But those who seek to ban books are wrong no matter how dangerous books can be. Books are inseparable from ideas, and this is really what is at stake: the struggle over what a child, a reader and a society are allowed to think, to know and to question. A book can open doors and show the possibility of new experiences, even new identities and futures.
DON’T LET RACISM DEFINE THE EGYPTIAN PROTESTS
Chaos. Anarchy. Looting. Violence.
These are words you associate with any political activity that you want to discredit in the eyes of mainstream America. That is why it is essential to challenge any attempt by the media or politicians to frame the political protests in Egypt using such terms.
We must understand why this language is particularly loaded. It connects sweeping generalizations of the Muslim world with racist fears that many Americans associate with the urban “riots” of the 1960s, as well as the 1992 Los Angeles uprising and the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
In places like Detroit, as with cities across America, thousands of suburbanites still wrongly believe that everything was fine in the city until violent, extremist, and hate-filled blacks forced them to flee during the 1960s. The reality is that a situation that the white middle class viewed as normal, stable, prosperous was premised on job discrimination, housing segregation, political disenfranchisement, and police abuse against people of color.
While not a solution, the uprisings drew overdue attention to a dehumanizing and often violent system that millions of American overtly or tacitly supported. That is why political activists called them “rebellions” rather than “riots.” But Nixon’s conservative call for “law and order” fed on anxiety and prejudice.
In Egypt, a popular protest movement that has been widely supported by diverse and peaceful sectors of society is seeking the downfall of the three-decade long Mubarak dictatorship, which has quashed democratic opposition while reaping billions of dollars in American aid.
Yet, with millions of Americans paying at best cursory attention to these events and the history leading up to them, many will view Egypt primarily through the lens of fear and misguided self-interest. Scenes of looting and burning will be easily taken out of context unless we act quickly to counter these trends.
In one of his trademark mash-ups of Islamophobia, McCarthyism, and xenophobia, Glenn Beck has been warning listeners that revolution in Egypt “sets the entire Middle East on fire.” This will trigger “the communists and the Muslim radicals” taking over all of Europe. He then implies that sleeper cells will awaken to destroy America from within.
Egyptian blogger Mona Eltahawy chastised CNN, among many less extreme but still complicit outlets portraying “chaos” and “anarchy” using narratives and footage provided by Mubarak’s state-run media. Indeed, many Egyptians are convinced that the Murbarak regime is instigating violence in a desperate hope that Egyptians will welcome a return to his authoritarian control.
Meanwhile, the Obama administration is frantically trying to change course after first defining the Mubarak regime as stable and then issuing equivocating statements calling for restraint on “both sides”—one, the largely unarmed protestors, and the other, the heavily armed state police with a pattern of jailing, beating, and sometimes torturing dissidents.
No matter the outcome, the uprising in Egpyt, following the revolution against the U.S.-backed dictatorship in Tunisia, has upended a pillar of American foreign policy and caught our government flat-footed. While steering clear of Bush’s neoconservative hubris, President Obama has yet to enact new policies to match his lofty rhetoric about partnership and understanding.
As my colleague Juan Cole has pointed out, American foreign policy in the Middle East has been stained by “domino theory” logic—the fear that Islamic terrorists might take over one country and expand their control one-by-one to other countries in the region. Just as during the Cold War (Philippines, Haiti, Nicaragua, etc.), this has meant supporting autocratic and repressive regimes while squandering opportunities to build democratic alternatives.
This crisis provides an opportunity for all Americans to wake up and accept responsibility for transcending the failures of the past. We need to reject racist images that depict legitimate protestors as savages that must be corralled.
Instead of fearing democracy, we must recall JFK’s famous words: “Those who make peaceful revolution impossible, make violent revolution inevitable.” More than any previous generation, those coming of age in the Obama era can now witness the cost and consequences of a strategy predicated on support for friendly dictators.
Wisdom
www.facebook.com/1263271265/posts/10221216070572340/
Powerful words to live by.
THIS IS RIGHT ON THE NOSE. …….READ IT SLOWLY… I DON’T KNOW WHO WROTE IT, BUT I AM GUESSING IT WAS A SENIOR!!! I FIRST STARTED READING THIS AND WAS READING FAST UNTIL I REACHED THE THIRD SENTENCE. I STOPPED AND STARTED OVER READING SLOWER AND THINKING ABOUT EVERY WORD. THIS IS VERY THOUGHT-PROVOKING. MAKES YOU STOP AND THINK.AND THEN IT IS WINTER You know. . . time has a way of moving quickly and catching you unaware of the passing years.It seems just yesterday that I was young, just married and embarking on my new life with my mate. Yet in a way, it seems like eons ago, and I wonder where all the years went. I know that I lived them all. I have glimpses of how it was back then and of all my hopes and dreams. But, here it is… the winter of my life and it catches me by surprise…How did I get here so fast? Where did the years go and where did my youth go?I remember well seeing older people through the years and thinking that those older people were years away from me and that winter was so far off that I could not fathom it or imagine fully what it would be like. But, here it is…my friends are retired and getting grey…they move slower and I see an older person now. Some are in better and some worse shape than me…but, I see the great change….Not like the ones that I remember who were young and vibrant…but, like me, their age is beginning to show and we are now those older folks that we used to see and never thought we’d be.Each day now, I find that just getting a shower is a real target for the day! And taking a nap is not a treat anymore… it’s mandatory! Cause if I don’t on my own free will… I just fall asleep where I sit!And so…now I enter into this new season of my life unprepared for all the aches and pains and the loss of strength and ability to go and do things that I wish I had done but never did!But, at least I know, that though the winter has come, and I’m not sure how long it will last…this I know, that when it’s over on this earth…it’s NOT over. A new adventure will begin!Yes, I have regrets. There are things I wish I hadn’t done…things I should have done, but indeed, there are many things I’m happy to have done. It’s all in a lifetime.So, if you’re not in your winter yet…let me remind you, that it will be here faster than you think. So, whatever you would like to accomplish in your life please do it quickly! Don’t put things off too long!Life goes by quickly. So, do what you can today, as you can never be sure whether this is your winter or not! You have no promise that you will see all the seasons of your life…so, live for today and say all the things that you want your loved ones to remember…and hope that they appreciate and love you for all the things that you have done for them in all the years past!”Life” is a gift to you. The way you live your life is your gift to those who come after. Make it a fantastic one.LIVE IT WELL! ENJOY TODAY! DO SOMETHING FUN! BE HAPPY! HAVE A GREAT DAY! REMEMBER:….”It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver.”LIVE HAPPY IN THIS YEAR AND EVERY YEAR!LASTLY, CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING:TODAY IS THE OLDEST YOU’VE EVER BEEN, YET THE YOUNGEST YOU’LL EVER BE SO – ENJOY THIS DAY WHILE IT LASTS.~Your kids are becoming you…….~Going out is good.. Coming home is better!~You forget names…. But it’s OK because other people forgot they even knew you!!!~You realize you’re never going to be really good at anything~The things you used to care to do, you no longer care to do, but you really do care that you don’t care to do them anymore.~You sleep better on a lounge chair with the TV blaring than in bed. It’s called “pre-sleep”.~You miss the days when everything worked with just an “ON” and “OFF” switch..~You tend to use more 4 letter words … “what?”…”when?”… “what?” . ???~Now that you can afford expensive jewelry, it’s not safe to wear it anywhere.~You notice everything they sell in stores is “sleeveless”?!!!~What used to be freckles are now liver spots.~Everybody whispers.~You have 3 sizes of clothes in your closet…. 2 of which you will never wear.~But Old is good in some things: Old Songs, Old movies, and best of all, OLD FRIENDS!!Stay well, “OLD FRIEND!” Send this on to other “Old Friends!” and let them laugh in AGREEMENT!!!
It’s Not What You Gather, But What You Scatter That Tells What Kind Of Life You Have Lived.
FILIPINO AMERICAN HISTORY
CRASH ON THE WAY???
STOCKS
INEQUITIES PREVALENT STILL
AMERICAN DISAPPOINTMENTS
WORDS…..
FOR THOSE WHO ARE DOWN
Years ago, I wrote this rant to a group of high school students I mentor. Today, she finds herself out of a job on Capitol Hill due to the changed administration. She said she kept the note tucked away. Today, she shared how my message is helping her get through this transition. You never know how words can affect people. Make sure to keep it positive. I’m sharing this message. Hope it helps for those down and unemployed.
Hi Doc – It’s been a rough transition for a number of us, but I am reminded of something you had told us years ago. I knew I had it jotted down somewhere, dug through my old notes today to find it and wanted to share it again. You had said, “When it comes to feeling tired or ‘burned out,’ just think of the Manong cutting asparagus in the hot Stockton sun or the Auntie caring for three small children in Navy housing on a hot and humid Norfolk, summer day.. How does your discomfort really compare to the menial tasks our Uncles and Aunties underwent daily to open the doors of opportunity for us 2nd generation-ers, doors that remain eternally shut to them. We all should feel privileged and honored to do the work that we do. I do. Once we recognize the only enemy we truly have is within ourselves, only then can we begin to conquer it by doing [community] work that defines and redefines who we are and what we can be.” (Dated 2005) // So thank YOU for sharing these words with us back then and for YOUR commitment to young folks like me, allowing us to go forth. Your words have inspired me in tough times and as of late, have been helpful in focusing in on the important work that remains ahead. Thanks, Doc! (I hope you knew that I was listening)
SIZZLING 60S
FOR THOSE WHO ARE 60 yrs OLD AND ABOVE PLEASE READ THIS.This is for you. I really like what is said here and am going to try my best to follow it. Thank you to the person who wrote this. May God bless us all as we strive to be a blessing to others at this age, especially to our children.LW
Between 60 and death. It’s time to use the money you saved up. Use it and enjoy it. Don’t just keep it for those who may have no notion of the sacrifices you made to get it. Remember there is nothing more dangerous than a son or daughter-in-law with big ideas for your hard-earned capital.
Warning: This is also a bad time for investments, even if it seems wonderful or fool-proof. They only bring problems and worries. This is a time for you to enjoy some peace and quiet
.Stop worrying about the financial situation of your children and grandchildren, and don’t feel bad spending your money on yourself. You’ve taken care of them for many years, and you’ve taught them what you could. You gave them an education, food, shelter, and support. The responsibility is now theirs to earn their own money
.Keep a healthy life, without great physical effort. Do moderate exercise (like walking every day), eat well, and get your sleep. It’s easy to become sick, and it gets harder to remain healthy. That is why you need to keep yourself in good shape and be aware of your medical and physical needs. Keep in touch with your doctor, do tests even when you’re feeling well. Stay informed.
Always buy the best, most beautiful items for your significant other. The key goal is to enjoy your money with your partner. One day one of you will miss the other, and the money will not provide any comfort then, enjoy it together
.Don’t stress over the little things. You’ve already overcome so much in your life. You have good memories and bad ones, but the important thing is the present. Don’t let the past drag you down and don’t let the future frighten you. Feel good in the now. Small issues will soon be forgotten
.Regardless of age, always keep love alive. Love your partner, love life, love your family, love your neighbor and remember: “A man is not old as long as he has intelligence and affection.
“Be proud, both inside and out. Don’t stop going to your hair salon or barber, do your nails, go to the dermatologist and the dentist, keep your perfumes and creams well stocked. When you are well-maintained on the outside, it seeps in, making you feel proud and strong.
Don’t lose sight of fashion trends for your age, but keep your own sense of style. You’ve developed your own sense of what looks good on you – keep it and be proud of it. It’s part of who you are
.ALWAYS stay up-to-date. Read newspapers, watch the news. Go online and read what people are saying. Make sure you have an active email account and try to use some of those social networks. You’ll be surprised at what old friends you’ll meet.
Respect the younger generation and their opinions. They may not have the same ideas as you, but they are the future and will take the world in their direction. Give advice, not criticism, and try to remind them that yesterday’s wisdom still applies today. Never use the phrase: “In my time.” Your time is now. As long as you’re alive, you are part of this time
.Some people embrace their golden years, while others become bitter and surly. Life is too short to waste your days on the latter. Spend your time with positive, cheerful people, it’ll rub off on you and your days will seem that much better. Spending your time with bitter people will make you feel older and harder to be around
.Do not surrender to the temptation of living with your children or grandchildren (if you have a financial choice, that is). Sure, being surrounded by family sounds great, but we all need our privacy. They need theirs and you need yours. Even then, do so only if you feel you really need the help or do not want to live by yourself
Don’t abandon your hobbies. If you don’t have any, make new ones. You can travel, hike, cook, read, dance. You can adopt a cat or a dog, grow a kitchen garden, play cards, checkers, chess, dominoes, golf
.Try to go. Get out of the house, meet people you haven’t seen in a while, experience something new (or something old). The important thing is to leave the house from time to time. Go to museums, go walk through a park. Get out there
.Speak in courteous tones and try not to complain or criticize too much unless you really need to. Try to accept situations as they are
.Pains and discomfort go hand in hand with getting older. Try not to dwell on them but accept them as a part of life.
If you’ve been offended by someone – forgive them. If you’ve offended someone-apologize. Don’t drag around resentment with you. It only serves to make you sad and bitter. It doesn’t matter who was right. Someone once said: “Holding a grudge is like taking poison and expecting the other person to die.” Don’t take that poison. Forgive, forget, and move on with your life.
Laugh. Laugh away your worries Remember, you are one of the lucky ones. You managed to have a life, a long one. Many never get to this age, never get to experience a full life
.My valued friends, enjoy peaceful life at this point in your life …Don’t worry… be happy. 
datruthchronicles 
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