Zoomer rides again. With television cameras in tow, Zoomer and I rode again today.
We had better success, if you can call it that. I am a masochist, so I do:) Evidence of such is the driver who cut in front of me, who I gave the evil eye as I was crossing. Once I was safely on the sidewalk, I mouthed, "Thank you!"
The producer and photographer positioned themselves across the street from me. Together we documented four drivers, who cut in front of me. The producer indicated that one driver had Illinois license plates.
An unexpected twist left me feeling a tad embarrassed. I crossed Seventh Street on Sibley Street. The intersection is close to the YMCA I frequent. I proceeded across the intersection with little fanfare. Then....unbeknownst to me, a woman in a wheelchair was behind me. As I arrived safely on the sidewalk on the other side of the street, she was there. The woman's presence surprised me. I surprised her. I turned to my right quickly. My intent? To turn around and recross the street. Neither of us was hurt. She was surprised. In an instant, any smugness I might have felt that I was bringing attention to an important issue changed to personal enlightenment. I need to be deliberate in my travel, when I have deliberate intent.
I do feel good about the way today's downtown intersections expedition went.
Just now, the producer contacted me. He said that the story will be aired sometime late next week. I will keep you posted. For local readers--Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota--the story will appear on KSTP TV. I don't know whether or not this will appear on the KSTP website. Zoomer is hoping so. [p.s. It did appear. http://kstp.com/news/stories/s2317400.shtml] After, not only did she appear on camera, but, she was a part of a brief interview. She had fun. So did I:)
Showing posts with label talking with. Show all posts
Showing posts with label talking with. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Zoomer Chronicles: A Door Opens
Just now, I responded to a survey from Macy's. I left my name number, and my willingness to address a problem.
Several months ago, Zoomer and I tried to leave Macy's Department Store. First, Zoomer had great difficulty navigating the clothing racks that masked the handicap door open button. Once we found our way through the forest, we wheeled back to the door to exit the store. Before we could get out safely, the door started to close on us.
We were stuck. I sat there for a bit. How is the best way to move?
Slowly and deliberately. Slowly, I back up. I press the button again. We hurry to get back into position. We got through the door. But, I was scared. How much I can I trust this door? How much can I trust this door to get outside?
I recognize that Zoomer and I have been together since mid-April of this year. Many, many individuals have navigated these issues for years.
There is a balance to be found between being frustrated, and seeking a constructive resolution. I think I am closer to the constructive-resolution end of the continuum.
Wintertime. I don't know whether I will move more toward frustrated end of the continuum, or beyond frustration. Memories of last winter--last winter's snow, particularly--concern me. I don't know whether I will be able to get out.
I don't want to become embittered by fear, and be blinded to the glory of a fiery red maple tree.
Several months ago, Zoomer and I tried to leave Macy's Department Store. First, Zoomer had great difficulty navigating the clothing racks that masked the handicap door open button. Once we found our way through the forest, we wheeled back to the door to exit the store. Before we could get out safely, the door started to close on us.
We were stuck. I sat there for a bit. How is the best way to move?
Slowly and deliberately. Slowly, I back up. I press the button again. We hurry to get back into position. We got through the door. But, I was scared. How much I can I trust this door? How much can I trust this door to get outside?
I recognize that Zoomer and I have been together since mid-April of this year. Many, many individuals have navigated these issues for years.
There is a balance to be found between being frustrated, and seeking a constructive resolution. I think I am closer to the constructive-resolution end of the continuum.
Wintertime. I don't know whether I will move more toward frustrated end of the continuum, or beyond frustration. Memories of last winter--last winter's snow, particularly--concern me. I don't know whether I will be able to get out.
I don't want to become embittered by fear, and be blinded to the glory of a fiery red maple tree.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Stop Bullying: Speak Up Pledge
We all have the power to stop bullying by getting involved and performing simple actions that can make a difference in others' lives. Together we can create a community that is committed to ending bullying. So join me in taking the pledge to Stop Bullying: Speak Up today.
Stop Bullying: Speak Up pledge
http://www.facebook.com/stopbullyingspeakup
I urge you to take the Stop Bullying: Speak Up pledge today.
Whether it be with children, teens, adults--whatever the age--our words matter. It does NOT matter whether or not we know the individuals. EVERYONE deserves basic, human respect. Suicides have resulted, and self-respect damaged over feelings regarding sexual orientation, disabilities, and appearance, to name a few, that have been used as justifications for bullying. Please take this pledge.
Expedite necessary action. First, press http://www.facebook.com/stopbullyingspeakup. Second, press the Take the Pledge icon. Third, add your name. Fourth, press the Like button. Identify yourself as a teen or an adult. Share the Stop Bullying: Speak Up pledge with your friends.
Further action may be taken, if you so choose. First, you may add a Comment to your Pledge Signature. You may join groups of others concerned. Other options are offered on the Stop Bullying: Speak Up Facebook page.
Most powerful are the words you speak--the words you tolerate. Actions you take--actions you tolerate matter as well.
Stop Bullying: Speak Up pledge
http://www.facebook.com/stopbullyingspeakup
I urge you to take the Stop Bullying: Speak Up pledge today.
Whether it be with children, teens, adults--whatever the age--our words matter. It does NOT matter whether or not we know the individuals. EVERYONE deserves basic, human respect. Suicides have resulted, and self-respect damaged over feelings regarding sexual orientation, disabilities, and appearance, to name a few, that have been used as justifications for bullying. Please take this pledge.
Expedite necessary action. First, press http://www.facebook.com/stopbullyingspeakup. Second, press the Take the Pledge icon. Third, add your name. Fourth, press the Like button. Identify yourself as a teen or an adult. Share the Stop Bullying: Speak Up pledge with your friends.
Further action may be taken, if you so choose. First, you may add a Comment to your Pledge Signature. You may join groups of others concerned. Other options are offered on the Stop Bullying: Speak Up Facebook page.
Most powerful are the words you speak--the words you tolerate. Actions you take--actions you tolerate matter as well.
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Epilepsy Chronicles: Humor
Humorous? Yes. Humorous.
There are many serious aspects to having epilepsy--to having seizures. It is not a joke.
Yet, there have been precious moments--precious in their absurdity. Neurologists have an amazing sense of humor. They call it bedside manner.
The same neurologist, who told public television viewers this week that people with epilepsy foam at the mouth, once asked me, "how long did the seizure last."
I went into the neurologist following the seizure to have my blood levels checked. Did my medication levels need to be increased or decreased, so as to prevent future seizures? I understood the reason behind his question. He had known me for some time. He knew I lived alone. Knowing that, he still asked, "How long did the seizure last?"
A part of me was tempted to say, "Well, let's see, I looked at the clock and it said 6:40am, and I started seizing. I looked at the clock at 6:42am, and I stopped seizing. Gees. I guess I should have looked. After all, I was just lying on the floor. I wasn't doing anything at the time."
Come on, give me a break. I had a few more pressing things on my mind at the time.
"Get down to the ground. Get away from things I could grasp onto." I chanted to myself.
Equally humorous to the neurologist's question is my subsequent behavior. Since that time, I make sure to look at the clock when I feel a seizure coming on, and once again when the seizure stops. If I am lucky, my exhausted brain, and my memory will not be so impaired as to prevent me from remembering the length of the seizure. I try to be a compliant patient:) Sometimes, I go overboard:)
But, far more humorous than that incident happened several years later. I was in a neurologist's waiting room. A different neurologist. I was awaiting an appointment with him. Suddenly, I started to have a seizure. Fellow patients knew precisely what to do, and went into action calmly. The neurologist was called. He came out to the waiting room.
"Are you OK?" he asked.
"Am I OK? Sure, I always wanted to come to your office and have a seizure! Am I OK? Have you ever seen a seizure before? Am I OK!" I thought.
In my 40+ years of experience with seizures, that remains my favorite seizure experience.
There are many serious aspects to having epilepsy--to having seizures. It is not a joke.
Yet, there have been precious moments--precious in their absurdity. Neurologists have an amazing sense of humor. They call it bedside manner.
The same neurologist, who told public television viewers this week that people with epilepsy foam at the mouth, once asked me, "how long did the seizure last."
I went into the neurologist following the seizure to have my blood levels checked. Did my medication levels need to be increased or decreased, so as to prevent future seizures? I understood the reason behind his question. He had known me for some time. He knew I lived alone. Knowing that, he still asked, "How long did the seizure last?"
A part of me was tempted to say, "Well, let's see, I looked at the clock and it said 6:40am, and I started seizing. I looked at the clock at 6:42am, and I stopped seizing. Gees. I guess I should have looked. After all, I was just lying on the floor. I wasn't doing anything at the time."
Come on, give me a break. I had a few more pressing things on my mind at the time.
"Get down to the ground. Get away from things I could grasp onto." I chanted to myself.
Equally humorous to the neurologist's question is my subsequent behavior. Since that time, I make sure to look at the clock when I feel a seizure coming on, and once again when the seizure stops. If I am lucky, my exhausted brain, and my memory will not be so impaired as to prevent me from remembering the length of the seizure. I try to be a compliant patient:) Sometimes, I go overboard:)
But, far more humorous than that incident happened several years later. I was in a neurologist's waiting room. A different neurologist. I was awaiting an appointment with him. Suddenly, I started to have a seizure. Fellow patients knew precisely what to do, and went into action calmly. The neurologist was called. He came out to the waiting room.
"Are you OK?" he asked.
"Am I OK? Sure, I always wanted to come to your office and have a seizure! Am I OK? Have you ever seen a seizure before? Am I OK!" I thought.
In my 40+ years of experience with seizures, that remains my favorite seizure experience.
Peace's Curiosity
I am perplexed by the application of Libyan rebels, and Palestinians seeking statehood to the United Nations. Yesterday, I was alerted to the successful application of Libyan rebels' National Transitional Council.
I pray I am not so ardent a supporter of the United Nations that I am blind to nuances of these two applications.
A threshold question comes to my mind here. What threshold of hope do we need before we give credibility to those participants seeking admission to or members of the United Nations? Of the UN member states, do we support only those members we agree with?
The United Nations was founded on October 24, 1945. Many nations have become UN Member States since that time.
Afghanistan. 1946. Cambodia. 1955. China. A UN founding member. Cuba. A UN founding member. Egypt. A UN founding member. India. 1945. Iran. A UN founding member. Iraq. 1945. Ireland. 1955. Israel. 1949. Japan. 1956. Jordan. 1955. Kuwait. 1963. Laos. 1955. Lebanon. A UN founding member. Pakistan. 1947. The Russian Federation. A UN founding member. Saudi Arabia. A UN founding member. Sudan. 1956. South Sudan. A member since 2011--the same year it became a nation separate from Sudan. Syria. A UN founding member. Viet Nam--the former North Vietnam--1977. Yemen. 1947.
A boring recitation? I hope not. My intent? Evidence. The members listed hardly may be claimed as safe homes for peace. The United Nations, as a whole--as one body--may not ensure peace. It is to each member to further that cause. Yet, membership--application for membership--seems to indicate a willingness to be held accountable to negotiation--to peace. Member states, and those applying for member status, subject themselves to the sanctions of the United Nations. Sanction in both senses of the word. Approval. Encouragement. Endorsement. Seal of approval. Stamp of approval. Sanction--the responsibility to sanction. Ban. Boycott. Embargo. Penalty. Punitive Measure.
Although we--the United States--have had serious differences of policy, and ideology--with nations such as China, France, the Russian Federation, and the United Kingdom--we have united ourselves permanently as guarantors of peace with these four other member states, as the five permanent members of the UN Security Council.
The Obama Administration--many others--are squeamish to vehemently opposed to the approval of the Palestinians membership to the United Nations. We were hardly buddy buddy with China, and Russia for many years after October 24, 1945. Yet, we understood the cost of two world wars, the horrific toll of our atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki on August 6, and August 9, 1945 respectively. The United Nations' founding was a commitment that such destruction need not occur at any time in our future.
For many years, US Presidents have struggled to find ways to bring parties involved in the Middle East together to discuss issues critical to their survival.
Why is this so difficult? If we are committed to diplomacy--truly committed--then why is this so difficult?
I pray I am not so ardent a supporter of the United Nations that I am blind to nuances of these two applications.
A threshold question comes to my mind here. What threshold of hope do we need before we give credibility to those participants seeking admission to or members of the United Nations? Of the UN member states, do we support only those members we agree with?
The United Nations was founded on October 24, 1945. Many nations have become UN Member States since that time.
Afghanistan. 1946. Cambodia. 1955. China. A UN founding member. Cuba. A UN founding member. Egypt. A UN founding member. India. 1945. Iran. A UN founding member. Iraq. 1945. Ireland. 1955. Israel. 1949. Japan. 1956. Jordan. 1955. Kuwait. 1963. Laos. 1955. Lebanon. A UN founding member. Pakistan. 1947. The Russian Federation. A UN founding member. Saudi Arabia. A UN founding member. Sudan. 1956. South Sudan. A member since 2011--the same year it became a nation separate from Sudan. Syria. A UN founding member. Viet Nam--the former North Vietnam--1977. Yemen. 1947.
A boring recitation? I hope not. My intent? Evidence. The members listed hardly may be claimed as safe homes for peace. The United Nations, as a whole--as one body--may not ensure peace. It is to each member to further that cause. Yet, membership--application for membership--seems to indicate a willingness to be held accountable to negotiation--to peace. Member states, and those applying for member status, subject themselves to the sanctions of the United Nations. Sanction in both senses of the word. Approval. Encouragement. Endorsement. Seal of approval. Stamp of approval. Sanction--the responsibility to sanction. Ban. Boycott. Embargo. Penalty. Punitive Measure.
Although we--the United States--have had serious differences of policy, and ideology--with nations such as China, France, the Russian Federation, and the United Kingdom--we have united ourselves permanently as guarantors of peace with these four other member states, as the five permanent members of the UN Security Council.
The Obama Administration--many others--are squeamish to vehemently opposed to the approval of the Palestinians membership to the United Nations. We were hardly buddy buddy with China, and Russia for many years after October 24, 1945. Yet, we understood the cost of two world wars, the horrific toll of our atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki on August 6, and August 9, 1945 respectively. The United Nations' founding was a commitment that such destruction need not occur at any time in our future.
For many years, US Presidents have struggled to find ways to bring parties involved in the Middle East together to discuss issues critical to their survival.
Why is this so difficult? If we are committed to diplomacy--truly committed--then why is this so difficult?
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Zoomer Chronicles: Zoomer Goes to Yankton
Yankton? Yes, Yankton, South Dakota. Tonight, I received an email that took me back to Yankton, South Dakota--a speech I gave during college on the topic of handicap awareness. Zoomer reminded me of Yankton. In 1982, the speech I gave was the result of my audacity. I made contact with someone I met at a conference addressing handicap awareness.
A month ago, Zoomer and I were cut in front of by three different drivers during a two-week period. The incidents led me to contact friends on Facebook to determine whether I was correct to think that I had the right to expect patient, yielding drivers.
I was inspired to write letters to the editors of the StarTribune, and the Pioneer Press--the two local newspapers. Then, I decided to send emails to local media outlets.
Tonight, I was taken back to Yankton--to the audacity that led to my invitation to speak there. Tonight, I received an email from a local news producer.
It is odd. I don't know yet how this will turn out, if anything is aired. However, I never imagined myself speaking out regarding wheelchair use. I resisted getting one, much less using one.
We shall see what happens. The preliminary talk is mounting a camera on Zoomer to get a perspective of travelling in a wheelchair--encountering the outside world.
I don't know what Zoomer will show. The image of where the camera will be mounted intrigues me. The notion that Zoomer could open some eyes is exciting. We shall see what happens.
A month ago, Zoomer and I were cut in front of by three different drivers during a two-week period. The incidents led me to contact friends on Facebook to determine whether I was correct to think that I had the right to expect patient, yielding drivers.
I was inspired to write letters to the editors of the StarTribune, and the Pioneer Press--the two local newspapers. Then, I decided to send emails to local media outlets.
Tonight, I was taken back to Yankton--to the audacity that led to my invitation to speak there. Tonight, I received an email from a local news producer.
It is odd. I don't know yet how this will turn out, if anything is aired. However, I never imagined myself speaking out regarding wheelchair use. I resisted getting one, much less using one.
We shall see what happens. The preliminary talk is mounting a camera on Zoomer to get a perspective of travelling in a wheelchair--encountering the outside world.
I don't know what Zoomer will show. The image of where the camera will be mounted intrigues me. The notion that Zoomer could open some eyes is exciting. We shall see what happens.
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Epilepsy Chronicles: The Other Side
I turned the corner. Sixth and Cedar Streets. The 14B bus stop. I have arrived. 1:30 P.M. I am ready. A 2 P.M. appointment with my college adviser. My purpose? To enroll in a pastoral ministry program. I am prepared.
As I round the corner, a man in his mid-60s is struggling to stand up an unresponsive woman from the ground.
"Is she having a seizure?" I ask. I know the answer. I need my question's time to marshal strength.
Is she having a seizure? I think she is having a seizure. This is strange. Not unfamiliar, but strange nonetheless. Never have I been on this side of a seizure.
I grabbed the older man's arm firmly.
"She seems so helpless. Are they ever going to get here?" the man cried plaintively.
"Let the woman sit here on the bench. The police are on their way. I know it seems like a long time...
You have no idea how much I understand...the time warp...I understand...seconds seem like minutes...minutes seem like hours...I understand...believe me, I understand.
Several minutes later, help arrived. Finally, help has arrived. She will be safe now. The paramedics arrived. She will get medication in her bloodstream immediately--anticonvulsants. They will minimize recurrence of such seizures.
...
Moments later, the 14B bus arrived. I was off to meet my college adviser. I was off to explore enrolling in a pastoral ministry program.
I boarded the bus. I sat down. Suddenly, tears came streaming down my face. I lost my composure completely.
My witness at the bus stop was no accident.
As I round the corner, a man in his mid-60s is struggling to stand up an unresponsive woman from the ground.
"Is she having a seizure?" I ask. I know the answer. I need my question's time to marshal strength.
Is she having a seizure? I think she is having a seizure. This is strange. Not unfamiliar, but strange nonetheless. Never have I been on this side of a seizure.
I grabbed the older man's arm firmly.
"She seems so helpless. Are they ever going to get here?" the man cried plaintively.
"Let the woman sit here on the bench. The police are on their way. I know it seems like a long time...
You have no idea how much I understand...the time warp...I understand...seconds seem like minutes...minutes seem like hours...I understand...believe me, I understand.
Several minutes later, help arrived. Finally, help has arrived. She will be safe now. The paramedics arrived. She will get medication in her bloodstream immediately--anticonvulsants. They will minimize recurrence of such seizures.
...
Moments later, the 14B bus arrived. I was off to meet my college adviser. I was off to explore enrolling in a pastoral ministry program.
I boarded the bus. I sat down. Suddenly, tears came streaming down my face. I lost my composure completely.
My witness at the bus stop was no accident.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Belittlement. Respect for Life.
Once again, this afternoon, belittlement reared its ugly head, or so it felt. I try to live with respect for different religious perspectives than my own--there is good to be found in all world religions. I try to resist temptation--the temptation to be defensive--to say, "don't you know me well enough to know the serious reflection I bring to living a life of faith?"
Ironically, a discussion of "respect for life,"--mutual sadness that the breadth of the term does not seem to be a part of its use--led to the derivation of the story of Maundy Thursday, and the actual events of the story.
Our agreement regarding the narrow use of "respect for life" in some discussions was missed. A precious opportunity was missed.
Taking biblical stories literally, or symbolically became a "gotcha" moment. My antenna went up. "Quick, an attempt of entrapment is forthcoming."
I succumb to defensiveness. "Many Catholics take a broader view. Not every Catholic view 'respect for life' narrowly." A defensive volley was lobbed back at me--reference to those who do have "a simple faith--a simplistic Catholic view."
I grieve. I mourn. Three people of integrity. Trapped in different ages of the same Church. Pushed away...Drawn into...a Universal Church. Different faces. The same heart.
There is good to be found in all faith traditions. "Affirm, defend and promote the supreme worth and dignity of every human [being]. I mourn. All three are members of the Universal church.
"Support the free and disciplined search for truth..." Though packaged differently, at the core, Universalist, and Catholic search for truth with the same depth of commitment.
There are differences--important differences. I mourn. Yet, in my mourning, I question--do important differences preclude unity? Do important differences preclude a unified pursuit for truth made the stronger by the diverse perspectives of the same truth? Do the important differences preclude embracing the truth in Paul's words to the Corinthians?
"So faith, hope, love remain, these three; but the greatest of these is love."
Ironically, a discussion of "respect for life,"--mutual sadness that the breadth of the term does not seem to be a part of its use--led to the derivation of the story of Maundy Thursday, and the actual events of the story.
Our agreement regarding the narrow use of "respect for life" in some discussions was missed. A precious opportunity was missed.
Taking biblical stories literally, or symbolically became a "gotcha" moment. My antenna went up. "Quick, an attempt of entrapment is forthcoming."
I succumb to defensiveness. "Many Catholics take a broader view. Not every Catholic view 'respect for life' narrowly." A defensive volley was lobbed back at me--reference to those who do have "a simple faith--a simplistic Catholic view."
I grieve. I mourn. Three people of integrity. Trapped in different ages of the same Church. Pushed away...Drawn into...a Universal Church. Different faces. The same heart.
There is good to be found in all faith traditions. "Affirm, defend and promote the supreme worth and dignity of every human [being]. I mourn. All three are members of the Universal church.
"Support the free and disciplined search for truth..." Though packaged differently, at the core, Universalist, and Catholic search for truth with the same depth of commitment.
There are differences--important differences. I mourn. Yet, in my mourning, I question--do important differences preclude unity? Do important differences preclude a unified pursuit for truth made the stronger by the diverse perspectives of the same truth? Do the important differences preclude embracing the truth in Paul's words to the Corinthians?
"So faith, hope, love remain, these three; but the greatest of these is love."
Thursday, April 14, 2011
The Right Questions...Proper Fines...Rehabilitation...
I confess that I am not a huge sports fan. I listen for human profiles--human insights--within sports.
This week, National Basketball Association [NBA] player, Kobe Bryant was fined $100,000 for uttering a racial slur at a referee. NBA President David Stern imposed the fine to convey that the NBA was a family-friendly form of entertainment that would not endorse such behavior--such attitudes. Criticism has been made regarding the amount of the fine in proportion to the player's annual salary.
I pose a different question regarding the offense, and its corresponding fine. What impact would the imposition of fines have if they required community service relevant to the offense? Adjustments to the ratio of the fine to the offender's income should be implicit in sentencing standards, or fines assignments standards.
Community service seems like an easy way out--a soft sentence to impose. Yet, it does not need to be, if properly imposed--properly administered.
In the justice system, sentencing is supposed to be commensurate with the proven crime. Unanimous agreement does not exist regarding the definition of commensurate. However, that is no excuse for pursuing a definition.
What might commensurate community service be? First, it must be based on positive actions to lessen the occurrence of relevant offenses, in this case, hate speech. Second, three groups must be identified.
First, to what group, or organization is the offender accountable. Is it a sports team? Is it a professional association? Is it some other institution?
Second, who were the people incriminated? Children? Colleagues? Adults? Others?
Third, to whom is the offender a role model? Children? Parents? Pet owners? Teachers? Religious leaders? Others?
Fourth, what might some commensurate community service be for an athlete?
Speaking to fans at games at a pre-determined time within the game, and for a specified time period--once in each city played during the season? Speaking to recruits during the training season for the sport involved?
These are just two ideas. I am not beholden to them. My intent is to spur thought.
In the U.S. judicial system, there are federal sentencing guidelines, which have been established to ensure consistency, and definitions of commensurate. It seems that other organizations might take a cue from the U.S. judicial system.
Kobe Bryant is not the first, nor the last athlete to engage in hate speech. His offense can be a teaching moment for everyone--the news spotlight is on, and it is up to us to use it.
This week, National Basketball Association [NBA] player, Kobe Bryant was fined $100,000 for uttering a racial slur at a referee. NBA President David Stern imposed the fine to convey that the NBA was a family-friendly form of entertainment that would not endorse such behavior--such attitudes. Criticism has been made regarding the amount of the fine in proportion to the player's annual salary.
I pose a different question regarding the offense, and its corresponding fine. What impact would the imposition of fines have if they required community service relevant to the offense? Adjustments to the ratio of the fine to the offender's income should be implicit in sentencing standards, or fines assignments standards.
Community service seems like an easy way out--a soft sentence to impose. Yet, it does not need to be, if properly imposed--properly administered.
In the justice system, sentencing is supposed to be commensurate with the proven crime. Unanimous agreement does not exist regarding the definition of commensurate. However, that is no excuse for pursuing a definition.
What might commensurate community service be? First, it must be based on positive actions to lessen the occurrence of relevant offenses, in this case, hate speech. Second, three groups must be identified.
First, to what group, or organization is the offender accountable. Is it a sports team? Is it a professional association? Is it some other institution?
Second, who were the people incriminated? Children? Colleagues? Adults? Others?
Third, to whom is the offender a role model? Children? Parents? Pet owners? Teachers? Religious leaders? Others?
Fourth, what might some commensurate community service be for an athlete?
Speaking to fans at games at a pre-determined time within the game, and for a specified time period--once in each city played during the season? Speaking to recruits during the training season for the sport involved?
These are just two ideas. I am not beholden to them. My intent is to spur thought.
In the U.S. judicial system, there are federal sentencing guidelines, which have been established to ensure consistency, and definitions of commensurate. It seems that other organizations might take a cue from the U.S. judicial system.
Kobe Bryant is not the first, nor the last athlete to engage in hate speech. His offense can be a teaching moment for everyone--the news spotlight is on, and it is up to us to use it.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Where in the World Are They?
World events--2011's current affairs--call for a new vocabulary. Recently, a fun test was sent to me. The test? A blank map of Africa with country borders was accompanied by a list of corresponding country names. The object? To drag the names of the appropriate country, so as to assess geographical knowledge.
I offer you an entertaining, insightful challenge. Try the test for yourself. http://www.rethinkingschools.org/just_fun/games/mapgame.html
Don't worry about being wrong. Keep trying. I did. I did not get the countries correct without making mistakes. Yet, the test heightened--heightens--my desire to be more attentive than I have been.
Beyond current affairs that demand our attention are longer-term--more subtle--news. The daily stock exchanges provide barometers of confidence in world affairs. State and national monthly unemployment statistics represent additional barometers. Barometers of what? Outsourcing. International trade imbalances.
Outsourcing and trade imbalances should direct our attention to India, and China. Cheaper labor, and the form of government. India is a democracy. The Republic of China is a communist state. The Chinese government has firm control of the direction of the country's economy. I confess to knowing less of India's economy. I do know that significant outsourcing of computer work has been outsourced to India--keying of data into electronic form, and software But, I don't know how or why it is that India plays the role it does. The Philippines is another player in the outsourcing jigsaw puzzle. The Philippines provides large U.S. corporations with a source of cheap labor to achieve data entry of print data into digital form.
Our questions will be ever-present. If we are to have any hope of developing an understanding of other countries, it is essential to have a foundation of primary sources upon which we may refer for information. Whatever U.S. media is our daily white noise may alert us to pressing issues facing the world in which we live. Yet, if we do not have reliable native sources of information, we are at the whim of U.S. media, who have bureaus in other countries.
I offer you an entertaining, insightful challenge. Try the test for yourself. http://www.rethinkingschools.org/just_fun/games/mapgame.html
Don't worry about being wrong. Keep trying. I did. I did not get the countries correct without making mistakes. Yet, the test heightened--heightens--my desire to be more attentive than I have been.
Beyond current affairs that demand our attention are longer-term--more subtle--news. The daily stock exchanges provide barometers of confidence in world affairs. State and national monthly unemployment statistics represent additional barometers. Barometers of what? Outsourcing. International trade imbalances.
Outsourcing and trade imbalances should direct our attention to India, and China. Cheaper labor, and the form of government. India is a democracy. The Republic of China is a communist state. The Chinese government has firm control of the direction of the country's economy. I confess to knowing less of India's economy. I do know that significant outsourcing of computer work has been outsourced to India--keying of data into electronic form, and software But, I don't know how or why it is that India plays the role it does. The Philippines is another player in the outsourcing jigsaw puzzle. The Philippines provides large U.S. corporations with a source of cheap labor to achieve data entry of print data into digital form.
Our questions will be ever-present. If we are to have any hope of developing an understanding of other countries, it is essential to have a foundation of primary sources upon which we may refer for information. Whatever U.S. media is our daily white noise may alert us to pressing issues facing the world in which we live. Yet, if we do not have reliable native sources of information, we are at the whim of U.S. media, who have bureaus in other countries.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Belief, Faith, and Religion
Listening to the public discourse regarding the freedom of Muslims to worship, I have been reminded of the complexity of belief, faith, and religion.
Too often, these three terms are used as synonyms. They are interrelated, yet, they need to be distinguished. We use labels to provide a frame of reference from which to proceed in human relations.
Yet, we must not use labels as a substitute for listening to, talking with, and understanding one another.
When I started to write this blog this week, I was surprised to find myself stopped in trying to introduce myself in a way that accurately describes and reflects who I am, what my beliefs, and faith are. My problem? I wanted to describe myself fully in labels, rather than express myself fully in carefully chosen words, and in temperate voice.
In 2010, I attend a Catholic Mass in communion with individuals, who challenge me to live fully--to live with integrity. I am a practicing Catholic--I am practicing so that I may affirm life, and rid my spirit of intolerance, disrespect. I dedicate myself to be in communion with individuals with whom I am in agreement, but, much more importantly, I dedicate myself to be open to individuals with whom I do not share the same practices or beliefs. I may say that I am firmly rooted in Christian teachings--in Christian living.
But...the moment I speak or act in any way that denigrates the dignity of someone whose beliefs or actions I disagree, I contradict my beliefs, disavow my faith, and lose the privilege of celebrating my religion.
I must resist any temptation to denigrate those individuals, who oppose the rights of other individuals to exercise the freedom of religion.
I dedicate myself to learn from--to be enriched by--the diversity of beliefs, opinions, and ways of living that surround me. I pray all may share in this dedication.
Too often, these three terms are used as synonyms. They are interrelated, yet, they need to be distinguished. We use labels to provide a frame of reference from which to proceed in human relations.
Yet, we must not use labels as a substitute for listening to, talking with, and understanding one another.
When I started to write this blog this week, I was surprised to find myself stopped in trying to introduce myself in a way that accurately describes and reflects who I am, what my beliefs, and faith are. My problem? I wanted to describe myself fully in labels, rather than express myself fully in carefully chosen words, and in temperate voice.
In 2010, I attend a Catholic Mass in communion with individuals, who challenge me to live fully--to live with integrity. I am a practicing Catholic--I am practicing so that I may affirm life, and rid my spirit of intolerance, disrespect. I dedicate myself to be in communion with individuals with whom I am in agreement, but, much more importantly, I dedicate myself to be open to individuals with whom I do not share the same practices or beliefs. I may say that I am firmly rooted in Christian teachings--in Christian living.
But...the moment I speak or act in any way that denigrates the dignity of someone whose beliefs or actions I disagree, I contradict my beliefs, disavow my faith, and lose the privilege of celebrating my religion.
I must resist any temptation to denigrate those individuals, who oppose the rights of other individuals to exercise the freedom of religion.
I dedicate myself to learn from--to be enriched by--the diversity of beliefs, opinions, and ways of living that surround me. I pray all may share in this dedication.
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