I don't understand. . .

Peace protesters are arrested.

War mongerers are allowed to continue on their path of death and destruction.

Isn't killing always wrong? Or is it okay if you're rich and powerful?

The White Man's Burden

I'm white and I heard this phrase often while I was growing up. Not from my parents, who were fairly progressive for their times. Especially my mother. I did hear it from other distant relatives though. And I picked up adult conversations here and there. I was first born, and a good eavesdropper.

It wasn't so much said as implied, actually. White people are civilized, accomplished, and ambituous. But the others? Well, just look at them. Three babies by the time they turn sixteen. Living on welfare. You get the idea. We had some very staunch Republicans in our family. And if you read my book, Rebounding, you'll come across Sam Adams. He is loosely based on an uncle by marriage--though my uncle was much kinder to the people in his family. In fact, he treated his wife very well. It was just, well, "them," that he wasn't comfortable with.

When I went to college I inherited the burden. I met a man from Thailand who practiced Islam and, because he was such a good person, I set out to save his soul from eternal damnation by teaching the word of God as I knew it then. But he showed me the Qur'an and taught me the word of God instead.

White people are stronger, better in character, smarter. We owe it to the world to save them from themselves. This message has not diminished over the 50 years of my life. In fact, I think it has become much stronger.

My kids don't buy it though. They're half Asian. Even those with lighter skin color don't consider themselves to be white. There are times when I have to remind them that stereotyping white people is also racist.

I don't know who created the concept, but I wish someone would put an end to it. It would free the lighter skinned people, like me, from the arrogance of thinking we could save the world. And maybe then we would all be able to talk it out.

Newsflash: Osama Bin Laden May Be Dead!

Not if you read the blogs. I keep telling people this. What I've read on the internet is often up to two or three years ahead of the mainstream media.

Would a dead Osama Bin Laden help the Republicans win the elections in November? Or have the American people become smarter in the last year or two?

And, of course, Moslem terrorists are still a threat--with or without Bin Laden. But wasn't the capture of Bin Laden the reason for the invasion of Afghanistan? Or was it to bring back the opium trade?

Will Rogers said it. Don't always believe what you read in the papers. Or hear on the evening news.

I wonder how soon before the elections Bin Laden will be confirmed dead. And how long will these gas prices continue to decline? And what will happen if the Republicans lose control of the Congress?

Stay tuned. It's sure to be an interesting autumn.

Have Pity!

I remember, when I was growing up, hearing about the poor people who lived in Russia. They didn't have the freedom to speak, write, worship or even travel. Everyone hated the evil Soviet empire, but we felt sorry for the people who were forced to endure unspeakable tyranny.

In this last week, two world leaders have stood before the United Nations General Assembly and expressed their sympathy for people who live under the rule of a tyrant. A devil even, one speaker said. Both expressed their sympathy for the poor people of the United States of America.

I remember when this nation was a true world leader. Exporting goods, promoting education, and sending envoys to various parts of the world, calling for peace. It was Camelot, and for one brief shining moment everything seemed right with this country. Well, except for that problem of racial segregation. In fact, this country has never existed without some form of racism or xenophobia.

But otherwise things were pretty good. Industry was strong and this country was respected thrughout the world. Well, except for Vietnam. Striving to conquer the lands of others has always been another weak point.

And families were intact. Mother took care of the children while Father went out to earn a living. The youth of America were strong, determined, anf ambitious. Well, except for those who got into sex, drugs and rock 'n roll.

Okay, maybe there were a few problems even then. But people didn't pity us or hate us. At least we had a little self-respect.

When I watched the Decider up at the U.N. podium, I tried to picture JFK instead. Can you imagine? We once had a president who spoke the English language language and delivered orations, not sound bites.

We are pitiful. But it's not entirely our fault. I want a recount. And leave the Supreme Court out of it this time.

*****

In related news, the Mexican equivalent of Al Gore is forming his own parallel government. I guess the Mexicans have more bravado than we do.

A more objective newscast

I was pleasantly surprised by the coverage on NBC of Mahmoud Ahmedinajib, the president of Iran. He was interviewed and given the chance to express himself--which he did most eloquently.

On tonight's newscast the anchor (I've forgotten who it is--they change so frequently these days) read emails disagreeing with the decision to cover the Iranian president in depth and allow him to express his views. But it was noted that a democratic society should allow the airing of different viewpoints. What a refreshing statement for network news.

And on Katie's newscast, Bob Schieffer came on to discuss the folly of Iraq. I could scarcely believe my ears. The mistake has become so obvious that even the mainstream media can no longer ignore it.

Oh, and I enjoyed reading about the comments made by Hugo Chavez at the U.N. I find it interesting, and hopeful, that world leaders--including those whom the U.S. government names as enemies--support and feel pity for the American people while despising our leadership. I don't like anyone to pity me, ever, but it is nice to be understood by the world community even if we are not understood in D.C.

And a Muslim general is temporarily the head of Thailand. Now that's really interesting.

These last five years I've pined for the days of Cronkite and Huntley/Brinkley. Maybe there is hope. Maybe the U.S. can have a free media once again.

"Mai Bin Rai"

The last time Thailand had a military coup, I was living in a remote area not far from Bangkok. When I went into the city I was shocked at the sight of soldiers in the street. That feeling of discomfort disappeared for many years--until the passage of the Patriot Act.

But this isn't about the loss of American freedom. This is about Thailand. That coup of the early '90s began when the prime minister, Chatichai, boarded a plane for an anticipated meeting up north. The plane never took off. Instead, Chatichai was informed of the coup. His response? "Mai bin rai." Which means, basically, "No problem."

In spite of the military presence and the black-out of the news I was impressed with the Thai style of overthrowing governments. It was only this evening that I learned of a violent confrontation during that coup. In Thailand, such things were not talked about.

I have the feeling this coup is different. The prime minister, who is widely disliked, is in New York. The head of the army is a Muslim. And I was surprised when viewing footage of Thailand's king. The last time I saw him on TV--back in 1992--he still looked very good. Now he looks like an old man. I don't know how much longer he will live. And his death will send shockwaves throughout the country.

Thailand is different too. More westernized. Not as easy-going as it once was.

I'm watching the news closely. It will be interesting to see what develops. In spite of some potential problems, though, I don't expect much violence. It's not the Thai way.

Invasion of Privacy

I woke up this morning and said my morning prayer. Then I went to my desk to browse the Internet--my morning routine. But my desk was empty. My laptop was missing.

After further investigation, I found my cell phone, charger, and some money missing also. I was shaken, of course, and asked my son to call the police because I didn't feel I could do it.

The officer spent about three hours at our house. He did the initial investigation while his partner inspected the outside. They found a window screen which had been removed. He questioned family members, trying to put the burglary into a time frame. Then he called on a police photographer and waited with us.

While we waited, we talked. Some of the conversation was political, in an intellectual way. I mentioned that by far the greatest amount of terrorism against Americans is perpetrated daily through murders and other felonies. He agreed, noting that murder rates in the U.S. have far surpassed more sensational figures such as the number of soldiers who have died in Iraq.

I've shared my story with my mother and some friends today. All noted the sense of violation following a break-in. That's probably one reason why I'm still awake. Whoever broke into our house last night already took my most valuable material possessions--I'm a writer and I miss my laptop greatly. Now I just worry about my family.

I wish the war on terror would address the problems we have in our own country--and sometimes in our own homes.