NO NUCLEAR WAR * FREEDOM FROM FEAR

What did the Great Peacemaker teach? A good Christian would never consider a preemptive strike, or using nuclear weapons to prevent nuclear war.

Rumsfield committed war crimes; Bush supports him. Typical. Good soldiers have a moral & legal obligation to speak out. Worfeus said: I am not an expert on military laws, but as I understand them, in the end, any and every soldier is expected to voice his opposition if he believes his commanding officer is commiting crimes or demonstrating that he is unfit to lead.

Ran into Cenk from the Young Turks and met KPFK's inimitable Ian Masters at Lila Garrett's fundraiser for Marcy Winograd on Saturday. Check out Ian Master's show 'Background Briefing." By Bernard Chazelle: Ah, the ease with which George W. Bush attracts superlatives! Jonathan Chait ranks him "among the worst presidents in US history." Paul Berman, who brands him "the worst president the US has ever had." Nobel Laureate George Akerlof rates his government as the "worst ever." Even Bushie du jour, Christopher Hitchens, calls the man "unusually incurious, abnormally unintelligent, amazingly inarticulate, fantastically uncultured, extraordinarily uneducated, and apparently quite proud of all these things." Only Fidel Castro, it would appear, has had kind words for our 43rd President. "Hopefully, he is not as stupid as he seems, nor as Mafia-like as his predecessors were."...

A Great Lesson: It is a spiritual axiom that every time we are disturbed, no matter what the cause, there is something wrong with US. If somebody hurts us and we are angry, even if justified, we cannot carry this anger or retaliate. It is not right to "hate deeply". The idea that we can be possessively loving of a few, can ignore the many, and can continue to fear or hate anybody, has to be abandoned. If only a little at a time. With those we dislike we can begin to practice justice and courtesy, perhaps going out of our way to understand them. Courtesy, kindness, justice and love are keynotes by which we may come into harmony with practically ANYBODY. When in doubt we can pause and say "Not my will, but Thine, be done." And we can often ask ourselves, "Am I doing to others as I would have them do to me -- today?" (The Tenth Step of 12 steps.)

If we have "constructively" criticized someone, thinking they really needed it - when our real motive was to win a useless argument, we are wrong... This odd trait of mind and emotion, this perverse wish to hide a bad motive underneath a good one, permeates human affairs from top to bottom. This subtle and elusive kind of self-righteousness can underlie the smallest act or thought. Learning daily to spot, admit, and correct these flaws is the essence of character-building and good living. An honest regret for harms done, a genuine gratitude for blessings received, and a willingness to try for better attitude tomorrow will what we seek.

MARCY WINOGRAD FOR CONGRESS! Progressive Democrat Marcy Winograd is putting Jane Harmon (who voted for the war, and for the Patriot Act again) to shame. The hope for the future of America is absolutely in the hands of the progressive, enlightened thinkers. We will break free from this sluggish, archaic materialism which has a stranglehold on us today. Winograd is an amazingly optimistic spirit and her campaign is truly grass-roots. With more people like her in Congress, we stand a chance to become the great country our forefathers created. WAKE UP! The time for great thinkers has come.

The mainstream media should be ashamed for not revolting and telling the truth. Everyone seems unconscious -- they care more about American Idol and Brangelina than preventing nuclear war or civil liberties. The poverty rate has gone up; there are more children going to bed hungry today than there were 7 years ago. We have to stop this bizarre theocracy Bush Crime family is allowing to permeate the hearts of good Americans.




'DEPRIVED WIVES": DESTINY and I will be at THE RIVIERA COMEDY CLUB IN VEGAS June 5 - 11

Hope everyone had a great Easter and Passover...Went to the Hollywood Bowl Sunday for Easter service. We brought 2 extra kids (4 boys ages 10-12) and met our favorite living artist Steve Kaufman (Warhol's protege) and his girlfriend Sarah. Steve is one of those amazing people who helps everyone. He's a living example of "spiritual abundance." He rehabilitates gang kids by putting them to work in his art studio with his charity "Give Kids A Break." Anyway, at the Hollywood Bowl the other day, I felt the presence of both my father and my brother, who passed away. My father played violin at the Bowl when he first came to California. Couldn't stop the tears from flowing. Then amazingly, as the minister talked about forgiveness, several people I have never made peace with came into my heart. I mean these are people who caused such betrayal in our lives: one man put us through a 5-year fraudulent lawsuit, and suddenly I was able to see him in a different light. I felt overwhelming compassion for him as if they were never an enemy. (This is the second time I've had to forgive him; he stabbed us in the back after the first time.) But I also forgave a certain woman who acts so mean, but obviously is really so insecure and vulnerable..but she covers it like a gladiator would; she wears heavy-metal armor. Anyway, I let all the anger go, and forgave them all. Now Dems have to stop whining and stabilize the Middle East. xoxo PEACE

Where in the World is Osama bin Laden?
1681 days
—"The most important thing is for us to find Osama bin Laden. It is our number one priority and we will not rest until we find him." President Bush, 9/13/01
—"I want justice...There's an old poster out West, as I recall, that said, 'Wanted: Dead or Alive,'" President Bush, 9/17/01, UPI
—"I don't know where bin Laden is. I have no idea and really don't care. It's not that important. It's not our priority." President Bush, 3/13/02
—"I am truly not that concerned about him." President Bush, responding to a question about bin Laden's whereabouts, 3/13/02
—"Because he's hiding…" Bush, explaining why Osama bin Laden has yet to be captured. (Washington Post interview, Jan. 16, 2005)

MORE PICTURES FROM SPRING BREAK!! SEDONA and GRAND CANYON

Got back last week from Sedona, Arizona for Spring Break and just left the Grand Canyon. These are among the most beautiful places in America. We'll be back after Easter. We spent one whole day at the Crescent Moon Vortex with the kids, where the Indians found a source of spiritual energy. For our family, it was life-transforming. We picked up long Gandalf-sized staffs to walk with, and hiked along a creek until we reached a red rock plateau, a lake and a mysterious beach full of rocks stacked into pyramid-towers. People come from all over the world and silently stack rocks in temple formation. We made several towers and prayed for harmony in our family and peace for the world. There are no cell phone waves in the air and you can't believe how soothing and regenerative the energy is. We spent the day in silence; there was no need to speak to each other. Especially since I was so angry at my husband for cutting our dog's beard off without consulting us first. Now Chazzie has a pointed chin and doesn't look like a Shitzu anymore. I was so upset I thought of getting a fake beard to put on him, but realized this was kind of petty. I am probably just trying to put my anger at Bush onto my husband. The kids hopped across rocks in the rapids and found their own island where they made a raft. There was a hanging rope swing for jumping into the water. Our dog Chazzie was a wimp until he saw another dog, leaped into the water, suddenly realized he was in the water and panicked. It was such a funny example of how fear is an illusion. The Grand Canyon was too unbelievable to comprehend. So majestic, it doesn't look real. If there existed an anthropomorphic God (which sadly certain wingnuts secretly believe) the Grand Canyon looks like God left his knuckle and fingerprints here, as he rested his hand on the earth. My son walked out to a dangerous ledge and I almost fainted. We got up close to wild elk and visited the historic lodge El Tovar. It's amazing that the government owns all this land and runs the lodges so well. They even serve gourmet food at very low prices, so middle class families can actually afford a vacation! More later.

SPRING BREAK! * SEDONA and GRAND CANYON

Had the most beautiful time with the kids on Spring Break. Even though they're preteens. At any moment we can start over, put on a new pair of glasses and see the world from differently. Stop wallowing in guilt, shame, anger, worry and pride. It's time to move forward.

Clif, I am deeply sorry for the sudden shock of your father's passing. We are holding you and your family in our prayers. Everyone on the blog sends you love. May peace be with you and God Bless you. Please Let me know if I can do anything. (Both my father and my younger brother each passed away suddenly, but they are alive more than ever now in my heart.)



We're in Sedona, Arizona for Spring Break and just left the Grand Canyon. These are among the most beautiful places in America. We'll be back after Easter. We spent one whole day at the Crescent Moon Vortex with the kids, where the Indians found a source of spiritual energy. For our family, it was life-transforming. We picked up long Gandalf-sized staffs to walk with, and hiked along a creek until we reached a red rock plateau, a lake and a mysterious beach full of rocks stacked into pyramid-towers. People come from all over the world and silently stack rocks in temple formation. We made several towers and prayed for harmony in our family and peace for the world. There are no cell phone waves in the air and you can't believe how soothing and regenerative the energy is. We spent the day in silence; there was no need to speak to each other. Especially since I was so angry at my husband for cutting our dog's beard off without consulting us first. Now Chazzie has a pointed chin and doesn't look like a Shitzu anymore. I was so upset I thought of getting a fake beard to put on him, but realized this was kind of petty. I am probably just trying to put my anger at Bush onto my husband. The kids hopped across rocks in the rapids and found their own island where they made a raft. There was a hanging rope swing for jumping into the water. Our dog Chazzie was a wimp until he saw another dog, leaped into the water, suddenly realized he was in the water and panicked. It was such a funny example of how fear is an illusion. The Grand Canyon was too unbelievable to comprehend. So majestic, it doesn't look real. If there existed an anthropomorphic God (which sadly certain wingnuts secretly believe) the Grand Canyon looks like God left his knuckle and fingerprints here, as he rested his hand on the earth. My son walked out to a dangerous ledge and I almost fainted. We got up close to wild elk and visited the historic lodge El Tovar. It's amazing that the government owns all this land and runs the lodges so well. They even serve gourmet food at very low prices, so middle class families can actually afford a vacation! More later.


'DEPRIVED WIVES": DESTINY and I will be at THE RIVIERA COMEDY CLUB IN VEGAS June 5 - 11

I'm paraphrasing but Tall Texan implied that there is no internal "knowing" or truth, that one's gut intuition, which I call the voice of truth, doesn't exist without outside verification. But I beg to differ, for when you follow the law of love (the Golden rule) -- by expressing compassion and understanding instead of self-serving interests -- when you quiet all external defenses that clamor for position (pride, racial chauvinism, self-centered fear, worry, greed, one-upmanship, elitism, machismo) you find there is nothing left to fight about. There is nothing left but love, and we are commanded to love one another. How can there be hatred or fear when you empty yourself of all these material contrivances? Wars are fought over territory, resources, religious righteousness, fear of an "enemy". But everything is based on FEAR: fear of not getting what we want or fear of losing what we have. Love is what we're made of. And from this place, it's quite clear, that if we were to actually try to see our enemies as human and AT LEAST try to understand why they hate us, they would have less reason to fight us. This may sound naive, but if Israel gave land to the Palestinians and graciously treat them as fellow humans, maybe, just maybe, peace would begin. Each tribe feels so persecuted by others. But no one will let their pride down and just listen to each other. Christ said that if someone sues you, give him your cloak, give him what you have, make peace with your adversary quickly. Did Bush, who claims to be a Christian, ever read a single word Christ said? How can he call himself a Christian? And by the way, it's up to the more evolved civilized nations to set an example. Israel needs to go first. The U.S. needs to show the world the way of advanced peacemakers. I read Cenk from Young Turks' new post "If You Like the Iraq War you'll Love the Iran War" at HuffPo; it's brilliant. Guess what? The insurgents can wait us out BECAUSE THEY LIVE THERE! They have all the time in the world and nothing to lose. But these "insurgents" which we consider our worst "enemy" don't view themselves as evil; they veiw us as evil invaders and consider themselves Freedom Fighters. Wouldn't you, if an army blew up your home? Everyone needs to feel "heard" and understood -- not categorized as an "evil-doer"; it gets us nowhere in this day and age but dead. We would have had Sadaam like putty in our hands if we had just flattered his ego a little. I mean when you build mega statues of yourself all over town, it's not hard to figure out your Achilles heel. If we had been clever and come with an oil deal or golden i-pods, Hummers and diplomacy....while being "wise as a serpent..." I'm being somewhat satirical but everyone knows you get more flies with honey than with vinegar. We could have handled Hitler in this way early on too -- before it was too late. (Think Trojan Horse.) Megalomaniacs all have a weakness, which is usually a preening ego. Trouble with the head honcho in this country is that we don't know what drives him. Sociopaths in sheep's clothing are the most dangerous of all. Also, those who have never suffered in life and have no idea what it feels like to be the "common man" should never be leaders. Unless by their fruits you can tell their character, meaning this: what good have they done for mankind? Have they created clean air, prolonged the earth's life, fed the poor, given tax breaks to the most needy, raised the abominablly low minimum wage so families can survive? Or have they given the rich all the advantages, including "corporate welfare", making it impossible for the little man to set up shop next to a CostCo or Home Depot? As governor of Texas, Bush had a shameful record of casually signing death warrants without examining each case carefully for mistakes. By their fruits you'll know them.

Tall Texan, regarding Iraq: how can anyone deny the truth? It's no accident that most people looked into our president's eyes and knew he was lying. No one, not even Bush, believed that we were in imminent danger of nuclear attack, and that invading Iraq was a last resort! There was no imminent threat of being annihilated by Saddaam Hussein. We were hovering over him! There was plenty of time to just wait him out. Why did Congress go against their gut and vote for a war they knew in their hearts was NOT VITALLY NECESSARY! This is the truth I'm talking about. It's our duty to know these things internally. Facts and statistics are now twisted and manipulated so there is no other truth but the truth inside ourselves....IF we come from love.

"It's easier to wear slippers than to carpet the whole world." - Stuart Smalley (This is one of my favorite quotes. Guess who said it?)

Elaine Boosler: "Gay marriage should be outlawed...to Liza Minelli." - Where has Boosler been? She's one of the best! Heard her sit in for Stephanie Miller on Progressive Talk recently.

Really think about the "slippers" quote above. The only thing we have control over is our own attitude. It's the essence of Alanon of course; take care of your own side of the street before you start fixing other people's problems. If you are pointing a finger at someone, take a look at your hand: you have 3 fingers pointing back at yourself. But when there is so much corruption that our children's lives are endangered, we must balance this by shining a light on bad behavior and corruption -- especially in our own leader. Only then can we clearly see what our hearts have been aching to change. Silence in this case, is complicity. To me, taking from the poor and leaking an undercover CIA agent's name for political purposes is a thousand times worse than what a person does with another consenting adult.

God Bless Ellen Degeneres for her amazing spirit in raising over 10 MILLION DOLLARS for KATRINA VICTIMS from her fans! Ellen says that real Americans, both Republicans and Democrats, are really not against gays, are not tainted by the loud-mouthpieces of the haters. Never thought I would say that certain "religious right-wingers" would be the most feared people in America. But the death threats and hate mail I got for simply pointing out Ann Coulter's hate-speak came from "CHRISTIANS"! It is too insane to grasp. Of course there are actual Christians that would never do this sort of thing. We have to be wary of the bizarre religious cults such as the "Dominionists."

After watching Scott McClellan squirm and try to get out of lies this morning at the White House Press Briefing, I realized I had a choice: laugh or cry. Freedom Fan will be glad to hear I didn't say, "Love or Fear". Although the analogy fits. Mort Sahl said the other night, that you have to turn everything into comedy or you'll go crazy. And laughter opens people's hearts so they can hear you. Of course non of us are perfect, but hasn't the Bush team learned by now (after Clinton) that it's the LIE that gets you in trouble? I guess since there are so many lies they don't know where to start being honest -- and since stonewalling has worked so far, that's what we're going to get. I loved it when the redheaded woman White House reporter tried to get the truth out of McClellan, but he just talked right over her. Her face said it all.

This will go down in history as the shame decade. But worse is the powerlessness we all feel. In a few years we are going to kick ourselves for not stopping the train wreck. I feel sorry for Democrats who are still paralyzed with anger. We have to raise our consciousness now and find solutions. But we must change our attitude: it's going to take HOPEFULNESS instead of cynicism. We have to stop our constant carping, and go forward with imagination and VISION.

"Sometimes we find ourselves in a situation so difficult that it seems like a long drawn-out crisis; we cannot solve it; there is no way to escape. Such a problem will occupy our thoughts continually...until we are engulfed in despair. This is the moment to get very quiet and try to hear the still small voice within. Look around: the sky is not falling. Breathe deeply in gratitude for the good in life, and it will appear to you. "Thank you God, I can now see that thorns have roses." (From "One Day at a Time in Alanon, April 7)

John Stewart is doing his job, but now its time for the peacemakers and other great thinkers to unite and put aside party politics. It's time to stop fighting and bickering. We will never be defeated by an EXTERNAL enemy. I've noticed on this blog that the minute I offered peaceful solutions and forgiveness, the fighters backed off. The ratings weren't as high, and it wasn't as sexy, but maybe it's a good lesson in peacemaking. A DIVIDED AMERICA WILL NOT STAND.