Empty, pouring my life into words
Words not knowing if ever to be heard
A notion that leaves my mind disturbed
A blight of which never to be cured
Years of days indecently go by
The incessant compulsion I try
To avoid expression, to decry
Feelings, expunged by words to die
Countless are the emotions compiled
Page upon page denoting my trials
Conjuring ghostly images, an obscure smile
More often painting a life defiled
Endless seems this timeless chore to be
Scribing this life passage for others to see
A collective tomb wishfully worthy of thee
As humble author to words given to me
I met a young man, he was hitch-hiking, cold, begging for a ride, so I stopped, he got in, his story instantly told, he could not easily hide, a life of hardship, though I did’t know why, until he told me, as the miles slipped by, of a life that would make me, a grown man, want to cry, but in his eyes I looked, I saw, not a frown, but a glorious smile, his life burdened, though it may seem, was to him, a life worth all its trial.
I look at you, you look my way
Hoping from your lips the words to say
That you love me, you will always stay
Simple words to forever change my day
I was born by you an unwanted child
The source reason to my growing wild
The years of days I forced a smile
With a cold heart by a life defiled
Burdened by knowing, not knowing love
The main ingredient to what I’m now made of
Getting what I get – push and shove
Trying not to fit like an ill-fitting glove
I look at you, you look my way
Hoping from your lips words too late to say
Simple words that could have changed my day
Words of love from which I would never stray.
Firstly, just what does the word ‘truth’ mean?
According to an on-line dictionary truth means:
n. pl. truths (trz, truths)
1.Conformity to fact or actuality.
2. A statement proven to be or accepted as true.
3. Sincerity; integrity.
4. Fidelity to an original or standard.
5.a. Reality; actuality.
5 b. often Truth That which is considered to be the supreme reality and to have the ultimate meaning and value of existence.
Of these varied statements relating to the true meaning of truth, for the purposes of this essay, the focus will be on 5b: ‘often Truth That which is considered to be the supreme reality and to have the ultimate meaning and value of existence.’
Arguably, today more then ever, the veracity of this statement is being challenged.
In every sector of cotemporary human existence, in this era of high-tech, instant and wireless communications, if there is one facet to present reality that comes into question is acceptance of that being communicated on a given matter, is fact; FACT in truth.
The spin-doctors of the world have so widely proliferated and pervasively infiltrated all lines of communication from from advertising to media reporting fed to the public 24/7 regardless of the medium, it is increasingly difficult if not impossible, to separate the chaff from the wheat.
The fragility of human presence as an evolving species toward an unscripted reality, the present course if not significantly altered, can only be presumed to end disastrously; without question.
The validity of this claim is easily tested by pursuing the following, simple hypothetical applied by you, the reader:
Confronted by your boss with claim you are responsible for a negative consequence to your actions, you maliciously but plausibly lie, post the blame on a coworker costing them their job but, save yourself. As time goes on, your co-workers who know the truth, fail to give you their essential co-operation to complete your work. Sooner or later, being unable to meet your job-related responsibilities, you will end up demoted or worse, fired.
So what does this have to do with the real world, in the bigger picture?
Simply put; Everything!
As stated above, in every sector of human existence be it geo-politics, the economy and finance, religion, health, science, etc,, etc., and especially with the immediacy provided by the Internet, the multiplicity of statements circulating on the same topic, is being communicated bit the question remains; who is telling the truth?
The unfortunate aspect of this harsh reality for everyone is the dire yet real consequence that increasingly has the potential to manifest.
The growing destabilizing events in the Middle East for one, find the world on the precipice to a third world war that has the very real potential to be the last for a very long time. To paraphrase Einstein who is purported to have commented: If there is to be a World War III, it would likely be fought with nuclear weapons and if so, the next with sticks and stones.
The mire the global community finds itself and, the dire consequences of this situation being far too real to be ignored, unfortunately, pessimistically, the Pandora’s Box being wide open and, the Genii of Doom coursing the world seeking out the perfect storm to make it all happen, is it not just a matter of time?
Ask anyone still alive from the days of early Nazi Germany how it all began; first the encroachment by denial of the basic civil right to assemble and of expression and then, in a matter of months, with the advent of draconian laws being secretly passed into legislation such as the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) just passed into law by the Obama administration, a statute that contains sweeping worldwide, indefinite detention provision. Such provisional laws make it possible for citizens to be picked up without habeas corpus and due process of law only to find themselves taken to undisclosed locations and possibly never heard or seen from again.
Does this sound like an over-dramatization of what is occurring today around the world fueled by the insane, manufactured paranoia over terrorism?
Ask anyone still alive from the days of early Nazi Germany how it all began; first the encroachment by denial of the basic civil right to assemble and of expression and then, in a matter of months, otherwise innocent citizens with the advent of draconian laws being secretly passed into legislation such as the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) just passed into law by the Obama administration. The statute contains a sweeping worldwide indefinite detention provision, they are picked up and taken to undisclosed locations and possibly never heard from again.
Watch the video and decide and ask yourself if those assembled appear to be doing what you would consider warranting physical abuse and arrest by the United States Park Police.
Last night being the end of the second day of new year 2012, it was ironic that when one is normally anticipating or at least, speculating on events potentially to occur on the days and months of the coming year, I found myself experiencing a flash from the past namely, watching a movie titled: The Boys In The Band.
Briefly stated, the story situated in 1970‘s contemporary New York City is centered upon a small band of homosexual males coming together as friends, to celebrate the 30th birthday of Harold characterized as an aging, ugly, Jewish homosexual. The broad-spectrum, stereo-typical characterization of the male homosexual was clearly and well represented not to mention the Gay milieu of the day, given that it was the start of the socio-sexual revolution that began in the late 1960’s and for all intents and purposes, continues to the present day.
The brash and dramatic portrayal of this relatively unknown slice of contemporary American society by its strident poignancy garnered much controversy with the movie’s release. I personally recall as a closeted gay man at the time, that though the sexual revolution well in the process of erupting; the topic of homosexuality was definitely still taboo and faced much criticism in the public forum
It was interesting to experience the movie again, now in 2012. The retrospective conjured not only recollection of my auditioning for the McGill University’s 1971 presentation of the play but too, many emotional and intellectual reflections given how far the sexual and specifically; the gay social movement has evolved. Here too it would seem quite ironically, it’s not been without some negative consequences for the LGBT community.
Approximately one decade later, the start of the 1980‘s, the first cases of A.I.D.’s began to be diagnosed and homosexual men clearly identified as principle carrier of the H.I.V. virus. Of course it is widely know today that the advent of this now substantively understood and managed, though still potentially fatal disease, profoundly eroded much of the progress in garnering political and broader public acceptance of what is now the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bi,Transgender/ Transexual) community .
Beyond reliving the many memories of my own personal coming-out and all that I experienced as a young gay man during this tumultuous, ground-breaking and socio-politically changing era, my thoughts turned to the current generation of young LGBT men and women. I question how aware they are of the trials, hardships, struggles and, public persecution so effectively dramatized by the characterization of homosexual men that are the cast of The Boys In The Band. Too, what is their perception regarding the hefty personal price paid by many of their fore-generation of LGBT men and women in the fight to attain the legally-bound freedoms they so readily enjoy today. Though it is recognized that many LGBT individuals still endure some degree of sexual discrimination and hardship, it can be said of the LGBT community that they have the general acceptance and support of the broader, general public today.
In closing, I highly recommend seeking out and watching The Boys In The Band to all whether LBGT or not if for no other reason; it’s definitely entertaining and provides quite an insightful reflection of how progressive society (at least in some respects) has been in the last forty-years.
When faced with a voice of dissention especially from one of their own, in the heart of Israel, amidst a public celebration (of Palestinian occupation no doubt), this is how the gestapo police (ironic ah?) respond. This brave Jewish young man in face of obvious opposition to his view on the occupation of Palestine, I think quickly realizes what his people are truly all about.
I wonder if this will give him cause to rethink to what `faith’ of nationalism he is bound. Too bad he can’t redeem his `foreskin’. But seriously,what will happen to him for speaking out, based on the treatment he so far has received, one can only imagine?
In face of growing rhetoric demanding the attack on Iran coming predominately from the Israeli, Zionist cancer that has infected the otherwise rational minds of western society, this should exemplify that at all cost Israel will step even on its own people to get what it wants. So think of what we goys must mean to them?
Invisible are the intangible senses but one; that which emotes from the beating heart, cascading outward as ethereal energy, enriched and charged, a source to enliven and foster within another yearning soul, a spark of unknown wonderment, inducing a welling tide of goodness, replenishing to overflowing to yet once more, emote: Love
Anticipating the ugliness of the apparent prognosis for the coming year 2012, long perceived to be filled with `life-changing’ events for most in the world and, given the situation of conflict and chaos that presides in most places in the world as 2011 draws to a close, that prophesied has a likely chance to manifest; considering this, is it not reasonable one would ask the question: why continue in this life?
Definitely for some just the asking of such a question would suggest a severe state of depression however, for the simple reason that, given the projected future, based on current trends in global politics, economy, financial systems, meteorology, and the list goes on; save for a minority of the world’s population: life in the next and coming years is and will likely continue to be an absolute Shit story!
As an opinion, what saves most from drawing such a bleak and dark perspective on life in our foreseeable future as we come to live it, stems from firstly: the majority particularly in the developed world, are so oblivious to the reality in which they are living given the preponderance of distractions subliminally imposed upon them through and by popular media in the form of mindless entertainment industry, fascination with the lives that make up that industry; advances in communication technologies and the need to possess them at any cost that by their presence, contributes to a pervasive falsehood that is social networking. The promulgation of this Internet formulated event manufactures and feeds the illusion of being part of something bigger then oneself when in fact, for the majority, this virtual existence only serves to mimic the way they wish their `real’ lives to be. Secondly and possibly the most significant reason: the structured per-occupation with raising a family; the hopes and dreams for their prodigy consumes most child-bearing adults with all that it takes to fulfill them.
On the strength of this view, there is developing a divergence in the structure of our global society that is increasingly becoming evident through the growing social unrest being played out initially in regions of the developing world that for decades if not centuries, have lived with autocratic persecution and debasement however, increasingly, even traditionally stable and socially tranquil regions of the developed world are now beginning to develop major cracks in long established institutional foundations. Not to contradict statements made above, but the source to this turmoil is a minority of the population that seek out unvarnished versions of the global reality via the same tool that is fostering the delusional world eluded to above: the Internet.
The Internet, to the chagrin of those that comprise the power and wealth that steers the course global civil society that in their minds is to take, has bred a counter force to the lies and misconceptions the foundational structures on which society to date has been falsely built, are becoming increasingly pervasive and influential in destroying the illusion that is the Matrix of power and control.
In conclusion, going back to the original question herein posed: Considering this it is reasonable one would ask: why continue in this life?; the answer is obviously individual and personal based on where, on which side of the wedge of divergence one perceives themselves to reside. Notably, if you are part of the power group or in support of their social philosophy, the illusion will undoubtedly live on for the strength of resource or the means to acquire them, resides in in their court however, as momentum builds, and more of those on the down-trodden side of the wedge wake-up and rise-up, maybe there is chance of hope that at best, it will make for a bumpier ride into the future.
The following video exemplifies part of the reason the world finds itself in the state that it is now in and the reason for such a dire prognosis for the future:
The recent address given by President Barrack Obama (YouTube – President Barack Obama – 2011 URJ Biennial Plenary) to the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) that runs in excess of thirty-minutes, from his opening comments and throughout, he praises the accomplishments since the Union’s inception in 1873 founded by Rabbi Isaac Mayer Wise a native of Bohemia who came to the United States in 1846. Since then the Union has grown from an initial membership of 34 congregations in 28 cities to more than 900 congregations in the United States, Canada, the Bahamas, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. It is the largest Jewish movement in North America and represents an estimated 1.5 million Jews. In 2003 the General Assembly approved a new name, Union for Reform Judaism, to better reflect today’s reality. http://urj.org/about/union/history/
To become more familiar and to understand better the context and reason(s) for such praise being lauded upon this Jewish organization by the leader of a super-power nation, I visited the organizations website: http://urj.org/about/union/affiliate/ wherein it clearly states its mission:
‘The primary mission of the Union for Reform Judaism, the congregational arm of the Reform Movement, is to create and sustain vibrant Jewish congregations wherever Reform Jews live in North America.’ [Emphasis is mine]
Navigating the sites menu and reading the related subject-matter what becomes quite evident and clear is that this is a Jewish organization dedicated ‘to support Reform Jewish congregations and to perpetuate and advance Reform Judaism.’ http://urj.org/about/union/governance/
So just what is Reform Judaism?
Taken from the Jewish Virtual Library web site: ‘one of the guiding principles of Reform Judaism is the autonomy of the individual. A Reform Jew has the right to decide whether to subscribe to this particular belief or to that particular practice.’ http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Judaism/what_is_reform.html [Emphasis is mine]
What should remain understood within the context of this seemingly liberal belief structure; the Reform goes on to emphasize ‘Reform Jews are heirs to a vast body of beliefs and practices embodied in TORAH and the other Jewish sacred writings’ and, ‘we are all an essential part of K’lal Yisrael-the worldwide community of Jewry.’ http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Judaism/what_is_reform.html
The thread that clearly runs through Obama’s speech to the URJ members is their many positive contributions to America by their support in the early days of the civil rights movement led by Martin Luther King and, the freedoms he and fellow African-Americans shared in part contributed to his becoming President of the United States.
It was shortly after this that the camera conveniently moved toward the applauding, exclusively white audience save for one, though smiling, African-American sitting amongst them (nice that they could invite at least one other representative of the Black community).
From this point Obama’s speech, to much accolade from the audience, reiterated the accomplishments of his administration in realizing the Change and reforms promised during the 2008 election and sounded more a stump-speech, in light of upcoming 2012 election.
However, the applause becomes audibly diminished when the President struck a sensitive cord upon calling for the universal recognition for the rights of all nations’ peoples, the freedom and dignity to live in peace and security. An obvious contradiction to the segregation, genocidal treatment and human-rights abuses militarily imposed by Israel and the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu upon the Palestinian peoples of Gaza and the West Bank and beyond.
Throughout listening to the speech, recognizing the reality of what is known to be transpiring in the United States regarding its failing economy, growing unemployment, escalating foreclosure, etc., one cannot help but ask: is there a disconnect between this known reality and the comments in the President speech and, this could not be more evident wherein he speaks to the, to date, failure of the Israeli-Palestinian peace process?
It should be of no surprise to anyone current in international state-of-affairs to know tensions are mounting in the Middle East particularly as of late, as it pertains to Iran and Syria.
The entire Middle East region is a tinder-box ready to be ignited that potentially. a global conflict could ensue involving Russia and China given their stated support to Iran’s position within the conflict. On-going posturing by the United States, NATO allies and Israel forces versus that of Iran which is presently staging a major `war games’ exercise in the region, could escalate.
In light of these growing tensions, it is here one need ask:for whom doth the President speak? For it is here the President iterates and acknowledges the values for which Israel stands are too, those held to by America and, to which his administration, on behalf of the people of the United States, as Israel’s ally, commits to uphold and defend.
Recognizing that the URJ membership is comprised of only 1.5million, presumably Americans in the United States; the President’s timely speech is obviously meant for the broader, domestic and international audience.
naykdpoet 