"Toto, I've A Feeling We're Not In Kansas Anymore"

I've been intentionally quiet for longer than usual, in anticipation of my next post.  Don't want to feel like I'm just randomly dropping bombs with these posts,  like so many other countless courtesans of the written word these days.

There was just too much overloading the absorption of current events lately, to really form clear thought.  Thankfully, I had testament from more than just my own short circuit moments, that others were feeling the overload as well.  It felt the last two weeks, as if the whole world was coming unglued.  Even one of my patients voiced this during an exam, and I knew the phenomena had been named.  

Where do I begin? lol

The obvious scenario playing in all our eyes and homes recently, is the act of rebellion and passion for claiming basic human needs.  The story of a part of the world, repressed into thinking they were destined to be children who would never grow up. Never capable of spreading their wings and feeling individual expression and the satisfaction of attainment of their goals.   Never allowed as a collective of their feelings, to also participate in their destiny.  At the same time, witnessing generations persecuted by this way of life that robs your soul.  Appointed dictators, who live lavishly and accept generous contributions from benefactors, who also appeared to have no real conscience in how the money never reaches the heart of the country.  A basic principle of life circulation is cut off, and the heart begins to die.  But human spirit says you have a choice.  You can fight and try and save the heart, by doing what the human heart actually does...form collaterals.  The human heart will actually find a way to make new vessels of life blood, by accumulating a number of smaller pathways to work together for this process.  Our brothers and sisters in the fight everywhere for their freedom, have realized the power in coming together to fulfill their flow.  The heart is coming back to life and with a new vibrant color for the efforts of all the little ones who would be large for life.  Why wouldn't they?  You cannot deny the basic human spirit...ever.

So now you have a catalyst.  An example of having passion and the commitment and ingenuity to make a change.  Something we've been lulled into thinking was not necessary in our supposed land of "milk and honey".  We're supposed to be the ones who have it all, and numbly and blindly give over our destinies as well.  Just let the experts handle it, and go on enjoying your distractions as you live the illusion that all is well...till they have an announcement that is always presented as, "being in your best interests".  So just go back to sleep little children.  Believe whatever you are told and buy what is sold.  The programing may be more subliminal and attractive in it's presentation; but it's still a sovereign way of ruling the masses.  The more distractions, drugs, toys, promises; the less likely the masses will awaken.  Kind of the original concept of accepting unions.  Give concessions to keep the masses happy and producing, and the feeling of empowerment in the bargaining.  Now unions are dirty words.  Careful United States of America, you helped create this concept with your collusion.  Pretty soon the masses will always ask, "What concessions are those with more than us making?"  To take away collective bargaining power for those who needed it in the first place, is declaration of working in favor of the industry barons.  Those who profit the most from dictating what they see as their dream, while robbing the masses of theirs.  

And so it was, that we saw something not seen since revolutionary times.  A body of representatives of the masses, actually trying to bargain for fair representation.  Emboldened with their numbers, and the idea of it's power,  which in turn caused ingenuity for a genuine cause.  Almost too superficial to be believable; but sending ripples not only in the local cause of Wisconsin citizens; but to all those who saw themselves as next.  Even here in Boston, the teachers came together to protest on behalf of their peers in the upper midwest.  The true spirit of Revolution, includes the concept of unity.  The one thing that would bring fear to the highest levels of power.  A door has been opened in the universe.  What's beyond that door, is still to be seen.  A new breeze of free air is sending life blood and carrying oxygen to the collective heart of those who have wished it for so long, and those who recognized the choking of their own breath of freedom, by those who live in the clouds and have means for artificial life support, thanks to all the little collaterals.  Careful United States of America.  All your little collaterals now know they can choke you too.

I think the most perplexing and aggravating concept that also colors all the would be Revolutions, is the obvious powers that wish to maintain control no matter what.  Ultimately as always, it's about resources.  The time worn concept of protecting boundaries, that really speak still of controlling energy markets.  Enslaved to the idea of making oil ruler, so that we can maintain our standard of living.  How can we still buy this?  Are we still so primitive a society to believe we have to be ever in the fight for an energy source that would enslave us?  If the world ran on clean electric, or solar energy; how could it not be better?  Wouldn't the transformations necessary be worth it for everyone?  What if we became the capital of alternative energy to sell to the world?  How many new jobs could be created then?  What better way to reclaim our stature in the world and the world markets?  Can we really believe the most advanced academic institutions in the world could not facilitate us in making this real?  

So how am I supposed to believe any longer that it's all about the oil?  Careful United States Of America.  You insult us.  What's the real reason we are protecting the interests of countries who would take our billions?  What's the real reason you send our sons and daughters to war?  What's the real reason you would enslave us all for those who think so little of their own?  Oh, I forgot...we are supposed to be the good little children...seen and not heard.  Well I say, thank goodness for all the loud children who would challenge their abusers.  And I don't mean Scott Brown:( yuk!

Listen to the voices of American soldiers who are also waking up:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQfoFzJUsb0&feature=player_detailpage

Mother Nature is also a player who is speaking loudly to her children these days.  Ask the New Zealanders who is really in control of their lives these days.  Ask them if they believe in Global Warming or whatever you want to call the destruction of what gives us life overall.  The environment is in revolution too.  Reacting to the cause and effect of it's natural state, and the pollutants we manufacture that poison and force it's evolution.  An evolution that we do ultimately have control over as it's guardians.  A reminder that we also need to recognize who we give over this power to, and why those with the most power and resources continue to deny the reality that we are the problem.  Why is it alright to proliferate the idea of oil as the dictator of our futures?  When in reality, it chokes us and leaves the world gasping and fighting back for it's survival.  

Here's a scary but real speculation about just how enslaved we are to oil, and the possible imminent scenario when it runs out.  Why wouldn't we seek and develop real alternatives?  What would our founding fathers say about making us all enslaved to such a disastrous prospect.  Where's the freedom now United States Of America?  When we designed our country to function independent of dictators originally; was it really to become the dictators ourselves?

Watch this....it's scary....but it's time to open our eyes children.

Visit this blog and watch the video by National Geographic, depicting what happens when we run out of oil.

http://worldofweirdthings.com/2010/03/09/when-our-world-finally-runs-out-of-oil/ 

So forgive the long post....but there's alot to see for one who has a wide open eye...and wishes to open the eyes of those who would also care to really see.

Here's some great quotes again, from those before us whose wisdom should always be regarded.

 

"Necessity is blind until it becomes conscious. Freedom is the consciousness of necessity." - Karl Marx

“It is dangerous to be right when the government is wrong.” Voltaire

"He who joyfully marches to music in rank and file has already earned my contempt. He has been given a large brain by mistake, since for him the spinal cord would fully suffice. This disgrace to civilization should be done away with at once".  "Heroism at command, senseless brutality, deplorable love-of-country stance, how violently I hate all this, how despicable and ignoble war is; I would rather be torn to shreds than be a part of so base an action! It is my conviction that killing under the cloak of war is nothing but an act of murder."
-Albert Einstein

Also, one of the most true and accurate predictions about our choice for changing our ecological and economical futures.

"If we prepare for climate change by building a clean-power economy, but climate change turns out to be a hoax, what would be the result? Well, during a transition period, we would have higher energy prices. But gradually we would be driving battery-powered electric cars and powering more and more of our homes and factories with wind, solar, nuclear and second-generation biofuels. We would be much less dependent on oil dictators who have drawn a bull’s-eye on our backs; our trade deficit would improve; the dollar would strengthen; and the air we breathe would be cleaner. In short, as a country, we would be stronger, more innovative and more energy independent."

-Thomas L. Friedman, "Going Cheney on Climate," 
New York Times

So as the "Ides Of March" approach, and the "Winds Of Change" blow, I hope the doors that open, blow fresh air into our world, and to all those who wish a way to breathe new life, into the idea of freedom of choice that will empower all our futures.  

I watched more evidence this week also, in regards to the destruction of a delicate balance we also effect with our choices.  Starving majestic eagles falling from the sky dying of hunger.  Fish and dolphins and a wide assortment of marine mammals and sea life, showing their numbers in sad testament lying dead on our beaches and beaches around the world.  

Here's a picture from a story about 40.000 crabs who died from hypothermia in a colder than ever sea.  What more will it take us to see?

 

'Thousands of them: Crabs washed up on the beach at Palm Bay, Margate, are thought to have died of hypothermia. Britain's coldest December in 120 years left sea temperatures much lower than average."  

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1344242/40-000-devil-crabs-washed-British-beach-freezing-conditions-hypothermia.html#ixzz1F5DQY2PL

So as we watch new freedom emerging and recognition of our responsibility to help humans have the elemental things necessary to humankind; we can't forget our obligation of protection to all those whose freedom we also owe responsibility, for what they contribute and the fate they represent for us all if we don't.

Last but never least, I give a shout out to another important population that has always been for all our freedom.  The women everywhere who wish for peace and safety of our world for all living things and especially the lives of their babies who are all our future.  To have to read this week of the abuses sustained by American female soldiers, was appalling and shameful to say the least.  Watch out United States Of America.  These voices are just as powerful as any women anywhere when they are scorned and left to their own resources.  I predict a new feminist revolution emerging worldwide that will be a force to be reckoned with.  As women, we have always been the glue and nurturers of life.  Women will not let their world come unglued without fighting and have always eventually led the way of reason in the face of man's lust for greed and power and war.  So it is with great hope that in these times of change and chaos around the world, that new women leaders will arise and lend their voices and action in the most visible way.  How refreshing to think of more women involved in all types of leadership positions and forums, especially given their contributions and sacrifices for so long.  How could it not be a more sane outlook with a more feminine perspective of what our future should be?  The world needs the compassionate directive that has been forfeited for greed and power by men in power for centuries.  And I don't mean just a figure head of matriarchy like the British have sold the world in their queen.  We need women empowered and united in their passion for sustaining life, who will not be bullied any longer for lack of their female genitalia in the form of balls.  When these women do find their voices, that's when the real Revolution will begin...finally.  The celebration of 100 years of the "International Women's Day" this year, will hopefully help to give women everywhere a reason to contemplate their roles and the power they hold, while networking for positive change in the way we see our future.  Afterall, could it really be so terrible to have women negotiating our priorities for a change?  How much longer must we go on being told that we are the "weaker sex"?  And when will we at last stop teaching that to our daughters?  That would truly be opening the door and inviting a true breath of fresh air!

 International Women's Day is March 8th;)

Somewhere over the rainbow.......

Thanks for stopping by....hope I opened some doors.

The World In Love With LOVE Day

                                             It wouldn't feel right not to write an homage tonite, for the all the love that is all around this weekend.  Of course the actual day isn't until tomorrow; but the celebration has begun.  There is no other day that can compare and no more worthy of celebration, than LOVE.  It truly is a day celebrated in many ways and customs around the world.  Not just for declarations of love from lovers; but also to appreciate those you care for.  There are those who have no trouble appreciating others and showing affection most days; but the idea of motivating those who don't...also has merit.  

If you're wondering today if they celebrate Valentine's Day in Egypt, you're not alone.  I found this forum of answers from those who would know

.http://www.travelexpertguide.org/forum1/Africa-Middle-East/Dear-Egyptians-Is-Valentine-039-s-Day-celebrated-in-Egypt-53026.htm

 It seems they not only celebrate Valentine's Day and turn the whole land red; but they also celebrate a second love day on November 14th.  Would I have even wondered this if not for their recent arrival on the world stage?  Probably not, but now on this day of LOVE, I wish them as much as they can get.  I also thank them for loving their desire for the freedoms we all should be able to love.  It feels the whole world is sending them love too and wanting to see them spread the love for their country and countrymen as declaration of their love for life.  Another important LOVE that can never be denied or should be.

In fact, Valentine's Day is truly recognized in many parts of the world.  Check this site for some countries and how they get their LOVE day on.

http://www.stvalentinesday.org/valentines-day-around-the-world.html

Of course, the French take credit for the first Valentines.  They also proliferated the idea of the mating of birds during the middle of the second month, to signify the ritual of mating in general.  Encouraging the coming together of all available males and females and the exchange of their personal declarations of love.  A bonfire was held some time later, for those who had been scorned by not being chosen.  Seems they could get out all their frustration by burning and defacing their intended's valentine.  This practice was finally discouraged though, as it set the tone for too much angst and violent outbursts.  A woman scorned, is always a woman scorned, no matter the century:)

Here's another great site for traditions and all things Valentine's Day.

http://www.novareinna.com/festive/valrites.html

It would seem that many celebrations on this day include poetic gifts.  Taking the time to compose thoughts of love and appreciation; wether given anonymously or not.  Sometimes faced with the pleasant quandary of wondering who the secret valentine might be.  Sometimes wishing you never knew.

As much as I wish to gush today in my own sweetheart day, I am also not too insensitive to know that there are many who curse the day of LOVE.  For those who are bombarded with all the commercial aspect everywhere, and the prevalent site of couples celebrating and overtly showing affection in one way or another, it can be a devastating reminder of aloneness.  I admit to having those years with no Valentine in site and the miserable moments of trying your best to love yourself the best you can, and still feeling left out from all the magic you know you are missing.  Loving yourself is a reasonable alternative; but not when the world seems wired for couples only.  All sharing their secret and most sensual moments in the dance made for partners in love.  It takes a strong personality to not feel the longing for what you can literally feel and see all around you.

That's really what I want to talk about on the eve of LOVE around the world day.  A day when it is palpable the amount of love that is everywhere.  Couples taking extra effort and time to the thought and the feeling of LOVE.  People do seem a little sweeter, a little more twinkle in the eye and lightness of step.  Either anticipating their hearts beating faster, or already in the glow of satisfaction for heartbeats shared with their favorite heart.  It does the heart good to awaken on the sweet day of LOVE that is Valentine's Day.  Knowing many others are waking with LOVE on their minds and sending out all the extra electricity in the air for their excitement.  

Everything is energy, and the energy of LOVE is to me the strongest of all.  Love for our lovers, love for our loved ones, love for just the idea of LOVE, which in turn, breeds LOVE around the world.  

Robert Browning said:

"Take away love, and our earth is a tomb."

Here's a Latin proverb I like:

"A man is not where he lives, but where he loves."

Pablo Picasso said:

"Love is the greatest refreshment in life."

LOVE is our greatest gift in the universe that spawned us, from a higher power's ideas.  To bathe us in a feeling that makes us feel all that makes us alive.  The inter-action of beings who were designed to feel the sensation of LOVE.  Choosing when, where, and how, is definitely where free will comes in.  I know I'm personally wired to give alot and receive alot.  I know just having that presence, can also mean I share it alot.  If you haven't practiced spreading it in a while, or ever, try it in little moments and with more than just a romantic recipient.  Showing your smile more freely and a generally sweeter attitude is a great start.  Giving compliments is also an outstanding way to show your LOVE.  I read once, that those who give compliments, are perceived to be more attractive for it.  Everyone truly yearns for appreciation in one way or another.  You never can under-estimate the influence you might have on another's world for such a simple statement.  Who knows what it might inspire them to do, and so on and so on........

I could not live in a world without LOVE, nor can I even imagine it, as it is elemental to all of us in our human state.  What would you be without LOVE?  You might not even be here if you think about it;)

Remember all those you love and those without love that might benefit from a little token from you.  Say I love you to your heart of hearts, and with the passion that made you see their heart for the first time.  Show your children your love and show them how to love.  Think for just a few moments of LOVE for all those who wish for it, die for it, and cry for it.  Spread your LOVE and feel it come back to you and to all of us thinking of LOVE.

"What the world needs now, is LOVE, sweet LOVE.  No not just for some; but for everyone"

Forgive the gushing...

Boston Shorty is in LOVE and in love with LOVE, and wants to shout it loud!

And for my Blue Eyed Boston Boy:

"How did it happen that their lips came together?  How does it happen that birds sing, that snow melts, that the rose unfolds, that the dawn whitens behind the stark shapes on quivering summit of the hill?  A kiss, and all was said."  Victor Hugo

Happy Valentine's Day My Love

So glad I found your precious heart among the stones:)

Happy Valentine's Day World

And the World says:

Watching The Middle Eastern Flowers Slowly Opening

Thankfully, it was a beautiful sunny day in Boston today.  Weather madness had it's way with us all week.  Your body tenses at night just anticipating what the next day might entail.  Even my favorite weather maven Dylan on the local news, doesn't want to give the extended forecast somedays.  Everyone is walking around saying things like; "Oh My Good Gawd!)...as the Irish say; or some words to that effect and in multiple languages:)

I have been dealing this week with the physical storm pelting me from every direction and with more varieties of snow than I knew existed.  It's either heavy snow, thunder snow, or a brutal pelting of little icy pellets in your face mixed with rain.  I remind myself, I am an Ocean dweller...well within a few short miles of the mighty sea, and beyond the bay view out my window.  A brutal coast is the Atlantic.  You either learn to cope with what she gives you when she is like a scorned woman, or you live a sad existence and whine alot.  Whining is not allowed in Boston;)  So I adapt and survive for my efforts.  Having a multitude of selections in outerwear, depending on the Lady Atlantic's pleasure.  I breathe deeply when I can, even allow a certain laziness to recharge my battery on Saturdays.  Hoping the days pass quickly, and the warm sun will court the cold lady and give us all her smiling and warm blue skys again.

I think the unseen tension this week, was added baggage to a low time for many. The news was vivid with revolution and anger.  An unexpected sight for those of us on this side of the world to see; even though the valiant Iranians who also filled their streets, was not that long ago.  The one I did almost miss, that didn't garner enough worth I guess for our attention, was the whole Tunisia evolution.  Called also the Jasmine Revolution, in keeping with the geopolitical nomenclature of "color revolutions".  A more accepted name is the "Sidi Bouzid" revolt, for the city of Sidi Bouzid, where the protests started.  These protests are about people and where they live after all.   Another country that had basically been run by the same regime for over 23 years.  Also the same motivations and concerns as the Egyptians who would passion their cause.  Unemployment and  a higher cost of living, poor living conditions. and the lack of freedom of speech, had made life unbearable and their voice not to be denied.  Certain services that had been government subsidized in what was considered a wealthy region compared to it's neighbor, were no longer offered.  At the same time, WikiLeaks also released documentation of intense governmental corruption.  The government attacks it criticizers in the form of bloggers and even a rapper.  A local cart vendor, barely making it, has his sole means of income taken from him by a police woman.  When they will not let him pay a fine to retrieve it, and there is no audience granted with the authorities for his plight; he douses himself with gasoline and ignites himself in front of the police station.  Now the movement had it's martyr and the denial of despair, would be the end of the powers that be.

The protests in Tunisia had actually been going on since December 2010; but I can't remember hearing of this in any national news.  So just what is happening in this region is again left to the individual to research, if the desire is there.  The internet it seems is also an important catalyst for these unfolding events.  No longer can information be totally withheld or the trading of information that would create a coalition for furthering a cause.  The Tunisian government tried unsuccessfully to shut down what was already a broad network.  If you look a little deeper, you can find a story that again is claimed by the Wikileaks folks.  In a secret December 2008 WikiLeaks cabel reveal, the story has more roots than has been discussed openly.  The seed is that the U.S. while overtly supporting the Mubarek regime, was covertly planning to undermine it and replace it with a representative government.  A young emerging leader, who still remains unnamed to my knowledge, was supported in attending a summit of other Egyptian rebels, that was organized by the U.S. Embassy in Cairo.  At this time, Congressman and immediate staff were having discussions with Egyptian rebel leaders on U.S soil.  The same young leader who was singled out, was also arrested and detained upon his arrival back home and again this week during the uprising.  It would probably be safe to say though, that at this moment he is being protected by the U.S. again, to secure the future of this chosen one.  So to think that what we are watching unfold in Egypt and who knows what other countries, is truly something we're just letting "play out", is an extremely naive perception.  At the same time, how many really care?  The big news today after all is the Super Bowl.

All of the turmoil that is finally turning into a massive combustion in this region, does have everything to do with our involvement and that of all our allies.  When the British Empire decided long ago, that to conquer and govern without permission was acceptable, it set the tone for alot of what is coming to an inevitable evolution today.  Even as supposed self government became the new way, it was then as now, with  deliberate design in who was appointed to power.  Once illiterate societies who resigned themselves to dictatorship in the form of corruption and manipulation, were lulled into complacency with government subsidies to insure compliance.  Now the same greedy governments are punishing their populace with ways to make the general public pay more and still receive less.  Sound familiar?  Even as we hear about a certain element in Egypt that has been successful, the people living in poverty for 3 decades is by far the majority.  This majority has realized the "power in numbers" theory and used the latest technology for networking to emphasize their despair.  

In the Spring of 2008 these activists, known as the "April 6th Youth Movement", would rally for workers who wished to strike.  They used Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, and numerous citizen journalists to report on police activity, organize legal protection, and draw attention to their efforts.  Any true revolutionary will tell you that organization is key.  Is it any wonder that Hillary Clinton would fight so emotionally with Mubarek to keep the internet on?  We showed them the way after all and Facebook facilitated the network.  Does this mean we are training dissidents now to again puppet our desires?  I hate sounding so jaded to the whole idea that we could actually be helping to plant seeds and let them grow independently; but history doesn't prove us any less culpable of greed than Great Britain, in designing our ultimate goals for supremecy.  Can we still use the argument that they are too illiterate to do it for themselves?  Not in our present world of instant enlightenment on the information highway.  No longer can a whole society be kept in the dark or from uniting in secrecy for a common goal.  Especially when the latest round of activists includes hackers who infiltrate their governments data bases and undoubtedly with the help of the timely exposure of sensitive materials thanks to WikiLeaks.  Someone is always influencing and adding to the momentum from both sides of the conflict.  The governments have to look bad in choosing to plunge their society into an archaic silence by trying to control communication.  Resources and the power of knowledge are an intimidating enemy to these governments, who have refused to allow the true freedom and growth of all it's citizens.  Even retaliation with arrests and deaths of those who criticize, only serve to fuel the desire for something more.  This is a lesson the U.S. could easily find itself facing with the also broadening gap between classes in this country.  The already fading story of a politician and her crowd of unwilling victims, is but testimony to the crisis despair can wreak anywhere.

So as we watch all the new flowers of the Middle East trying to bloom to their true colors; it is with a sincere hope, that I wish it to be a garden where all can grow and realize the fruits of their efforts to break thru the hard ground.  The basic human experiment is one of diversity.  Our future will tell if we can truly honor those who wish to be seen for who they are and what their lives are in their minds and hearts. The game has always been a game, but with much more transparency now than ever before.  Digging into some of the old roots this week had me feeling that the new sprouts will be subjected to the same climate regardless.  We have been fertilizing the very government that we are covertly trying to bring down for 30 years to the tune of a billion or so a year.  Is the reality that all these fledgling governments as they change, are really still subject to being subsidized by a greater ruling power?  I'm sure the Irsraelis are hoping this proves true and that their strongest ally the U.S. will find a way to secure their position.  Another powerful influence that would be seemingly just "sitting back" and watching the changes in the garden of many colors.  

The human spirit is one that wishes recognition for it's existence.  Never again will a government be able to take for granted that they are subject to accountability.  Deny it and it can come back to haunt you.  No longer will it be possible to suppress people or information that would lead to their freedom.  Here's what Albert Einstein says about the human spirit:

"We must be prepared to make heroic sacrifices for the cause of peace, that we ungrudgingly make for the cause of war."

"Physical concepts are free creations of the mind, and are not, however it may seem, uniquely determined by the external world."

Also a timely quote by George Orwell:

"Power is not a means, it is an end.  One does not make a dictatorship in order to safeguard a revolution; one makes the revolution in order to establish the dictatorship."

I end with another relevant quote from Henry Miller:

"We have two American flags always, one for the rich and one for the poor.  When the rich fly, it means everything is under control; when the poor fly, it means danger, revolution, anarchy.

While I wish for an early Spring, I also wish for a peaceful and budding beauty of human spirit for those who have been so long suppressed.  To recognize the futility and vulnerability of those who are really just an extension of all us, is to hope that the joy of what they will also be winning, is a winning moment for all of us.  As no longer will the masses be quieted no matter the threat or punishment.  The voice of revolution has been for all time released and louder than ever.  We helped to give it voice; but we cannot forget that we also gave it the reason to be loud.  Now the voice will spread to all those who will know that they too can be heard.  This is the real example of a "shot heard around the world".  This is the dawn of enlightenment and there is no turning back.  A true global conversation will now ultimately have to take place.  Let's hope that those with desire for true peace and unity will prevail.  To not be the example now, could find all the snakes being driven from the garden.

Here's a couple of sites I found while digging.

http://warsclerotic.wordpress.com/2011/01/30/us-covertly-aided-egyptian-protest-leaders-for-regime-change-secret-december-2008-wikileaks-cable-reveals/

April 6th Youth Movement/Facebook.com 

I Hate Heroin...And Why You Should Too

This time of year in the Northeast is without a doubt an often bleak scenery.  As much as my hometown loyal Boston types wish to defend their birthright to the beauty of this cold land; the effects it has on it's inhabitants is decidedly noticeable.  More hospital admissions for those ultimate lethargic types, that no matter what the season are not moving enough.  Add increased consumption of comfort foods and fueled food addiction advertising on television, and the set up for health related issues like, Congestive Heart Failure, Adult Diabetes, and Coronary Artery Disease, become the common hospital patient these days.  People move less, eat more, have less light to stimulate the pituitary gland, and this results in not just general laziness; but also depression and the introduction of that which eases the depression, such as alcohol and drugs.

It is already a fact, that we are a country of addicts in one way or another.  The highest percentage of addicts in the world to be exact.  Where Freedom Of Choice, means the choice to have the pleasure or pain suppressant you desire.  Whether, food, alcohol, cigarettes, or  the various drugs available; Americans are an addictive society.  To miss this important fact in our past, present, and future, is to never truly understand the consequences we all face, addicts or not.

My daily commute, consists of subways and buses in the MBTA system of Boston to and from my job.  Even having traveled the country and lived in many regions, this has been my most intimate view of our little experiment we call a global community turned into a country.  The people I share minimum space with daily, are Asian, Middle Eastern, Hispanic, Haitian and Caucasians of all persuasions.  Add the transient population of students who attend any of the famous academic institutions available, and the diversity is culturally, and generationally mixed beyond any other city except maybe for New York.  The personalities and character analysis is already like putting all the afore mentioned in a snow globe and then shaking it up.  Watching them all trying to get around in the snow, is the real show.

While standing on the platform of the subway station one evening this week, I witnessed a moment that led me to this current blog.  I am committed with this blog, to only writing about those things that impassion me, as anyone can write these days about the headlines and current events.  There are millions of blogs that attest to this, but this is not one of them.  To tell a story and illuminate a situation with my personal observations and knowledge, is more what I hope to achieve.  So it was in my mind, as I watched a young man, maybe early twenties, walking the edge of the platform on this crowded commute time of day.  People waiting for a train to just take them home and away form all this.  This young man was walking and pleading loudly, for anyone to just push him in front of the next train and get it all over with.  He wasn't kidding and I knew it; but of course there were those who thought he was joking and started laughing and making fun of him.  In Boston, no one shows any sign of weakness without recruiting an obligatory insult for being so stupid to publicly make yourself the victim.  This guy didn't care anymore who knew he was the victim.  As he walked up the stairs to the street realizing his reality was no more than a joke; he started crying and yelling...."I just don't want to be a junkie anymore"...then louder...."I JUST DON'T WANT TO BE A JUNKIE ANYMORE!"  There was no longer laughing on the platform, but instead an uncomfortably dark mood that encompassed the faces of all of us left contemplating what we had just witnessed.  I wondered how many though, would be as haunted as I was with this declaration of fallout, of one of the most insidious and yet most undercover enemies we face.  

This was not by the far the first moment I've witnessed of those who ride the "Horse" in Boston.  In fact, I was appalled the first time I realized while looking out my bus window one Summer day; how blatant the selling of drugs had become in this city.  There is a small park across the street from one of the hospitals in the prestigious Longwood Medical Area, where daily, junkies congregate to do their routine.  On one day in particular, that life would intersect with mine in a personal way.  Just as my shuttle bus taking me home rounded the corner across from this park, one of these junkies literally thew himself under the bus while it was stopped, while trying to escape another junkie he had just stolen money and drugs from.  No coaxing from our poor Russian bus driver could get him out so we could continue.  All at once, a passenger on the bus steps outside, grabs the hunkering lost soul and proceeds to punch him in the nose.  This did indeed get the human obstacle to his feet, bloody nose and all, and the young passenger and the driver quickly boarded the bus and we were again on our way.  This was my first Summer in Boston and that was three years ago.  In the meantime, I have witnessed numerous medical maladies related to Heroin use and situations that evolve.  From young users who are naive to the drug and it's potency, as well as all the devastating health consequences, mentally and physically.  Blood infections that ultimately attack precious valves in the heart, caused one young man I witnessed, to have his Aortic valve replaced not once, but twice in the span of two years.  One open heart surgery with sudden death implications was not enough to keep this addict from going back.  As I watched this child's parents standing watch over their son after his second surgery, it was apparent they had no idea what they were dealing with.  I remember the tortured look of guilt and exasperation on their faces.  Wanting so badly to understand how this could have happened to them, they even posed this question to me while I shared their space at his bedside.  Thinking that they had been living the most idyllic suburban lifestyles up to this point.  Sending their only son to the most famous of Academic institutions and gladly financing what they thought was the best destiny they could offer.   Only to be faced with a silent demon who had kidnapped the son they knew and left in his place a person they could hardly relate to.  Their dreams and those of their precious offspring, now shattered and possibly lost forever.  How did this happen?  

The rise of Heroin addiction in our country is once again becoming a very real part of everyone's existence, even if you don't have someone close to you yet who is an addict.  The last statistics I could find for American soldiers addicted to Heroin in Afghanistan, was roughly 10 - 15 percent.  It is common knowledge among soldiers how prevalent this is; but the government still refuses to advertise anything about the result of the CIA sanctioning poppy production.  The Taliban in the last year of their reign, had almost completely eradicated Heroin production and the growing of poppy plants in Afghanistan.  If you believe the inside information regarding the beginning of our involvement in "Project Freedom"; it included a threat from the CIA regarding this topic.  Supposedly, the CIA told the people of Afghanistan, "Either you let the white bomb rain on your country, or we will rain bombs on you."  Information surrounding the CIA, war, and drugs and the money and power it yields, are decidedly sensitive areas to explore.  It is for that reason that I do not mention the source of this quote, as collection of IP addresses just researching this topic is also a common practice.  Ultimately, there is really no denying the collusion of the CIA in all conflicts regarding the rise and fall of numerous regimes fueled by drug money.  To simply look up Wikipedia's CIA and drug trafficking, is to find a whole chronological list on this subject.  The subject of CIA is one I don't wish to elaborate on however; as I would prefer to deflect attention to this little invisible blogger.  This history as well documented as it obviously is, is still a covert practice that wishes not to be exposed.  This is the primary reason why ignorance to their involvement and the trickle down to the population in this country and around the world, is still the biggest story you'll never hear on the nightly news.  The fact still remains, that since the CIA's initial arrival in Afghanistan, not only has it become responsible for 92 percent of the Opiate trafficking in the world; but also the rise of Heroin addiction worldwide.

Another sad moment that left a deep impression on me, was another commuter moment at the train station.  This day as I got off the bus and headed down the stairs into the station, there was a minor commotion taking place.  On a bench before the stairs sat a young white man who now had a most ominous gray cast to his skin.  Slouched to one side and being taunted by those on either side, was an obvious overdose victim.  Who knows how long he had been sitting there, till someone finally decided to ask why he was not conscious.  That is life in the big bad city....look the other way and you won't have to get involved.  I on the other hand am trained to observe and respond to what may be a medical emergency.  As I was about to lend a professional assessment, I was relieved of this experience as a station worker and medical personnel arrived on the scene.  I can't say I wasn't relieved to be able to go on my way; but the gray lifeless body of one so young and victimized, still haunts me.  I knew then these scenes would only grow more frequent and history since has proven me right.  The streets of Boston have the stench of this powerful silent invasion; but it is not just here, and more likely in your neighborhood too more than you know.  

Here's a description of Heroin addiction by a prominent rehabilitation center.

"One of the most detrimental long-term effects of heroin is addiction itself. Addiction is a chronic, relapsing disease, characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, and by neurochemical and molecular changes in the brain. Heroin also produces profound degrees of tolerance and physical dependence, which are also powerful motivating factors for compulsive use and abuse.

As with abusers of any addictive drug, heroin abusers gradually spend more and more time and energy obtaining and using the drug. Once they are addicted, the heroin abusers' primary purpose in life becomes seeking and using drugs. The drugs literally change their brains."

We've all witnessed the demise of celebrities who succumbed to the vile effects of this drug and with some, their eventual death.  Although it would seem fame is to blame in these cases and the advantages of unlimited resources.  Maybe for that reason it is easier for all of us to be sad but still uninvolved in what is a mystery still to most.  Soon, however, this will not be the case, if numbers currently growing in silence, reach the inevitable proportions reflected in what statistics are being gathered.  The "Silk Highway", famous for trafficking silk across Middle Eastern borders, is now becoming the same highway for Heroin to cross more borders than ever before.  One of the sadder stories I found regarding this fallout, was in Kyrgyzstan.  Besides producing higher numbers of addicts in this border country, the numbers of HIV and AIDS cases grows with the use of common needle injections.  A surprise twist to this story includes young children who are treated at a local health clinic, who also fell prey to being infected for the common practice of using dirty needles in these facilities.  

Here's an article with a video, describing this devastating fact of life, for those who never expected to have their children become the latest victims of Heroin trafficking.  

http://www.danchurchaid.org/news_publications/news/aids_follows_the_heroin_route 

While researching the topic of Heroin Trafficking in the U.S., I found stories from practically every state in the union.  There are those who are choosing and are chosen to bring this drug into all our lives.  The more that are busted, the more there are to replace them.  There is no arguing the lucrative enticement of a drug that holds people captive to it's insatiable desire for more.  A desire that makes people do anything to achieve just a quasi normal status, long after the enticing rush is gone.  Dealers who establish a market are sure to reap new seekers and continuous growth for their product.  As stated above, the Heroin user's day consists of finding his next opportunity for more.  To fund this search is to deplete all personal resources, or anyone else's that can be used to their ultimate end.  Robberies, prostitution, and violent crimes against others are the inevitable consequence.  This is all happening now even as well hidden as these facts continue to be.  Service men among the addicted, are known to not immediately effect statistics regarding the real numbers.  As in the Viet Nam era, it may not be for 2 to 5 years before they either run out of resources or are forced into rehab by caring family members.  As long as the Armed Services refuses to admit there is a problem, the more prevalent these numbers will become.  As long as we all choose to not think of it as our eventual reality, the more power we not only give this insidious drug; but also those who would use it for their power games and regime shifts, that we are also not supposed to consider our reality.  

How can something so obvious remain so hidden?  It can't, and it won't and those in power know this to be true as well.  Deliberate introductions of drugs to specific communities covertly, have been used by some to not only render specific targets more suppressed; but also to feed a powerful privatized prison system in this country.  

Here's a video from Gary Webb who was a investigative journalist, who braved the criticism and sacrificed his personal safety to get this story of CIA involvement and their purpose for another drug used for their gain of power and the conscious demise of a targeted population of U.S. citizens.  Thru staunch conviction to expose this crime to us all, there were eventual investigations.  Even still, there are those who would deny it ever really happened.  There are also those that now hope you will never believe this could happen again and more importantly, that the U.S. would use it's citizens as pawns in a global power manipulation.  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6dHqP9wc3k

So you cannot expect mainstream reporting of this latest epidemic either reader.  I'm sure there are already those, who like me, are witnessing events related to Heroin trafficking in their own lives.  Whether you have a friend or family member who has become addicted, or you are the victim of an addict.  Sooner or later you will pay the price.  With rising costs for more imprisoned, the cost of treating addicts, or the even more devastating consequence of the resurgence of HIV and AIDS from contamination of needles initially, and then to the general population the way these devastating diseases are more commonly transmitted.  Great Britain is dealing with similar issues in even greater proportions currently, as their strategic placement in the funneling of drugs into Europe, has made them have to find resources for treatment for addicts they can no longer deny.  Mexico would seem to be our window of import at the moment, and with drugs more powerful and potent than ever before.  Without real attention to the reality of Heroin addiction in an educational way, more and more each day will continue to be naive to the drug unlike any other, that takes away lives as quick as any cancer.  

I'm sure the young man I witnessed in the train station, who was ready to end his short life, never expected to find himself a slave to Heroin the first time it was offered.  Those who are marketing this drug as just another party resource, rely on the government looking the other way and not protecting our children and our future.  It must start with more conversation and pressure on those who hold our fate in their hands.  If we remain silent and ignorant by choice...are we not just joining the collusion?  Are we not also just compliant to all the covert implications? 

For the young man who tried to cry out in his pain to anyone who would listen, I cry out to you to be aware, educated, and vocal about that which would destroy us.  

Sometimes The Littlest Of Things Bring Down The Biggest Of People

Today has had an odd feeling all day.  Like sitting on the verge of a nervous feeling you just can't define.   The headlines this morning describing the U.S. demanding Twitter accounts for Assange and his associates, was sickening for many reasons.  How could such a gelatinous creature like Julius, or anyone for that matter, think they are using an innocent techno advantage?  I hope this raises the question for prolific amounts of diluted and convoluted garbage thrown out with abandon.   O.K.  So everyone can appreciate the idea of immediate communication for convenience.  But if you're sending anything more sensitive than your shoe size....What are you thinking!!!*%$???

Look at Mr. Genius Brett Favre.  Enough said.

There is a message here though of the lesson of diminishing the worth of things....for their size.  A blatant message that I found on waking from a delicious cat stretch nap.  What I found was a bold and bloody massacre, on a bright sunny day.  Lives lost and wounded with various fates, still to be determined.  The vicissitude of our life has taken a veer to not right or left; but a new extreme that is hard to define.

For still being speculated reasons, Jared Lee Loughner chose to play out his idea of his ultimate control of his destiny, and all those who were in his path.  A small fish in the big picture of a political candidate's goldfish bowl moment.  While Gifford was living up to the expectation of her position in the most true way; it was the guppie turned fighting swordfish, who would shatter all our illusions of safety on this Saturday..

Without a clear motive for this personal or influenced acclamation of violence, the pundits are amuck in the debate.  Is it not stunning to more than me, that this represents a possible vision of all those who have retaliation on their mind.?  It's time the government and everyone, stops trying to make us look like we're alrght....when obviously we are not.  I don't blame an obvious push to raise hope and optimism in such times as the last couple of years.  Unemployment has not gotten better for many.  Let's face it.  There are many of those who suffered job deletion in the latest economy decline, who may never be re-employed in the same jobs.  No one really talks about this.  Even as Ben Stein is giving kids and their parents suggestions for college paths that truly breed jobs.  Job security whether securing one or keeping one, and if your young or old, is still a huge issue in many lives.  If you can't even support yourself, it's not a good mentality.  If you have more free time to watch too much television and all it's vile  rhetoric.  Too many searches on Youtube for endless miles of whatever.....  If you're not eating healthy because you can't afford groceries, your self worth is questionable, and time just becomes your enemy.  Do you think we're breeding healthy minds, with this state of sadness , desolation, and depression that turns to madness?  And oh by the way, if you decide to seek treatment for your depression, the options available and affordable, or even covered by insurance if you have it, are not adequate.  There are more than one politician who carry the weight of their actions to delete mental health funding.  I see them as  extremely nervous today with the consequence of their actions.

 While there are obviously those who are celebrating keeping their jobs this year, and even enjoying some benefits from employers who want to keep them.  There is also a group that is being made to look small, that is really looming huge in all our lives.  Forget the nightmare of just trying to fund these staggering numbers of unemployed.  What about the morphing that we were shown today that can take place, if we don't recognize it for the growing monster it is.  The line between those who have and those who don't, grows broader all the time.  Today's message of no fear in crossing that line, leaves me with chills of possible copy cat repercussions.  If you have only despair, you don't really care for those who seemingly have everything by comparison.

Underestimating the little things in our lives today, also means remembering big consequences for little words.  I'm sure Julius Assange is kicking himself today for even guilt by association with such an obvious gigantic enemy in such a small action.

All the ranting Newsies are bellowing remorse and contempt for the very business that makes them big fish too.  Who's kidding who?  They all know each and every time they open their mouths wide, how many little fish are sucked in.

Be mindful of the little things

Right now there is no one who can afford not to. 

Labor Force Statistics from the Current Population Survey

Series Id:           LNS14000000
Seasonally Adjusted
Series title:        (Seas) Unemployment Rate
Labor force status:  Unemployment rate
Type of data:        Percent or rate
Age:                 16 years and over

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Year	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Annual
2000	4.0	4.1	4.0	3.8	4.0	4.0	4.0	4.1	3.9	3.9	3.9	3.9
2001	4.2	4.2	4.3	4.4	4.3	4.5	4.6	4.9	5.0	5.3	5.5	5.7
2002	5.7	5.7	5.7	5.9	5.8	5.8	5.8	5.7	5.7	5.7	5.9	6.0
2003	5.8	5.9	5.9	6.0	6.1	6.3	6.2	6.1	6.1	6.0	5.8	5.7
2004	5.7	5.6	5.8	5.6	5.6	5.6	5.5	5.4	5.4	5.5	5.4	5.4
2005	5.3	5.4	5.2	5.2	5.1	5.0	5.0	4.9	5.0	5.0	5.0	4.9
2006	4.7	4.8	4.7	4.7	4.6	4.6	4.7	4.7	4.5	4.4	4.5	4.4
2007	4.6	4.5	4.4	4.5	4.4	4.6	4.7	4.6	4.7	4.7	4.7	5.0
2008	5.0	4.8	5.1	4.9	5.4	5.6	5.8	6.1	6.2	6.6	6.8	7.3
2009	7.8	8.2	8.6	8.9	9.4	9.5	9.5	9.7	9.8	10.1	9.9	9.9
2010	9.7	9.7	9.7	9.8	9.6	9.5	9.5	9.6	9.6	9.7	9.8	9.4