Compassion, the "new" black

Faith based initiatives: Good idea. It’s American. At our core this is who we are. I like what the Ba hai faith says about different religions “that all spring from the same source.” I believe this. I grew up in a very religious family. At various times and stages in my life it has been a bit inconvenient. However, having experienced a mighty unseen hand at work at some of my most perilous, frightening moments, I holdfast to my abiding faith in a higher power. My foundation is still that of a 12 year old humbling accepting Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. That said, I have also seen the inner workings of many “organized” religious institutions and it was not always pretty. So I can understand how the best and highest ideals of man can fall short with flaws. While not perfect most religious followers will do well as long as they remember and honor the concepts of caring more for others than themselves. Just “caring” is a giant step in the right directions. Thanks, President Obama for bringing “compassion” back.
I think it’s great that we have a leader who has and outwardly exhibits compassion and humility yet remains strong and Presidential. Keep up the good work. It does matter to people like myself. I’ve never been one of those people who wanted my President to be “someone I would have a beer with.” I want a President who is smarter than me but can also “relate” to me and my situation with compassion. What if, compassion becomes the “new” black, where average service oriented people become our heroes. Imagine a time and place where service is honored over greed.

Just as the little "black" dress forms the basis of any descent wardrobe, compassion should form the basic character of any descent human being from the less to the greatest. Thank you President Obama for being a role model not just in words or deeds but the very essence of your being.

Cafe Reconcile

Wynton Marsalis, jazz musician and reknown chef John Besh were featured on one of my favorite Sundance Channel programme's "Iconaclast." Both these artist have volunteered and sponsored many benefits to help the city they grew up in--New Orleans. During the the program I learned about Cafe Reconcile, a nonprofit oganization that helps at-risk youths of New Orleans. Cafe Reconcile provides a safe supportive place for the youth to have the option of receiving the life, work and educational skills necessary to turn their lives on a productive path toward thriving and complete citizens of the city.

Something to fight about

We just finished celebrating the 4th of July...American Independence Day. Now, that was a war worth fighting for. A war based on principles of freedom and participation for all although as a nation we still often stumble living this out, I believe the basic motives were pure.

Next take a close look at our "War Money" counter in the upper right for real-time visual on the actual money being currently being spent on the Iraq War. Better yet, add a link to your blog or web page by going to Cost of War: National Priorities Project. You can even compare the cost of war to other things that money could have bought like health and education. What are we fighting for--democracy (for who), greed, hatred, fear? Here's an emanate idea worth fighting for--protecting and preserving our earth which is in grave danger no matter what the skeptics say. This is a war where everybody can win. Isn't that worth fighting for? " Check out Live Earth
to find out what's going on or get involved. You can even make a pledge that doesn't actually cost you. How cool is that? Check out the interview with former Vice President, Al Gore and advertising guru and motivational entrepreneur, Donnie Deutsch at The Big Idea: Donny Deutsch questions people/