This writing was inspired by the recognition that we are all connected and individually we make a contribution to the whole. No longer can I point the finger at others without looking at myself. Read and see if you agree that you are the difference that is needed and where it starts:
Declaration of Inter-Dependence
“We the People” find ourselves in very challenging times; high unemployment, rampant wars, ever escalating healthcare cost with little apparent benefit as parents often bury their young, evermore marital I do’s are becoming I don’t, and the masses choosing to live in ways that destroy (drains) the very planet that was designed to sustain us, our Eden.
While it is hard for a drop to recognize it’s contribution to the flood, I resist being a drop in the tsunami that is devastating our country, our world.
Too many deaths, to many wasted dreams. The grave is full ideas and solutions; seeds that were never able to take root, having been poisoned by criticism, self doubt, hatred, and other acts of foolishness, roads that truly need less travel.
Our country and our world is in trouble, and our leaders, those we look to for direction and resolve, seem to be in search of selfish rather than selfless solutions. These leaders dance in a theater of agendas that appear motionless, while those they profess to represent feel unheard (or better unloved). But it is unhelpful to convict when they are spiritually unconscious, a state of sleep that I too can be found in, and I tire at aimless pointing, so I look to myself.
I find it unhelpful to drink the poison of un-forgiveness expecting my transgressors to get ill, to rob myself of healing sleep doing things that help neither me nor those that I love. I’m saddened by eating in a manner that breaks me down, rather than build me up, and ashamed of leaving tasks undone that would help me, my family, and my community.
I say no more. Today, I draw a line in the sand, thrust a stake in the ground, and declare Interdependence Day. From this day forward, I constantly look for actions that I (yes I) can take, to better myself, my family, and my community. I give the energy of my attention to the good around me, away from wickedness that I am not empowered to address, and remain aware, present, and grateful for every breath that I take.
I may slip, and I may fall, but with each passing day’s tender mercies I begin a new. And with God’s grace I pray that I take yet another step forward. And when you see me, if you can, offer me words of encouragement. Because a better me makes a better we, and a better us makes for a better world.
Signed: “I” the People, Global Citizen
Copyright 2011
For a printable pdf click here : ) Interdependence_Day
By Alan SnelLAS VEGAS REVIEW JOURNALDuring the days leading up to this year’s Super Bowl on Feb. 3, you can count on three things a litany of stories on the teams’ two coaches who just happen to be brothers, buzz about TV commercials that will cost $4 million and the feds cracking down on street vendors hawking phony, unlicensed NFL jerseys, shirts and hats.Such was the case Friday when federal agents and Las Vegas police displayed counterfeit sports gear ranging from Chicago Bears and New York Jets jerseys to bags bearing the logos of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Denver Broncos and Green Bay Packers. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations and Las Vegas police officials. Agents said Mustafa Ahmadi, 31, cheap nba jerseys china and Sonia Qudrat, 29, used a screen press at a Fremont Street Experience kiosk in downtown Las Vegas to apply professional sports teams logos downloaded off the Internet to shirts, jerseys, hats and scarves.The two were arrested on charges of selling counterfeit goods and face a Class D felony, punishable by up to one to four years in prison and a $5,000 fine.Sports retailers who sell legitimate licensed NFL and other sports gear celebrated.”I was jumping for joy. This is awesome,” said Bruce Mianecki, owner of Uniform Sports, a retail store in the Las Vegas Premium Outlets South. Nike is the NFL supplier of licensed jerseys. Mianecki said he also has contacted Craigslist about people selling phony, unlicensed NFL gear on that website.”I have to compete with these guys. They undercut me. They sell a jersey for $40 or $60, and my top jersey goes for $250. And they’re not cheap nfl jerseys putting any money into the tax base,” Mianecki said.The NFL, which hires local companies to identify vendors pitching unlicensed merchandise in dozens of markets nationwide, lauded Friday’s news. “These counterfeiters aren’t graphic artists they’re con artists. Our fans deserve the best from the NFL, and these counterfeiters dupe them into buying inferior merchandise and also harm local retailers.”Vendors selling phony gear hurts the city’s tourism economy because unsuspecting tourists buy inferior, unlicensed merchandise and don’t return because of the negative experience, said Las Vegas police Detective Robert Sigal, who cheap jerseys china worked on the case.”They won’t come back to the city,” Sigal said. A month ago, federal agents also seized phony NFL jerseys that were sent from China and bound for a Henderson man.Michael Harris, assistant special agent in charge, said the counterfeit sports gear cheap jerseys outlet is just a slice of a bigger illegal movement of phony merchandise that ranges from fake car parts and contact lenses to medicine. retailers lose $200 billion to $250 billion annually in sales because of phony merchandise, Harris said.Steven Sampilo, a Homeland Security special agent involved in the sports gear crackdown, said there is another dubious element: “A lot of counterfeiting supports terrorism.”Comment section guidelinesThe below comment section contains thoughts and opinions from users that in no way represent the views of the Las Vegas Review Journal or GateHouse Media. Users must follow the guidelines under our Commenting Policy and are encouraged to use the moderation tools to help maintain civility and keep discussions on topic.Articles Connexes：
