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December 11, 2007 at 21:54:07

Advocacy, Intellect, and Common Sense

by Jim Miles     Page 2 of 2 page(s)

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There is much commons sense, much morality in religion, as there is with secularist positions as well. Neither side owns a monopoly on these ideas. There is also much that is not common sense, that is not moral, that only sees the 'other' as an outsider, without being able to walk in their shoes, demeaning them, making them susceptible to and targets of violence in many forms.

I have here presented a dichotomy between the intellectual and faith based arguments while understanding that there is a common thread between the two, that of the 'moral observer'. I write as best I can as a 'moral observer', hopefully applying as much common sense as can be garnered from the vast amounts of information and opinions that exist.

Even as I write from an intellectual position as posited by Ramzy Baroud and Noam Chomsky, I need to recognize that the 'moral observer' is similar to the intellectual who "no matter where his sympathies lie, remain[s] capable of dispassionately approaching the subject at hand." That line reflects fully the 'moral observer' who is "impartially sympathetic" and "impartially benevolent" in the description provided by the theological view of David Ray Griffin.

I do not know if what I write has transformed anyone's thinking, perhaps at best giving it a nudge and push one way or another, providing another perspective, perhaps as with the idea of the moral observer, building a bridge between what are commonly considered disparate thought processes, that of the intellect and that of faith. At best, I could hope that writing provides support, moral and intellectual, for those working towards justice and equality for all, that I can be an advocate for truth as I perceive it.

Above all then, I write for the truth, for it is the truth that is dangerous to the powers that be, the truth about their secret wars and manipulations to strengthen their own hold on power. The old maxim holds true: the pen is mightier than the sword. That is why the U.S. corporate-political-military structures are so efficient with their media propaganda, keeping the people satisfied with their massively debt ridden consumer lifestyle.

That is why it is important for everyone to keep writing, whether it is faith based, intellect based, a mixture of the two, or in many instances populist writing, the common sense of the common man who wants food clothing and shelter, who wants cultural, intellectual, and emotional stimulation so that life is enriched beyond the basic elements of survival. Letters to the editor, letters to representatives, letters to friends all can have the power to transform. Writing can support the truth and argue against the lies and manipulations of those seeking absolute power and control.


I write because I can. I write to support truth, justice, and equality against those that deny it.


[1] Baroud, Ramzy. "Palestine: Demoralisation and Absence." http://www.ramzybaroud.net/index.php


[2] Fleming, Eileen. Memoirs of A Nice Irish-American 'Girl's' Life in Occupied Territory and Keep Hope Alive. Outskirts Press, Inc. Boulder, CO. 2007.


[3] http://www.wearewideawake.org/


[4] http://www.christianzionism.org/


[5] Cobb, John B. et al. The American Empire and the Commonwealth of God. – A Political, Economic, Religious Statement. Westminster John Knox Press, Louisville, Kentucky. 2006.

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www.jim.secretcove.ca

Jim Miles is a Canadian educator and a regular contributor/columnist of opinion pieces and book reviews to Palestine Chronicles.  His interest in this topic stems originally from an environmental perspective, which encompasses the militarization and economic subjugation of the global community and its commodification by corporate governance and by the American government. Jim Miles' work is distributed globally in print and on alternative news websites.    Published articles and book reviews may be viewed on the Palestine Chronicle website:                         www.palestinechronicle.com 

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Wanna be member of the anti-word police, author, columnist, activist and muckraker extraordinaire. Author of:Land, Legacy and Lynching: Building the Future for Black AmericaUrban Asylum: Politics, Lunatics and the Refrigerator Woman Contributing editor: (works in progress)Red, Black, Brown & Green: Ethnic People and the Move to Economic Self-Suficiency Screaming Doors (novel) Screaming Doors
M. DavisWanna be member of the anti-word police, author, columnist, activist and muckraker extraordinaire. Author of:Land, Legacy and Lynching: Building the Future for Black AmericaUrban Asylum: Politics, Lunatics and the Refrigerator Woman Contributing editor: (works in progress)Red, Black, Brown & Green: Ethnic People and the Move to Economic Self-Suficiency Screaming Doors (novel) Screaming Doors

Don't Despair: The best is yet to be

While we despair and allow the demonic forces to overcome goodness, keep in mind that we have more ways to bring down wicked reigns than ever before; and one of the most powerful and best is the power of communication, education and discourse.  We keep letting these assholes put us in a dysfunctional mental box of despair anddepression, when we have much to be greatful for, more to accomplish and many friends and relatives to share our joy with.

The triumph of evil is when it poisons hope with despair and mentally beats us down.  Day after day negativity, death, fear and lightly veiled hatred ooze out of the infestation in dizzy city and we allow these creatures to win by giving in, giving up and copping out.

Or worse, as I have seen time and again, "selling out" for the modern version of beads and trinkets.,  We are selling ourselves too cheaply.

by M. Davis (48 articles, 2 quicklinks, 14 diaries, 154 comments) on Saturday, December 15, 2007 at 8:17:33 PM
 

 

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