HYPOCRISY......

Poverty today is not comparable with the challenges of yesterday.Despite the advancement with trade,business and sciences (technology too.) poverty is still number 1 among the many problems of the so-called humankind.

How many of us sincerely care to minimize if not eradicate poverty in the world ? Many of our so-called leaders care about their political careers and viability......how many are hypocrites ? Even religious leaders are facing the same predicament.How many really care about the poor ? 

Impressive place,inspiring Story

I visited a number of places in the world including the enchanting Ice Land.
I thought of living in Ice Land until recently..... I came back to visit my birth place -
The Philipines.I met a number of people during my trip including one very really special person in Bohol,Philippines.Her story inspired me as well as embarrassing my wit and boldness with life.I did not have her determination and courage...but she inspired me to give it a try....in the Philippines.

Being Tempted......

Any physical beings can be tempted.An interesting research was done and showed that even small children are not immune to temptations.The "marshmallow test" was great and an eye opener.No one is above temptations unless you are the "temptress".
I like beautiful things including beautiful women.But I am happily married.My wife is the most beautiful thing that ever happened to me.That is why temptations will have a hard time convincing me...being tempted ? Ask God for help.His Son was tempted.
He survived and proved we can too.

Rodolfo

Simplicity

Why do I need to drive a fancy car like rolls royce, porsche, lambourghini, mercedes benz sports cars or other mega expensive vehicles or why do i need to own a private jet ? i need a mansion and an estate to be happy ? A boat,yacht or a ship ? Why can't we live simply so that others can simply live ? Poverty was not planned by the Supreme Architect of our universe.

Many people in the world are in poverty today than yesterday ? Despite of modernization advancement in science, trade and technology more than half of the world populations live in dire poverty.A few weeks ago a Metro paper reported a mass suicide (1000) of Indian farmers in India.The reason according to the report was  "no agricultural yield" which means starvation and poverty to the farmers and their family.Look at North America and Western Europe.....we waste a lot of food and live in extravagance and luxuries ? 

Think and live simply so that others can simply live.

Join our Meet Up group at Meetup/end- poverty- to many

The Author of this blog is a member.

email at endpoverty.2009@gmail.com

             simplicitytoday@live.com 

Change ?

              Palliative or transformative ? Reform or overhauling ? Self or others first ?Do you wonder why a lot of things never changes ? Like issues of poverty ? Do you wonder why despite of so called "developments" many people in the world suffers from deprivation, hunger, homelessness, without health insurance or no adequate insurances multitudes of quagmire issues and matters that will determine the future of the humankind.Did you know many people in Haiti ate mudcakes to fend off hunger ?

Did you know the Iceland economy collapsed ? Did you know the people in Iceland resolved their religious differences through a democratic process without killing each other ? You wonder why the issues between Jews and Palestines resulted to violence and sufferings to both sides ? Do you wonder why people in America seem prosperous but actually buried in debts ? Big houses and nice cars ? For shows or for real ? 

Changes, cosmetically induced ? You wonder what is the difference between today and the dinosaur age ? Extinctions of the human kind ? Neo-barbarians ? Sociopath without conscience ? Change...what does it meant to you ?

   (The author of this article provides human development trainings as well as team building for authentic change.email at dynamic.trainings2008 @gmail.com)

Father and Father's Day

              To all the dad's of the world ...Happy father's day. Being a father is a sense of fulfillment as well as responsibility.It is hard to express the emotion of being a father.

In many paternalistic societies, a father symbolizes leadership and power.He controls if not dominates. But being father is beyond control and responsibilities.Being a father means a part of a life that is beginning to unfold and attain its potentials and meanings.

It reaches beyond affection and care.It is love manifested by the sacrifices a father has to make to give their children a better life and future.

Truth and Data Gathering

          It is alright to be "skeptical". In ancient times the Greek sophist went around not only  teaching academics but teaching people (to distort the truth)  "how to lie".

Shockingly true.What is the difference between us and them ? Advanced technology and "Nobel Prize" Many pessimism were based not only in history and statistics but grounded in data gathered by people who believes that the truth will set you free.A century ago it was said, " One person with a belief is equal to the force of ninety nine people with selfish intentions.Do you believe in what you read from books and newspapers ? Research and compare ideas and reports.You might discover that most of them are fabricated vested and selfish interest.Have you wondered why the poor is growing in numbers despite of advanced technologies and the "Nobel Prize"....unfortunately we still have ancient "geek sophist" in our midst.Think about that.   

There are a few "elites and rich" they just maximized their tiny brains.

      The adage says, " No one will succeed as a dictator or a tyrant , unless people allows it to happen. According to history and statistics the Nazi Party of Adolph Hitler had eight million members - there were seventy million Germans during Hitler's time. Only 11% of the Germans were ideologically convinced with Hitler. In the Stalin era six million Russians were members of the Communist Party of Russia.There were 170 million Russians during Stalin dictatorships or only 4% of the Russian people agreed ideologically with Stalin ( Many of the party members that opposed or appeared to be a threat to Stalin were either killed or sent to the Gulag.Millions of people were slaughtered by both dictators.Many were really special people because they dared to say and act against the dictators and tyranny.   

   Today there is no guarantee that tyranny will not succeed, considering the difficulties and crisis every person on earth are enduring from the decaying environment, decadent morality to extreme poverty.

What can we do about it ? Start asking yourselves what can I do to help. Search your heart. According to reports 90% of Americans believed that God exists. Believing is alright...but doing something to manifest your faith and belief is another decision to make - lip service is not enough - Do something "Good".

Attending service either on Saturdays or Sundays is not enough.There are seven days a week. Yes, a day will make a difference but the whole week will make the greater difference.Going to church is not enough, practice your faith regardless of your religion.Most if not all religions today believe in doing "Good to others". "Proselytising or converting people to your faith will not gurantee anything except you have increased your revenues (?) or membership.

   A word of caution and advise (?) : There are a lot of good people.They are good indeed.But really special people practice what they preached.Some thoughts to ponder upon: "g"ood is different from "G"ood.

rpcopyright2009 

 

                      

A child's Million Questions........in many parts.

Messages from beyond material and not just Physics

               

                                                      A lot of very smart people on earth.............

                 Academic elites with multiple PhD's and sometime labeled "great if not over achievers" are numerous. Do we have anyone whose faith is as big as a mustard seed ? Not even me.What about you ?

 

Simply .......G O D

G O D and Simplicity

Is that your house ? Wow it is BIG ! Is that your car ? Wow it that a "Gallardo-turbo" ?

A bumper sticker read......live simply so that others may live. It is not easy. In our "first world"

big...expensive...."fat checking account" is = success. Simplicity is mediocre,trivial,not ambitious,

loser...etc....Wow ! JC was born in a manger.His dad was a carpenter and a homemaker mom.

JC did not attend exclusive or ivvy league school. JC is simply JC. Hard to follow. JC was articulate

but not world savvy. His philosophy is straightforward but deep...simple but inspiring and SPIRIT-

filled. JC is action not lip service...He walked the walk and talked the talk in a divine way.

JC just wanted us to live simply so that others can simply live.

For those who have ears may hear......

You're worst enemy.....You

                                             School of Hardknocks and Tumblinggoof

             If you gave up ......you loss.If you stick out your neck too long....it may become stiff that you might need PT workouts...that's an "expense". A person who admits he/she experienced losing and giving up....really lost it.Did you know...I know you know...that I do not know...you are the only one who knows and knew.....gave up and that's it...but if you hold on, not hang on .....You won.Won ? What ? Aristotle's "fooly" ? The end of merits is wealth.....sex....power. That's it ? Shallow ? Not even there.Life is too short and fkle.Solomon teaches...life is chasing after the wind....... no, today you are chasing Category 10 Tornado/Hurricane.Just like many others...prozac..valium..."meth"...to sleep...a few hours..? Not even.

Remember Elvis, the Joker and many famous fooly who died of talent overdose and "popularity syndrome"

They all became famous but do you know where they are now ? Fungus and all bacteriumm etc. "digested them". Solomon warned us, the Fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. School of Hardknocks was founded by someone who was crucified for saying, "I am the way, the Truth and Life." He never liked status qou and advocated liberation of the poor in spirit. 

Are you free ? Donot worry about the economy what goes up...goes down. We have been up there for almost 300 years...the Romans almost 600 years...the Greeks almost  1K...then they became "quite still".

No doubt the next fooly will be from Asia again....for those who have the Kapital...Kontrols...donot worry they will go down just like the rest of the "imperial fools". Life is too short too woooory. Think about God.

Fear is the beginning of wisdom not sophism...the Greeks did it and the Romans ...they all failed !!!!!

G O D is good. G O D is Love.G O D is Peace. G O D is Happiness. G O D is everything. G O D is Alive !!! 

rp

  

Good People and really special: Extreme and balance

                                                              Extremes

          Have you wonder why things so difficult and challenging to live on planet earth  ? Extremes.

Weather,partisan politics,religious movement,nations and many others.What is the secret of happiness and peace ? God and simplicity.

                                                                 Balance

          The Freemasons have been misunderstood for centuries as a secret society and they are aiming for world dominations.None of the above is accurate.It so happened that Freemasonry have "trade secrets" just like any other organizations and many Freemasons are "leaders in their respective field" does not make them "conquerors".Freemasonry started in Europe centuries ago.The early Lodges are in Scotland,England and Massachusetts ,USA .A few million members covers almost the world.The Freemasons are not religious zealots and Masonry is not a religion.Freemasonry is not competing with organized religion.Freemasonry 

welcomes everyone who believes in the Supreme Being (God).Regardless of one's religious belief or affiliation,Freemasonry welcomes You.Freemasons are really special people because they remain anonymous if ever they lend a helping hand.Did you know that the Shriner Hospitals (22) was founded by Freemasons, are  supported by Freemasons and non-freemasons (donors and healthworkers etc.) ? 

There are 20 Shriners Hospitals for children in the U.S., and one each in Canada and Mexico. All care and services at Shriners Hospitals are provided at no charge regardless of financial need or relationship to a Shriner.Famous Shriners (Freemasons): Buzz Aldrin (Astronaut), Arnold Palmer (Golfer), Sam Hornish, Jr., (Race Car Driver), Gerard Ford (President), John Wayne and Richard Tyson (Actors), Brad Paisley (Country Singer), John Diefenbaker (Prime Minister of Canada)

         Unconditionl friendship is one of the Freemasons ideals.Freemasons are people from all walks of life.

Freemasons have members coming from almost every strata of our society.If you want to know more about them, you can visit their websites or go visit their "Lodges".

          Who are the notable and popular Freemasons ? Benjamin Franklin, President(s)

 Gerard Ford, Harry Truman,George Washington, James Monroes, Andrew Jackson, James Polk,James Buchanan, Andrew Johnson, James Garfield, William McKinley, Theodore Roosevelt,

William Taft, Warren Harding,Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Lyndon B. Johnson ,Salvador Allende (Chile President), Manuel L.Quezon (Philippine President), Winston Churchill (England),Nat King Cole (Black American singer and pianist Jean Henry Dunant (A Swiss and Founder of the Red Cross), Henry Ford (Carmaker- Ford  Founder),Cecil DeMille (Film Producer),Voltaire, Sir Isaac Newton, Sir Ernest Shackleton (Antacrtic Explorer), John Wayne (Actor), Sugar Ray Johnson (boxer), Booker Washington,

General Douglas MacArthur (Initiated in the Philippines) Philippines National Heroes like Andres Bonifacio, Jose Rizal, Antonio Luna, Apolinario Mabini, Emilio Aguinaldo, Thomas Confesor, Jose Abad Santos ( Philippine First Supreme Court Justice ), Simon Bolivar (Venezuela, known as the George Washington of  South America). Jack Warner of Warner Bros. Film and Walt Disney founder of Disney World, Louis Armstrong (Black American jazz musician), Mustapha Kemal Ataturk (President of Turkey), Stephen Austin (Father of Texas), John Jacob Astor (Financier), The Mayo brothers of Mayo Clinic, Mozart,Eduard Benes (1935 President of Czechoslovakia), Ernest Borgnine (Actor), William Chrysler(Automaker),Cody, WilliamF. "Buffalo Bill",Clark Gable (Actor), Gillette,King 

(Manufacturer), John Glenn (US Senator), Robert Dole (US Senator), King George VI of England     thousands of Freemasons, famous in North America, South America,Europe, Asia and Africa. 

 

A true Freemasons will not refuse to help anyone in need.Character is essential in Freemasonry.What profits a man if he gains the world but lost his character ? Freemasonry put their trust in God and the goodness of people.The Freemasons are truly one of the really special people you will meet.

A few number of organizations do "good works" and preferred to be anonymous, and one of the few are the Freemasons.You never know, he is your neighbor.

Trust

Trust is complex and scary.Most people are afraid to trust because of bad experiences.
God promised.....Trust God and He will show you the Way....He will make you feel alright.
A lot of false messengers roams , ready to deceive and devour the innocent; Jesus warned us about it. "Be shrewd as a snake, and be gentle as a lamb.Nobody can deceive anyone....because if your faith is as big as a mustard seed you will command mountains to move. Last night I had a scary dream; In my dream I died....it was a terrible feeling.I analyzed and interpreted my own dream as.....my own fears that is unresolved...it is not even physical death I am afraid of.............
I was afraid to give my complete trust to God.

Training and other Dynamics

          To my anonymous readers: If you know a small organization (non-government) I will be honored to assists them developing the dynamics of their leaders and core members.It is free.I spent my career training people.I was paid.This time I am doing it for free.

          My only condition: No partisanship.I believe in the universal goodness of humans.I have reasons and experiences to support this idea, most people are good whether they are white,black,yellow,brown and colorless.I realized not so long ago......I am color blind.

Please visit my other blogs, write to me. You are important!!!!

Honesty and avoiding the truth

         Most children were taught honesty and the idea of being trustworthy. One of the many teachings of Jesus, The Christ was " you will never enter the Kingdom of God unless you have the innocence of a little child." The other requirement was "you have to surpassed the righteousness of the Pharisee" or the Jewish high-priest. We are Gentiles not Jews but God allowed us to partake the Glory of the Kingdom of God. Is God a Jew ? No.He is God; The Alpha and the Omega. Many people interpreted the bible literally. Some people also distorted or manipulated the 'Word' to suit their selfish intentions (Religion or government). James 1:23-27 emphasized that God is not a religion. People designed religion. Jesus, The Christ choosed 12-people to be his disciples.The Ancient Romans designed a 'religion' to suit their needs and survival. The Truth cannot be hidden.Spain under King Philip and Queen Isabella used the Catholic Religion as a disguise in colonizing and exploiting sovereign nations.They failed. The Truth will be revealed.The guilty will face their guilt and judgment by God.

The Truth is the Light of the world. The Way, the Life and Truth is Jesus,  The Christ.

 Jesus, The Christ is God. Crucified, died, buried and resurrected. Jesus, The Christ gave us the Greatest gift....The Holy Spirit. Rejoice...rejoice really special people for the Kingdom of God is at hand !  

                             The Kingdom of God is not in speech but Power.

Why are you afraid ? God promised The Holy Spirit, believe ! Knock and the door will be opened, seek and you will find. Who said it is easy ? But the burden was removed by the blood and sacrifices of Jesus, The Christ. The Martyrs gave their lives to save ours. Why are you afraid ? Evil perhaps can kill the physical body but never the Spirit God gave you. Fear is of the world. Faith has no physical form but conquers your fears and sadness. Rejoice you have been born again because of the Holy Spirit........through Jesus, The Christ.

BEWARE !

         There are numerous wolves wearing the sheeps clothing.They pretend to help you and I. Actually, they will devour us when the time comes.By prayer and invoking God's power in Jesus name, they will be deterred if you have faith. Jesus said, " If your faith is as big as a mustard seed, you can command mountains to move." The world we live in today is more complex and complicated. The sophistication of concealing the "wolves" of our time and the intricacies of "systemic" exploitation and "colonization", the challenges and struggles is more daunting and dangerous in the era of plutocracy,meritocracy, "modern day narcissism", and hedonism. This is not new; It has gained sophistication.Beware.It has penetrated every facets and units of life and society; From families, communities, churches, schools, governments and the world.

           Be not afraid just be aware, "evil" does not rest. "If God is with us, who can be against us ?" Can we defeat evil ? Yes ! The Holy Spirit of today is more powerful than anything else. Remember the prophecies has been fulfilled....The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit in our time.

Another Beautiful Day

        The weather in New England is at times difficult to predict if not understand.Like the weather, people are difficult to predict and understand. We can make exemplary efforts to comprehend people and make attempts to predict their behaviors, exercises in futility ? Well, today is a beautiful day.Let us make the best out of today.Donot worry about people because they will come to terms with this beautiful day.

Rp

  

Forgiving

         Forgiveness is difficult to come by.Most people if not all are facing the hardship of forgiving.I am not the exception.We are the result of our experiences.As children we were innocent and uncorrupted.We were children once and forgiveness was easy to come by.Could we forgive now ? Could we forget forever ? Jesus,the Christ made the ultimate sacrifice and forgave.In our generation we have the Spirit and Truth.In believing God nothing is impossible.Believe that we can forgive and forget. History reminds us not to forget.

The way I understood history, a reminder of our fallibility and imperfections.Through its lessons we learn not to repeat the same mistakes only if we recognized the need of God in our lives, then we can move on. 

rp

Challenges

         Challenges whether physical or mental is a concrete sign that we are not perfect or infallible.Nobody is. Through our limitaions and weaknesses we discover that we need others and God.

          Lacking is more of a blessing than abundance.In abundance we forget we need one another.We become arrogant that we tend to think we are god and we donot need others. In lacking we realized we need God and others.

           Suffering and prosperity have one in common; Both are transitory and has an end.

     

Rp

Failure and Perfection

         People are fallible. That makes us not perfect. We struggle to achieve perfection but to our dismay, we experience failure. The first world measures our success through material possessions and achievements. We have billions of people that inhabit planet earth and many are living in poverty. More than two thirds of the world are living in impoverished condition. The so-called first world are the former colonizers that contributed to their dire and miserable living conditions. There are other reasons why they are poor.Their corrupt leaders/politicians makes them poor.Empty promises to alleviate their lives and living conditions.The communist promises utopia and the capitalist promises "free market".None of the above is sincere and truthful.If we have to apply the measure the first world uses, most people that inhabit planet earth are failures. Can you believe that ?

It takes really special people to comprehend and stop this "evil". Jesus, the Christ was crucified because he told the truth. Jesus labeled the leaders and politicians of his time, "hypocrites". We still have them today.

Wolves wearing the sheeps clothing. Making empty promises. Giving false hopes.

        Failure is a lie.Perfection is man made, an illusion.We are fallible.Everyone is important.Everyone deserves a better life.The elites, the rich and powerful are the hypocrites. A few of them , yet controls the world.But Jesus promises, If God is with us, who can be against us ? God's judgement is swift and fair.

Death will come life a thief in the night, your money and power cannot protect you from God's fair judgement.For the rich,powerful elites, repent ! It takes a really special person to tell you this. If you understood the meaning, you are blessed.Jesus said, "This generation who believes and yet donot see are blessed."Faith is not attained from an ivvy league education.Faith is not given to a worldly mind.Who can define and concretize death ? Who can say with certainty, "God is not real ?" Be careful to blaspheme the Holy Spirit who gives you light.....failure and perfection is of the world, faith is divine and of the "Spirit that

gives Life."

Loneliness and fear

Have you experience losing someone close to you ? Most likely.Most recently I lost someone very close to me.It changed me in many ways. Do you feel lonely and afraid ?
My experiences demonstrated the truth about feeling lonely and afraid. How did you cope with your loneliness and fear ? I sought God. Is God real ? For me, God is real.
Did God communicated his/her support ? In my personal experiences, God manifested his/her presence through others.

The bottom line of the problem... Part I

    The issue of poverty among many people in the world is relevant in our lives; for example, more than 46% of the worlds population are in dire and miserable living conditions. No adequate food and shelter, lack of health care and nutrition, unemployment and underemployment and many other inhuman  living condition and situation. 

   For centuries, countries like India and Philippines were colonies of the Western countries like Great Britain, Spain and the United States of America. Japan invaded countries like Korea and China for  political, economic and social reasons. Mainly the idea of expanding the empires' power and wealth motivated the former colonial powers to invade and subjugate and exploit people, siphoning their natural resources and draining their economy in the process. The worst impact of such invasion and colonization were lost lives and traumatize national psyche.Many of the damages took centuries to heal and recover. The incurable ill effect is the trauma of being subjected to exploitation and the feeling of being raped of your independence and dignity as a human being. A few really special people from all over the world including  countries who colonized and the people victimized bonded together in the healing and recovering process. 

I am still doing a lot of thinking.........

Hello Fellow bloggers and readers,

I wrote a lot of articles this February.I intend to publish it soon.I have so much ideas in my head that I need to put it into writing so that I can share it with you. Please be patient.I donot like the instant gratification per se.Patience is a necessity and virtue during difficult times.Early this year I lost my second job then a week later my father died.I am still resting and reflecting from my challenges.I will be back soon.

Thank You.

Face of Hunger

The President, B. Obama cannot solve our problems. He can lead and advocate for us. We will solve it together. From hunger to health care....our future is at stake. The President is a good man but his hands are tied by the system and history. We are Americans and as Americans, we will stand together in practicing our democratic ideals not just a lip service.The left, the right, the centrist cannot solve our problems. They have ideas and programs. But we the people decides.....donot forget God is not a Republican or Democrat, not a Muslim or Christian, not a Hindu or Buddhist or any other names. God is with us when we unite as people and humans......in the face of hunger we have each other and God.

January 2009 is gone but not forgotten....

A difficult time but we are moving forward. It is alright to be sad, it is being human. Reassuring words...it is fine. It is not fine..it is just semantics...rhetorics....it is not fine, but we are moving on. January was difficult for me. I lost my best friend, my father. He is in a better place now. A place where there is no beginning and no end I surmised. I missed him and I will miss him. It is February, 2009. Another month...another beginnings.

rp2/09

Faith.

  What is faith ? People have numerous definition and interpretation of faith. Faith to some is religion,faith to others is simply hope. Ideally, faith is what we need in times of tribulations and misfortunes. But, the reality is that, we need more than faith. Faith is relative and not absolute. Depending on your life's circumstances and conditions.There's a degree of faith in each one's life. The crisis confronting the world today, people needed faith and other virtues such as patience, charity, courage, compassion, wisdom, temperance and many others. 

Love.

Recently I watched a movie, about a revolutionary figure noted for his charisma, dedication and courage. In that movie he was asked if he believes in God, instead of answering the question, he said, " I believe in love." and I quote.
I donot agree with violence to attain political objectives, just to make it clear where I stand.I believe in fighting a cause to liberate many people from the bondage of ignorance and poverty. I believe in using my pen and intellect to pursue my objectives.
I believe in love just like the folk hero in a movie.I donot agree with what hollywood movies do, glorifying violence and gangsterism...etc.
We have good movies. But most of our "hollywood movies" are trashy. "morodiotic" (moron-idiotic), and good for nothing...it is all about $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$. There is nothing wrong with money, there is something wrong with some people that prioritize money before others.

rp1/25/09
Allrightsreserved.

Continuing tribute to my bestfriend, Tatay (Father)

My father was a critic, and not really a people person but he helped a number of people and relatives in crisis. Not many knows my father as much as I knew him. Despite of his busy schedule, occasionally he would take me to his farm in one of the Philippine Islands. We would talk for hours, he would share his aspirations and dreams etc.. That was a privilege I got from him considering most of my siblings were afraid of him. He had a lousy temper and a no "nonsense" person. He is often misunderstood by everyone except me and my mother. He would label people, and I was not an exception. He would yell at anyone, I was not an exception. He would embarass you, I was not an exception. I did not only tolerated him, but understood him where he was coming from. He shared to me many times his life's struggles and challenges.
My father was born in a rural/farm of Panay, Philippines. A place where every last name begins with "P". They were not really rich neither poor.He had a lot of brothers (5?) and a sister.
My father was a school valedictorian from grade till high school. His education was interrupted by World War II. Then after the war, he continued his education and completed his Bachelor of Science in Commerce. He majored in Finance and Banking. Built his business from the ground up. In ten years he was able to make it. I witnessed when I was a child people visiting my father at home, from government officials and politicians and some "Godfathers" from our province. My father was not intimidated by anyone.He was tough and outspoken. I had the privileged to become the "godson" of one prominent Philippine politician. He was my father's best friend and I was named after him. They were very close till the death of my politician godfather in 2004. My father had another close friend (became my godfather) but was assasinated in 1995. I was not informed till 2002 when I came back home to visit my sick mother, who later died in September 9, 2003 ( My only brother died in 1998 that further devastated my parents, perhaps contributed to the early death of my mother in 2003.)
My father emphasized family. Never let your family down. Always help them if you can. Attend to their needs. He was upset with me when I missed my brother's funeral in 1998. He was elated and very "happy" when I came back home, to bury my mother in 2003. I missed my best friend, "Tatay" and I am coming home to bury him. I know he will be proud of me because I only did not achieved his dreams and aspirations but living it.

rp1/25/2009

Intellectualizing and Reality

Working with the grassroots for many years can change your depth and understanding of realities and myths in our society today. Poverty is one. Why many people are poor; Are they lazy and complacent ? How come they are poor and others are rich ? Why is it so many people are poor ? Why is it poverty a reality in highly developed nations ? Why is it more people are poor in less developed and colonized nations ? Why is it
America as a colony thrived and became developed ? What happened to the indigenous people in America before the establishment of the English colonies ? Is there really a backward civilization ? Besides from guns, germs and technology, what is the truth behind poverty ? The good and the bad. Is it a myth ? Moral reasonings, is it subjective ? What is truth ? Absolute vs. Relative. What is the myth about it ? Science vs. Faith and Religion.God and the "Infidels".Is religion a myth or science ? Why religion was both used as a tool to liberate and subjugate people ? Is there an end to war ? Is peace possible ? What is peace ? Is peace possible when there is injustice ? What is social justice ? What is economic justice ? What is the relationship of political justice to socio-economic justice ? Is communism and capitalism detrimental to human survival ? What is more important in life ideals or survival ? Why sacrifice when you can survive ? Why sacrifice is a myth ? Is sacrifice necessary ? How can we change things without violating human dignity ? What is human dignity ? What is money ? What is the origin of money ? Why people worship money ? What's wrong with us ? Is there anything wrong about how we live ? Really special people help me with the questions and answers. Really special people, intellectualization or reality ?

rp
jd.phd.2togo@gmail.com

Too poor to live in a rich country like America.....and my paradoxical life.

More than four years ago, when my mother died, I have to borrow money for my plane ticket to travel and attend my mother's funeral. This story is not unique or unusual, what makes this story, a paradox.... America is a very rich country, many people from parts of the world, had dubbed America as a country of milk and honey.My personal experience dictated otherwise. I have been in America for almost nineteen years, I am still broke.

My employers would concur with my self-evaluation, I am a good employee and hard working. I received a lot of commendations and endorsement from them. When the economic crisis hit our office, I volunteered to resign, in order to save a few workers ( I have two jobs then, till January, 2009, the agency where, I am employed, lost the client I am assigned to. Till today, though I am not fired, I donot have any assignments and "no pay") What makes make my case interesting is, I work with people, either physically or mentally challenged. Most of us workers, makes between $10.00 to $16.00 an hour. Most of us, have second jobs to survive.Many of my fellow workers are committed to their work, we just don't make the decent money we needed.We are underpaid and ignored.

I believed in hardwork and creativity, from 2001 till now, I have made attempts to start my small business, and yet has to succeed. My usual challenges were lack of capitalization and time constraints ( From 2001 to 2008 I had two jobs. I have to work at least sixteen or more hours each day; In short, I am struggling and juggling my "24" hours each day.).

Last Tuesday, I received an email from my nephew in the Philippines, my father had passed away.I was "numbed" till now, I wanted to attend my father's funeral, but I am too broke and poor, to buy an airline ticket, "dejavu" I sigh.

Perhaps, many of you have similar experiences. Write to me.

We were successful in our career back home and we were affluent. But as the saying goes,

"it is greenier outside our fence."

My parents were happy, after my whole family migrated to the U.S.A in 1991.We left our comfortable lives, in search of a more stable and comfortable life in America.

Till today, I could still hear my four year old daughter's question, nineteen years ago; Daddy, why is it our house, in the Philippines bigger (and nicer) ? Are we poor dad ? Yes. Then, I murmured to myself "In the U.S. we are poor." As of writing time, I still ponder about the same question, over and over.But, I am happy, despite I am poor, and broke. My only regret, I wished I have extra money, to travel and say, "goodbye father, till the green,green grass of our final home, we will meet again and we will be a family, only this time, it is forever."

Rodolfo

jd.phd.2togo@gmail.com

Writing my father's obituary, remembering my mother...

A different and life altering experience, death. When I was a child, I would experience occasional nightmares, of losing both my parents. Today, I am living those nightmares. People experience losing love ones everyday, but each experiences are unique and personal. The emotion is difficult to explain, and the feeling of emptiness, difficult to fill, if not impossible.

Each moments I spent, remembering my father, is difficult. I cherished the beautiful memories, I had with my parents. My father was not emotional or expressive, but he makes you feel loved. He was very protective, and a very good provider. My mother was the opposite. She was very charming, warm and expressive with her affections.They were married for more than sixty years, till my mother's passing four years ago. I know my father never recovered from my mother's death, because he never "smiled" again.

Really a memorable day..........

   Today is truly a memorable day. My father passed away few hours ago. He was really a special person.

I am what I am, because he gave me the education, and choices in life.He taught me to be tough, and strong in adversity.He taught me to value hardwork and honesty. He taught me to treasure family.He taught me a lot about life and its struggles.I will always honor his memories, and I want him to remember that, I will always be his son.

I am his son.

     January 10th was my father's birthday. January 20, 2009, he passed away. While America is celebrating, I will forever honor this day, in the memory of my father and the new dawn of freedom and democracy in America.My father was, "a really special person to me."He taught me a lot, about life and its struggles.He always reminded me, the value of education.He always emphasized pride, in hardwork and honesty.He endured a lot of challenges in life, including losing my mother four years ago, and prior to my mom's passing, my only brother died at the age of 56, it was difficult for my parents to accept. My father was not expressive or emotional. He was very quite and reserved. My opposite. Despite our differences, my father and I, always exchanged ideas. Oftentimes, we have discussion about societal issues like poverty.He believed that family, matters most in life; He would admonished, "blood is thicker than water." My father was very responsible, and caring.He was a very good provider. He paid for my legal education.He supported me, as much as he could. He was quite disappointed, when I didn't became a lawyer. He was quite worried with my political activism.He was  pragmatic, I strongly believed in ideals.I admired, respected, and cherished him, he was my father, and I am his son. 

     Where ever you are father, I want you to remember that, I will always be your son. Goodbye, father.

Rodolfo  

Innocent questions of a child.

           I am paraphrasing what Jesus of Nazareth said, many thousand years later, it still holds the truth......

"You will never enter the kingdom of heaven, unless you have the innocence of a little child, and the righteousness of the Pharisees."

           Please read, what might be an intelligent, non-malicious and enlightened question of a child to a father.

This could help us, be enlightened, as to our roles in the making of a New America, the land of the brave and free.

           President Obama is not God. He is  mortal and fallible, like us. Together, we can make America great again. Godspeed to us. 

           No position in life can be secure and no achievement can be permanent, unless it is built upon truth and justice. (I cannot remember the author of this. Please help me.rp)

A child's Million Questions........in many parts.

                                                                             Part I

  Why didn't you attend the inaugural party, Dad ? Are'nt you, and many others, voted for Obama ? Why is it, there having a lot of parties while millions of Americans lost their jobs ? Why is America celebrating today ? Is Obama the true representation, of the poor people like us ? Why millions of people in Africa died of AIDS and malnutrition ? Isn't Obama from Kenya ? Why did he emphasized during his political campaign his white grandparents ? Is that politics, Dad ? Why is it a lot of Bill Clinton's people,  running his cabinet and administration ? Isn't it, the rich democrats and the very rich republicans behind Wall Street ? Why is it Madoff of the Wall Street, a special person ? Why is it, that when a poor person commits a crime, he is jailed right away ? Is Madoff different from them ? Why is it more people are poorer today ? Why is it the very rich gets richer ? Why is it you are not making a million bonus each year ? Are you dumb, Dad ? Why is it my classmate poorer than us ? Why does mom has to work, and you have two jobs, Dad ? What is a social conscience, Dad ? What is hedonism, dad ? Why is it we invaded Iraq, dad ? Why did we lost the Vietnam war, dad ? Aren't you a veteran ? Why is it you are poorer than McCain ? Isn't  he P.O.W like your bestfriend ? Why is it your friend , in the "mental hospital", while McCain in the Senate ? Is your friend a coward ? Is your friend dumb like you, Dad ? Aren't you a patriot, Dad ? Is grandpop a hero ? Did he fought the Japanese during World War II ? Why was grandpop stranded in the Philippines for years ? Why did he survived the death march in the Philippines ? Why did America refused to help the Jews persecuted in Poland and Germany ? Why did we reacted to World War II, only  after the Pearl Harbor was bombed ? What is the difference between Pearl Harbor and the World Trade (911) ? Why is it we killed Saddam Hussien and his children ? Why is it Osama Bin Laden still at large ? Why can't we capture him ? Aren't we the best ? Why can't the CIA get him ? Aren't they supposed to be the best and the brightest ? Why are  you dumb, Dad ? Are you scared ? Why do you worry too much ? Why do you drink too much ? Why do you work too much ? Why do you buy the lottery tickets, Dad ? Are'nt you happy, Dad ? What is your social conscience doing to you ? Why is it some sociopaths are richer and powerful ? Where is God, Dad ? Does God approves this ? What is faith Dad ? Dad, are you awake ??????

       

                                                                 Part II

Thanks, you're awake. After President Obama's inauguration, can I be assured of my educational future ?

I am not that smart compared to President Obama, can I have the opportunity to become a President like him and be like him ? Am I "hybrid" dad ? Aren't you half-white and half-brown, Dad ? Aren't mom, half-European and half-African ? Is that making me a super hybrid, dad ? Was grandpop, half-native American and half-English ? Did grandpop identified himself with the "white" people ? What happened to grandpop's nation ? Aren't they civilized and organized as a nation before the Mayflower sat foot in the Plymouth shores ? Why is it Uncle "Screaming Eagle" lives in an Indian Reservation land ? What happened to their birthland ? Aren't they were here first ? Why is it cousin "baby eagle" killed herself ? Why is it they are a separate people from us ? Aren't we Americans ? Why is it they called President Obama, African American and others Asian-American, Irish-American, Italian-American and many other "halves" ? Aren't we're all Americans ? Will it  makes us stronger as a People and Nation ? Why is it the different Indian Nations succumbed to the rule of the "white" people ? Is it the divide and rule tactics by the "European conquestadores ? What are you doing, dad ? Are you listening ?      

 

rp1/20/09

 

I am inviting my Western Europen friends to write.

         Dear Readers and bloggers from Europe send us your comments about this article. 

Ceasefire and War, fanaticism and all the ism.... civilization Part I

             War is politics with bloodshed, and "partisan politics" is war without bloodshed ( I read this slogan from the Manila Times in the late 60's. I donot remember the name of the author, who said it. But,what was said years ago, registered in my long term memory. It guided me in some of my decisions.

              War never benefits poor people,  the working class and "pay cheque to pay cheque people- like most of us.  Many people took for granted reading and understanding "our history". In each epoch, a large scale war happened. Most if not all of us, were not  around during World War I. Some of us were around during World War II. Other wars (small but has a huge impact) like Korean,Vietnam, Middle East (still lingering),the Gulf war, the war of 1898 and many other wars affected us directly or indirectly. Consequently, the world we live in today, still struggles from economic crisis to political instability. ( Donot forget the "war" between the "Indigenous" Americans and the Western Europeans, that subjugated many of us.Before the Mayflower and the James town colonies, North America was inhabited by the Native Americans; The Native Americans  has their own government, culture and "civilization". Many Western Europeans claimed, they civilized a lot of "nations". The Native Americans were "installed" in Indian reservations and many Western Europeans built their mansions in the metropolis. The Western Europeans called it, "civilization".

             

Reflections, Questions and Uncertainties of life......

          Any day can be a good day of rest or reflections. Some people prefers Saturdays , others Sundays. Since I work weekends before, I usually made my reflections in the early morning hours. When you are well rested, a lot of good memories comes back. Yesterday's event is not really a distant memory, especially if it is a pleasant one.

          According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (see: Outofdarkness.org), suicide is the third leading cause of death in the U.S. among teens and young adults and individuals age 65 and older (16%).

4th in the U.S.A among adults 18-65. I spoke with a lot of people who have experienced difficult challenges in life and they have expressed one common answers to my only question, what happened ? Their answers, " I lost faith and trust with people and my church." and I quote.

          No one is perfect and infallible. Everyone made mistakes. Some recovered and forgave (themselves and others), some lived with it all their lives. 

          One of my favorite readings is about what Apostle Timothy of the Holy Scriptures said, and I quote, "From a pure heart proceeds the fruit of a good life."-1Tim.1.5. It gave me the strenght and courage to continue living, caring and forgiving. We live and breath each day. We feel sufferings and pains. Again nobody is excused or exempted from that reality.Reflect. Question. Life is uncertain ? Seek and you will find . Ask and you will receive.  

I am inviting my readers and fellow bloggers to email me at JD.PhD.2togo@gmail.com

visit my other blog at http://newsandissuesctrp.blogspot.com

rp

  

              A wonderful and amazing grace......

     A Pastor at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Quincy, Massachusetts, gave a beautiful sermon about "calling" from God. He shared his calling as a priest and encouraged the parishioners to follow their calling to serve  God and others.In this difficult economic times, many people prioritize economic survival. I recalled in one of the New Testament Gospel in which Jesus of Nazareth said, " The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak." Jesus was referring to the promises of his disciples, to stand guard while he prays, prior to Jesus arrests, trials, and crucifixion; that fateful night struck me, reminded me of my own frailties and shortcomings.

      The St. Joseph's Pastor sermon inspired me, to think about the broken promise I made to Jesus, to stand guard, short of following my promise calling, of serving others without reservations. How many of us experienced, the vacuum and emptiness, because of broken promises ?

       

         

        Churches vs. Sports Stadiums ?

 

        In this difficult times , you will still find a lot of people, attending a baseball or football game, compared to those  at a church service. A lot of churches will go financially broke, but the games will go on. 

        Faith is something you donot see, while a football or baseball game, you can witness, your favorite player playing.

         As a Nation of Believers, we can start evangelizing football or baseball stars. They are good for God's business.

          Two things in America you don't question or criticize, Sports and Political Parties, you can lose a potential advertiser(s) or patron(s). Tradition...tradition....and tradition.

           Some believed and practiced it, some believed and keep it for a day, while others believed that, the two believers were "nuts", hypocrites and bigots.    

           What do you think ?

Miracle,Heroes and You.

        In crisis situation a hero is born, a real "you" comes out, especially in the face of death. The airline accident in New York City reminded us that life is filled with uncertainties. Some called the survival of those passengers and crews, a miracle, to others because of the heroics of the pilots. 

      We saved people all the time."I am doing my job.", I frequently hear that from firefighters,police officers, soldiers, doctors, and many others.

        I wonder though, how many people suffers from poverty and deprivation today, in our "humane" world ?

We need miracles, heroes and "You" to save them !

Please visit my other blogs, write to me. You are important!!!!

           I encouraged you to write and share your thoughts about today. You donot need to disclose your name. I remember last October, 2008, while I was "dining" at one of the fast food restaurants in Hanover; A complete stranger started conversing and  encouraging me to go out and vote; It started our thirty minutes or more of   sharing stories. The stranger told me that he was afraid to campaign openly for Obama. I asked him why ?

He said and I quote, " I have a daughter and family." I retorted, " So do I !" Our conversation enlightened me.

           I felt nervous opening my mouth especially writing ( I have pen names ); I was an activist for many years and I personally experienced threats and harassments. I felt nervousness but not fear. I am nervous because sometimes, the repercussions is not directed towards you, but to people close to you. I learned to develop positive thoughts and words. I am blunt. But, through the years I "mellowed" down, trimming and toning words, I employed in my activism. These current economic crisis encouraged me to write and open my mouth again. I am half a century wiser. If someone,will hurt me or my family, I thought....... I wrote down a list of my possible "detractors/destroyers", not many- The truth shall set us free, more than that....the truth will equip you with sound zzzzzzzzzzzz and peace.

 

Visit my blog news at http://newsandissuesctrp.blogspot.com

Organizations and the People behind.

                We make it happened. Projects and organized "help" are realized through your efforts. We donot need medals or a Nobel recognitions. We, as members of the human race have the moral obligation to help.              

              Heroes are not born.They are the product and end results of their era and circumstances. How many of our fellow humans received the Nobel and the Medal of Valor ? Hundreds, thousands ? Perhaps, too many to remember.We can still count them though. 

             We are just beginning with our civilization inhabited by humans. Are we really human and humane at this time ? Why is it more people suffers from poverty and deprivation globally ? Why war happens ? Why do we need evil in order to be moral ? These are philosophical questions posited by Western thinkers and philosophers. What about the Eastern thoughts and philosophies of the Eastern world ? Do you know that some of the Western thoughts originated from the Eastern world ? Like the golden rule by Confucius of China. Do to others, what you like , others do to you.

           Today, I would like to honor the memory of Cindy of the Quincy Red Cross. I was one of her volunteers.Cindy was a great person.She was very warm and humane.Cindy is one of the really special people  behind successful organizations. We missed you.We will always remember you in our hearts.             

The author of this blog is an active volunteer of the Red Cross since 1983.

The Red Cross is a great organization.

             I wished to thank the really special people behind the Red Cross of Quincy. Thank you for serving.

The Publisher/Editor of this blog.

 

Open Invitations to my readers,fellow bloggers and friends.

   I always wanted to write about the everyday heroes of our lives. Our parents, our trash collectors, our firemen/women, our teachers, our pastor or priest, "our shrink". But I wanted......You.....my friend, readers and fellow bloggers. Email me with your story.Your life story.Your aspirations,your dreams and many others you wish to share and discuss.

My email: jd.phd.2togo@gmail.com  ...........I am waiting.

Rodolfo

What matters most to us.

• The Lists can be long enough for us to write a book about Us. We ponder on things that matters.Honesty and virtues.Ideals.Our father and mother.Our vocations and professions.
• Friendship.Our neighbors.Our Fellowmen/women. Our world. Our children. Our brothers.Our sisters. Our in-laws.
• The poor.The rich.What matters most: money or happiness. What is Happiness?
• The Sunrise and Sunsets of our lives. Escape. Freedom.Fears.
• Abraham Maslow.BF Skinner. Mark Twain. Emerson.Mozart.The Classics.Jesus Christ.Mohammed.Allah.The Dalai Lama.Confucius.The Native Americans.The Incas.The Aztecs.The Mayans.The Forgotten.The Medal of Valor.Heroism.Betrayal.
• The Greeks.The Irish.The Italians.The Africans.The Chinese.The other Asians.
• Democracy.Dictatorship.War.Peace.The History. The Bible.The English.The Romans.The Jews. The Palestine.The Freemasons.Knights of Columbus.The Klan. The Skull.Secret Societies.The Elites.The Insecurities of life.Dealing with crisis.The challenge.
• Death. Birth. The Wedding.The Funeral. Many others we can think of. Maybe a lifetime.
• Old age.Success.Frustrations.....so on and so forth......etc. many others..ad infinitum.
• For me what really matters is "Us".
•  What do you think ?
  

      Rodolfo Panizales.

Apologies not my excuse: Dear fellow bloggers/readers

                   

          I am not yet an accomplished writer nor a Pulitzer Prize material. I intend to succeed because of you.People can attain greatness in whatever they do if good people supports, encourage and donate a little of their hard earned money and resources.My ambition is not limited to my selfish motives or intentions.

I simply wanted to have a simple life so that others can simply live and thrive.

No man is an island.We are the product of our humanity and solidarity.

We are special people because we care for others beside our family.

What happens to your neighbor will affect you, one way or the other...for better or worse.

 

Is it tragic or a blessing....??? Part I

I never understood the field of Special Needs service till 1997. I started working with a child challenged by autism in Montgomery County, Maryland.I was a neophyte. I never experience the ABA approach or the Applied Behavioral Analysis popularized by UCLA's Dr. I. Lovaas (80's). A group of ABA certified consultants trained me and the child taught me about his "Autism". ABA in plain and simple terms is "reinforcement theory" from Pavlov,Skinner and many others who posits that our mental challenges can be environmentally triggered and reinforced in a positive or negative way.
I am not a psychologist though I studied psychology. I directly worked with the Special Needs people from 1997 till the present.This blog is not mainly about the 'special needs people', it is about the workers like me and many others who labored because we care and love the people we labeled "special". Special indeed because I never met anyone (not even me) really authentic soul/spirit till 1997 - "you get what you see" meaning if they like you, they really meant that without pretentions and deceit (a few exceptions in severe cases based on my experiences.Approximately a hundred or more of them I directly worked with (span 1997-Present), only 2-3 were "good for nothing", I even thought and theorized that they were products of their upbringing and environment.I hope you will learn from my experience.I hope you will enjoy reading my blog...my ramblings...my frustrations and glory.