Of all the religions I have studied, I must say that, in my opinion, Islam boasts some of the prettiest music I’ve ever heard. One of my favorite recording artists of 2008 is, hands-down, Zain Bhikha. His spellbinding voice advocating Allah is so pleasing to the soul that words can’t even describe what it feels like just to listen to his songs because his music is so beautiful. One of the reasons why I have gravitated to his songs is that the message behind his lyrics is clear, which is to say that among other things, once we have lived this life and our death is imminent, whatever material things we have accumulated will remain behind, and our journey to what lies beyond this physical existence will begin. This is a message that transcends religion, I know, but the way in which Bhikha sings makes what we all must face not so depressing. I hope you enjoy the embedded videos.
Congress passed the 700 billion dollar bailout bill, which rewards major financial organizations for making utterly disastrous decisions in the subprime mortgage mess. The fact that the federal legislature ‘had’ to step in and use money we don’t have to help organizations that obviously have not helped everyday Americans infuriates me. And, to add insult-to-injury, I became even more disgusted as I watched the national leadership, lead by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, wallow in a vulgar display of false security because I understand that the taxpayers will be the ones who will be made to suffer.
As the events leading up to the bailout revealed themselves, I tried to wrap my mind around what truly happened. Beyond the corporate greed that is the true cause of this mass misery, we have millions of Americans who invested their retirement and IRA accounts into organizations such as Merrill Lynch, Bear Stearns, and the AIG Company believing it was a good outlay of money. So, we have average Americans using their asset allocation principles to squirrel away funds to be used as their retirement, which is smart thinking. However, investing for a strong retirement is something that takes decades. Now, we have a population who did that which they knew to do and are now told that not only have they lost their next egg, but they are now told they must pay into the massive bailout plan. Where’s the justice?
Both Congress, who allowed this to happen, and the corporate managers, whose main interest was their personal bottom line, have much to answer for, but it will be the hard-working people who will suffer the brunt of this catastrophe. Just like the two wars we are waging in Afghanistan and Iraq: It’s a rich man’s war, but a poor man’s fight. It’s reminiscent to the song I’ve embedded with this blog entry, the Federal government is looking into the eyes of the American people and saying, “You can’t win.”
You know there is something sexy when a beautiful woman is in control. Especially in entertainment, it’s exciting to see people such as Britney Spears and Janet Jackson command an audience in a choreographed orgy of well-rehearsed dancers and fast-paced music. What really makes a performance is when the star of the show demonstrates a passion for her craft by spellbinding the audience into a mystical trance, thus captivating all those present. It’s one of the many things women have over men.
Except Michael Jackson, I cannot recall any other male performer who has the same kind of appeal and allure as, say, Madonna. Women just look better than men; I can’t explain it. The following clip is of Paula Abdul at the peak of her fame. If you look carefully, you can see the emotion she brings to the dance floor. Her entire performance was planned with pinpoint accuracy, and she pulled it off seamlessly.
Recently, I was observing an argument between two of my good friends, Coley and Jefferey. The basis of their disagreement was over the relevance of Jesus and the distinctions between ‘religion’ and ‘spirituality.’ The friendly quarrel between Coley, a Christian, and Jeff, an agnostic, began with Coley saying how blessed he was in his life, with Jeff in turn giving a repugnant response stating that Christ had nothing to do with Coley’s good fortune. The ensuing conversation was an intelligent attempt for each man to dominate the other by using logic to make his own opinion heard.
I will be the first to tell you that I am not an authority on God, but after spending a year studying religion and the quest for meaning with the University of Virginia, I have surmised that the pursuit of faith and spirituality is simply one person’s attempt to find balance. The core principle of any faith is essentially harmony, and, more importantly, to love one another. Jesus is right for those who believe in him as Buddha is right for those who believe in his teachings. Moreover, in my studies, I’ve learned that the divine seems to help only those people who are willing to help themselves.
The best common sense approach, regardless of faith and in my opinion, comes from Matthew 7: 7 – 8 of the New Testament. It reads:
Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: for every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
Jesus “blessed” Coley only because Coley chose to help himself by taking practical steps to do what needed to be done, rather than just waiting for things to happen to him. By saying, “I am blessed,” this is an expression of humility. It is his way of taking responsibility but without taking the credit.
So, for what it’s worth, this is how I feel; both of their arguments have merit.
