Several times over the last six to nine months I have been attacked because I have strong views on acceptable behavior.
Over the years I've noticed that my attitudes have changed. In the 80's I was active in animal rights and ending starvation groups. In the 90's my focus was on women's rights, children's rights and the environment. But I've come to realize that it is not about equality, but rather about equity. We live in a world in which the uneven distribution of power, resources, and freedom is inequitable.
The headlines of today's New York Times reads:
Dozens Slain as Lebanese Army Fights Islamists
So far 17 militants and 22 soldiers are dead. It is unknown how many innocents in the refugee camp are dead or injured because no one can get in there to verify the information.
The Islamic militants are using the refugee camp as a base and as a shield.
"What began as a raid on several homes in Tripoli in pursuit of suspected bank robbers connected to Fatah al-Islam quickly escalated into an open confrontation with the group at their stronghold in the camp."
Lebanese hate the Palestinians in the camps because they blame them for the civil war. The Palestinians have lived in these camps for years, they lost everything in the civil war. Mind this is not a simple problem. The last census cited that the country was predominately Christian, in 1932. But that really isn't the case. The Muslim's who live in Lebanon want another census, and a restructure of the government to reflect the changed population.
Isreal and the Christian government don't want that. Because they don't want another Muslim foothold in the Middle East. Of course, this is a very simplified view of a very complex political, social, cultural and religious problem.
My point to all of this, HATE is a horrible feeling. If we cannnot as humans find common ground with which to settle our differences then we all are in for more of what has occurred and is continuing to occur in Lebanon.
So many times I see pagans ranting about christians. Newsflash, one day, we could be the folk in the refugee camps.
We need to find better ways to settle our differences. We need to watch our own, and make sure that when they step over that line into inappropriate behavior, that we as a community do not sanction crappy behavior with the idiotic "well Wicca is whatever you want it to be so if it feels right to you then it is right" arguement.
No one in the pagan community wants to step up and create a set of standards for minimum acceptable behavior. Oh, they don't mind whining, ranting, and bitching about the "teh evul xtians" who abuse, rape, discriminate, fire, evict, etc etc etc. But push those same expectations on a pagan? No way, don't you know that is in violation of everything we believe in?
One of those most common refrain's I've heard is "Who are you to judge the actions of others?" or "You're just a bully trying to force your brand of pagan fundamentalism"
WOW, really? Let's look at what I actually have repeatedly stated as my expectations.
1. Do not teach minors without parental notification and permission.
2. Responsibility in teaching, the same kind of expectations as to training, education, and background one would expect of someone teaching your child, is the same expectations we should have for our teachers of the Craft.
3. Contradictions, Historical revision, and blatant hypocrisy. Self appointed leaders have these things pointed out to them dozens of times, with no change, no growth, no acceptance of personal responsiblity.
Then yes, I do believe that as a community that values spiritual enlightenment, and as a member of this community, I have the right, no, I have the duty and responsibility to point out and ask for public denial and censure of these kinds of people.
Every single religion has them. We are not unique. What we are unique in, is our complete disregard for ethics, truth, honesty, and a refusal to hold our leaders, both chosen and self-appointed to higher expectations.
At some point we will have no choice but to take a stand. My fear is that by the time the general pagan population is finally ready, we will have already lost to much ground and too many innocent people.
Monday, May 21, 2007
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
You've got to be kidding me
So from the First Amendment Center we have this article
Choice between their God and their Job?
"Muslim taxi drivers and Christian pharmacists have very different beliefs and work in very different professions. But now they share a painful dilemma: By following their consciences, they risk losing their jobs.
Religious accommodations are often difficult to make, but upholding religious freedom is worth the effort. If at all possible (it isn’t always), the government should avoid putting people to what Justice Potter Stewart called “a cruel choice” between their God and their job."
Choice between their God and their Job???
You're kidding me right?
Frankly, political correctness is seriously starting to get on my nerves. Phramacists are whining about how prescribing the morning after pill is the same as giving a rape victim an abortion, and is against thier religious beliefs.
Now, folks have been bending over backwards to accomodate them, but in reality, they want to force their religious beliefs down the throats of their unsuspecting customers. Because that is really what it means. And I cry bullsh*t.
A few Muslim cab drivers don't want people in their cabs carrying alcohol or dogs?
Well, at the airport about the only folk with dogs are going to be disabled, with service animals, so basically religious fundamentalism trumps basic human kindness.
Frankly, if their God is really that close minded, I am gratefull to not be a Christian or Muslim.
But back to the real debate: The First Amendment does not guarantee that you can discriminate against people at your job because of your personal religious beliefs, it does not say that you can refuse service, what it does say, is that the government shall not make any laws prohibiting the free and PERSONAL religious observations.
It will not prohibit the free assembly, it will not prohibit the free expersssion of the individual.
But see, there was once a great man who said: "Your rights end, where my nose begins."
If you don't want to hand out specific prescriptions, then stand up for your beliefs and get a new job. If you don't want a damn dog in your cab, well then, get a new job.
But you don't get to inflict your individual, personal, religious intolerance on the rest of the world, newsflash, you just aren't that special. And tying up our courts with your damn specialness is just disgusting.
Choice between their God and their Job?
"Muslim taxi drivers and Christian pharmacists have very different beliefs and work in very different professions. But now they share a painful dilemma: By following their consciences, they risk losing their jobs.
Religious accommodations are often difficult to make, but upholding religious freedom is worth the effort. If at all possible (it isn’t always), the government should avoid putting people to what Justice Potter Stewart called “a cruel choice” between their God and their job."
Choice between their God and their Job???
You're kidding me right?
Frankly, political correctness is seriously starting to get on my nerves. Phramacists are whining about how prescribing the morning after pill is the same as giving a rape victim an abortion, and is against thier religious beliefs.
Now, folks have been bending over backwards to accomodate them, but in reality, they want to force their religious beliefs down the throats of their unsuspecting customers. Because that is really what it means. And I cry bullsh*t.
A few Muslim cab drivers don't want people in their cabs carrying alcohol or dogs?
Well, at the airport about the only folk with dogs are going to be disabled, with service animals, so basically religious fundamentalism trumps basic human kindness.
Frankly, if their God is really that close minded, I am gratefull to not be a Christian or Muslim.
But back to the real debate: The First Amendment does not guarantee that you can discriminate against people at your job because of your personal religious beliefs, it does not say that you can refuse service, what it does say, is that the government shall not make any laws prohibiting the free and PERSONAL religious observations.
It will not prohibit the free assembly, it will not prohibit the free expersssion of the individual.
But see, there was once a great man who said: "Your rights end, where my nose begins."
If you don't want to hand out specific prescriptions, then stand up for your beliefs and get a new job. If you don't want a damn dog in your cab, well then, get a new job.
But you don't get to inflict your individual, personal, religious intolerance on the rest of the world, newsflash, you just aren't that special. And tying up our courts with your damn specialness is just disgusting.
Saturday, May 5, 2007
Discrimination, what is and what isn't
Real case, handled by reasonable and rational folk:
Now here is an excellant article that shows how adults handle discrimination
link
"UW-Madison Settles Religious Discrimination Case
The University of Wisconsin-Madison has agreed to award 250-thousand-dollars in student fees, next year, to a Catholic student group to settle its religious discrimination lawsuit. Both the university and the UW Roman Catholic Foundation praised the agreement, which settles a federal lawsuit filed after the university refused to recognize the group, last year.
The UW agreed to award fees for the group's student activities, ranging from prayer gatherings to speeches, and classes in theology. But, the student group agreed to establish itself as a separate entity from St. Paul's Catholic Church and not seek funding for masses, weddings, funerals, or other events controlled by ordained clergy.
The Alliance Defense Fund, a Christian legal group that represented the foundation, says the agreement will help end religious discrimination on college campuses. University spokesman Casey Nagy says the settlement is beneficial to both sides and will give students the chance to join an organization that complies with requirements for school recognition and funding."
~Nice, the student group receives their funding, and agree to NOT practice behaviors and activities reserved for ordained clergy. It's a good compormise, and allows for other religious groups to form legitimately on the campus.~
Fake case, fake people, only out to get into the spotlight and make all of our lives harder
Now here is an article that highlights all that is wrong, and why we keep getting a bad rap:
link to article
A teen girl came to school with a pentagram on her cheek on May 2nd, supposedly as an observation of Beltane. I cry bullshit:
"Andy Pecenke, the teen's father, said that he and his wife, as well as his daughter are all Pagan. "I've been a member of the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids for 13 years," Pecenke stated.
"If it was a part of her faith that everyone of her faith does this on May Day, then I would say our apologies to the child and the parent," he said. "But that isn't the case here."
In response to the entire ordeal, Pencenke stated that, "If I get an apology from the school, I'll be happy. It is discrimination and a violation of civil rights. If harassment continues, then I might have to take legal action. I would prefer to not go that route."
Unfortunately, Miss Pecenke was sent home yet again today for displaying numerous pentagrams on her face. Something tells me this is far from over, so we'll have to wait and see how this plays out in the future."
~I can't blame the journalist for their sarcasm, because this is not a case of religious discrimination. First of all, our rites are personal, between us and deity. The school has a valid point, there is NO supporting history or evidence that a 1-2 inch pentacle on her cheek is an expression of her religious faith. Oh Gods, and now they are going to use it as an excuse to SUE???
Yeah, there you have it, they think they'll get some money out of it and get to look all holy and righteous at the same time.
Bigots on Parade
Bing's Blog
"Christian groups are up in arms regarding the inclusion of homosexuals under the federal hate crimes legislation that recently passed in the House. They fear that if homosexuals are protected from hate crimes that they will no longer be able to express their religious views. To protect homosexuals is to deny the church the opportunity to discriminate against them, hold them in contempt or condemn them to hell.
The James Dobson's and the "God hates Faggots" crowd contend that to deny them their bigotry is infringing on their right to religious freedom. I feel for them, I do. Because hate is such a hard thing to shake and an easy thing to justify. I could go on and on about the hypocrisy of homophobia and the teachings of Jesus, but that's a moot point. It's so obvious it doesn't need to be brought up. I'm not anti-Christian or anti-religious but I am anti discrimination and anti bigot. "
WOW,the level of hate and ugliness that humans can lower themselves to never ceases to amaze and grieve me. Compared to the little teeny bopper who can color pentacles all over her face, kind of puts it all into perspective, doesn't it?
Now here is an excellant article that shows how adults handle discrimination
link
"UW-Madison Settles Religious Discrimination Case
The University of Wisconsin-Madison has agreed to award 250-thousand-dollars in student fees, next year, to a Catholic student group to settle its religious discrimination lawsuit. Both the university and the UW Roman Catholic Foundation praised the agreement, which settles a federal lawsuit filed after the university refused to recognize the group, last year.
The UW agreed to award fees for the group's student activities, ranging from prayer gatherings to speeches, and classes in theology. But, the student group agreed to establish itself as a separate entity from St. Paul's Catholic Church and not seek funding for masses, weddings, funerals, or other events controlled by ordained clergy.
The Alliance Defense Fund, a Christian legal group that represented the foundation, says the agreement will help end religious discrimination on college campuses. University spokesman Casey Nagy says the settlement is beneficial to both sides and will give students the chance to join an organization that complies with requirements for school recognition and funding."
~Nice, the student group receives their funding, and agree to NOT practice behaviors and activities reserved for ordained clergy. It's a good compormise, and allows for other religious groups to form legitimately on the campus.~
Fake case, fake people, only out to get into the spotlight and make all of our lives harder
Now here is an article that highlights all that is wrong, and why we keep getting a bad rap:
link to article
A teen girl came to school with a pentagram on her cheek on May 2nd, supposedly as an observation of Beltane. I cry bullshit:
"Andy Pecenke, the teen's father, said that he and his wife, as well as his daughter are all Pagan. "I've been a member of the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids for 13 years," Pecenke stated.
"If it was a part of her faith that everyone of her faith does this on May Day, then I would say our apologies to the child and the parent," he said. "But that isn't the case here."
In response to the entire ordeal, Pencenke stated that, "If I get an apology from the school, I'll be happy. It is discrimination and a violation of civil rights. If harassment continues, then I might have to take legal action. I would prefer to not go that route."
Unfortunately, Miss Pecenke was sent home yet again today for displaying numerous pentagrams on her face. Something tells me this is far from over, so we'll have to wait and see how this plays out in the future."
~I can't blame the journalist for their sarcasm, because this is not a case of religious discrimination. First of all, our rites are personal, between us and deity. The school has a valid point, there is NO supporting history or evidence that a 1-2 inch pentacle on her cheek is an expression of her religious faith. Oh Gods, and now they are going to use it as an excuse to SUE???
Yeah, there you have it, they think they'll get some money out of it and get to look all holy and righteous at the same time.
Bigots on Parade
Bing's Blog
"Christian groups are up in arms regarding the inclusion of homosexuals under the federal hate crimes legislation that recently passed in the House. They fear that if homosexuals are protected from hate crimes that they will no longer be able to express their religious views. To protect homosexuals is to deny the church the opportunity to discriminate against them, hold them in contempt or condemn them to hell.
The James Dobson's and the "God hates Faggots" crowd contend that to deny them their bigotry is infringing on their right to religious freedom. I feel for them, I do. Because hate is such a hard thing to shake and an easy thing to justify. I could go on and on about the hypocrisy of homophobia and the teachings of Jesus, but that's a moot point. It's so obvious it doesn't need to be brought up. I'm not anti-Christian or anti-religious but I am anti discrimination and anti bigot. "
WOW,the level of hate and ugliness that humans can lower themselves to never ceases to amaze and grieve me. Compared to the little teeny bopper who can color pentacles all over her face, kind of puts it all into perspective, doesn't it?
The Burning Times
So in another incarnation I came across an idjit that used the two articles below as "evidence" that the Burning Times are still happening.
Truly, I did try to ignore it for a few days, but, I'm sorry, I can't resist.
Couple burned alive for "black magic"
Yahoo article
"HYDERABAD, India (Reuters) - An elderly Indian husband and wife were burnt to death after villagers accused them of practicing black magic, tied them together on a pyre and set them on fire, police said Thursday.......Last year, a barber in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh killed his four-year-old son by slitting his throat with a razor after the man started seeing visions of the Hindu goddess Kali demanding a sacrifice."
~First of all, what they perceive as "black magic" in India has NO relation to the heresies practiced during the Inquisition, but we'll get to that. This is the point where I get to remind all those obtuse dim wits that Kali is NOT a sparkly loving Mama Goddess. Not to mention, he killed his own son, how in the heck is that evidence?~
White witch 'sacked for days off'
BBC article
"She had 21.5 days off during her six-month probationary period."
~uumm, what? and this is evidence how?
Don't get me wrong, I'm sure there was some misunderstanding going on here, but the reality is simple, she agreed to do a job, and she didn't do it. This is one of those cases that make me clench my jaw. As a teacher your first duty is to your students, and in this case there is enough evidence to prove that this woman, a teachers ASSISTENT, was lacking in confidence to begin with. She asked how much she should disclose, and she was told to not do it. And frankly, I don't want any teacher disclosing their religious beliefs in the classroom, it has no place there. Now, if she wants to get a job at a Wiccan school, that is different. But what the heck did she expect, she's in the religious studies dept????~
I want to know, did the guy who posted this every bother to really do an iota of research on the Burning Times?? Heck, even Starhawk has backpedaled in light of new scholarship and research.
Truly, I did try to ignore it for a few days, but, I'm sorry, I can't resist.
Couple burned alive for "black magic"
Yahoo article
"HYDERABAD, India (Reuters) - An elderly Indian husband and wife were burnt to death after villagers accused them of practicing black magic, tied them together on a pyre and set them on fire, police said Thursday.......Last year, a barber in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh killed his four-year-old son by slitting his throat with a razor after the man started seeing visions of the Hindu goddess Kali demanding a sacrifice."
~First of all, what they perceive as "black magic" in India has NO relation to the heresies practiced during the Inquisition, but we'll get to that. This is the point where I get to remind all those obtuse dim wits that Kali is NOT a sparkly loving Mama Goddess. Not to mention, he killed his own son, how in the heck is that evidence?~
White witch 'sacked for days off'
BBC article
"She had 21.5 days off during her six-month probationary period."
~uumm, what? and this is evidence how?
Don't get me wrong, I'm sure there was some misunderstanding going on here, but the reality is simple, she agreed to do a job, and she didn't do it. This is one of those cases that make me clench my jaw. As a teacher your first duty is to your students, and in this case there is enough evidence to prove that this woman, a teachers ASSISTENT, was lacking in confidence to begin with. She asked how much she should disclose, and she was told to not do it. And frankly, I don't want any teacher disclosing their religious beliefs in the classroom, it has no place there. Now, if she wants to get a job at a Wiccan school, that is different. But what the heck did she expect, she's in the religious studies dept????~
I want to know, did the guy who posted this every bother to really do an iota of research on the Burning Times?? Heck, even Starhawk has backpedaled in light of new scholarship and research.
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