A Muslim Woman's View

"There are those who claim to speak for Islam who denigrate democracy and human rights, arguing that these values are Western values and thus inconsistent with Islam. These are the same people who would deny basic education to girls, blatantly discriminate against women and minorities, ridicule other cultures and religions, rant against science and technology, and endorse brutal totalitarianism to enforce their medieval views. These people have no more legitimate relationship to Islam than the people who bomb women's health centers in America have to Christianity or the madmen who massacre innocent Arab children at the tomb of Abraham in Palestine have to Judaism."~Benazir Bhutto

I do not know that I could have said it better. Reading Bhutto's Reconciliation; I have been thoroughly impressed with her attempt to not only educate western peoples on the truth about Islam, but also, openly criticize Islamic groups for being ignorant of their own Holy Book, the Quaran.

So far; she has also pointed out that how sad it is when Muslim people groups will disparage the war in Iraq, particularly the role of American troops but will fall silent when it comes time to address sectarian violence. Bhutto notes that western nations cannot be blamed for all middle eastern problems and that the people, themselves, need to re-evaluate where they have come from and how they treat their own.

In the west, the U.S. and Europe, we often have a perception of Islam that is given to us by terrorists and governments of unfriendly nature. This is a tragedy. Because from that stems security systems, sermons, policies, and opposing radical views deaming the Muslim world unworthy and the help we offer is not always to their need, but a way that would convert them to our likeness and force them to our thinking rather than practicing true tolerance. Both sides are at fault for being unwelcoming to the other. And anyone, Muslim, Christian or Jew who would desecrate in the name of God is not true to their faith.

As I continue to learn from the late Benazir Bhutto, I hope to have a greater understanding of the world she came from as she educated herself on the world I come from.

Slicing Through Time

I've never read much from the fantasy or sci-fi genre, but my boyfriend does and recently I decided I would commit to reading a couple of books by his favorite author, Terry Pratchett. After some collaboration and review, I chose Thief of Time for my first experience and was thoroughly impressed. I certainly appreciate good writing and Pratchett is brilliant.

Tick

The force in the universe, the Auditors, cannot make sense of the world's complexities. As such, they seek to stop Time altogether to create an orderly universe- where life will serve as only a function of survival. To their collective mind, it will all make sense. But who will be able to stop the atrocity? None other than a monk, his awkward apprentice and a school teacher hold the keys to discovering the mystery clockmaker that could make time stop and history fall apart.

Tick

Besides his grand use of satire about society and culture, one point he makes clear: people will personify the ideas they fear the most, and in turn make them into their gods. It is probably one of the most true ideas he sets up.

Tick

Pratchett's character development is also very well written and each character plays an unforgettable role. As a reader, I never knew more than my characters which made it fun to uncover the mysteries with them. In all honesty, after reading it, I don't know that I could really consider it just fantasy, rather it meets an element of allegory and parody that make someone like me look forward to reading more of his work.

Thin Line

Early yesterday morning, I saw video feed from Ramattan TV that was simply horrifying. Ramattan is a news agency based in the Middle East with feed mostly coming from Israel and Gaza territories. The pictures themselves were of four children who had been killed and marred in an attack on Northern Gaza yesterday.

The pictures showed childrens faces cut, bruised and they laid in their body bags. The father uncontrollably wept over his dead children. The mother had also been killed but was not included. The video never aired for reason of discretion and respect.

But one of things that came to my mind: where is the line that calls for discretion and respect in not showing the pictures and showing them to the world, letting the really see what goes on- the truth- in war torn countries everyday? Does "discretion" fall under "we don't really want to know?" Does showing the truth fall under, "completely inappropriate?"

I may not have to make that decision now, but it certainly lines me up to think about what lies ahead for me, where I will go and how I will tell the story.

Stealing the American Dream P3 Final Thoughts

Looking at what IS known about Irish travelers and how actors like Minnie Driver or Eddie Izzard portray them, no doubt, is a tricky job. But how accurate is the show?

First and foremost, it is important to note that it's a fictional show and the greatest liberty taken is the "great con." That is, the Malloy family takes on the job of stealing the American dream- jobs as a lawyer or dental hygenist, a house with a yard and everyday neighbors, and even going to a private school, with fake names and social security numbers. Those are not elements often found in the Irish traveler lifestyle.

Despite the growing concern for identity theft and even the remote possibility- it is not known to have happened among travelers. What The Riches does show are some of the basic traditions.

The opening episode shows a camp filled with RVs and a close-nit community of families. When Ginny Danngian demands that the Malloys marry off Di Di to her brother as per an agreement- it follows custom of many travelers to arrange marriages for their children.

The religious references along with the superstition are also evident in the show. Cael, during the second season, camps outside the house, believing that their living in Eden Falls is stealing their souls. And Wayne symbolizes the Catholic introduction to prayer when he buries Pete. Most travelers are tied to Roman Catholic beliefs, although because few are nurtured, it becomes more superstition than strict Catholic practice.

Whether it's true that with each funeral there is a marriage, as Ginny proposes in one episode, is unfound. Funerals are held only a couple of times per year for most clans, due to the constant traveling and attempts to allow as many family members possible to attend. Family is very important to the travler lifestyle and immediate family members are more likely to become leaders in their group: fathers, sons, fathers-in-law and sons-in-law. The Riches shows discourse between Dale and Wayne when Dale discovers that his cousin's husband was chosen over him to lead the family. Cousins are typically only chosen when an immediate family member is absent, but in Dale's case, it was because he was incompetent.

As far as identity theft, travelers are often known for such tactics and have even been caught or imprisoned. Toogood was arrested on charges of trying to obtain a false id.

One of the challenges for Wayne and the family is not only be-friending outsiders, but becoming them in an attempt to create a new lifestyle outside family lines. Dmitry Lipkin, the creator of The Riches, I believe does a fine job presenting what little is known about travelers as well as posing a thrilling story-line about a very creative family.

A Few References:
Toogood/CNN/Southcoast Today/Time/Traveler History/The Riches

Con Sus Palabras

Bonita del hijo de los otras de los languas de los las de Hablando. Yo gusta la langua de espanol. Muchas de los personajes de Sabe- El discurso de otras idiomas es hermoso. Conozco a mucha gente donde trabajo y alguno he hecho los amigos que son multi linguales. Para alguno, es solamente dos, y otros, tres o cuatro fluido. Hablo español mismo. No soy tan perito como deseo ser, pero con práctica, consigo mejor. Ése es porqué escribo este pedazo. Este verano espero tomar árabe. Es tercera lengua que quisiera agregar a mis habilidades. Es una lengua hermosa que domina mucho del mundo medio-oriental así como partes de Asia y de África. Espero viajar el mundo durante mi tiempo de la vida y ser trilingüe lo haría que mucho más una experiencia gloriosa. Espero que puede ser que escriba, aquí, más a menudo, en otras idiomas y que a le puede animan también que vea el mundo a través de los ojos algún otro las palabras.

Nuclear Explosion

The world today is genuinely and even legitimately afraid of nuclear power. With terrorist threats more frequent and dangers in various countries around the world vying for power, the word "nuclear" itself is a buzz word for fear.

But what if nuclear power could harnessed and used in improving CO2 emissions? Or perhaps be a useful energy source-for things like heating or electricity?It can and it is. And until a couple of days ago, I would have been skeptical too. I'm not strong in matters of engineering or the science it would take to accomplish something like that. But, I will say it is an interesting idea if it indeed is viable.

The country of France produces 76% of it's electricity through nuclear energy while the United States only uses about 17%. A study from Massachusetts Institute of Technology indidcates that over the next 50 years it is only estimated that nuclear energy worldwide will increase by only 5% whereas it should be increasing by more than 75%, particularly if pollution in the air is a priority.

Burning coal produces pollution and the plants cause a lot of smoke in the areas they're located. Growing up in the mid-west, I was definitely aware of them.

But using nuclear will clear the air of smoke and CO2. With the technology available today, safety measures could easily be created to ensure that enough radioactive material be released for energy efficient uses and the waste be buried or recycled. In fact, France uses American technology for its nuclear plants. Generating nuclear energy is actually a alot simpler- the nuclear reactor essentially creates fission which provides heat, energy and electricity. Recently someone explained to me that it's like boiling a pot of water rather than say...buring wood.

However, due to over-regulation in the U.S. and a gross amount of misunderstanding about the nuclear process, regulation for it has yet to happen. In the 1970's; California conducted a study to investigate the safety and uses for nuclear chemicals and plants. But after federal hearings that determined the standards for a nuclear plant could not be met, they were prohibited, by law from constructing the facilities.

Using nuclear energy is a creative idea to clean the environment. The research has been done and is positively conclusive. So the question is now; where is govermental support?

Green Ideas

I have never been an enviromentalist. I admit it: I have scoffed at the tree-hugging crazies or the climate change lunatics. But that does not mean I'm against making our planet a better place to live. Earth Day is approaching and I thought it about time I make my own enviromental endorsement.

The truth is; I am for innovative ideas in bettering the planet. Over the past fews years, I've caught a glimpse at the intelligent initiatives that have been taken and I am very impressed.

My personal favorite is from a company called Mohawk Industries. Their EverStrand carpets are made from polyethylene terephthalate (or PET?) which initially comes from recycled plastic bottles. According to their website; the plastic bottles are are sorted, ground into chips, cleaned, melted, made into fiber and spun into yarn for beautiful squares of carpet. They go on to note that the bottle caps and labels from the bottles are used to make the core around the carpet and last longer than the typical cardboard cores. Cool~

Next- Coke has launched a campaign that is using recycled plastic bottles for t-shirts. They're selling them at Wal-Mart for $7.50. How's that for a worn out t-shirt?

Solar Power is definitely a creative idea. Solar energy derives from the sun, and is harnessed for things like heating or electricity. Companies like GE and Duke Energy in North Carolina are experimenting in creating solar power and looking to make it more affordable.

Now some of you may argue that big companies only want to make a buck and so they create environmentally safe products at lower prices to make more money. But I say, fine, let them do so, as long as they've found an innovative way of doing it. I'd rather tax dollars and donations go to places like that than Al Gore's pocket, which is where most of his ranting money actually ends up.

There are other ideas out there; the ones I listed are just a taste. Conferences, concerts, rallies, threats of the world's end and total destruction are meaningless and very ineffective. A good cause will have a brain behind it, not an emotional parade.

"Please don't make any violence!"

One of the things that the Dalai Lama recognizes is that while people have the right to protest, there is truly no need for a riot.

Very early this morning, the revered Monk gave a press conference in Japan concerning his position on the Olympics. He was quite clear that he supports the Olympics being held in China. Being and "ancient nation," he said, "it is really deserving for the Chinese." But he also understands the position of the Tibetan people and feels they should be able to raise concern, even as demostrators. But he admitted, "no one has the right to say shut up."

But when riots broke out in London and in France, he wanted to send a message to the people of San Francisco not to act violently against the games.

Sadly, the Chinese government sees the Dalai Lama as a rebel, the one stirring all the trouble. It is doubtful that he will recieve an invitation to the opening ceremony of the games, though most countries are encouraging talks with the Monk.

The human rights practices in China should be investigated, but there is no need to stop the games. Let China have their day on the field.

Stealing the American Dream P2

Madelyne Gorman Toogood did raise concern among other groups of Irish travelers in 2002. In fact; a group in South Carolina came out long enough to clear their reputation. They had never met Mrs. Toogood and did not know her family, but because she too was a traveler, they thought they ought to clear up any misunderstandings.

The Washington Post and Time Magazine both revealed a group of travelers that claimed goodwill and stepped up for an interview. Rose Kathy Sherlock sat down with one reporter and opened up about her life. She mentioned that she never went to school past the eighth grade, as is common among the group. She married into an arranged marriage at the age of 17 and with the community being mostly family, it's not uncommon for cousins to marry cousins. Large sums of money are often exchanged as dowries by the woman's family. But according to World Culture Encyclopedia; the couple still has a say in the finalization of the marriage and among groups of smaller status- more and more women are marrying outside the group, often because they have no dowry to offer.

But it's more than just marriage practices that come into play for such a secretive group. Sherlock's husband, Mike, told another reporter that child abuse doesn't happen there. Most local enforcement will agree, but Mike Sherlock will also say that he knows not all in his community are good citizens.

Travelers such as these come from a long line of Irish that came to the United States in the early to mid-1800's. It is believed they came to the States in order to escape the potato famine in Ireland. It seems they started out in the Northeast as horse and mule traders and only marrying into similar families with similar ethnicity and occupation. But their business becomes more necessary in the Southern States because of the demand for land maintenance. Today they spread across South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi. Home repairs are the typical trade. But many claim that travelers are just petty con artists who will do a poor job for an expensive rate.

From horse wagons to tents to trucks and trailers the travelers on North America make their way across the country, but always return home to a family, one that integrated in each other's lives and with little contact to regular society.

But whatever the reality; the fact remains that this culture is soaked in tradition and very rarely ventures outside of it. The Riches, on the other hand, draw attention to it. And with its growing popularity; just a little more might be seen about a hidden people.

But just how true does a fictional family stay to what facts ARE known? To be continued...

Stealing the American Dream P1

For the past year, I have paid special attention to FX channel series, The Riches. It is a fascinating show about a family of Irish Travelers trying to stay one step ahead of the clan they left behind. What is most moving about that show is there is really no good guy-bad guy scenario, rather, everyone is complicated. The characters you love make devastating choices, and the ones you hate can still be heartfelt.

The show has prompted me to do some research on the actual Irish Travelers in the United States.

It seems that the writers of the show did a fine job researching the Irish Traveler’s traditions- but oddly enough, seldom is known about them. The most well known case is of Madelyne Gorman Toogood, who was caught on video-tape, beating her child.

She had turned herself in when a warrant went out for her arrest. She admitted that it was indeed her and her daughter in the video tape and expressed regret when interviewed by CNN in 2002.

Toogood did not say much concerning her lifestyle or family. She had hoped that child services would give her daughter to one of her 200-300 family members rather than a stranger, that is, foster care. And she also admitted that she comes from a group that often travels looking "for types of work." But like the custom of most travelers; she was very closed-mouthed about the details.

Toogood plead guilty to child endangerment in 2002 and was sentenced to a year of probation, a fine, and a suspended sentence of one year in prison. She was then caught two months later giving a false name for a driver's license in Michigan.

But questions still remain. Who are the Irish Travelers? Did Madelyne give them a bad name? And do the Riches portray travelers efficiently?

To be continued...