Monday 24 December 2012

dear pope

dear pope benedict,*

your binary gender construct reveals that you do not stand on a monopoly of truth.

your Christmas message reveals that you proclaim godliness with your mouth and lips, but in your heart you are not at peace.

you have failed in your duty to proclaim the Love of God. you failed to mourn with those that mourn, when so many mourn this year.  you refused to provide comfort to the comfortless.  who does that?  surely not a true representative of Jesus.

enlightened man has always known that gender is eternal.  science-informed man has recognized that gender is explained best on a continuum.  though even the continuum fails to capture the complexity of gender.

i wish you peace and repentance.  when you realize how many people those words injured, you will feel an anguish that mustn't be pleasant.  i've talked with mormon leaders after suicides.  its a very deep cry.

for those he hurt, you know deep down he is wrong.  remember, there are more of us than them.

forward in faith,
your Sister






*(i always want to add arnold after his name)

Wayne LaPierre ÷ & conquer strategy

i believe truth is pretty easy to spot.

by paying attention, i feel like i can tell if someone is lying to me or not.  sometimes it takes a bit of practice.  some folks are really hard to peg.  but for the most part, i feel like i have a pretty decent B.S. meter

philosophers have argued for centuries about the nature of truth.  that usually gets wrapped up in the nature of man, nature of God, purpose of pain, purpose of life realm of questioning.

i believe that truth is relative.  quantum physics teaches us that relativity is a law of the universe.  which is part of why being human is important to survival.  without relativity we could figure a way out of needing to exist.

so truth is relative.  usually killing is wrong.  sometimes it is right.  sometimes it is the only righteous thing you can do.  sometimes killing happens in haste, sometimes its planned out.  they are all different.  justice requires judges because no two cases are ever the same.

i also believe that truth is light.  that truth has an energy about it.  it has matter.  that truth changes us physically.  part of the purpose of life is to become prisms of light.
"my voice is Spirit; my Spirit truth; truth abides and has no end; and if it be in your it shall abound.  and your eye be single to my glory, your whole bodies shall be filled with light, and there shall be no darkness in you; and that body which is filled with light comprehends all things.  Therefore, sanctify yourselves that your minds become single to God, and the days will come that you shall see him for he will unveil his face unto you, and it shall be in his own time, and in his own way, and according to his own will." (Joseph Smith, Dec 27 1832)

the bible teaches us that being in the presence of truth invites the Holy Spirit and we can tell we are feeling the "fruits of the spirit" when we feel: love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, kindess, temperance.

when i read words like "they shall rebuke may people: and they shall beat their swords unto plow-shares, and their spears into pruning-hooks -- nation shall not life up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore" i don't feel dogmatic, i feel like this is a hope we can all hold.  peace and love should never be outlawed.  i thought peace and love is what we are all here to promote?

therefore, i believe this video is the antithesis of truth



from the Joseph Smith 1830:
"Blood for the saints shall cry from the ground ...  because of pride, false teachers, and false doctrine. 
Their churches have become corrupted, and their churches are lifted up; because of pride they are puffed up.
They rob the poor; persecute the meek; and the poor in heart, for:
  • fine sanctuaries; 
  • fine clothing; 
  • to feed their sense of pride 

O! the wise, learned and/or rich, who believe your excess is justified! and all those who preach false doctrines ... Wo unto you that turn aside the just for a thing of naught and revile against that which is good, and say it is of no worth!


paraphrased from 2 Nephi 28:10-23


Sunday 23 December 2012

HOLY DAY



Sabbath morning
The time is near
A family gathered as
Love surrounds her

Waiting in anticipation –

of life.

And as I watch
Through labored breaths

Life flows in. 
   
 Love warms us.
We bask in the light coming
through the parted veil.

Welcome precious daughter!


Sabbath evening
The time is near
A family gathered as
Love surrounds her
Waiting in anticipation –

of death. 
  

And as I watch 
Through labored breaths

Life flows out. 
   
Love warms us.
We bask in the light coming
  through the parted veil.

Welcome precious daughter!


--by Cindy Packard


Written on the day of the passing of Lovene Ferrin (Carolei’s Mom) and a morning when
Cindy assisted, as midwife, in the birth of a baby girl.

Saturday 22 December 2012

Let's Demand a Plan

My cousin Greg was murdered at point blank range with a gun. Just blew his face right off apparently.  It was early morning and he'd dropped a friend off at work so he could use his car.  Returned to his girlfriend's house and bad guy type drug dealers were there.  Not totally sure what was going one.  Greg had just been released from jail where he'd been living for quite some time due to drug charges.  All I know is he got home, guys were holding his girlfriend up.  Greg tried to talk them down, and they shot him at point blank range and then continued to torment his girlfriend.  If I understand the story right, all of the folks involved, except for Greg's girlfriend are dead.  There were some police chases and all sorts of nutsoness to get the bad guys who'd killed my cousin.  My mom claims they were part of a mexican drug thing.  Who knows ... I guess now, it doesn't matter.  

Sydney, my aunt and mentor, wrapped herself in shower curtains, laid in the bathtub -- she didn't want to leave a big mess -- and pulled the trigger to a handgun.  Blew her brains all over.

We had a deal.  If she ever felt like trying to kill herself again, she was supposed to call me.  I'd just graduated with my clinical MSW and studied suicide.  I knew what to do and we followed all the safety things.  Her husband wasn't a big help.  My friend Mandy and Julie were moving back out west and I was going to tag along as a fellow adventurer and we were going to go see her on the way out.

I
nstead, we left a couple days early because she had killed herself.  By the time I go to her house, it was all cleaned up.  Just a hole in the cast iron bathtub.  I fell by the side of it and just cried the angriest tears of my life.

I'm still mad at my uncle for insisting that his right to own those weapons superseded my aunt's safety.  I don't know how to forgive him for being so selfish.  He knew she was suicidal, and would not give them up.  She took that to mean he wanted her dead.  I think he did.  He was having an affair and didn't want to deal with her, plus he'd get a big life insurance thing if she did it.  Can you prosecute that? 

If people suffering with a mental illness were able to get the help they need and we had realistic rules around weapons -- the kind that PROMOTE  safety and life, I think both of my family members would be alive. I'd love for them to come back and share their feelings about guns and the rules we should live by. Since that didn't happen, even on 12/21/12, I guess its time I do.


I'm going to make one of these videos and post it.  I want it to be cool so I'm going to enlist some friends to help, maybe they will make videos too.

I want the holidays to be a safe time. I want my constitutional right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness to be protected.  I want my aunt and my cousin back.  I don't want anyone else I love to die a violent death.  



I DEMAND A PLAN
The horrific school shooting in Newtown, CT is the latest devastating example of the toll of gun violence. It's time for our leaders to take action.
Every day, 34 people are murdered with guns in this country. The "I Demand A Plan" video project records the personal stories of Americans whose lives were forever changed by these tragedies.
Watch and share their videos, add your own and Demand A Plan!
http://www.demandaplan.org/stories/submit


from a nurse at U of A




Saturday 15 December 2012

this has to stop!



CHARLOTTE BACON
DANIEL BARDEN
RACHEL DAVINO
OLIVIA ENGEL
JOSEPHINE GAY
ANA G. MARQUEZ-GREENE
DYLAN HOCKLEY
DAWN HOCHSPRUNG
MADELEINE F. HSU
CATHERINE V. HUBBARD
CHASE KOWALSKI
JESSE LEWIS
JAMES MATTIOLI
GRACE MCDONNELL
ANNE MARIE MURPHY
EMILIE PARKER
JACK PINTO
NOAH POZNER
CAROLINE PREVIDI
JESSICA REKOS
AVIELLE RICHMAN
LAUREN ROUSSEAU
MARY SHERLACH
VICTORIA SOTO
BENJAMIN WHEELER
ALLISON N. WYATT






why don't we just set up a cash for guns deal like we had for clunkers?  i'm guessing we could just decide to "turn swords into plowshares" tonight.  we'd just translate it to guns for jobs and then we could just melt that metal into something more productive?

could we set up a by-back program.  bring us your gun and we will give you $$$, some price?

remember:
Many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. — Isaiah 2:3-4

here's what i'd like to see.  we start a national jobs training program.  for each gun you bring in you get a certificate ... you also have to go through some therapy, as we assume you've seen some stuff.  bring us a gun you get a therapist, contraception, health care, and job training.

could it work?  seems worth a try.  better than hating each other ...



Wednesday 5 December 2012

life on paper

i spend more time than i'd like to admit pondering the question, "what is identity?"  i'm convenced that we, as Sullivan postulated, "are in relationship to".  i'm maternal around some people, childish around others, organized and commanding with some, and disheveled and frustrating to others.

but still, there are aspects of my self that are constant.  i think this is true of all human beings we have our roles within aspects of self.  So we each have an emotional self; sexual self; a financial self; a work self; etc.

this month i'm focusing on my financial self.  the right brain aspects that have suffered most during my PTSD. i've been stuck for awhile, unable to figure out how or where to move.  a friend sent me a few TED talks* that helped me find my own strength to set out in the creation of a new "SuperBetter" self.

PTSD is no friend to home finances or organization ... I'm hoping my post-disordered (aka "ordered"?) self is a paragon of organization.   i've enlisted a few helpers:

  • Its Not About the Money: this book has helped me look more honestly at my relationship with money.  Understanding my approach to money has helped me identify strengths and weaknesses
  • Basically it taught me that I'm not good with money right now, so I've hired a financial advisor.  She is basically like a financial coach. First, she is helping me establish financial goals and a way to achieve them.  Plus, she knows pit falls, good deals, and ways to help me both reduce debt and increase income.  We are just starting but I can feel a big difference in my approach to my finances and office already knowing that there is a team of people wanting to help!  
  • Martha Stewart -- She didn't stop by, I just have her HomeKeeping Handbook
My goal is to know where all my important papers are within 48 hours.  Is this too much to ask? ;)

Anyway, I thought I'd share the process because I'm hoping I'm  amongst friends with ignored paperwork.  



Tuesday 20 November 2012

is the christian right's obsession with the "end of days" standing in the way of peace?

From where i'm looking, its totally plausible.

Orthodox Christianity and Mormonism believe that nothing since the very day of creation itself, will have more impact than when Christ "comes again".   Since the world was created ... not sliced bread, not microwaves, not even the birth of Jesus, but way back to before there was an earth or animals or plants.  Remember how that was nothing ... and how that got changed?  There will be a change that is that significant.  Its when Christ returns.  From this perspective, once Jesus comes again peace and happiness will reign.  

Problem is, according to the same sources, he is not able to come again until a number of horrible occurring first.   Which creates a weird "Catch 22", in fact even an environment of schadenfreuder as each travesty in the middle each is an inch closer to the blessed day.

Would the world be more peaceful world if the book of Revelations and these predictions of calamity were not in the Bible? 
From a Facebook exchange:   
peace is posible but not in this life. Mosiah 3:19 For the natural man is an enemy to God... it is in mans nature to be angry, want as many women as possible, greedy, and selfish. that is what this life is about. overcoming our natural man. if it wasnt we wouldnt need laws. i long for peace, my heart breaks that we have such a short time in this life and people waste it fighting and so many children grow up without a childhood and are taught to hate others. but i must be realistic. every ward has members who dont go to church because they dont like other mormons in their ward. if we cant even get along in amerca when we are in the same church how will the middle east come together? there has always been wars and as long as there are 2 or more people on the earth there will be wars.    
not leading with fear, leading with reality

This long range, not in this lifetime, perspective has impact on American foreign policy.  If negotiators hold this view point, where will/can we end up?

We need to be sure to employ only negotiators that believe in peace.  New and improved litmus test for the 21st Century: 'do you believe that peace is possible'?

If we don't ask the question, and continue to let the Mormons, Conservative Christians and Zionists who do not believe in peace, form our foreign policy, this is where they might take us:
  • "The greatest war, slaughter, carnage, bloodshed, and desolation for all ages will be in full swing at the very hour when Christ returns. ...  All nations of the Earth shall be gathered at Jerusalem  at Armageddon, in the valley of Jeshaphat, the valley of decision.  It will be 'a day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and of think darkness, as the morning spread upon the mountains'.  The hosts of Gog and Magog, the armies assembled to battle, shall be 'a great people and a strong; there hath not been eve the like, neither shall be any more after it, even to the years of many generations.  A fire devoureth before them, and behind them a flame burneth: the land is as the garden of Eden before them, and behind them and desolate wilderness; yea and nothing share escape them" -- McConkie
  • For the wicked descriptive words for this day include: sorrow, dreadful, desolation, burning, vengeance, 'judgment which the wicked shall not abide'.
  • Christ will be in red and the costume is stunning! 'Like him that treadeth in a wine-vat'.  Which is often interpreted as symbolic of all the blood.  "And his voice shall be heard: I have trodden the winepress alone, and have brought judgement upon all people; and none were with me; An I have trampled them in my fury, and I did tread upon them in mine anger, and their blood have I sprinkled upon my garments, and stained all my raiment; for this was the day of vengeance which was in my heart (see D&C 133:41-51)
  • When Jesus comes again, he will judge the nations and will divide the righteous from the wicked (see Matthew 25:31-46). "I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God . . . and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years." The wicked he saw "lived not again until the thousand years were finished" (Revelation 20:4-5).
We will get what we aim for. 

Peace will prevail, eventually.  I hope it is soon.  I chose peace.  I hope others will too.  We can get there, but it will just require the meek to walk in boldness without weapons and in peace.  Which means it will take a whole lot of us.

May we walk on!


Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy


some of the back-up from scriptures if your interested
  • John 14:2-3; Matthew 26:64 (Jesus to prepare a place and come again)
  • Malachi 3:2-3; 4:1; D&C 64:23-25 (earth to be burned)
  • D&C 133:41-51 (wicked to be destroyed)
  • Matthew 13:40-43 (the Judgment predicted)
  • Romans 2:6-9; Revelation 20:12-13 (the Judgment)
  • 1 Corinthians 15:40-42; D&C 78; 88:17-35 (degrees of glory)
  • 2 Corinthians 12:2 (a man was caught up to the third heaven)
  • D&C 43:29-30; 29:11 (the Savior's coming will usher in the Millennium)
  • Articles of Faith 1:10 (Jesus to reign)
  • Alma 11:43-44; Alma 40 (the Resurrection explained)
  • Helaman 14:25 (the dead to rise)
  • Zechariah 14:9; Revelation 11:15; 1 Nephi 22:24-26 (Jesus to reign as King)

Thursday 15 November 2012

Why I love Nancy Pelosi

this is such a perfect example of the genius and grace of nancy pelosi.

watch how she responds as a young journalist suggests she needs to step down because she is old.  exchange begins at 2:00



Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy



if you're curious, i found her opening remarks inspiring.  she holds her own with such grace i love it!


Wednesday 7 November 2012

303 becomes 420+

just sayin'

this guy was a prophet ...


EXHALE

i wrote this on my "wall" a moment ago.  my GOP friends are heartbroken and its a bummer to watch.  i know the feeling. i'm grateful that some friends will know understand a tinge of the agony of 2000.    won the popular vote. lost by just over 500 votes in FL. hard a pill would that be to swallow.

so after having swallowed that pill, its a glorious morning.  so in my jubilation i wrote this:


"Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God." 
we all voted with our hearts. with hope for a better world. if we keep the hope of the better world alive, we can achieve it. not through fighting, but through really listening to each other. 
we are scruffy lot! our democracy is ugly and we get nasty. we fight with love, passion and deep conviction. 
may the next 4 years be a time of healing for us all. may we work harder to understand where the other is coming from. may we learn empathy for each other's suffering. my the wounds of war, both seen and unseen, be cared for and healed. 
restoration of america's place as the harbinger of hope is possible. america can lead the way in securing that every person lives in dignity. in safe society that allows us to fulfill our greatest potential. where 'life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness is guaranteed.
we aren't there: yet. 
let's come together to build a more perfect union. not just as the 50 states, but as a global community. 
out of many, one. america is the land of many. but we are one. and because we are one, we are one with the rest of the world. 
SOMOS AMERICANOS! (that is for you Lee Fleming) 
*if your still reading thanks ... i was really feeling this! ;)

Monday 5 November 2012

Mormons and Voter Intimidation?

this is not a singular experience.  others have shared on the Mormons for Obama Facebook page and at mormonstories.org etc.  it does seem a bit oppressive.

it will be interesting to see if more of this pops up.  i know that during Prop 8, friends in California felt their temple recommends threatened for not having anti-gay marriage signs in their yard. another friend's husband gave the anti-movement money simply because he felt like it would jeopardize their social status in the ward if they didn't.


from the Mormons for Obama facebook:

This morning's seminary kinda went off the rails. Here's what I sent to our stake president, and bishop in an email: 

<<<<

At this morning's seminary, (the seminary teacher) began by saying this week was going to be exciting, concluding with words that included, "and we're getting a new president!!!!". 


What followed was many of the students making loud, hateful comments towards President Obama.

With several other adults present, none of them reminded the class regarding the Church's neutrality on such comments.

What would be your counsel on such matters?

Anne and I feel this behavior is totally inappropriate for seminary and (the seminary teacher) failed to provide the proper spirit for seminary, supported by the adults in attendance (Brother xxxxx and Sister xxxxx).

The Church has been quite clear on how we are to approach political issues (page 41 of the October Ensign).

What should be the consequences of this behavior in your estimation?

Thank you>>>

My 17 year old daughter came home in tears.

Mormons and Voter Fraud


of all the things that have been painful, and frankly scary about this election, the hardest thing to swollow has been romney's lack of adherence to the truth.

as mormons, we have a rich doctrine of the concepts of truth.  we believe that truth is light, knowledge, power.  that it has matter.  it is transformative.  nothing in the presence of truth can remain unchanged.  we believe that all truth point to other truths. that truth exists in the "great whole" of the universe.

since the nature of man and God in mormonism is also so central both to the faith and to understand the depth of Romney's offense against my soul, i think i should also explain this just a bit.

"as man is, God once was.  and as God is, man may become."  we are in an eternal process headed not just towards godhood, but eternal joy.  bliss.  nirvana.  whatever you want to call it.

we believe that God has a body as tangible as yours.  that when you meet God, you can shake his/her hand.

yes, that is right.  mormons pray to both a Heavenly Father and a Heavenly Mother.  I can't ever really pray to my Heavenly Mother in public, nor do I even like talking with Her in front of people.  We have an intimate relationship.  I talk to Her about all the deepest fears, hopes, all sexual stuff, etc.

with my Heavenly Father, i can pray about money, work, world peace.  since we usually at more macro, its easier to talk with him in public.

i don't know why i break it out like this.  i'm sure it is because i was socialized into some serious gender norms.  but whatever.  this is how i conceive of God and so do the rest of us mormons. (at least the less personal aspects.  i'm sure each mormon has their own personal relationship with their Parents the same way we all do within our own families).

mormons believe in the supreme God, Elohim   but that just means God of Gods really.  we are a bit more Shinto than many imagine.  we believe that our forefathers and mothers are with us still.  they love us, and are heavenly parents to us.  we have the all power, God of God who is the Father and Mother of Christ and from there, we are all in one way siblings.

so, when we go to church with each other, we call each other brother and sister.  i mean it (though i prefer to call people by their first names).  but i love the concept.  you are my sister or my brother, whoever you are that i'm writing to or talking with.


if the voter fraud that the romney and Flake campaign is accused of is true i will sorely disappointed.  frankly, i'd expect it from romney.  he is like that.  win at all costs, amoral, selfish, stereotypical millionaire candidate.

but brother flake?  i've sat in sunday school with you.  we are from the same hometown.  you are a man of honor who doesn't want to be in any office you won illegally right?  heck, i'd take you for the kind of guy who wouldn't want to win if its wasn't a fair ans square victory.  so, WTF with this?  and can you fix it?

remember

"We believe that governments were instituted of God for the benefit of man; and that he holds men accountable for their acts in relation to them, both in making laws and administering them, for the good and safety of society.

 We believe that no government can exist in peace, except such laws are framed and held inviolate as will secure to each individual the free exercise of cconscience, the right and control of property, and the protection of life.

We believe that all governments necessarily require civil officers and magistrates to enforce the laws of the same; and that such as will administer the law in equity and justice should be sought for and upheld by the voice of the people if a republic, or the will of the sovereign."  (D&C 134:1-3)

so, i guess, there might really be hell to pay for this one?

Saturday 3 November 2012

romney gets testy about mormonism

this video is painful to watch.  i'd kinda wish it didn't exist ... because i wish the guy running neck-and-neck for the presidency of the US should be more poised, humble, honest, and compassionate.  to me the office should be reserved for "noble and great" ones.

this video is proof of what we've all known ... romney is the kind of guy that does this.  you know the kind.

ask yourself if romney can successfully promote peace, prosperity, and hope across the world with this type of worldview.





i'm so freaked out by this video that i just have to share it so that i don't have to carry the burden of its knowledge alone anymore.  (disclaimer, i've known about it for less than 2 hours)

this is not actual mormon doctrine as i know it.  i'm sure there will be doctrinal refutations soon. i will post them i'd do it, but i'm tired, and its just way out there.

Thursday 1 November 2012

silver lining of sandy

ric burns take on the destruction in NYC/NJ and what it means for the future is really beautiful.  basically testifies that america always rebuilds itself into something amazing.  we start a whole new thing.  something never conseved of by anyone.  but we all catch a vision of it and collectively go for it.  out of many one. e pluribus unum.


thanks!


Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy



rugged individualism's greed and self serving has always run contrary to the nobility of real america.  real america was built by prophets, seers, & revelators who showed us a place where everyone's divine nature was recognized and honored.  revolutionaries and renegades fought to insure that all live in dignity and glory to their God.  and frankly, it has been prostitutes, "the mentally ill", preachers, sophistrists that helped us establish a separation of church and state that would allow all men to worship how, when, who and what, they may.

each american is a son or daughter of the signers of this constitution.  this document is written in our DNA.  we decided to take what people dreamed of, and make it a reality.  and we did.  we are still in search of a more perfect union.  may this election be as divided as we get.  as you read this, please envision what we might be able to do if as a country we decided to come together to rebuild the Most perfect union we've ever had and restore our place on the globe as a moral, technical, and political leader.

IN CONGRESS, JULY 4, 1776
The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America
When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. — Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.
He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.
He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.
He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.
He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their Public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.
He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.
He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected, whereby the Legislative Powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.
He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.
He has obstructed the Administration of Justice by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary Powers.
He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.
He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people and eat out their substance.
He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.
He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil Power.
He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:
For quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:
For protecting them, by a mock Trial from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:
For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:
For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:
For depriving us in many cases, of the benefit of Trial by Jury:
For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences:
For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies
For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:
For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.
He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.
He has plundered our seas, ravaged our coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.
He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation, and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & Perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.
He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.
He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.
In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.
Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our British brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.
We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these united Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States, that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. — And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.

Wednesday 31 October 2012

Mormon Prophets Speak out Against Income Inequality


The First Presidency and Council of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (1875)

THE EXPERIENCE OF MANKIND has shown that the people of communities and nations among whom wealth is the most equally distributed, enjoy the largest degree of liberty, are the least exposed to tyranny and oppression and suffer the least from luxurious habits which beget vice. Under such a
system, carefully maintained there could be no great aggregations of either real or personal property in the hands of a few; especially so while the laws, forbidding the taking of usury or interest for money or property loaned, continued in force.

ONE OF THE GREAT EVILS with which our own nation is menaced at the present time is the wonderful growth of wealth in the hands of a comparatively few individuals. The very liberties for which our fathers contended so steadfastly and courageously, and which they bequeathed to us as a priceless legacy, are endangered by the monstrous power which this accumulation of wealth gives to a few individuals and a few powerful corporations. By its seductive influence results are accomplished which, were it more equally distributed, would be impossible under our form of government. It threatens to give shape to the legislation, both State, and National, of the entire country. If this evil should not be checked, and measures not taken to prevent the continued enormous growth of riches among the class already rich, and the painful increase of destitution and want among the poor, the
nation is likely to be overtaken by disaster; for, according to history, such a tendency among nations once powerful was the sure precursor of ruin.

YEARS AGO IT WAS PERCEIVED that we Latter-day Saints were open to the same dangers as those which beset the rest of the world. A condition of affairs existed among us which was favorable to the growth of riches in the hands of a few at the expense of many. A wealthy class was being rapidly formed in our midst whose interests in the course of time, were likely to be diverse from those of the rest of the community. The growth of such a class was dangerous to our union; and, of all people, we stand most in need of union and to have our interests identical. Then it was that the Saints were
counseled to enter into co-operation. In the absence of the necessary faith to enter upon a more perfect order revealed by the Lord unto the Church, this was felt to be the best means of drawing us together and making us one.

A UNION OF INTERESTS was sought to be attained. At the time co-operation was entered upon the Latter-day Saints were acting in utter disregard of the principles of self-preservation. They were encouraging the growth of evils in their own midst which they condemned as the worst features of the systems from which they had been gathered. Large profits were being consecrated in comparatively few hands, instead of being generally distributed among the people. As a consequence, the community was being rapidly divided into classes, and the hateful and unhappy distinctions which the possession and lack of wealth give rise to, were becoming painfully apparent. When the proposition to organize Zion's Co-operative Mercantile Institution was broached, it was hoped that the community at large would become stockholders; for if a few individuals only were to own its stock, the advantages to the community would be limited. The people, therefore, were urged to take shares, and large numbers responded to the appeal. As we have shown, the business proved to be as successful as its most sanguine friends anticipated. But the distribution of profits among the community was not the
only benefit conferred by the organization of co-operation among us.

CO-OPERATION has submitted in silence to a great many attacks. Its friends have been content to let it endure the ordeal. But it is now time to speak. The Latter-day Saints should understand that it is our duty to sustain co-operation and to do all in our power to make it a success. The local co-operative stores should have the cordial support of the Latter-day Saints. Does not all our history impress upon us the great truth that in union is strength? Without it, what power would the Latter-day Saints have?
But it is not our doctrines alone that we should be united, but in practice and especially in our business affairs.

Your Brethren:

Brigham Young, Daniel H. Wells, Wilford Woodruff, Orson Pratt, Lorenzo Snow, Franklin D. Richards, Brigham Young Jr., George A. Smith, John taylor, Orson Hyde, Charles C,. Rich, Erastus Snow, George Q. Cannon, Albert Carrington
1875

Thursday 18 October 2012

maddow takes on GOP's notion of reality

i've been frustrated for years at the right's propensity to assert that what they want to be reality, is.  i'm glad to learn i'm not alone ...



Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Wednesday 17 October 2012

binders of women and followers of men

mitt's solution to the question of equal pay for women reminds me of the witch trial in monty python's holy grail (see below).  ok, i'm taking it out of context but for heavens sake here are some of the myriad of reasons his response terrifies me.


  1. he surrounds himself with people so stupid that they would suggest an entire state cabinet without one women one it
  2. they are so far way from qualified women that they have to do a nation wide search for qualified ones
  3. the dismay and wonder mitt experienced as he realized that there were qualified women



Friday 12 October 2012

Happy National Coming Out Day (a day late)

yesterday was national coming out day.  i didn't know until the middle of the day so ... tada.  late but not too late i hope.  i'd like to offer a passage from a book i'm reading.  may the shame and silence that keeps us trapped in our individual closets be quashed by honesty and love.

"There is a language older far and deeper than words.  It is the language of bodies, of body on body, wind on snow, rain on trees, wave on stone.  It is the language of dream, gesture, symbol, memory.  We have forgotten this language.  We do not even remember it exists. 
In order for us to maintain our way of living, we must, in a broad sense, tell lies to each other, and especially to ourselves.  It is not necessary that the lies be particularly believable.  The lies act as barriers to truth.  These barriers to truth are necessary because without them many deplorable acts would become impossibilities.  Truth must at all costs be avoided.  When we do allow self-evident truths to percolate past our defense and into our consciousness, they are treated like so many hand grenades rolling across the dance floor of an improbably macabre party.  We try to stay out of harms way, afraid they will go off, shatter our delusions, and leave us exposed to what we have done to the world and to ourselves, exposed as the hollow people we have become.  And so we avoid these truths, these self-evident truths and continue the dance of world destruction."   
  -- Derrick Jensen,  "A Language Older than Words", Silence

i trust Thoreau when he said that "the only way out is through".  i also trust Jesus when he said "the truth will set you free".  so i've decided that to celebrate National Coming Out Day, i'd live a more reality based, honest life.  mostly, i want to stop hiding truths from myself.  does seem quite ridiculous.

Tuesday 9 October 2012

Draw the Line

i'm so grateful this is finally happening!!  we can draw the line ... all we have to do is draw it and then not move.  its time to get up stand up, stand up for your rights.  but the good news is, all we have to do is stand there.  just stand still and calm and say the truth loudly.


DRAW THE LINE – SIGN THE BILL – SPREAD THE WORD

Attacks on reproductive rights have become rampant. Hostile politicians keep trying to put women down in their speeches and keep women down through their laws. But when news of a movement to fight back reaches the one person capable of spreading the word to EVERYBODY, a revolution is born.



go to drawtheline.org, for a more impassioned video

Friday 5 October 2012

funny or scary

how is this race even close?  people are sharing this because they think it is funny... to me its quite scary.  how does this guy get so close to taking abe lincoln and george washington's chair?



PBS Statement Regarding October 3 Presidential Debate



ARLINGTON, VA – October 4, 2012 – We are very disappointed that PBS became a political target in the Presidential debate last night. Governor Romney does not understand the value the American people place on public broadcasting and the outstanding return on investment the system delivers to our nation. We think it is important to set the record straight and let the facts speak for themselves.

The federal investment in public broadcasting equals about one one-hundredth of one percent of the federal budget. Elimination of funding would have virtually no impact on the nation’s debt. Yet the loss to the American public would be devastating.

A national survey by the bipartisan research firms of Hart Research and American Viewpoint in 2011 found that over two-thirds of American voters (69%) oppose proposals to eliminate government funding of public broadcasting, with Americans across the political spectrum against such a cut.

As a stated supporter of education, Governor Romney should be a champion of public broadcasting, yet he is willing to wipe out services that reach the vast majority of Americans, including underserved audiences, such as children who cannot attend preschool and citizens living in rural areas.

For more than 40 years, Big Bird has embodied the public broadcasting mission – harnessing the power of media for the good of every citizen, regardless of where they live or their ability to pay. Our system serves as a universally accessible resource for education, history, science, arts and civil discourse.

Over the course of a year, 91% of all U.S. television households tune in to their local PBS station. In fact, our service is watched by 81% of all children between the ages of 2-8.

Each day, the American public receives an enduring and daily return on investment that is heard, seen, read and experienced in public media broadcasts, apps, podcasts and online – all for the cost of about $1.35 per person per year.

Earlier in 2012, a Harris Interactive poll confirmed that Americans consider PBS the most trusted public institution and the second most valuable use of public funds, behind only national defense, for the 9th consecutive year.

A key thing to remember is that public television and radio stations are locally owned and community focused and they are experts in working efficiently to make limited resources produce results. In fact, for every $1.00 of federal funding invested, they raise an additional $6.00 on their own – a highly effective public-private partnership.

Numerous studies -- including one requested by Congress earlier this year -- have stated categorically that while the federal investment in public broadcasting is relatively modest, the absence of this critical seed money would cripple the system and bring its services to an end.

Learn more at: http://valuepbs.org/.

About PBS
PBS, with its nearly 360 member stations, offers all Americans the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television and online content. Each month, PBS reaches nearly 123 million people through television and more than 21 million people online, inviting them to experience the worlds of science, history, nature and public affairs; to hear diverse viewpoints; and to take front row seats to world-class drama and performances. PBS’ broad array of programs has been consistently honored by the industry’s most coveted award competitions. Teachers of children from pre-K through 12th grade turn to PBS for digital content and services that help bring classroom lessons to life. PBS’ premier children’s TV programming and its website,pbskids.org, are parents’ and teachers’ most trusted partners in inspiring and nurturing curiosity and love of learning in children. More information about PBS is available atwww.pbs.org, one of the leading dot-org websites on the Internet, or by following PBS on TwitterFacebook or through our apps for mobile devices. Specific program information and updates for press are available at pbs.org/pressroom or by followingPBS Pressroom on Twitter.

CONTACT:

Anne Bentley, awbentley@pbs.org, 703-739-5021
Jan McNamara, jmcnamara@pbs.org, 703-739-5028

Tuesday 2 October 2012

Family Wellness Warriors


Family Wellness Warriors Initiative (FWWI) seeks to address the devastating problems of domestic violence, abuse, and neglect in the Alaska Native community. Its purpose is to equip organizations and individuals to effectively address the spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical effects of domestic violence, abuse, and neglect. It is our desire to encourage wellness in each of these areas in the individual, the family, the community, and the world in which we live:
*  Families and Communities
*  With hearts open to change
*  Working together with others through education and training
*  Instilling hope for restoration and wellness

i got to participate in part of one of their conferences  it was an amazing healing experience.  it caught me off guard.  i will write more about that later.

FWWI is an alaskan native lead initiative to break the cycle & end the silence of abuse.  they use truth telling, empathy, culture, and hearing.  its quite powerful.  i got just a smidgen and healed a ton.

this video provides a beautiful overview of the program.  the music is so amazingly alaskan i love it!


Sunday 30 September 2012

California Governor Signs Bill Banning 'Ex-Gay' Therapy For Kids

Truth Wins Out
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASESunday, Sept. 30, 2012
Contact: Wayne Besen, Executive DirectorPhone: 917-691-5118E-Mail: wbesen@truthwinsout.org
TWO Praises Gov. Jerry Brown For Signing Bill Banning 'Ex-Gay' Therapy For Kids
Law Is A Historic Step In Stopping Child Abuse Disguised As Therapy, Says TWO
Burlington, Vt. -- Truth Wins Out praised California Gov. Jerry Brown today for signing a bill into law today that prohibits minors from being subjected to an abusive form of treatment known as 'reparative therapy.' The law goes into effect January 1, 2013.
"This bill bans non-scientific 'therapies' that have driven young people to depression and suicide. These practices have no basis in science or medicine and they will now be relegated to the dustbin of quackery," Brown said in a statement to The San Francisco Chronicle.
"This is a historic day that protects LGBT youth from child abuse disguised as genuine therapy," said Truth Wins Out's Executive Director Wayne Besen. "We thank Gov. Brown for signing legislation that can serve as a model for similar bills across the nation."
Senate Bill 1172 was authored by Senator Ted Lieu and co-sponsored by the National Center for Lesbian Rights, Equality California, Gaylesta, Courage Campaign, Lambda Legal, and Mental Health America of Northern California, and supported by dozens of organizations including Truth Wins Out.
"Governor Brown today reaffirmed what medical and mental health organizations have made clear: Efforts to change minors' sexual orientation are not therapy, they are the relics of prejudice and abuse that have inflicted untold harm on young lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Californians," said Clarissa Filgioun, Equality California board president. "We thank Senator Ted Lieu and Governor Brown for their efforts in making California a leader in banning this deceptive and harmful practice."
Added NCLR Executive Director Kate Kendell: "Governor Brown has sent a powerful message of affirmation and support to LGBT youth and their families. This law will ensure that state-licensed therapists can no longer abuse their power to harm LGBT youth and propagate the dangerous and deadly lie that sexual orientation is an illness or disorder that can be 'cured.' "
Truth Wins Out is a nonprofit organization that fights anti-LGBT extremism. TWO specializes in turning information into action by organizing, advocating and fighting for LGBT equality.

Monday 24 September 2012

tuckpointing: 2nd time's a charm!





today began the tuckpointing of my house.  the masonry is the cause, according to many. of the water damage in my room and flooding in my basement.  lets just hope they are right?!

you may think, 'hey,didn't you do already that?' i'd have to say, 'wow you have a great memory!'  turns out you get what you pay for in tuckpointing ... and i got bamboozled so ... round 2.  i'm zen about it.

i chose renaissance development, not just because i love the idea of a renaissance, but also because i've known their owner dr. christina for 4 years now and know she is honest.  she sent her crew chief (i don't know what they are called in the masonry business) JJ is a rock star and i'm already impressed.

they arrived at 9:am sharp and got started.

so this



became this






this is is the view from my front door