Cappa's Thoughts

Back form a hiatus of sorts....

2008-01-11T14:23:00.001-08:00

It's been quite some time since I've posted on my blog, as with most things affected by time, the one thing that's certain, is, of course, CHANGE! And, OH, THINGS have CHANGED!

Since my last post, I've found myself in a new job, a new career, a new mindset, and, even some new friends. Working, in what one could only describe as a mid-to-late thirty's office where we're surrounded by everything from HL7 to DICOM (if you got those two terms, awesome!) and of course the usual clusters to customers who seem to be mentally <span style="font-style: italic;">clustered</span>. But, like I said, I've also found myself spearheading down a new career path. One that appears to be full of rewards not just in terms of financial, but also knowledge!

However, of all the changes that have come to pass, both enjoyable, and not, I've have also found myself in a mix of new friends. People who I truly believe that could change the world if they choose to act upon it.

I'd guess this is where my new mindset comes into play. I've found myself listening to different types of music from the Beatles to the Mamas and the papas ( of course the usual Techno and Trance are still there). More so, I find myself tapering off when it comes to getting into heated debates about religion. In days of old, I'd overreach myself to emphasize my point of view.

Above all, I've found it necessary to start blogging again. To share my points of view; express what concerns me, excites me, dulls me, and gets my fires of thought started.

Peace, Propaganda & The Promised Land

2006-07-24T08:20:00.000-07:00

Peace, Propaganda & the Promised Land provides a striking comparison of U.S. and international media coverage of the crisis in the Middle East, zeroing in on how structural distortions in U.S. coverage have reinforced false perceptions of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This pivotal documentary exposes how the foreign policy interests of American political elites--oil, and a need to have a secure military base in the region, among others--work in combination with Israeli public relations strategies to exercise a powerful influence over how news from the region is reported.
Through the voices of scholars, media critics, peace activists, religious figures, and Middle East experts, Peace, Propaganda & the Promised Land carefully analyzes and explains how--through the use of language, framing and context--the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and Gaza remains hidden in the news media, and Israeli colonization of the occupied terrorities appears to be a defensive move rather than an offensive one. The documentary also explores the ways that U.S. journalists, for reasons ranging from intimidation to a lack of thorough investigation, have become complicit in carrying out Israel's PR campaign. At its core, the documentary raises questions about the ethics and role of journalism, and the relationship between media and politics.

2006-06-26T20:00:00.000-07:00

THE WORLD NEEDS TO COME TO AN END

TOO MUCH SHIT GOING ON THAT JUST ISN'T RIGHT

THE END.

2006-06-16T19:12:00.000-07:00

Demanding objective analysis

A few days back, I came home from yet another tiring day at work and decided to watch a bit of television. Now, granted, most of what's on there is nonsense mixed with a bit of truth and cooked in a pot of lies, but nonetheless, my mind had to unwind from the days work, and, TV, seemed a start.

Flipping through the channels, I came across a number of people who had been scheduled for the hour on CNN's Larry King. From time to time, his show has had some substance, and at most warrants a few minutes before changing the channel. What immediately caught my attention was a sobbing mother who sat there proclaiming that her young daughter had been tragically raped and killed, and whether or not a person like that can and should be rehabilitated into society. Among her were a few others who had similar situations and their answers varied.

What really caught my attention, and sort of forced me to add another post to my blog was an all-too familiar answer given by her, to a question from Larry. The jest of the question was how do you deal with the pain and suffering on a daily basis. Her answer came in the form of praising GOD for giving her the strength to go on and cope with the tragedy. And with out GOD she would certainly fail to do so and so on...

WAS SHE SERIOUS?

I could hardly understand how this women who has been through such a tragedy, come to such a conclusion with out questioning the act itself. I seemed to recall the quote "Faith: not wanting to know what is true" by Nietzsche shouting out at me as she and the rest of the panel seemed to acknowledge it and move on. How disillusioned is our society where religion can not explain the act itself, but some how offer the fact that you yourself can not continue without the help of the all-loving and caring god?

Where was this all-loving and caring god during the raping of that innocent child? Where was he during the brutal act of murder, and more important, how could that mother site there and just not pose the very same questions I am?

I was very sure I had overlooked something, I’m sure anyone would question if put in a similar situation. And, as the show continued, I expressly looked for that. I looked for the explanation that perhaps this women had offered herself to look past these simple yet unanswered questions to realize that god had and was helping her cope with this. Unfortunately, none of those answers came and the show ended.

Even now, I’m taken back as responses such as these fill our world. How, to no avail, can humanity put their beliefs and trust and hearts into a god with out any objective reasoning?

Here, folks, is my answer to this puzzle; our hearts are weak and our minds are fickle, we, as a society needs to fill the gaps that just don’t make sense. And, moreover, to get a grasp of what we don’t understand. I truly feel that for some, religion adequately, yet falsely, accomplishes this.

My thoughts will always remain the same; can we change as a whole, can we grow and overlook the need for a god and realize that all the help and support we’ll ever need is right here on earth in the very humans we interact with.

2006-04-03T21:04:00.000-07:00

The Jesus Papers

It seems, the newest debacle from writer Michael Baigent, is oddly enough titled the Jesus Papers. It ambitiously fights to explain the rather strange fact that Jesus, proclaimed son of god, and savior of man-kind, had in fact survived the crucifixion to live on for a number of years. After reading it, I decided to take a few minutes to place an assumption upon what the book and of course the author is actually saying.

Before I do so, I’d like to share with you the message Mr. Baigent would like us to hear. From an interview given on Dateline, towards the end, Mr. Baigent made a point by saying that the main purpose of the book is so that people can finally start to ask questions. What he actually meant by this, was that he expected us to question whether or not, Jesus lived past the crucifixion, and perhaps many other beliefs the Catholic Church has to offer.

As the story goes, he was able to meet and greet an individual who was a collector and happened to be in the possession of two documents. In particular, those documents were from the year 45ad. Moreover, the astonishing point was not who the papers were written to, but rather from whom. According to Mr. Baigent, it was none other then Jesus himself.

As intriguing as that sounds, I, much like the rest of you, will undoubtedly ask the all too obvious question. Where is the proof? Where are these papers and why isn't its location noted or even exposed?

The answer, according to mr. Baigent, was that the man who possessed the documents, made a deal with the Vatican to keep them a secret or possibly destroy them. And, it is entirely up to the man to reveal them.

Now, with out further ado, my thoughts. It would appear that Mr. Baigent is boldly asking us to take a leap of faith and not only assume but accept that these papers are real, and more importantly, to understand that what many of us have believed for so long, is in fact, false. Well, I can not simply adhere to that task. For more then obvious reasons, to blindly accept such a fact with out a shred of proof or evidence is absolutely absurd.

I, at this point do not accept much of the religion as it stands now, and these papers can only serve to change the course of history, or, perhaps share in the line of well known lies. Either way, the book does, through its vague attempt of acting as a Dan Brown knock-off, bring up a rather interesting point, but perhaps the only truth that may come of this topic is that until there is some serious evidence to back up this theory; this book shall rest along side the others that are labeled fictional.

2006-03-13T06:31:00.000-08:00

An explanation of sorts...

I feel rather compelled, in a sense, to state a few things before I continue on with the posts of several other topics. The past few posts on my blog have dealt with the concepts surrounding religion. Its impact on society and even a few questions from my end. However, my initial intention for this blog was to simply state my thoughts (hence the name) on many different topics. Moreover, my life did change drastically over the 2005 year. Events full of joy and tragedy surfaced and it seemed that the wave of events would never end. Well, I’m glad to say that things have calmed down a bit, and my life, has seemed to level off a bit as well. Yes, there are times when past memories, for lack of a better word haut me, and my loss is still deep within my emotions. But, it seems fitting to move on... and so I shall.

2006-02-09T11:03:00.000-08:00

ROOT OF EVIL

To put it plainly, the root of evil is religion itself. Allow me to explain. Using any religion, is it not true that religion enforces the meanings of what constitutes as evil? Is it also not religion that forces us to understand who the proverbial “devil” is and what comes of people who hold no faith? For this very reason, it is religion that has brought forth this concept of evil. Understanding this point, we must examine what this truly means.

This perception set forth by the church is nothing more then a ploy, a deviously crafted tactic, to recapture our basic thinking and encapsulate it to their irrational beliefs. However, I beg of you not to equate my statement to mean that our basic thinking is in some form or fashion evil in nature. It is however, stated as a means to explain how a certain view can be expressed and believed by so many, with out any logical justification. As with god and the devil, there is no real proof to establish the fact that they exist. Certainly, a book of ill-sorted texts can not be used in a rational world as evidence for their existence.

Furthermore, evil in itself can not be intrinsically wicked, unless an act or notion is labeled by an individual or society to be as such. For example, if a group of people were to be killed, for any reason, such as their beliefs or method of living, many would believe this to be an evil deed. However, the people who commit the murders would possibly consider it righteous and by no means evil.

My explicit point here is that, evil, and the perception around it, is only valid by the conscience attitude of humanity. Yet, many people are plagued by the irrational beliefs of the Catholic Church. Abortion is one such idea which is considered a moral evil by the church; conversely, if abortion does have moral issues, it certainly is not evil. It is however, a subject that must be decided by every woman who faces the issue. The church has no right to pass judgment on this, and certainly has no right to label it evil in nature.

Nevertheless, we as a people believe this and may other concepts set forth by the Catholic Church, as well as other religions, full heartedly. For this reason, I still fail to realize why simple questions are not asked to verify the validity of such beliefs.

2006-01-08T22:12:00.000-08:00

To Kill Myself

Recently, I caught an episode of Law and Order, SVU. It dealt with the topic of the legality of taking ones own life. After watching it, I wanted to spend a few minutes thinking about that very idea. There are a few reasons why one would want to end his or her life. Who are we to question? I tried to imagine myself as an individual with a horrible disease that current medicine has no affect on, and the pain, either mental or physical, will be unbearable. Moreover, “Suicide” seems a term best used in courts to tarnish and dispute an otherwise justified action. And, for this very reason, the federal courts can not and must not place any restrictions on this policy. We as individuals have that very right to chose life and yes, even death.

2005-12-30T17:28:00.000-08:00

The Power of Prayer

The fact that my parents were/are great admirers of the catholic faith, and follow it to the best of their ability, has offered me the most wonderful chance to experience all the facets of the religion. And, as far as I can remember, the practice of praying was more then spoken for in my family.

However, as the year comes to a disappointing end, it has brought forth many changes, some bad, and of course some good. And, in my initial post for my Blog, I choose to question and perhaps answer the meaning of God and the catholic religion that apparently works so hard to proclaim the good works they have done in his name.

Today however, I chose to tackle a topic that is an integral part of any religion. That of course is prayer. The act, the beliefs, and more importantly, the outcome. In so doing, my response my not agree with that of many people, moreover, it stands to describe the only point of view I can afford on this topic, my own.

Two years ago, I spent three weeks in India. A country where poverty is as ramped as Starbucks is to the US. Driving down a road, I saw a mother begging and asking for whatever anyone could spare. Apparently, this is so common, that the population seems to block out these paupers as if they never existed. Watching the mother for a few moments, I couldn't help but call her and give her the few rupees I had. As she nearly snatched them from my hand, I saw a truly disturbing event; she turned around and gave some to her child who was merely 12 or 13, and begging himself.

Being the type of person I am, I pulled the taxi to the side, got out and started to talk to the women. My parents thought it very strange, and even, I would imagine, pondered the thought of leaving me behind to return to the hotel.

With the help of the taxi driver, who spoke the language, a few questions were asked and the responses given will always remain vivid now, as it did two years ago. Standing on the street, I asked the women why do this, isn't there a job that you can do, an education you can learn, help you can get from a shelter, church etc... The women took a minute, smiled and then responded with an overwhelming “NO.” After asking her to explain her answer, she took all but 3 seconds to respond. "There is no job that will hire you if you have no phone, no home, and no proper clothes. A school will not teach you for the same reasons, and there is no shelter and church that isn't full or will to say no to you as easily as the school or job would."

I asked her if she even makes enough money begging to support her son and herself. Another “NO” was produced and followed by “some days we eat, some days we don’t.” I then asked her what religion does she practice, and more importantly, does she pray and ask God for help. Her smile quickly disappeared and her response was “yes, of course I pray. I pray every night for god to help us. I feel he is the only one that can." Abruptly, I responded with an idiotic remark, maybe your not praying hard or long enough. And the taxi driver delivered my response just as quickly. The women said what must have been two sentences and grabbed her child's hand, and walked away.

I spent the ride back to the hotel questioning god and why did he choose not to help that women. Just then, my thought was interrupted by the driver who asked me if wanted to know what she said. As I nodded, I couldn’t help but picture her speaking as he translated for me. "My great grandmother prayed, my mother prayed, and I pray now, still, we have not had ours answered. I guess he wants to give us our answer in person."

Are we not told through prayer, god can be spoken to? Where was the response for this woman? Was she lying to me? Yes, that's it, she was lying to me I thought, but, no the truth was far too noticeable for me to accept her story as a lie. The level of poverty was far too deep and the numbers of participants were far too strong.

I was yet again presented with other questions. Why do we do this? What do we believe will come of this? Is it by mere habit? Or is it for a sense of belief that a prayer prayed to god will bring about the result we desire? The answer is simple. NOTHING... lets say that one more time... NOTHING, absolutely, positively NOTHING!

Okay, I said it twice, but here's the reason why. For this entire time people have spent so much of their lives praying (myself included) for things to happen. God, please let my child be ok, God, please let me get this job, God, Help me to kill these people who do not believe the way I do God, God, GOD!. Why do this people? There is no god to answer you prayers... I mean it would be just as arbitrary to pray and ask a marshmallow in sky for gold on your pillow.

I thought of the prayers of others that were not answered, the parents with terminally ill children, the mothers, fathers and children who are affected by ruthless crimes and families who ask for a second chance for their loved ones to survive.

The answer is simple and true. Why we may chose to pray, may be warranted, however, the lie itself, is the prayer, and the result is just as ineffective as the people who offer a prayer for you.

2005-11-10T20:09:00.000-08:00

HASTE AND SOME WHAT OF A WASTE

I found it fitting to add this comment in response to those who have read and chosen to objectively respond to my "point of religion." I truly appreciate the comments I have received. Indeed, it's hard to understand how life truly works. However, on a particular note, i had given this to my aunt to read. Seeing is how she is a devote catholic, I, was anxious to witness her reaction. To my surprise she offered the thought that because I was young, I would not be able to understand many of life's mysteries, and that god is there to help us find the path. Funny, age it seems plays a role in your understanding life, but pain, happiness, grief, death, seems to have no boundaries. In some what hushed tones, I choose to blurt out that very fact and over the next few minutes, we fought over the "exact" role god plays in our lives. Just so we're clear, my goal is not to undermine one ideology with the help of another, moreover, it's to offer to the world, in the most gentle of ways, the point of view I could afford. My own.

2005-11-06T13:28:00.000-08:00

The Point of Religion

By no means am I a religious or even a spiritual person. However, most of my family and friends are, they have a strong belief in god's existence and hand in their lives. As a result, I have been raised from childhood to follow and accept the beliefs of the catholic religion. However, the recent events that have affected my life as well as a great deal of time spent understanding life itself, have forced me to question that faith. This year, I lost my mother in April and as with anyone who has lost a loved one, questions arise and doubts and even mixed feelings. I, of course was no different. But, with religion apart of my life, I found it easy to focus on that. After all, I was made to believe that religion and god can comfort and help you overcome anything. The following is my novice attempt at questioning that very premise.

As the days past after my mother’s passing, my relatives would offer their condolences, and then add the response that god is caring for her and that she's in a better place. HARDLY SO! A better place? A husband left with no wife. A son left with no mother. A sister lost. I seem to fail in understanding the concept of that. After all, she was my mother, the best place was here, loving and caring for her family, as we, cared and loved her. Moreover, I hardly see a point in giving this figure the title of god who's supposedly omnipotent, and yet his adoring followers on earth (pope included,) are just as susceptible to diseases and natural disasters and pain as the rest of the humanity. If your response, however, is the fact that everyone must endure the process of life, then would there be a purpose in praying and asking for help if say a child was in an accident and death was a looming? Imagine a doctor telling the parents that, their child is in god’s hands and if he wills it, the life will be saved, if not, the child will be with god. Let us offer a sense of rational thinking, if the actions we take and the consequences that affect us, determine the result, why does god have to play a roll? Have you ever heard a human praising god for the loss of their loved one? Useless is the hand that is neither felt nor seen. Moreover, your response to this may be the fact that there are magnificent things we can witness (nature, space, seasons or birth,) I offer this thought. If science had not helped us as it has thus far, what would we understand about the stars and nature what would we have learned about the process of birth? We have discovered so much for ourselves. Extended life, preserved it, cured diseases and more importantly, we continue to solve humanity's problems. Furthermore, it would appear to me that humanity will be our savior and not a supernatural being.

As time past, I started focusing on the religion I was forced into since childhood. What does it mean, how does it work in today's world and of course, its primary figure. Catholicism, much like the other religions, serves as a portal to draw you into certain assumptions. It gives you false hope. It prescribes the righteous path for our "truthful" entrance into a "special" kingdom. ACTUALLY, it asks you fear, love, respect and follow what we can not see or even feel. Well, how can they do this? How can the Catholic Church (as powerful as they are) accomplish this in a time where science has come so far, and when the 8% of our used brain should force us to question the religious beliefs we're guided by. Well, like many of the powerful corporations, banks and institutions, they have placed their roots far and deep within our society. For generations they have been teaching us their lies coupled with the idea that "GOD SAID SO," and they get away with it. Amazing as that is, it's even more shocking to see over time, their level of brainwashing has advanced to a point that if you were to question it, you would be placed under scrutiny. If the time is spent examining any religion, truthfully, with an objective view, we would easily see what religion has done to us as a people. The lives it has taken the destruction it has caused. Realizing this, I shifted to religion's main player. God himself, His existence, his beliefs, his choice of control or lack there of. Are his followers in denial or justly following their maker?

As a man who has had his hand let go to cross the world alone, I can't help but conclude two points to the existence of god. One; if god does exist, he either chooses not to care or is unable to. However, if he was unable to, there is no point in calling him god is there? And if he chooses not to, then "all-loving" is thrown right out of the window. Either way, he'd be as useful as a football fan engrossed in a Sunday’s game. Moreover, my second point is if he were to simply not exist, these questions wouldn't even be asked. That left me with an odd conclusion and a Subconscious thought of John Lennon asking me to imagine there's no heaven or hell. Well, I did, and the answer was a powerful one. Imagine if we were to take matters into our own hands, imagine if life was not controlled by a "supreme" being but by us. The amount of unwarranted loss of life in wars, saved. The enormous amounts of money spent to build institutions where lives are completely spent in denial, saved. To the cruel events we witness as a people, and the world that turns with them, I’m forced to accept the fact that our lives are in our control, the choices we make to the decisions we abide by.

Because of the power that religion has over this earth and the people, I highly doubt that much of our concepts on religion and god and even the institutions that proclaim to work for them, will change. However, there are a few, atheists as the world labels them, who actively question these methods with pure and simple rational thinking. My hope in the future of humanity remains with them.