Solidarity

                                        ONE LOVE

"More than you know...."

 

                 My heart was shattered by the death of a beautiful, soft, sweet, soulful brown eyed cocker spaniel a few years ago and it still hasn't mended. Such is the power of love. Pets- our dogs, cats, horses, hamsters, lizards, ferrets and more have been honored with an Appreciation Week, (June 5th thru the 11th) and a World Pet Memorial Day, (June 12th.) Why? Don't be so cynical. As astrophysicist, Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson reaffirms in the Nova http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/ feature above we have a special relationship with our four legged friends stretching far back in human history.
          Dogs are not only trusted, affectionate, loyal companions, hunters, guides, searchers and field workers, they are keenly intelligent therapists, intuitive healers and protective guardians. Pets can serve as important sources of social and emotional support. Individuals facing significant health challenges such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or severe depression have shown remarkable improvement in overall quality of life from pet companionship. According to research published by the American Psychological Association  pet owners were just as close to key people in their lives as to their animals indicating no evidence that relationships with pets came at the expense of relationships with other people or that people relied more on pets when their human social support was poor or unreliable.  The results of the study were reported in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, published online by the APA .http://www.apa.org/

     According to researchers studying human-pet relationships, " We observed evidence that pet owners fared better both in terms of well-being outcomes and individual differences than non-owners on several dimensions.” said lead researcher, Allen R. McConnell, PhD, of Miami University in Ohio. “Specifically, pet owners had greater self-esteem, were more physically fit, tended to be less lonely, were more conscientious, were more extroverted, tended to be less fearful and tended to be less preoccupied than non-owners." Sounds like caring for a pet has resulted in a wonderful list of physical and mental health benefits. Personally, pet ownership was an enriching, unforgettable experience prompting one simple warning: Be prepared to have your heart broken.

 The month of June also features:

Adopt-A-Cat Month

National Pet Preparedness Month 

Animal Right's Awareness Week (19-25)

Take Your Dog to Work Day  June 24th
             


World Pet Memorial Day  June 12th

"We become what we understand."

"Knowledge is of two kinds. We know a subject ourselves, or we know where we can find information on it." -Samuel Johnson, renowned English author, journalist, essayist

                    As frustrating as it may seem numbing ourselves to national newscasts, pouring over political pundits or dissecting horrendous hash tags our country has been diagnosed with dangerous levels of misinformation exposure. With an overload of altered photo social media posts, spastic random Tweets, vlogs, blogs, countdowns, metrics, expert panels, power boards and of course the most distressing of all- the "unofficial"  poll, we are bombarded with seemingly meaningless words we haven't had time to process or reflect upon. How do we know what we're reading or hearing is factual? Information isn't knowledge.
      Obviously, everything we hear or read isn't true. It's terribly important that we understand where to find the facts and who we can trust. It's even more important that we teach young adults to discriminate information for themselves. Even some of the most respected resources for political facts may be inaccurate or exaggerated. It's important for all of us to research and question especially during a historic election cycle.  Political candidates should be held responsible for any erroneous remarks or inflammatory rhetoric spewed when denying scientific evidence or verifiable medical facts. The next leader of the free world  shouldn't be ignorant of immigration laws, climate change, human reproduction, economics or international policy. In order for American voters to make informed choices requires educated citizens who know the truth about the same subjects.

 Below are website links to recommended nonpartisan, nonprofit fact checking organizations and important research centers.

Politifact.com
http://www.politifact.com/

FactCheck.org
http://www.factcheck.org/

Pew Research Center
http://www.pewresearch.org/

Guttmacher Institute 
https://www.guttmacher.org/

" Something bigger than oneself "

              For those we have loved, 
                         those we have lost 
                                    and those we have never met.

           A LOVE THAT MOVES THE SUN   

                         We are One.
                         I am a part of you.

                         You are a part of me.

                         You are the heart of me who never returned

                         courageous and brave  standing on a battleship

                         silently waving good-bye to everything and 

                         everyone you ever loved.

                         You are the haunting shadow of the past

                         who chose passion over quiet resistance

                         who chose noble warrior over gentle stillness.

                          You are the memory that lives in me

                          selflessly flying missions on the untamed wind

                          mapping out the intricacies of our future freedom.

             

                          You are a part of me cut open, wounds bleeding

                          heart beating out of your chest with fear

                          swallowing tears and moving forward into

                          the unknown darkness.

                          We are One

                          I am a part of you

                          You are a part of me

                          We will never glimpse the beauty of the

                          Universe in each others eyes yet

                          every atom we share of our Truth and

                          our Legacy gives me the strength to fight for

                          Our peace.

                   

                                                      L.M




   "A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself."
                                                                                               - Joseph Campbell

 

" How fun-raising is changing our world."

Red Nose Day raised over 23 million dollars last year helping to change the lives of children and families in the US and around the world.

                 
             Hosted by comedian, actor, writer and director Craig Ferguson, the 2016 Red Nose Day festivities will air live Thursday, May 26th at 9PM EST on NBC http://www.nbc.com/. The star studded special not only features celebrities such as musician John Legend, actors Neil Patrick Harris, Anna Kendrick and comedian Michael Che but gives us an inspiring glimpse of what fun-raising actually provides for children and families across the United States and around the world. Donations distribute meals for children in homeless shelters, medicines to treat pneumonia, anti-malaria nets to protect babies, books for students learning to read and so much more. For additional information and fun-raising ideas check out the official Red Nose Day website.  
   http://rednoseday.org/

     The Red Nose Day Fund is a program of Comic Relief Inc. http://comicrelief.org/

"Every child deserves a safe childhood."

   In 2015 the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children assisted law enforcement with over 13,700 cases of missing children.

            The entire month of May is National Missing Children's Month with May 25th designated  International Missing Children's Day. Statistics in the United States and worldwide are staggering but there has been a notable expansion in the information and tips provided to law enforcement and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children http://www.missingkids.org/ncmec in the past few years. NCMEC is the leading nonprofit organization in the country working with families, family service professionals and law enforcement since being established in 1984. In 2015 the Cyber Tipline http://www.missingkids.org/cybertipline which the US Congress authorized NCMEC to oversee has received 4.4 million reports relating to child sex trafficking, child sexual molestation, apparent child abuse images and online enticement or what is currently termed "sextortion". The FBI  clarifies https://www.fbi.gov/news/videos/what-is-sextortion/view  sextortion as a serious felony of sexual exploitation or coercion where by images of a child or an adult are used to blackmail a victim to obtain sexual favors or money.  A crime of our digital age, social media predators have become more rampant with a child's increased use of unsupervised online technology.
         Raising further awareness in 2016 the NCMEC has created  Rock One Sock, a campaign to remind us all that each day there is an estimated 2,185 children reported missing in the United States alone. Across the world, children are the most vulnerable to sex trafficking and sexual abuse. If you have information which may lead to the capture or conviction of child traffickers or those involved in child exploitation please contact the NCMEC or the Cyber Tipline. (video above courtesy of YouTube)


 For more details regarding Rock One Sock visit the official site  http://rockonesock.org/  or check out #RockONESock  on Twitter.

"Changing the way we view animals."

"If possessing a higher degree of intelligence does not entitle one human to use another human for his or her own ends, how can it entitle humans to exploit non-humans?"
- Peter Singer, author, philosopher, professor

            With so much information and outstanding streaming content available online it's almost impossible to keep up. One important film you don't want to miss making its theatrical debut on May 25th is Unlocking the Cage  http://www.unlockingthecagethefilm.com/ . The anticipated documentary directed by Chris Hegedus and D A Pennebaker was a highly praised Official Selection of the 2016 Sundance Film Festival  https://www.sundance.org/festivals/sundance-film-festival  (video trailer above courtesy of YouTube)
         Unlocking the Cage follows pioneering lawyer Steven Wise and his legal team from The Nonhuman Rights Project  http://www.nonhumanrightsproject.org/ through the filing of a groundbreaking series of lawsuits protecting animal rights. In fact The Nonhuman Rights Project is the only civil rights organization in the US fighting for confirmed legal rights for species other than human.
         Unlocking the Cage premieres at Film Forum http://filmforum.org/ in New York City on Wednesday, May 25th. Check the official film site above for additional dates in your own area. For more information regarding the unprecedented work of The Nonhuman Rights Project follow this link http://www.nonhumanrightsproject.org/

" Your life is a musical."

"Music melts all the separate parts of our bodies together."- Anais Nin, essayist

             Mother's Day reminds me of the music my mother loved. Music is tied to our memories in an intensely primal way. Think about it. There are songs that recall every moment and major life event. Imagine birthday celebrations, graduations, weddings, holidays, television shows, movies or sporting events without music. Life without music is the outline of a drawing without color. As children there are soothing lullabies and nursery rhymes we equate with motherhood.  As adults we create nostalgia by listening or performing dance songs and love ballads of the past. Our music should grow with us until we die. The very expression of our lives is punctuated with harmony and melody.
      Neurological studies performed on the brain indicate human beings are hardwired to interpret and physically react to music. Music stimulates numerous parts of the entire frontal and temporal lobes when sounds are processed. Songs that make us feel happy activate the same reward/pleasure centers in our brains releasing dopamine. Similar stimulation arises when we have great sex, ingest certain drugs or devour a delicious slice of decadent chocolate cake. Music arouses our emotions. When our emotions are stimulated we may perceive joy, sadness or even anger but we are feeling something. This is why music holds such incredible power. Being aware of our feelings allows us to identify and gain more control over them. According to music therapy researchers individuals who allow themselves to feel intense emotional release seem to have a greater capacity for empathy. Cognitive empathy is strongly associated with understanding others.and music is a universal bonding experience. In fact, every culture on the planet creates music. When we shed tears or feel overwhelmed by musical composition we are deeply engaged in our emotional experience. We are sharing our humanity at the highest level. We are alive with the sound of music




Sources: Live Science http://www.livescience.com/
Journal of Music Therapy http://www.musictherapy.org/research/pubs/


Happy Mother's Day to my beautiful sister's, our families & all mother's around the world.

"Nothing happens until something moves."

"The universe is a pretty big place. If it's just us, seems like an awful waste of space."
                           - Carl Sagan (from Contact) astronomer, author

         

                       On May 2nd another significant discovery in the field of astronomy was announced by international researchers including those representing The University of Liege of Belgium and MIT in the US. https://whereis.mit.edu/   Three planets the size of Earth were found orbiting what is known as an ultracool dwarf star. The planets were detected 40 light years away using TRAPPIST a 60 centimeter telescope based in Chile. Belgian scientists designed TRAPPIST to monitor dwarf stars at infrared wavelengths and searches for planets around them. One particular planet is named TRAPPIST 1. Due to their relatively close proximity researchers in decades to come may be able to determine what atmospheric conditions exist and whether the planets are habitable. Read detailed research information here:  http://www.nature.com/index.html or
 http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/vaop/ncurrent/full/nature17448.html and check out the brief video above.

"What you don't want to hear..."

 "If liberty means anything at all, it means the right to tell people what they don't want to hear."- George Orwell, writer, author of 1984

     

            How do you create instability, oppression and extremism in any country?  Deny citizens access to education, hold them down in abject poverty and the most crucial element, shut them up. Freedom of speech and expression is a universal human right. It is our most important right.  When freedom of speech is suppressed anywhere it is suppressed everywhere. Without freedom of speech how would  we express our love, joy, fear, anger? How would we communicate danger or protect our community, read literature or compose music and song lyrics?  How would we make someone laugh with a witty joke  or shed tears with a sad story? How would we openly and honestly discuss our problems in order to resolve them? How could ordinary citizens, educators and journalist bloggers tell the world a corrupt government is destroying democracy by suppressing their basic human rights?  The South Asian country of Bangladesh has been the focus of many disturbing news stories over the past year. After spending decades decreasing poverty and establishing a successful secular system of government Bangladesh is being set back by its political instability, religious extremism, inequality and severe climate issues. Most recently the brutally senseless murders of secular bloggers and human rights activists have drawn much warranted attention to violent injustice.
           Essayist and author of Satanic Verses,  Salman Rushdie once wrote, "What is freedom of expression? Without the freedom to offend it ceases to exist."  In the United States we must remember his statement applies to all religious faiths, political and philosophical thought or inquiry. We may not like what we read or hear but we cannot oppress our own freedom to criticize, disagree, argue and express an opinion.  Featured above is BBC documentary Our World, Bangladesh Blogger Murders .http://www.bbc.com/  which examines the factors leading to the crippling chipping away of freedom and the monstrous consequences of fanatical ideology.
     

"Losing your conscience.."

"Problems cannot be solved at the same level of awareness that created them."

- Albert Einstein

              Breathtaking, stunning, awe inspiring, majestic are just a few adjectives visitors use to describe the gorgeous magnificence of  northwest Arizona's, Grand Canyon. Grand Canyon National Park is the United States 15th oldest and one of the most beloved national parks on the planet. Supported by native tribes, environmentalists, conservation groups and more than 80% of Arizona voters the 1.7 million acre park has been proposed a Grand Canyon National Heritage Monument http://grandcanyontrust.nonprofitsoapbox.com/grandcanyonnationalmonument   protected as federal land. As a monument the area would bring in a predicted 52 million dollars for the state and ban uranium mining in the area.  Over 80% of Arizona voters agree the Grand Canyon National Park should be protected, a permanent ban should replace the temporary ban on uranium mining and the Grand Canyon National Heritage Monument should be established. So what's the problem? Politicians are placing personal profit over the best interests of the citizens they represent. As usual all Americans and tourists from around the world will pay a price for "American greed". If the land isn't protected we are potentially destroying human, animal, plant life and some of the most beautiful lands in our country.

         Are Republican politicians listening to Arizona voters? Not in the least. Notorious billionaire brothers Charles and David Koch have abused their influence with a few prominent  Arizona Republican representatives by funneling millions of dollars to a special advocacy group opposed to conservation and blocking any campaign to protect the Grand Canyon. http://prosperfoundationhq.org/  Greg Zimmerman of the Center for Western Prioritieshttp://westernpriorities.org/ discovered incriminating information from tax forms submitted to the IRS as well as a co-authored report by  Prosper Foundation and the Arizona Chamber Foundation http://www.azchamber.com/foundation.html revealing his findings to the Phoenix News Times http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/ earlier this week.


  For more information about protecting public lands including conservation budgets and reform contact your state officials here https://www.usa.gov/agencies or check out the National Wildlife Federation website here:https://www.nwf.org/What-We-Do/Protect-Habitat/Public-Lands.aspx

(video courtesy of YouTube)

     

" Our resources are limited. Our time is limited."

   "We live in a world that is full of problems, and we are the solutions to those problems."- Julia "Butterfly" Hill, environmental scientist 

                                            
                                                          https://www.nasa.gov/


             Earth Day is observed worldwide on April, 22nd. Established by former United States Senator Gaylord Nelson, Earth Day was intended  to promote ecology and respect for life on our planet. The first Earth Day resulted in the creation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency https://www3.epa.gov/ , Endangered Species Act, and the Clean Air Act . On the first Earth Day back in 1970, over 2,000 United States colleges and universities participated, along with 10,000 primary and secondary schools. Earth Day is a celebration among global citizens used to encourage action and awareness of urgent issues affecting human life, all animals species, soil, water and air pollution. So what can we do right now?

Share information.  Educating ourselves is the only way to save our planet and help children understand taking care of our Earth is a moral imperative. We have the ability to stop, improve or involve ourselves in some form of resolution for the following disturbing facts.

The average person tosses out about 4 pounds of garbage every single day. 84 percent of our garbage is recyclable.


Half the world’s tropical and temperate forests are now gone. Forests around the globe provide habitats for thousands of animal species which are being destroyed or endangered, gravely upsetting the balance of our ecosystems.

Every ton of paper that's recycled saves 17 trees.
During a 2011 Earth Day celebration, 28 million trees were planted in Afghanistan by the Earth Day Network.

Art, instruments and other trinkets manufactured with ivory can only be made from dead elephants. Don't buy, sell, trade or promote ivory. Don't promote or condone trophy hunting. http://www.interpol.int/Crime-areas/Environmental-crime/Environmental-crime

Approximately 5 million tons of oil produced in the world each year ends up in the ocean.

Water pollution comes from many sources including pesticides, fertilizers and other toxic substances that wash away from industrial factory waste, untreated human waste water, and farms. Talk to your local government representatives to see what's being done to prevent water pollution and how its affecting your family, community, food and health.

Plastics contained in garbage dumped in our oceans kills at least 1 million creatures each year. In 2015 pollution from excessive garbage caused the death of more than 37 tons of fish in the Rodrigo de Freitas lake in Rio de Janeiro.


   It may seem unbelievable for many of us who have instant access to tap water, 24/7 but 1.1 billion people worldwide lack access to water. Only 3% of the world's water is available to us, and soon we will run out. .http://www.unwater.org/topics/water-security/en/



Earth Day is a time to take action, reflect, honor and be grateful for the natural resources and beauty of our planet. But Earths resources are limited and our time is limited. This is our only home.

#EarthDay2016  #24Seven

"Words make it visible."

       In a study conducted by the Department of Justice and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, researchers found 1 in 5 American women and 1 in 15 American men have been victims of sexual assault.

      Sexual assault isn't a topic most Americans want to discuss. We must. As the statistics above indicate, you or someone close to you has likely been the victim of sexual violence. In many areas of the world male and female rape victims are stigmatized by their own cultures. The victims of sexual assault are shunned or made to feel more blame or shame than the actual perpetrators. Recently, a well known celebrity went on a Twitter rant discussing school girl dress codes and provocative clothing. Her comments were lambasted by teachers, news organizations, law enforcement, men and women of all ages and backgrounds clearly revealing the majority of adults in the United States understand that no matter what a young women wears on her body she is not responsible for the sexual urges or inappropriate actions of grown men. To even suggest that children or teenagers are inciting their own sexual assault or abuse is disgusting and stunningly ignorant. Rape is about power and control, not sex. Shaming is a barbaric tactic used to keep victims silent. But the Twitter rant did ignite a conversation and words make this crime visible. 

       Rape is a violent act. Rape is a violation of ones own body. In the United States rape is a serious crime punishable by law. Statistics on sexual assault can often be misleading because many assaults go unreported. Why?  More than 60 % of assaults are committed by people known or trusted by the victim. April has been designated Sexual Assault Awareness Month.  Turning the spotlight on the crime of sexual assault is critical because rape is a public health problem not just a moral or ethical issue. Survivors of sexual assault can contract diseases or even become pregnant. All survivors of such a violent crime, especially those who may become pregnant from their assault have the right to any and all mental and physical health care assistance. Education and awareness is only the first step to reducing violent, criminal behaviors. Let's keep the conversation going. 

http://www.cdc.gov/features/sexualviolence/

Photo credit of "Desert Dweller"- Cori Storb

"Who will speak for them?"

  

"Most people I know who weren't kind to animals weren't kind to people either. Kindness is kindness. Simple as that."- Ricky Gervais, actor, writer, producer, activist

     April is Animal Cruelty Prevention Month. Even though awareness has grown, stricter laws have been enacted and additional punishments have been enforced over the past few decades there is still a tremendous amount of support needed in the prevention of animal cruelty. We understand that greed is motivation for dog fighting and puppy mills but what mind set or lack of emotion enables human beings to inflict pain, torture or completely neglect an animal?  Why do humans continue to abuse animals? 

"One of the most dangerous things that can happen to a child is to kill or torture an animal and get away with it." -Anthropologist Margaret Mead

  What are the characteristics of an animal abuser?  
   
        Abuse and neglect of animals is not just a mere "character flaw" or an act to be taken lightly. Abusing animals starts early in life and with proper intervention can be prevented. Without intervention you may be allowing an animal to suffer or die. In assessing youth at risk or those who have the potential to become violent, the U.S. Department of Justice stresses a history of animal abuse. Sadly, animal abuse is often learned and accepted in the child's life. Children have been taught that animals don't suffer or feel pain the way humans do. Children who fail to develop empathy will abuse. In some but not all animal abuse cases the adult or child was abused themselves. The FBI sees animal cruelty as a predictor of violence against people and considers past animal abuse when profiling serial killers.

      Typically, animal abusers are aggressive or posses a violent and/or sadistic streak. Overly aggressive personalities are often fearful people. This type of abuser may have an imbalance; feeling either inferior or superior to others. In order to gain a sense of power or domination they may strike a defenseless animal, keep them in cages for an excessive amount of time, punish them for relieving themselves, deny them food, water, exercise or deny any type of physical petting or affection. If you notice that another human being is cruelly teasing, childishly displaying excessive jealously or acting aggressively towards your pet, seek help. Do you trust this person around your children or other loved ones?

Neglect is a form of abuse.

     Abuse encompasses much more than slapping, hitting or displaying acts of violence. Neglect is another form of abuse. Animals depend on us for their survival and well being. When we adopt a cat or dog and bring them into our home we should be prepared to love them as much as we do any other family member. An animal depends on us for their medical treatment, shelter, food, water, grooming and physical/mental stimulation. Caging or chaining an animal for more than eight hours at a time is not only excessive, it's neglect. Keeping an animal outside 24/7 with little or no shelter is neglect. Failure to properly nourish, supply fresh, clean water or provide adequate exercise for your pet is neglect. There are millions of  hard working people with honorable intentions who adopt or rescue pets with the heroic thought they are "saving" an animals life. Ask yourself this question, a question you would ask parents of  their children: "What kind of life are you providing  if you don't love or care enough to pay attention to their basic needs?"

What do you do if you suspect animal abuse?

     If you suspect there is a puppy mill operating in your area, a shop selling puppy mill animals,  dog fighting, abuse or neglect of animals in your neighborhood, contact your local law enforcement or animal control. Don't be afraid to speak up. We truly are an animals only voice. Document times, locations, and all details of the alleged abuse. If possible provide photographic or video evidence of a crime. Ending animal suffering is up to you, not only in the month of April but now and forever.

#EndAnimalAbuse #StopPuppyMills

"Know your neighbors."

 "Hate. It has caused a lot of problems in this world, but it has not solved one yet."
- Maya Angelou

        Hatred is an extremely strong emotion against objects, groups, individuals or even behaviors. Stop for a moment and really contemplate a person, place or thing you dislike. Why do you hate this person, place or thing? How did you learn to dislike this person, place or thing? We aren't born with complex, deeply rooted or irrational hatred. So where does rage or fevered ferocity come from? Anger that raises your blood pressure or makes your heart beat faster -where does that anger come from? Imagine if you were a child exposed to rage, fear and hateful ideology on a daily basis. It's a fact, children raised on junk food with little or no nutritional value are more likely to become unhealthy or ill. So if fear and anger is all you've been fed your entire life, fear and anger becomes you. Unresolved or uncontrolled anger increases the possibility of violence including self-mutilation, property damage, child abuse, physical assault or even homicide. For many of us trying to comprehend constant unconstrained anger is overwhelming. Empathy, education, understanding why people are frustrated or hate each other may be the only solution to bring about real long term resolution or change. Believe it or not, right now within the United States there are over 892 established hates groups. Domestic terrorism is one of the greatest threats to American personal safety and security. Hate crimes are committed for reasons of race, gender, gender identity, religion or disability. Hate crimes are tracked by local law enforcement and the FBI and can be monitored at websites such as the Southern Poverty Law Center which continuously updates their United States hate map located here-  https://www.splcenter.org/hate-map  https://www.splcenter.org/hatewatch 


       Personal stories, books, conversations, exposure to diversity helps us become more aware of the origins and history of hatred and fear. "Welcome to Leith " is a 2015 Sundance Film Festival nominated, UK East End Film Festival, Florida Film Festival and Hot Docs Canadian  International Documentary Film Festival award winning documentary written and directed by Michael Beach Nichols and Christopher K. Walker. The feature archives the attempted take over of  Leith, a small sparsely populated town located in North Dakota. In 2012 white supremacist, Craig Cobb began purchasing property including over twelve plots of land to build homes and compounds. Cobb's ultimate plan was to move in his Aryan army of white separatists to overtake Leith's fragile government. The town consists of under a hundred ranching and farming families with generational ties to the area.

         The documentary will be featured in full  Monday, April 4th at 10PM EST. on televisions largest showcase of independent films, PBS Independent Lens  http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/   A preview of "Welcome to Leith" can be seen above (courtesy You.Tube.com)

             

     

" We are punished by ignoring facts."

"We're in a giant car heading towards a brick wall and everyone's arguing over 

where we're going to sit."-David Suzuki, Canadian scientist, author

                In a recent interview with a Washington Post reporter Republican presidential candidate  Donald Trump admitted, "I'm not a great believer in man made climate change. I'm not a great believer."- affirming his misinformed assertion like a recent Big Foot sighting rather than a security issue.  Climate change denial is rampant among the Republican party as GOP candidates fail to outline action plans for debates or even acknowledge it as a threat to national security despite Department of Defense directives. In January, Deputy Secretary of Defense, Robert Work signed off on significant orders where the Pentagon placed climate change as priority one in all strategic operations. The Pentagon defines climate change as a " present security threat, not strictly a long- term risk." What does it say about GOP candidates when they ignore the scientific community as well as the United States Department of Defense ?  It says to the world when US government officials and GOP candidates willfully deny scientific evidence as well as the Pentagon they are now a threat to the security of our country. Denial of scientific facts, ignorance of international affairs, intelligence, military and counterterrorism policy has far reaching effects which places every US citizen at risk including your children and your children's children.

       On Thursday, March 31st climate forecasters confirmed they underestimated the sea-rise impact of the Antarctic thaw. In decades to come coastal towns will be lost underwater as the world's largest reservoir of ice melts away. Flooding, droughts, an increase in pollution, disease and food insecurity will threaten billions of people on the planet. Findings were published in the scientific journal, Nature http://www.nature.com/nature/current_issue.html on Wednesday. How do we justify electing people who deny climate change, endangering the lives of millions of people, animal species and  destroying ocean life?  We can't. We simply can't.

       

" Pretending you know..."

"There's no shame in admitting what you don't know. The only shame is pretending you know all the answers." Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson, American astrophysicist 

        Starting this blog with a photo display of gentleness, peace and beauty was intentional because what I'm about to discuss can often be the opposite of a gorgeous, breath taking sunset or delighting in the innocence of a soft, furry bunny rabbit. Our own personal philosophies or religious reflections are meant to give our lives greater meaning in a world we share with billions of other human beings. On television or social media we have been inundated with some US political leaders propagating their faith like evangelical preachers at a Sunday sermon. Often times these speeches are spouting hateful, ugly and bigoted rhetoric not to mention lack credible facts or reason. There are few American citizens who would openly advocate for one and only ONE religion to be practiced in the United States. How or why would we do this? Do people just use their religion to feel special or superior? Thankfully, intolerance is not what our country is founded upon. In the United States we are free to believe in any or none of the 4,200 hundred religions that have been created. Yes, there are roughly 4,200 world religions so check some of them out here .religioustolerance at Religious Tolerance.org  If you are unfamiliar with secularism check out http://ffrf.org/ Freedom From Religion Foundation.org 

     Some of our politicians should talk less about their own self-righteous "faith" and more about freedom of thought, liberty and diversity which our countries Constitution and laws are based. Religion and politics have to remain separate. FACTS, REASON and LAW. If some elected officials or career politicians need a refresher or they haven't read the  United States Constitution they can check it out right here at the online government archives http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/constitution_transcript.html

          The current rash of blatant discriminatory legislation being proposed or passed in states like North Carolina, Georgia and Indiana in the most underhanded and devious ways is absolutely sickening and the American people will not stand for it. Politicians destroy our democracy and alienate millions of tax paying citizens when they place their own religious beliefs above human rights, dignity and justice for all.

"When women are oppressed...."

"When men are oppressed it's a tragedy. When women are oppressed it's "tradition."                           - Letty Pogrebin, American author,  journalist 

         March is Women's History Month which allows many forums to focus on issues unique to women around the world.  2016 Oscar winning documentary, A Girl In the River: The Price of Forgiveness http://www.imdb.com/title/tt5144072/ directed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy is just one recent film that has brought the horror of honor killings out from the shadows. A Girl In the River is the story of Saba, a young Pakistani woman who survives the savagery of  being shot in the face and nearly drowned by her father and uncle for falling in love with a man whom they disapprove. Through the eyes of a miraculous survivor, Saba relates the entire heinous ordeal. Many honor killings go unreported or are simply accepted as cultural norm. The  inhumane "tradition" of honor killing has no basis in modern religious thought and is a complete violation of human rights. The countries who continue condoning this practice are guilty of  attempted murder or murder and must be held accountable. Honor killings won't end until all countries, national leaders,communities, schools, families, religious groups, individual men and women stand against laws that brutalize and dehumanize women.
        It's nearly unthinkable to imagine a young girl or woman we know personally such as a daughter, sister or wife viciously attacked, maimed, gang raped, betrayed by her family and community, called "unclean", stoned to death to restore a family's "honor". The barbaric victimization of young girls and women must end. The violence must end. The silence must end. First hand accounts, stories and films must continue to be told and retold.  Without education and awareness thousands of girls and women will continue to suffer or die. With their deaths there is no honor for any of us.

video courtesy of YouTube & TestTubeNews

" Stand up and do your job."

"They(GOP) are paying the price for their own extremism." Senator Elizabeth Warren

#DoYourJob

Find contact information for your elected officials here.
https://www.usa.gov/