Hear the Words of John

(From Do As One/Facebook)

 Truer words are seldom spoken.  And we need to hear them, and share them, now in a big way.

 

There's a fear epidemic growing like an especially aggressive cancer on the hearts and minds of Americans.  We've learned—yes, learned—to be afraid of other humans.  Humans who don't look like us, are not familiar to us.  We're afraid of our own shadows (which in most cases are less benevolent than those "others" we fear.)  Americans are buying into the fear being ginned up by the NRA in its effort to sell more and more guns.  There's no moral compass guiding their marketing tactics, nothing noble in their motives.  Seems they are willing to say and do anything to make a whole lot of money.  Right-wing television, talk radio, and internet sites do more than their share of fear mongering, as well.  And state legislatures pass laws like "Stand Your Ground"— providing any aggravated gun-toter with an alibi for taking the life of another human being for, say, playing music "too loud," then claiming self-defense; the killer can say he feared for his life and get away with murder.  Literally.  A shooter kills a stranger in movie theater,  a father—for texting his child during advertisements.  Others feel empowered to shoot because they don't like the way another person looks or drives or chews his food.  They don't feel threatened, just entitled.

 

You think I've gone off topic, moving on to examples of anger and hate.  To me, anger and hate are fear dressed in different costumes.   The opposite of love is not hate.  It's fear.   We fear people whose skin is a different color, whose religious practices are foreign to our understanding, whose political views are different—all of "those people" are part of this country's rich diversity.  We could be celebrating our cultural differences, learning from one another, rather than arming ourselves against them.  What fools we can be!  What total fools of fear,  seeing the gifts of other humans in our orbit as nothing more than a threat or annoyance. 

 

More than ever, it's important to repeal "stand your ground" laws, starting with Florida.  It's  important to join with Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America.  There are chapters in every state, making a positive difference for gun safety.  https://www.facebook.com/MomsDemandAction. 

 

I believe the bottom line for change is unlearning fear.  That's where transformation of our society might begin.   But how can we unlearn fear?  Where do we begin?  I don't know the answer, but I'll continue to think about it.  I do know it's important to live with compassion, to speak up for  kindness, and tolerance.  I think the words of John Lennon are well worth contemplating and sharing.  If we can fully love ourselves, open our hearts to our own goodness and imperfections, then we will become more capable of embracing others in their fullness.  All beings.  We cannot fear what or whom we love.  Fear and love cannot exist in the same heart space.  When we fully love ourselves, we will be better able to model the peace and compassion we want to see prevail.  What better time to begin than with the next in-breath?

St. Valentine's Day

Here's wishing you a happy, peace-full Valentine's Day!  Thanks to my friend Lyn Phillips for this great image.   Politics later, I promise.  Peace and love today—but, now that I think about it,  peace and love are part of our politics!

Sarah's Curtains

No way I can resist this.  Thanks to Occupy Democrats for posting on FB.  I might be punch-drunk with all the warmth, light, and comfort at Casa Lucy,  but I laughed out loud--really loud!

You're welcome.  

Brrrrrr . . . Talking Weather

Thanks to global climate change and an ice storm in the SC Lowcountry,  Casa Lucy has been cold, dark and loaded with electronic deprivation for the past 23 hours.  The bright side: There's nothing like the heightened gratitude I'm feeling now—with the heating system chugging away, the thermostat climbing from 46, now at 60 and rising.  Thoughts of a hot dinner and not having to read by flashlight or sleep in gloves tonight!  I am a winter-weather sissy, ever ready for sweet springtime and flip-flops.

To those of you "up North" on the East Coast:   I wish you snow instead of ice and sustained electrical service and heat throughout.

 

 Here's my 8-year-old Bliss Bringer in PA" helping" her dad with the driveway.  She's looking mighty serious; maybe she'll encourage her parents to move down South.  Oh wait!  That would be where we just had the ice storm—ice now gone, but winds still howling and far too cold for me.  Never mind. . .  Stay safe,  warm, and well dear Lefties!

Immigration Illustration

So, what do you think of the chances an immigration bill could pass this year?  When?  Ever?

 

If I hear one more word about lack of "border security" from Republicans, I will tear my fine hair out.  Under this Administration more manpower, air power and money have gone into securing the border than EVER before.  In all of history.  Do we hear much about that?  Of course not. 

 

While on the subject, I can't resist sharing this.  How many immigration opponents do you think would even make the connection? 

 

(Image from Punk Rock Libertarians/Facebook)