From our Mailbag 10/06/01 - 10/21/01

We Just Read 'Em, We Don't Explain 'Em

From William G., (No City Provided,) USA:

SUBJECT: Muslim-Hindu-Christian-Jewish Peace Plan

The desire to prevent World War III and bring peace to the world is most likely the inner mood of most of us today. To do that we need to come to a common understanding of religious terminology and beliefs.

For example most of us have no idea that the name Allah comes from the Hebrew letter Alef, our A, in the English alphabet. This simple point contains enough information for every Christian, Jew and Hindu to accept Allah as a name of God.

I will explain further, in the "Old Testament" which Jewish people call the 5 books of Moses, God explains that He is the beginning to the end. This same idea is expressed in the New Testament. Revelation 22:13, I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. This English usage of Alpha is based on the Hebrew Alef. Also in the Hindu (Vedic) scripture, Bagavad Gita, Krishna says "of letters I am A."

Has God sent so many messengers each with a different message? Is He sitting in the Garden of Eden laughing at us? I think not! We have twisted His message based on our own material desire, creating our own Hell on Earth.

The objection we find from our Muslim brothers today comes from the desire to bring the world back to God and His ways. We find this mood in our Jewish-Christian tradition also. Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.

This lack of discipline, this foolish rush of insane materialism is what every deeply religious person objects to, no matter which faith he or she is coming from. We can take good example from our Amish brothers and Hindu (Vedic) sages.

An error of modern society and religion is to identify the body as the self. The Bhagavad-Gita clearly explains that we should see and accept the spiritual essence (the soul) of each living being as spiritually equal. There it is said, "The humble sage, by virtue of true knowledge, sees with equal vision a learned and gentle Brahman, a cow, an elephant, a dog and a dog-eater (outcast)." (Bagavad Gita 5.18)

How does the learned sage see every living entity with equal vision? He sees the spirit soul within the heart of each of God's creations. He understands that although living forms may appear different, those appearances are only the external coverings of the soul, and that spiritually we are all equal.

A careful analysis shows that all problems result from our first mistake of identifying the body as the self. If we identify ourselves by race, religion and ethnic group we will then suffer or enjoy the results of that identity, but the fact is we are spiritually equal and the bodily identity that we accept is both temporary and insignificant compared to our eternal spiritual identity. We suffer due to birth, disease, old age and death; we need not identify with the body, which is being afflicted by these difficulties.

If everyone understood and acted on the level of the soul rather than the body, the world's problems would practically cease. Understanding the difference between matter and spirit, and that God is the controller of all things, is the essence of knowledge.

It is natural that when we become overwhelmed by difficulties, we become aware of our dependence on God. Unfortunately, due to our deep attachment to materialism, we are drawn to perceive religion in much the same manner, as we perceive ordinary social activities. That is, we become attached to identifying with the external or social side of religion, while we forget its essence-loving service to God.

Our modern use of the word religion, expresses an external alterable faith, while the Sanskrit word dharma, implies an internal or essential eternal relationship with God. Our religion or faith can change but the soul's relationship with God is eternal. For example, I may claim that I am a Christian today, but I may adopt the practices of a Hindu or of a Jew tomorrow. However, whatever faith you my follow, the essence of that faith is loving service to God.

We must understand that our Muslim brothers and sisters who have come to understand the true message of Allah accept all of us as children of God based on this verse from the Koran. 2.62: Surely those who believe, and those who are Jews, and the Christians, and the Sabians, whoever believes in Allah and the Last day and does good, they shall have their reward from their Lord, and there is no fear for them, nor shall they grieve.

We should also understand that as a nation, nay as a human race if we do not come to follow God's laws and develop our love for Him and His creation, our future is all too clear.

For Our Lord says: Isaiah 46: I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.

Thank You and God's Blessings
William G. (Isa das)
www.equalsouls.org


From Darryl C., Hershey, PA, USA:

SUBJECT: Need to Stock up!

Rod, One of my cousins sent this message to me. She really believes this b.s.

Subject: Need to stock up!

I received this from a friend and wanted to share it with you!!!

Hello Everyone,

I got a phone call this evening from a real good friend of mine. He has a friend who attends Bishop T. D. Jakes' church in Dallas TX. Anyway, President Bush contacted Bishop Jakes and wanted to meet with him. Bishop Jakes flew to D.C., met with President Bush and had this to report to his congregation. He said he couldn't disclose the information the President shared with him, but he warned his congregation and told them to contact as many family members and friends they could and let them know to stock up on bottled water, canned foods, and nonperishable food items. The war, when it breaks out, will be a chemical war that will effect our water system, electricity and crops.

So, I'm sending out this email message to everyone in my address book and encourage you to spread the word. I know when the media gets hold of this, the supermarkets will have problems keeping their shelves stocked. Also, please remember to pray. It's a shame that it took the tragedy of the 11th to bring this nation back to God. But the scripture still says, "If my people, that are called by my name will humble themselves and pray, and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and heal their lands."

As a nation, we have turned our backs on God. We've taken it for granted that we get up every morning and go about our busy work schedules and don't even acknowledge him, except for times of trouble. And also remember that even in the midst of this, God is still in control.

Be blessed.

*****************************************************

[Name withheld, but look at the job title -- Ed.] Executive Secretary to the Assistant Vice President--Planning and Analysis

ROD RESPONDS: There's a lot of panicked people out there, repeating the mantra (over and over) "We just need to go on with our lives" and hoping they'll soon believe it.


From Darryl C., Hershey, PA, USA:

Subject: "Afghans Need Colonizing"

This is an amazing column. Check it out.

http://www.nationalpost.com/commentary/columnists/story.html?f=/stories/20011009/726950.html


From Lucas S. (No City Provided,) USA:

SUBJECT: Atlas Slugged

Why do you waste your time writing shit like this? You figure even fascists need a chuckle? Something to relax with after a night of firing squads for petty thieves and beating women who expose their faces in public? Getting bored of the AIDS-infested bath houses? Raping little boys has grown tiresome for you?


From Ed C., Bloomfield, MI, USA:

SUBJECT: Play It Again, Sam

Kevin has always been a first-class writer and thinker and he didn't stumble her on the final step. What a class act: no wistful good-bye, no rigid deferences to his opinions and beliefs. Legions of us will miss him.

Peace be with you, Kevin.

Ed C.


ROD RESPONDS: Well, as you can see from our cover this week, Kevin hasn't actuallyl gone yet. Go figure.


From Hilaria L. Artcamp, Guerrero, MEXICO:

SUBJECT: Hola amigos, saludos desde Guerrero Mexico!

Hello friends greetings from Guerrero México.

Somos una cooperativa de mujeres artesanas dedicadas a preservar y continuar las tradiciones artesanales de nuestro pueblo. Hemos creado un sitio Web para el beneficio de maestros y estudiantes de otros lugares acerca de El Calendario Azteca. Eres bienvenido a visitarlo en http://www.artcamp.com.mx . Esta escrito en Español e Inglés de manera que te pueda ayudar a desarrollar tus habilidades en este idioma. Esperamos que te sea interesante y útil!

We are a rural womens artisans cooperative dedicated to preserving and continuing the handcrafts tradition of our village. We have created a website for the benefit of teachers and students in other lands on the topic The Aztec Calendar. You are welcome to visit it at http://www.artcamp.com.mx. It is written in Spanish and in English so that it can serve to help develop language skills. We hope that it is interesting and useful to you!

Actualmente contamos con dos equipos de computo y generalmente tenemos uno en constante reparacion. Estos equipos reciben mucho uso ya que los usamos desde temprano en la mañana hasta tarde en la noche. A esto se debe que nuestra correspondencia con ustedes sea a veces irregular, ya que nuestros equipos son viejos y nos causan problemas.

We only have two computers and usually at least one is failing and we constantly are repairing it. These computers receive very hard use from us since we have them going morning until late at night. We have been irregular in our correspondence because the equipment is old sometimes causing problems.

Unos jovenes amigos nuestros de Nova Scotia, Canada, a quienes conocimos a través de Internet, estan preparandose para venir a trabajar en nuestra cooperativa como voluntarios. Lo mejor de esto es que ellos pueden traer partes de computadoras o incluso computadoras completas con ellos. El gobierno mexicano permite que cada turista traiga una computadora con el pero los ciudadanos mexicanos tienen que pagar un impuesto de importacion que es mas del 50 % del valor del equipo!

Some young people from Nova Scotia Canada, friends we have met by the Internet are coming to stay with us to work in our cooperative as volunteers. The great thing is that they are able to bring computer equipment or even entire computers. The Mexican government permits each tourists to bring a computer with him but Mexican citizens have to pay an import tax that is more than fifty percent of the value of the computer!

Nosotras queremos aprovechar la visita de estos amigos y deseamos preguntarles si tienen partes de equipos de computadoras que todavía estén en buenas condiciones que ellos podrían traer para ayudarnos a reemplazar o reparar nuestros equipos. Si pudieran, nosotros se los agradeceríamos enormemente y además de nuestra amistad y buenos deseos, estamos dispuestas a pagarles con nuestros productos de joyería para regalos de Navidad.

The World's Magazine: g21.net Event # 287: BREAD & CIRCUSES AMERICAN DREAMS DAY ONE ESSAYS ON CULTURE G21 BARNES & NOBLE SEARCH ENGINE G21 AFRICA G21 ASIA G21 Daily Cartoon G21 Digital Internet Postcards JOIN OUR MAILING LIST. You'll be glad you did. Surveys that affect our look and feel and much more. Be part of the In-Crowd! G21 E-MAIL NEWSLETTER HOT LINKS IRISH EYES MEMOIRS OF THE INFO AGE MY GLASS HOUSE MYTHVILLE PROJECT NY STATE POWERSSOUND RDR TABLOID HART THE SEX COLUMN VOX POPULI Search our Site: sitemap RECOMMENDED DAILY REQUIREMENT ARCHIVES. MEMOIRS OF THE INFO AGE ARCHIVES. G21 STUFF: SHOW THE PRIDE. Why wear that T-shirt or sweats from Nike when you can sport the splendiferous G21 blue logo? Let people know you're In The Know with G21 gear. Follow that link and find it here. Thank you so much!!! LAST WEEK's EDITION MEET THE G-CREW! These are the people behind this jam-band every week. HOME TABLE OF CONTENTS & BACK ISSUES

Therefore we very much want to take advantage of this visit by our friends and wish to ask you if you have any computer equipment that is still good that they could bring with them to help replace or repair our machines. If you do, we will greatly appreciate that and we will respond to you with our friendship and good will and we will be happy to pay you as well with our handcrafted jewelry products for Christmas presents.

Por favor dinos por correo electrónico si tienes discos duros, chips de memoria o procesadores que están en buenas condiciones y no sean muy viejos; para hacer nuestras paginas necesitamos procesadores un poco rápidos pero equipos viejos también pueden servirnos porque podemos usarlos para enseñarles a nuestros hijas (os) a utilizarlas. También podríamos utilizarlas para programas de escribir a maquina, introducción de datos y para el mantenimiento de la contabilidad de nuestra cooperativa. Nosotros hemos escuchado que se pueden jugar juegos con estos equipos, pero esto es algo que nunca hemos hecho y nos gustaría algún día poderlo hacer, por ahora estamos ocupadas tratando de mantener la producción de nuestra cooperativa y nuestras familias de esta manera.

Please email us if you have any hard drives or memory chips or processors that are not too old; To make our pages we need fast processors but older computers also serve because we can teach our childres on them And use them for the typing programs and for data entry and bookkeeping in our cooperative. We have heard that you can play games on computers, but that is one thing we have never done. We would like to do that too one day , but we are much too busy trying to support our cooperative production and to provide for our families by that means.

Esperamos que no tomen esta petición como algo impuesto. Si están muy ocupados o no tienen equipos computarizados que puedan compartir con nosotros por favor no se sientan ofendidos y discúlpennos. Solo estamos tratando de encontrar maneras para mejorar nuestras condiciones en nuestras circunstancias actuales y no sabemos si existen algunas reglas de conducta establecidas en relaciones a través del Internet y esperamos no estarlas rompiendo ahora.

We hope we are not imposing on you by writing this appeal. If you are too busy or if you do not have any computer equipment that you can spare please do not be offended and please forgive us. We are only trying to find the way to achieve our needs in the way we know how, and we do not know the rules of correct behaviour for the inernet relations, and we hope that we will not learn that we have broken them now.

Si tu tienes una computadora que vale la pena que nuestros amigos puedan traernos a México, por favor avísanos de inmediato porque ellos estarán viajando a finales de este mes y tenemos otro amigo en Columbus Ohio, que se encuentra en la ruta de Nova Scotia a México, quien ha aceptado recibir el equipo y proveer a estos jóvenes con un lugar para quedarse mientras los recogen y empacan para traérnoslos!

If you have a used computer that is worth having our friends bring to us in México, please advise us right away because they are going to be travelling at the end of this month and we have a friend in Columbus Ohio which is on their way here from Nova Scotia who has agreed to receive the computer equipment and provide the youths with a place to stay while they collect it and pack it up to bring it to us!

Muchas gracias por sus generosas consideraciones hacia nosotras usaremos estos equipos para mantenernos en contacto con ustedes en el futuro. Nuestros mejores y mas amistosos deseos para todos ustedes de Artcamp, “Artesanas Campesinas” de Taxco, Guerrero, Mexico. http://www.artcamp.com.mx
ßThank you in advance for your kind considerations on our behalf we will use the computers to keep in contact with you in the future. Best friendly and thankful wishes from Artcamp, "Artesanas Campesinas"
Taxco Guerrero México
http://www.artcamp.com.mx


From Ric W., Austin, TX, USA:

SUBJECT: Gandhi and non-violence

I reviewed a book on Gandhi several years ago.

He was a complex man.

But, in short, he admitted that had his adversary been Adolph Hitler and not the British Empire, he'd have been dead meat.

There's a great line in Unforgiven where "the kid" justifies the murder of one of the rapists by saying the rapist had it coming to him. And Eastwood's character says, "We all got it coming to us, kid." But he still hunted down the bastard that killed Morgan Freeman and after getting his revenge he curses the town (America). Great film.

America is a complex country. The most violent and most hopeful on the planet.

This whole episode deserves more than the juvenile reactions it's engendered, both pro and con. Black and white, it ain't. Cries of hypocrisy sound like the untempered moral compass of a thirteen year old.


ROD RESPONDS: And this is relative to *which* of the many anti-war articles we've run thus far?


Ric from Texas, USA, rejoins:

Oh, just the general anti-hysteria hysteria, pointing at the pointers pointedly pointing the pointiness of pointing. we're all "guilty" of it. just a general disgruntlement at the specious reasoning all round.

Proportion does matter. There is theatre and there is blood. Bin Laden is a literalist who expects his actors to die. No fucking sense of play. Blowing up a globe and blowing up the world are two different things.

Saying Americans deserve to die because they are Americans is fine. Killing them isn't.

You taught me that when you spoke of the insidious use of the term "them" so many years ago. Those who advocate terror of the sort bin Laden advances are the worst of idealists, of themists. They have lost their real humanity and only speak of objective humanity as clay pigeons. People no longer matter. People to them become mere tags, toe tags, body bags, if you will. No names--just bitches and bastards, American bitches and bastards--no matter their race creed color or religion or even political leanings. Do we demonize these people? Well, they've demonized themselves. Take as many of them prisoner as possible. Love them. Maybe--MAYBE--they can regain a sense of proportion.

Saying terrorists deserve to be brought to justice after they murdered 6000 people is not an evil thing. I'd love it if he gave himself up. Will he? When his stated agenda is to bring an apocalyptic confrontation between Islam and the West? When he wants the destruction of America and Israel?

Like, do you gotta better idea of getting this guy? How quickly do you think we are going to cure the ill will between the forces in the middle east? These people want the destruction of Israel. Even if we guarantee a Palestinian state. You know in your heart that there are bastards in the world who don't give a shit about fairness. They want what they want.

That America can be full of shit is one thing, but I have yet to hear you say how we are really going to deal with bin Laden. Realpolitik. You understand this. We've been talking about this for 35 years. Separate the wheat from the chaff and then speak of the qualities of the two, but stop mixing the issues. They are related, but related doesn't mean the same.

Will things get worse before they get better? That's how it usually works. That's why we have fantasies of apocalypse. We want catastrophe so we can make things better! Ironic the nature of hope. It can even make people mad (bin Laden, in the best of lights--in the worst he simply manifests the worst of the old hackneyed middle east potentates using intrigue and assassination to get the wealth--he ain't in the royal family so if he can oust the Saudi princes then the oil is his--just another fucking schemer hiding behind a "philosophy")

I sure the hell wish we had a better leader, but this is what we've got. I oppose every policy he has proposed. I oppose the war as it's being conducted. But I am equally saddened by those so radicalized by the past that they've seemingly lost compassion in any but its ideal sense and so too the ability to recognize evil in all its forms, not just those that advance their own agenda.


ROD CONCLUDES: Now I get it. Squeak English, Troop! And your answer to the questions posed is what?

BTW: "Take as many of them prisoner as possible". They had a conference in Germany, at an isolated chateau that recommended the same idea. If it's left to you to decide what love is, and how to get these people's minds "right," the question is begged: "Who died and made you God?"


From Rick H., Va. Beach, VA, USA:

SUBJECT: Kevin Carey

Being uneducated, I am hardly one to expound on the virtues of good language. Having said that, I still enjoy reading literature that is well written with a well-rounded command of vocabulary. I personally lean towards the likes of Patrick O'BRIEN and of course, Kevin Carey on a regular basis. He will be sorely missed...

Although I cannot remember her name, I am sure our college prep English teacher, strict and succinct as she was, had a major impact on my desire for better language, or perhaps the ability to recognize bad language. I hope you come across an author who has a "bit of Carey" in him.

-Rick


From George S., (No City Provided,) SOUTH AFRICA:

SUBJECT: Lovely Words

Hi,
This is my first time on your site. I was asked by a Nursing Sister to find out about Anthrax, it's symptoms et al. I really do enjoy your writing and Mr Greenberg's. That is all I have had time to read so far and I have been moved to write this epistle of length. Really good to read level-headed words. The fragility of peace and tranquillity is far away when people with imaginary power can behave as they do. Sad is the day when they take enough time to convince themselves they are correct in what they are going to do, then feel confident enough to use the mighty "BUCK of LIFE" on the Media to convince their nation that throwing more and bigger stones will make the Baddies go away.

If "BADDY #1" is taken out, who is to say to be sure that that's the end of all the Baddies from "there"?

Needless to say "they" are getting rid of some old stock of the bombs and there will be more orders for new ones which will generate a healthy profit for a few.

Enough.

Kind regards,
George S.


From Shakira News, Austin, TX, USA:

SUBJECT: Shakira on TRL!!!

Vote for Shakira on the MTV's TRL Countdown!!!

Shakira needs your support in order to get to #1 on the TRL countdown!!!

~You can either vote ONLINE or CALL~

- To VOTE ONLINE--Go to: http://www.mtv.com/onair/trl/votevideo.jhtml and vote for Shakira's song "Whenever Wherever."

- To CALL--Call TRL Monday-Friday and VOTE for Shakira "Whenever Wherever"...

• 1.) Call between 3:00-3:30 p.m. (EST), 2:00-2:30 p.m. (Central),1:00-1:30p.m. (Mountain), 12noon-12:30 p.m. (PST)
• 2.) Pick up the phone and call 1-800-DIAL-MTV (1-800-342-5688).
• 3.) Request Shakira "Whenever Wherever"
• 4.) Repeat!!!

"Laundry Service" Due in Stores November 13th!!!

For more info: http://www.shakira.com


From Bakari A., Tallahassee, FL, USA:

SUBJECT: Global Black News

Hello,

We here at Global Black News extend to you an invitation to view our website at www.globalblacknews.com. We are an upstart internet news organization searching for individuals to contribute articles or to just visit the site.

Your comments and suggestions are also welcome. We are determined to succeed as a premier news organization that will bring forth issues that highlight Black concerns in the US and abroad. We hope you enjoy the website and let others know about us.

Thanks for your time,
Bakari R. Akil II
Editor & Chief
Global Black News

To Contact Us, Send Email to:  globalblacknews@hotmail.com or akil2@earthlink.net


From David W. (No City Provided,) USA:

SUBJECT: CD Release!

Vital Signs "Never See You Again" CD debut. A musical compilation of American Rock-n-Roll dedicated to the fallen. Vital Signs CD can be reviewed on cdbaby.com and garageband.com, both of which have the CD available for sale.

We dedicate this CD to all the victims, survivors and rescue workers in Arlington VA, New York and Pennsylvania.

Horrible were the terrorist attacks on our sovereign soil Tuesday, September 11, 2001. A day we will never forget.

We are all Americans and when we all come together, no one can stop us from our righteous cause.

Our hearts and our prayers are with you all. Vital Signs. http://cdbaby.com/vitalsigns


From Rick Doble, Beauford, NC, USA:

SUBJECT: Halloween & Bonfires

======================================
NEW ONLINE EXHIBITS
BY RICK DOBLE
5th Year on the Internet
www.RickDoble.net
rick@rickdoble.net
=======================================

HALLOWEEN
http://www.rickdoble.net/halloween
Newly updated Halloween exhibit online.
57 photos
Costumes, decorations, parties, bonfires, fire light, masks.

---Also:

BONFIRES
http://www.rickdoble.net/fire
32 photos
Fire, flames and people in fire light.

AND THESE OTHER FALL THEMES:

SELF PORTRAIT SHADOWS
22 photos, 1 animation
Shadows against grass and a rail road marker on the road.
http://www.rickdoble.net/selfshadows2

WALKING SHADOWS
7 animations
Inspired in part by a line from Shakespeare's Macbeth
http://www.rickdoble.net/walkingshadows

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

PLUS THESE EXHIBITS FROM THIS SUMMER:

POOL PATTERNS
28 photos, 4 animations
The swimming pool at a vintage motel creates unusual patterns and colors.
http://www.rickdoble.net/poolpatterns

SELF PORTRAITS UNDER NEON LIGHT
20 photos, 6 animations
Neon light distorts, colors and emphasizes.
http://www.rickdoble.net/selfneon

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