As US sponsored candidates vie for election in Afghanistan, the Afghani people walk away disinterested in foreigners re-designing parts of Kabul just to disguise the abject failure of US foreign policy and any form of democracy ever taking hold. Yeah, hand-picked President Karzai... hopes pinned on a man who fled his country and only returned to sit on a throne in Kabul backed by US special interests.
The Obama administration seems to have taken pages from the Bush/Cheney playbook, re-invent the wheel, ignore historic local culture, make millions off their big shiny war machine. Never mind the sacrifice in lives of Afghan civilians and NATO soldiers... Good grief, I can still hear Dick Cheney's voice... "they're all volunteers, who cares."
Time for change, the change we were promised.
Kandahar Airstrip - Afghanistan
Stranded on sweltering tarmac
long tan lines standing on asphalt
scorched occupied landscapes
worn parade of dug in boots
scuffed souls ready for transport.
Journalists on melting tarmac
noncombatants snap photographs
shattered spinning landscapes
sandstorms seek viewfinders
Pulitzer prize ready for transport.
Aircraft on smoldering tarmac
red hot waves of engines wind up
slipstreams sweep landscapes
resolute warriors turn away
gritty statues ready for transport.
Unloaded on miserable tarmac
flag draped stretchers end conflict
final journeys join landscapes
pain consumes dug in boots
duty remains; ready for transport.
Inspired by reports from
Helmand Provence on 8/14/09
by Lara Logan of CBS News.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Spring Symbiosis.....
Spring has finally reached the Washington Coast... it has been a long time coming this year. Each sunny day the creatures and I would wish for more, sun that is. We'd receive instead little fronts blowing in off the Pacific, dumping copious amounts of rain to prepare our fields for wildflowers later on. Today, May 16th just feels right. I keep my fingrs crossed... somewhat awkward but oh so necessary in these parts.
Symbiosis
Spring at the beach.
American bald eagles nest
in spruce trees down the street.
Tall patient sentinels
with thick dark branches,
spruce welcome all occupants.
Chattering squirrels nest
here, and the ultimate
high rise tenant is comfortable;
adult bald eagles
occupying the penthouse.
The full symbiotic relationship
in a canopied environment
fulfilling every need.
Healthy spruce cones and seeds
readily available
for busy, hungry squirrel
and you know who for the eagle.
Intelligent design, indeed;
or evolutionary need.
Enjoy your beautiful day, kite flyers and surfers. Spring must be here to stay.
Symbiosis
Spring at the beach.
American bald eagles nest
in spruce trees down the street.
Tall patient sentinels
with thick dark branches,
spruce welcome all occupants.
Chattering squirrels nest
here, and the ultimate
high rise tenant is comfortable;
adult bald eagles
occupying the penthouse.
The full symbiotic relationship
in a canopied environment
fulfilling every need.
Healthy spruce cones and seeds
readily available
for busy, hungry squirrel
and you know who for the eagle.
Intelligent design, indeed;
or evolutionary need.
Enjoy your beautiful day, kite flyers and surfers. Spring must be here to stay.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Thoughts on the G-20 Summit.....
As world leaders meet in London, I'd love to be there to greet them properly. Not with accolades, more like with rotten tomatoes and eggs... Don't ever let them kid you that us little guys screwed up. The economic meltdown comes from far above our paygrade.
Fuzzy Economics
Fuzzy economics! Talking about trillions makes no sense
to people like us. How come our pension’s spent
before we even get it. We all thought
we’d earned it. Dedicated funds not subject to arbitration
then smart guys on Wall Street invested it wrong
and now we have to pay. Wake up…
give me a break. Our contract said the guaranteed amount
doesn’t change until we die. Should we all depart
in haste because you say? Deceit…
I watch tv…so what’s our country coming to? The idiot’s
are running the asylum. The guy from the NYFed
is now on the Obama team. That rat.
Why didn’t he do his part before? He got hired to regulate
Wall Street. He looks more like the problem to me.
Another all talk and no answers guy.
His resume includes AIG’s bailout, whooppee! Rewarded
him with a promotion. What kind of system moves
shyster losers to the top. What a crock.
Forget AIG’s 218 million, what about those multi-billions
being doled out to Bank of America? Obscene sums
those stupid tv pundits never mention.
Did you see that B of A bought Countrywide? The crooks
who started the fraud? Their mortgage loans took
the US system down. Touché’, busted.
B of A just wants to be first in line to fleece the new genius
they hired; gleaning freebies at taxpayers expense.
Good grief! I’d rather trust my mattress.
Stimulous package my ass... Tell the US Congress to get a grip.
Stop the wars and put the crooked exec's in jail. And by the way
get your hand out of the till. Amen.
Happy April, folks.
Fuzzy Economics
Fuzzy economics! Talking about trillions makes no sense
to people like us. How come our pension’s spent
before we even get it. We all thought
we’d earned it. Dedicated funds not subject to arbitration
then smart guys on Wall Street invested it wrong
and now we have to pay. Wake up…
give me a break. Our contract said the guaranteed amount
doesn’t change until we die. Should we all depart
in haste because you say? Deceit…
I watch tv…so what’s our country coming to? The idiot’s
are running the asylum. The guy from the NYFed
is now on the Obama team. That rat.
Why didn’t he do his part before? He got hired to regulate
Wall Street. He looks more like the problem to me.
Another all talk and no answers guy.
His resume includes AIG’s bailout, whooppee! Rewarded
him with a promotion. What kind of system moves
shyster losers to the top. What a crock.
Forget AIG’s 218 million, what about those multi-billions
being doled out to Bank of America? Obscene sums
those stupid tv pundits never mention.
Did you see that B of A bought Countrywide? The crooks
who started the fraud? Their mortgage loans took
the US system down. Touché’, busted.
B of A just wants to be first in line to fleece the new genius
they hired; gleaning freebies at taxpayers expense.
Good grief! I’d rather trust my mattress.
Stimulous package my ass... Tell the US Congress to get a grip.
Stop the wars and put the crooked exec's in jail. And by the way
get your hand out of the till. Amen.
Happy April, folks.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Personal Hell.....
Cut-backs, well you know the economic situation. So apparently one of the first things to go in Seattle was open shelters on Sundays. Yeah, lets all support our veterans, blah - blah - blah. Anyone have a clue about how many Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans are living homeless lives? How many veterans commit suicide on a daily basis in the US? Does anyone even care? Sure, you've got that yellow ribbon stuck to your Lexus... geez, what a deal. Thanks, America, I served my country for 24 years and it's come to this. Carry on.
Personal Hell
Darkness falls and the cold comes
creeping frost and slimy socks
that crawl between your toes.
Men sit on slabs of chill concrete
underneath the highway bridge
with one eye out for police.
Seattle’s mayor is cracking down
there’s too many hungry freaks
hanging out in his city now.
Wet winter weather, snow and rain
men lost in the constant gray
it kicks their ass and brain.
Old worn out blankets sopping wet
used garbage bags with holes
can’t chase away the drumming noise
pounding in their souls.
That donated box of apples spoiled
these men can’t live on apples
in ragged jeans and wet sweatshirts
with faded tie-dyed dreams
drawn on rotting clothes.
Disgusting smells float up the river
down the hill beneath the bridge.
Crazy laughter; toilet water.
Coughing fits wrench greasy tears
and one more swig of wine
to chase away the fear.
Don’t annoy our city folk, groaning
and slobbering on graying beards
far from health and home.
Headaches, sticky arm pits itching;
hearts gone missing years ago.
Thoughts of hell, city jail.
Noses running; their voices slurred
as they stay alive with strength,
just hanging tough or else.
Animals notice you growing weak;
pay attention or by next sunrise
you’ll be found deceased.
Sleep with one eye open, the Army
taught you that. Watch your step,
and killing folks on rooftops,
targets without a second thought.
But tomorrow’s bound to be a bitch
in the snow on Seattle streets
with nothing much to eat.
Our shelters are closed on Sundays
city folks can play in peace.
Personal Hell
Darkness falls and the cold comes
creeping frost and slimy socks
that crawl between your toes.
Men sit on slabs of chill concrete
underneath the highway bridge
with one eye out for police.
Seattle’s mayor is cracking down
there’s too many hungry freaks
hanging out in his city now.
Wet winter weather, snow and rain
men lost in the constant gray
it kicks their ass and brain.
Old worn out blankets sopping wet
used garbage bags with holes
can’t chase away the drumming noise
pounding in their souls.
That donated box of apples spoiled
these men can’t live on apples
in ragged jeans and wet sweatshirts
with faded tie-dyed dreams
drawn on rotting clothes.
Disgusting smells float up the river
down the hill beneath the bridge.
Crazy laughter; toilet water.
Coughing fits wrench greasy tears
and one more swig of wine
to chase away the fear.
Don’t annoy our city folk, groaning
and slobbering on graying beards
far from health and home.
Headaches, sticky arm pits itching;
hearts gone missing years ago.
Thoughts of hell, city jail.
Noses running; their voices slurred
as they stay alive with strength,
just hanging tough or else.
Animals notice you growing weak;
pay attention or by next sunrise
you’ll be found deceased.
Sleep with one eye open, the Army
taught you that. Watch your step,
and killing folks on rooftops,
targets without a second thought.
But tomorrow’s bound to be a bitch
in the snow on Seattle streets
with nothing much to eat.
Our shelters are closed on Sundays
city folks can play in peace.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Six Facts About Non-violence.....
Adapted from Peace to All Beings, by Judy Carman (Lantern Books, 2003).
From his deep studies of Gandhi and his own experience, Martin Luther King Jr. developed a list of six facts to help people understand non-violent resistance and join with him in his vision.
King's words are as insightful and thought provoking today as they were when he wrote them:
1. Non-violent resistance is not for cowards. It is not a quiet, passive acceptance of evil. One is passive and non-violent physically, but very active spiritually, always seeking ways to persuade the opponent of advantages to the way of love, cooperation, and peace.
2. The goal is not to defeat or humiliate the opponent but rather to win him or her over to understanding new ways to create cooperation and community.
3. The non-violent resister attacks the forces of evil, not the people who are engaged in injustice. As King said in Montgomery, "We are out to defeat injustice and not white persons who may be unjust."
4. The non-violent resister accepts suffering without retaliating; accepts violence, but never commits it. Gandhi said, "Rivers of blood may have to flow before we gain our freedom, but it must be our blood." Gandhi and King both understood that suffering by activists had the mysterious power of converting opponents who would otherwise refuse to listen.
5. In non-violent resistance, one learns to avoid physical violence toward others and also learns to love the opponents with "agape" or unconditional love–which is love given not for what one will receive in return, but for the sake of love alone. It is God flowing through the human heart. Agape is ahimsa. "Along the way of life, someone must have sense enough and morality enough to cut off the chain of hate," said King.
6. Non-violent resistance is based on the belief that the universe is just. There is God or a creative force that is moving us toward universal love and wholeness continually. Therefore, all our work for justice will bear fruit - the fruit of love, peace, and justice for all beings everywhere."
From his deep studies of Gandhi and his own experience, Martin Luther King Jr. developed a list of six facts to help people understand non-violent resistance and join with him in his vision.
King's words are as insightful and thought provoking today as they were when he wrote them:
1. Non-violent resistance is not for cowards. It is not a quiet, passive acceptance of evil. One is passive and non-violent physically, but very active spiritually, always seeking ways to persuade the opponent of advantages to the way of love, cooperation, and peace.
2. The goal is not to defeat or humiliate the opponent but rather to win him or her over to understanding new ways to create cooperation and community.
3. The non-violent resister attacks the forces of evil, not the people who are engaged in injustice. As King said in Montgomery, "We are out to defeat injustice and not white persons who may be unjust."
4. The non-violent resister accepts suffering without retaliating; accepts violence, but never commits it. Gandhi said, "Rivers of blood may have to flow before we gain our freedom, but it must be our blood." Gandhi and King both understood that suffering by activists had the mysterious power of converting opponents who would otherwise refuse to listen.
5. In non-violent resistance, one learns to avoid physical violence toward others and also learns to love the opponents with "agape" or unconditional love–which is love given not for what one will receive in return, but for the sake of love alone. It is God flowing through the human heart. Agape is ahimsa. "Along the way of life, someone must have sense enough and morality enough to cut off the chain of hate," said King.
6. Non-violent resistance is based on the belief that the universe is just. There is God or a creative force that is moving us toward universal love and wholeness continually. Therefore, all our work for justice will bear fruit - the fruit of love, peace, and justice for all beings everywhere."
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
A New Year In The Holy Land.....
Will nothing ever change?
Please read this beautiful poem written by Daniel Patrick Welch in 2007. Ask yourself, how can we stand idly by and watch the destruction of the Palestinian people by the army of Isreal?
O Bethlehem - A Christmas Carol for the 21st Century
by Daniel Patrick Welch
O Bethlehem O Bethlehem
The stars look down on thee
As Nazareth reaps grief and death
From mountain, plain and sea
O Bethlehem a world bedecked
In season's peace and joy
Will still sit by as children die
And walls your heart destroy
O Bethlehem O Bethlehem
The prophets surely frown
A land in pain, a land in chains
As Abraham looks down
O Bethlehem your children sleep
In fear of tanks and guns
Do Moses, Christ, Mohammed weep
As we betray their sons?
O Bethlehem we seek that day
When Christmas bells ring true
When liberty and dignity
Belong at last to you
Can Bethlehem forgive a world
So callous and profane
And bring to pass a world at last
Where peace and justice reign?
© 2007 Daniel Patrick Welch. Reprint permission granted with credit and link to http://danielpwelch.com
Please read this beautiful poem written by Daniel Patrick Welch in 2007. Ask yourself, how can we stand idly by and watch the destruction of the Palestinian people by the army of Isreal?
O Bethlehem - A Christmas Carol for the 21st Century
by Daniel Patrick Welch
O Bethlehem O Bethlehem
The stars look down on thee
As Nazareth reaps grief and death
From mountain, plain and sea
O Bethlehem a world bedecked
In season's peace and joy
Will still sit by as children die
And walls your heart destroy
O Bethlehem O Bethlehem
The prophets surely frown
A land in pain, a land in chains
As Abraham looks down
O Bethlehem your children sleep
In fear of tanks and guns
Do Moses, Christ, Mohammed weep
As we betray their sons?
O Bethlehem we seek that day
When Christmas bells ring true
When liberty and dignity
Belong at last to you
Can Bethlehem forgive a world
So callous and profane
And bring to pass a world at last
Where peace and justice reign?
© 2007 Daniel Patrick Welch. Reprint permission granted with credit and link to http://danielpwelch.com
Monday, December 22, 2008
A Christmas Poem From a Friend.....
Bah! Humbug
By Mark Legge
Ebenezer Schrooge.
The Avaricious Archtype
Subconscious Prophet to countless souls Devoid of Charity.
Overwhelmed with their pregnant pangs of self indulgency.
Can I ask? What does Christmas mean to you?
Is it not a time for reflection?
Not only of those images that touch and stir the soul,
but contemplation of that which resides within.
Is it not a time to give something of ourselves to those less fortunate?
A time for the spreading of Goodwill, Peace and Harmony.
This Christmas,
as you teeter on the threshold of further festive forage
will you falter?
Will you take a solitary moment to suppress those soaring surges of glee and
spare a thought.
Spare a thought for the sick, the frail and the ailing,
will you lend yourself to each of these that shall not survive this day.
Spare a thought for the cowering defenseless child
who's feeble outstreached quivering hands will fail to stem the savage blows.
Spare a thought for the feral child, forsaken by fate, eking an existence midst the putrefying
piles of human decay.
Will you spare a thought? Will you?
Will you gaze into the imploring eyes of those swolen infants,
too weak to suckle the soothing substance that has long since run dry.
For their desperation dwindles
as does crave for merest grain.
Spare a thought for the lonely, the isolated, the brokenhearted,
for they yearn the faintest semblance of all those yesterdays.
The subdued
the subjected
the ravaged
ridiculed.
The maimed
the molested
the tortured
tormented
the self inflicting
the plagued
or for those who've simply lost their way
or just can not take any more.
This Christmas
Will you give something of yourself to those that are in need?
Or will yours be
"Bah! Humbug"
Mark Legge is a poet from Lichfield, England. More of Mark's poems can be found on http://www.gotpoetry.com/. (under his poet name "leggolas")
Merry Christmas to all, and may we have Peace on Earth. Mary Ann
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