Random Monkey Mind Ruminations on a Saturday Morning

First!

I’m so proud of California’s supreme court for noticing the inherent inequality of preventing gay and lesbian people from marrying. Hurray for my home state! On the other hand the initiative system in California is a horror, and I’m quite worried. For two reasons. First, I believe that system is one of the grand examples of unintended consequences. Intended as a way to empower the people of the state it has become the tool of any special interest with deep pockets. Every year it requires deeper pockets to get one’s “word” out. And sadly hate always seems to have scads of money. Second, this is an example of a cultural shift and the ugliness that can accompany such great events. When young people are polled, regardless of their political or religious affiliations, they tend to see “gay marriage” as a no-brainer. Just basic civil rights. But, the older generation is deeply conflicted and are generally willing to exercise the tyranny of the majority, all the while cursing the judicial system for enforcing the plain intent of equality upon which our entire web of laws is based.

Actually, there’s a third concern that bubbles up for me. I’m just sick at heart that this may become the wedge issue the radical right is looking for this presidential election cycle. (Beyond, of course, the subtle appeals to racism that will become ubiquitous as the presidential 

campaign gets under way…)

Moving on: I’m certainly not surprised that President Bush has broken the traditions of our national political conversation and introduced language of appeasement and the spectre of Hitler into our domestic presidential campaign while pretending to address an international audience. That he has no shame is hardly news. That Senator McCain is happy to play along is probably not news, either. But, I keep thinking he would be better than that…

Regarding Burma, I’m so sorry for the suffering of the people. And, I wish with all my heart this wouldn’t prove one more example of the evil of the military dictatorship ruling those good people. You know dictatorships are often sold on the basis they can make the trains run on time. Here those damned fools can’t even do that…

And, last, just a few thoughts about China with reference to Tibet.

First, Tibet. There appears to be some groundswell among some people I look at on the web to question the Tibetan challenge to Chinese authority. They tend to follow the Chinese argument that the Tibetan government they toppled was a feudal theocracy. First, yes, Tibet was under the heel of a tyranny, and that it was religious only makes it the more odious. But here’s what happened after the Chinese army marched into Tibet. Today Tibet has been reduced to being a colony, Lhasa is now a provincial Chinese city where Han Chinese outnumber the native Tibetans, who have, it appears, become the poorest people within the bounds of Chinese authority. Here’s the ugly deal: by any reasonable standard a cultural genocide has occurred, and probably already succeeded. And please note. The Dalai Lama leads a resistance that is not even calling for independence, but rather only religious and cultural freedom and a measure of autonomy. 

Something you would think we could support.

Last, about the Chinese. As I follow the sad, sad stories of the consequences of the terrible earthquake, my heart goes out to the Chinese people. 

While I have little use for the fascist regime that rules China (There could be reams of reflection on how easily communism becomes fascism…) I have a deep and profound regard for China, its people, its cultural institutions and its religious history.

There is no doubt my personal religion runs directly back to and through China’s heart.

My gratitude for the religious genius of the Chinese people can not be adequately expressed.

The gifts the Chinese people bring to the world are boundless and I believe with all my being will enrich the people of this planet throughout time.

May the Chinese people flourish. May they be free. May they find joy and prosperity.

Okay, okay; back to work…