Being Confident

"Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward." --Hebrews 10:35

Being Creative

In preparation of upcoming performances I have been listening to recordings of great jazz singers and instrumentalists. In imitation creation begins.

Being Complex

Complexity is generally the genesis of the path to understanding, not understanding itself.

Being Forever Aware of Fascism

Conservative Zionism attempts to silence the voices of justice and the equality of peoples based on a sense of righteousness. In a letter to the New York Times Albert Einstein outlines the danger of fascism shortly after the formation of Israel in 1948. While Menachem Begin's leadership is rightfully questioned here, it is good to see that he had evolved beyond his terrorist fundamentalism as Prime Minister with the signing of the Camp David Accords in 1979. But the actions of the Israeli Defense Force during the 1982 Lebanon War in Sabra and Shatila where Lebanese and Palestinian civilians were mascaraed tarnishes the honor of the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to him. We must always be aware. Fascism forever rears its ugly head.

Being Ron Paul

While it is not surprising that Ron Paul according to the Washington Post was "deeply involved with his company that produced" those despicable racist newsletters and even wrote them as others have suggested, what is the worst scenario--continued corporatist control, war, and Wall Street looting? After all, many of our founding fathers owned slaves. Does that make the Constitution and Bill of Rights of no effect? I don't think I can vote for Ron Paul, although I respect some of his positions. But if the government goes broke and our constitutional rights are constantly being thwarted via legal means including congressional laws and Supreme Court decisions by believed non-racists or concealed ones (Clinton is excused for his racist comments during the primaries), we all go down. Blacks and other minorities will be first. Again I ask, which is worst?

Being Barack Obama

In his State of the Union address Obama reveled in his accomplishment that Osama bin Laden and other top Al Qaeda leaders are no longer a threat to Americans. It was a strong opening. But the problem with such assassinations is that any opposition to others can be considered assassination-worthy for the security of a country and its people. As Israel has long engaged in targeted killings, it is significant that Andrew Adler, the owner of the Atlanta Jewish Times, wrote that the assassination of Obama should be an option for the Israeli government for the security of Israel and her people. Besides the legality of such acts of war among governing bodies nationally or internationally, is there not a better way?

Being Kind

Whole Foods was really busy today. I was wet and cold after a 10 mile run and just wanted to grab some veggies, fruit and juice. I was parched and couldn't wait to get my favorite drink, ALO. To my disappointment there was only one on the shelf. I usually buy six or so. I grabbed it along with my other items and headed to the customer service counter.

"Might you have any more of these?" I asked.

"Let met check with grocery," the cashier said.

"Are those good?" another lady asked.

"They're the best," I said.

"What's in it?" she asked.

"It has 25% aloe vera juice and pulp," I said.

"I always like to see what other people are buying," she said.

"It has only 60 calories per serving and it's not very sweet," I said.

"I'd like to try it," she said.

"Here, take this one," I said with a slight inner twinge. I wanted it so bad.

"No, you go ahead," she said. "I'll remember the name for another time."

"Please take it," I insisted, feeling good about my decision.

She stood there looking into my eyes. She was always welcoming, but suddenly there was such softness around her eyes and mouth.

"That is so very nice of you," she said. "Thank you."

"You'll love it!" I said. "It's so refreshing."

"You are so kind," she said.

"When I see you again you'll have to tell me how you enjoyed it," I said.

"I sure will," she said beaming. "You're so kind."

"Blessings!" I said. "I'll see you again."

Offering that drink may not have been a huge gesture, but I felt really good about it and from the look on her face she did too. Let's be sure to practice kindness daily. Often times it's the small gestures that mean so much.