How low can they go? Feeling stabbed in the back by the SCOTUS?
Not only have we had to fight off gerrymandering in some states, voter ID laws in other states. Now we have to fight for our right to vote in states that are trying to cheat their way into office. We no longer have the federal government to protect our rights, in whats supposed to be a democracy. Today the supreme court all but burned in court the voting rights act. This act protected voters from states making up their own voting laws, against part of the electorate being discriminated against when trying to get to the ballot box on election day.
In the past this Act protected minorities in especially southern states, one of these states being Texas known for discriminating against Hispanics. This decision clears the way for them to change the mapping laws, making it easier for people that live in white areas to vote by keeping several voting booths open and in minority area only leaving a few. Texas is so excited about the Voting act being put down they are enforcing the voter ID law immediately. Texas is not the only state though, we Alabama, Pennsylvania, Florida and several others.
This is an outrage not just for minority groups but for everyone that truly believes in democracy. There is so much proof that states as recently as the last election, last year, want to make it unfair for a certain type of the countries voters. Giving their political ambitions an unfair advantage.
Where do we go from here?
The only thing we can do, get out there and let congress know that this decision is the wrong decision, we desperately need laws to keep all states honest. To protect every voter in this country we need laws in place that protect against discrimination. Whether it be blogging, calling up congress or protesting in the streets, get the word out to protect our democracy. What is democracy without voting rights?
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Pulled Over
"Ahhh, not this song again," Julianne said aloud as she looked down at the radio, "I can't take it anymore I've only driven twenty minutes and I've heard this song at least three times."
Julianne tried to adjust the radio to a station that she could tolerate but the urge to pee distracted her and she settled for the clique pop station. She looked desperately at each road sign wondering how many miles away the next rest stop would be. She saw a sign about a mile up hanging over the freeway that looked like it could be the sign she was looking for.
She took her left shoe off exposing her creamy white foot painted with red fingernail polish, 'I'm not really a waitress'. She slid her foot under her and sat on it, while biting her lip and trying not to think about how bad she had to pee.
'REST STOP NEXT EXIT'.
"Thank god, I don't think I could hold it any longer," she thought.
She pressed the gas down a little farther and sped toward the exit, only slowing down when she was entering the parking lot.
Officer Randy had just gotten his coffee and was sitting in his cruiser when he saw a red BMW speed into the parking lot. He reached to turn on his lights but before he could a girl popped out of the car, not more than 25 adjusted her short red skirt, slipped her shoes on and ran for the bathroom. He chuckled to himself and licked his lips as he watched her chest move up and down in her almost sheer, tan shirt as she ran for the bathroom.
He decided to drink his coffee and wait for her to return.
Julianne hiked up her skirt desperately and hovered over the toilet trying hard not to touch the seat with her bare legs.
"Ahhh, much better," she whispered as she relieved herself. "I hope that freaking cop is gone by the time I get out of here, one thing I don't need right now is another speeding ticket."
She quickly washed her hands and walked out of the building looking toward where she remembered seeing the cop. She felt a sense of dread when she saw that he was there, she rolled her eyes and made a beeline for her car. Slowly and dramatically she put on her seat belt and then pulled away.
Officer Randy sat there and watched her, smiling to himself. He always got a thrill watching people's uncomfortableness when he was around. But this girl was a thrill and after she left he couldn't stop thinking about her.
"Officer Randy, come in," a woman's voice came over the radio.
He knew immediately it was his wife.
"Yes, Martha, what is it," he rolled his eyes while talking into the receiver.
"Just making sure you were there, see you later," her authoritative voice came through the radio.
He decided not to answer, the guys on the force already gave him shit about her always bossing him around. He pulled out of the rest stop and sped up the highway as he remembered the girl he saw.
"I hope she's not speeding because I'll definitely get her," he thought to himself, grinning.
Several moments later a memo appeared on his screen.
Drone 669
Turnpike speed limit 70
BMW License Plate 7SE-69X
Color Red
Current speed 95
Officer Randy smiled and quickly clicked the 'pursue' button at the top of the page, sped up and threw his lights and siren on, he was determined to catch his girl.
"Shit, I know that stupid drone caught me," Julianne said as she looked up through the sunroof at the drone who stayed on her for several moments. She slowed down hoping that she wouldn't get pulled over but she knew better, she's been pulled over several times and knew she was doomed to get a ticket. She considered just pulling over now and waiting for the Officer to pull up behind her.
"Where is the next exit maybe I can get off before the officer gets to me. The only officer I've seen was the one at the rest stop. I bet he'll be the one to pull me over damn it."
She saw a sign in the distance that indicated the next exit would be in four miles.
"Maybe I can make it, maybe," she thought gripping the steering wheel. A moment later she checked her rear view and saw the lights, her heart sank as she moved to the right, still hoping that he might just pass her and get the other car that was speeding. When he followed her to each to the right she knew she was doomed.
She pulled to the shoulder and as close to the grass as possible, dug for her ID and searched for her insurance card. She smiled to herself and dropped it under the seat and waited for him to walk up. The officer knocked on her window and she rolled it down and looked up at the tall, handsome and muscular officer standing outside her door. She than nervously rolled down her window.
"License and Registration with proof of insurance please," he said in a deep seductive voice.
"Hello, officer, Here's my license and registration, but I dropped my insurance card under my seat, I have to get out and retrieve it."
"Alright then, go ahead and get out."
Julianne got of the car and bent over her seat trying slowly to recover her insurance card.
"Officer, it's hard to see in the dark, can you shine that flash light behind me to light the floor?"
Officer Randy, looked at her and knew immediately she was being seductive, he felt a little uncomfortableness in his pants that he couldn't adjust while she was standing there looking at him. She bent over again and he shined the light first on her too short skirt and then down her long legs.
"Oh, here it is," she popped up and handed the insurance card to him, her nipples visible through her more sheer than he thought shirt, in the light.
"Get back in the car, I'll be back in a second."
He turned and walked away, she watched him, biting her lip and rubbing her leg with the other.
"Get back in the car," he said to her pointing to the car and turning back around and smiling.
She quickly turned and sat down in her car and closed the door.
Randy got back to his car and ran her information trying to calm down the desire that has developed in his body. He saw that she had several speeding tickets including one that wasn't paid, and due in the next two days.
Julianne jumped at the knock at her passenger door after what seemed like hours of waiting.
She rolled down that window and the officer asked her to step out of the car and walk over to the grass.
"Oh, shit," she thought, "the short skirt thing didn't work, damn."
"Do you know why I pulled you over?" He asked "Come over here and stand in the grass, it's safer, away from the cars."
"No, officer..., looking at his badge, "Randy, don't know why."
"You were speeding, the drone caught you doing 95, the speed limit is 70 on the turnpike, did you know that?"
She didn't know what to say she just looked at him with a sorrowful look in her face hoping that he would let her go with a warning.
"I was going to give you a warning, but you already have another speeding ticket in the system that hasn't been paid yet."
"Please, please officer, please don't give me another ticket," she said looking into his and stepping closer to him with her hands behind her back pushing out her visible chest. I'll do anything, please just don't give me another ticket."
"Clearly you haven't learned your lesson from the previous tickets so I don't think it would be a good idea to let you go," he said looking at her hard nipples through the shirt. "Maybe some other punishment will have to suffice."
"Like what, officer?"
"Turn around, I'm going to have to arrest you."
"What arrest me, for a silly speeding ticket?" She turned around giving him her hands and grabbing at his bulge, squeezing.
He let out a loud sigh, unable to control his desire for her. He put her handcuffs on tightly and roughly putting her into the car. He got in the driver seat and started driving. She just looked at him in the rear view mirror, biting her lip. She could see his features much more clearly in the car and was very attracted to him she couldn't wait until they got to where ever they were going so she could jump him. "This little trip is turning out much better than expected," she thought.
"I'm going to teach her a nice little lesson," Randy thought as he drove to a secluded place off the road. He glanced at her staring at him in the mirror, he couldn't wait to get her clothes off.
Officer Randy pulled off the road and guided Julianne, handcuffs still on, through a little opening by the canal. The only light was the moon light over the water of the canal.
Julianne reached to kiss Randy, but bit him instead, hard on his lips.He responded by grabbing her neck and biting down hard. She let out a moan and pressed herself against him. He unzipped his pants, grabbed a handful of her hair and forced her to her knees pushing himself in her mouth. She responded giving him what he wanted, taking all of him in her mouth.
Several moments later her handcuffs and all of her clothes were off. He pushed her up against the nearest tree, moving her up and down, giving her pain with her pleasure, not holding anything back. She winched and moaned in his ear, forcing him to go deeper.
Pressing himself against her until she was way about him floating in the clouds, and her body completely relaxed. He then released all the tension and stress he had built up, from the job and his wife.
Julianne quickly put her clothes on as Randy quickly zipped up and watched her.
"Do you come here often?"
"No, but I would like to again with you," he answered looking at her reaction.
"Well you have all my info, right," she said looking him.
He nodded.
"Well let's get you back to work, before they come looking," she said with a chuckle.
As he drove her back to her car they were as silent as when they came. He pulled up behind her car, got out and opened the door pulling her out and escorting her back to her car.
"Drive safe, and when I text you, you better answer and be right back at this spot, I'll be waiting for you, and I'll have more time to punish you."
She looked at him and smiled; closed the door and drove away. She couldn't wait for the next time.
Julianne tried to adjust the radio to a station that she could tolerate but the urge to pee distracted her and she settled for the clique pop station. She looked desperately at each road sign wondering how many miles away the next rest stop would be. She saw a sign about a mile up hanging over the freeway that looked like it could be the sign she was looking for.
She took her left shoe off exposing her creamy white foot painted with red fingernail polish, 'I'm not really a waitress'. She slid her foot under her and sat on it, while biting her lip and trying not to think about how bad she had to pee.
'REST STOP NEXT EXIT'.
"Thank god, I don't think I could hold it any longer," she thought.
She pressed the gas down a little farther and sped toward the exit, only slowing down when she was entering the parking lot.
Officer Randy had just gotten his coffee and was sitting in his cruiser when he saw a red BMW speed into the parking lot. He reached to turn on his lights but before he could a girl popped out of the car, not more than 25 adjusted her short red skirt, slipped her shoes on and ran for the bathroom. He chuckled to himself and licked his lips as he watched her chest move up and down in her almost sheer, tan shirt as she ran for the bathroom.
He decided to drink his coffee and wait for her to return.
Julianne hiked up her skirt desperately and hovered over the toilet trying hard not to touch the seat with her bare legs.
"Ahhh, much better," she whispered as she relieved herself. "I hope that freaking cop is gone by the time I get out of here, one thing I don't need right now is another speeding ticket."
She quickly washed her hands and walked out of the building looking toward where she remembered seeing the cop. She felt a sense of dread when she saw that he was there, she rolled her eyes and made a beeline for her car. Slowly and dramatically she put on her seat belt and then pulled away.
Officer Randy sat there and watched her, smiling to himself. He always got a thrill watching people's uncomfortableness when he was around. But this girl was a thrill and after she left he couldn't stop thinking about her.
"Officer Randy, come in," a woman's voice came over the radio.
He knew immediately it was his wife.
"Yes, Martha, what is it," he rolled his eyes while talking into the receiver.
"Just making sure you were there, see you later," her authoritative voice came through the radio.
He decided not to answer, the guys on the force already gave him shit about her always bossing him around. He pulled out of the rest stop and sped up the highway as he remembered the girl he saw.
"I hope she's not speeding because I'll definitely get her," he thought to himself, grinning.
Several moments later a memo appeared on his screen.
Drone 669
Turnpike speed limit 70
BMW License Plate 7SE-69X
Color Red
Current speed 95
Officer Randy smiled and quickly clicked the 'pursue' button at the top of the page, sped up and threw his lights and siren on, he was determined to catch his girl.
"Shit, I know that stupid drone caught me," Julianne said as she looked up through the sunroof at the drone who stayed on her for several moments. She slowed down hoping that she wouldn't get pulled over but she knew better, she's been pulled over several times and knew she was doomed to get a ticket. She considered just pulling over now and waiting for the Officer to pull up behind her.
"Where is the next exit maybe I can get off before the officer gets to me. The only officer I've seen was the one at the rest stop. I bet he'll be the one to pull me over damn it."
She saw a sign in the distance that indicated the next exit would be in four miles.
"Maybe I can make it, maybe," she thought gripping the steering wheel. A moment later she checked her rear view and saw the lights, her heart sank as she moved to the right, still hoping that he might just pass her and get the other car that was speeding. When he followed her to each to the right she knew she was doomed.
She pulled to the shoulder and as close to the grass as possible, dug for her ID and searched for her insurance card. She smiled to herself and dropped it under the seat and waited for him to walk up. The officer knocked on her window and she rolled it down and looked up at the tall, handsome and muscular officer standing outside her door. She than nervously rolled down her window.
"License and Registration with proof of insurance please," he said in a deep seductive voice.
"Hello, officer, Here's my license and registration, but I dropped my insurance card under my seat, I have to get out and retrieve it."
"Alright then, go ahead and get out."
Julianne got of the car and bent over her seat trying slowly to recover her insurance card.
"Officer, it's hard to see in the dark, can you shine that flash light behind me to light the floor?"
Officer Randy, looked at her and knew immediately she was being seductive, he felt a little uncomfortableness in his pants that he couldn't adjust while she was standing there looking at him. She bent over again and he shined the light first on her too short skirt and then down her long legs.
"Oh, here it is," she popped up and handed the insurance card to him, her nipples visible through her more sheer than he thought shirt, in the light.
"Get back in the car, I'll be back in a second."
He turned and walked away, she watched him, biting her lip and rubbing her leg with the other.
"Get back in the car," he said to her pointing to the car and turning back around and smiling.
She quickly turned and sat down in her car and closed the door.
Randy got back to his car and ran her information trying to calm down the desire that has developed in his body. He saw that she had several speeding tickets including one that wasn't paid, and due in the next two days.
Julianne jumped at the knock at her passenger door after what seemed like hours of waiting.
She rolled down that window and the officer asked her to step out of the car and walk over to the grass.
"Oh, shit," she thought, "the short skirt thing didn't work, damn."
"Do you know why I pulled you over?" He asked "Come over here and stand in the grass, it's safer, away from the cars."
"No, officer..., looking at his badge, "Randy, don't know why."
"You were speeding, the drone caught you doing 95, the speed limit is 70 on the turnpike, did you know that?"
She didn't know what to say she just looked at him with a sorrowful look in her face hoping that he would let her go with a warning.
"I was going to give you a warning, but you already have another speeding ticket in the system that hasn't been paid yet."
"Please, please officer, please don't give me another ticket," she said looking into his and stepping closer to him with her hands behind her back pushing out her visible chest. I'll do anything, please just don't give me another ticket."
"Clearly you haven't learned your lesson from the previous tickets so I don't think it would be a good idea to let you go," he said looking at her hard nipples through the shirt. "Maybe some other punishment will have to suffice."
"Like what, officer?"
"Turn around, I'm going to have to arrest you."
"What arrest me, for a silly speeding ticket?" She turned around giving him her hands and grabbing at his bulge, squeezing.
He let out a loud sigh, unable to control his desire for her. He put her handcuffs on tightly and roughly putting her into the car. He got in the driver seat and started driving. She just looked at him in the rear view mirror, biting her lip. She could see his features much more clearly in the car and was very attracted to him she couldn't wait until they got to where ever they were going so she could jump him. "This little trip is turning out much better than expected," she thought.
"I'm going to teach her a nice little lesson," Randy thought as he drove to a secluded place off the road. He glanced at her staring at him in the mirror, he couldn't wait to get her clothes off.
Officer Randy pulled off the road and guided Julianne, handcuffs still on, through a little opening by the canal. The only light was the moon light over the water of the canal.
Julianne reached to kiss Randy, but bit him instead, hard on his lips.He responded by grabbing her neck and biting down hard. She let out a moan and pressed herself against him. He unzipped his pants, grabbed a handful of her hair and forced her to her knees pushing himself in her mouth. She responded giving him what he wanted, taking all of him in her mouth.
Several moments later her handcuffs and all of her clothes were off. He pushed her up against the nearest tree, moving her up and down, giving her pain with her pleasure, not holding anything back. She winched and moaned in his ear, forcing him to go deeper.
Pressing himself against her until she was way about him floating in the clouds, and her body completely relaxed. He then released all the tension and stress he had built up, from the job and his wife.
Julianne quickly put her clothes on as Randy quickly zipped up and watched her.
"Do you come here often?"
"No, but I would like to again with you," he answered looking at her reaction.
"Well you have all my info, right," she said looking him.
He nodded.
"Well let's get you back to work, before they come looking," she said with a chuckle.
As he drove her back to her car they were as silent as when they came. He pulled up behind her car, got out and opened the door pulling her out and escorting her back to her car.
"Drive safe, and when I text you, you better answer and be right back at this spot, I'll be waiting for you, and I'll have more time to punish you."
She looked at him and smiled; closed the door and drove away. She couldn't wait for the next time.
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
The Shame of Tears
You could see her pain as she sat there. As each memory seeps forth into consciousness she squeezes her eyes shut to try and block it away. Each time her eyes open you can see the tears pushing forth. She looks down to protect her dignity and to hide the shame of her tears. Her skin, though honey colored, is pale and her lips quiver trying to hold back sobs.
"Do you need a break?" I asked not wanting to push her to far over the edge.
"No, I'm fine," she replied through her scratchy, pained throat, "What was the question again?"
"Tell me about the first memory you can think of from your father."
She had stopped the tears from falling and sat up straight, looked me square in the eye as she began her memory.
"I came home from work, I think I was about sixteen at the time. Everything seemed normal and a few hours after I arrived my mother called me for dinner. All three of us sat at the dinner table, but something felt wrong, I felt nervous. My parents kept looking at each other at that moment I knew I was in trouble and I was desperately trying to figure out what I had done. I could not think of anything at all. 'What did you forget to do today' my father asked me. I thought my heart would beat out of my chest I could feel my eyes welling up with tears. The cloak of fear completely enveloped me, I couldn't think at all. I think he asked another time and I just stared at my dinner plate scared half to death. Then it came, he hit me so hard my head cracked back and I flew back and out of my chair and onto the floor. I was crying hysterically on the floor," she said and paused squeezing her eyes shut with her fingers, while panting as if she was experiencing the pain right at that moment.
"You are in a safe place now, you can continue when you are ready," several moments went by before she could compose herself to continue on with the story.
"As I laid on the floor my father got up out of his chair and started hitting me, he was pulling my hair, I just had my hands up trying to protect myself. I was scared to death and started screaming and crying. I couldn't believe it was happening. I remember having to go to the bathroom, wanting to jump up and run to the bathroom but I was to scared to move. He kicked me in my stomach and I started to gag in between the desperate and hysterical sobs and I peed on myself, right there on the dining room floor. I was so embarrassed and afraid that he would see and get angrier at me. After a few more moments of him pulling my hair and hitting me my mother finally said 'That's enough', and the nightmare ended; well that nightmare ended. He walked away and went downstairs and started drinking and watching tv, what he usually did every night. I finally got up and happened to look at the wall behind me where I put my hand trying to steady myself I remember the wall was splattered with blood, my blood, probably from my nose or my mouth I can't remember which it was. After I saw it I started sobbing and went to my room and went to bed."
"Did your mother come and try to comfort you?"
"No I figured whatever it was that I did wrong or whatever it was that I forgot to do I deserved the punishment, I'm sure that's the way she felt."
"Have you ever told anyone of the this episode?"
"No, I asked my mother if she remembered when that happened and she said no."
She was looking at me now, I could see in her eyes that she either wanted my to justify what had happened to her or to make it disappear from her memory. I actually felt guilty for knowing that I could do neither, all I could do is try to help her live with these memories and get over them one week at a time. This was neither the first nor the last, I could see that there is much more behind those eyes and I will get to everything in the coming weeks.
"Thank you Doctor, I feel a little better getting that out."
"There is no need to thank me, that is what I am here for, same time next week?"
"Yes, same time next week."
"Do you need a break?" I asked not wanting to push her to far over the edge.
"No, I'm fine," she replied through her scratchy, pained throat, "What was the question again?"
"Tell me about the first memory you can think of from your father."
She had stopped the tears from falling and sat up straight, looked me square in the eye as she began her memory.
"I came home from work, I think I was about sixteen at the time. Everything seemed normal and a few hours after I arrived my mother called me for dinner. All three of us sat at the dinner table, but something felt wrong, I felt nervous. My parents kept looking at each other at that moment I knew I was in trouble and I was desperately trying to figure out what I had done. I could not think of anything at all. 'What did you forget to do today' my father asked me. I thought my heart would beat out of my chest I could feel my eyes welling up with tears. The cloak of fear completely enveloped me, I couldn't think at all. I think he asked another time and I just stared at my dinner plate scared half to death. Then it came, he hit me so hard my head cracked back and I flew back and out of my chair and onto the floor. I was crying hysterically on the floor," she said and paused squeezing her eyes shut with her fingers, while panting as if she was experiencing the pain right at that moment.
"You are in a safe place now, you can continue when you are ready," several moments went by before she could compose herself to continue on with the story.
"As I laid on the floor my father got up out of his chair and started hitting me, he was pulling my hair, I just had my hands up trying to protect myself. I was scared to death and started screaming and crying. I couldn't believe it was happening. I remember having to go to the bathroom, wanting to jump up and run to the bathroom but I was to scared to move. He kicked me in my stomach and I started to gag in between the desperate and hysterical sobs and I peed on myself, right there on the dining room floor. I was so embarrassed and afraid that he would see and get angrier at me. After a few more moments of him pulling my hair and hitting me my mother finally said 'That's enough', and the nightmare ended; well that nightmare ended. He walked away and went downstairs and started drinking and watching tv, what he usually did every night. I finally got up and happened to look at the wall behind me where I put my hand trying to steady myself I remember the wall was splattered with blood, my blood, probably from my nose or my mouth I can't remember which it was. After I saw it I started sobbing and went to my room and went to bed."
"Did your mother come and try to comfort you?"
"No I figured whatever it was that I did wrong or whatever it was that I forgot to do I deserved the punishment, I'm sure that's the way she felt."
"Have you ever told anyone of the this episode?"
"No, I asked my mother if she remembered when that happened and she said no."
She was looking at me now, I could see in her eyes that she either wanted my to justify what had happened to her or to make it disappear from her memory. I actually felt guilty for knowing that I could do neither, all I could do is try to help her live with these memories and get over them one week at a time. This was neither the first nor the last, I could see that there is much more behind those eyes and I will get to everything in the coming weeks.
"Thank you Doctor, I feel a little better getting that out."
"There is no need to thank me, that is what I am here for, same time next week?"
"Yes, same time next week."
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Time
You keep saying it
But I don't feel it
Then another day goes by
You keep saying trust me
When there is no proof of certainty
Then a week goes by
A promise is a promise in my eyes
You can't say you gonna just to compromise
The lyrics play over and over in my head
The broken promises
The illusion of hope
Another day
I can see the door opened wide
Getting closer and closer
Closer with every hour
Every minute
Every second
I can see pain on the greener side
I can feel pain on this side
Which pain is worth it
I still can't decide
I can feel the coldness of the door
I reach it with displeasure and disappointment
I can see behind me
Your standing there
Your back is towards me
Wrapped up not seeing
Slowly my right foot lifts
The outside is cold but welcoming
The inside is cold and lonely
Relief washes over me
I lift my other foot to walk completely out
To abandon the glimmer of hope you gave me
In the same movement you are at the door
I'm snatched back inside
Before I can even breathe
The door is slammed shut
Another promise is made
Another feeling of hope is formed
Another hour minute second goes by
Another day
Another week
I can see the door again
Wide open
Then it starts again
The feeling that your promises will never be fulfilled wash over me
Another second
Another Minute
Another Hour
Another day
Another week
The door to the other side is open
The door to my heart is closed
When there are too many broken promises
You lose the illusion
You lose hope
You lose
Me
But I don't feel it
Then another day goes by
You keep saying trust me
When there is no proof of certainty
Then a week goes by
A promise is a promise in my eyes
You can't say you gonna just to compromise
The lyrics play over and over in my head
The broken promises
The illusion of hope
Another day
I can see the door opened wide
Getting closer and closer
Closer with every hour
Every minute
Every second
I can see pain on the greener side
I can feel pain on this side
Which pain is worth it
I still can't decide
I can feel the coldness of the door
I reach it with displeasure and disappointment
I can see behind me
Your standing there
Your back is towards me
Wrapped up not seeing
Slowly my right foot lifts
The outside is cold but welcoming
The inside is cold and lonely
Relief washes over me
I lift my other foot to walk completely out
To abandon the glimmer of hope you gave me
In the same movement you are at the door
I'm snatched back inside
Before I can even breathe
The door is slammed shut
Another promise is made
Another feeling of hope is formed
Another hour minute second goes by
Another day
Another week
I can see the door again
Wide open
Then it starts again
The feeling that your promises will never be fulfilled wash over me
Another second
Another Minute
Another Hour
Another day
Another week
The door to the other side is open
The door to my heart is closed
When there are too many broken promises
You lose the illusion
You lose hope
You lose
Me
What does this timeline mean to you?
It started with
Excitement
Happiness
Pleasure
There was a little
Fear
But that quickly turned into
Love
With the feeling of
Safety
Than came the
Confusion
Betrayal
Anger
Pain
Sadness
Then
Forgiveness
The new start came with
Happiness
Contentment
Doubt
Fear
Resentment
Sadness
Anger
Loneliness
Pain
The result of this pain was
Pleasure accompanied with
Guilt
Then came the
Sadness
Then the
Self forgiveness which returned to
Love
Hope
Contentment
But then there was
Confusion
Which led to the knowledge of
Betrayal
Which caused
Pain
Knowing the truth brought the illusion of
Hope
But that couldn't heal the
Treachery
Which caused the feeling of being
Alone
Stifled
Which brought on
Resentment
Sadness
Anger
Which led to
Pleasure with the result of
Guilt
This pleasure
Caused
Unexpected
Love
Which was
Rejected
Ignored
Then
Guilt
Sadness
Resentment
Confusion
Anger
Pain
All of this brought on the great
Collapse
Excitement
Happiness
Pleasure
There was a little
Fear
But that quickly turned into
Love
With the feeling of
Safety
Than came the
Confusion
Betrayal
Anger
Pain
Sadness
Then
Forgiveness
The new start came with
Happiness
Contentment
Doubt
Fear
Resentment
Sadness
Anger
Loneliness
Pain
The result of this pain was
Pleasure accompanied with
Guilt
Then came the
Sadness
Then the
Self forgiveness which returned to
Love
Hope
Contentment
But then there was
Confusion
Which led to the knowledge of
Betrayal
Which caused
Pain
Knowing the truth brought the illusion of
Hope
But that couldn't heal the
Treachery
Which caused the feeling of being
Alone
Stifled
Which brought on
Resentment
Sadness
Anger
Which led to
Pleasure with the result of
Guilt
This pleasure
Caused
Unexpected
Love
Which was
Rejected
Ignored
Then
Guilt
Sadness
Resentment
Confusion
Anger
Pain
All of this brought on the great
Collapse
Friday, February 15, 2013
To be an artist
Cool, calm and collective, those were my first thoughts when
I first laid eyes on David Le Betard. He strolled into the restaurant wearing a
sleeveless shirt and shorts covered in paint. Preparing for my inquisitive but
prying questions he orders an ice coffee and sparkling water, slumps
comfortably in the chair and waits for me to fire away. His easy smile, inquisitive eyes and sense of
humor made it an incredibly easy and pleasurable conversation; he held nothing
back as he painted a picture of his life, providing me a window to look
through, revealing some of his triumphs along with disappointments. Clearly
this artist’s personality hasn’t been tainted by the luxuries of success, but has
provided a life that is rich in experience and gratitude.
David has been painting all his life, being a son of Catholic
Cuban immigrants he was always encouraged to follow his dreams, the ability to
choose his career was of great importance. Keeping this in mind his talent has
never been taken for granted; through all the ups and downs the support of his
family and sheer determination has brought him down the road to success. He
stresses the importance of always being open to learn new things, whether it’s
learning a different type of brush or technique, he knows that it is extremely
important to be able to acquire more knowledge, and that he is never too good
to learn something new.
Though David recognizes his talent, and he has constantly reached for improvement and perfection he has not forgotten his spirituality,
he recognizes that none of this could be possible without a helping spiritual
hand throughout his entire life. Though he has a strong catholic background he
also gravitates towards the Buddhism way of life. He has learned that meditation
is a wonderful way to keep his life balanced, and that having compassion for
others is what makes life tolerable, this has helped make his life very much
fulfilled. To honor this he is preparing for a trip to Spain this fall, he will
walk the pilgrimage, dedicating thirty days of his life in
northern Spain, to find spiritual enlightenment, this
will no doubt reach deep into his soul and strengthen his spirituality.
Seemingly effortlessly he keeps a good balance between work,
play and spirituality. Now the Miami artist is making his way back to Hollywood
Florida. He is determined to turn boring, plain, blight Hollywood into a bright,
outspoken, colorful masterpiece for all to see and talk about for many years to
come. Our own newly formed mural-review committee has seen and appreciated the
talent that David possesses, and is delighted to have him paint Hollywood
circle. David is not a stranger to giving back to the community and has agreed
to head off the project free of charge, so that everyone can enjoy and
appreciate his art.
Due to cuts in our education system many art classes have
been completely cut form the curriculum, without these classes our natural born
artists may be falling to the wayside unable to express themselves in the way
that benefits them most. The Boys and Girls Club understands that every child
has a different talent, and should be encouraged to express it. The Club appreciates
the importance of art and the many other expressive classes will develop the
entrepreneurs of the future. In light of this they have asked David, who
happily obliged, to help out in educating and motivating the children to
express their talent, opening up a whole new way of expressing themselves.
Looking at David’s life it seems he has it all, the success,
the fame and the spirituality, but there is still one important puzzle piece
missing in his life, a companion. He’s been around the world but still hasn’t
quite found his perfect match. As his work sets sail, it will be more demanding
in the near future, intensifying to new heights, but he has not lost hope in
finding someone to share his life with, knowing someone will fall into his
world when he least expects it. Until then though, he will concentrate on what
he does best, being an artist.
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Is Your Religion a Cult?
Have you ever challenged someone about their religious beliefs and they got extremely angry or really defensive? This may not be their fault. Most religions out there prefer that questions not be asked and for the person to just believe. There are other religions that not only prefer you not ask question but threaten you with excommunication if you do continue to ask, or as they put it doubt.
The definition of a cult is A religion or religious sect generally considered to be extremist or false, with its followers often living in an unconventional manner under the guidance of an authoritarian, charismatic leader. http://www.thefreedictionary.com/cult
The first part of this definition is a religion or sect generally considered to be extremist or false. religions that extremely restrict the way you live can be considered a cult. for example, if they forbid you to associate with people outside the religious group. They may discourage you from being a part of the outside world. This would include keeping children away from other children at school not letting them play sports, but focusing only on keeping their "faith". The only thing they are allowed to do is study the bible. They may say that everyone that is not part of the religion is wrong or wicked. This is the perfect way to isolate someone from the ideas or reasoning of other people that may influence the person to ask question and maybe eventually leave the organization. It is also the perfect way to hide deep seated corruption.
How can you tell if a religion is false, especially if you are already a part of it? This part is easy, just look at what they believe. Has your religion made prophesies that have never come true? It could be the coming of Christ on a certain date or even the end of the world. Maybe they keep changing the facts or dates around to suit those within the group. These are big red flags.
Now lets look at the second part of the definition: its followers may be living in an unconventional manner under the guidance of an authoritarian, charismatic leader. Whenever we see the news about cults some of us assume that its a small crazy group with maybe a couple of hundred leaders or less. Maybe the one leader has several wives and commits incest. What if this organization is a very large group, under an unquestioned group of leaders, and there are no reports of polygamy? Does this still count? Regardless of how big a group is, if they are operating under one leader or an extremely small group of leaders, that will not tolerate being questioned, this is another big red flag.
People involved in these groups are often preyed upon by charismatic people that promise the impossible. They are focused upon taking away your freedoms and keeping you within the group regardless of the cost. http://www.nvcc.edu/home/lshulman/cults.htm
The definition of a cult is A religion or religious sect generally considered to be extremist or false, with its followers often living in an unconventional manner under the guidance of an authoritarian, charismatic leader. http://www.thefreedictionary.com/cult
The first part of this definition is a religion or sect generally considered to be extremist or false. religions that extremely restrict the way you live can be considered a cult. for example, if they forbid you to associate with people outside the religious group. They may discourage you from being a part of the outside world. This would include keeping children away from other children at school not letting them play sports, but focusing only on keeping their "faith". The only thing they are allowed to do is study the bible. They may say that everyone that is not part of the religion is wrong or wicked. This is the perfect way to isolate someone from the ideas or reasoning of other people that may influence the person to ask question and maybe eventually leave the organization. It is also the perfect way to hide deep seated corruption.
How can you tell if a religion is false, especially if you are already a part of it? This part is easy, just look at what they believe. Has your religion made prophesies that have never come true? It could be the coming of Christ on a certain date or even the end of the world. Maybe they keep changing the facts or dates around to suit those within the group. These are big red flags.
Now lets look at the second part of the definition: its followers may be living in an unconventional manner under the guidance of an authoritarian, charismatic leader. Whenever we see the news about cults some of us assume that its a small crazy group with maybe a couple of hundred leaders or less. Maybe the one leader has several wives and commits incest. What if this organization is a very large group, under an unquestioned group of leaders, and there are no reports of polygamy? Does this still count? Regardless of how big a group is, if they are operating under one leader or an extremely small group of leaders, that will not tolerate being questioned, this is another big red flag.
People involved in these groups are often preyed upon by charismatic people that promise the impossible. They are focused upon taking away your freedoms and keeping you within the group regardless of the cost. http://www.nvcc.edu/home/lshulman/cults.htm
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