WoodMoor Village Zendo

48% Increase in Hate

A bit of news from the Southern Poverty Law Center:

"Racism is a serious problem in America. We've identified 888 organized hate groups — a staggering 48% increase since 2000."

I still meet people that tell me that racism and other forms of hate are not a serious issue in the U.S. any more. Go figure. Listening to the media recently, especially with coverage of the Presidential campaign, it would appear as if race is the mildest of issues in Presidential politics, or that somehow we've entered a post-racial period in U.S. politics.

And of course, it is not all about race. These hate groups are pretty diverse in their hating, displaying particular animosity toward homosexuals, jewish folks, African Americans, immigrants... you name it.

48% increase. To what do we assign that increase? Many claim that it is the result of the anti-immigrant discourse we've seen in the last few years. Goodness knows I've encountered enough nativism. Still, the hate is far more pronounced than that. And yet, the dominant narrative in the U.S. is about how we are a welcoming, tolerant, forgiving, redeemed nation when it comes to our past and our current attitudes. Forgive me if I don't subscribe to that thesis.

I know it is difficult for some to realize the extent to which such numbers make a difference in the lives of those who find themselves targets of that hate, but I feel it to my bones and, as long as I don't open my mouth I can usually "pass" for non-Latino (given that some folks have an idea of what a Latino/a is supposed to look like). So, as I travel across the U.S. this Summer, guess what? This issue will be a predominant one in my mind. Oh, I try to be mindful, and I try to be optimistic, and I will practice every day with this particular concern. But I've already told my wife that I am not keen on spending the night in some places, and I certainly will scrutinize our route and potential stops. This is not paranoia, in my world, my experience, and that of family and friends, we call it safety.

French Women Have More Sex...?

An article by Pamela Druckerman in The Washington Post today, French Women Don't Get Fat and Do Get Lucky, bemoans an intriguing situation: apparently, American women past their 40s are just not getting lucky enough when it comes to sex. Yes, you read it right. American women past their 40s are just not as active sexually:

Through our 40s, we American women manage to arrange romps on a fairly regular basis. But the latest national statistics show that by our 50s, a third of us haven't had sex in the last year. By our 60s, nearly half have gone sexless in the previous year. Once we hit our 70s, most of us might as well hang up an "out of business" sign. (Needless to say, men fare much better.)

Apparently, This lack of sexual activity is not intentional. Among the reasons provided for this dilemma are: lack of partners (men die sooner), "sexual conservatism," an obsession with youth as equating sexyness (a dilemma that keeps putting younger and younger girls as sexual objects in our society), and a lack of seeing oneself as a potential sex partner.

Druckerman compares American women to their French counterparts and notes that in France, while all those other situations exist, women don't report this lack of sexual activity. It seems that French women flaunt it, get it, and love it. Not to mention that they might be less picky about their partners, and don't have a puritanical background that sees the flesh as temple of temptation and sinfulness as we might do on these shores.

Hmmm... provocative piece certainly.

Daily Show @ Sylvia's

Well, leave it to The Daily Show (TDS) to truly report on the Bill O'Reilly "black restaurant" comments. This particular skit truly highlights how asinine Mr. O'Reilly's statement was, and how deeply embedded such white privilege and .racism lies. Here's the TDS clip in .MOV format:

And They Wonder Why Media Piracy?

Apple has decided not to offer NBC TV shows in the iTunes store this coming season (starting September). NBC and Apple have been wrangling over price structure for the shows offered through the iTunes store, with NBC apparently wanting Apple to pay more than double the wholesale price for each TV episode. According to Apple that would make the shows almost $4.99 each, an amazing jump from the current $1.99. NBC is not the only one that wants Apple to change its pricing structure for the iTunes store. Other music vendors have been grumbling about the .99 cents price of some music offerings.

So, what gives here? I know NBC should be able to demand what it thinks is fair for its programming, but this sounds like pure greed, and an attempt to break Apple (Apple has been amazingly successful at this game). $4.99 an episode? Maybe for a rare occasion, but in the age of DirectTV and Dish Network with DVRs (Digital Video Recorders), stand-alone TIVOs, programmable VCRs, and season DVDs, why would one pay $5 for a single episode?

And they wonder why so many people pirate media?

What's more, NBC was going to pull their programing mid-season. A little pressure? NBC needs to get real here. The times-they-*have*-been-a-changing, in case NBC had not noticed, and this sort of we hold the content and so you're screwed if you don't play along is not welcome. NBC/Universal is a powerhouse, and so this is an iffy situation for Apple, but I think Apple is doing the right thing by standing firm... IF... indeed the situation is like what it has been represented by Apple. Apple might be faking that $4.99 per show, sounding the panic alarm to get customers all riled up. Still, I don't buy much from the iTunes store, but I'd rather not see the prices go up. If Apple gives in, all the other networks will want to switch, including the music vendors, Apple's market power here will be broken and we'll be paying more.

Puerto Rican Resistance to Military Recruitment

I'm glad to hear the news that Puerto Rico is being fairly successful in foiling the U.S. Military's recruitment drive. An article in The Washington Post details how anti-war sentiment has been growing in the island, and pro-independence activists, as well as other groups, have had significant success in raising young people's awareness about this war, the student's right not to meet with military recruiters, and how not to be colonial cannon fodder. I've never been one for hyper-nationalist sentiment, but I must admit that I'm very proud of my Puerto Rican brothers and sisters who have been carrying out this action.

Among the many things that struck me in the article are these two amazingly disturbing comments: The first one comes from Bill Carr, deputy undersecretary of defense for military personnel policy. Let me quote the article at length:

What's going on in Puerto Rico is an artificial circumstance, where a group is trying to persuade students to take their name off a list, and of course that's going to meet in some change in behavior," Carr said. "In the event that someone approaches a young person and their voluntary behavior is to take an opt-out card and give it to their teacher, there's nothing we can or should do in that case. That's free speech. But it's curious speech, because it's manipulating the flow of information . . . and that is unhealthy.

Artificial? What a hoot! It is called raising consciousness, persuasion, providing information to young people and encouraging them to make wiser choices. All persuasion is about communicative flows and about making a case for your position. What does Mr. Carr think, that military recruiters are not engaged in a highly stylized campaign to persuade young people to join? That somehow they don't manipulate flows of information, emphasize, frame, etc? Recruiter's engage in persuasion. No sense in trying to claim that somehow they do not, nor that other persuasive attempts somehow are artificial and disrupt a "natural" or "normal" communicative flow.

Of Frogs, Eels, Turtles, and Compassion

What's a good Amitabha Buddhist to do in the face of frogs, eels, and turtles destined for the dining table in New York City's Chinatown? Save them of course! But this is a complicated world isn't it? So often we think we have the right answers, only to find that we didn't quite account for this or that little bit that ends up being quite significant. Well the state of New Jersey is upset at an Amitabha Buddhist group who apparently bought hundreds of eels, frogs, and turtles and released them in the Passaic river, "hoping they would survive in the once-polluted stream and realize their karmic potential."

You have to at least smile at that situation. I can just visualize those Buddhists releasing the critters, angelic looks on their faces as they open their hands and scores of tiny frogs, eels, and turtles, hop, slither, and crawl into the river to the soundtrack of Born Free-- only to be arrested in the parking lot by a New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection agent (similar to the Library agent in that episode of Seinfeld).

So saving the critters is a noble act, although it also took away from somebody's sustenance. I normally would be for saving the critters, but my preference is to work to stop the harvesting, and/or poaching of wild animals for their supposedly curative (or spiritual) powers (Elephant tusks, Tiger penises, etc.). Problem is, the environmental concerns of the New Jersey Dept. of Environmental Protection are considerable. Introduction of non-native species can have a devastating effect on the ecosystem, and wreak havoc with environmental plans, and other efforts underway to manage the watershed, land, flora, fauna, etc. Moreover, the action was against the law, and it would have been best to check first before releasing the critters. Unfortunately, once you are in possession of hundres of eels, turtles, and frogs... what are you going to do with them? Some folks might think that sending an eel to their senator or representative might be a possibility, but that only upsets the eels.

Unfortunately, this group of Amitabha Buddhists might be compassionate but also look a bit on the "fringe" if you know what I mean. I bet many are pegging them as "bleeding heart hippie liberals" already. Perhaps the best move was to check with various wildlife groups to see what the best course of action would have been for that kind of reclamation effort. Continuing to purchase hundreds of these critters to then "set them free" will not stop the vendors, nor those who see profit in harvesting these critters for sale.

American Monarchy

And you thought we did not have a monarchy in this country! Check out the latest news, the White House claims the DOJ: "will never be allowed to pursue contempt charges initiated by Congress against White House officials once the president has invoked executive privilege." In short, the Justice Department is not an independent office after all, heck nothing is - according to this huge power grab by the King George. Congress seems to be pretty irrelevant here as a co-equal branch of government supposed to be a key part of our checks and balances... And some folks claim that we are not facing a Constitutional crisis.

So let us see, the Prez says he does not have to comply with any law passed by Congress and has used signing statements to clearly indicate that belief. He believes, as argued by his counsel at the time Alberto Gonzales, that the White House can ignore any law/Congressional legislation it deems not appropriate. Moreover, he believes in the theory of a unitary executive, insulated and above the law. The Vice President apparently believes he is also above the law, and does not have to respond to Congress either. The Prez now claims DOJ (nor Congress for that matter) has no jurisdiction once the executive privilege is claimed... we can keep going.

I guess all we can say now is "all hail King George. Long live the King." Yes, they have made again another argument for how the power of the President trumps anything and everything. It should really remind you of the original King George whom we did not like one bit, and, if I recall correctly... went to war against!

This administration has effectively undermined and destroyed any sense of watching the government -- of the people being the sole legitimators of their government (remember that catchy phrase, "the consent of the governed"?). This might be a neocon dream, and a reactionary fascist belief system, but this is not conservatism, and conservatives should rise up, along with progressives, independents, and whomever else, and dethrone the pretender(s). If there has ever been a case for inherent contempt... of the nation, of the American people, of Congress, of the Constitution...

Harry Potter and the Minions of Doom

Ok, that was too cutesy for the title of a post, but I'm not as excited about the supposedly last book in the Harry Potter series, or even the latest movie, as I am about the rash of commentary likely to come out about how Harry Potter is evil, teaches our kids "satanic" stuff, destroys the morals of our young kids, and so forth. I can already imagine some folks claiming that Harry Potter's name adds up to ten letters, which when you subtract four ends up being six, and if you are driving down Route 66 in the U.S., or pass a 12-year old kid down the street (6 + 6) and happen to have a Harry Potter book in your car..., or saw a poster advertising one, or bought a dozen eggs recently, you are inviting the devil to tea and scones... by virtue of having the mark of the beast with you (666), which probably marks you as leftist or homosexual, probably both, with a secret agenda to destroy the nation by waging war on Christmas, Easter, family values, marriage, patriotism, and the baby Jesus. If you happen to be a member of the ACLU, or support their work, you are, of course, doubly doomed as you are a friend of the enemies of God.

Those folks who like to go a bit unhinged about Harry Potter could be said to be minions of doom, Henny Penny Christians, or Chicken Little Anti-Potterites.

What can I say, every year something about the evil-ness of the talented Mr. Potter, excuse me, of the Harry Potter books, comes out. Whether it is book burnings, libraries banning it, parents calling for boycotts of the book, etc. All which, in my estimation, points to how we like to find, or manufacture, evil where there is none. If there were such a thing as evil (as these Anti-Potterites think about it), a theology of fear would be (and is) far more responsible for hearkening it, or breeding it, than escape fiction about magically goofy kids. The evidence is all around us.

Eco's UR-Fascism

I thought I would have time to write about Umberto Eco's UR-Fascism statement, but I have too much other writing to do. In any case, here's a .PDF file of it. You will also find it at the very beginning of Chris Hedges book American Fascists. You can download Eco's UR-Fascism essay here in.pdf. Yes, I think there are plenty of folks out there in the U.S. with surprisingly fascist tendencies. And yes, primarily conservatives, and yes those tend to gather in the GOP side of things. I agree with Hedges, Christian Nationalists tend to fascism. And so does the present administration.

One seemingly little thing that Eco mentions that I think is important, is a cult of heroism. Combined with the hyper-nationalism and uber-patriotism of those who think the United States is God's gift to the world, the hero is that person who is most loyal yet less flexible and less willing to be open-minded. Hence, most lock-step and most moralizing, and thus less compassionate. In short, most dogmatic and circumscribed in behavior, most righteous, and often articulating a vision that is clear primarily because it dismisses anything (and anyone) else in its way. We don't have to label all those qualities "fascistic." Heck, they sound just like a Zen recipe for ego gone awry (although in some Zen readings ego is presented by definition as awry) -- but combined with an irrationalist, ultra-traditionalist and conservative, political philosophy, we have a recipe for fascist attitudes predicated on major intolerance. This attitude, I believe, is behind the "heroe-ification" of Scooter Libby.

Read the Eco piece. It is fun, informative, and in his inimitable intellectually nourishing style (if also in need of updating and revision. It was penned in 1995).

Happy Father's Day!

A very happy father's day for all of you (dads, moms, etc.). I want to be as inclusive as possible. Plenty of moms performing both roles out there, and plenty of dads that others (usually religious right types) don't want to acknowledge. So, I hope you have had a wonderful father's day, in the company of loved ones, much laughter, children frolicking, and testing all your boundaries. Hey, fatherhood is about being there for all those moments no? Those are precisely the moments from which I learn the most, that call me to mindfulness, and that make me cherish every moment of life as a dad (even if I get all of that after the fact!).

I'll avoid telling you the usual phrases heard on this day (being a dad is not easy, it is a tough job, you have to be present, quality time, etc.). Not that such phrases are wrong, but as Umberto Eco's essay on Casablanca (the movie) reminds us, "the cliches are having a ball." That's all we get nowadays and we consume them along with everything else. So my apologies if readers expected the usual language about father's day. I will say that great fatherhood is a practice, it is a commitment to taking on a full facing of life and letting go of ego. It is a constant exercise in putting others first, and realizing how mistaken we frequently are, how we don't have all the control we imagine we have, how all we can do is just "our best," and how all that remains to give, and give, and continue giving, is love. The central practice, as with anything else, is turning suffering into love and compassion. I'm not taking on a "Hallmark" persona -- that has been my experience after moments of crying as a dad. If you are concerned with how you might be screwing up, or how you are "damaging" your kids because you are just not sure of how to best be a father, start by practicing loving-kindness to yourself, then offer loving-kindness to whomever you look up to as parents, and offer tons of loving-kindness to those little ones that constantly challenge you to inhabit the best fatherhood "being-ness."

Rev. Jerry Falwell, R.I.P.

Rev. Jerry Falwell, founder of the Moral Majority, Televangelist, and key player in the development of the religious right in this country, died today at the age of 73.

In my estimation, Rev. Falwell was misguided in his attempts to create a theocracy in the U.S.. I think his statements, his positions on a variety of issues, his work through the Moral Majority and other organizations, including his Liberty University, controverted central tenets of the Christian belief he claimed to uphold, and had a definitely negative impact on public life.

But I do wish his family all the best at this moment, and I hope his loved ones will find peace and comfort in their beliefs and faith, and in the support that his followers will offer. Above all, I hope Rev. Falwell's last moments were met with a peaceful acceptance of the cycle of life and death and the truth of impermanence, of deep recognition of interbeing, and of the part we all play, even unto death, as part of this interconnectedness. In whatever form, belief, those came to him, may they have brought peace to his heart in those final moments.

Outsourcing American Style

Getting worse by the minute, yet another scandal in a town that seems to go from one to the next, and the media machine just has to wait a few minutes for the next one. Need a good laugh about now? Read this statement by deputy secretary of state Randall L. Tobias:

On Friday, Randall L. Tobias resigned as deputy secretary of state one day after confirming to Brian Ross of ABC that he had patronized the Pamela Martin firm. Speaking yesterday on "Good Morning America," Ross said Tobias told him Tobias's number was on Palfrey's phone records because he had called "to have gals come over to the condo to give me a massage." There had been "no sex," Ross quoted Tobias as saying, and that recently he has used another service, "with Central American gals," for massages.

"Central American gals!" Well then, no worries. Disaster averted! Those gals from other places are Ok. In fact, relying on Central American gals is probably part of both North American and Central American Free Trade agreements (NAFTA, and CAFTA), so Mr. Tobias was doing his duty in providing economic support... Besides, hiring American gals for "massage" can get one in political trouble...

If this had been Attorney General Alberto Gonzales he would have said, "I don't recall any such "escorting... and I don't know how they got a hold of my personal telephone number, but I can assure you that even though I don't recall any of this, nothing untoward happened." Plug in your favorite politician.

All kidding aside... if a single man (Mr. Tobias is not single) goes to an escort service for expensive company from time to time... and the escorts are not coerced, abused, or otherwise mistreated (and they do this out of their own free will)... why would that be problematic?

Faith in Public Life Dialogue

One of the things I've wanted BeliefNet to do since they started their Blog Heaven web site (even suggesting it a couple of times), and invited me to participate, was to use the opportunity they had with these superlative blogs to facilitate the kind of "ecumenical" exchange and conversation that just doesn't happen very often in the blogosphere. I envisioned a great dialogue, hosted by BeliefNet, between these different perspectives, and in centripetal fashion pulling together enough critical mass to facilitate the emergence of a progressive faith voice. BeliefNet's Blog Heaven was a neat idea, but if it dreamed of being more than just a repository of links, it needed to use its power to generate connectivity, convergence between these voices. That, unfortunately, did not happen. Then again, last I checked they had dropped the two blogs they had under the category Buddhist out of Blog Heaven (I was one of those, but read below), so if it did happen I might not have heard. In any case, perhaps that was not the vision BeliefNet had for Blog Heaven. Which is fine. It is certainly the case that interested parties could have assiduously pursued such an effort. Last year's Progressive Faith Blog Con was such a project (check their list of bloggers attending). I could not make it to the Progressive Faith Blog Con but I supported their efforts, even though I found it funny, and still do, that many folks consider WoodMoor Village a religious or spiritual blog.

Things have a way of coming back around... and now I've been invited, along with Rev. Eric Elnes, Senior Pastor of 300-member Scottsdale Congregational United Church of Christ in Scottsdale, Arizona, co-founder of CrossWalk America (until recently Executive Director, and now Director of External Communications) to a public dialogue about the emergence and development of a progressive religious movement here in the U.S.. The overarching theme centers around how a vision of religion and politics that engages those outside of the Christian majority in America can be articulated -- reflecting as well on some of the pitfalls to be avoided. In short, the conversation is likely to center around the possibility of a "left" or progressive religious movement. I tend to speak of this in terms of mindful politics, but in academic terms as the place of religious argument in a free and democratic society (to steal Robert Audi's phrase from one of his articles).

Giving Meditation a Spin

The Washington Post has an article on Meditation as a way to combat the growing stress in our lives, and highlighting the rapidly growing interest in meditative practice as a mental toolset. Unfortunately, it is not an in-depth article. The piece essentially rehearses the same information that has been coming out for a while now, but it continues to raise awareness about a practice(s) called meditation. The meditation that is offered in such accounts is filtered heavily through a psychosocial lens: we might seek meditation much like we seek alternative therapies, to handle stress and existential angst, 9 out of 10 doctors... (well maybe not that many doctors). I have yet to see one of these articles explain that meditative practice does not necessarily result in the banishment of suffering, pain, and stress in the blink of an eye. Nor that some serious meditative practice is not about getting rid of the suffering but about facing up to it. Most of these reports don't cover the courage that it does take to face up to the debris of our lives, to our suffering, to wallowing in some muck in order to water seeds of peace, compassion, kindness; but then again, just stopping and quieting the mind is the first step and I'm glad awareness keeps growing.

Forgiveness & Poverty

Forgive me, I'm not trying, nor desire, to be preachy, but these two organizations have recently come across my inbox and I want to highlight them here. To be sure, there are many such organizations out >there, more than I can highlight here. There are blogs dedicated to the work of social justice, and to coordinating anti-poverty, pro-peace, and other socially enlightened efforts of various kinds. There is always need, there is always more suffering, there are always ways in which we can help alleviate the suffering in the world. Even when it seems intractable and impossible for us alone to resolve, every little bit of positive action, and for us who practice, even our good intentions and loving-kindness sentiments, are likely to generate a more compassionate world.

These are good projects, devoted to creating a better world for all. They are also not affiliated with any particular political party or religious denomination, and they of course can use all the help they can get. I know many folks hesitate to send money, or somehow get involved with charitable organizations, but the fact is that most of the time we can channel our energies more effectively when working in concert for causes we support. Even if you don't join, send money, put a badge on your site, etc., you can mention them to others, you can find inspiration in their stories, and you can emulate their goodwill, compassion, and desire to help. Some of what these organizations can do well is till the soil of compassion so that the fruits of such compassionate practice can grow.

We can seek to change our administration, our locally-elected officials, and so forth (vastly important work), but we need to roll up our sleeves and in whatever way we can help craft the world we dream about -- the one where our kids have better lives than we have, where suffering is reduced, where compassion and lovingkindness are the cardinal virtues, and not, military surges in the name of pacification.

Sleepwalking Santa

Today as we were driving to Portland for one of Terra's medical appointments (we have to visit a few doctors in Portland: Pediatric Neurologists, Pediatric Ophtalmologists, the Geneticist, Speech Therapists, and members of a developmental team. Not to mention Ear surgeons, MRI techs, EEG folks, etc. but all of that is another few stories), Phoenix started talking about how he doesn't think Santa truly exists. It was funny to hear him talk about it: "I don't think Santa is real..." he noted, and followed it almost to himself by saying "but maybe... well then, who brings presents?" He carried on a bit like that, as if having the conversation with himself and testing out options, until he arrived at the following nugget which he shared with us proudly: "I think parents bring Xmas presents but they are sleepwalking when they do it." It was funny, touching, and very cute. We told him that that is one plausible explanation but that he should keep an open mind about other alternatives... and to keep thinking about it. I complimented him on reasoning through the issue, and both my wife and I reminded him that regardless of what he thought, other kids believe fervently that Santa exists. So, we said, respect their beliefs and don't go around trying to disabuse them of their belief in Santa. My wife has told him that even untrue stories can be heartwarming and serve a purpose, so that the "magic" we find in such stories, myths, and legends, might be worth celebrating and cherishing. I like that. I want to make sure he understands the power of story.

Unfortunately, it seems we have many more stories that model war, fighting, and overcoming adversity, conflict, or just plain bad odds, by force than by cooperation, wisdom, peace, and/or compassionate sacrifice. If I can extend this Santa myth (which I don't always feel inclined to do) I'll tell him that Santa would never think of bombing people into peace. The red in his outfit is not the blood of innocents, or anybody else for that matter. In any case, we just recently shared with Phoenix the story of the nativity, and made sure he understood that it is only one of many seasonal myths and beliefs. We want to make sure he knows that if anything the meaning of this celebration is about promise, opportunity, sharing and generosity, kindness, and everlasting hope -- the expectation of the return of light, and open hearts for all in need (always the case).

In any case, for all those sleepwalking Santas out there, as well as to your families and loved ones, have a wonderful, joyous, and peaceful holiday season.

What If?... Gardasil for Men?

What if instead of it being for girls and women, Gardasil was designed to prevent boys and men from getting a similar virus and its lethal complications -- Would we see the same opposition from folks who claim now that 11 or 12-year old girls are too young? That is, would we be hearing such things as "Oh, no, we can't give this vaccine to an 11-12-year old boy! They would lose their innocence. The poor things!" Would we be as concerned about "lost innocence" in boys? What's more, would it be better covered under health insurance if it protected boys and men?

Word of the Day

This is the word of the day: Uber-Nitwit.

Good eh? The Washington Post has a report on Anna Nicole Smith, referring to her as an uber-nitwit. Oh, but that word can be so easily applied in other arenas... I like it. Celebritology: Anna Nicole Smith.

Electric Tesla Roadster Wow

Car enthusiast? Check this out: Silicon Valley's Tesla Motors new electric Tesla Roadster, not your Prius, but I hope it supercharges the electric car industry, and gives a much needed kick in the seat of the pants to auto manufacturers.

From their site:

For the most part, electric cars have been designed by people who believed we should not drive, and, if we must, then we should drive a bare-bones electric car. In sharp contrast, the Tesla Roadster is a driver‘s car: optimized for performance and handling, beautiful in every detail. Tesla Motors celebrates driving.

135mpg
0-60 in 4 seconds
250 mile per charge
(built by Lotus)
$100,000
and yes, built-in iPod dock (what do you expect from Silicon Valley?)

Apparently, a sedan is in the works.

Ms. McCombs, Atheist Valedictorian Speech

I posted recently on the case of Ms. McCombs, the valedictorian who had her microphone cut off in the middle of her speech, when the speech turned into a religious testimony. Part of my point in my posting, and in subsequent comments, was that I do not believe that Ms. McCombs and her defenders, for all their arguments, are interested in inclusivity, respect, and tolerance of other voices, including religious voices different than their own. In fact, I believe that Ms. McCombs' actions, her arguments in justification, and the arguments of others who have taken up her cause, pretty much reveal a disregard for the underlying principles of a liberal democracy that proclaim and sustain respect and tolerance for a diversity of beliefs.

I believe that if Ms. McCombs had been of another faith, or even an atheist student delivering a valedictory challenging religious belief, those same folks who now claim exclusion, marginalization, and an anti-Christian disposition on the part of those who believe she was out of line, would have had a cow, and required restitution. In other words, their claims to inclusivity, tolerance, and respect, extend only so far. In my estimation, the religious right in this country makes extensive use of the "heads I win, tails you lose" strategy." Calling for the religious right to respect pluralism gets us attacked as anti-Christian, and pronouncing our beliefs gets us attacked as anti-Christian exclusionists attacking Christianity.

So...I decided to take Ms. McComb's speech and modify it to reflect an atheist perspective. I've included it below the fold. What if an atheist Ms. McCombs had delivered this speech, and had been cut off also. Would the audience had been overjoyed? Would Hannity and Colmes be supporting this student's right to express her beliefs? Would this atheist Ms. McCombs had been invited to make the rounds of TV talk shows, and would her arguments about expressing her beliefs and what was so significant for her in getting to where she is now be considered legitimate? Would Ms. McCombs be considered a hero among high-schoolers? Would the conservative voices that now claim that Ms. McCombs first amendment rights have been violated, defend the same rights of the atheist Ms. McCombs?

In any case, I offer the edited version of the speech as a bit of feeble perspective by incongruity (Kenneth Burke, look it up).

Of DaVinci and Codes

As with Harry Potter books and movies, albeit for slightly different reasons, we saw a tremendous backlash from Christian groups against Dan Brown's book, The DaVinci Code, and now an enormous campaign against the movie. The Washington Post has an article that highlights the protests and boycotts planned, and notes that:

Pope John Paul II in January 2005 appointed a special committee to rebut the story based on Dan Brown's international best-selling novel, and so far this year one leading church figure has called for a boycott of the film and another has hinted at possible legal action.

Possible legal action? That seems rather ill-advised. What would the charge be? The more sacred cows we have... the more suffering. At least that is what strikes me most about this whole situation. The level of suffering that folks seem to be putting themselves through over this otherwise unremarkable book. I understand the need to educate, clarify, and not leave bad information in the minds of the public. I think the Catholic Church and other Christian groups have every right to tell people that in their estimation this book does not represent good Christian history or doctrine, and to vigorously present their side (although it seems they've been doing that for a long time!) And yet, the efforts to counter this book and movie seem particularly extreme. I've seen History Channel exposes, talk show discussions, a bevy of other books debunking Brown's claims, conferences, websites, protests, Vatican pronouncements, and now possible litigation... over fiction, over a person's right to interpret a religious story, over creative appropriation of a religious narrative. Doesn't it seem that such rigidity is what makes such beliefs so brittle? There is a certain irony in seeing all of these machinations for countering the DaVinci Code's creative interpretation, or if you will, invention, while proclaiming as truthful some of the most amazing creative interpretations ever.

Kibble and Bits

Some interesting newsbits out there:

Blogs Give Voice to the Dissenters in the Flock: Online Critics Present Challenges and Opportunities for Traditional Religious Authorities Apparently some religious bloggerss are causing some headaches for traditional religious authorities. Nothing to be too suprised about. These folks are gaining voice and exercising it, whether their churches like it or not. Freedom baby.

Rush Limbaugh Arrrested on Prescription Drug Charges. "If You Can't Quit Your Sinning, Please Quit Your Low-Down Ways..." Well, I thought the Dylan song resonated well, but Mr.Limbaugh and other "ditto-heads" might disagree... Still, this is clearly a person in the throes of addiction, compounding his misery by the kind of behaviors that accompany such problems. Unfortunately, Mr. Limbaugh also spends a great deal of time playing the moralizer and attacking others shamelessly on his show, all which goes to show that not only should we not throw stones, but that a bit more identification with others (seeing oneself as the other) is a helpful ethical practice.

Votergate!: Follow the link and download a 30 minute free public service version of this film. This is a teaser for the full theatrical version of the film scheduled to come out Fall 2006. Want to know about those supposedly wonderful computer voting systems?

Banning Harry Potter in Georgia

From the Atlanta-Journal Constitution, an article about the possible banning of Harry Potter from a Georgia school district (Gwinnett County). Harry Potter is way too threatening for some folks, and if they don't want to read it that is OK. The problem lies with banning it from the school libraries so nobody else can have it. I think the fear is misplaced, and believe that banning books is ill-thought, advised, and anti-democratic. And yet, what strikes me the most is the question "what next?" If you disliike Harry Potter that much that you want it banned, what other books won't you seek to ban from the school district library? What speech codes would you have people follow? Hence, will people be able to talk about Harry Potter? Deliver a class presentation on a Potter movie? Can people say anything challenging about religion in the school district? This is certainly not the reason religion should be part of the public square, and it is part of the fear that drives many to argue that it should not. Here's a bit from the news report:

The Loganville mother who complained about the book, Laura Mallory, will have 15 minutes to make her case, district spokeswoman Sloan Roach said. Mallory, a missionary who moved to Gwinnett County about two years ago, has three children at J.C. Magill Elementary.

Mallory may share her speaking time with others who support her stance that the books are inappropriate for children because the stories glorify witchcraft. The following people signed up to speak with Mallory: Cathy Fleenor, Marsha McWhorter, Stacy Thomas and Jordan Fusch.

The school system will also have 15 minutes to explain why the books should remain in Gwinnett’s schools, Roach said.

... and so 15 minutes for an explanation that these parents should have learned in a civics class in grammar school (that is, if that was not banned either). What would such an explanation entail? Let's see: Democracy as Founding Political Philosophy, Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Religion, Tolerance, Respect, Separation of Church and State... it all sounds strange under our present system of government but there was a time when other people in the world looked to us for inspiration on just these Democratic ideals.

$100 Ticket for "BUSHIT" Sticker

Just in case you didn't already know, Matthew Rothschild has a column in The Progressive titled McCarthyism Watch, in which he tracks cases of egregious bill of rights and first amendment violations by the authorities. I encourage you to check it out, it will scare you and frustrate you, but you will be glad you know these things are happening in our country. The latest column posted at CommonDreams.org describes how a woman in Georgia received a $100 ticket for having a "BUSHIT" bumper sticker in her car. Apparently, the police officer did not like the sentiment, and ignoring that the sticker was a clear political statement, gave the woman a $100 ticket for having it in her car. Check out also the story of the VA Nurse who was charged with sedition for criticizing Vice-Regent Bush! These kinds of things are far more dangerous to our democracy than we might at first think. They are not only corrosive to the spirit of our democracy, but actively undermine democratic life between citizens, especially when done under color of law. So at the risk of once again infuriating certain people, do contact your representatives, write letters to the responsible parties explaining why such acts are unconstitutional, and otherwise play an active role in the governance of our nation by talking to others about such egregiious abuses.

National Religious Campaign Against Torture

Recently, while visiting Philocrites, a fellow member of Beliefnet's Blog Heaven, I noticed that he had a link and icon to the National Religious Campaign Against Torture (NRCAT). I thought it was a very good icon, it caught my eye, and in following it I learned about the campaign. The NRCAT notes that:

Torture violates the basic dignity of the human person that all religions hold dear. It degrades everyone involved --policy-makers, perpetrators and victims. It contradicts our nation's most cherished ideals. Any policies that permit torture and inhumane treatment are shocking and morally intolerable.

Amnesty International also has a campaign against torture: "Stop torture and ill-treatment in the war on terror," they rightly state that torture is "cruel, inhuman, and degrades us all." Unfortunately, it is all too human. I don't see any other species doing it.

In any case, altough torture and inhumane treatment have supposedly been banned by U.S. treaty obligations, the U.S. has abrogated those obligations. We know the record. There is evidence that the U.S. has not stopped torturing detainees, or engaging in extraordinary renditions. The President also issued a signing statement after signing the McCain amendment, thus once again calling into question the commitment of the U.S. to stop the inhumane treatment of detainees, and recently legislation was passed that allows evidence obtained by torture to be used in a court of law. To me this amounts not only to a clear betrayal of America's dream, of our nation's promise, but a betrayal of the hopes of humankind for a world free of this kind of oppression and degradation, for peace, and democratic life.

I asked Philocrites if I could use the icon, and he informed me that the icon is from the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee's STOP campaign. So, since I support the efforts of this campaign (although I don't do it to save the "soul" of any nation) I've decided to follow suit and place the icon and link to the campaign here. I encourage you to follow the link and read about the campaign. Check out also Amnesty International's campaign. Religiously sponsored or not, this is a moral imperative of our times -- please check them out.

Slavery as God's Will

Lest you think that racism is a thing of the past in this country... check out this blurb from a column by Adele Fergusen, a political columnist for the Kitsap Peninsula Business Journal. The blurb appears in Hominid Views blog, I tried getting the column directly from the Journal but clicking on the link:

http://www.kpbj.com/opinioneditorial/articles/2006-03-13-EDT-02.html

just gives you an "Object not found" error. Apparently the Kitsap Journal pulled the column. However, click here to see the scanned version of the column! (Thanks Hominid!). Mrs. Fergusen can't be serious. Wondering why blacks "continue to support the Democrats" leads her to posit slavery as the vehicle God used to bring Blacks to this country. Yup! That crazy. And that's just one of the many little bits she shares. Go ahead, read on... You definitely have to feel compassion for this lady, and others who are so deluded indeed. Feel compassion and then call the Journal and ask what gives with the racism: Kitsap Peninsula Business Journal (360-876-7900). You can also write to Mrs. Fergusen and see if she'll kindly listen to some reason: Adele Ferguson, P.O. Box 69, Hansville, WA, 98340.

Avian Flu and Buddhist Rite

Ouch, another hit to a Buddhist rite. Impermanence again. The Washington Post is reporting that the traditional ritual of capturing birds and then releasing them as part of a practice of letting go of sorrows and sufferings is not a healthy practice in light of the avian flu threat. Perhaps worshippers will move to releasing fish on rivers (native species).

Missouri, Official Religion, and Plurality

Amadeus, from Dharma Vision does us all a service by bringing our attention to a Missouri state bill that would name Christianity the state's official majority religion. Here's a bit of reporting on this issue. Amadeus wisely encourages us not to get too exercised by this bill. Things like this can certainly provide an easy way for us to lose our mindfulness.

But I'd like to take a moment to highlight some cool reading that touches directly on this issue, and that I think provides a "spot on" analysis of part of the situation with the "religious right" in this country. Besides, while not getting exercised over this, I do think the folks sponsoring and supporting this bill ought to hear powerfully from their constituents and others how such a move to choose Christianity as official religion of the state is plainly unconstitutional. I would not mind it if those same messages reminded these sponsors of where they could take a few good remedial classes in civics.

Darwin Has a Posse

A fun/nny pro-Darwin/Evolution effort from Colin Purrington at Swarthmore. Here's a bit from their website:

These stickers are being introduced to spread awareness and appreciation of Charles Darwin, whose theory of natural selection provided a simple, non-supernatural explanation for how life on earth had evolved and continues to evolve today. Although this stickering project is probably futile, it will hopefully delay our slip into Dark Ages II by several days. Maybe a week.

The Darwin has a Posse sticker is pretty cool. I will be printing some and passing them out to attendees of our Darwin Day celebration. Check out also the evolution outreach projects page The Charles Darwin quote bookmarks are pretty nifty. The "gifts" for science teachers includes body armor. Now that I think about it... if crosses (or crucifix shapes) keeps vampires at bay, what keeps Christian ID supporters away...? In any case, stay tuned for my own efforts re strickers and such in this regard. Coming soon...

ReligionLink on Buddhism in the U.S.

ReligionLink, a project designed to provide resources for journalists ("linking journalists to ideas and sources for reporting today's hottest news") has posted a nifty, if limited in scope, entry on Buddhism, in particular Buddhism in the U.S. The entry has brief background information and links to resources for journalists/reporters interested in Buddhism. It even has a link to the Buddhism Blogs webring. ReligionLink provides usually provides good info., and very much needed, since in my own research in 2004 I found that not many newspapers have a Religion beat and that many folks who report on religion are really Life, Cuisine, or Style reporters who are given the task of also tackling religion topics. Among the things the ReligionLink entry includes there is a very truncated account of why this attention to Buddhism in the U.S. matters:

While often not fully understood in its complexity, Buddhist thinking quietly permeates the American landscape. Ideas such as mindfulness, simple living and the interconnection of all living things resonate with many, including increasing numbers who identify themselves as Buddhist and others who consider themselves spiritual but not religious.

Limited yes, but these are reporters and they want a quick rationale. I found the following questions for reporters to be quite interesting (I might send them to the editor of our local newspaper):

Love American Style

Kit over at Paper Frog had a nice post recently about same sex marriage. If you've been around these parts for a while you know that besides arguing the subject of Intelligent Design, I'm also an advocate for equity for same sex partners -- supporting marriage as an option before civil unions. I've spend considerable time on that issue (since 1996 and DOMA), treating it directly in a class I used to teach called Argumentation and Public Policy.

If you are interested in reading my refutation of arguments against same sex marriage... read here. It is a .pdf document, approximately 22 pages long. I tried to compile all the argumenrts I have heard against same sex marriage, and provide counter-arguments. The document is always growing. Let me know what you think.

But you have an opportunity to also have your voice (pro or against) heard by sending any thoughts or writings you have on this issue (500 words or so max) to comments@paperfrog.com. Kit will compile whatever entries he gets and perhaps use it in a long post. Please enclose a short note with your full name, address, permission to use your work, and any other pertinent information. Your thoughts can be sent as text within an email, or as an attachment in plaintext (.txt), or OpenOffice's Open Document (.sxw) format. And do read the post and the subsequent comments at PaperFrog.com.

Mosques & Radiation, The Buddha and Lying

My fellow ProgFaithBlogCon (A BlogCon for Progressive Faith Bloggers) blogger XPatriated Texan has a very informative essay that got picked up at Daily Kos: Hoax or Lie, regarding the U.S.'s claims that they monitored Mosques for radiation. XPatriated, a graduate of the US Navy's Nuclear Power School, comments wisely on how such "monitoring" would take place, and teases out the inaccuracies with the report. Some of the commenters at Daily Kos share his technical knowledge and his misgivings. It does seem to me that such a report is part of more misinformation and propaganda campaigning by the U.S.. I definitely recommend you take a moment and read the essay, and the comments.

Frankly, given what we know about the way this administration has been "managing" information, how do we know what to believe from them? How do we trust the electoral process with an administration (and The New York Times in cahoots repressing the information during last Presidential election cycle) in power that seems to believe the President can circumvent any law he deems too restraining on him, without informing Congress or the American people?

Here's a story about the Buddha regarding lying:

A Win at Dover, PA!

Just in case that you have not heard yet... and because I am delighted at the news, the Dover, PA Court found for the Plaintifffs (The Kitzmiller side, parents that sued the Dover, PA School Board). That was not all it found, an eminently readable decision (139 pages in length), it can be found here in .PDF format. I just finished reading the decision and I can tell you it is quite compelling and provocative, and wonderfully educational. It is a decisive win for those who favor teaching the Scientific theory of evolution in the Biology classroom, and who stand firmly by the guarantees in the establishment clause of the U.S. Constitution. I recommend it in its entirety if you are interested in a good synopsis of the controversy, including previous Supreme Court decisions that bear on this issue. Here are some neat quotes from the decision:

“The overwhelming evidence at trial established that ID is a religious view, a mere re-labeling of creationism, and not a scientific theory.”

Our Administration's Torture-d Rhetoric

I've been practicing with anger and frustration lately. Just watching it arise, and looking deeply at its roots. It helps more than one thinks. I find our present administration quite insidious, dangerous, and doing amazing damage to our nation (not to mention Internationally), and that has been fueling my frustration lately, in particular their denial, outright lying, and disregard for telling the truth. In any case, here's an editorial that clearly expresses the way I feel about our administration at present and their shell game with this whole business of torture, intelligence, etc., etc. The recent comments by Secretary of State Rice would be laughable if they weren't so sad and tragic.

Wasted Words: Denials, Defense of Torture, Rendition Don't Hold Up
Published on Wednesday, December 7, 2005 by the Boulder Daily Camera (Colorado)

Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Religious Chauvinism

Can there be anything sillier than arguing over whether some people say Happy Holidays or Merry Christmas? Why are we subject every year to such a manufactured debate that just keeps us apart at a time when we all could be coming together in fellowship? Moreover, following the national trend of labeling struggles using bellicose metaphors, the whole debate about Christmas vs. Happy Holidays gets described as a "war." Christian conservatives seem to be the primary users of this language, by relying on the phrase "the war on Christmas" as strategy against those who say Happy Holidays. A war on Christmas? These folks feel under attack by ungodly forces trying to empty Christmas of its Christian content. If such is the perspective, one of persecution, I can understand their fear. Yet, deploying such a war rhetoric has deleterious consequences, and it only serves to exacerbate tensions and inflame passions.

Progressive Faith Blog Con

New and exciting developments in blog land, especially for those bloggers involved in progressive faith issues. Some fellow bloggers are puttting together a Progressive Faith Blog Con (Conference) touching on the issue of faith and politics. As described in the website:

Faith and politics have the capacity to profoundly divide, or to profoundly connect. Progressive Faith BlogCon is a chance for progressive bloggers of faith to meet one another, talk with one another, and learn from one another. Our progressive politics are rooted in our theologies, and our theological stances inform our politics; why not celebrate them together? During this weekend gathering we'll break bread together, talk about the subjects that fire our passions, and put faces with the names on our blogrolls.

This is both topical and timely. Issues of faith and politics, of civic virtue, and of "values" have been at the frontlines of both political and religious engagement in the last few years. Blogs that address the intersections of these issues have been sprouting, and there is momentum and excitement about the kind of ecumenical and compassionate dialogues that can take place as a result of such coming together. A Blog Con on this issue has the capacity to gather the threads of those conversations and provide even more momentum to efforts already underway, not to mention put folks treating this subject in blogland in the vanguard of progressive politics.

Pat Robertson Warns Dover, PA

Mr. Robertson does have a way to say the darndest things! For all that he is supposed to be the representative of a loving god, his words often end up being so intolerant. This wrathful god theology is so unappealing to me. It is a theology of fear. Poor, poor choice when we can have a theology based on love and compassion. Damned if you do, damned if you don't by Robertson's explanation. What's more, here's another example of how those leaders pushing for Intelligent Design are not doing so out of some serious concern for civic virtue and the education of young minds.

Robertson warns Pennsylvania voters of God's wrath
Eight 'intelligent design' school board members lost election

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -- Conservative Christian broadcaster Pat Robertson told citizens of a Pennsylvania town that they had rejected God by voting their school board out of office for supporting "intelligent design" and warned them Thursday not to be surprised if disaster struck...

"...I'd like to say to the good citizens of Dover: if there is a disaster in your area, don't turn to God, you just rejected Him from your city," Robertson said on his daily television show broadcast from Virginia, "The 700 Club." And don't wonder why He hasn't helped you when problems begin, if they begin. I'm not saying they will, but if they do, just remember, you just voted God out of your city. And if that's the case, don't ask for His help because he might not be there," he said.

To read the rest click here.

Buddhists & Hot Sex

Ok, that title line is a bit facetious and will probably get many folks confused when they do searches. This post is just a compilation of a few thoughts about sexuality. I am inspired in this by a few things, but primarily by a post that I found in another blog New York Ex. The post talks a bit about how New York Ex has at times felt "content anxiety" about what to include in her blog. She notes that:

I feel like all of my readers want to hear about my hot sex life, not my daily spiritual angst. Hot. sex. life. It doesn't exist (right now).

I got to New York Ex's blog through Haiku's blog, This Zen Life, and found that Haiku had commented on that content anxiety thread. This all started me thinking again about Buddhism and sex. Can Buddhists have "hot sex" and not run afoul of the precepts? Heck, can Buddhists have "cold sex" and be ok with the precepts? Do we know what it is that we mean by "hot sex?" In my estimation, what counts as "hot" varies for everybody. All which raises some interesting questions, as I've encountered folks whose notions about "hot sex" stem primarily from watching way too much TV or movies, not realizing the amazing distortion and fictionalizing of sexual and loving acts through that medium, and then being disappointed and frustrated in their relationships with others. Remember that old song by Starland Vocal Band?..."skyrockets in flight... afternoon delight!"

Closing Arguments Kitzmiller v Dover

Today are closing arguments in the Kitzmiller vs. Dover case. These will certainly be interesting and worthy of analysis. The Dover school board side needs to do particularly well since their witnesses performed so poorly. If indeed a decision inimical to the interests of the board comes up, it will be sobering to see the recriminations, blame, and statements about appeal. If a decision inimical to the Kitzmiller side (and Science defenders) comes up, it will indeed be fun to see the same. I expect a decision that will not be an attempt to concoct some strange arrangement between the two sides. I don't think the Dover school board has met good standards here, legal, pedagogical, political... Lots of deception going on by members of the school board. We'll see. In the meantime, I wish all well in PA, and hope they don't go at each other's throats over any decision

Kansas & Equal Protection

Good news on this Equal Protection issue. Unfortunately this kid has already served four years and some months: ACLU Applauds Unanimous Kansas Supreme Court Decision Reversing Conviction of Gay Teen Unfairly Punished under %u201CRomeo and Juliet%u201D Law.

TOPEKA, KS %u2013 The Kansas Supreme Court today unanimously struck down part of a law that sent a gay teenager to prison for over 17 years, when a heterosexual teen would have served only 15 months for the same act. The American Civil Liberties Union, which represented Matthew Limon in his appeal, applauded the decision declaring that Kansas%u2019s so-called %u201CRomeo and Juliet%u201D law violates the equal protection clause of the Constitution.

Discovery Institute vs. Thomas More Law Center

Dissent among supporters of Intelligent Design, The Discovery Institute has pulled its expert witnesses from the list of witnesses for the Dover, PA trial. So, they won't testify in support of the school board. The Thomas More Center's folks (attorneys for the Dover School Board) are not happy about that. What does it mean? Is the Discovery Institute bailing out on the Dover folks? They seem afraid that the case might yield a negative verdict regarding the constitutionality of the issue. Read more about this, and read part of the transcript of a debate between a representative of the Thomas More Law Center and one from the Discovery Institute.

Here is part of the Testimony of Kenneth Miller, who testified in support of the parents who sued the Dover School Board. He does capture a few things about the issue fairly well: