#1
There has been increased coverage lately about the escalating crime in cities throughout Mexico, predominanly carried out by drug traffickers. Journalists have faced increased pressure to remain silent; reporters and law enforcement officers have been beheaded, shot at, threatened, and more. Yet, many persist in bringing this stories to an international audience and in continuing to work toward safety for their country. I find this sort of determination and commitment incredibly inspirational and humbling... and when I'm praying, these are some of the folks for whom I hope protection will remain and change occur.
#2
I heard an incredibly beautiful and moving story on NPR today about a guitarist who developed such a strong tremor disorder, he had to stop playing. Yet, in that bizarre and twisting fate-like gift of synchronicity the universe sometimes provides, he discovered an mbira on a bus he had been driving for a group of African performers touring the Northwest, and his musical life was reborn. I am a big fan of Ayub Ogada, and Crandell's style is similarly playful, creative, and melodically transcedental. I was really taken by his ability and willingness to immerse himself into this new world in order to reimagine his life as an artist. I think people are often phoenix-like in their resilience, and such triumphs should always be celebrated.
#3
I have posted my thoughts before on gay marriage and the confusion, anger, and frustration I feel at the current attemps by some in society to discriminate against others on the basis of their orientation, sexuality, or gender... all of which are beautifully, frighteningly, wonderfully complicated and intricate things. A friend of mine sent me a link through facebook to a mini-musical created by Marc Shaiman and Adam Shankman. It's about Proposition 8, and even though Prop 8 was passed, it gives me hope such a thing is still being circulated, and that some people might watch it and have a second thought or two about their biases or beliefs in this particular area. It's tongue-in-cheek, to be sure, but there are some great points in there about hypocrisy and the decision to treat one another with love and respect. Such a simple lesson, and yet we seem to struggle with it so much collectively.
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2 comments:
Sorry, Prop 8 has not been repealed - it is in affect but is currently being challenged in the CA Supreme Court. Not only do Prop 8 proponents wish to deny the right to marry to gay and lesbian Californians, in the court filings they are now trying to invalidate the 18000 existing same sex marriages - something they swore they wouldn't do during the campaign
Hi Nic. I was up at 3am this morning realizing my mistake. Of course, I forgot to go back and edit what I had written - but I will change it now. And thank you for pointing out the error.
I didn't realize opposition groups had moved to invalidating existing marriages, though I know there's been much discussion state to state as to whether out-of-state marriages would be honored.
Kind of hard to believe those victories already accomplished - and those couples already united - might be told their marriage is no longer legal.
Your post also reminded me I wished to share the link provided in the video: jointheimpact.com
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