Two stories have come up on NPR this week that have stayed with me. The first was about contaminated baby formula in China. Officials knew for 6 weeks before recalling the affected brands, and - understandably - many of China's parents are enraged and distraught as they struggle to find something safe to feed their babies and determine what damage, if any, their children may have suffered. (At the time of the story, it was estimated 6,000 children have been affected.)
The second about Maher Arar, a Canadian/Syrian citizen, who was deported by the U.S. while on a layover in JFK airport. He was sent to Syria as an enemy combatant for suspected connections to al Queda, and while there was physically and psychologically tortured. He has been found innocent in Canada and is now seeking a trial in the U.S. No due process and no protection from being sent someplace where torture was somewhat imminent.
Such injustices are sometimes so difficult to comprehend. I don't know about you, but there are certain assumptions I make about what is sacred... what is important. I assume no one would be so callous and greedy as to put profits ahead of human lives. I assume my country would never knowingly commit acts of torture, nor take actions that would knowingly lead to the torture or unjust treatment of another human being.
It makes me think about the process of dehumanization and how it is so often easy to recongize on a large scale, but so hard sometimes to identify in small subtle moments of our own lives. Every moment in which compassion is replaced with hatred or anger may hold the potential for de-personalizing the other human beings around us.
Perhaps it's as simple as someone cutting me off on the highway, or seeing a woman mistreating her child in a grocery store, or vilifying politicans who have made poor choices. If we are able to act and respond with compassion in the many aspects of our own lives, does such a response ripple outward into the larger world? Can remembering the humanity in all those around us prevent inhuman acts in the future?
If prayer affects change or provides respite, may those affected by these injustices (and others) find peace in some form.
Showing posts with label China. Show all posts
Showing posts with label China. Show all posts
Friday, September 19, 2008
Friday, July 25, 2008
The What and How of Why
Yesterday's quake in Japan caught me and Andy by surprise. A few hours earlier, we had heard Dolly was being downgraded as it approached Texas, which was a great relief, but that news was followed by reports of devastation overseas, and we immediately thought of China and Myanmar.
As of today, 200 people have been injured in Japan; however, there have been no deaths reported, which is quite a blessing. The quake was rated a 6.8, and apparently even Tokyo felt it.
Meanwhile, in Texas, the damage was not as bad as had been feared. Hundreds of thousands are without power as relief efforts continue, and disaster funds are being okayed for 15 counties. Mexico was hit as well, and then had to face Tropical Storm Genevieve directly afterward, leading to at least eight deaths by drowning.
Earthquake relief continues in China as new housing is provided for a small percentage of the 4.8 million people left homeless, and donations are still being collected in support of the massive recovery process required.
Unfortunately, the exchange system in Myanmar has drastically reduced the value and impact of foreign donations, leaving 2.4 million people affected by the storms with inadequate aid in the wake of so much damage. The U.N. is attempting to work with the government to improve the situation and ensure the intended donations reach their recipients at full value.
I share all this for multiple reasons: Maybe you were hoping to add a few people or places to your prayers. Maybe you actually find yourself with some cash to spare in the midst of our economic crisis and you weren't sure what to do with it. Maybe hearing about these things will help shed light on a bad day or make a few concerns feel smaller and less pressing.
Advocacy comes in many forms, as does assistance, compassion, and encouragement. However you choose to proceed today, may you encounter peace and safety.
As of today, 200 people have been injured in Japan; however, there have been no deaths reported, which is quite a blessing. The quake was rated a 6.8, and apparently even Tokyo felt it.
Meanwhile, in Texas, the damage was not as bad as had been feared. Hundreds of thousands are without power as relief efforts continue, and disaster funds are being okayed for 15 counties. Mexico was hit as well, and then had to face Tropical Storm Genevieve directly afterward, leading to at least eight deaths by drowning.
Earthquake relief continues in China as new housing is provided for a small percentage of the 4.8 million people left homeless, and donations are still being collected in support of the massive recovery process required.
Unfortunately, the exchange system in Myanmar has drastically reduced the value and impact of foreign donations, leaving 2.4 million people affected by the storms with inadequate aid in the wake of so much damage. The U.N. is attempting to work with the government to improve the situation and ensure the intended donations reach their recipients at full value.
I share all this for multiple reasons: Maybe you were hoping to add a few people or places to your prayers. Maybe you actually find yourself with some cash to spare in the midst of our economic crisis and you weren't sure what to do with it. Maybe hearing about these things will help shed light on a bad day or make a few concerns feel smaller and less pressing.
Advocacy comes in many forms, as does assistance, compassion, and encouragement. However you choose to proceed today, may you encounter peace and safety.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
(instead of a bad haiku)
For the past four days, I've been trying to get out a poem about the rescue workers in China who were lost in mudslides. But it just won't come.
It reminds me of the firefighters who worked the Twin Towers on 9/11. Or those who fought to save one another as they watched the water rise in New Orleans.
We see so many examples of compassion and sacrifice throughout religious and spiritual teachings, but it can be so much more significant and affecting to see such acts within the realm of human experience. I feel blessed by such tremendous acts of courage and reminded of the incredible strength and generosity people are capable of in times requiring heroes.
It reminds me of the firefighters who worked the Twin Towers on 9/11. Or those who fought to save one another as they watched the water rise in New Orleans.
We see so many examples of compassion and sacrifice throughout religious and spiritual teachings, but it can be so much more significant and affecting to see such acts within the realm of human experience. I feel blessed by such tremendous acts of courage and reminded of the incredible strength and generosity people are capable of in times requiring heroes.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Fellowship, Local and Global
We finally made it back to church today after having missed it for 2 weeks post-surgery. It was wonderful to be back and, as always, gave me a great sense of grounding, connection, and peace - which, to my mind, is the best of what any kind of religious or spiritual pursuit can offer.
In sharing our joy and sorrows, Bill asked us to remember those in China and Myanmar... which reminded me of a story I heard on NPR a few days ago. Essentially, someone involved in aid efforts for Myanmar was talking about how much more money and attention China is receiving, despite a much higher casualty and death toll in Myanmar.
And in the wake of hearing that story, I have noticed a marked decrease in the amount of coverage given to Mynmar right now. I hear about how the government is refusing aid and how relief efforts are going to corrupt and powerful entities rather than those who truly need them. But there have been very few reports with regard to the latest numbers of those affected, nor as many stories involving individuals - which, as some readers have pointed out, often provides a powerful way of processing and understanding such a large-scale tragedy.
In contrast, I've heard something about China reported every morning and afternoon, as well as coverage on CNN and local news sources. I believe one reason may be, given the reponse to aid by the Myanmar government, frustrations over a perceived lack of appreciation, cooperation, or acknowledgment of assistance provided have led to lessened coverage and perhaps fewer people being able to gather information or collect/record stories. I also wonder if those responsible for determing what is news might be deciding somehow that a nation that does not want help does not merit as much coverage? And, of course, it must also be noted that the issue may lie in the resources I regularly access to get my news. Maybe I'm just not using the best sources.
Whatever the reason(s), it is something I notice every day and it connects to some of the concepts and constructs currently being covered in my first course this summer semester: Cross-Cultural Factors in Counseling (particularly with regard to concepts of culture, identity, and bias).
I hope aid is accepted soon, particularly because - from what has been reported thus far - it sounds as if those in need are receiving very little and that people have had to rely on grassroots efforts and civilian-led cooperation and support that surely provides some relief but could not possibly be enough to address the many life-threatening results that still exist following the cyclone.
I pray for the continued safety of the survivors, for the peaceful transition of those who were lost, and that those who are wounded or hang in the balance may heal and gain strength in the coming days.
In sharing our joy and sorrows, Bill asked us to remember those in China and Myanmar... which reminded me of a story I heard on NPR a few days ago. Essentially, someone involved in aid efforts for Myanmar was talking about how much more money and attention China is receiving, despite a much higher casualty and death toll in Myanmar.
And in the wake of hearing that story, I have noticed a marked decrease in the amount of coverage given to Mynmar right now. I hear about how the government is refusing aid and how relief efforts are going to corrupt and powerful entities rather than those who truly need them. But there have been very few reports with regard to the latest numbers of those affected, nor as many stories involving individuals - which, as some readers have pointed out, often provides a powerful way of processing and understanding such a large-scale tragedy.
In contrast, I've heard something about China reported every morning and afternoon, as well as coverage on CNN and local news sources. I believe one reason may be, given the reponse to aid by the Myanmar government, frustrations over a perceived lack of appreciation, cooperation, or acknowledgment of assistance provided have led to lessened coverage and perhaps fewer people being able to gather information or collect/record stories. I also wonder if those responsible for determing what is news might be deciding somehow that a nation that does not want help does not merit as much coverage? And, of course, it must also be noted that the issue may lie in the resources I regularly access to get my news. Maybe I'm just not using the best sources.
Whatever the reason(s), it is something I notice every day and it connects to some of the concepts and constructs currently being covered in my first course this summer semester: Cross-Cultural Factors in Counseling (particularly with regard to concepts of culture, identity, and bias).
I hope aid is accepted soon, particularly because - from what has been reported thus far - it sounds as if those in need are receiving very little and that people have had to rely on grassroots efforts and civilian-led cooperation and support that surely provides some relief but could not possibly be enough to address the many life-threatening results that still exist following the cyclone.
I pray for the continued safety of the survivors, for the peaceful transition of those who were lost, and that those who are wounded or hang in the balance may heal and gain strength in the coming days.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
8 months
In our household, we've all been following the news regarding the earthquake in China and subsequent rescue efforts. Each day seems to bring new stories of tragedy and ever-higher numbers of those thought missing or confirmed dead.
I heard a report this afternoon that made me cry. A 34 year-old woman was rescued after being trapped for 50 hours. She is 8 months pregnant. Her rescue is somewhat miraculous, but what caught me was thinking about two women in my life who are due in June - at a very similar point in their pregnancies - my sister, Lydia, and my friend, Noelle.
Each of these women is very important to me, and I couldn't help but think what it might be like if they had been similarly trapped and thought lost. It brought home how heartbreaking this story was... and, although it had a positive ending, how many more will suffer different fates and how many survivors will be affected by the aftermath of this event.
I'm not sure what is ulatimately more productive when we process these major natural disasters and large-scale events affecting thousands of people. I think the stories of hope and salvation within the midst of so much sadness are wonderful and necessary, but I also can't help to think that, for every person saved, there are so many more who will not be.
I don't know if that's defeatist or pessimistic or unproductive. I know perspective and the way we look at and focus on things is very important... and I certainly don't want to minimize or make light of happy and successful efforts.
But I do think there is danger in forgetting about the immense level of suffering brought about when disasters happen. And, perhaps most importantly, to use each difficulty as a way of moving forward, improving our local, national, and global strategies, and redefining the ways in which we respond to crisis. We've had a lot of crises already this year... and there are likely more to come.
So how do we respond? What preventative measures are being taken? And, on a very personal level, what steps will I take to try to create positive change and a useful response? Perhaps it's to establish a more sustainable way of living and to share our successes and failures so that we can evolve within a larger community. Maybe it's to create a safe space and ensure it's large enough to take in others if needed... to feel we food we can share, shelter to offer, and can do so without hesitation.
We shall see. I think Andy and I are in the midst of a transformation of sorts, one that is connected to a larger spiritual purpose and a sense of meaning in our lives. In the meantime, I am very grateful today that my two mommies-to-be are safe and healthy... and I deeply pray for the safety and peace of those abroad.
I heard a report this afternoon that made me cry. A 34 year-old woman was rescued after being trapped for 50 hours. She is 8 months pregnant. Her rescue is somewhat miraculous, but what caught me was thinking about two women in my life who are due in June - at a very similar point in their pregnancies - my sister, Lydia, and my friend, Noelle.
Each of these women is very important to me, and I couldn't help but think what it might be like if they had been similarly trapped and thought lost. It brought home how heartbreaking this story was... and, although it had a positive ending, how many more will suffer different fates and how many survivors will be affected by the aftermath of this event.
I'm not sure what is ulatimately more productive when we process these major natural disasters and large-scale events affecting thousands of people. I think the stories of hope and salvation within the midst of so much sadness are wonderful and necessary, but I also can't help to think that, for every person saved, there are so many more who will not be.
I don't know if that's defeatist or pessimistic or unproductive. I know perspective and the way we look at and focus on things is very important... and I certainly don't want to minimize or make light of happy and successful efforts.
But I do think there is danger in forgetting about the immense level of suffering brought about when disasters happen. And, perhaps most importantly, to use each difficulty as a way of moving forward, improving our local, national, and global strategies, and redefining the ways in which we respond to crisis. We've had a lot of crises already this year... and there are likely more to come.
So how do we respond? What preventative measures are being taken? And, on a very personal level, what steps will I take to try to create positive change and a useful response? Perhaps it's to establish a more sustainable way of living and to share our successes and failures so that we can evolve within a larger community. Maybe it's to create a safe space and ensure it's large enough to take in others if needed... to feel we food we can share, shelter to offer, and can do so without hesitation.
We shall see. I think Andy and I are in the midst of a transformation of sorts, one that is connected to a larger spiritual purpose and a sense of meaning in our lives. In the meantime, I am very grateful today that my two mommies-to-be are safe and healthy... and I deeply pray for the safety and peace of those abroad.
Monday, May 12, 2008
2012 and beyond...
Today held an alarming number of stories about natural disasters across the United States and in other countries. Wildfires in Florida, a sinkhole in Washington, D.C., tornadoes in Missouri and Oklahoma, an earthquake in China, volcano activity, and - of course - the cyclone in Myanmar.
I'm not sure where you sit on the whole greenhouse/2012/sea level rise thing. Andy and I tend to be a little worried about it and spend a lot of time debating whether or not we wish to make safety from natural disasters, potential pole shifts, and/or a crash in the economy a priority when plotting our next steps.
Although I don't fully buy into the prophecies of Nostradamus, Edgar Cayce, and the like... it is somewhat higher than coincidental those two men and the Mayan calendar all put the world falling apart around the same time. I suppose I buy into it enough to be vaguely concerned and to begin to think about things like paring down on my possessions, living a more sustainable lifestyle, and wanting to build or buy a green home of some kind in a relatively safe area.
Be it driven by external concerns or an internal call to a more peaceful and simple life, Andy and I both have noticed a pull and shift toward a new type of living. I see it as a blend of spiritual needs and practical considerations... something seeking to balance the ascetic qualities of monasticism, the theories of detachment so prevalent in Buddhist philosophy, the social action and humanist commitment of Unitarian Universalism, and the social interest of Adler.
It all seems to coalesce and make sense on some days. I would love to know where the end is, which I think is one of the greatest lessons I've yet to learn: process before content, means rather than end, the journey above the destination.
And so, it is not so important to know where I will end up as it is to know how I want to get there. To ensure authenticity and compassion en route. To follow dreams and strive toward improvement and seek out positive change in the best way I know how.
Some days, the fear and sadness feels a bit more prevelant, but most of the time I simply wish I could do more to help those affected by these many disasters... and I pray the whisperings of darkness to come are simply the anxious worries of mistaken sayers seeking to make sense of the complexity and confusion that may inevitably arise as we move through life.
I'm not sure where you sit on the whole greenhouse/2012/sea level rise thing. Andy and I tend to be a little worried about it and spend a lot of time debating whether or not we wish to make safety from natural disasters, potential pole shifts, and/or a crash in the economy a priority when plotting our next steps.
Although I don't fully buy into the prophecies of Nostradamus, Edgar Cayce, and the like... it is somewhat higher than coincidental those two men and the Mayan calendar all put the world falling apart around the same time. I suppose I buy into it enough to be vaguely concerned and to begin to think about things like paring down on my possessions, living a more sustainable lifestyle, and wanting to build or buy a green home of some kind in a relatively safe area.
Be it driven by external concerns or an internal call to a more peaceful and simple life, Andy and I both have noticed a pull and shift toward a new type of living. I see it as a blend of spiritual needs and practical considerations... something seeking to balance the ascetic qualities of monasticism, the theories of detachment so prevalent in Buddhist philosophy, the social action and humanist commitment of Unitarian Universalism, and the social interest of Adler.
It all seems to coalesce and make sense on some days. I would love to know where the end is, which I think is one of the greatest lessons I've yet to learn: process before content, means rather than end, the journey above the destination.
And so, it is not so important to know where I will end up as it is to know how I want to get there. To ensure authenticity and compassion en route. To follow dreams and strive toward improvement and seek out positive change in the best way I know how.
Some days, the fear and sadness feels a bit more prevelant, but most of the time I simply wish I could do more to help those affected by these many disasters... and I pray the whisperings of darkness to come are simply the anxious worries of mistaken sayers seeking to make sense of the complexity and confusion that may inevitably arise as we move through life.
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