ENKINDLER

Published by Reggae Festival E-Guide 4/19/06

Some believe a spiritual person is one that observes laws, feasts, traditions and/or Sabbaths. Others believe it is one who possesses higher knowledge and self-discipline, and some may think it is one who is irie with everything and full of worldly wisdom. Views vary according to an individual’s perception. At times, when I think of a spiritual person, I think of a man in a robe meditating in a botanical garden. This thought is usually followed by the realization that I’d probably be more peaceful too if I could sit and meditate in a beautiful garden everyday!

I think that there are many attributes a person may posses in order to be a spiritual being. Could it be that anger is also a spiritual attribute? Without anger, the scales of justice may remain unbalanced. Rarely, do we ever equate an angry person as being spiritual, though I believe there is a healthy place for righteous anger in this world; as long as it only involves non-violent acts that is not directed against nature or imposed upon other people. One example is biblical Jesus who overturned the money-changer’s tables outside the temple as a protest to the greed of the religious leaders of his time. A shocking and unforgettable example is the Buddhist monks who performed ritual suicide by setting themselves on fire in protest against anti-Buddhist policies by the South Vietnamese government in 1963. Protests such as these made people take notice and injustices were changed.

Recently, threats of nuclear assault by The United States of America (A.K.A. “Operation Tyrant”), and Iran have been at the forefront of the world news. Like two schoolyard bullies, they have hurled threats toward each other; hoping to cast the other into oblivion. The problem is self-evident. Their actions negatively affect all life forms on this planet. The President of the United States, George W. Bush has recently ordered testing for a nuclear bunker busting bomb (A.K.A. “Divine Strake”) in the Nevada desert. It’s the largest bomb ever made with 1.4 million pounds of explosives. It’s expected to toss a cloud over the city of Las Vegas on June 2, 2006. Anyone who loves and appreciates life on this planet can see that this devastating event is not something to look forward to as we celebrate Earth Day on April 22nd!

If this angers your spirit as it does mine, please join me this week in writing to Nevada Senator Harry Reid concerning the use of the Nevada desert as a nuclear testing site (www.giveemhellharry.com). Pray, that these world leaders’ plans would be thwarted. Let’s end the needless destruction of the Earth before it’s too late! With a passionate voice of non-violent anger, it could be possible to change the future. Make everyday an Earth Day, we are dependent on Her.

admin Published Articles, Short Stories America Freedom, reggaefestivaleguide.com

Published by Reggae Festival E-Guide 2/1/06

Tuesday, January 31, 2006 may be a day we look back upon in the future as ironic and significant. As one American female spokesperson of social justice and equality passes, another courageous woman emerges in the new millennium. But, will we recognize her as a pioneer of change?

Coretta Scott King passed this week after a long battle with cancer. The wife of Reverend Martin Luther King and mother of four, she became one of the most influential women leaders of social justice and peace in our time. Her support of equal rights for all people, religious freedom, feeding the poor and a voice for the elderly, will stand as a testament of her courage and faith. She will be sorely missed.

On Tuesday the 31st, President George Bush gave his annual “State of the Union Address”. While the speech was filled with the usual political rhetoric, the most significant event may have happened fifteen minutes before the speech. Secret Service Police removed Cindy Sheehan from the event. Apparently, she violated the dress code by wearing a tee-shirt that stated, “2245 Dead, how many more?” California Representative, Lynn Woolsey personally invited her to the State of the Union Address. Sheehan had come to our attention after her son Casey was killed during the Iraqi War in 2004. She began holding vigils around the country and asking President Bush, “What noble cause did my son die for?” A question Bush has yet to answer adequately.

Now, the irony begins… President Bush opened his speech by commending the life’s work of Mrs. Coretta Scott King. In 1955, King’s views were not readily accepted. Many assassination attempts were made on King’s family. Over time and through struggle, it became self-evident that everyone deserved to be treated equally and with dignity. Mrs. King stood for ideas that were ahead of her time.

Both King and Sheehan have refused to accept the status quo. While one is rightfully honored the other is wrongfully denied.

A half century ago, Rosa Parks changed the nation as she refused racial segregation on a bus. Will Cindy be considered a pioneer in the future? These incredible women may just be the first of many to stand and question the powers that be.

Was it not Benjamin Franklin that said, “The first responsibility of Democracy is to question authority”?

Please join me in praying for Cindy as she continues to question authority.

admin Published Articles, Short Stories America Freedom, reggaefestivaleguide.com

Published by Reggae Festival E-Guide 9/26/05

This week I was reminded that the E-Guide E-Newsletter is celebrating it’s 50th Issue. The E-Guide team has provided a constant source of the best roots, reggae and world music festivals listings around the globe - a blessed thing! Blessings to continue to promote gatherings of like-minded, freedom-loving people all over the globe.

With freedom in mind, reggae was born in the hearts of it’s people who struggled with oppression while believing the spirit of the warrior. As long as there are those without freedom, this music will continue to be a relevant voice of freedom’s will and the evidence of a higher power from which all life springs forth! I pray that as people gather at festivals throughout the world, the dream of One World, One Love would resonate in their souls as we all join in the freedom fight from wherever we stand on this Mother Earth.

As I contemplate freedom, I reflect on world history and reminded of the ancients, the martyrs, the persecuted, blood of those who have died in struggle for freedom. I also remember the innocent victims of slavery who were denied humanity and civil liberty. What courage the Chinese student displayed when he stood alone in front of the tanks in Tienanmen Square (see right). Without these warriors, we would not be standing here.

Academics promotes free thinking over ideology. Beware of anyone who tries to limit education to the elite. Truly tolerance is at the heart of all freedom. The oppressors do not tolerate personal freedom. They do not trust our judgment. We must fight those who seek to conform us to their agendas and greed-based reality. The freedom to worship, the freedom to play music, the freedom to debate information, and the ability to have choices are essential freedoms all humans deserve!

One Love,
James

admin Published Articles, Short Stories America Freedom, reggaefestivaleguide.com

American Way (read as Slam Poetry)

during Bush Administration.

The American dream has become a Darwinian nightmare
Everyone crawling over each other like sewer rats battling for moldy bread
Under a veil of red, white, and blue
a bible and a gun
distorted truth compounds the greed
Shame on everyone!
the temples are wrent
moneychangers tables overturned

Children and the Future
our greatest loss

Can something of truth be found in a lie?

How can we say “Love One Another”
and allow our leaders to send our children off to die?

America, America
Wrath is coming for you!
for brotherhood, you do no good
from deed to dirty deed

admin Lyrics, Slam Poetry America Freedom