‘Raise Your Voice’ Archives
Against Hate Speech
By Peter Molenaar My father”'s recent “cardiac event” made time for the two of us to revisit family history. Ancestors had been burned at the stake or otherwise repeatedly dunked under water until dead”¦and the bullies of childhood left marks as well. Nonetheless, in his medical practice, father treated religious people with devotion. Why then did that man on TV say: “No woman should even consider dating an atheist, given that such a man must lack a moral compass.” Forgive me, please. None of us is at war with God. Father believes consciousness is a product of the evolution of matter. Sentient life forms are recognized, while human consciousness is acknowledged as most precious. Secular humanism is then the basis of his morality. (more…)
Fresh Springs And Flowing Streams
By Peter Molenaar It was August 30, 2010 when John T. Williams, a 50-year-old Native American woodcarver, was shot four times by a Seattle police officer. He was simply crossing the street while holding a block of wood and a pocket knife. What year was it when Julani, a Somali neighbor, was gunned down here? True, he brandished a machete, but he was warding off demons, not attacking people. They surrounded him and then”¦ Yes, the long list of victims dates back to slave cargo ships, the genocide, and the inception of “free-enterprise.” No, we will not “get over it.” But now fresh springs burst free from a saturated soil. Small streams combine to form rivers. “The revolution begins now!” And yes, there are countless meetings and public forums. (more…)
The Aura Of Tomas Young
By Peter Molenaar Truly, the new science of brainwave imaging has begun to reveal some interesting things. For example, moments of compassionate giving manifest as definitive and relatively expansive “cloud” formations. As Christmas is approaching, we might now reconsider old reports that the spirit of Jesus emanated a visible aura. But for now, I contemplate the image (year 2005) of a crew-cut “lad” named Tomas Young. Confined to a wheel chair, his sign reads: MR. BUSH WHY WON”'T YOU MEET WITH ME? Alongside Tomas stands Cindy Sheehan. Cindy”'s son Casey was killed in Sadr City (same city, same day) as the bullet severed Tomas”' spine. QUESTION: What “noble cause?” From Tomas Young “The Last Letter” (an excerpt): “I write this letter, my last letter, to you, Mr. Bush and Mr. Cheney”¦your lies, manipulation and thirst for wealth”¦I, and hundreds of thousands of my fellow veterans, know fully who you [...]
