Time for real change and action.

Amar Bakshi, Washington Post Reporter, took a year to travel the world in an attempt to determine the world's 'Youth Opinion' of America. It was a rather daring project, and the information gained was rather startling. C-SPAN aired a pesentation by Mr. Bakshi followed by a Q&A period. A video can be seen at NewAmerica.com and/or WashingtonPost.com/America.

As a young reporter, Mr. Bakshi showed remarkable insight into todays youths concerns, politics, and opinions. And his analysis of these was quite insightful and in-depth as well. At the core of Mr. Bakshi's findings was a perceived threat from America against Islam. Many Islamic youth around the world see at least some validity to the notion that America is out to destroy Islam - and on a worldwide scale.

Bobby Kennedy, during a speech in South Africa, once said: "Governments oppress their people." It's a truth that has existed for quite a long time. America is not the only nation to 'slant the news' or manipulate the facts surrounding a particular event or movement - it's a worldwide practice and a dilemma for all. Each nation has their own political agenda and those that manipulate their populace in accordance with that agenda. A young Muslim in the U.K. may perceive the detainment of Muslim's by the U.S. one way, a young Muslim in Pakistan may view the matter in an entirely different way. A great deal is dependent upon the local issues and concerns these youth may be dealing with, and the political agendas active in his/her neighborhood.

It should come as no surprise to anyone that the view of America held by most young Muslims is overwhelmingly negative. There is a perceived threat from America against Islam and, therefore, against them personally. American politico's are aware of this and are desperate to find ways to improve America's image around the world - as are American business leaders. To date, they have failed miserably. It's difficult, and in this case impossible, to convince someone of America's 'goodness' when all they see and hear and experience scream otherwise.

The Bush Regime may claim we are 'establishing democracy' in the Middle East, but that is not the perception held by the youth throughout the Middle East. It may be what what was 'sold' to Americans, but it's not being 'bought' by young Muslims elsewhere in the world.

During Mr. Bakshi's presentation, a number of disturbing trends were brought to light that, I'm sure, most Americans are completely unaware of. One was that most of the world is not intimidated by America's 'Super Power' status. Another is that Americas intervention anywhere, regardless of its purpose or intent, is overwhelmingly viewed as bad. But, the most startling revelation - at least to me - was that the Muslim youth of the world now tend to view America as 'evil' - not just bad, or self-serving, or corrupt, but 'evil'. Additionally, they also no longer perceive a difference between the American government and the American people - to them, it's one in the same. It doesn't matter that two thirds of the American people oppose the war in Iraq - America is there, waging war, occupying - and promises to continue to do so. Afterall, we are a democracy, 'of the people, by the people, and for the people', aren't we? Doesn't a democratic nation reflect the will of the people? Maybe not according to the Bush family, or Dick Cheney's group, but the rest of the world thinks so.

This is an issue of concern which ranks right up there with global warming, poverty and hunger, and any other global concern you may have. It's an issue which needs to be addressed immediately - and slick, Madison Avenue-type sales pitches won't suffice. There needs to be genuine concern, genuine effort, and fair and equitable actions taken. American interests must be viewed on a global scale and recognize the interests of other nations and peoples as well.

Arundhati Roy, the Indian writer/activist once said that change will not occur until "America recognizes that a world exists beyond its borders". There's a great truth in these words that we must recognize before we, as a nation, can hope to effectively turn the tide of anti-Americanism which is growing at an alarming rate all over the globe. We cannot just wave our flag, pound a drum, and arbitrarily proclaim America is 'right'. We, as a nation and a people, must really examine the facts and seek the truth of what our government and multi-national corporations have done (and are doing) throughout the world - and the results of such actions. We must demand accountability from those in charge, and we must be willing to not only recognize, but admit, errors we may have made.

The Muslim youth of the world perceive America as a personal threat. It's a perception we must recognize and deal with. We must do so honestly and fairly, and in genuine good faith. A good start might be to quit trying to tell Muslims what the Koran says, or explain its meaning to them. It's an arrogant and condescending and stupid thing to do.

Muslims know what 'extremists' are. They also know what is and isn't correct interpretations of the Koran. Christianity has extremists too. It has narrow-minded, bigotted, racist members as well. True Christians recognize those who misinterpret scripture or manipulate scripture for personal gain - or control of political groups. And, before it's voiced that 'Christian extremists' don't blow things up, remember back to the days when abortion clinics, and Doctors and Nurses, were reduced to dust and rubble. There are extremists in every group. We cannot demonize an entire faith due to the actions of a few - otherwise, we, personally, must assume responsibility for the actions of Bush and Cheney, and their cronies, who have manipulated and perverted our Constitution, lied, tortured, killed, and completely ignored the will of the American people.

It is time for real change in America.

I suggest we begin with a truthful, honest, examination of our actions around the globe.

Conflicted Faith

I recently spent some time perusing a few of the leading 'Christian' magazines and on-line 'zines. I saw a lot on politics, happiness, paths to take to ensure God's blessings, and reasons why 'Christian ministries' should not have to be transparent regarding their financial records.

I saw very little with regard to the war, injustice, hunger, missions which required service to others, or the central message of Jesus - "Love one another as I have loved you."

Before you think otherwise, I am not bashing Christianity, nor Jesus. I'm just wondering why the western world's concept of Christianity is so contradictory and self-serving.

Depending on what poll you choose to accept, between 71% to 83% of adult Americans claim to be Christian - to have a personal relationship with the Creator. Amazing when you think about it (and even when you don't).

One would think they would see some sort of indication (in tangible ways) of this prevailing faith in a country when so many profess such faith. Sadly, one doesn't.

I recently had occasion to hear a popular minister in America discuss 'American Christianity' and the motivations behind the faith. I found it interesting that he used the term 'American Christianity'. American as opposed to what? Non-American Christianity? Strange. Well, on second thought, maybe not. Is it possible that there is a unique brand of Christianity that is strictly 'American'? After some reflection I must concur that there is. Where else can we have such contradictions between what is professed and what is practiced but here in the good old USA.

I am by no means a scholar when it comes to scripture, but I can read. And I recognize the significance, and influence, professions of faith have in this country. (Could a professed athiest have a hope of winning a political seat at the national level in America? How about an agnostic? Or a Jewish President? A Muslim President? Doubtful. Seriously doubtful.) Professions of a personal faith are almost mandatory now for anyone seeking public office. (I suppose that's to reassure those they represent that they won't do anything remotely beneficial for 'them hom'sexual types'.)

Our President is a Christian. He's also a liar. Apparently that's an acceptable mix in America. As are Ministers who preach happiness and personal growth, and wealth and prosperity (and amass great wealth and political influence in the process) but make no mention of 'denying oneself' and following Jesus in a ministry of 'service to others'. It's a perplexing thing this contradictory faith. But, then again we are a contradictory society. We're Christian, but believe in capitalism (even though Jesus said "You cannot serve God and money both"). We say we love peace but wage (or support) more war than any other nation. We claim freedom but submit to near dictatorial control for safety. We claim to support human rights, but we torture others. What is one to think of this?

Could it be that some of those 71% to 83% of Americans are deceived? Or, like our President, are they just lying?

Jesus once said that 'you will know His followers by their fruits'. Just as apple trees don't produce oranges, Christians (regardless of what they 'say') do not pursue wealth over justice, nor war over peace. And they certainly don't torture.

"If any man says he loves God, yet hates his brother, he is a liar. And the truth is not in him."

Aah! It just dawned on me... Perhaps, just perhaps, the term 'American Christian' is used to differentiate between them and real Christians. What do you think?

"Narrow is the way, and few there are that find it."

See: http://geekmetv.blogspot.com/2008/01/martin.html

MoeCash

A short while ago I was invited to watch a tech-type broadcast on Ustream.tv. After the broadcast I spent some time ‘surfing’ through the various streams on Ustream and discovered ‘MoeCash’. Moe regularly broadcasts via Ustream.tv under the name ‘MoeCash’ or ‘Moe-to-go’.

Moe is an Iraqi born Muslim living in Canada. He’s a songwriter, rapper, music-mixer, and ‘on air’ personality. But there’s a lot more to Moe than just his musical talents. He’s a man of conviction and passion; a man with a good heart; a true humanitarian.

I would encourage everyone to check him out on Ustream.tv or at his blog at MySpace.com/MoeCash. If hip-hop isn’t your musical preference, don’t worry – he’s been known to spin some R&B, Motown, and other things as well on occasion. And, if your nice, he just may take a request or two.

Check him out. You’ll have a good time, and you just might learn something too if you pay attention.