when does it all just stop

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Joeanna Nee

Posts: 537
Joined: 2004-04-23

I usually go by just an american, but someone challenged all of us to use our real names. Ive been doing research for some papers for college, plus memorial day is coming and there are alot of shows on the history channel talking about war. There is no country that can look at its past or even present without hanging their heads in shame. This includes America as well. How big does the body count have to be? How many scarred children does it take? At what point do we stop shredding each other and use that energy to come to a resolution where it doesnt matter what color you are, who you worship or dont, or form a neighboring tribe? My blood is red, like eveyone on this planet. we war with one another, and at times it might be to stop someone from murdering others, but i truly believe that we should take the leaders of those countries and through them into a ring and let them have at it. We are highly intelligent, and at the same time incredibly ignorant. Now isnt that the scariest creature imaginable? All of this intelligence is used to find better ways to kill each other in the name of this or that. Seems kinda stupid if you ask me. Think tank should refer to how to stop the killing not how to kill more efficiently. Everyone was is a bash America mode, which is fine. We believe in freedom of speech and expression. I just wish that everyone could look around and at themselves. Realize we share the same big rock. Sometimes, I wonder if we spend so much of our time bitching and warring as a distraction to a dying planet. Imagine what life would be like if there were no difference between any of us. What then would we fight about; or would we? The body count throughout the centuries is way too high. The horrors that make grown men weep should be enough to make us all step back and say "wow, how stupid are we?" I guess I decided to write this after remembering what my dad was like when he got back from vietnam, made my childhood not a pleasant one, but as afamily we came through ok. Then I watched a movie called "tears of the sun" and coulnt believe that because they are poor their horror is hardly even mentioned. In closing, I just want to know how many people have to die before we see that their blood is just as red as ours. Thanks for listening, just an honest woman from maine.

Submitted on Sat, 2005-05-28 10:57

Christian Lönnholm

Posts: 86
Joined: 2005-05-19

Re: when does it all just stop

It can stop today. We have to value each life as much as the next one and your own. We must improve and try each others arguments instead of proving them wrong. We must understand that the strength and wealth of a nation is what it does for the poor, weak and sick. And we must relay on actions and not on words for change. //CL

Submitted on Sat, 2005-05-28 20:41
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lagaco

Posts: 38
Joined: 2005-03-02

Re: when does it all just stop

hi Joeanna, Although I can hear the arguments for political leaders to be voted in according to the wishes of the majority and sympathise with that view (I was furious when Labor candidate Beazley was cheated out of office), I came across this yesterday: "It has generally been found that women are uncomfortable with the adversarial political culture fostered by majoritarian styles of government based on single-member constituency systems. Governments are formed by one party which, because of the exaggerated majorities created by single-member systems, does not have to negotiate with other parties to put through its legislative program. Women generally do not believe that they perform well in the gladiatorial contests which characterise relations between government and opposition in such systems. Even if they do perform well in such confrontations, they are likely to be adversely judged because such performance runs contrary to social expectations that women will be peacemakers rather than gladiators. PR fosters a political culture based more on consultation and consensus seeking. This is because negotiation is usually needed between a number of parties for the passage of legislation. Women generally prefer this more collaborative and consensus-seeking style of politics and it is more congruent with their family and other roles."

Submitted on Sun, 2005-05-29 03:50
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Joeanna Nee

Posts: 537
Joined: 2004-04-23

Re: when does it all just stop

Good day Gaea, I would have to agree with you about women trying to get into politics, but not on why they are not as prevalent as our male counterparts. If we are aggresive, we are considered power hungry bitches. (please excuse the language)if we try to negotiate instead of the "go for the juglar" move then we are considered week. Im not saying that the country should be run by all women either. we are two halves that when mixed right make one whole. My whole premise was not about women in office as it is trying to get people to stop wasting time chewing each other apart and use our energies and resources to promote great change. We are a two party system, with a third trying to emerge called the grass roots party. (Shake the ol' boys up abit) We also can vote as independents- not belonging to any group. I am an aggresive woman when it comes to my family and this discord in the world does affect my family. When we lump all people as bad just because they happen to have been born in a country thats not on the popular list, we just propegate more hate. (and thats gotten us where?) We have a saying up here "can't get theyah from heya." and we cant get there form here now can we? My sole question was how much blood do we ALL need to spill before we realize what we are doing is not working. Our mothers still weep, our soldiers come home shattered and what for ... the next war to start. Women our gladiators- we are just taught that there are more ways than one to skin a cat.We are sliding into place, just as quiet as a church mouse. sincerely, Joeanna-a woman from Maine

Submitted on Mon, 2005-05-30 12:11
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lagaco

Posts: 38
Joined: 2005-03-02

Re: when does it all just stop

Joeanna, I’m sorry to hear about the loss of your husband. I couldn’t begin to imagine what that might be like. My father fought in Korea, so I have some idea of what you’re talking about. As to searching for answers, I would like to be one those who gets back to you on this. Gaea Message was edited by: gaea.cornelius Message was edited by: gaea.cornelius

Submitted on Tue, 2005-05-31 05:28
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Joeanna Nee

Posts: 537
Joined: 2004-04-23

Re: when does it all just stop

Dear gaea, Thank you. You just get up everymorning and you pray a little harder, work a lot harder but you just do it. My kids depend on me, and we are depending on the world to try and find away to stop hurting one another. Have you heard of the one campaign. American citizens are signing a petition to get our government to give just 1% of our national budget to help put an end to poverty, help stop the spread of aids as a global idea. The hope is that if we as citizens can make our government spend just one percent as opposed to the billions we spend on our military, we could start a true change, maybe other countries will do it. It shouldnt have to take a disaster to make us all roll up our sleeves to dig in to help. Im right on that poverty line and I gladly signed, because I feel I am truly blessed. We have a roof over our heads, clothes on our backs, food in our stomachs, schools that are free and a house filled with love and for those blessings I will give to those less fortunate than myself. We are our brothers keepers. you can email me at freakykitty658@yahoo.com (no laughing: it was after my favorite cat who got killed by a fischercat ;]) As a mother of two sons and a daughter of a man who fought in a very nasty war, Im determined to try to find some solutions once I can cut through all the bullshit. Sorry if thats offensive, but we call it like we see it. Ayuh. Sincerely, Joeanna-woman from Maine

Submitted on Tue, 2005-05-31 10:11
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lagaco

Posts: 38
Joined: 2005-03-02

Re: when does it all just stop

Joanne, I doubt you need much more advice or books to read since it’s already abundantly clear you know what it’s about. When your heart’s in the right place, the rest can follow. You just need to get out there more and --- you go girl!! I’ve enjoyed reading your posts since you’ve reminded me of what's really important. A redistribution of wealth is the right thing to do by whatever means possible, and the One Campaign sounds like an excellent idea. We have friends who sponsor more than one child overseas through Worldvision and from what I’ve seen, it makes a real difference in a child’s life. Maybe you can let me know if you’ve heard otherwise. I’d also like to see more done for people in our own country who are left without and for more generosity of spirit to be shown to asylum seekers which I believe we’re in a position to offer. Gaea ps: what is a fishercat? Message was edited by: lagaco

Submitted on Sat, 2005-06-04 13:33
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Joeanna Nee

Posts: 537
Joined: 2004-04-23

Re: when does it all just stop

Dear gaea,(the earth mother good name) I am hoping this one campaign, which i found that there are other branches-like the uk's, takes off. Hollywood stars, music groups are really backing this effort, not just by appearances but by giving, as well. If we could teach our children, not to expect things just because, but how to earn them and appreciate what you have, is one step. But, I took it one step further. I showed my six year old what life was like for children in poorer nations, when he said Im bored (even though he has so much more than I ever did) and he was so shocked. He thought every kid had a house like ours, that every kids parents could go to the local walmart and buy toys. After I showed him these villages with children living next to some goo called water, and what their houses were made of, I turned off all of our electricity and we sat with candles for 3 hours (to a six year old that is an eternity) after I turned the electricity back on, he marched into his room and started to build this pile of toys. I asked what he was doing, he said Im giving these to those poor kids, I have way too much. (was i a proud mom) A fischercat is a predatory creature from the weasal family which is slightly smaller than a wolverine and just as viscious. They are quite prevelant up here as well as black bears. truly, Joeanna

Submitted on Sat, 2005-06-04 13:52
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