Did they get you to trade your heroes for ghosts?

I am disappointed with the reaction to the Pope's speech last week. On the simplest level, the violent protests and the killing of the nun in Somalia would lead anyone to believe that there was truth to the reference. Obviously the remarks were incorrect, even if they were quoted, why would you quote ignorance? But why is there such a response? I understand that it is not in a vacuum, that it is part of this overwhelming sense that there is a crusade underway but ultimately, isn't the point of faith.. faith? Isn't this just another test, why is there so much insecurity.. why when we know the Truth and when we have faith and believe in the final judgement do we feel threatened? Why so violent in response, why not try to demonstrate the peace and tolerance and love or any of the 99 traits embodied by the Almighty? Why are we so easily shaken? I say we.. they. I'm not even suggesting forgiveness but why even acknowledge? End of the day, we are so busy destroying ourselves with corruption and cheating and lying nothing anyone says is going to make a difference. At the end of our lives we answer to the Almighty, that is the opportunity of our faith. When we say we believe, that is a lie when we also believe something can threaten the finality of that moment. I dont understand.


The reactions are predictable in the context of poverty and an extension of disrespect and a lack of opportunity. The remnants of colonialism. Religious fervor does not play a significant role, it is merely an avenue to vent other frustrations. Coupled with the lack of education opportunities to know more about their own faith, to deepen it by challenging it beyond their socio-political context.

Mango Acai Berry Green Tea

Good news everyone! Still alive and kicking. Is anyone out there? Hello? No? Okay, well that is allright I suppose. We all move onwards and upwards at some point in our lives. I have not yet had the good fortune of crossing said point but am comforted by the prospect. One of the coolest things I discovered in my house is this Apple Airport Express, it plugs into an outlet and relays my itunes playlist to a stereo. Endless entertainment. Despite having lived in this country for over twenty years, my father has a difficult time understanding myself and my siblings when we speak in our yankypranky accents. I often have to repeat what my seventeen year old sister says to him not in a different language but with an accent so he understands the english words. The comedy in this situation is in the fact that he understands ebonics better than anyone I know. One evening I was watching 'Malibu's Most Wanted' and my sister and I were trying to figure out what the main character said in one phrase only to be silenced by our father's explanation. He also understands what rappers say, no matter how fast they speak. This is a phenomenon that I will expand upon later. If only I was comfortable enough to post a picture of my father online you could appreciate the humor in its entirety.

I have watched three good friends get married this summer. Very odd to think my contemporaries are at this point but I might as well go along with it. Very interesting dynamics at all three weddings. The first consisted of about 20 people in a house on a rainy afternoon in Long Island. The second enormous and beautiful and high profile in Indiana. The third threatened by Ernesto in her back garden in Delaware. I learned a great deal about people I know and realized that not enough can be said about the idea and ideal of love.

On that note, tea is finished, I will write.