Christine Smith's Blog

“The Village” – a film recommendation

“The man who fears suffering is already suffering from what he fears.” – Michel de Montaigne

Last night I viewed the 2004 film “The Village” (directed by M. Night Shyamalan, and starring, among others, Joaquin Phoenix, Sigourney Weaver, and William Hurt).

An interesting story, analogous to the constant state of fear the American people choose to live in, it illustrates well how fear itself can (in distorted “reasoning”) become the security blanket for a people. And it is most certainly a choice.

The “us” versus “them” mentality is prevalent in American culture, as is the need for an “enemy” to which the people look to government to protect and save them…never questioning that the government may have motive to keep its subjects in fear. To focus one’s or a community’s (or a nation’s) attention upon the evils lurking in the unknown, makes them blind to the real threats in their midst (themselves), as well as resulting in the giving up of happiness, fulfillment, and expansion beyond the mental barriers which keep one in their own self-imposed prison which effectively keeps life and its abundance of possibilities and adventures hidden.

Consider the government’s continual warnings bombarding the people suggesting that everyone be on the lookout for sinister potential terrorist activity. This is nothing new. The U.S. government has long engaged in using the powerful technique of fear to control the American people. Encouraging fear through all manner of disturbing scenarios has been used to justify the government then doing whatever it says is deemed necessary to protect the people – and that always involves the taking away of civil liberties at home, and military interventionism worldwide.

For example, the Cold War fear found children practicing hiding under desks and families digging bomb shelters; government operations weren’t questioned. With the Cold War gone, the “war on terror” has conveniently taken its place.

Always there must be an “enemy” and always the government steps in to say it will keep the people safe – just trust them. Be it local, state, or nationally, government always focuses on emphasizing threats (real or, as in what is often the case imaginary or over-emphasized), thereby preparing people to easily comply with whatever the government declares they must do to “protect” them from that which they claim would otherwise harm them…be it a substance, a virus, foreigners, etc.

In the case of the film, the fear of those “we do not speak of” certainly grips the community into submission to its boundaries, as well as forming a subservient attitude toward its protector’s, called the “elders” of the community. No one dare venture beyond the community borders, constant vigil is kept with a guard tower and light, and emergency procedures immediately enacted when the warning bell sounds. The danger is so instilled, that children die for lack of medicines, simply because the danger of venturing into the outside world is too great. “Sacrifice” for the community is esteemed.

But, as the film also demonstrates, the power of love is greater than fear. To choose love results in one’s actions becoming bold, strong and courageous. Fear no longer dominates; all things become possible. In this case, the love for one’s beloved becomes the catalyst for great courage. Hope lies not in remaining in a safe and secure confine, but in defying the rules and regulations by venturing into the unknown.

Be it on the personal individual level, or a nation, life is not to be escaped from, but experienced. To experience is to embrace all which life consist of for you – never trying to hide from or block out that which is unpleasant or unsettling, and never trying to so desperately avoid danger that one gives up liberty. Looking back, as if life in the past was any less stressful or dangerous, is illusory. Life, fully lived, is always fraught with risks, but it in this we learn and grow. A passionate zeal for life, adventure, and the joy of shared happiness is not gained through avoiding vulnerability. And true joyful living isn’t ever experienced in the grip of illusions and another’s control.

Hovering in fear, looking to those who say they know best how to protect you, ever worrying that some enemy will attack or take from you, is not living. And even if one so chooses to isolate themselves from the dangers of the world, one must never assume the prerogative to choose for others, including one’s children. To simply share with them your own experiences and advice should suffice, to go further in assuming you must “protect” them from what you wish to avoid is to make a grave mistake. Deceit and control of those one says they love, even if perceived as for their own protection, is never justified. But such fear is often the basis (even with good intentions) for the rationalization of control in personal relationships and in the collective over a society. But as the popular phrase correctly indicates, good intentions can still lead to hell.

Hurting souls can easily succumb to the idea of protecting oneself from further pain at all costs.But to ever suppose fear has any rational logic on which to base any decision is to choose misery over joy, death over life. (And more than not, when in regard to the collective, there aren’t even “good intentions” by those with power, but simply exploitation of a weak and fearful people for their own agenda. When a people end their questioning, real misery begins.)

The film, fantastical and imaginative in nature, shares truths our society has, for the most part, forgotten. The willful sacrifice of freedom for security grips this nation, and its disastrous effects will be suffered by its children and theirs. Likewise, on the individual level, many people simply choose to exist, seeking security above fulfillment, taking the easy route of conformity and doing what society expects of them rather than what would personally fulfill them.

But there is still time to choose again, to choose freedom, to bravely choose life.

The values and character traits of courage, faith, hope, compassion, and empathy are never served by any form of fear.

I liked watching “The Village,” as I enjoy films which, in imaginative fiction, demonstrate truths applicable to us. If you’re someone who can suspend belief, enjoys a suspenseful yarn, and appreciates films with a gently interwoven message, then simply sit back and watch free from any preconceptions, and I think you may enjoy it as I did.

(audio) My Radio Show Interview/Commentary- Is this a good time to be a libertarian?

Today I was on Paul Molloy’s radio show, Freedom Works!, heard on AM-station WTAN, covering “more than 3,000,000 people in and around” the Tampa Bay, Florida region.

Topic discussed: Is this a good time to be libertarian in America?

Another excellent discussion!

I invite you to listen (it is 17 minutes in length)- CLICK HERE.

(Note: At one point during the show, the host questioned me about North Korea and it as a potential threat to Guam, and as I said on the show, I do not believe North Korea is a threat to the United States of America. Guam is a territory used as yet another base for U.S. militarism. North Korea poses no threat to America, which is all our government should be focused upon when it comes to defense. But “defense” is not what the U.S. government seeks, rather it uses our military for offensive purposes worldwide.)

(audio) My Radio Interview/Commentary on the Freedom Works! Radio Show

Today I was on Paul Molloy’s radio show, Freedom Works!, heard on AM-station WTAN, covering “more than 3,000,000 people in and around” the Tampa Bay, Florida region.

We discussed torture, as well as the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.
I invite you to listen – CLICK HERE. (It is 25 minutes in length.)

A good show – Paul Molloy and I had an excellent discussion!

During my commentary, the host questioned, in understandable disbelief (since he said he did not remember any such news reports), my statement that the Taliban had given the United States government an opportunity to provide evidence connecting Osama bin Laden with 9-11, which upon receipt, the Taliban indicated they may provide bin Laden for trial.

Although I had read news reports of this years ago, and recently reference to it in other articles, I could not recall the Taliban leader’s name during the show. (It was Abdul Salam Zaeef.) So I told the host I would look up the Taliban leader’s name later along with reports of their request for negotiation, and the possibility they provided of turning over of bin Laden, if evidence was provided by the United States government.

Thus, here are a several news links with that information (I recommend taking a look at all the links – as the quotes and information provided in each are most interesting):

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2001/oct/05/afghanistan.terrorism

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2001/oct/17/afghanistan.terrorism11

http://edition.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0109/30/bn.02.html

http://www.mcall.com/news/nationworld/sns-worldtrade-taliban-chi,0,2694361.story

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2001/09/11/world/main310852.shtml

http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/2001/09/13/stories/0313000b.htm

And even back in 1998, the identical thing occurred, with the Taliban requesting evidence linking bin Laden to the embassy bombings in Africa:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/217947.stm

As I shared on the show, I believe the invasion was not about capturing bin Laden, but about regime change, otherwise the evidence would have been given so that such negotiation concerning a possible trial could occur.

Also, since we discussed the CIA and my opinion it should be abolished, I recommend the following excellent articles (due to time, I shared my reasons only briefly):

The Case For Abolishing The CIA, by John Judis -
The New Republic Online, December 20, 2005.

Don’t Reform the CIA — Abolish It
by Jacob G. Hornberger,
The Future of Freedom Foundation, December 12, 2007.

The Alamo

Americans like to remember. But to merely remember any event or death is not in itself honoring it; to honor requires a respect and regard which, if present, would manifest itself in upholding the principles for which said honor is expressed. Without implementation and upholding of the principles for which men died, there really is no honor but only empty words.

Americans also like to celebrate independence – be it independence from Great Britain, or the story of how the state of Texas gained independence from Mexico – the battles are viewed as examples of heroism. However, each such celebration should give pause to reflect on the principles which were fought for and to look within to determine whether such character traits so grandly and rightly celebrated are within one’s own character?

A great quote from David Crockett:

“I leave this rule for others when I’m dead
Be always sure you’re right — THEN GO AHEAD!”

It is the the remark he placed upon the title page of a book he wrote (along with assistance from Thomas Chilton), A Narrative of the Life of David Crockett of the State of Tennessee – Written By Himself, (the version Published by E.L. Carey and A. Hart, 1834), which I am just beginning to read, along with my also beginning to read A Line in the Sand: The Alamo in Blood and Memory by Randy Roberts and James S. Olson.

My interest in learning more of Crockett stemmed from my recent interest into learning more about the Alamo. Has there ever been a subject you thought you knew a little something about…that is until you began reading more on the matter? So the past week or so has been for me.

There’s a most different feeling when walking the terrain where bloodshed has occurred. I recall walking civil war battlefields, and the sense of what occurred there was far more than mere knowledge of what had transpired. It’s the same feeling I’ve experienced visiting other historical places where much human suffering and misery was experienced.

Thus, when a friend recently asked if I had ever visited the Alamo, I replied “no,” but “it does interest me.” If I were to visit, I believe I’d get that same sense I’ve had at certain other places, the feeling of the loss of all the lives who died there.

I continued thinking about The Battle of the Alamo, finding the intrigue and perplexity I’ve had about the story reactivated. Captivated and interested in learning the answers to the questions I’ve had for years about this most remarkable and sad battle, I sought out research. As I began reading, I realized how little I knew about the events and battles for years leading up to the battle at The Alamo – with the past precisely what most most of my questions pertained to.

We all know the names: Travis, Crockett, Bowie, and some 150-180 other men whose names were recorded as lost at The Alamo, fighting the overwhelming force of Santa Anna. They became heroes in our history, and the legendary battle the subject of films and numerous stories, tales, and myths.

These men were fallible human beings (as all of us are), but regardless of their differences and individual stories, they were not going to subject themselves to the tyranny of a dictator taxing them and controlling their lives. With offers by the U.S. government to purchase the land from Mexico twice rejected, the unease and strain continued increasing between American settlers and the Mexican government. Once the Mexican constitution was abandoned and the once federal style republic replaced with a dictatorial, the previous agreements regarding property taxes and tariffs were suddenly rescinded (they had been in place to encourage American settlement – settlers were welcomed as long as they agreed to abide by certain conditions set by the Mexican government),and more animosity between the settlers and Santa Anna developed (including such conflicts as over choice of crops grown, slavery – which Mexico rejected, heavy taxation, and a prohibition on further American immigration, etc.). The choice facing the settlers was between surrender to dictatorial rule, without the previous state rights after all their investment in settlements or a fight for independence.

Distinguishing storytelling, myth, legend, and reality of such an event must be a difficult, but most interesting, one for historians and as well as for the person simply interested in learning more. Santa Anna’s soldiers went through inhospitable conditions of weather and Indian threats/attacks in order to reach San Antonio and fight this battle, while many of the men at the Alamo were eagerly looking forward to the day of building their lives in the region. As I learn more, one point which is most notable, regardless of anything else leading to it, is that these men are remembered, honored and celebrated for sacrificing their lives for liberty. For Texas independence. For freedom.

The battle necessitated men having the courage of their convictions – a courage which fights regardless of the odds. It takes courage to stand and oppose such an overwhelming enemy. This is the substance of the symbol they and the battle has come to represent. Putting aside fear, they vowed to stand their ground.

Awaiting reinforcement and supplies, the situation ever more desperate by the day, consider this quote:

“…If we fail, death in the cause of liberty and humanity is not cause for shuddering…” – from a letter written by Daniel Cloud to his brother.

Or consider the heroic James Butler Bonham whose commitment was so deep he relayed Travis’ requests for aid and returned fighting and dying in the Alamo’s defense.

What the Alamo has come to symbolize is good, but a memory and a symbol do not for liberty make. Its memory, and the memory of all who have ever sacrificed their lives or put their lives in jeopardy for those few battles truly for freedom in our history, is served and honored when one decides to emulate and likewise stand for the same principle.

If we regard The Battle of the Alamo as a fight against oppression, a fight for freedom, then it is not something to merely “remember,” for only doing so makes it but another piece of history which you may never give much thought to; rather, let us proclaim it as an excellent example of the victory of liberty over tyranny. The loss suffered there did not mean the cause was lost. On the contrary, it called to the hearts of many other men to battle hard. It proves that though a single battle may be lost, the quest can yet be achieved.

General Sam Houston and his men gained Texas independence at the battle of San Jacinto, defeating Santa Anna quickly. The oft repeated phrase attributed to him, “Remember the Alamo,” wasn’t a subdued suggestion to revere and honor the deaths while he kept safe from harm’s way. No, it was a courageous battle cry for independence, signaling his army to venture forward to do what must be done for independence, for freedom, thereby honoring the fallen and boldly fighting for the cause they were all committed to. Can we, today, regain the spirit in which those words were spoken?

For us, fighting for principle means a demand and commitment to a return to a constitutional republic. It requires a complete rejection and abolishment of all the power grabs those in government have assumed over us, the citizenry. We, the American people, must reign in the government and remember they do not wield the power over us, but the other way around. As we recall the past, let us simultaneously focus upon courageously living and devoting ourselves to those worthy goals so often only given lip service to. For the advancement of liberty is often hard fought, yet so easily lost through apathy and complacency.

As the deaths at the Alamo have come to symbolize great courage and sacrifice for liberty, the value in remembrance is in implementing that same spirit today in service to liberty. Let not it remain a historical memory, but a living one, so that your life can be one exemplifying that same commitment to liberty.

A battle is but one part of a war as the Alamo showed us. In our nation, we are in a battle for our sovereignty and rights as individuals and as states, as stated in the U.S. Constitution, from the federal government which has unconstitutionally assumed enormous power beyond which we have designated to it. Thus, as battles for civil liberties and economic freedom are won and lost and debated, never forget the primary battle which will win the war: the battle for the hearts and minds of the American people who have fallen asleep to the principles and way of life which our nation was based.

The ideas which formed a nation must be but rekindled within the people. Do not despair at the battles lost, but in the words of David Crockett, “Go ahead!” and persevere in remaining steadfast to your principles, unceasingly educate others to the libertarian philosophy, and bravely never back down nor compromise.

Remember, as the men at the Alamo demonstrated, it takes courage to stand and oppose a powerful adversary. It won’t be easy, but it is how liberty has always and will always prevail.

Note:
Just viewed the 2004 film, The Alamo, with Billy Bob Thornton as Crockett, and found it well made; it appeared a great deal of effort went into accuracy, of course, it is a drama, a film, not a documentary. Touches such as the “extras” making up the fighting force taking the names/identities of the men who died at the Alamo were impressive. Though it did not spend much time on the events leading up to The Alamo (which is what I am reading about including the history of the Mexican Federalists (who had created the Mexican Constitution of 1824) versus Centrists, as well as details about Santa Anna’s previous battles and rise to political power – a most interesting character study), the film did provide a good depiction and focus on the 13 days of the battle itself including excellent coverage of the repeated amazing keeping of the Mexican troops at bay through several attacks, the arrival of the Gonzales Ranging Company (not near enough men to reinforce the battle they would soon face), and the battle of San Jacinto. I think this film is a very good one for anyone who is interested in the Battle of the Alamo, and I recommend definitely viewing the extra bonus/special features on the dvd as well. I’m glad I viewed it, and recommend it to those interested in this part of our history.

A Mother’s Day Message for My Mother

Mother,

I love you, and pray for you.

Christine

The Colorado Mountains in Springtime (photos) & The Music of Italy

This beautiful day began with the music of Italy, recordings from Italy with some from live performances at traditional dances and festivals there.

Needless to say, I’m in a fine mood, joyful and happy, and serene.

Temperatures in the mid-70′s and bright sunshine beckon me (as they did yesterday!).

The mountains in springtime and the music of Italy…a fine way to start my day!

Sharing with you photos I’ve just taken:

Jesus’ Mother and Ours

A Mother’s Day message for all, but especially for those whose loving mother is no longer with them on earth, and those whom never had a loving relationship with their biological mother. For just as a loving mother will always be there for you (even in death, for I believe there is never a division between the communication of those who love one another), there, too, is Jesus’ mother:

As Mother’s Day approaches, it is an opportune time to ponder the nature of Mary in relation to all of us. As Christ’s disciples, Mary is our Mother.

I feel this is a time when all might take extra moments to honor not only our mother or those who have served as such during our earthly life, but also Mother of God, Mary.

Mary gives us a perfect example of the attributes of love we seek to develop: humility, trust, acceptance, obedience, patience, honesty, chastity, and mercy. These character traits, personified by Mary, exemplify how to approach our Heavenly Father as well as our family and loved ones. Their development allows us to rest in God even when the world brings frustration and difficulties.

Mary helps us to manifest the fruits of love to others, gentle caring and nurturing, in the midst of uncertainty and suffering. She is the epitome of faith, helping us to live what we believe. And for women, Mary provides a wonderful example of how best to relate to the men in our lives (be they our husband, son, father, brother or friend).

In her humanity, and in her free will, she chose to be “handmaid of the Lord,” proving for us that despite our human weakness, limitations and temptations of the world, we can choose holiness and obedience. She, a human being like us, has shown it is possible to truly love with all one’s heart, soul and mind.

It is important, too, to always remember our Holy Mother, like a loving earthly mother, is always ready to intercede on our behalf. Her love is endless. Our advocate, she hears our prayers, and bestows a peace and hope only a loving parent can provide. With her, we can more readily know how to endeavor to live a life of grace, turning away from our weakness and embracing God’s will for our lives. She is a model of virtue, showing us that we can turn away from that which is evil, and she is always there offering her guidance and encouragement as a loving mother does.

Mother Mary was responsible for bringing many of us to knowledge of her son Jesus Christ. Praying, speaking to her, brought an assurance, comfort, and trust not experienced before. Personally, it made me able to again pray to God our Father, to embrace the grace and love of Jesus for me, and to knowingly welcome the Holy Spirit. Every day I am aware of how this came to be; praying the Rosary is a way of expressing my gratitude even as it opens greater understanding.

Regardless of whether you have a loving relationship with your biological mother or not, or if you did and she has passed onto Heaven, know that your Mother Mary, too, is always there for you, understanding your deepest feelings. You need never feel alone.

As Jesus proclaimed, “…Behold thy mother!” (John 19: 27, KJV)

To love her, to know her, is a most gracious blessing for each of us. Speak to her in prayer of appreciation and devotion this Mother’s Day, and all days reflect her example for your daily interactions with others. She will bring you closer to her Son, and make it possible to better relate to all in your life.

Deep Regret?

What does “deep regret” mean to you?

To me it describes a feeling of awareness following an action which one now wishes they had never done and which they most certainly would never repeat. It’s a feeling within one’s conscience following commission of a serious mistake or wrong. Or it can indicate a sadness and seeking or hope an occurrence never happen again.

I do not believe deep regret can be experienced while the offense continues to be repeated, to do so is hypocrisy.

Hillary Clinton, U.S. Secretary of State, is repeatedly expressing “regret” on behalf of the U.S. government when civilians die because of our military actions.

Take a look at the full transcript of the exclusive interview she gave Radio Free Afghanistan’s Director Akbar Ayazi on April 5, 2009 (at the Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s Prague headquarters) for expressions, on behalf of the U.S. government, of its “commitment” to Afghanistan.

During that excellent interview, when asked by a doctor from Kabul about “last year’s incident in which 110 innocent civilians died during the bombardment in the Shindand district” Clinton replied, “Well, Doctor, first of all, I deeply regret the loss of civilian life….” and proceeded to point the finger at the “Taliban, Al-Qaeda, and their allies” as being responsible for such incidents, reasoning that the United States would end its military attacks if only they stopped theirs.

Similarly, when asked by another caller about Obama’s sending of yet more troops, which the caller indicated would result in the killing of more civilians, Clinton said the troop surge is due to the administration’s “high respect” for the Afghans.

Again, I highly recommend the viewing or reading of the transcript of the Radio Free Afghanistan interview with Clinton.

Then fast forward to about one month to today.

What do we hear?

From Clinton’s May 6, 2009 meeting with Afghan President Hamid Karzai and Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari in the Benjamin Franklin Room, Washington, DC (for the signing of a transit treaty):

“…Now, the presence of this distinguished group of U.S. officials from different federal agencies reflects President Obama’s and my strong belief that promoting peace and stability in Afghanistan and Pakistan must be an all-government effort….” (Those attending included Robert Mueller, Director of the FBI and CIA Director Leon Panetta.)

“…I wish to express my personal regret and certainly the sympathy of our Administration on the loss of civilian life in Afghanistan. We deeply regret it…” (and again in reference to civilian casualties): “And we deeply, deeply regret that loss.”

So, promoting “peace and stability” comes by such a U.S. bombing raid and the civilian death toll that has just occurred?

Just how deep is that “regret”? To truly be contrite necessitates an ending to the behavior one expresses remorse for, and if regret is to be interpreted as deep sadness for the loss of life, why not stop the loss of life by ending the unjust war? The rationales used defending the U.S. presence changes from fighting al Qaeda -the Taliban-or drugs to the final claim of helping an oppressed people have a better way of life – but one constant remains, our presence means continued needless death and destruction.

Clinton does her job well: In my opinion, she’s a propagandist for the U.S. government, and as such, no matter the continued loss of life be it in Afghanistan or Pakistan, she’ll keep a straight face as the words of “deep regret” will likely continue to be spoken by her time and again as the U.S. military continues its killing of innocent men, women and children to build its empire.