at Starbuck's in the Barnes and Noble store at the Clackamas mall. It's only a few steps and one level down from the mall food court, where most of the shooting took place. We chat about our week, talk about the families, have a scone or a bagel and a grande coffee, and generally have a wonderful time together. It's a highlight of the week for both of us.

That has now changed. This coming Friday, if the mall has reopened, we will have a very different experience--that is, if we decide to have our coffee there. I know we'll return eventually, but for now, maybe not. All I can think about is the families of the two people who died. Their holiday season is over.

The 2nd Amendment and assault weapons in the hands of the citizenry. Wow. What an issue, eh? I bet you have an opinion. Share it with me, if you will.