Tags
Buddhism, Christianity, compassion, education, empowerment, free, hunger, loving kindness, unconditional love, universal equality, world
In the past two weeks
I’ve had a lot of time to think
about important and unimportant things
(long story).
I have come to some very basic conclusions
as is my right and obligation.
They may seem obvious to some.
To others they may seem inflammatory.
Deal with it —
say what you want on your own page.
I believe that as humans
we deserve:
UNIVERSAL EQUALITY IN ALL ASPECTS OF LIFE,
UNIVERSAL ACCESS: TO FOOD, WATER, SHELTER,
MEDICAL TREATMENT AND AVAILABILITY OF MEDICATION,
UNIVERSAL ACCESS TO EDUCATION,
UNIVERSAL FREEDOM OF CHOICE OVER OUR OWN BODIES,
UNIVERSAL FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT,
FREEDOM OF SPEECH,
DEMOCRACY.
These are big issues
that have repercussions in news events
around the world.
I haven’t worked out all the details, yet,
but I have seen a lot of headlines on television
in print media and on the internet.
On our planet
we must eradicate (as much is humanly possible,
as opposed to what is economically viable)
HUNGER
DISEASE
VIOLENCE
HOMELESSNESS
BIGOTRY
WAR
(and others too numerous
to mention).
My neighbor:
MUST NOT starve while I eat,
MUST NOT die of illness while I have access to a cure,
MUST NOT BE CONFINED BY NATIONAL BORDERS
if his life, health, or opportunities
are at risk,
MUST HAVE universal access to the best education
in order to best express his natural abilities,
MUST HAVE equal access to meaningful, rewarding and satisfying employment,
MUST HAVE the freedom to make their own life choices;
these choices MUST NOT be dictated by GOVERNMENT
RELIGION, SOCIETY or self-proclaimed MAJORITIES.
LYNCH MOB DEMOCRACY MUST BE ELIMINATED.
In short, I AM my brother’s keeper.
I WILL treat him as I would prefer to be treated.
I WILL NOT be the cause of abuse,
whether physical, verbal, mental or emotional.
I WILL live my life
according to the best of my potential.
‘NUFF SAID (for now)…
…
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Dennis Cardiff 
Beautifully worded! In an ideal world equality would be a reality and everyone must have equal rights and access to privileges and facilities like medical, literacy and education, employment and so on. However, we don’t live in an ideal world. And it pains me to say that while there are people like you and I and many more who believe in equality irrespective of one’s caste, creed, color of skin or sexual identity, the world is also plagued by bigots and hypocrites who are obtrusive about their beliefs and force it down others throats and have subverted notions of what “equality” means. I completely concur with your thoughts and have tried to share the same thoughts in my blog post “Love in little boxes!” a few weeks back.
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I wish the whole world could read this!!! Totally agree.
’nuff said.
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Hi Shaz, thank you for your kind words. I love your poem ” A Mother’s Day”. It is very heartfelt.
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Thank you Dennis.
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Agreed whole heartedly!
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Thank you. I very much appreciated your poem “its a suicide related poem … just saying”. My grandfather committed suicide and my father was haunted by it his entire life. Families recover from a death, it’s inevitable, but suicide is a choice that others can never understand.
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Thank you. I very much appreciated your poem “its a suicide related poem … just saying”. My grandfather committed suicide and my father was haunted by it his entire life. Families recover from a death, it’s inevitable, but suicide is a choice that others can never understand.
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❤ Thank you for sharing that .. it was about my Uncle; the good one 🙂 And all these years later, we’re still left pondering the ‘why’; but yes, it was his choice … but I miss him …
Sorry you lost your Grandfather xoxo
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Extremely well said, Dennis. Kudos…and much respect.
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Thanks Felicia for your kind words and all your support.
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I wholeheartedly agree Dennis! Thank you for sharing this with us!
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Thank you, Damon.
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This is perhaps the most beautifully written poem I’ve ever read. I sincerely hope that all those who read it remember these words when they go to vote. That is doubly true this November, for all those who reside in the United States.
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Thank you, Josh. When I wrote this poem I was recovering from Meningitis (inflammation of the meninges caused by viral or bacterial infection and marked by intense headache and fever, sensitivity to light, and muscular rigidity, leading (in severe cases) to convulsions, delirium, and death.)
I have since recovered completely, but I realized how vulnerable we all are. I didn’t want to die without stating, with as much emphasis as possible, how I see the world situation. The time for subtlety and diplomacy was over.
I admire you for your work in protecting jaguars. We are all the same (animals included). We seek happiness and an end to suffering.
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Thank you Dennis, I appreciate your support. I also agree with you: the time for subtlety is over. We do all seek happiness and en end to suffering, but they cannot be brought about through fear or the derogation of other human groups. Only compassion and embracing the interconnection of all life will create the future we all yearn for.
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