Call me Ishmael.

I have been away - visiting - listening - sorting out my narrative. I ponder Herman's words written so many years ago in the tome "Moby Dick". Call me Ishmael. What has changed in the human condition? How much of Captain Ahab is in my being? Are my obsessions leading me to my own death? Is my destiny unfolding as the fates are directing? Is my life providing sustenance for others?

 I live in Canada a country where the Captain's - obsessions are destroying and holding many entwined to a dream - more like a nightmare! The narrative of my country is not based on a victory on some foreign soil, where our patriots left their bodies for the worms as the military mongers proclaim! Yet our government is promoting and using the military budget to do just that.  Canada's great victory in the war of 1812??? Huh?

I am painting my own "white and black" house with strips of "dried red blood". Old Mexico is the color. What lies hidden in the unconscious of such choice? A house planted on territory that from many was said to be unoccupied - yet perhaps stolen by the newcomers intent on building a new life for themselves! People from crashed and war torn countries were "advertised to" by the corporate interest who marketed a dream of "the new land".   I am now coming to recognize my Canadian identity as a member of Treaty 6.  As it takes two parts to a treaty I am beginning to identify with my responsibilities of the treaty.

They had promised to share the land - water - and resources. Many are still in wait for promises made years ago.  I too complicit in the ongoing story - wanting to hide my white shame privilege through busy-ness and distraction.  It seems like Chapter 90 in Herman's Tome. The winds of time - still blow "the Pequod" the ship of life that I am on - towards the unknown future. Yet it is known - like the whale oil industry - taking everything than innocently lives - and regardless of the cost - there still is blood on the light in my house and the gas in my car! I confess - and promise to repent! But when Jesus asks -

"What do you think? A man had two sons; he went to the first and said, 'Son, go and work in the vineyard today.' He answered, 'I will not'; but later he changed his mind and went. The father went to the second and said the same; and he answered, 'I go, sir'; but he did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?" They said, "The first." Jesus said to them, "Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are going into the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you in the way of righteousness and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him; and even after you saw it, you did not change your minds and believe him.

Why can I understand it but not implement the choice I need to change! Grant me forgiveness - so I can heal - and take steps to the new life that is upon us.!

Just still wondering -  Have you made changes in your life lately??

Scharper: The price of political expediency - thestar.com

Scharper insight and reflection on democracy and what is happening needs to be shared.

Scharper: The price of political expediency - thestar.com

Maintaining vigilance and awareness by naming and helping others to perceive how the actions of the minority and people with power can abuse others is critical in a democracy. One should not fall asleep in our lawn chairs without pondering the consequences of the actions that go hardly noticed. Hope people can rest up and prepare themselves for the hard work of the elections and resitance needed, to prevent the abuse and misuse of power by those whom we have turned over our political power to in our complacency.

Other wise the world is alive and life is amazing. Such a paradox we live within.

Happy fishing in the lakes with no fish.

Right-Wing “Feminism” Nothing New

In a world that fails to see how we continue to use scapegoats to direct our violence at, especially in a "Christian" country leaves us a long way from redemption and how our lives continue to mimic the story of the sacred text. Perhaps that is why whether it is embodied in our DNA as humans we continue to use violence and animal behaviors to claim our authority as to "being on the right side" with God. In my humble opinion humanity is not on the way of Christ until we awake to see what we are doing. Conscience of our behaviors may provide us a way if we awake and seek forgiveness. Would that not require conversion like Saul - to Paul? Recognizing that all life is sacred and part of the divine intention. Fear mongers seem to teach separation and division using dehumanizing or demoniac language to claim righteousness. In my humble opinion for what it is worth, I am left "just wondering" when we will wake up?


Right-Wing “Feminism” Nothing New

letter to mp

Hon. Brian Jean, Member of Parliament
House of Commons, Ottawa, Ont.K1A 0A6
5101 - 50th Ave. Athabasca, Ab. T9S 1T2

Dear Brian Jean;
I write as a clergy within the United Church of Canada who is shocked and dismayed by recent news of Israeli actions against Palestinians in the West Bank. A previously secret Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) Order took effect in the third week of April 2010. It classifies Palestinians in the West Bank who do not have documentation issued by the local Israel Defence Forces commander as “infiltrators” in their own land.
It will also confine Palestinians to their villages and further sever them from vital economic, health, education, and social centres. Palestinians found in contravention of the order could be subject to almost immediate deportation or jail terms of up to seven years. Israel is party to the United Nations' fourth Geneva Convention that prohibits "individual or mass forcible transfers, as well as deportations of protected persons from occupied territory to the territory of the Occupying Power or to that of any other country....regardless of their motive."
I would urge you and your caucus to have Prime Minister Stephen Harper formally denounce this action in a protest to the government of Israel. Human rights apply to all citizens, and failure to speak out speaks volumes of your actual lived values concerning human rights. The culture of fear and intimidation that is currently being demonstrated as hosts of the G8 and G20 is an inane response reflecting values I as a Canadian neither hold or appreciate. Integrity requires symmetry between what you say and what you do. I appreciate the freedom of expression in Canada that allows us to respectfully point out to each other what we see and interpret of our actions and statements. I believe Canada's reputation is in jeopardy and others respect for Canada in the eyes world citizens will not be seen in a positive light.
Peace is not the absence of war and requires more dialogue, education and processes to bring people together. A violent military aggressive approach traumatizes generations for decades and teaches only war and not peace. Gandhi once wrote '' There are moments in your life when you must act even though you cannot carry your best friends with you. The still small voice within you must always be the final arbiter when there is a conflict of duty''. I urge you to listen to the voices of those who are not represented by the ''Official Statements'' that ignore basic human rights issued by those who consider themselves leaders. Tyrants come in many persuasions. As I may have mentioned before; power and politics are the steroids of arrogance that continue to build strong images of 'mighty men' meanwhile enhancing life threatening breakdown of the human families condition.
I would appreciate the opportunity, to meet with you to discuss this issue and other pressing and important concerns our community faces.
Respectfully