Thought provoking media

Just in time for another consumer Christmas - here are a few of the books and movies that have been occupying my mind lately (make sure to pick them up for your loved ones): "Eyes of the Heart: Seeking a Path for the Poor in the Age of Globalization" by Jean Bertrand Aristide. Aristide is the exiled (yet democratically elected) President of Haiti. The more I learn about Haiti, especially concerning American foreign policy towards this impoverished nation, the more I am ashamed of myself and my country. But I digress. This short book is very readable and profound in its simplicity. A brief quote: "We begin with what is in front of us. I cannot see God, but I can see you. I cannot see God, but I see the child in front of me, the woman, the man. Through them, through this material world in which we live, we know God. Through them we know and experience love, we glimpse and seek justice." I am also reading his autobiography "Jean Bertrand Aristide: An Autobiography." My favorite quote so far is, "The gospel in its raw form could act like a stick of dynamite." Speaking of globalization, go rent "Life + Debt." This documentary uses Jamaica as a case study of the effects of the lending policies of the International Monetary Fund. For example, because of the devaluation of Jamaica's currency (one stipulation of a loan), it is cheaper for Jamaicans to buy cabbage imported from the United States than it is to buy cabbage grown in their own backyard. Yikes! Not to mention the large corporations that seek to take advantage of a country that is put in a tight spot......and the contrast the director places between visiting tourists and local farmers is very disarming. Speaking of large corporations, go rent "The Corporation." No, it is not a typical anti-corporate rant. I was impressed with the depth of research done for this film. Heck, its based on a book written by a law professor/legal theorist. A compelling case is made that most corporations act according to the clinical definition of a psychopath. The film (and bonus disc) is filled with interviews from people like Noam Chomsky, Milton Friedman, and Howard Zinn, as well as CEOs, commodities traders, activists, consultants, and news reporters. I am definitely buying this one. Watch the trailer here. Lastly, let me recommend a website. I learned about the National Labor Committee while watching "The Corporation." I was very impressed with the interviews I saw with NLC Director Charles Kernaghan. Their motto is: "Putting a Human Face on the Global Economy." If you are concerned about sweatshops and worker's rights, check these guys out. OK, one more. Speaking of the global economy, the next time you need a gift idea go and buy something from 10,000 Villages. They may even have a shop near you. An operation of the Mennonite Central Committee, 10,000 Villages sells unique fair trade gifts and handicrafts from around the world. They have some really cool stuff, and it is rather affordable to boot. Peace be with you, Tim

I Can Only Imagine....

...what it must feel like to be receive a kick in the ribs from an officer of the law as my wake up call..... to arrive at a place of mental illness through combat, sickness, poor diet, or loneliness.... to wash my hands and never get all the grime off..... to be ignored..... to have "responsible folk" form opionions of my work ethic, intelligence, integrity, ingenuity, and worth..... to never receive a Christmas card..... to accept charity..... to find no one to provide or fight for my basic human rights.....to not be able to take my dog to the vet after she gets hit by a car....to find a job doing hard labor only to be cheated out of my wages by a greedy foreman....to pay for my meals by collecting scrap metal....to eat out of a garbage can when no scrap metal is found.....to have no one ask me my name....to keep my guard up all the time.....to sleep in fear of being robbed or beaten or freezing to death....to watch my comrades succumb to drugs and alcohol.....to watch myself succumb to drugs and alcohol.....to be a kid who doesn't walk through a front door after school like all my friends do.....to be an object or an issue instead of a human being....TO BE HOMELESS IN A BIG CITY.