Opposing Violence against women

I agree with many of the sentiments in the article, but already you are seeing in the comments that it is not just moslem men who have a problem with violence against women.

We should reject violence against all people and should not be afraid to confront it whether it comes from moslems or any other part of society. It is certainly a lie to suggest that it is simply a clash of civilisations. Statistically, there would be many men who practice violence against women amongst the police and armed forces personnel wearing the white ribbon on Wednesday.

While it is a nice gesture, we need to consistently reject violence in all its forms.

in reference to: Paul Sheehan (view on Google Sidewiki)

More on Prostate Cancer

This SMH article adds to the confusion about Prostate Cancer.  It makes sense to me, but perhaps it is just my aversion to being diagnosed with Prostate Cancer.  Certainly, having read this article, and also, when I heard Professor Coates statement years ago, I am not inclined to be screened for Prostate Cancer unless I have symptoms.  But, I do wonder if I am making the right choice.

A confronting story!

Husband sacrifices sex to stay alive prostate cancer

This really is a confronting thought.  Thinking rationally, there should be no question of not making the choice this man has, but for me, it is hard to imagine it not being an agonisingly difficult decision to make.  No matter how much I acknowledge that there is far more to life than sex, and that there would clearly be plenty of things in life to enjoy without sex, it still seems excrutiatingly difficult  to even contemplate!

I remember reading an article about this a few months ago.  The article focussed on the injustice to the zabaleen, having their pigs slaughtered, and the belief of many that this was just an excuse to make life difficult for them.  It seems they have reaped the consequences of their injustice.

Australia's xenophobia exposed

Another boat on the way | smh.com.au  How ironic that all this fuss is made about asylum seekers, when by far the biggest source of illegal immigrants comes from tourists (usually white) who overstay their visa.

How many Australians are now longing for the tough stance of the Howard government.  It hasn't made the news, but despite the tens of millions spent on the Pacific solution and the enormous suffering of the asylum seekers, 87% of them were acknowledged as true refugees and settled in Australia.  Maybe they really are refugees.

A cynical view of Earth Hour

Earth Hour

I really hate to sound like a cynic, but I didn't participate in Earth Hour and I really get annoyed by things like this.  How many people who participated and felt good about themselves drive large cars, have plasma tvs, use reverse cycle air conditioning, have computers running 24 hours a day (that is one of my weaker areas) and don't really even give it a lot of thought.  As one person satirically noted, one candle burning for the hour would probably burn more greenhouse gases than one low powered fluorescent light globe.  I suppose events like this have value if they get people thinking and then changing their behaviour, but I think that that is not really what happens for meany people.

Another example of incredible hypocrisy by the Vatican

Vatican says contraceptive pill pollutes - World - smh.com.au

Without even considering the moral issue of contraception, one wonders when was the last time the Vatican challenged the environmental impact of commericial production.  I wonder if the impact is higher or lower than that of illegal logging, or Macdonalds contribution to landfill. 

This is really a pathetic argument!

When are we going to get serious about peace in Palestine?

At least 225 dead as Israel hammers Hamas-run Gaza - World - smh.com.au

The problem with "An eye for an eye" is that it makes everyone blind.  Clearly that is the case in Israel. The government and Hamas are both blind to other alternatives.

Let's make a difference.

Op-Ed Columnist - Raising the World’s I.Q. - NYTimes.com

Read this article.  It is frightening that we can make such a difference with such a small effort and we are not doing it yet.  According to the article, the Canadian government is doing this, but it should be part of every aid programme.  It is such an easy thing to do.

My main overseas aid effort is Oxfam.  I am not sure yet if they have any programmes to provide iodised salt, but I will find out.

My concerns over Tasers

Police slammed over Taser plan - National - smh.com.au  While I can see some benefits in tasers in that they are less lethal than guns, I am concerned that police may be more willing to use them for situations when there are other alternatives.  Personally, I believe that part of the training process should be to be shot with a taser so that the shooter knows exactly how painful it really is.

Homosexuality

I was recently challenged by a Christian on my non-condemnation of homosexuality.  I replied that I thought the Old Testament references were not really valid, because they were in the same context as the directives not to mix meat and milk, and not to wear fabrics of two different types at the same time, and other practices that are clearly no longer acceptable to mainstream Christianity.   I indicated that I was fairly sure that the new testament references to Homosexuality were also ambiguous.  After the conversation, I felt the need to check the new testamant to see what it said.

 

There appear to be three references to homosexuality in the new testament.  Romans 1:26-27, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 and 1 Timothy 1:10.  There is clearly disagreement among Scriptural scholars about whether these passages actually refer to the practice of homosexuality, or not.  However, even putting that aside, and assuming that God does not approve of homosexuality, it is variously equated in these scriptures with envy, gossip, adultery, drunkenness, theft, disobedience to parents and other sins.   So, if that is what the scriptures say, why do the churches talk as if it is an unforgivable sin and one that necessarily excludes the sinner from the community?  There is clearly something wrong here.  Even if homosexuals should be excluded from the community because of this sinfulness (there wouldn't be many people on the inside, if the same treatment was given to the other classes of sinners), why does the church support the active discrimination against homosexuals in secular society, where the defacto relationships of homesexuals are not recognised by the law?  I have no hesitation in saying that to the extent that the Church is opposed to changes in legislation to protect the rights of homosexual couples that the Church is wrong and is speaking against natural justice.

 

That is why I happily support changes to legislation to end discrimination against homosexual couples.

 

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I always hesitate when someone, especially a 'Christian' asks me what I believe in.

 

If they were asking me to share the 'Song of Joy" that is my experience of God, so that they can benefit from it, or at least know God better, then I would happily share, but generally, people who ask this question seem to want to run what I say through their personal orthodoxy test to decide whether my experience of God is valid.  This isn't really something that i am interested in doing.  Mainly because what I know of God, (which is almost nothing), is only known to me through my experience.  How do you share that with someone who has an orthodoxy test.

 

For anyone who is still reading, here is what comes to mind right now when I ask myself this question:

 

- I experience God as loving energy.  Sometimes, I experience this through a heart to heart sharing with another person, at other times through the beauty or terror of nature, or through my sense of my own inner energy.

 

- Based on my experience of God as energy I feel comfortable in saying that I believe in God.

 

- Many of the things that I have learned in my journey, through the Catholic church, through other christian churches, through buddhist teachings, and through political and social activism ring true to me and seem worthy of encouragement, support, activism, belief, whatever.

 

- Because my life experience has mainly been through the Catholic church, I feel comfortable with lots of Catholic teaching, Catholic worship, but there are also many things about the Catholic church that I don't like.  Enough that I don't really feel comfortable calling myself Catholic.  For the same reason, I don't really feel comfortable with any other 'religious' label either.

 

- I believe in the holiness of human life.  I do not agree with abortion and believe that in general abortion is wrong.  I can see that the world is not perfect and there is often a need to choose the lesser evil.  I don't have any magic solution to how to choose the lesser evil, and question the honesty of anyone who claims that they do know how to always choose the lesser evil. I believe that science is a gift from God, and that we should enjoy the benefits of science, but one of the things that science, (or rather mankind in general) tries to do, is to avoid necessary pain.  By making the avoidance of pain a priority, as society does, we create technologies that dehumanise us.  Examples of this include using stem cells inappropriately and research into cloning.  Avoiding the pain of gluttony, or depression with medication are other examples.

 

This is a rambling more than anything, and is not really intended as a "Creed", rather as a 'consciousness stream' triggered by the question "what do I believe?"

WYD08 :: Home :: Media :: Latest News :: Decree of the Apostolic Penitentiary

WYD Plenary Indulgence

Here is a perfect example of how far the 'Institutional Church' has strayed from leading people to a meaningful relationship with the God of Love.

What a load of rubbish. This isn't too far from arguing about the number of angels that can dance on the head of a pin.

New storm over nude child picture - Arts - Entertainment - smh.com.au

New storm over nude child picture - Arts - Entertainment - smh.com.au

I can't help feeling the politicians and the media are exploiting this issue far more than any 'pornographer' might be. We are really becoming a wowserish society. I am happy to say that I think this photo is beautiful. I am quite comfortable that that does not make me a pedophile. If someone wants to label me as such, then that is their problem, not mine.

Coming soon: meet the wife, she's a robot - Technology - smh.com.au

Coming soon: meet the wife, she's a robot - Technology - smh.com.au: "partner" It is interesting that this article totally ignores real relationships in it's description. The characteristics of 'love' that are being considered are basically about self gratification. There is nothing of real love referred to at all. Certainly it is clear from the article that the most desirable feature of an ideal lover is to be totally compliant to our own desires. I don't think there is any possibility of real personal growth through this type of relationship. If this is really what the future holds, then perhaps Aldous Huxley will have been far closer to the truth than he could possibly have dreamt.

Prayer

These quotes that landed in my In box today really summarise my attitude to prayer.

He prays best who does not know that he is praying.

St. Anthony of Padua

Prayer at its best is an attitude, an awareness of God's presence. It's a feeling that we are not alone, no matter where we are or what we're doing. It is a thankfulness, a silent appreciation of and communion with our source.

Most of all, prayer is stepping back and letting go. It is a conscious awareness that we are the instruments of God's will, that your greatest fulfillment and satisfaction
come in letting that will - not ours - prevail. The best prayer is remembering that your self-will consistently gets us into trouble and that listening for God's will is
the way out.

Karen Casey

I really think we are entering a new era of self righteous ignorance.

While this article is not the ideal article to highlight, because it is clearly generally accepted as bad taste, to wear a Klu Klux Klan outfit, it illustrates how ludicrous our society has become. The other example today was of the woman in bondi wearing a kefiyah style scarf. I would link to it but it seems to have disappeared.

The Henson nudes is another example of self righteous bandwaggoning.

The other thing that annoys me about these examples is how they are splashed all over the media for about two days as if they are the most important thing in the world, then they quietly move over for some other fascinating tidbit. It really points to an incredibly shallow society.

Lets ban these bombs

Hi,

I've just reminded our Government that we're supposed to be one of the good guys - cluster bombs are weapons that break up in mid air to litter the ground with mini-bombs, some of which remain unexploded for years awaiting innocent civilians. But as the international community meets in Dublin to ban them, the Australian Government is going out of its way to frustrate the process.

Thousands of civilians have lost their lives and limbs, mainly children from Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq and Lebanon. But our Government is trying to water down the treaty that could ban them.

They're hoping this issue will slip under the radar without anyone noticing - but the stakes are simply too high to ignore. We need a strong international treaty to prevent horrors like those experienced as a result of land mines, and that decision is being made right now in Dublin. Join me in banning the bombs:

http://www.getup.org.au/campaign/BanTheBombs

Thanks!

Musings on the Feast of Christ the King

As I sat at Mass last night, I couldn't help but think how anachronistic and irrelevant the feast of Christ the King is. How can a republican get excited about the idea of Christ as a King. When I think of kings, I think of people who have done nothing to deserve their postions, with enormous amounts of money gained from the efforts of workers. I think of people who spend most of their lives indulging themselves and are totally out of touch with the day to day reality of most people. How far is this from my image of Jesus. For me, the image of Jesus that sits best is the man talking quietly in the countryside to people who are hurting and giving them real hope.

I went to the dentist last week, and we decided to take this tooth out. I nearly fainted when I saw the size of it, but amazingly, it hardly hurt at all getting it taken out. The wierd thing is that since it was removed, I haven't been able to drink red wine. White is fine, but not red!!!

SMH-Climate change threatens the fight to end poverty

Why have we been able to mobilise so much publicity and support for the Climate Change agenda, which will/might have an impact some time in the future, and very little for the Millenium Development Goals and the fight against poverty, which is killing 30,000 people every day?

Unfortunately, I think the reason is because climate change will affect US whereas poverty affects anonymous people over there. I hope that is not true, but I think it is.

SMH - Death Penalty

It is interesting how people are starting to get indignant about the anti-death penalty movement because it is getting close to the time for the execution of Amrosi and the other Bali Bombers. I wonder if those same people will also be objecting to the imposition of the death penalty on the Bali Nine.

It is sad, how far back we have come from the seventies when advocating the death penalty was not even on anyone's agenda to now where any people are pushing for it (at least for non-whites).

I find it hard to even discuss the question with supporters of the death penalty because it is so obviously wrong to me. It is hard to even come close to getting inside the mind of someone who believes that the world would be a better place with the death penalty.

The book that has had the most impact on my life.

Of all the books that I have ever read, the one that has had the greatest impact/influence on my life is "Awareness" by Anthony de Mello.  It is a book that is very hard to describe.  In many ways, it says nothing that I haven't heard before, but I think it came at the right time.  I have been reading and rereading it now for about six years.

I wish I had an easy way to describe it.  It is one of those books that for me was an epiphany.  While reading it I came to the realisation, "Ah, so that is what it is all about."  So do I now, know the meaning of life?  Well, Yes and No.   It is really frustrating because, 'knowing'  does not make it any easier to put into words.  The closest I can come is a quote from Paul's letter to the Phillipians (can't remember the chapter and verse, or the exact words, but it goes something like this).  "May the Peace of God that surpasses all understanding blow your mind."   When you find something like that, there is a temptation to tell everyone about it and give them a formula, but as Anthony de Mello says, I can't tell you what to do, just what to look for.  If I told you what to do, I would be just giving you another formula, and that wouldn't work.

There are plenty of books, gurus, teachings that tell the same story, but this was the one that got through to me.  If you are still with me, I really encourage you to have a look at it.  You can generally get it at Dymocks or Borders book store.  If you want to talk about it after you have read it, I would love to share with you.

Donna and I saw Amazing Grace on Saturday night. It is a powerful movie about the campaign in the British parliament to abolish the slave trade.

It was made to comemorate the 200th anniversary of the passing of the legislation.

William Wilberforce and others fought a thirty year campaign to turn the tide of popular opinion on its head. It is an inspiring example of how one person can make a difference. There are many similar things happening today that we should not ignore.

It is also interesting to note that most people who believed that slavery was okay were bolstered in their beliefs by the bible. I couldn't help compare this to the situation at the moment with the campaign to make homosexual couples equal before the law.

How I stopped a rapist

What a beautiful story this is. I was moved to tears, but not of sorrow but of joy. The solution to problems of violence is not more violence, in the form of anger, hate, shame and fear, but one of strength. Only by confronting reality, and taking control of our lives can we really conquer evil such as the rape that this lady describes.

It is truly beautiful.

George Pell and the Stem Cell Debate

The sad thing about this whole issue is that the debate has become one about the church telling politicians how to vote, rather than the church expressing its position on an important issue.

Almost no-one would have learned anything about why the church holds the position it does from the debate, as expressed in the mainstream media.

I hope it wasn't Pell's intention to create a power struggle. I really believe that he has though

We have lived through a month of chaos during April as we put in a new kitchen. You can see some of the before, during and after shots here.

I think the timing of my haircut is ideal for this experiment. I desperately need a haircut and I expect my hair is going to get uncomfortable, so the shorter the better. Off I go at lunchtime to get it cut.

A friend was telling me the other day how he hadn't used shampoo or any hair care product for four years and that he had discovered that once your body gets over the initial shock (about six weeks) it goes really well. He just washes it with water and that is all. He is very image conscious and looks great. Anyway, I thought about trying it but chickened out. Then yesterday, I stumbled across this from Richard Glover. I have now decided that I am going to give this a go. Now that it is getting cooler, it might be bearable trying it out. I will update progress here.

What is the value of a human life?

We never actually say it, but our actions make it clear that it depends on where they live, what colour they are, what their religion or sex are.


While I agree that we need to cut down on our energy use, I find it amusing and sad that there is a build up of concern in the world for climate change, when it refers to some possible (perhaps even probable) issues in the future, when we are ignoring the fact that every day, the equivalent of ten 911s are occurring in our world and we don't even think about it.

Actually, an Elephant in the Room for most environmentalists is that as the Third World becomes more affluent then the impact on Climate Change will be even greater. You don't hear many environmentalists suggest that we lower our living standards, only that we reduce our wastage.

Like it or not, for there to be real justice in the world, we will need to halve our living standards.

I still believe that as parents, unless you have plenty of money and no job, it is just not possible to spread yourself around and have lots of kids. The kids just don't get all the attention they need.

I have felt it even with our four kids. This is one of the main reasons why I think the church is just plain wrong with their teachings on contraception.

When it comes to abortion and abortive agents, I am a lot closer to the church, but to ban condoms, vasectomies and other preventative means of avoiding conception is not (in my opinion) wrong. I can see some reasons why it might be. Especially if the reason is to sustain a materialistic lifestyle, but even in families that are non-materialistic, it is just not possible to spend the time needed to mould loving adults (without hangups) when there are so many
of them. That isn't to say that we can't work through our issues and live great lives, but for the church to put that added pressure on marriages of not being able to safely have sex without fear of conception is just totally wrong. I have no question whatsoever about the IMMORALITY of the teaching on contraception.

I have very mixed feelings about this sort of weapon. In one context it seems like a good thing, because it should minimise permanent damage. However, I am concerned that with weapons like this, military or civil forces will be tempted to use them far more readily than previously. The potential for total domination by a totalitarian regime are enormous.

Active Denial Ray Gun

Town troubles spelt in black and white - National - smh.com.au

Obviously, this whole incident is tragic. On top of that though is the hypocrisy of the reactions. The newspapers are being very careful not to explicitly mention that the attackers were aboriginal. I found the same thing when listening to talk back radio yesterday. People seem to be talking in a code that says, "nudge, nudge, wink wink." It does nothing to improve the issues of racism, because people are not talking openly, but it also shows how people continue to use labels like "aboriginal", "moslem", "do-gooder", "feminist" as an excuse to stop thinking of the person behind the label, to stereotype them and to assume that they will behave in a certain way. As the article indicates, most aboriginal people in Griffith are decent, law abiding, people who are just as concerned about the violence as everyone else in the community. That is what racism really is all about isn't it. Making assumptions about a group of people, just because other people who have one physical characteristic in common with them exhibit a particular behaviour.

This article in the SMH on how easily the rich (that includes you and me) can end world poverty makes it clear that the Make Poverty History is not a fruitless goal. The hard part isn't ending poverty, it is making people care enough to even bother.

TJ's First Birthday

Oct 7, 2006 - 50 Photos

We had a great day today with Craig and Jenny. Craig is Donna's nephew and it is their son TJ's first birthday today.

Reclaim control of blacks' destiny - National - smh.com.au

A very difficult issue this! I can certainly see the point. Current policies have not worked. Clearly, something different is needed. However, if this is a good policy, shouldn't it also be applied to other welfare recipients. What about people who are a drain on our health system by smoking, overeating or taking drugs. The questions becomes where do you draw the line?

Read more at www.smh.com.au/news/nat...

I have just finished reading Jane Fonda’s autobiography My Life so far. I am finding it hard to remember what my impressions of her were before I read the book I have seen some of her movies, but I don’t think I ever really gave her much thought. I had heard her speaking on the radio (Life Matters) about her book and found what she had to say sufficiently intriguing to buy the book (not something I do very often).

Once I started reading it I could barely put it down. I finished it in just over a week. One of the reviewers had said that it is more a journey than a story, and I think that is a good summary of it.

Interestingly, I found that I was very able to relate to her and it seemed like many of her issues resonated with me. If you read it you would find that amusing, because one of her kids described her as a chameleon, changing her colours to suit the man she was with. I hadn’t thought much of this, but I certainly find that when I read a story, or an essay I get so involved with the author’s thinking that it is very difficult for me to separate their opinions from my own. I am really struggling as I read this to remember a single book where I felt it difficult to relate to the narrator. Possibly, this could be that I don’t choose or continue to read books that mismatch. I have read a couple of Hannibal Lecter books so surely I didn’t relate well to him, but still I must have been able to empathise at some level

One of the ways that I particularly felt an affinity with her was that I find it very difficult to assert myself and my own needs around Donna (and the kids). I find that I don’t even bother trying to set an agenda for our lives and just go along with the flow. This isn’t totally true, because I do sometimes choose something different, but it seems pretty rare to me. Donna tells me that I am too self absorbed. My own feeling is that even if I am, I tend to be self forgetting and don’t look after myself enough. I wouldn’t say that I am selfless, but rather that I have always seen my needs as less important than others. This is at one level. However, at another I think I recognise that I am entitled to look after myself, but rather than do something about it, I am just resentful of the people who seem to take first claim on my time. Unfortunately this can often mean that I shutdown. Effectively this means that while I am not making myself available to others, I am also not doing anything useful or comforting for myself. Seems very passive aggressive.

It feels as though this condition is effectively paralysing me. I am not sure how to break out of it. It seems that breaking out of this pattern requires a more radical change than I am willing to undertake. However, it is driving me crazy.

The other (and perhaps related) issue that the book brought out for me is the burning desire/feeling that I have been placed on earth for a very specific purpose and that I am doing almost nothing to bring it about. If I look back I can score myself well on my life so far, but it doesn't feel as though I created it. More than anything I think I have persisted and haven't walked away from my responsibilities. But, as I mentioned above, this hasn't always been active.

I will continue to think (about this and perhaps comment here).

I went this morning with Lauren and Rochelle to the Blacktown City Festival. They were marching with their school in the parade. I really had a good time. The girls were supposed to arrive about an hour before the parade so I had the chance to look around for quite a while before the parade started. I really enhoyed looking around at all the various cultural groups mixing together and making Blacktown into a great community. I started the morning by eating a Thai sate stick with peanut sauce and moved on to having a chat with a kurdish woman from Turkey and buying a baclava from her.

During the parade there were cultural groups from Uruguay, Philippines, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Holland and China as well as all the service clubs, some church groups and so many other groups. The actual parade lasted for just over an our and there were about 70 different groups in the parade.

After the parade, of course we had to go and get lunch. Rochelle and I split a Gozleme made with mince, fetta and spinach, and Lauren had an indian chicken curry.

I left with a really positive feeling about our community.

Rifle baffles terrorist - World - smh.com.au

'The Americans hope to isolate religious extremists from insurgents they believe are more likely to cut a deal to end thewar.'

What a pity they didn't try this strategy three years ago. They might have saved a lot of deaths.

Read more at www.smh.com.au/news/wor...

Softly, softly, jihadists are lured into peace - World - smh.com.au

Now this sounds like a promising alternative. I hope we hear more about it in the future.

Read more at www.smh.com.au/news/wor...

Navy may force Papuan boats back: ministers - National - smh.com.au

If you believe, like me, that Australia taking this sort of action is unjust, let Alexander Downer know. Send him an email at A.Downer.MP@aph.gov.au indicating your position.

Read more at smh.com.au/news/nationa...

Iraqi opposition against Jaafari grows

It seems that as far as the US is concerned, democracy should only go so far, and no further.

I can't believe the US people continue to finance this debacle that has achieved none of its original stated aims and is costing trillions of dollars a year.

Read more at news.ft.com/cms/s/0f72c...

Doubt at the Opera House

Adam had to see a play for drama so Donna and I decided to make the most of it by seeing something significant. This sounded good and all we had read about it was good but it exceeded my expectations completely.

Only four actors, but very powerfully performed. The scenes were simple but effective. I won't spoil it by going into detail but it was tense, hilarious, and disturbing. All of the characterisations were really well done and it was easy to take on the conflicts going on in their minds.

Read more at www.sydneytheatre.com.a...

Australia wins Winter gold - Sport - smh.com.au

How wierd is this thing called Nationalism. Yesterday, noone in Australia had ever heard of Dale Begg-Smith. He wasn't born in Australia, and being an freestyle mogul champion, he probably spends most of his life outside Australia. Yet, we all well up with pride and congratulate ourselves on having our first winter gold medal. Does anyone else find this funny?

Read more at www.smh.com.au/articles...

Not sold on the hard cell solution - Opinion - smh.com.au

Another great article from Ross Gittins. You don't have to be a bleeding heart liberal to consider other options than the simple solutions of the redneck agenda.

Read more at www.smh.com.au/news/opi...

Alleged syndicate organiser arrested - World - smh.com.au

Lucky for him that the Federal Police afforded him the courtesy of arresting him in Australia. I wonder why they didn't do the same for the Bali Nine?

Read more at www.smh.com.au/news/wor...

Gay Rights

I feel the need to state my view on Gay rights. This is prompted by this article on Webdiary

As a matter of social justice, Gay people are entitled to the same equality before the law that are available to all. It is without question, unjust that property rights, inheritance rights, and legal recognition of commited relationships are not available to them.

I really struggle to understand how any fair minded person, christian or not can be opposed to that.As far as custody rights, once again, I believe that a person's sexuality should not be relevant to their right to custody. Similarly, on the matter of adoption of a partner's children, I believe that homosexuals should have the same rights as all others.In the matter of government subsidy of fertility programs, I find it a little more difficult to support. Especially in the case where the only need for the fertility program is an unwillingness to try the natural method. Here, my objection is really just a matter of priorities. I don't think, when the health budget is so tight, that this is a justified expense. I have a similar view for hetrosexual couples.For couples wanting to adopt children, although I agree that the ideal situation is for parents to be a hetrosexual couple in a stable relationship with no mental or physical health problems, this is an ideal that is rarely possible. I have no doubt that children can bloom in a healthy homosexual family as well as in any other. However, I would hope that the child's best interest is always the prime motivation, rather than any political or social agenda.

Holy words come at a hefty price - World - smh.com.au

Perhaps they have been misquoted, but it seems to me like another sign of how far Power has taken these men from the Love of God.

Read more at www.smh.com.au/news/wor...

The Bartlett Diaries » West Papua - asylum seekers and lessons from our history

A good discussion by Andrew Bartlett of the issues around the Papuan refugees.

Read more at www.andrewbartlett.com/...

Asylum seekers boat found - National - smh.com.au

How will the Talk Show Jocks and the other commentators react to this? Clearly we have a moral duty to grant these people asylum, assuming their story is true. I look forward to seeing how the DIMIA reacts.

Read more at www.smh.com.au/news/nat...

Guard forces disabled duo to crawl - National - smh.com.au

This story doesn't add up. Obviously, the security guard was an idiot, but if these guys needed wheelchairs to get around, why didn't they have their own? After all, when they got out of the car somewhere else, how were they going to move away from the car.

Read more at www.smh.com.au/news/nat...

Ruddock canvasses ID card review - National - smh.com.au

I have very mixed feelings about this. I can see the positives for this. If there is a reliable identifier that business can use to verify someone's identity, it will dramatically reduce fraud, however, recording that ID no against a record will make it infinitely easier to match data from a variety of sources. It scares me that this is happening under a government that has shown that it is not really interested in getting consensus.

Read more at www.smh.com.au/news/nat...

Marriage: same sex, same difference - Opinion - smh.com.au

This well thought out article makes you wonder why anyone who believes in liberal democracy would have the slightest hesitation to allow gay marriages. I definitely do not want to live in a theocracy, so why am I not more actively supporting the right of homosexuals to marriage (by whatever name).

Read more at www.smh.com.au/news/opi...

I spent the week with my sister Nicola in Crescent Head. We had a great time with their kids. I have to say though that it was good to get home to the relative peace and quiet of our place.

It is interesting that I am feeling a little inhibited about what I write after Nicola telling me (referring to my speculation that noone reads this) that she does read it.

It is one thing writing thinking that noone is reading, though that seems strange given this technically public forum.

Nic's house was totally chaotic and I don't think I could stand it for too long, but, despite that, the kids seem to have a great time and are all great kids.

Gay cowboy film blackout up north - Film - Entertainment - smh.com.au

This is really going to confront a whole lot of people. I hope it is very successful so that people are forced to think through this issue.

Read more at smh.com.au/news/film/br...

Street Stories - 24/12/2005: Locked In With Friends

I listened to this story on Podcast yesterday and it really hit home with what we could have been dealing with after Lauren's incident. This guy has been confined to a bed for eight years now without any ability to communicate or move. What is surprising is that his friends continue to keep up regular contact with him. Very moving story, especially after what we have been through.

Read more at www.abc.net.au/rn/histo...

For heaven's sake - Books - Entertainment - smh.com.au

Great article. I agree with so much of what she has to say. I bet there are lots of conservatives squirming over this.

Read more at smh.com.au/news/books/f...

Just put it up: Iemma - National - smh.com.au

This is starting to look like jingoistic McCarthyism. Do we all have to prove we are Australian by plastering every building with an Aussie flag? It is starting to be a bit llike those American movies where people randomly recite the Pledge Of Allegience and criticise others for not joining in.

Read more at www.smh.com.au/news/nat...

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty (I
think that God as Father is limiting. For me, Lifeblood, or Life force rings
truer.),

maker of heaven and earth, of all that is seen and unseen.
(I don’t know if God created the earth or it has always been. It doesn’t matter
to me either way. What I do believe is that God is at the centre of all
creation.)

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,

the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father,

God from God, light from light, true God from true God,

begotten, not made, one in Being with the Father. (Is
Jesus God? I think that Jesus is God in the sense that we are all part of the
Unity of God. I think that Jesus’ self awareness or God-awareness is what makes
him God.)

For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven,

by the power of the Holy Spirit he was born of the Virgin Mary and became truly
human. (Jesus has shown by his example a way to God)

For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;

he suffered, died and was buried.

On the third day he rose again in fulfillment of the Scriptures;

he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,

and his kingdom will have no end. (Now this one, I have no
clue about. I guess I will just have to wait and see.)

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,

who proceeds from the Father and the Son. Who with the Father and the Son is
worshiped and glorified.

Who has spoken through the prophets. (For me, this part of
God is the part that I see most clearly. The Spirit of God as the Life
force/heartbeat is what I relate most to)

We believe in one holy Catholic and apostolic Church. (This
is one that I really can’t agree with. Even though Catholic means universal, I
can’t see any universality in the Catholic Church. The exclusion of homosexuals
and the judgemental attitude that seems prevalent in both the church hierarchy
and far too many Catholics makes me feel uncomfortable to claim it as mine.)

We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. (I
believe that there is nothing to forgive. Perhaps that is because of Jesus’
Death and resurrection, or perhaps not. I believe that our separation from God
is an illusion that we create for ourselves. There is nothing to forgive,
because there is no separation.)

We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come.
(I believe that Eternal life is now. We do not have to
wait for death to join in the life of God, it is already available to us if we
only accept.)

Amen.

Gangsters' hold on Sydney is safe - Opinion - smh.com.au

I seldom agree with Miranda Devine, and I don't agree with all of this, but I think we really need to bring issues like this out into the open. Government should be made to answer this and we need more honesty along with tolerance.

Read more at www.smh.com.au/news/opi...

Baby's sex test offers new hope - National - smh.com.au

This is one of those signs of the times that scares me. It is just not the thought that people will easily abort foetuses that have abnormalities, but rather the message that it is sending to people with a disability, that they are disposable. It might be starting with sex and genetic disorders, but as the testing becomes more sophisticated, surely the opportunity to select on hair colour, and so many other characteristics will occur.

Where will it end?

Woman, 37, indicted for wedding boy, 15 - World - smh.com.au
It is interesting that society, and me, find it less 'evil' when the male is the child than when the female is the child. I don't know if women feel the same, but I suspect most men think that they would love to have been in this position as teenagers.

I am very aware of the hypocrisy of this and that there is no difference in the ability of a boy or a girl to make a valid decision for themselves, but at some level, it seems worse for a girl.

Chiding for Catholics who stray - World - smh.com.au Another example of how out of touch and irrelevant the vatican is to the lives of it's people and to the life with God. I wonder what they are referring to when they mention profane music in church?


Things like this make me wonder how long the church has left.

I am amazed at how I find my self searching out companionship/solace relief from my aloneness from the internet. I know that I get a lot of information, and stimulating input and reflective ideas from the internet, but too often during each day I go in search of diversion. I am trying to understand what it is that I am seeking. When I notice myself doing this it reminds me that there is nothing that I need that I don't already have.

Push to ban headscarves divisive: Dems - National - smh.com.au

Noone who had read my blog would be surprised to hear that I am opposed to this move to ban the use of headscarves. For a start, while I agree that moslems are using the head scarf as a badge of 'defiance', I don't agree that they necessary mean that they are supporting terror. What I think they are saying is that in spite of the negative pressure exerted by their society, they are still proudly moslem. It is interesting though that it is the women that must bear the burden of this 'defiance'. I wonder why moslem men are not required to show some visual symbol of their religion?

Another interesting effect of this proposal is that moslem girls are far more likely to experience Australian life and become integrated into Australian society if they are attending public schools, yet by following this course of action, we are forcing these girls into the limited thinking that would be provided by attending a religious school.

Although I feel that I could do more to make the world a better place, it fills me with joy to think that my efforts and those of others who petitioned the Australian Government to act for this man have saved his life. Aussie wins clemency from Vietnam death sentence - World - smh.com.au

Too often, we say, "But what can one person do" but this is another illustration that one person can make a difference!

I just checked my cousin's blog The Adventures of a Little Fish in a Big Sea and was disappointed to find that he hadn't blogged since April, when it occurred to me that it had been quite a while since I had blogged too. I have no idea whether anyone reads my blog because I have never had a comment added (sorry Louanne, I forgot that you did once). I suppose when we blog we are all hoping that someone out there cares enough to stop by and read. But then again, I read lots of blogs and almost never leave any comments. I wonder, if this need to be noticed/loved is something we all feel, but that we tend not to reach out, how ironic it is. Is it really that simple, that all we need to do is to reach out instead of waiting for others to reach out to us?

Ruddock accused of raid leak - National - smh.com.au The 'security' forces are running rough shod over our civil liberties and what does everyone do? Watch Big Brother I guess. How long will it be before people realise what is being done in their name?

Sex assault strike force: have you seen this man? - National - smh.com.au What on earth is a seven year old doing on the streets on his own at 9:30pm!!!

I spent Monday and Tuesday in Brisbane. I am amazed at how easily I can deceive myself that flying interstate and staying at fancy hotels makes me a great person. Qantas are running a competition at the moment to win a Lexus. You dont have to do anything except fly to be in the running for the prize. I read that the prize was worth $150K and thought of course I would sell the car and pay off the mortgage. Then I saw the car and started thinking how great I would look in it. We truly are children.

It could have been five weeks ago - World - smh.com.au And this story is a fantastic illustration of why Australia should not be in Iraq except in a peace keeping role. We clearly do not understand the local culture and are not doing enough to learn. In a country that was 'liberated' over two years ago, and has had 'democratic' elections, it is deplorable that military forces would behave like this. And for australia to be involved is so far from what we believe of ourselves!

I have always found Juan Cole's observations to be informative and accurate. Here is what he says about the future of peace for Iraq.Informed Comment

Against his will, the transfusion that saved a boy - National - smh.com.au: "determination"

This is a difficult situation! I think I would have found as the judge did. Even though he is at an age of reason, a child would find it very difficult to look beyond the grounding that he had received. Even as an adult, I find it difficult to know whether I am thinking rationally, or deciding based on programming and rationalising my justification. I think for adults, we just have to accept that they have the right to make a decision. However, I say all of this without the experience of having a religious view that is so violently different than the mainstream. I suppose some of my views are, but I can't think which of them is at risk of being opposed in the courts.

A matter of where life is cheaper - Opinion - www.smh.com.au

A great article. It really makes you think. I have been very alarmed by the obvious xenophobia and racism inherent in most of the reporting of the drug cases in Indonesia. I find it particularly ironic that people are so critical of the Indonesionan (Napoloeonic) legal system where the onus is on the accused to prove innocence. At the time of the trial of Amrozi and the others accused of the Bali bombing, the media and talk back were 'waxing lyrical' about how much better the Indonesian system was for getting a quick result.

Australia's sexiest woman - People - www.smh.com.au

How fascinating the role that 'fame' has in whether people are considered 'sexy'. Some of these women are not particularly outstanding, it is merely the fact of their fame that defines them as 'sexy'. To me that confirms that the largest sex organ is the brain. We are all deluding ourselves constantly and can create happiness for ourselves at anytime, merely by imagining it.

Although I do believe this, yet I still manage to create unhappiness for myself too often. Why do I do it. And also, if I do create happiness for myself with my imagination, is this the same as putting my head in the sand or can I create 'happiness' and still act as an agent of change?

Ratzinger a strict defender of orthodoxy - World - www.smh.com.au

Is this a great day for the church? My gut says no. I don't see Ratzinger as inclusive in any way. I think he is far more interested in following the rules than in celebrating the love of God. My prayer is that I am wrong.

Families of alleged traffickers Bali bound - World - www.smh.com.au

This can't be good for Schapelle Corby. I'm sure that the general public in Indonesia would think that Australia if full of drug dealers. Except for the possibility of corruption, she probably is better off without a jury trial. Hopefully the Judges are not swayed by public opinion.

This weekend was the first quiet weekend we have had in over a month. Donna and I went out to dinner on Saturday night, but that is about all. It was nice for a change.

Crowds angry as police close queues - World - www.smh.com.au

How ironic that people caught up in religious fervour could lash out at the police. To me this seems a long way from God! God must surely be shaking her head just like me.

Family losing its race against time - World - www.smh.com.au: "Terri Schiavo"

This really is tragic. I hate the way it becomes entertainment for the masses though.

I also hate catching myself feeling some sort of 'joy' (not the right word really) that 'my side is winning'. I don't have a side and can relate to the tragedy on all sides, but I still find a part of myself feeling this way.

These things really expose the ugly side of humanity.

Da Vinci Code's 'lies' - Books - www.smh.com.au

I guess this is hardly a detailed report but it seems to leave a lot of questions unanswered. It is interesting that the Cardinal suggests that Jesus having a child with Mary Magdalene amounts to defamation!!! This says more about the mind of the Cardinal than it does about Jesus.

I have no idea whether the story in the gnostic gospels is correct or not. I can't see how anyone living today can know the truth. I have to question why the church is so violently opposed to the possibility that the alternate story might be true.

What a day we had yesterday. We started the day at 8:30 with a trip down to Homebush. Lauren was swimming in the National Open Championships and Adam was running in the State Athletics Championships. They were scheduled to be competing about 15 minutes apart. Luckily, it is only a five minute walk between venues.

Lauren realised half way there that she had left her swimming costume at home. Well, the stress levels of everyone in the car went up a few degrees. Luckily, the Speedo shop at the pool was open and we were able to buy a pair of cossies (full price of course). Lauren swam a (post heart attack) PB which was great. We didnt have time to see her afterwards as we had to race off to the track to see Adam compete in the 2km Steeple Chase. We made it comfortably, and watched him do a PB as well. We went back and picked up Lauren and then drove home. Half way home, Lauren realised that she had lost her (new) cossies. We couldn't just turn around, as we were rushing home to drive Karl to work.

I dropped Donna off and returned to Homebush with Lauren. Luckily, we were able to find the cossies and returned home to recover.

Adam had to go back to Homebush for another event later in the day, and we also had to drop in for Donna's brother-in-law's birthday celebration. Donna went to the athletics and I took the girls to the party. We couldn't stay long though, because Donna and I had tickets to see Niel Diamond in concert at ... Homebush. He was on at the Superdome.

We arrived at Homebush in plenty of time. We allowed ourselves two hours for a leisurely dinner and stroll to the venue. We got free parking and managed to get a table at The Brewery. We bought a bottle of wine (no queue) and sat down to have a glass before getting a meal at the bistro. We hadn't really noticed, but a whole lot of people arrived after us. I got up to line up for our dinner. I knew there might be a problem when I saw the queue at the bar. I went over to the bistro queue and decided it didnt seem too long. After fifteen minutes and virtually no movement, the kebab stand out on the street started looking good. So here we were, sitting down with our bottle of Chardonnay, eating kebab's out of a bag dressed up to go to a concert. Not what we had in mind!!

The concert was great and overall it was a good day.

Mouse will have brain of human - Unusual Tales - www.smh.com.au

Now this scares me. I shudder at the thought of what could be done with this technology if it succeeds. Where would the line be drawn if an animal, exploited by farming (or whatever) had a human brain? Very scarey!

Today, I went through the trauma that every parent faces eventually. Karl's first driving lesson.

It turned out quite well, but I was certainly glad when it finished. I'm sure it will get better every lesson.

Habib: more revelations 'may have to come out' - Anti-Terror Watch - www.smh.com.au

It is almost impossible to know the truth of this case, but I am stunned how easily the media, government and many in the general population have been happy to jump on the bandwagon and vilify this man with no evidence. I read somewhere else that this is the new McCarthyism. Accuse someone of being sympathetic to Al Quaeda and all of their rights can be waived. It seems like we are happily jumping back fifty years with our civil rights practices.

I am reminded of Martin Niemöller's poem about Nazi Germany. We have to protect the rights of all people.

First they came for the Jews and I did not speak out - because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for the communists and I did not speak out - because I was not a communist.

Then they came for the trade unionists and I did not speak out - because I was not a trade unionist.

Then they came for me and there was no one left to speak out for me.

Louanne visited Nicola on the weekend and here she is proudly showing off Sienna and Gianna 

I am amazed sometimes at how things work out. I have a suspicion that the saying "There are no accidents" is true, but being a sceptic, I have trouble believing.

Last weekend I was at a party when a discussion turned to home schooling. I mentioned a friend of mine who is homeschooling his daughter and that he had investigated lots of computer software packages. The woman I was talking to expressed interest, so I offered to find out some details. He replied immediately and invited me to join a discussion group with several other internet friends who used to meet regularly but had lost touch over the past 18 months. It seems the group had only just reformed. I had only spoken to him once in 18 months, yet here I was contacting him at just the time when they were starting the group again.

Sometimes I wonder if these things might not be happening all the time if only I was looking properly.

Boy, 7, thrashed for not eating cheese - National - www.smh.com.au

I don't know how we change attitudes like this. This is far more extreme than anything I experienced as a child, but this sort of thinking was a product of a past era. I certainly remember being forced (emotionally rather than physically) to eat things I didnt want to eat. Although there have been many changes for the better, we still have a lot of room to change more.

The Center for Global Development | 2004 Ranking The Rich

What a great measuring stick for the impact of developed countries on developing countries. It does a great job of explainging the issues too.

I read that all is as it should be and that I Iack for nothing. Yet, in my gut I feel an emptiness, a longing, for contact. I hear and understand that ultimately, we are all alone and that is our natural state. So why do I have this unfulfilled longing for physical and intellectual union with others. I am told, and sometimes know, that there is no ‘Other’ and that all is one, yet so often it is impossible to believe this. If this truly is the Way, why do I seem so lonely? And yet, when I stop and breathe, and ask myself the question, “What is missing from this moment?” I have to answer nothing. All is as it is.

It is amazing how centring a simple breathing meditation can be. And yet, in the business of life, I can often go far too long between meditations.

Today, I was reading about a woman who organized a plane load of drugs to be sent to Aceh. I hear this and think how little I have really done. Sure we gave money, and we will probably give more, but I could have done more. Actually, it is not too late, yet what am I going to do?

I seem to live with the illusion that I am powerless, that I am bound to Donna and family, and that is my reason why I can’t do so many things. It is very convenient!

My help with the Tsunami

I was thinking that the only thing I could really offer was money, then it occurred to me that perhaps my interpretation skills might be useful. Then it occurred to me that if I could be helpful I should offer myself. I even thought that my work would contribute some of my time perhaps matching my holiday time. I sent an email offering my services, not really expecting anything, but of course, I started immediately daydreaming myself into hero status. I am not sure whether I would really be going for them or for me. I guess, if someone thought I could help, I would go regardless.

Anyway, it doesn't look as though my offer is being taken up. Oh well!

New Year's Day
I don't normally place a lot of importance on New Year's Day. As a day for change, I dont think it is any more significant than any other. Lots of people have been saying, "I hope next year is better than this year for you". In many ways though, I think of last year as being one of the most blessed of my life. Firstly, Lauren miraculously recovered from her heart attack. We discovered how many people cared enough about us to offer support. We met many people going through similar trauma and our hearts were touched by them. I have had a new perspective on life. It is far easier now for me to focus on Now. Whenever I look at Lauren's trachea scar I am reminded how close we came to losing her and that I should not let a day go by without living it to the full.

Donna and I went to the movies on Saturday night and saw The Notebook It is a beautiful movie. The scenery, in South Carolina was fantastic, and the 40's setting was beautiful. I can really recommend it.

One interesting thing was that it dealt with dementia. I have had two grandparents who had dementia as they grew older and Donna often expresses her fear, as I get vague, that I might suffer from it too. It was tragic to see the husband of the women with dementia and how much it hurt him to live with it.

Very touching movie though.

I was sent a link to this when I signed an internet petition about the injustice of mandatory detention. Refugeeguarantee.com.au.

It bothers me that Australia has come so far from the days in the seventies when we welcomed boat people. The fact that an issue like this barely rates a mention, makes me despair for the heart of the nation.

Perspective

I am finding myself surprised at both ends of the spectrum at the
results of my experiments in awareness. It is amazing how many of the
things that I do I do out of unconscious habit. And also, how even
knowing that, I continue to do it. Is this the nature of humans or
not? I guess it would have to be not, because clearly somepeople are
able to maintain awareness and are able to be extremely effective.
Even in non-awareness, the difference between someone who does
something (anything) well and someone who does it poorly is enormous.
If one person can do it well, surely anyone can. How much of my life
do I spend asleep. Missing opportunities to communicate with my
family and others I meet, being distracted from what is important.
Letting negative thoughts, foods, excesses of any type invade my mind
or my body. It is funny, even this message, I really started typing
just so that I could add something to this blog. How important is it
really? I find it a useful way of channeling my thoughts but does it
do me (or anyone else) any good? Who knows. I doubt that anyone else
ever reads it. If that is true, then it must be for me, I think I do
get something out of this because it focuses my thoughts and forces me
to be more disciplined (only a little bit). However, I think I
unconsciously hope that I am going to touch someone by my writings and
reach out to their heart. But I don't think I really want to do that
to make anyone else feel good, only to massage my own ego.
Now I find myself reviewing this to decide whether it is worth
publishing, (and trying to find where to make a new paragraph, because
I have been told that this is too long for a paragraph).

Love, God, Self, Connection

I have noticed that recently I have been quite disturbed. I find
myself searching the eyes of women that I casually come across in my
daily travels for some form of intimacy. When I make eye contact and
get a smile, I find myself feeling good. Perhaps I read it as a sign
that I am still attractive, perhaps I briefly fantasise about some
imagined future with this person who (being a fantasy) is perfect and
will provide me with the fulfillment I seek.

I remember the strategy in Core Transformations of asking myself, what
is the higher purpose that I am striving for when I ....?

In this case, it is Oneness with that other person. It is funny that
I am only looking for 'Oneness' with women who are attractive to me.
You would think that if it really was Oneness that I was seeking,
then, being a spiritual thing, physical appearance would not matter.
Another way of looking at it might be to say that I am experiencing
Lust.

If it is Lust, then what is the Higher purpose that I am seeking?

I suppose it would be Love of Self and pampering Self.

What is the Higher purpose that I achieve, by pampering myself?

Feeling/experiencing/knowing the sense of being loved.

What is the Higher purpose that I achieve, by experiencing being loved?

Knowing that I am acceptable.

Who to?

To myself, to God, to others I meet.

I am not sure why, but it seems that I am still affected by Lauren's illness. It seems that Donna and I have been more significantly impacted by this than has Lauren herself. We both seem unwilling to do anything more than what we need to do to keep the family going. This blog is an example of that. I have hardly posted since Lauren got out of hospital.

Starting to get back on top of things

Lauren had a good week last week. She went to school all week, and although she was tired by the end of the day, she made it through each day. She is really anxious about tomorrow when she goes to get her defib checked out again. This was when she was put back under to get the leads adjusted. I think she will be much more relaxed once she has done that.

we are starting to make progress again with our painting and with the work as Treasurer of Smithfield. All such mundane things, but it just seemed impossible to do any of them until this last week.

I'm still feeling very flat. It seems strange to me that over two months after Lauren's incident, I am still disoriented and not back in a routine. I suppose you would call it post traumatic stress. I think that Donna is also feeling down at the moment. We had a week holiday last week and that was good, but I think we needed far more than that.

Abortion

A chance, perhaps, to heal long after a mother's traumatic choice - Opinion - www.smh.com.au

This is something that I have long suspected. It is not very well received for a man to express something like this when talking to women who are pro-choice. It was very touching to read this account. Sadly though, I think that right to lifers often show just as little understanding and love as the pro-choice people. This is another example of the error of black and white thinking.