Friday, August 31, 2007

Violence

Violence is described in one dictionary as"exertion of physical force so as to injure or abuse".What is violence really and how does it affect you?Where does violence come from?From a Biblical standpoint one can make the argument that it started when two brothers, Cain and Abel, sons of Adam and Eve, were in competition for God's approval.Cain killed Abel and fled.From another standpoint violence was around in early man as he had to hunt for food and protect himself from wild beasts.

What produces violence?Some say anger,sexual dissatisfaction,lack of reasoning ,the media (video games, explicit music) ,lack of motherly bonding,pride and the list can go on.War is a form of violence that is acceptable by individuals as long as it is "humane".Defending yourself against would be assailants is a form of violence but is acceptable because we have the right in most instances to defend our self.The rule of Law is there to punish violence.There are not a lot of institutionalized systems to seriously prevent violence.Violence against children and woman are highlighted but what about violence in general?

Why does one feel the need to exert physical force so as to injure or abuse?Perhaps one of the most confusing human and natural phenomenon is violence.Storms and earthquake are violent and turbulent and can take lives.Can we then say violence is a natural aspect of life.Some animals hunt violently and through this the ecosystem is maintained.I dare say violence is a part of us.

Violence comes about through emotions or lack thereof.Violence is only materialized when we act on these emotions.Self control and restraint are the nemesis of violence.Love is a strong opponent.These must be taught,practiced and nurtured in order for violence to subside.Violence can never be totally wiped out but it can be brought to a low level.Violence is never acceptable but sometimes necessary.Violence is troubling because every human being has the potential in them to act violently.Writing this right now I see violence as mist something that you can see but never grasp with your hands.

Conflict and violence are all around us how we prevent it and deal with it will determine our survival.

Thursday, August 30, 2007

Good times!

It feels good when things are going your way.Try to make it last for as long as possible.Keep doing what makes things run smoothly.

Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Dude you are soooo gay!

U.S. senator for Idaho, Larry Craig was caught in a sexual misconduct sting operation that was conducted in a men's bathroom in a Minneapolis airport.He pleaded guilty to the charges and one of the first things he utters is that he is not gay.

Reminiscent a la George Michael, an undercover officer was in a stall adjacent to Sen. Craig in the men's bathroom when the senator made lewd gestures indicating that he wanted to indulge in sexual activity.The last time I checked only "men" went to the men's bathroom. So conducting lewd gestures in that environment...... come on. A straight man would have never pleaded guilty to the allegations knowing quite well what it would do to me.I for one would have risked the sentence of the electric chair to defend against such allegations.

The senator a member of the Republican Party has voted along party lines when it came to issues dealing with homosexuality.Morality cannot be legislated.I do not agree with the homosexual lifestyle but at the same time an adult should decide for themselves ,when it comes to their sexuality, what road they should take.Notice I said adult.Whatever floats your boat.

Finally a message to gentlemen such as Sen. Craig who want to engage in hot, gay sex in public places ,please for us straight guys, come out of the closet in the privacy of your own home, not in bathroom stalls.I really don't want to hear two silverbacks getting it on while I am taking a crap!

Tuesday, August 28, 2007

The view of America

How does an average person from another country view America?While I believe most Americans could care less, it should be something to consider in this every shrinking Global community.Living as close as 100 miles away from Florida and a resident of a sovereign nation how do I view the United States of America?Its policies concerning foreign nation,its citizens, its culture.


Being so close it is by no surprise that we are heavily influenced by American culture here in the Bahamas and the Caribbean at large.At the same token we have influenced them in many ways especially in the African American communities because a lot of them are of Caribbean descent.Therefore, especially in the south, Caribbean influence can be seen in their foods,music,traditions and even their speech.Often here people say you are listening to "American music" but I believe good music is universal no matter the origin.

The War in Iraq has changed many people views about America and its policy.There is a belief that the war was about securing oil but I have a view that it is more about a neo-conservative effort in the United States to exert dominance.Most in the US believed that they had gotten soft and 9/11 while tragic, was definitely a wake up call to protect themselves from fanaticism and religious extremists.I give the US no wrong for tighten up its borders and doing every effort to make its citizens safe.

Any nation who has been a world power ( Rome ,Britain,Spain, France etc.) has reserved the right to subjugate those outside their borders, to extend their borders.In other words the right to colonize.While others bemoan the US dominance ,they are only doing what was ever being done from the beginning of time.Arabs at one point wanted to spread their message throughout the world by sword and diplomacy.I for one hate to be under subjection but can you really defeat a world power?History has shown us that they have defeated themselves.

American society is obsess with celebrities on the point of absurdity.An actor ,who has no formal education in politics or diplomacy,can express views on worldly matters and be taken seriously.A person who makes their living on being someone else, i.e. deception ,can be taken seriously.Granted politicians have the same traits but gather your information for yourself and garner your own views.The obsession with celebrities I believe is the American way of imitating their former colonial master's way of googling over their royalty( Britain's royal family).America has turn court jesters into bonafide blue bloods!

The rhetoric from many world leaders is that the US is the world police and want to dominate the world.Given this same opportunity and if they were placed in the same position ,with military might and political influence,we would be uttering the same things about them.Don't be fooled the US is only doing what many nations which they could do or still be doing.

How do I view US?I view the US as a big brother.He pushes you around because he is bigger than you.He is more worldly and advance because has made many friends and some formidable enemies over the years.He believes that he automatically inherits everything because he is older that you.The good thing is he is my brother and I can think of a lot of other folks I would hate to be related to.

Monday, August 27, 2007

Molded Beauty

We have become a civilization obsess with beauty .It has come to the point where by there are millions of plastic surgery procedures each year.Plastic surgeons are becoming iconic and one of them has his own T.V. show.Some people are so dissatisfied with their looks that they have had numerous surgeries and most of us have seen the hideous results.Women, the number one partakers, are changing their features to look more and more feline.

People with birth defects and deformities I can understand wanting to go under the knife.But there are those who simply do not need it.Actors whose face and appearance are the tools of their trade are the main purveyors of this practice.And now the whole world believes that you must have a straighter nose,stronger chin line,slimmer waist.Exercise and healthy eating are out the door and liposuction has taken over.

For me it doesn't matter how beautiful you are on the outside.A pig in a suit is just that, a pig in a suit.

Sunday, August 26, 2007

Reflection

This week I have had time to reflect on things in my life.It was a beautiful time.Looking into yourself and holding a mirror to your soul can be scary and at the same time liberating.

Once a little boy who thought he only had himself.A teenager confused and struggling to find his voice.Now a man becoming comfortable with himself.A person hoping to change the world for the better.

My life's journey has taken me down many roads,spiritually and emotionally.At times it has been a bumpy ride but nonetheless the ride continued.

My life has been good and will continue to be.Life is good not because of riches or fame.Life is good not because it has always been rosy and cheery.Life is good because I have lived it my way.

Friday, August 24, 2007

Good news!

Good news is always welcomed.Yesterday I got news that something that was hanging over my head had been removed.Another step towards achieving my goal.

Thursday, August 23, 2007

Staying focus

One of the hardest things to do, sometimes, is staying focus.When a task is at hand or a goal is to be obtained,to stay zoned in can be hard.Life offers a lot of distractions and there are calamities which we have set in motion upon ourselves.Staying clearheaded so that we can make crisp, sharp decisions is often difficult.

One way to stay focus is to concentrate on the rewarding end results.If things are carefully laid out, successful end results should be given flesh.Quoting from a Robert Burns poem "the best laid plans of mice and men go oft awry".Yes your plans may not flow smoothly but the end results can still come about as long as you are determined.

Another way is be realistic and work within your strengths and conquer your weaknesses.Work with the skills you have been given and try to develop skills that you don't have that may be needed to accomplish your goal.This takes an investment in yourself.The investment can take the form of educating yourself about your subject matter.It might be taking the time to step back and take stock.

Most of all don't be afraid to adapt and have plans A,B,C,D....etc.Use your time wisely because that is one of the things we can never get back.

It may be hard to stay focus but it isn't impossible.It takes a conscious effort on your part and remember to do what is best for you!

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Just an observation!

The other day I was watching a program which was recounting an event and I made an observation.It seems now that terrorists are the new bogeymen.Everything is being blamed on terror.The media has now become lazy and fearful to question the Governments in fear of being labeled.They no longer investigate but regurgitate whatever government censors tell them.It has become easier and patriotic to blame everything on terrorism.In the USA signs of a decaying infrastructure are everywhere.Bridges collapsing, levies giving way but it won't be soon until terrorism is used as a scapegoat for the agencies who are responsible for the upkeep of such structures.

What has not been done is scrutinize the origins of these groups and see where they really started.Who funded their earlier wars and armed them?I saw a piece on Sierra Leone about the rebels during their conflict and a statement was made that was meant to be ominous and dramatic but not entirely truthful.The claim was that the rebels sold diamonds to a certain terrorist organization for weapons.When anyway who followed the conflict knows that the rebels dealt directly with international arms dealers.Dealing with a terrorist organization would be dealing with a middlemen when you have a direct link right on your soil.The whole diamond industry help fund that war so that some guy far away could spend a month's salary to indulge his wife to be.

It is easier to blame the bogeyman than to come to grips with our own misgivings.Yes there are religious fundamentalist out there trying to instill terror and alter our way of life.But by government using tactics to increase our fears instead of making us ever vigilant,aids them.Keeping the masses in constant fear so that they could get away with whatever they want.Feeding us misinformation.It seems that the terrorists are right in our halls of democracy.They are helping these organization instill terror in us through their propaganda.

We should never let our guards down, and fight against anything or anyone, foreign or domestic that wants to impose their will upon us through terror.Any entity that wants to destroy our fundamental beliefs is an enemy.Any government that wants to rule in fear is tyrannical and should be resisted.It doesn't matter if they do not impose the fear directly.

One of the pillars of Western civilization constructed by the Greeks is "freedom".Can one be free by living in fear?Paraphrasing Franklin Roosevelt ,what we should be fearful about is fear itself.

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

Time out

Enjoying the solace and time alone. Getting to know me better.

Monday, August 20, 2007

Hurricane Dean!

As Hurricane Dean sweeps through the Caribbean we pray for our brothers and sister there.Deaths have been reported but as any who lives in the hurricane belt like myself knows it is after the storm passes that is the most concern.Power outage,food,water and fuel shortage is the widespread impact of the storm.We pray for a quick recovery for those islands affected by the storm.We pray that those who were not affected give aid in which any way they can to those that were.For those families who have lost loved ones we pray for comfort and solace.

Sunday, August 19, 2007

Update on Sierra Leone

It appears that a businessman who led the voting in the presidential election,has not secured the percentage of votes needed to avoid a runoff.Ernest Bai Koroma of the All People's Congress had 44% of the total while Solomon Berewa of the ruling party is in second with 38%.In order to secure a win 55% of the total is needed.

I hope everything goes well and stability comes to the country!

Saturday, August 18, 2007

Never never land

"I will never........." some famous last words .People often say that they will never do this or never do that.While there are certain things persons are incapable of doing, we sometimes lapse and compromise our principles.In a moment of weakness, we give into our temptations and desires.This moment of lapse could potentially have dire consequences or it can simply remind us that we are human.We all make mistakes, but one of the hardest mistake for anyone with a conscience, is to go against what we have established as a principle.

The important thing is not to beat up yourself or abandon your ideals.We all make mistakes.It is important not to constantly make the same mistake and be careful of oaths we make before God and man.Be honest with yourself and know your frailties.Strive to not repeat the same blunders.Learn and move on.Until someone comes up with a time machine,we can't change the past.Let the past be a lesson learned for the present.

Friday, August 17, 2007

Time to think!

Every once in awhile a person needs a good amount of time alone.Time to reflect and think.Time to check yourself and plan for the future and give thanks for the present. Such a time has come for me and I will do my best to take full advantage of it.

Thursday, August 16, 2007

Hypocrisy!

After reading an article about an infamous international arms dealer,it has solidified my views that the world is filled with hypocrisy.Hypocrisy is described as insincerity by virtue of pretending to have qualities or beliefs that you do not really have( word reference.com).

Just pick up a newspaper and you can see this.The problem is that people seem to forget or simply do not know of events that have happened up to this point.If you referenced the activities of today,whether be it wars,policies whatever,with yesterday,you would surely find full blown hypocrisy.Yesterday's allies have become today's enemies.The enemy haven't changed, what has changed is that now their activities are directed towards us.One man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter.

The world is truly a crazy place!

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Another Day

Another day,another task,another step closer to accomplishing my goals.Each new day is a new opportunity to improve my life and my lifestyle.The constant strive for perfection begins one step at a time,one day at a time.

Tuesday, August 14, 2007

A leader who leads.

What is a leader? A definition can be one who guides or leads or one who has followers.Amazing when we hear the word "leader" so many words come up . Charisma,intelligence,iron-will,fortitude,character,integrity,visionary are some of the key words we hear when the topic of leader comes up.The thing is a leader does not have to be posses any of these qualities.A positive leader who takes us closer to our perceived utopia may have these qualities but generally a leader doesn't.

Politicians are described as leaders and they are.They are leading people so they can get closer to their agendas.How else can one reach their destination by riding on other people's back?Jim Jones in Guyana was a leader he had followers.Gang bangers have leaders they call them OGs.The Mafia has its "capo di tutti capi" -boss of all bosses.Gandhi was a leader.Martin Luther King led the civil rights movement.Right here in the Bahamas Sir L.O. Pindling led the black masses. So what or rather who is a leader?

I like Napoleon's description of a leader.The former Emperor of France said -" A leader is a dealer in hope".All our great leaders have had their faults and have made many mistakes while leading.Many of them were not cultured ,refined or even highly educated.Why I mentioned the notorious leaders with the great ones to prove a point.The key quality that any leader must have is the ability to give people hope.Real or imagined.Winston Churchill was often described as not being a very good politician but he was a purveyor of hope for the British during World War 2.As the Nazi war machine descended upon England he gave the people hope that they would endure and they did.He led them towards his vision.

A dealer in hope need not be from the best bred families.He or she may not even be leading you to a good place. You follow because you have been taken in by their vision and you hope to see the promise land.His vision could be warped and perverted as well as it could be grand and ideal.A leader is not born, a leader is created.Created by his willingness to lead and honing his skills in getting people to follow.A leader can become a leader by a course of events but he has to dish up enough hope to make people believe that the events will end with his prescribed results.

Be careful who or what you follow you might end up in a place where you might not want to be!

Monday, August 13, 2007

Immigration

Immigration is the act of settling into a new country to live permanently.While immigration in itself has helped to enhance the cultural texture of many countries,illegal immigration is a taxing problem for many others.

Illegal immigration is a much debated and hot button issue for a lot of countries.In the EU, where movement between borders has been eased,certain countries within the EU has resisted by imposing stricter regulation for such movements.In extreme cases such as The Dominican Republic where it has been alleged by a Human Rights Group, that Haitian immigrants are routinely rounded up, even killed.Their homes have been burned and children, grandchildren who are born in The DR have been denied any type of status.Right here in the Bahamas we have an influx of illegal Haitian immigrants.Risking their lives to come here.

Why do people migrate?A question I often have asked myself.Wars,political asylum,economic reasons,better jobs the list goes on. I seem to not understand( and it is because I am fortunate enough to be born in a somewhat stable country),how can one leave all that is familiar?Family, friends,environment,culture all that is familiar to one.Then I try to put myself in their shoes.What if I was persecuted, people around me tortured and killed?What if their wasn't enough to eat people starving and disease was rampant all around me?Would I flee?I really don't know.It would be a likely option.

From the standpoint of a citizen of a country,it is really a serious issue.People from poorer countries bring with them a lot of things.Disease, a criminal element, a lack of knowledge for the host countries',values and traditions.Citizens fear the lost of jobs,the strain on the countries resources such as health care and the general fear of being overrun with foreigners, a xenophobia.When you are anti-immigration you are usually labeled a racist or a softer term a nationalist.But shouldn't one want to protect its country and preserve it for future generation?The US has set up military style border patrol.Countries, such as Greece, have mined their waters.Certain EU countries have sent their military with full capabilities to man their borders.Then there are some practices which seem unfair to me as the "wet foot-dry foot" law that is implemented in South Florida.Where certain immigrants get privileged treatment.

I feel a country must protect its border.The freedom of movement of individuals from border to border is a pipe dream.As long as people have different languages,culture,values and traditions countries while try to limit this movement.Don't get me wrong I have no problem with legal immigrants it is the non documented immigrants I am concern about.People within your country who have no status but live amongst you, can be a powder keg.Eventually they will want status and the way they intend to get status,can become a national security issue.Politicians must stop playing games with the electorate and address the issue.We all as citizens of a country must come up with ways to deal it.It is not just a political issue, one to garner votes, its a national issue. Carefully constructed solutions must be brought to the table and implemented.

Illegal immigration will always be an issue for many countries. How you deal with it will be the true litmus test for most, in order for countries to protect their national identity and to survive.

Saturday, August 11, 2007

Sierra Leone

Today In Sierra Leone elections took place there in cities and villages.This was the first time voting had taken place since peacekeepers left the country two years ago.Sierra Leone was placed on the world stage because during its civil war children were used as soldiers,hacking off enemies' limbs was a standard practice and its leaders used diamonds to fund the bloody war.

It is the rainy season and heavy rains washed out some bridges yet citizens still sloshed through the mud to vote.So far everything is going smoothly and it appears that the country future hinges on these elections.

It is amazing to what great extent people will go through to cast their votes.In more stable countries such as mine,voting is taken on so casually where in other countries it is cherished and revered.Sierra Leone should be an example to us all in that freedom does come with a price.Our forefathers paid heavy prices and we should honour this by at least taking part in the process.

Granted I am cynical in my belief that it doesn't change much,politicians will always be what they are.I vote, because in a country where the minority once ruled the majority,it is my duty and honour to use the tool my forefathers fought so valiantly for.Honestly it is the one time when all of us feel as being a part of the "process".

To the people of Sierra Leone, I salute them in their quest to secure a better future for themselves and future generations.You have tried the gun and that didn't work now try the "X".

Friday, August 10, 2007

Friends

Its always good to have true friends!Friends you can count on.Friends who just lend an ear when you have a problem.They will give you sound advice because they want to see your well being.A true friend is more valuable than all the treasure and riches in the world.

Thursday, August 9, 2007

The name is Bonds,Barry Bonds!


Barry Bonds has broken Hank Aaron home run record. As it stands today Bonds has 757 home runs.Amidst claims of steroid use by Bonds and the record being tainted he has broken the record.Steroids or not it has been broken and the world is still in the same state as it always was.There is still a war in Iraq,Africa still suffers and the environment is still being destroyed.

The President called and congratulated him.Bonds was a nice distraction from the war for awhile.Bud Selig was there when he tied it ,after everyone speculated he wouldn't be there.Hank Aaron said he wouldn't be there but he gave a message by jumbo tron. The controversy has helped.A distraction from the war , a boost for baseball.Love him or hate the accusations, people watched.They cheered and booed but they watched.They debated and speculated but they watched.

Slug on Bonds!Use that bat to save the hypocrites.

Wednesday, August 8, 2007

Loneliness

For most people a life of loneliness is a reality that they live with day to day.Loneliness does not necessarily mean that you don't have anyone around you.It is when you have no connection to anyone.No emotional attachment.No one to really talk to and express your inner self without fear of dire consequences.Some people are surrounded by family and friends and yet still feel lonely.It is because the relationships forged are superficial and not rooted in trust,honesty and loyalty.

Often people attach themselves to one another because of a need.Most needs are not genuine and only profit one party involve.There is no meaning relationship formed when this occurs.

The first step that I believe one should take in combating loneliness is first transforming loneliness into" aloneliness". Time alone is spent valuable, when we analyze who we are.Our needs,wants,hopes and fears.Understanding ourselves before we expect others to understand us.Know thyself!

Then take self inventory.What we need to enforce within ourselves and what we need to get rid of.All of us know our good and bad habits,no one is perfect.But we should always make a conscious effort to allow the more positive aspects of ourself to outshine the negative.

Knowing that there is a power greater than you is another step.Your relationship with God ( or whatever you believe in) connects us to something larger than ourselves.If we have this knowledge then we realize that we are not alone.We are the sum of many parts.

Finally conquering your fear.Fear is a constant thing and is there whether we want it or not.You just cannot let it limit the way you live your life.Fear of rejection is why some of us do not connect to others.Overcome that with the realization that everyone won't like your company and some will.The most important thing is that "you" like your company.Self confidence attracts.Not a narcissistic attitude but one where you project yourself as being comfortable with who you are.

Above all enjoy life, each and every moment.You never get back the past so live for the present!

Tuesday, August 7, 2007

Wake up!

Everyday I wake up is like another step closer to making my dreams into reality.

Wake up and live!

Monday, August 6, 2007

Blessed Emancipation Day Bahamas!

Emancipation is the freeing of someone from the control of another.On this day in the Bahamas, (the first Monday in August) we as a Black nation celebrate the emancipation of slaves, which took place August 1 ,1834 in the British Empire.No longer were slaves yoke to a white master, whose tyranny and cruelty have left us scarred even unto this day.

At times though it seems we have shaken off the shackles of one master and put around our hearts and minds the shackles of another. Self loath,ignorance,greed have become our new masters and are even more cruel than the first.These masters do not use the whip or the wine press to keep us in line.They use our lack of mental well being.Unforgiving and unrelenting ,they do not only punish, they destroy.

A proclamation from oneself is the only way to emancipate the mind and thought from this oppression.A proclamation that you as an individual, as member of a noble race,will do everything within your power to uplift your race,not destroy it.That you will help to erase the negative stereotypes of Africa's sons and daughters,not enforce it.The power of change can only and will only come from us and not from a sheet of paper or any other declaration, written or uttered.

As the late, great Sir Robert Nesta Marley said "Emancipate yourself from mental slavery;None but ourselves can free our minds." Only then can we redeemed

Sunday, August 5, 2007

Eureka!

An idea is defined as a specific thought or concept that exists in the mind as a result of mental activity.Ideas can turned out to be good or bad but this is never known until it has been manifested into reality.

I have found that my ideas come to me when I am about to go to sleep,when I am sleeping or in the midst of talking about a problem.Bringing the idea to life is the most challenging part and the most rewarding.It is like raising a child to adulthood,sometimes ideas take on a nature all of its own.Whatever the results are,an idea is uniquely human because it involves our thinking ability.

Ideas come from dreams,dreams from imagination,imagination from the soul.

Friday, August 3, 2007

Crazy

This truly is a crazy ,crazy world.

Thursday, August 2, 2007

Live

Live and let live!A friend of mine had a scare.He went to the doctor and found out that he may have had prostate cancer.After going through some tests and agonizing over it, he found out the results coincidentally on his birthday, Friday past.The results were negative and so he had a " celebration party".It was good to see him not worrying.He said to me that even the sun seems brighter to him and he sees things in a new light.It was not a celebration of his birthday but it was a celebration of life!A lesson for us all.

Don't wait until you face tragedy,celebrate life today.

Wednesday, August 1, 2007

Media mesh!

Rupert Murdoch the media mogul has won a bid to buy the Dow Jones,the venerable independent financial daily run by the Bancroft family.In the Bahamas a similar thing is going on where two dailies have made a joint management agreement.Here in the Bahamas there is an outcry of a monopoly being created but only by a few individuals.

Deals such as these to me ,seem to weaken the "Fourth Estate".How can these media forms offer fresh unbiased opinions when one person writes their checks.In this age where public opinion is that the media has failed us all and has moved from giving us clear unbiased facts so that we can formulate opinions to trying to get us to think their way.

When will these situations,especially with Murdock be investigated.Aren't there anti monopoly laws in place?Or do they kick in after the fact that so many have been brainwash and an entire industry approaches near collapse because of the lack of competition.Something needs to be done before it is too late. We should not intrude on private business matters, but we must when it will greatly affect the general public in a negative way.A few should not make many suffer.

Wake up people!Organize!

Anup Shah, US and Foreign Aid Assistance, GlobalIssues.org, Last updated: Sunday, April 27, 2008