Whirled Peas

I had a conversation with a friend yesterday about many of life's little dramas. And we both agreed that we (her & I) can laugh at just about anything. That in fact, we have to. It's the only way to cope. And I've used this blog, so far, to try and laugh through many things. I try to stay light-hearted. I've tried, so far, to keep things light, not get into personal feelings regarding politics, religion and other 'hot topics.'
However, these things have been weighing on me. And I just get so infuriated. I get infuriated that our country has re-elected such an idiot. I admit, that months after 9/11, I rooted for W to invade Iraq. I was a new mother & I felt like he was protecting my baby. But seriously, after my new mommy haze wore off, I saw things for what they were/are. And since then, I have felt so helpless and angry watching such a great country filled with great people get thrown under the bus, bottled up in a barrel of oil and sold. For what? $3-something a gallon? Is it worth it? Are we really serving the greater good here or what? Are we really a nation that is prided on being humanitarian and enforcing peace? I used to think that. Not anymore.
I've watched an actual city, I mean an actual city and the people of that city left for dead. And these are things that are just happening here. I'm not talking about some city in Iraq. I'm talking about NOLA.
We are so hypnotized by mindless, ridiculous television. War images are kept from us. The truth is kept from us. But it IS out there.
You know, I just don't feel like it's our job to force 'democracy' or religion on another country, let alone individuals. I believe in humanitarianism. I believe in an equal quality of life for man and woman. I believe that sometimes, war is inevitable and at times, just. But we also need to be a model.

This administration - this "president" (I use that term loosely) swears to end the 'war on terror' and that the 'evil-doers' will come to justice. Well, who really, is invoking terror and really who seems to be evil? Now, I'm not saying there are no terrorists. I mean, how can I reflect on 9/11 and honestly not think that? I know it's there. But our own government is provoking terror in us. They use that terror on those of us who have children. Isn't that so easy to do? I mean, that's who the voting base was for W's election in 'o4, Where his big numbers were. And there is something sinister about taking an alternative life-style group, and using them as a platform? How can a 'christian' say well, God loves this group, but not this one? Isn't that what judgement day is all about? Is it our place to say what God would want????? Why can't we just love each other as brother and sister? Isn't that what God would want us to do???????????
I guess basically all I'm saying is that the way things are going, isn't good. Duh, right? I know George Bush thinks that oil is worth fighting for. But what about us? Don't we think that WE are worth fighting for? Aren't our waterways and our air worth fighting for? Isn't TRUTH in our own government worth fighting for? Our children's futures? No brainer. What about upholding social programs, the elderly, the poor (and there will be more poor in this country than ever before. Just wait). Our education system, our healthcare, our OWN RIGHT TO DIE? What about being able to talk on the phone? I mean, how simple is that one? But we're so content to watch 'American Idol' and and drive in our big SUV's, live in our big houses, using up resources and energy like it's candy, eating crap food which poisons us. Salvation a la mode and a cup of tea. Yeah. Let's wake up.
My dream for my children & this country is Peace. Why is it too much to ask for basic peace? What about humanity, humbleness, and love? Why are these things so hard?? Things we learn about before the age of 8? Supposedly, anyway.

Listen, we need to be inspired. We need to be led, we need to be organized. For right now, this is what I can do. This post. Here are some songs that get me inspired that I thought I'd share.

Peace Train - Cat Stevens (I'm sure I'll get a few comments on this one!)
Get Up, Stand Up - Bob Marley and the Wailers
Talkin' bout a Revolution - Tracy Chapman
Imagine - John Lennon
Teach Your Children - Crosby, Stills & Nash
Redemption Song - Bob Marley and the Wailers
With My Own Two Hands - Jack Johnson feat. Ben Harper
3 R's - Jack Johnson