from an unknown quote to Darfur activism
My Mom told me this morning that a friend of hers heard me being quoted "on television" yesterday. I asked her what the quote was. She didn't recall. I asked her what the topic was. She didn't recall. She's going to check with her friend and see if she can remember what it was and the context of it (it must not have been too big of a deal, I haven't received an uptick in website hits or book orders).
I suggested it might have been "A quote is just a tattoo on the tongue" or "The existence of a single atheist does not disprove the existence of God".
There is always a danger, living in a small community with strong family ties, of being called upon to compromise principle for the comfort of others, to wear a muzzle. I hate being in that position, when I have been there. "A running man cuts many sleeping throats in the dark". Someone who is worried about his personal baggage is hobbled and loud and clumsy and ineffective. Most effective public figures have lousy personal lives, because you can't serve two masters.
I don't think I've ever done or said anything that anyone should worry about. I've never called for a bloody revolution, advocated manslaughter or done a beer advertisement. My political causes are, in keeping with my Christian faith and mission, almost entirely humanitarian, and my political views, while generally liberal, are still within the spectrum of sanity as even the most ardent of Rupert Murdoch (Fox TV) fans can deal with.
No, I do not limit myself to "Let's go, Mountaineers". Yes, I have been involved in some high profile relationships and I have some friends who do make the news. I do believe Christian activism is a daily thing and that my calling, as a poet, involves saying things in a loud enough voice that those who are not listening with a clear head and an open heart will find some context to criticize.
Anyone who wishes to take issue with my recent stand on the humanitarian crisis in Darfur really needs to be criticizing themselves, looking long and hard at what is in their heart and what they are doing to make this world a better place. By the way, if you have not yet stopped by the blog Darfur, dying for heroes I would ask you do, at this time. An activist blog, they are trying to bring greater focus on this crisis.
There are many issues, causes and problems in the world. Hunger, war, child pornography, spousal abuse, drug addiction, religious intolerance, animal rights, racism, gender conflicts, terrorism, political unrest, genocide, and Steven Segal films. You do not have to agree with my agenda to do something. Pick a cause (ideally something a little more extroverted than "Me for me") and get involved. I may not agree with the path you choose, but I will respect you for making a difficult choice and walking the walk.
2 comments:
It is difficult to live in a community, any size community where the fear of expressing your thoughts or opinions leads to inaction.
Much has been said to criticize those who take a stand against our current administration, much has been said to criticize those who support our current administration.
The constant criticism and negativism directed toward Americans has caused, I believe, a great impotence on the part of its citizens.
It is easy, in a country such as ours, to conduct our lives on autopilot, to get lost in the details of our everyday lives. It is easy to tune in to news programs, (think) you know all the facts about an issue and feel superior to those who spend their time here on earth watching sitcoms, reading escapist literature, and not wanting to hear about issues that might lead to action on your part.
There are those who have such a lack of trust in mankind as a whole that their fear of some type of reprisal deafens their ears to what is good and right in all of us.
There are endless ways to avoid action of any type.
Personally, I have had many extraordinary opportunities in my life. I have had the opportunity to live all over the world, I have had the opportuntity to work and live with people from many different life experiences. I grew up with a family member that worked with governments to establish defense systems and other currently unpopular safety nets for our country. I cannot judge the actions of others. My parents lost many friends in their younger years (through murder, or random terror) attributable to political issues. I've known some people in the entertainment industry who've used their fame as a platform to make a difference, some of those people are criticized for using their notoriety to promote causes. A dear friend of my once worked along with her husband with an undercover government organization sworn to protect our citizens. You never would have guessed this about her.
My point, and I do have one, is that each and every one of us has the ability and the responsibility to fulfill our obligations while we are here on earth. Our obligation, no matter what our political, religious or social sphere, is to make a difference, to be the one throwing the pebble in the lake. To be the one nudging the first domino, to actually plant the seeds to make this world a better, safer place. Love is all around us. It is our responsibility to share it, in whatever way we can. We are all here for a purpose, each and every one of us. The only shame is in not doing what we are capable of, whatever our limitations may be.
I can't remember the song, or the artist, but this morning "There's a better place...."is running through my head. No matter what our political views, station in life, or faith, let us resolve to make this world a better place, here and now. Way Over Yonder is one of my favorite songs, but yonder can and should be here and now. Make a difference, wherever and however you can, right here, right now.
-Stepping off my soapbox, getting ready to start my day. Mr. DeVault, this is where an editor might come in handy. Thank you for inspiring us all to think about the hard questions in life. I've never met you, but I know that you are a good person, and you do make a difference. I am embarrassed to admit that I had not heard a single word about Darfur before listening to your podcast. Thank you for encouraging people to make a difference on this earth. Thank you for all of that.
-a
Do whatever you want with this. I’m not sure it belongs anywhere, but wanted, at the very least, to encourage you to continue making a difference, however you can. Thank you for inspiring me, and for inspiring the people who read your blog and your poetry.
God bless your heart for the link to www.DarfurDyingForHeroes.blogspot.com. It will be an honor and a service for us to do the same to you. 'Never Again too few citizen heroes in the face of Genocide.' jay
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