I’ve found recently there’s alot of writers out there that provide voice for different perspectives ,
so a noteworthy clip I just happened to come upon…

From Daily News / Gatecrashers/June 4, 2010 –
by a writer citing none other than John F. Kennedy’s actions in leading the U.S. during another
difficult situation –
“In WWII, with full international legality, the Unisted States blockaded Germany and Japan. And during the October
1942 missile crisis, we blockaded (“Quarantined”) Cuba. Yet Israel is accused of international criminality for doing
precisely what John Kennedy did: impose a naval blockade to prevent a hostile state from acquiring lethal weaponry”

He continues on to explain that Israel was manipulated politically into appearing like a bad guy, when actually, it was
trying to use the blockade as a last resort. He cites that the flotilla organizer G. Berlin admitted that it was not
really about humanitarian aid, but about breaking the blockade, i.e ending Israel’s inpsection regime, which
would mean unlimited shipping into Gaza and thus the unlimited arming of Hamas.

Different opinions? send them to writer Charles Krauthammer (letters@charleskrauthammer.com).

Apparently, one thing Israel reps may not realize is how their defensiveness, though it may be justified is being consciously
manipulated from troublemakers that know that’s how they feel, and being manipulated through folks trying to make
contact with the UN and human rights groups using entertainment “spokespeople”. One thing that puzzles me is why
no one seems to be asking the Saudi’s to stop taking advantage of the situation — some Israeli’s privately opined,
Saudi’s like not having to dip into their pockets to help their own folks in Gaza strip, just put the burden on Israel, so they
can save their money, and keep their status quo. ie. There’s a LOT of difficult factors as to why there is a humanitarian
situation in the Strip, so it’s no use coming to simplistic conclusions of who is at fault….just sprinkling some grains of salt

Also, no need for the New York Times to give Mayor Bloomberg a hard time this week suddenly, slanting his actions in
trying to deal with deficits by according some of the cuts to certain rougher parts of Brooklyn like Boerum Hill, as being insensitive on front page news. They try to put pictures and notes about nice social services being hurt, but Bloomberg says he was just to trying to be fair, in allocating them across town. (Plus it might be a blessing in disguise for nicer folks to transition from that area, ironically). So different perspectives on that too…

For example, folks wanting to alleviate pain and suffering, create the concept of euthanasia — such that “mercy” killing is considered okay for dying people…but then, as other forces come into play, it becomes something to use for other categories of people — the old, the sick, those with imperfect genes, and later brings with it the dark side of eugenics, and finally support for abortion on demand…how did this all come to this point? starting with a good intention, but violating the biblical principle that only Providence has the right to terminate one’s own life.

Another example, starting to put anyone who seems like an illegal immigrant (not just Arizona) under the vulnerability of stops and checks by police. Then it leads to police (which is I’m afraid not always reliable and independent of lobbyist influences) checking everyone who doesn’t even display any signs of probable cause, increasing the probability for abuse. Then add in an ID card that has everyone’s information – health, employment, credit cards, bank, etc. Anyone who has the side of the lobbyists, can engage in bullying of that individual, stopping their funds by misrepresentation to anyone connected to this chain of information. That’s a scary thought.
And yet apparently, some folks have already thought about this dark scenario, and the folks that would benefit from it financially,
at the expense of the population….while others who would benefit rejoice at this same scenario — these are the types of folks that are asking that all govt employees have special ID cards to track them, and also asking for extreme police involvement in immigration (the large sledgehammer approach)…well, a thoughtful neighbor shared this with me today, and apparently, they’ve been thinking about it for awhile…so I thought I’d share it…

Ironically, rationality without faith in certain guiding principles, seems to be leading folks awry, despite their original intentions.

Yet, what is mysteriously a virtue that appears in each generation, are people who still have the capacity for quality independent evaluation and analysis, being able to stand apart from the peer pressure to believe what many others would like an individual to believe. ONe thinker that comes to mind, though he wasn’t
perfect, and actually considered flawed in his personal life by many, is President Kennedy. What I admire about him, is that though some political historians point to research that he was brought to power by the financial help of less than ethical folks (in fact, his father had actually reached out to these people), President Kennedy, I believe, tried not to bow to these folks, in light of his great responsibility to the American people once he was in office, and he realized what kind of people these were. As a result, unfortunately, he was given a high share of sufferings. Yet I believe he had some independent awareness of what these folks wanted from him in payback, at the cost of the wellbeing of others, and integrity of the office, and that is why his legacy is still so great.

It seems these days, alot of good people are being afflicted and tested with many troubles, and though I’m no theologian, I
am still reminded by these verses from the Old Testament about “honorable struggle” — something that some could be facing today:

Why perspective is important –
1 Peter 3-4:14 — “But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear, do not be frightened”
and verse 17: “It is better if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil”.

Why struggles require spiritual support — beneath the circumstantial is spiritual conflict
“Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armour of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh or blood, but against the ruler, against the authorities, agents of the power of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms”

Also, there’s a verse somewhere along the lines of “the good man has many problems, but God helps him in each and every one”

By contrast, those causing trouble are warned that through non-human means, their cherished efforts would be subject to what is mysteriously called “the worm” and “the moth”. (Isaiah 51:8). Also, that even if they establish themselves, they will not experience something called the gift of “assurance of life”, and once they slip, they will not have help of spiritual backup.
Finally, in the Old Testament, I recall that spiritual consequences include up to 4 generations of inherited spiritual problems
(spirit – includes mind/soul, so problems are abnormalities in this area), so they are actually doing a disservice to their children
and grandchildren – who’ll have to do some serious uphill battles as a result to get out of this familial cycle, that may have been
caused by grandma or grandpa — so that’s some serious food for thought.

Does God have a memory for doing justice after humans have forgotten? You bet. See 2 Samuel 20-21 where trouble comes to a nation because of the past unjust sufferings of the “Gibeonites”, a small group of folks that apparently most folks forgot about.
Kind of mysterious story but worth a read, comforting that someone out there remembers….and also since it’s memorial day weekend that just past…hope folks are comforted that if the smallest sparrow is remembered, then their loved ones also…

Recently, small shifts in the projects, so it looks like producers of Lost, happy to move on, are now working on projects
like Star Trek, once again — it’s interesting because “Lost” represents survival of a few, but “Star Trek” – progress, teamwork of many, so I can see why it’s managed to continue through the years — last year, bits of the film soundtrack being played
even before the score was out, at Kennedy Center…I’m sure fans will be happy for future episodes…and a moment of appreciation
for the original cast, who left quite an impression over the years – with a captain who was not easily discouraged by the
eccentricities of folks on different planets, a first assistant who worked on developing his human side – his compassion to balance
out his rational side, a doctor who maintained not so quiet interest over everyone’s health and well-being (one recalls the
frequent injections of antidotes and what-not at first signs of sickness), and front desk team-members who never had
issues due to cultural or gender differences – both sticking to what their missions were – whether to encourage folks or
to do a last minute warp speed, or braking. So a small tribute to all the families of the original cast as well, who supported
the fine actors, including those who had a bit of tragedy last year, including Andrew Koenig, son of the actor who played
“Scotty”, who was discouraged in the short term, and made a fateful trip to Canada during height of the Olympics.
It seems entertainment is challenging as an industry — some who want to make it, willing to go to “Faustian” means to
do so, spurred sometimes by envy when there is no basis at times, and making it hard for others, others going through the motions, and realizing that others want a large share of their prior efforts, etc. Christians generally in the past have tried to avoid the “jungles” of entertainment, but hope that in recent year or two, more will take courage to become more involved, and also try to “reach out” to folks in the industry so that even films and movies will take on more philosophical
and progressive themes from these discussions…noticed one of the churches in new york area is having film-discussion group, perhaps more groups like this could serve as points to discuss and reflect together…

On the lighter side of things, it looks like more friends of Jennifer Anniston, like actor Bradley Cooper are spending some time
communing with the locals, it seems a new project combining Bollywood producers and Mr. Cooper are teaming up, for another
action-adventure on the theme of relational rescue, where Cooper rescues a friend from what he sees as an unwise romantic
matching — this time, with festive music (I’m sure), acrobatic chases and thugs, and the like. Though they received some
little unfair jabs from the hollywood b-movie side (some of folks out there that support Shrek with canadian Mike Myers who says
Canadians are usually in the category of nice to boring ), perhaps it’s from envy of the chance to work with an international
genre that has produced unusually witty remakes of classic themes such as the Bollywood movie — “Bride and Prejudice”.

By the way, a few months back, noticed a listing of some favorite children’s books tht would be great for a remake, so it seems folks were also thinking about c.S. Lewis’ “Lion, Witch, and Wardrobe” when other kiddie flicks like “Alice in Wonderland” was being made.

Speaking of Lewis, I’m reminded that this theologian, who for a long time, appealed to “good people who find their reason getting in the way” of their faith, said that one shouldn’t be too judgemental of imperfect folks who are in the christian side, because
as he humorously puts it — you never know how much worse they would be without christian influence. Also for those that consider themselves “good enough” without it, he says they have no concept of how much better they would be, if they entered the faith….I think he meant “better” on many levels, not in a superior sense, but in terms of having better “insight” or “perspective”…on the direction of their own lives, purpose of life on a general and individual level, and that sort of thing….which it seems alot of “successful folks” are still searching for…so remember to add him to your summer beach reading if you get the chance… meanwhile, hope that all classical friends — including nearby in the gregorian chant depts, and also further away, in VA hosting the Mikado musical…are also enjoying their concert preps for incoming summer season…

On entertainment side of things, a certain prolific group of summer B-movie makers(you know who you are) made some efforts to recommend to all the following offerings: Agora, Get Him to the Greek, Ondine, Cyrus, Grown Up’s, etc…

Also, sprinkled in NY’s entertainment offerings, occasional Nazi resistance themes also popping up here and there — here’s one I came across — “Gabriel” from the Atlantic Theater Company. A review reads “Gabriel” revolves around a crude Nazi who invades the lives of a family on the Channel Islands. The twist: is the young person they rescued on the beach fighting for the Germans or the English? atlantictheater.org through June 14th.

On my part, I followed a sleepy visit to the local church, with a lazy sunday afternoon viewing of the new film “Letters to Juliet” — which was despite mixed reviews, I thought sentimental on different levels. For one, it was great to see actress Vanessa Redgrave do a warm, elegant performacne as an old woman encouraged by some “Dear Abby” type italian ladies (in this case joined in by writer played by A. Seyfield), to find out where her old love was situated. It was sad to hear of Ms. Redgrave’s passing recently, but this late performance of hers was a reminder of how gracious and captivating her performances were, in an old school sort of way. I enjoyed watching her here more than her re-runs of Camelot, actually. Also,felt this film was redemptive of Ms. Seyfield’s acting talents, from her earlier attempts on the French managed film “Chloe” – where she was placed in a villanous role as a psychologically gifted mischief-maker. There was some real life tragedy off the set as well, with the mysterious death of actress Natasha Richardson, during the shooting of the film, so it was good to see Ms. Seyfield in a new, more wholesome production setting. Also, the cinematography was quite beautiful, and it was fun to watch some scenes that reminded one of 1950′s movies, like the snowcone fights where everyone ended up with some ice cream in their faces, kind of like something one would expect in a cary grant, audrey hepburn comedy. Also, the actor who played the old lady’s son, reminded me of the late actor Heath Ledger — his warm, good natured screen presence very much missed by others I’m sure. The choice of the kind looking dignified, bearded gent, for “Lorenzo B.” the long lost gentleman who is the search of the manhunt, is not disappointing, and the X-generation sound track, though sounding alot like Taylor Swift songs
(like many teenage film tracks) worked to keep the story mellow and moving along to it’s cheeful, though bit predictable happy ending!

Interesting to share thoughts with very intelligent folks up north,
who’ve been casually browsing through the news as well…here’s some interesting observations …

– The challenge for government reform in any topical category, seems to lie in fact that ….

1) govt is trying to bring about change, but in too broad a way (like using a big hammer instead of a small customized hammer making many ongoing small adjustments here and there) — as a result, sometimes things turn out to be 2 steps forward, 1 step back, and exceptions swallow the general rule… this can apply to health care,
or immigration, or security…

2)govt/law enforcement is pleaded with to never delegate its job to make life easier for itself to other new groups that try to say “they can do it better” through better access, or skills. Public trust is NEVER something can ever be delegated, and it’s better not to lose confidence too easily, be wary about accepting offers from others to do “special favors” to make one’s life easy (in the short term) but can cause trickle down affects to public

Also, a cheerful anecdote from the mid-east zone, of how “entertainment” was used to help win the natives over.
Apparently, a certain camp had trouble with some very extreme tribal elements giving military folks a hard time — military folks felt the tribal folks knew which elements in their neighborhood
was causing the biggest headaches, and also felt they had been awfully nice to the tribes, even buying some
of their local goods using their allowances. (in this case, bootleg videos, go figure
Well, tribal folks were getting so dependent on this tiny market, military folks creatively suggested they’ll boycott the videos if tribal folks don’t “take care” of the headache makers themselves,
lo and behold – within couple weeks, it was somehow resolved (the problem folks were turned in, or their power was eliminated), and everyone was happier for it. ie. back to business as usual, in peace.
Possibly applicable to many different situations, no? I guess creative negotiation can have positive results – delegating to insiders, who are best equipped, to do problem solving, by conditional help.

Otherwise, hope special friends in VA are well, friends in sacred music in NY, and pooch-loving friends in brooklyn, too…looking forward toe season of summer classical concerts everywhere…

Quotes about cheerfulness

– Proverbs 15:15 — “All the days of the oppressed are wretched, but (yet) the cheerful heart has a continual feast”.

Quotes about the uses of diplomacy

– Proverbs 15:1 – 2 — “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise commends
knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.”

Quotes about accountability

– Proverbs 15: 3 — “The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good”.

Quotes about eating your vegetables and a reminder that sometimes, more is less

– Proverbs 15: 17 — “Better a meal of vegetables where there is love, than a fattened calf with hatred”.

Quotes about virtues of being calm

– Proverbs 15:15 — “A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel”

Quotes about national identity

– Proverbs 14:34 — “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people”.

Quotes about the role of kings and riddles:

– Proverbs 25:2 — “It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter”
see http://bible.cc/proverbs/25-2.htm

And just because July 4th is not far away…(and saw some lovely faded vintage pinwheels of red, white, blue)

Things that would make the Founding Father’s proud…

– The fact that the dollar bill says “E pluribus unum” : “In God we trust”, not in money printers we trust, or not in crowds we trust.

– The signing of the Patriot Act…

– Other good stuff like the democratic process…

to opera tickets for the french opera “lulu” at one of the lincoln center gift-stores -
have to admit that the marketing with fun little tote bags and other items was done with
a very female touch, hope folks are having fun “hawking the wares”…as they’re all over the place…

also rabbit sales are still down, but puppy sales are up in brooklyn, I’m not sure what’s up that, but
there is a biblical verse about being kind to pets — here a discussion ensues how gentleness to animals (and people)
tends to lend a blessing…
in case anyone could use one

Finally, here’s a kindly faced street vendor, who said many of his colleagues were really encouraged that
DC folks reached out to the vendor who helped out the cops last week re: times square event. It was apparently
a real inspiration for them, too, he chuckled, so that was nice to hear. Hoping other civic types and volunteers
are feeling appreciated this week, and mothers too, as mother’s day week continues
…

Just yesterday, while browsing the shops, one shopkeeper spied me admiring some of his
dusty, camel-hair pouches, and instinctively motioned me to enter his store…
I was rather unprepared for the sheer variety of wares — from morrocan tea sets to
brass bracelets, and literally everything and anything east (very mid-east to be exact)
of the mississippi…curiously, his store included a large number of religious items, with both
muslim and christian references. How can this be? I thought. Noticing my curiosity, he
cheerfully offered to explain “I’m actually a muslim, but…I also believe in Jesus!”
I looked at him skeptically. Like a character from my favorite film “Casablanca”, he
said “Yes, my friend, it’s only good business! Come and take a look…”

“Here on the left, the words for Allah you see on the clock, there on the right, the 12
disciples at the Last Supper”, he pointed out. I looked at them thoughtfully “Uh, are these
all really inscripted in Arabic?” “Uh-huh” was the cheerful response.

“Also here, to the left, Virgin Mary, and to the right, verses from the Koran”, he continued.
I scratched my head — “only in america” (and the Hagia Sophia, in Turkey, I guess)

“Now here is papyrus art from Eqypt, you know there’s a king tut exhibit going on as well”, he pulled
out a sample for me. In Egypt, everybody is like “this” — he dramatically cusped his right and left
hands together. (I had heard some coptic christians in egypt try to quietly reach out to americans
recently, since they were a minority, but I filed that thought away under “further research”). I was
glad to hear the general desire of the country was to try to be progressive…at least in pr.

Finally, he pointed to the items which referred to points of interests for the whole community –
“Dome of the Rock” in Jerusalem and surprisingly, a bust of
President Kennedy, appearing to gaze tranquilly amidst the assortment of middle eastern and
african wares. Well, it was good to see that folks from different sides agreed on something, or
someone.

I thanked him for his tour, and selected a 100% natural fiber pouch with picture of a camel
gazing blissfully into the horizon, and left the store to get an ice-cream cone.

Later that day, I dropped by briefly to some friends’ sacred concert, glad to hear the sounds of Monteverdi set to
sacred settings, but also glad that yes, at least in america, many types of folks can be cordial to each other.
(at least in the souvenir industry).:)

Any case, seeing a richness of beauty tips dominating the news these days, should we provide some
affirmative action, giving the gents their fare share of pointers, so they can also
blossom, in prep for the beach days ahead? Who votes “yay”?

( Suffice to say, some might say, this is a vain generation, or in old testament terms, “vain-glorious”.
What does that term mean anyways — theologian friends out there – help us out…)

So what’s faddish this week in NY? I visited the bookstores, and lo and behold – found quite a
presence of similar “groupie” friendly titles…showing a diversity of religious and
cultural settings — here’s a few from Elizabeth Gilbert — who seems to have many lady fans out
there, you know who you are – “Eat Pray Love”, “The Last American Man” — her book jackets then
recommends books like “Mennonite in a little black dress” and probably supportive of
the emerging entertainment career of Dalai Lama, who’ll apparently be making an
appearance for fans at Radio City Music Hall next month…also, some fashion tip features such as “French Women
Don’t Get Fat” (Mureille Giuliano). Kind of a humorously snooty title (but don’t tell the other european
women, they’ll be quite jealous). Well, hope you ladies have fun reading your fave titles at the
beach this summer, as beachweather is indeed, almost upon us…

On DC front, more culturally fun shows like “Mikado”, a popular british take on the japanese, playing
in greener venues in virginia this month…hope folks can catch the show, as you’ll leave with in
a better mood than you came in…if not from the show, from the lovely natural environs, and good company…
Meantime, hope all the mothers out there have a wonderful mother’s day week…

Here’s something that would be nifty– a guide to multi-ethnic summer desserts — I realized
each country has something quite tasty and delectable to offer, and since we’re in NY, the
melting pot of the world, we should be able to find everything here, no? For starters
the health conscious south koreans have a protein dessert based on sweetened red beans over
shaved ice, with fruit cubes, and green tea/condensed milk poured over – realize that’s
pretty elaborate…the indians have a mango ice cream that was a favorite of the Clintons
according to the indian newspapers, the chinese have their tapioca ball bubble teas which
is a huge favorite for teenagers, germans have the apple cider-soda which is a combination
of soda water and apple cider (wonder if this is a healthier counter to the effects of beer-fests),
morrocans have iced mint tea with a bunch of mint tea leaves stuffed at the top of the glass
(their version of the kentucky mint julep, I guess, as during summer, hundreds of young morrocan
men would sit at the outdoor cafes and watch tourists go by while sipping on their mint teas).
I wish I knew where were the best picks for these “dessert outings”…perhaps someone does…

On the street vending side of things, it’s business as usual, vendors that worked near the
7th Avenue, fashion district were selling small fashion items, always full of jokes, they also
cheerfully mentioned that they were encouraged to “ask for small change” for their items,
according to a well known DC visitor…

Today, I’m literally in search of “greener pastures”, as this lack of greenery is starting to
challenge me, so taking my little canon digital elf, to get out a bit, and see what we can see..
Meanwhile, I’ve been seeing pictures from the Bronx Zoo, all over the place (I guess new yorkers, and
their families are getting into that summer state of mind…)..more summer happenings later…