Today …apart from being my graduation cum getting a job treat day was the second anniversary of my arrival in the US …yipeee!!!… no really , I guess this was one of the anniversaries that deserved to be remembered….last year I was in India at this time …so in effect this is the first and most probably only anniversary I’ll spend in Tuscaloosa….
I remember two years ago I was at the airport in LA… first just assimilating the fact that I was in an AMERICAN airport ..i.e. I was in America…. I spent most of my dollars tasting Haagen Dazs ice cream for the first time in the airport lounge….I was stuck there for twenty four hours after a twenty two hour flight, because my flight to Atlanta kept getting delayed /cancelled .. Well made it to Atlanta and Birmingham and finally Tuscaloosa …( not all the way to t-town via Delta..but you understand)…And the rest as they say is HISTORY : ).
Showing posts with label America Politics CurrentEvents. Show all posts
Showing posts with label America Politics CurrentEvents. Show all posts
Friday, December 29, 2006
Monday, November 13, 2006
A question of faith
I’m at a stage of my life where I have to restore conviction that there is someone one looking out for me .. and in the end things will be alright…..
I truly believe that faith can move mountains .This conviction has guided me through most of life ..but a couple of years ago I became sort of blasé about the whole thing.. there are something’s in life that you just cant change… or things just not meant to be, or so I thought …...
Anyway I’ve recovered some hope and have started reading Norman Vincent Peale books and such like to get back the power of Positive Thinking..
It's good to have purpose to cling to in trying times ..something that you know if all the mountains come crashing down will still exist… I alluded to a lack of purpose in an earlier post ..purpose can mean ambition , strong love for a person or for god ..
Faith is a powerful and beneficial concept , but it can be negative at times ; I got to thinking about this after watching an episode of Law and Order SVU.. the story was about a lady who commits murder because of her faith in a person who we find out in the end doesn’t exist ( this imaginary person was a work of con artists ) …So faith drew this seemingly well adjusted ,well educated woman to murder ….
But it was misplaced faith… we all know about cases of misplaced faith , from my real life experiences I can state the examples of people who turn their back on family and close friends at the insistence of jerk best friends and lovesofthierlife , only to realize at the end that they had given on up on the people who truly cared for them .And jerk lovers/best friends being the way that they are; disappear when it comes down to the crunch ….This is of course an example on a small personal scale on a larger scale it could involve people drawn into malicious cults ,terrorist groups etc etc…
What happens to people who don’t end up in prison, or don’t get blown up , or aren’t left friendless and desolate….because of strong faith and belief in an undeserving cause??? They lose the ability to believe in worthy causes i.e. themselves, love, God……
I was spurred to write this post after Reading about this game in Aswin’s Blog ..found out about the post via Sharath…
Aswin asks :
He goes further and reduces the penalty from Death , to years in prison to giving up all your wealth , education , memory ..to find out how much a person would be willing to forsake and for what cause
Here’s my comment :
I truly believe that faith can move mountains .This conviction has guided me through most of life ..but a couple of years ago I became sort of blasé about the whole thing.. there are something’s in life that you just cant change… or things just not meant to be, or so I thought …...
Anyway I’ve recovered some hope and have started reading Norman Vincent Peale books and such like to get back the power of Positive Thinking..
It's good to have purpose to cling to in trying times ..something that you know if all the mountains come crashing down will still exist… I alluded to a lack of purpose in an earlier post ..purpose can mean ambition , strong love for a person or for god ..
Faith is a powerful and beneficial concept , but it can be negative at times ; I got to thinking about this after watching an episode of Law and Order SVU.. the story was about a lady who commits murder because of her faith in a person who we find out in the end doesn’t exist ( this imaginary person was a work of con artists ) …So faith drew this seemingly well adjusted ,well educated woman to murder ….
But it was misplaced faith… we all know about cases of misplaced faith , from my real life experiences I can state the examples of people who turn their back on family and close friends at the insistence of jerk best friends and lovesofthierlife , only to realize at the end that they had given on up on the people who truly cared for them .And jerk lovers/best friends being the way that they are; disappear when it comes down to the crunch ….This is of course an example on a small personal scale on a larger scale it could involve people drawn into malicious cults ,terrorist groups etc etc…
What happens to people who don’t end up in prison, or don’t get blown up , or aren’t left friendless and desolate….because of strong faith and belief in an undeserving cause??? They lose the ability to believe in worthy causes i.e. themselves, love, God……
I was spurred to write this post after Reading about this game in Aswin’s Blog ..found out about the post via Sharath…
Aswin asks :
Can you imagine ever having such a cause or Ideology in your life that you are ready to die for ? Your cause could be Absolutely Anything. I don't mean just Religion, Idea, etc - Your cause could be as noble as 'Ending poverty', or it could be as personal as curing your loved one's illness, it could even be something fictional like bringing someone back to life(?) , it could be, like I said, Absolutely Anything.
He goes further and reduces the penalty from Death , to years in prison to giving up all your wealth , education , memory ..to find out how much a person would be willing to forsake and for what cause
Here’s my comment :
Hi Aswin , Got the link to this post via Sharath, very thought provoking!!!
I wouldn’t die for a cause, because I believe life is precious and I don’t like to encourage suicidal tendencies of any sort..
Would I die to save a loved one??… Maybe, that would be the only instance I would consider this option ..Die to save a hundred dying people ?? ( maybe if it unequivocally resulted in their survival)
Would I die for my Country , Religion ,State or Planet??
…A resounding NO!! I believe all these disputes are politically motivated and everyone’s life is more precious than giving in to the whims of manipulative powerful people.. it’s the same as the case of the Indian soldier who died in Iraq fighting for the US army ..He only recently migrated to the States… and was brought up in India ..God Bless his Soul, but it wasn’t his war to die fighting … Maybe in an Armageddon situation, a war against planets, I would consider joining an army. The job of the United Nations and Peaceniks like me is to ensure that no world wars occur.. the world is no longer as isolated and countries and people aren’t as disconnected as they once were..
I would however risk my all my money ,incur the wrath of my friends , possibly switch careers to stick to my personal beliefs i.e. : open mindedness, the war against bigots , individualism, family ties and self respect .
I would also contribute as much as I could to the elimination of poverty.
This is starting to look like a letter :)
Regards,
N
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
A New Direction......
I don’t remember watching any American non presidential elections happening… ( I’ve always tried to follow Presidential elections,via my parents ..and they are always exciting )..but I spent the entire evening today watching CNN…… nail biter to say the least….
Living for the past two years in one of the more republican (if not the most republican) of American States…I realized that not all Americans think like Hollywood ( ok I’m not being serious here ;)) , I also realized that the heart of America was probably more conservative than I was…. But these two years didn’t particularly endear me to the Republican Party… so watching the Dem’s win the house is elating ..seeing the first female speaker in the history ( from ‘San Francisco’ and all the liberal connotations involved in that…) of the United States being chosen ( can you imagine for a country which has taken many strides for female empowerment , there hasn’t been a lady in this high a position ( next in line after Vice –President) let alone being president ( but now is a good time as any to start)…..
So this is the first national victory for the democratic party after 12 years; the time line goes like this- Bill Clinton’s impeachment , Dubya taking charge, September 11, the war on terror and the second Iraq war…. Yup definitely the American people could do with a change ( the years with the Republican stronghold weren’t too great )…..A lot has been said about lack of charismatic leadership in the Democratic Party, but on the other hand you’ve got Dubyaman ( who’s only saving grace was acting ultra conservative )!!?!?!
Right now the Senate race is still undecided..Virginia with ‘Macaca’ Allen ..in a neck to neck………. All very exciting .. maybe during my next year in America ,there will be more open minded people in Government ….and hopefully that seeps into the mainstream…
I guess as an Indian Citizen I shouldn’t be too bothered with what happens …but as someone brought up in the Middle East , from India and presently in the US .. I know how far reaching the Governmental situation in the United States is… I hope it isn’t too much wishful thinking to hope for a Democratic President in 2008.
Living for the past two years in one of the more republican (if not the most republican) of American States…I realized that not all Americans think like Hollywood ( ok I’m not being serious here ;)) , I also realized that the heart of America was probably more conservative than I was…. But these two years didn’t particularly endear me to the Republican Party… so watching the Dem’s win the house is elating ..seeing the first female speaker in the history ( from ‘San Francisco’ and all the liberal connotations involved in that…) of the United States being chosen ( can you imagine for a country which has taken many strides for female empowerment , there hasn’t been a lady in this high a position ( next in line after Vice –President) let alone being president ( but now is a good time as any to start)…..
So this is the first national victory for the democratic party after 12 years; the time line goes like this- Bill Clinton’s impeachment , Dubya taking charge, September 11, the war on terror and the second Iraq war…. Yup definitely the American people could do with a change ( the years with the Republican stronghold weren’t too great )…..A lot has been said about lack of charismatic leadership in the Democratic Party, but on the other hand you’ve got Dubyaman ( who’s only saving grace was acting ultra conservative )!!?!?!
Right now the Senate race is still undecided..Virginia with ‘Macaca’ Allen ..in a neck to neck………. All very exciting .. maybe during my next year in America ,there will be more open minded people in Government ….and hopefully that seeps into the mainstream…
I guess as an Indian Citizen I shouldn’t be too bothered with what happens …but as someone brought up in the Middle East , from India and presently in the US .. I know how far reaching the Governmental situation in the United States is… I hope it isn’t too much wishful thinking to hope for a Democratic President in 2008.
Saturday, April 08, 2006
The America I Believe In
With all those immigration issues showing up in the media this week , I thought this article by Colin Powell seemed relevant.
The America I Believe In
by Colin Powell
Morning Edition, April 11, 2005 •
I believe in America and I believe in our people.
Later this month, I will be participating in a ceremony at Ellis Island where I will receive copies of the ship manifest and the immigration documents that record the arrival in America of my mother, Maud Ariel McKoy, from Jamaica aboard the motor ship Turialba in 1923. My father, Luther Powell, had arrived three years earlier at the Port of Philadelphia.
They met in New York City, married, became Americans and raised a family. By their hard work and their love for this country, they enriched this nation and helped it grow and thrive. They instilled in their children and grandchildren that same love of country and a spirit of optimism.
My family's story is a common one that has been told by millions of Americans. We are a land of immigrants: A nation that has been touched by every nation and we, in turn, touch every nation. And we are touched not just by immigrants but by the visitors who come to America and return home to tell of their experiences.
I believe that our greatest strength in dealing with the world is the openness of our society and the welcoming nature of our people. A good stay in our country is the best public diplomacy tool we have.
After 9/11 we realized that our country’s openness was also its vulnerability. We needed to protect ourselves by knowing who was coming into the country, for what purpose and to know when they left. This was entirely appropriate and reasonable. Unfortunately, to many foreigners we gave the impression that we were no longer a welcoming nation. They started to go to schools and hospitals in other countries, and frankly, they started to take their business elsewhere. We can’t allow that to happen. Our attitude has to be, we are glad you are here. We must be careful, but we must not be afraid.
As I traveled the world as secretary of state, I encountered anti-American sentiment. But I also encountered an underlying respect and affection for America. People still want to come here. Refugees who have no home at all know that America is their land of dreams. Even with added scrutiny, people line up at our embassies to apply to come here.
You see, I believe that the America of 2005 is the same America that brought Maud Ariel McKoy and Luther Powell to these shores, and so many millions of others. An America that each day gives new immigrants the same gift that my parents received. An America that lives by a Constitution that inspires freedom and democracy around the world. An America with a big, open, charitable heart that reaches out to people in need around the world. An America that sometimes seems confused and is always noisy. That noise has a name, it's called democracy and we use it to work through our confusion.
An America that is still the beacon of light to the darkest corner of the world.
Last year I met with a group of Brazilian exchange students who had spent a few weeks in America. I asked them to tell me about their experience here. One young girl told me about the night the 12 students went to a fast food restaurant in Chicago. They ate and then realized they did not have enough money to pay the bill. They were way short. Frightened, they finally told the waitress of their problem. She went away and she came back in a little while saying, "I talked to the manager and he said, 'It's ok.’" The students were still concerned because they thought the waitress might have to pay for it out of her salary. She smiled and she said, "No, the manager said he is glad you are here in the United States. He hopes you are having a good time, he hopes you are learning all about us. He said it's on him."
It is a story that those young Brazilian kids have told over and over about America. That's the America I believe in, that's the America the world wants to believe in.
Maybe I’m wrong but illegal immigrants or not, I’m sure 100-200 years ago the paper work to enter the United States was a lot less tedious . Really only native Americans , or the indigenous people of any country have the right, if any , to decide whom or whom not to let enter their country. And native American were pretty much wiped out of the face of this continent .. I have yet to meet an actual native american, though most of the general american population has had some native American blood surreptitiously seep into them.Having said that, Spanish is all over the place, it is Americas second language and many goverment forms , tv shows and books have a version in Espanol.
"We who are clay blended by the Master Potter, come from the kiln of Creation in many
hues. How can people say one skin is colored, when each has its own coloration? What
should it matter that one bowl is dark and the other pale, if each is of good design and
serves its purpose well."
~Polingaysi Qoyawayma, Hopi
The America I Believe In
by Colin Powell
Morning Edition, April 11, 2005 •
I believe in America and I believe in our people.
Later this month, I will be participating in a ceremony at Ellis Island where I will receive copies of the ship manifest and the immigration documents that record the arrival in America of my mother, Maud Ariel McKoy, from Jamaica aboard the motor ship Turialba in 1923. My father, Luther Powell, had arrived three years earlier at the Port of Philadelphia.
They met in New York City, married, became Americans and raised a family. By their hard work and their love for this country, they enriched this nation and helped it grow and thrive. They instilled in their children and grandchildren that same love of country and a spirit of optimism.
My family's story is a common one that has been told by millions of Americans. We are a land of immigrants: A nation that has been touched by every nation and we, in turn, touch every nation. And we are touched not just by immigrants but by the visitors who come to America and return home to tell of their experiences.
I believe that our greatest strength in dealing with the world is the openness of our society and the welcoming nature of our people. A good stay in our country is the best public diplomacy tool we have.
After 9/11 we realized that our country’s openness was also its vulnerability. We needed to protect ourselves by knowing who was coming into the country, for what purpose and to know when they left. This was entirely appropriate and reasonable. Unfortunately, to many foreigners we gave the impression that we were no longer a welcoming nation. They started to go to schools and hospitals in other countries, and frankly, they started to take their business elsewhere. We can’t allow that to happen. Our attitude has to be, we are glad you are here. We must be careful, but we must not be afraid.
As I traveled the world as secretary of state, I encountered anti-American sentiment. But I also encountered an underlying respect and affection for America. People still want to come here. Refugees who have no home at all know that America is their land of dreams. Even with added scrutiny, people line up at our embassies to apply to come here.
You see, I believe that the America of 2005 is the same America that brought Maud Ariel McKoy and Luther Powell to these shores, and so many millions of others. An America that each day gives new immigrants the same gift that my parents received. An America that lives by a Constitution that inspires freedom and democracy around the world. An America with a big, open, charitable heart that reaches out to people in need around the world. An America that sometimes seems confused and is always noisy. That noise has a name, it's called democracy and we use it to work through our confusion.
An America that is still the beacon of light to the darkest corner of the world.
Last year I met with a group of Brazilian exchange students who had spent a few weeks in America. I asked them to tell me about their experience here. One young girl told me about the night the 12 students went to a fast food restaurant in Chicago. They ate and then realized they did not have enough money to pay the bill. They were way short. Frightened, they finally told the waitress of their problem. She went away and she came back in a little while saying, "I talked to the manager and he said, 'It's ok.’" The students were still concerned because they thought the waitress might have to pay for it out of her salary. She smiled and she said, "No, the manager said he is glad you are here in the United States. He hopes you are having a good time, he hopes you are learning all about us. He said it's on him."
It is a story that those young Brazilian kids have told over and over about America. That's the America I believe in, that's the America the world wants to believe in.
Maybe I’m wrong but illegal immigrants or not, I’m sure 100-200 years ago the paper work to enter the United States was a lot less tedious . Really only native Americans , or the indigenous people of any country have the right, if any , to decide whom or whom not to let enter their country. And native American were pretty much wiped out of the face of this continent .. I have yet to meet an actual native american, though most of the general american population has had some native American blood surreptitiously seep into them.Having said that, Spanish is all over the place, it is Americas second language and many goverment forms , tv shows and books have a version in Espanol.
"We who are clay blended by the Master Potter, come from the kiln of Creation in many
hues. How can people say one skin is colored, when each has its own coloration? What
should it matter that one bowl is dark and the other pale, if each is of good design and
serves its purpose well."
~Polingaysi Qoyawayma, Hopi