This morning I asked the furball--I mean Alex--"What shall we do to celebrate tomorrow?"
Being a cat, Alex just looked at me as if I were crazy. I really don't think that he appreciates the importance of Independence Day. Being a cat, Alex takes his independence for granted. Hmmmmm...perhaps we Americans do the same.
Anyway, Alex suggested that we do the same thing tomorrow that we did yesterday, which was to "play" outside on our deck:
And, if I want to grill some yummy beef while we are out there, Alex thinks that will be a grand idea!
I am sure that many people share my concern about the present worldwide moral crisis and will join in my appeal to all humanitarians and religious practitioners who also share this concern to help make our societies more compassionate, just, and equitable. I do not speak as a Buddhist or even as a Tibetan. Nor do I speak as an expert on international politics (though I unavoidably comment on these matters). Rather, I speak simply as a human being, as an upholder of the humanitarian values that are the bedrock not only of Mahayana Buddhism but of all the great world religions. From this perspective I share with you my personal outlook—that:
Universal humanitarianism is essential to solve global problems;
Compassion is the pillar of world peace;
All world religions are already for world peace in this way, as are all humanitarians of whatever ideology;
Each individual has a universal responsibility to shape institutions to serve human needs.
~ His Holiness the 14th Dali Lama
This month there is an anniversary that I wish didn’t exist. March 10th was the 50th Anniversary of the Dalai Lama’s escape from Tibet and the beginning of fifty years of protest against the country’s occupation by China that has pulled a dark curtain between Tibet and the rest of the world.
For background information, click over to Tibet.org.
For action to free Tibet that we can take, check out these web sites:
Because we all share an identical need for love, it is possible to feel that anybody we meet, in whatever circumstances, is a brother or sister. No matter how new the face or how different the dress and behavior, there is no significant division between us and other people. It is foolish to dwell on external differences, because our basic natures are the same.
Ultimately, humanity is one and this small planet is our only home, If we are to protect this home of ours, each of us needs to experience a vivid sense of universal altruism. It is only this feeling that can remove the self-centered motives that cause people to deceive and misuse one another.
If you have a sincere and open heart, you naturally feel self- worth and confidence, and there is no need to be fearful of others.
I believe that at every level of society - familial, tribal, national and international - the key to a happier and more successful world is the growth of compassion. We do not need to become religious, nor do we need to believe in an ideology. All that is necessary is for each of us to develop our good human qualities.
I try to treat whoever I meet as an old friend. This gives me a genuine feeling of happiness. It is the practice of compassion.
Iam unsure whether the furball is wacky, strange, or simply spoiled! Alex’s latest demand is that I stand beside him and brush his coat while he dines. This new command began just a few days ago and it has me stumped. Could it be because its time for him to shed his winter coat? Or is it just another way of controlling me, his servant?
Earth Hour is going global Saturday, when we're all supposed to turn off the lights (and, come on people, the TVs, stereos and computers, too) for a mere hour from 8 to 9 p.m. to raise awareness of climate change and promote energy conservation.
Update on the Petition to Chinese President Hu Jintao on Tibet
We reached our target! In just 7 days over 1 million of us have signed the petition calling for human rights and dialogue in Tibet—the fastest growing internet petition in history. As the crisis continues, it's time to deliver our petition and make sure Chinese President Hu Jintao hears our voices.
An International Day of Action has been declared for Monday, March 31st. On Monday, thousands of people in cities across the world will march to Chinese embassies and consulates, and stack hundreds of boxes containing our petition outside them. 1 million signatures makea mountain of boxes—it will send a powerful global message. ~ AVAAZ.org
Unfortunately our insurance agents may not be as knowledgeable about our PPO as they could be ~ Humana Representative, March 27th, 2008
The above isn’t an exact quote, but it is the gist of what I was told by the human I finally reached at Humana this afternoon. Unfortunately, as a former insurance agent, I already knew that! During the months I worked for Liberty National Life Insurance Company as an agent selling life and health insurance, I received no training and very little information on the policies I was selling—other than how to “entice” (my word) people to purchase them.
I may also add that none of the several books that Humana has sent me since I enrolled with them through the Social Security Administration says that I have no dental coverage. Rather, the book that lists the in network providers has a long list of available dentists and dental specialists. So… if there is no coverage, why in the hellacious ways of the U.S. health insurance industry are they listed?
After my conversation with the Humana rep, I decided to attempt to obtain my need met via another channel. I undertook the long process of calling, pushing buttons, and being placed on hold that it takes to reach my Veterans Administration primary care nurse practitioner. Of course, when I did get through, I wasn’t permitted to speak with her directly; I was able to speak with her nurse. The result was that a referral will be made to the VA dental clinic and I will be informed of the appointment not later than (NLT as we used to write in the army, which is also my initials) the beginning of next week
Introducing Vaughn
As I have previously written, Vaughn has replaced Tasha as my VA homemaker since Tasha gave birth to her son. Yesterday Vaughn gave me permission to share with you his photograph (below) as well as his “celebrity look-alikes that we obtained yesterday. As with my look-alikes, we had problems recognizing the similarity between him and them.
Becoming Serious About the Oppression in Tibet
I wonder why the nations of this crazy world do not say to China “Either back off from Tibet or our athletes will not attend the Beijing Olympics?”
Yesterday I exchanged emails with my pastor friend in Kenya. He is safe! His family remains in South Africa. He explained some of what has been happening with him, but asked that I not share it on the Internet at this time. He is concerned about being identified by the groups in Kenya.
He wrote that even though, with Kofi Annan’s mediation, Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki and opposition leader Raila Odinga signed a power-sharing agreement last month to end the bloodshed, the country remains unsafe. My friend said that the majority of Kenyans are skeptical about the power sharing deal and fear the violence may again erupt at any time.
I am thankful to know that he is OK. It was truly a Good Friday for me.
Despite a massive deployment of Chinese forces, the protests show no signs of abating. In New Delhi on Friday, Tibetan exiles stormed the Chinese Embassy. And China posted a "most wanted" list of 21 alleged rioters, consisting of grainy photographs taken from video shot by a hidden camera.
The death toll of Tibetans had risen to 99 as of Friday, with a 16-year-old girl being shot by police in China's SichuanCounty, the Tibetan government in exile said.
Chinese authorities say 19 Chinese have been killed in Lhasa: one police officer and the rest civilians.
Burma
The Junta still rules and plans to do so for a long time to come.
My Health
Although the VA has reduced the oxygen it provides to me by 25%, I am feeling and breathing better than I have in a long time. Perhaps the change to warmer weather has helped: Alex and I both spent time out in the 60 F warmth today. I was on the deck reading for several hours while Alex was catting around and grazing (see below).
My leg remains swollen, seems to be more painful each day, and I am having more difficulty standing and walking. This concerns me because I must be mobile: for example, next week I have medical appointments on Monday and Friday and the root canal scheduled for Tuesday. None of these folks will come to me, so I must be able to go to them.
Alex in His Herbivore Mode
With no plants growing in the house, I sometimes forget how much Alex enjoys munching greens. With Spring now here, he did some munching today as captured in the video below:
By the way, Alex has already published his Easter greetings on his blog. The furball did it two days early!
As citizens around the world, we call on you to show restraint and respect for human rights in your response to the protests in Tibet, and to address the concerns of all Tibetans by opening meaningful dialogue with the Dalai Lama. Only dialogue and reform will bring lasting stability. China's brightest future, and its most positive relationship with the world, lies in harmonious development, dialogue and respect.
Below is a photo of my St. Paddy’s Day celebration. The meal was nothing like any I have had to celebrate the Green in previous years.
St. Patrick’s Day Jaw Jaunt
I suppose one could say I took a jaunt—a pleasure trip—yesterday. It was to the dentist to deal with pain in my right jaw. It seems she can’t do a lot about it now: I need a root canal. I have an appointment next Tuesday to begin the process.
Alex Has an Appointment
Alex doesn’t know it, but he has an appointment tomorrow with Caryl, his vet, to have the sabers on his paws trimmed down to acceptable size claws. He also has cuts again on his fur—don’t know if he’s doing it with his extra long claws or he’s been playing rough with one of his buddies. Either way, it needs to be stopped. I don't like the sight of blood on his beautiful coat.
Alex Has a Secret
Alex has a secret that he shared on his blog: HERE.
