A hundred thoughts swirl in my head right now that hopefully will end up related. Not too convoluted.
First of all, this is just a pic to show that Donica and I have both taken up walking on our new treadmill. I walk 3x per week, 20 minutes each time at 3.5 mph and a 6% incline. I work up a good sweat. But since my doctor says it'll only lower my cholesterol by 10-15% (and I'll have to take my meds the rest of my life), I'm doing it for my heart. And the euphoria.
Okay, that's the background. When I walk, I listen to my tiny shuffle iPod that holds only 100 songs. Donica got it for free somewhere. It's the only time I listen to it, those 20 minutes.
A couple days ago, a song from Walela, one of my favorite groups, was "Tell Them They Lie." You can listen to it here under the Unbearable Love album. Though the lyrics are specific to Cherokee indians, the sentiment is universal. "What kind of world is this we are living in...." Hold that thought.
Last night we went to see Blood Diamond, Leo DiCaprio's new movie. It's the story of how many Africans are violently killed in the process of mining diamonds for those of us who see/buy them as a rare commodity. There is a lot of buzz today because of this movie, about making sure we buy "conflict-free" diamonds. I asked Donica, how do we know for sure?
Whatever we listen to, whatever we're told, whatever we see, are we able to distinguish the truth from the lie? Does this apply to our wars, our governments, our religious righteousness? And if/when we sense a lie, are we able to tell "them" that they lie?
I received an email from Amnesty Int'l this week promoting the movie and giving several links about conflict diamonds. They gave a report about interviewing diamond retailers and how they handle this issue. It looks as though the movie is going to help with awareness. You can see the links here: http://www.amnestyusa.org/diamonds/index.do. Every bit of awareness grows more, I believe! Thank you for your part!!
ReplyDeleteGinnie, your so right posting the question what's true, what's a lie. I always try to remember an important question: Can there be a hidden agenda behind? The truth is not always convenient and easy to take.
ReplyDeleteBut one thing is true: I'm posting this comment from RennyBa's PC in his conda in Sweden. We have fun and a very good time with our wifes.
Ruth: Awareness really is the name of the game, isn't it! Thanks for your added insight.
ReplyDeleteTor: I know you and Renny are having a blast! Along with your wives, of course. :)
So glad there are many of us who know about the diligence we need in choices we make.
Ok.
ReplyDeleteHow about we just don't buy diamonds, period.?
Well, you did a wonderful job of putting all those thoughts together!(And way to go on the walking!)
ReplyDeleteYes, I think we are fed many more lies than truths, unfortunately, and it's up to us to inform ourselves instead of believing blindly.
Actually, THR, it's interesting that you say this because I have never been particularly fond of diamonds. In fact, I told my husband-to-be back in 1969 that I did not want a diamond engagement ring but would much rather be engaged with a sewing machine! Seriously. And that's what he gave me.
ReplyDeleteI have since found out that Donica really likes diamonds and has wanted to give them to me. We have had a compromise of sorts and have kept the peace. :)
I DO like yellow gold, however, and wonder if there are similar horror stories associated with it? I would guess so. Are our precious stones totally off-limit because of the desecration in some places in mining them? Is there a place for them at all in today's world?
Christina: Thank you, my friend! Now if only we can inform ourselves and figure out the balance we need.
You have written much to ponder. Sometimes, we can distinguish truth from lie; other times it can be well nigh impossible in our society.
ReplyDeleteYou tied your thoughts together well.
It will often be difficult to distinguish whether we are told a lie or the "whole" truth. I guess there is a truth in all we are told, but the relevance might be very small and only serves to justify the lies being told. At least we have the freedom to show our doubt and question what we are told. In some countries you might disappear without a trace when questioning the government. This reminds me off a joke I heard the other day:
ReplyDeletePresident Bush visits a ground school and he tells the kids about his hard job. After the Preisdent has finished his story, the kids in the class room are allowed to asks questions. Little Bobby raises his hand. "Yes Bobby", the President says, "what would you like to ask?" Bobby says:" I have 3 questions for you"..
1. "Why was it so important to invade Iraq for a second time in history?"
2. "Do you really think we have been succesful, as nation, with our interference in Iraq?"
3. "Have you used the right and honest reasons to justify the invasion in Iraq?"
Preisdent Bush loks at Bobby wondering what to reply. Then the school bell rings to announce the morning break.
After the break al return to the class room and Bush says:"Where were we? Oh yes, you wanted to ask me some questions." John raises his hand and the Preisdent says: "Yes John, ask your question". John says:"I have 4 questions for you Mr. President".
1. "Why was it so important to invade Iraq for a second time in history?"
2. "Do you really think we have been succesful, as nation, with our interference in Iraq?"
3. "Have you used the right and honest reasons to justify the invasion in Iraq?"
4. "WHere is Bobby?"
We are told too many lies, I think. Unfortunately, in many cases it will often take a long time for the truth (or part of it) to be discovered. We do however need to question more what is going on and why.
ReplyDeleteTim: I'm afraid you're right about the "nigh impossible" for some things. Maybe we will just have to be more relentless in the areas that are important to us.
ReplyDeleteO-X: Your point is well taken about the "whole truth," which is often part of the problem! Half-truths or intentional distortions really end up making the lie worse.
We laugh at the Bush jokes, of course, but wonder how "sad but true" they are in countries all around the world. If we think our country is above such tactics, we believe a lie, I'm sure!
CS: You're exactly right, of course. It's too easy to be lazy and not question the status quo. God help us all!
Hi Ginnie, many thanks for the kind comment and i'm pleased you took my quote the way it was meant. I haven't seen the film you mention, but i like the discussion that you have caused. You see Ginnie, we too in our own little way, in our blogs can influence the way of the world. Lets put it to good use :)
ReplyDeleteBy the way "Keep on walking" as Elvis would say, or was that Johnny Cash :) anyway you know what i mean.
Best wishes on the 2nd Advent Sunday.
Neil
what an incredible post... Yes the truth thing is a big issue I've struggled with... I think that's why I love being an expat. You also meet so many people that way and get to hear it from a different point of view what is going on...
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the treadmill. I used to love the incline too! When in tip top shape, I'd do 45 mins, at 3.8/4.3 mph on 9% incline... YIKES
Neil: I love your sentiments and am in total agreement with you! One step, one drop at a time.
ReplyDeleteET: I really DO agree that knowing people from around the world and from different belief systems helps to bring truth and balance to the way we live. We NEED the different points of view, otherwise we become extremely ethnocentric.
I've decided to keep my treadmill goals attainable, lest I quit! :) For some reason, 20 minutes seems to be the right stopping point. However, just today I actually thought I might be ready to raise the incline half a percentage. But I don't ever expect to get to 9%. If I do, you'll be the first to know! :)