Netroots Nation 2008; A Dream Realized
copyright © 2008 Betsy L. Angert. BeThink.org
Welcome Home Netroots Nation attendees. You may recall, it began with a dream, an impossible hope for a future unforeseen. It was your wish, his want, her desire, and my aspiration. Together we were the inspiration. We imagined greatness would be if we worked together. The issues of import to us were and continue to be the Environment, Education, Energy, Ethics, Wars in the Middle East, the Persian Gulf, and of course Peace. Health Care, and the fragile nature of medical coverage in the United States, does not escape our gaze. While we may embrace Free Enterprise, we are not ignorant of the inherent flaws within a system that rewards the rich and punishes the poor. The Courts, and Congress do not escape our scrutiny. Those of us who are far from apathetic examine the Executive Branch of government as well. Indeed, citizens that actively care inquire of and study every subject, deeply.
We, the vibrantly engaged people believe prosperity for all is a real possibility. Power, we trust does not reside within the halls of Congress, or corporate chambers. Nor is it found in the Oval Office. ,Rather the strengthen to bring about change is embodied within us.. When we came together and communicated, we created a net that grows from the roots. As a whole, we are a nation of thinkers, doers, and dynamic. We are determined to attain the incredible, just as our forefathers intended. We, the people who participate in endless discussions of what is, could be, would be, and work to ensure that the beauty of America is as was proposed hold dear the original declaration of independent believers
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.
The words of our ancestors resonate within us. Hence, just as the authors of this glorious creed did hundreds of years earlier, we met to discuss what we might do. Initially, we became acquainted in a community of computers. Then, we moved closer together in conferences, online and ultimately outside our homes. We may have met three years earlier at the first Yearly Kos, or two months prior as we passed through an essay. It matters not when we introduced ourselves to each other.
You gave rise to his verve. He encouraged her to trust. She buoyed my beliefs. Together we, each one of us, energized a nation. The topics we spoke of titillated, tantalized; others thought these subjects were taboo. Yet, for us, politics was personal. Religion was real. For us, the vocal few, faith is found everywhere, not merely in a house of worship.
We, the wondrous ones, willing to participate in profundity, cared to discuss what we thought crucial. Education, the curriculum, what our children learn, and teachers teach, reaches far beyond the classroom. We yearn for a healthy happy community, just as our forefathers did when they wrote the United States Constitution.
Perchance, that is why we consider the law. We understand that essential freedoms must be retained. For us, an awareness exists, if Americans are to be safe and secure, we must be able to express ourselves, particularly in private. Those of us who talk of the taboos rather than blindly trust concur; we are not able to feel as though our life is our own, if we do not live a liberated life within reason, an inherent right to happiness will not be realized. Contentment comes when we, within the greater community care for our brethren.
Perhaps, this knowledge prompts us to share stories of our experiences with the health care system. We have learned to consider the complexity of how, where, if, or when we will receive treatment. Chatters in cyberspace also ponder those who are denied a cure. We, the people within the net neighborhood broach what hurts the hearts of those who do not verbally venture into the realities that preclude a more solid union.
In America, more than a few have died needlessly due to medical glitches and Insurers hitches. That is the reason, unlike many, we do tell tales of woe. We acknowledge that those with medical coverage could lose the medical plans that provide a false sense of security, in an instant, indeed, retroactively. Those within the net neighborhood run, skip, walk, and crawl away from computers to aid the ailing. Advocates in the blogosphere take action to correct a structure wrought with corruption. Our desire to delve expands our horizons.
The common folks from throughout the land, when in cyberspace, chatter of health care and how the notion cannot exist as long as medical coverage is inaccessible or too easy rescinded buy "providers."
Food for us is more than an ingestible. Fodder, we realize, has an effect on our bodies, the environment, and our evolution. A cuisine, when commercially produced, can be a source of contaminants to man and beast, and we are not afraid to say so. Oh, there is much that those in the worldwide web talk of and take on. Problems are but a paradigm, and shifts are sustenance. In the Internet neighborhood, silence is the only enemy.
Those who address the unspeakable, discuss sex. You, he, she, and I give voice to the words often whispered; physical intimacy is a not a sin and lust does not give birth to closeness. Out in the open we speak of the significance of marriage, and not just the ceremony or the legal license issued. It was you, he, she, me, and we, who understood that love is not limited. Each of us trusted, our gender did not restrict the fondness we feel. Emotionally, we work to be intelligent and just, fair, people who honor reverent freedoms. We are Progressives and proud to care for our fellow man.
We know ethics cannot be ethereal if we are to achieve a greater good. Profound principles are essential if we, the people are to truly unite as one, and this week we did. In July 2008, in Austin, Texas, bloggers beamed with delight as we entered a new era. On Thursday, the 17th through Sunday the 20th politicians, pundits, professionals, and people from all walks of life joined forces and followed what was no longer a whimsy. Careful, thoughtful, honorable change came and united each of us. Together, we moved forward. More than two thousand strong showed they are committed to countless causes. As a nation rooted in the Net, individually and as a whole, we thrust towards a venerable transformation. There we were, Americans returned to the roots the founders provided.
Netroots Nation, we have grown. Our influence increases. As long as we continue to believe and act, no matter our differences, we can achieve the excellence envisioned. Yesterday, today, and tomorrow, let us all remember . . .
(W)hen 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.
Let this thought be our guide when next we meet. Until then, please register for the next Continental Constitutional Cyberspace Conference, Netroots Nation 2009. Until August 13, 2009, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, may we look forward to our Internet interactions.
A Byte of Information . . .
- Netroots Nation
- The Online Candidate Confronts Critical Netroots, By Katharine Q. Seelye. The New York Times. July 16, 2008
- Appealing to Bloggers’ Influence, Gore Asks for Help in Promoting Energy Challenge, By Katharine Q. Seelye. The New York Times. July 20, 2008
- The Next President and the Law, Netroots Nation 2008
- Time for Action: How the Netroots Can Lead on Healthcare Reform, Netroots Nation 2008
- The Recipe for Change in America's Food System, Netroots Nation 2008
- Breaking the Frame: Revitalizing and Redefining Reproductive Rights Media Coverage, Netroots Nation 2008
- Whatever Happened to the Religious Left? Netroots Nation 2008
- Politically Active Youth on Political Participation and Civic Education: What They Have to Teach Us, Netroots Nation 2008
- Declaration of Independence. USHistory.org.
- Netroots Nation Registration.
Posted by Betsy L. Angert on July 20, 2008 at 11:00 PM in Activism, Bloggers Unite, Communities, Communities and Communication , Daily Kos | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Democrats Debate at Yearly Kos 2007 [View Video, Complete Coverage]
PoliticsTV @ Yearly Kos '07: Debate Intro
copyright © 2007 Betsy L. Angert. BeThink.org
For those of you unable to attend Yearly Kos, I offer the Presidential debate. Just as the discussion was divided into four parts, so too is this video presentation. The first film functions as an introduction. Following the forward, the fun begins.
The final portion of the exchange is as full, fulfilling, and informative as Parts One or Two of the dialogue are. Perhaps, it is a pitch more powerful. There is much to consider. These moments are more than monologues with thanks to the brilliance of the moderators. Matt Bai, New York Times Magazine Journalist, I appreciate your candor.
If perchance you notice a woman dressed all in white seated directly in front of Governor Richardson, please watch her. This small, quiet female was often heard applauding when Congressman Dennis Kucinich spoke. As the Presidential aspirant from Ohio offered intelligent thought, and purposeful plans, the room was mostly silent. However, the woman in white clapped. Soon, others joined her. Admittedly, that lone lady was I.
You may notice when Congressman Kucinich entered the stage, he thrust his hand forward in a sign of peace. I, and a few at the table adjacent to mine did the same. One man, donning a plaid shirt, auspiciously sat directly in front of Senator Clinton. Throughout the dialogue, he held a sign for her to see. Inscribed in black ink were the words, "Hillary Stop Lying." While support for the Senator from New York was ample and appeared to grow, there was also much dissent.
I offer no further commentary, although I could. I trust stories may be forthcoming. My time at the Convention was too short. I hope to attend next year, wherever it might be.
If you were at Yearly Kos, please share your stories. If the media helped form you impression, I welcome knowing what you heard, observed, or experienced. Perhaps in 2008, we will all stand front and center expressing our support.
Was that as good for you as it was for me? I think Congressman Kucinich is correct; "Americans are ready for a new approach in the world community." Please assess the candidates, their positions, proposals, and possibilities that we have yet to imagine. You may feel as I did in November 2000. I could not comprehend the chaos that would ensue. Please evaluate the depth, and the delivery, then, decide for yourself. I will see you at the polls.
PoliticsTV @ Yearly Kos '07: Debate Part I
The Washington Post Offers Details . . .
Posted by Betsy L. Angert on August 7, 2007 at 03:34 PM in Bloggers Unite, Elections, Presidential Politics | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Cindy Sheehan. The Plea, Promote Harmony Peacefully
Cindy Sheehan Quits
© copyright 2007 Betsy L. Angert. BeThink.org
Dearest Cindy . . .
I meant to write this letter days ago after reading your farewell "Good Riddance Attention Whore." I watched as the number of electronic communiqués in response to your essay mounted. I thought my message might be lost and perhaps was not important. I decided to forego a seemingly fruitless endeavor.
Yet, as I reflected on my reading of your words, and those writing in reply, I was haunted. Still, I hesitated. I was drowning in sorrow as I observed the interchanges. Ultimately, I concluded I can stay silent no longer, for if I do I endorse the verbal struggle. Oh, how I long for peace, harmony, and tranquility in every aspect of life. I hope to express my thoughts in a manner that honors calm and furthers a shared understanding. However, if the present is as the past, what are meant to be peaceful ponderings may provoke.
Cindy, the chatter surrounding your letter of resignation reminded of what struck me most in your offering. I experience as you mention.
[T]he "left" started labeling me with the same slurs that the right used. I guess no one paid attention to me when I said that the issue of peace and people dying for no reason is not a matter of "right or left", but "right and wrong."I experience this as well. More often than not, my missives bring talk of divisiveness. When I am critical of those that send our young and now older to combat, I receive comments of how "evil" the right is. I may frequently speak of the neoconservatives with disdain; however, I think the Left is no less liable. For me, any being that thinks war is ever an option allows for the practice.
I have also been slammed for calling the Commander and his Cabinet criminal. While I do believe that all beings have the potential for enlightenment, some are extremely slow to evolve. The ego delays their ascent. I have faith that each of us will make errors repeatedly as we travel through this Earthly existence; nonetheless, when these blunders take sweet and vulnerable men and women into battle, I think that iniquitous.
For me, it matters not the Party affiliation; harming another is errant. I experience as you have.
I am deemed a radical because I believe that partisan politics should be left to the wayside when hundreds of thousands of people are dying for a war based on lies that is supported by Democrats and Republican alike.I cannot comprehend the reprimands of one that thinks I am too harsh verbally, when I, without swearing explain my disdain for any being that is willing to hurt others. Merely calling for censure or impeachment, a nonviolent means for ending mass murder, is considered illogical and disappointing to this self-defined contrarian. Apparently for this self-proclaimed Buddhist, placing the onus on me seems apt. I am bombarded with barbs while men and women die on battlefields abroad.
It amazes me that people who are sharp on the issues and can zero in like a laser beam on lies, misrepresentations, and political expediency when it comes to one party refuse to recognize it in their own party.The mad cap fellow I mention and I would each agree with this statement. However, he would remind me that the philosophical form of Zen, Hinduism that I hold dear is deeply flawed for it differs from the religious sect of Buddhism he prefers.
I sigh deeply. I trust that as much as I appreciate many of this man's musings, the need to be right or reproach drains me. I want no part of such exchanges. I long for peace in every effort eternally.
I am not a competitive person and have no interest in engaging is dialogues where one is left the victor, and the other defeated. I prefer peace. For me, even an arraignment is an opportunity for growth. It need not be confrontational. I only wish to lessen the power of those that think we have the right to punish another nation or our own citizens by putting them to death, or torturing them until they talk. Yet, consistently I realize bringing about harmony is not the intent of many in the movement.
I have also tried to work within a peace movement that often puts personal egos above peace and human life. This group won’t work with that group; he won’t attend an event if she is going to be there; and why does Cindy Sheehan get all the attention anyway? It is hard to work for peace when the very movement that is named after it has so many divisions.When working with an organization devoted to harmony, the two persons prominent is coordinating the events argued vehemently. Those assisting with the installation project then took sides. There was no tranquility among the pacifists; yet, they claimed to be people of peace.
While walking with a group dedicated to calm, marchers called out to the law officers. These peace protesters preferred to fight the fuzz. The antics of those supporting an end to war actually promoted the same on local streets.
Cindy, I relent as you have.
[N]o matter how much I sacrifice, I can’t make you be that [peaceful, loving] country unless you want it.Persons and political structures are as they wish to be. I cannot change them; nor do I desire to try. I speak out for I trust that my silence will not benefit them or me. In my own life much has been said when I was not ready to understand the meaning or significance. I trust that people and policies are in flux. They are evolving as am I. I can only hope that my love of peace will be honored within my lifetime. I accept that this may not be so. Nonetheless, for me and I trust the same is true for you Cindy Sheehan, I will continue to do as I can. However, I cannot sacrifice my own soul. If I am to stay strong, I cannot continually allow others to deplete my spirit.
Cindy, I thank you so much for sharing your self, your strength, and for remaining vigilant. I believe peace will come. You will be among those that made the transition possible. I am grateful.
Sincerely, with great respect . . .
Betsy L. Angert
Posted by Betsy L. Angert on May 31, 2007 at 02:05 PM in "Take me as I am!", Activism, Bloggers Unite, Cindy and Casey Sheehan, Communities, Communities and Communication , Compassion, Conflict, Complex, Discussion, Dreams Live and Die , Emotional Decisions, Emotional Intelligence, Empathy and Evolution, Humans, Self-Destructive, Iraq War, Peace Movement, Peaceful Protests, Politics, War is in the Wind, War Kills [Mind, Body, Spirit], “When is Enough, Enough?”, “You are either with us or against us” | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
War of Words. Bloggers, Broadcasters, Rappers Code of Ethics
Oprah on Imus (Public forum with Russell and others) 2
© copyright 2007 Betsy L. Angert
In this tome, I am not advocating autocratic censorship. I ask each of us to look within and consciously choose an empathetic ethical code.
"There is a problem." However, Americans do not agree what the problem is. Sexism, racism, homophobia, violence, or the words we use to promote such social ills. For weeks, language has been in the news, on the blogs, in the airwaves, and in music-industry executives meeting rooms. Free speech is the topic in question, as is the power of words. As children, we learned that "Sticks and stones may break our bones; but names will never hurt me." In fact, the opposite is true. Words and the inferences can cause greater, and more last injuries than twigs or rocks might. The body heals far better than the heart does.
After receiving numerous death threats, blogger Kathy Sierra called on the blogosphere to confront the culture of cruelty in cyberspace. This active author and public speaker, fears for her life. Missus Sierra recently canceled public speaking engagements and suspended her site. On her weblog, Kathy Sierra writes . . .
If you want to do something about it, do not tolerate the kind of abuse that includes threats or even suggestions of violence (especially sexual violence). Do not put these people on a pedestal. Do not let them get away with calling this "social commentary," "protected speech," or simply "criticism."For weeks, Missus Sierra has been immobilized. After becoming the focus of ample threats, inclusive of a post that featured a picture of her next to a noose, she stated . . .
"I have cancelled all speaking engagements. I am afraid to leave my yard, I will never feel the same. I will never be the same."The police are investigating the harassment and the blogosphere is blazing. Discussions of how women are treated online are fueling a fire. While, on her own site, Creating Passionate Users, Kathy Sierra receives much support, there are those that think her call for civility and courtesy is ridiculous.
In Death threats and blogging, by the famous Kos condemnation of a proposed code was evident.
[T]he rantings of a lunatic. For my part, I've gotten my fair share of such vile emails. Some of them have threatened my children. One or two actually crossed the line into "death threat" territory. But so what? It's not as if those cowards will actually act on their threats. For better or for worse, this isn't a country in which media figures -- even hugely controversial ones -- are routinely attacked by anything more dangerous than a cream pie.This dictum on Daily Kos was posted on April 12, days before an angry aggressor, Cho Seung-Hui avenged those he loathed at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. The shooter's rants were his truth. His threats proved to be powerful. Cho Seung-Hui may not have sent his last package in a timely manner. Nevertheless, he did warn and alarm many years before he carried out this horrific and planned deed.Email makes it easy for stupid people to send stupid emails to public figures. If they can't handle a little heat in their email inbox, then really, they should try another line of work. Because no "blogger code of conduct" will scare away psycho losers with access to email.
Words can be wicked. They are often used as weapons. Expressions wound a heart and soul; they hurt. Yet, we excuse these repeatedly. Mel Gibson declared, "I am not anti Semitic" after a tirade that was terribly intolerant. This was not the Directors first show of fury against Jews. Nevertheless, it was excused. It did promote momentary concerns.
Abraham H. Foxman, national director of the Anti-Defamation League, called Gibson's apology "unremorseful and insufficient." Prominent Hollywood talent agent Ari Emanuel called for an industry boycott of Gibson in a blog posted Monday.Nonetheless, money ruled. His next movie "Apocalypto," distributed by The Walt Disney Company received rave reviews, even from periodicals that some consider Progressive. The almighty buck may not reduce bigotry. Actually, it may help to create it."At a time of escalating tensions in the world, the entertainment industry cannot idly stand by and allow Mel Gibson to get away with such tragically inflammatory statements," he wrote. "People in the entertainment community, whether Jew or gentile, need to demonstrate that they understand how much is at stake in this by professionally shunning Mel Gibson and refusing to work with him, even if it means a sacrifice to their bottom line.
"There are times in history when standing up against bigotry and racism is more important than money."
In recent years, [Mel Gibson] has turned his attention to producing films and TV shows through his Icon Productions. The hundreds of millions of dollars he made producing the 2004 film "The Passion of the Christ" has given the star the ability to finance his own films, giving him a measure of independence from the major studios.Some "artists" using racial slurs make millions. They defend their right to do so. Many or most apologize. However, there is skepticism. Why are they contrite. Can a heart change in a moment or is cash their concern.
When Michael Richards railed against Blacks in his audience, he was quite impassioned. His "hate speak" seemed infinitely sincere. Smears spewed; slights slammed, all said with sincerity. These affronts fell trippingly off his tongue. The comedian apologized while explaining, "I am not a racist." The response was "Really?" It is difficult to know whether Michael Richards has or will recover from such a blunder or the unbelievable statement, "I'm not a racist, that's what's so insane about this."
Will Don Imus be deeply effected by his debacle? The debate continues. Again, cash was cut off, at least temporarily. Imus was apologetic and ashamed, perchance more so after advertisers raised the volume on this discussion. Ultimately Don Imus lost his battle. The major television and radio networks that carried the Don Imus Show felt they could no longer support him. The load was too great; the rewards realized too little. Don Imus had become a distraction.
Executives at CBS and MSNBC saw where the numbers were heading. They may well have been genuinely disgusted by Imus' reference to the Rutgers women's basketball team as "nappy-headed hos," but their decision to dump him had little to do with moral outrage. They simply did the math. They'll miss the millions they would have earned from Imus' show, but they stood to lose even more if they let him stay on the air, and so he was toast.However, unlike Don Imus who justifies his antics as comedy, and whose money is or was tied to corporate sponsors, there are the rappers. They too are coming under attack.Free speech, meet free enterprise.
For political prominents, Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson, and Bruce Gordon enough is enough. These gentlemen want the smears to end. These Black leaders think even Black on Black rubs need to be eliminated from our common language. Two wrongs do not make a right. Racism, bigotry, and misogyny cannot be defined differently depending on who exhibits such behavior. Reverend Al Sharpton is calling on the Federal Communications Commission to punish artists and announcers alike for advocating violence in word and deed.
In 2005, this issue was fresh and addressed. Then, a member of rap group, The Game was wounded during a shooting outside a New York hip-hop radio station. The cause was clear; another hip-hopper, 50 Cent was on the air criticizing The Game. Tempers flared. The effect of word weaponry was realized. The rest is rap or American history. After this volatile event, civil rights leader Al Sharpton . . .
The founder of the National Action Network emphasized in the letter: "We cannot sit silently by while young Americans feel that shootings and bloodshed is now synonymous with success and celebrity. We understand you're in the business of making money, but it cannot be at the expense of polluting the cultural outlook of young Americans."However, two years later, rappers again speak to their creativity, just cause, and the need to communicate their concerns.
Rappers reason they are poets; they please the people. Although admittedly, not all the people. The recent allegations of racial and misogynistic rhetoric against Don Imus amplified a too often delayed or dissuaded discussion. Is it proper to demean women or people of other ethnicities. Might a poet use his or her artistic licenses? Is it just when an performer uses racial slurs, or vile vernacular against one of their own? Today, USA Today reported . . .
Imus fallout: Music execs discuss rap lyricsAgain, we stand still. Money moves mountains; yet, capital does not necessarily change minds. We think, and act on our beliefs. When people profess their deepest, darkest chauvinistic values, spirits are often broken. Lives can be lost.NEW YORK (AP) — In the wake of Don Imus' firing for his on-air slur about the Rutgers women's basketball team, a high-powered group of music-industry executives met privately Wednesday to discuss sexist and misogynistic rap lyrics.
During the furor that led to Imus' fall last week from his talk-radio perch, many of his critics carped as well about offensive language in rap music.
The meeting, called by hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons' Hip-Hop Summit Action Network, was held at the New York home of Lyor Cohen, chairman, and chief executive of U.S. music at Warner Music Group. The summit, which lasted several hours, did not result in any specific initiative.
Organizers billed the gathering as a forum to "discuss issues challenging the industry in the wake of controversy surrounding hip-hop and the First Amendment." Afterward, they planned to hold a news conference at a Manhattan hotel to discuss "initiatives agreed upon at the meeting." But by early afternoon, the news conference was postponed, because the meeting was still going on.
After the meeting ended, it was unclear whether there would be another one. Simmons' publicist released a short statement that described the topic as a "complex issue that involves gender, race, culture and artistic expression. Everyone assembled today takes this issue very seriously."
Although no recommendations emerged, the gathering was significant for its who's-who list of powerful music executives.
Rappers know this as do bloggers. Suffering students are realizing that words, written or spoken cannot be ignored. The common folk and tycoons agree; yet, they disagree. This is evident when we listen to recent Oprah Winfrey town-hall meeting. Hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons of Hip-Hop Summit Action Network stated his beliefs . . .
"We're talking about a lot of these artists who come from the most extreme cases of poverty and ignorance ... And when they write a song, and they write it from their heart, and they're not educated, and they don't believe there's opportunity, they have a right, they have a right to say what's on their mind," he said.I wonder; might our number one concern be the hearts and minds of all humans, men, women, Black, White, Yellow, Brown, Red, and Jew, Muslims, Buddhists, and Christians too. Whether we are born in poverty or into wealth, we are human. We hurt; we bleed. We can love; however, as long as our language degrades another, love will not survive. Perhaps, neither will we. I am reminded of the phrase, "race riots," or "the war against women." I fear the folly of expressing emotions in a manner that kills heart, mind, body, or soul. I prefer the words, "May peace be with you my brother and my sister.""Whether it's our sexism, our racism, our homophobia or our violence, the hip-hop community sometimes can be a good mirror of our dirt and sometimes the dirt that we try to cover up," Simmons said. "Pointing at the conditions that create these words from the rappers ... should be our No. 1 concern."
For me, a code of ethics need not be written or etched in stone; it must be lived because we believe in love, peace, and tranquility.
The Rap and Resources . . .
Posted by Betsy L. Angert on April 19, 2007 at 12:00 AM in "Take me as I am!", Abuse, Advertising, Aggression, Americana, Black Men, Bloggers Unite, Business, Civil Disobedience, Civil Rights, Communities, Communities and Communication , Consumption and Content, Corporate Profits, Current Affairs, Daily Kos, Discussion, Economics, Emotional Intelligence, Ethics, Ethics and Profits, Manipulated Media, Markos Moulitsas Zúniga , Philosophy, Racial Discrimination, Social Order Teaches , Standards in Society, Violence, “When is Enough, Enough?” | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
You Do Not Understand! Communities and Communication ©
I wrote more than I thought I might and realized, as an observation tucked neatly within a thread few would read this. I think this treatise addresses more than what takes place at My Left Wing. It speaks to an archetype. This essay looks at communities and communication within these. My experience and sharing is likely applicable to world politics and to national interests. This tome is about life, yours, mine, and ours. It discusses what we do to destroy the connections we as living, breathing, and loving beings crave.
I invite you to share your stories, your thoughts, the lessons you learned. Teach me; I am your student.
I wrote more than I thought I might and realized, as an observation tucked neatly within a thread few would read this. I think this treatise addresses more than what takes place at My Left Wing. It speaks to an archetype. This essay looks at communities and communication within these. My experience and sharing is likely applicable to world politics and to national interests. This tome is about life, yours, mine, and ours. It discusses what we do to destroy the connections we as living, breathing, and loving beings crave.
I invite you to share your stories, your thoughts, the lessons you learned. Teach me; I am your student.
Originally, Dear gottlieb, my mentor, teacher, and inspiration . . .
I know I have said this to you before, still, it bears repeating. I love you.
This salutation has now been extended to include all of you.
Dear humans, sponges that absorb, spatter, and then . . .
Until this morning, I truly had no idea of the depth of what was going on. I tend to live in la-la land. I am naïve and proud of it. More than a decade ago I realized my impression of the utopia that exists on Earth was incorrect. I truly thought the only one hurt, or less-than-perfect was I.
I have since discovered that we live in a world of walking wounded. I still tend to gravitate to my belief that all are perfect and that I am the only one that is not; however, that is another story and a personal evolution. My path is an important one, some say instructive, and I will share some of it in a future missive. Actually, that treatise is beginning now.
This thread and other occurances took me away from my writing. That is good. I experience we need to be open to what comes, for whether we want to believe this or not, we are all part of a community. It is not a choice; it is life. Look out your window; you have neighbors. No matter how far removed you might physically be from them, they are there and they will be part of your life. These other individuals are your teachers and your students. We learn from each other. That is the best.
When we accept the void of what is in our own mind we know very little. People will never perceive life as we do; they cannot. They are not we, me, or us. Our experiences vary. Our interpretations of these are unique. The way in which we internalize is individual. What another says of our opinions is not to be taken personally; it is their observation and interpretation. Their own history influences their reality as does ours; that is important to recognize.
If we are to learn, we must explore what we do not yet know. We must reflect, without mirroring what we disdain.
After reading Sunday’s thread, I was very confused. I asked of yesterday’s discussion, the Meta, what Meta? Myleftasscheek kindly gave me a referral to Saturday’s thread. This morning I began reading the discourse. I was told the Saturday massacre was settled; however, I knew from my reading on Sunday it was not.
Myleftasscheek who I love deeply, in the Saturday discussion wrote a thought or two that took me to a place. “I try not to be outright nasty to ANYONE unless they have thoroughly pissed me off. Take me as I am.” Tony Seybert and I had been discussing similar thoughts the day before. Tony and I wrote of anger and peace.
It is so sad to me. People, as part of the animal kingdom are like all animals, gregarious. They crave community and yet they do everything to destroy it. Years ago, I was in the weirdest relationship; it was so strange I did not know I was in one. Might the word “strained” be a better assessment of this connection. His words and actions hurt me deeply! I reacted. With each of my rejoinders, he would retort in kind, in opposition. We each continually inflicted pain on the other, mostly through our words or the lack of these.
This man was not from a world I have never known; nor had I imagined such a station. He was the black to my white; he saw unhappiness where I saw joy. Yes, he is a Republican and I am proudly, left of left. [Interestingly, when we discussed politics, it was fun; neither of us took those talks personally.] Within days of meeting this man, I realized he was my mirror [opposite].
Our perception of the world could not be more different; yet, we were the same, reversed. We expressed our insecurities in very different manners. He presented ego strength, or the appearance of it. At that time, I did not know I was strong; I only knew that I trusted my beliefs and feelings and shared these openly.
Ultimately, loving this man so much and wanting to understand what I had never experienced, I read. I learned a greater empathy. I grew to understand that we all are very fragile souls and we must honor this. No one can anger me; it is my perception of where they are and what they are doing that causes me pain.
I need to ask them of their intent. I need to work to understand who they are and where they are. Where they were and how that has affected them is important. What are they hearing, feeling, thinking? Without that information, I know nothing other than the void of my own mind.
If I speak of what I know, my feelings, thoughts, and observations, and share these with love, and a sincere desire to understand all is different. After much learning, I acknowledged that I must not be intent on attacking and rarely did another person mean to hurt me. If I feel upset because of what they say or do, that is within me.
They cannot "take me as I am," for as close as we may be, they do not know me, my core! No one does truly, not even me. I know not of others, I only comprehend that I am extremely introspective. In every moment, I learn more about me.
That is what learning is. You suddenly understand something you've understood all your life, but in a new way. - Doris Lessing [Persian (Iranian)-born British writer. Concerned with people caught in the social and political upheavals of the 20th century.]
My parents after three decades of marriage experience the same. They are still learning of the other. My cousins have been together for sixty years; they too are continually discovering what they never imaged of the other.
With this man, as I changed, all else changed. At one point, he, a man known for his aloofness, said to me, “I am really fucked up.” We all are in our own ways. When we witness others, we are looking within ourselves. Do we like what we see?
We are here together. We will get what we give. When someone seems to be intentionally hurting us, I think we must recognize, that is our feeling, our perception, and our reality. Thank you G-man.
I have learned that those in pain pour it out onto others. For me, this is so sad. I have done this a zillion times. When I was in pain, I would pour it out. That brought me greater angst. It alienated me from those I love.
Now, I work to recognize that those that habitually cause heartache are doing as is familiar to them. Anguish is the life they know. They are doing what was done to them. They do not understand how to do otherwise. Please recognize you, whoever you are, are their teacher. If you want them to learn of love, you must share with them lovingly.
I could go on, though I have said too much, probably without saying anything at all. Please tell me of you. Where might my thoughts have taken you? What are you thinking, feeling, what would you wish to say or do? We are a part of a community. I ask that we communicate as such.
Instruction begins when you, the teacher, learn from the learner; put yourself in his place so that you may understand . . . what he learns and the way he understands it. - Soren Kierkegaard [1813 - 1855, Danish Writer during the "golden age."]
• The Daily Rant By Gottlieb. My Left Wing. June 12, 2006
• My Left Wing.
• Daily Rant for Sunday, By ScottinSoCal. My Left Wing. June 11, 2006
• Daily Rant for Saturday, ScottinSoCal. My Left Wing. June 10, 2006
• Intraspecific Relations: Cooperation and Competition By J. Stein Carter. National Science Teachers Association
• The Relationship; We Meet. © [Chapter One]
Please puruse . . .
• The Art of Loving, Part 1. By Erich Fromm
• Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss what Matters Most By Douglas Stone, Bruce Patton, Sheila Heen, Roger Fisher
• About the book Difficult Conversations Triad Consulting Group
• Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ By Daniel Goleman
• Working with Emotional Intelligence Written By Daniel Goleman
Posted by Betsy L. Angert on June 12, 2006 at 02:21 PM in "Take me as I am!", Approval or Love, Bloggers Unite, Communities and Communication , Desire to Learn, Discussion, Emotional Decisions, Emotional Intelligence, Empathy and Evolution, Human Nature, Humans, Self-Destructive, Life, A Forward Motion, Love of Learning, My Left Wing, Nature or Nurture, Philosophy, Profound , Psychology , Quality of Life, Teach The Children, Think Travels, War and Peace | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Media is Missing The Message. First Yearly DailyKos in Las Vegas ©
It is Friday, June 09, 2006 and the first annual Yearly Kos is barely covered by the Mainstream Media. Not being at the conference, I cannot compose detailed prose on the topic. I went looking for the words of others. As a subscriber, a blogger, and user of the Kos site, I wondered of the event. As an acquaintance of many in attendance, I was more than casually interested.
I opened the front page of the New York Times web site and there it was, Yearly Kos. The article was short and those I have met personally were not featured.
PDF of Liberal Bloggers Gather in Las Vegas
I feel more a part of the community at My Left Wing. Its intimacy appeals to me. Therefore, I then thought to look in the Washington Post. They honored our Godmother in the past. Well, they did and did not. They did reach out to her; perhaps she might be a keynote in a Post article. I did a quick search for Maryscott O’Connor and other wondrous friends. I found none, though admittedly; I may have scanned too hurriedly. The Washington Post says to stay tuned and I will.
Until then, I only offer links to articles, the opening statement of Markos Moulitsas, founder of the our Godfather Daily Kos, and my thoughts on this huge event and the coverage.
I begin with Markos Moulitsas Zúniga. In opening the conference, Markos, if I might be so familiar said, "There is no doubt we are turning the political world upside down. These are good, heady days for the people-powered movement.”
I agree. Bloggers are bringing power back to the people or beginning to. Citizens are thinking, writing, speaking, and exerting their resolve. They blog. Bloggers are now a strong voice for the common-people. Many are listening. Yes, these times are heady; they are exhilarating, thrilling, and invigorating times.
Democratic politicians are acknowledging this mysterious and magical force. That is impressive. Leaders such as Senator Harry Reid, minority leader in the Senate, Nancy Pelosi, minority leader in the House, former Presidential candidate General Wesley Clark, and pioneer of web-politics, and head of the Democratic Party, Howard Dean are all attending this convention. These leaders recognize the tide is turning and bloggers are turning it.
However, as I scan, the papers it seems this event is just a blurb. I wonder why. Is the Mainstream Media saying little with reason? Do the professional periodicals want Americans to believe bloggers are wild, reckless, impetuous, and imprudent? These words are listed as synonyms for “ heady.” Do they fear too much press might expand egos within the blogosphere? Are those that cover more than mere talking points thought too bold for the masses? Why is the coverage so scant?
Dear blog readers please share your views. Expand my mind in a way that the mainstream media is not. Do your thing, please. I crave comprehensive communiqués.
I thank you bloggers. You have changed the conversation. You question and stimulate thought. I am grateful for your actions. For me, the world had become too silent, self-satisfied, and complacent. Convene and commune, if not in Las Vegas, then here.
Later . . .
Ah, an answer may have been found, at My Left Wing YearlyKos: About the NetBosses not the Netroots.
Breakingranks writes Yearly Kos may not represent the blogosphere. It may be mostly white wealth attending. I think this is and is not newsworthy. America is still status quo, though we thought there was reason to hope for better.
Years ago, I attended the Republican Convention in San Diego 1996. The Republican National Convention Committee knew I was a Democratic activist. I told them a year and one half before the conference. I suspected a Federal Bureau of Investigation report might reveal such and I did not wish this experience. I trust honesty is the best policy. Therefore, I shared.
I am five feet tall, a liberal activist and the Republican National Committee assigned me to a position as security. This gave me much freedom to roam. I was standing next to Ted Koppel on the second day of the convention. He turned to his crew and said, “There is no news here. Let us go home.” The ABC Nightline team left the next morning. All was staged and self-promoting. Is this what has occurred at yearly Kos?
Possibly, there is little news from YearlyKos. Perhaps, there is no news to report.
The blog world may be the same old, same old; white and wealth may be the rule. We do know the “haves” own computers. The have not’s, do not. Sigh, say it ani’t so. Might there be other reasons for little media coverage?
Perchance, your perception differs from those others offer. I only ask the question. Please share your thoughts, experiences, or opinions, for you are the bloggers and you know more than the mainstream media might.
Yearly DailyKos in the News. It is the News!
• Yearly Kos.
• Liberal Bloggers Gather in Las Vegas, By Kate Phillips. New York Times. June 9, 2006
• Kos: "We Have Arrived", By Chris Cillizza. Washington Post. June 9, 2006
• Markos Moulitsas Zúniga
• The Left, Online and Outraged By David Finkel. Washington Post. Saturday, April 15, 2006
• About Maryscott O’Connor
• It's Not a News Event, But It Plays One on TV, By Martin Plissner. Washington Post. Sunday, July 23, 2000
Posted by Betsy L. Angert on June 9, 2006 at 09:03 PM in Bloggers Unite, Daily Kos, Discussion, Markos Moulitsas Zúniga , Maryscott O’Connor , My Left Wing, Yearly DailyKos Convention | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
