Hu Jia sentenced to 3 ½ years for an attempt to subvert the state's political power and socialist system
You can read a bit about it here:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23936549?GT1=43001#storyContinued
or here:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/feb/01/china.jonathanwatts
I hate hippies, but I am thankful and proud to have sacrificed my freedoms for the right of these types as well as the other end of the spectrum, ultra-conservatives like Ted Nugent. This is why I believe we have the best country/system in the world. We have such varied views and opinions, but all are free to express their views and opinions no matter how extreme, in most cases. Then, both extremes come to some compromise so that we end up with the awesome system that we have.
Unfortunately/fortunately, there is so much chatter about this that a search for the videos of his house arrest and his actual blog have eluded me. What I have read so far, though, tells me that he is just an outspoken activist who is struggling to further AIDS research and Human Rights. The fact that he, and now his wife with baby, were put on House Arrest and the phone lines and internet connection cut by the police, makes me once again thankful for our system.
People in our country whine empty slogans like ‘Bring our troops home’ and ‘change’ with no real solutions offered like a kid who doesn’t know enough to do more than just complain about how he can’t have ice cream for breakfast. However, I am thankful that they can. They can because I, and others, better than me, sacrificed so that they could without fear of the Gub’ment busting down their door and silencing them as they still frickin do in a handful of countries.
As I blog in my personal blog about how I am wallowing in my own discontentment with life challenges, I am blessed with this slap in the face with reality to remind me of what’s truly important. I can drive 2,000+ miles to California without showing a passport one time, using public restrooms at many various facilities along the way, eat fresh hot food prepared just for me, with a sign on the roof of my truck that says, ‘I hate the government’ (which I don’t), talking on my cell phone to whomever I wish about whatever I wish, listening to my iPod of whatever damn music I want, and not have to fear for my life or my belongings if a police officer pulls me over. Yes, dammit, these things are taken for granted.
Listening to: The A/C, another thing we take for granted.
The urinals, however, seem like a really cool idea, to me. She still thinks they would be gross. I am delving into this topic because I, for the first time, got to see/use one. When we were on our way back from buying my new/old truck, we stopped at MickeyD's, I dunno, and they had one. It didn't stink actually, surprisingly. Less than the average urinal, actually.
Now, like I said, I can't help but think the regualr toilet would be nasty without water. However, the urinal idea, especially because it would most likely be used in a public facility, where bjillions of people use it everyday (fast food place, parks, rest stops, sporting events, Target, etc.), and is 'supposed' to be cleaned on regular basis, it would be an easy way to save much money and water. Besides, it wouldn't be any harder to clean it.
I don't remember the brand name, but here is one from Kohler:
http://www.us.kohler.com/onlinecatalog/detail.jsp?item=10453302&prod_num=4918&module=Commercial+Urinals
John
I finished reading and making notes on a discourse from the Dalai Lama at a conference in Austria. It was a good read and inspired me to write a blog about it. So, here it be:
My notes on this:
Like the USA playing big brother to the world, which I agree with, there is only so much we can do.
It’s possible to make these ‘policies’ and the like, but enforcement would be required to implement them, which would be possible in populated areas, but ridiculous to assume possible in non-populated areas. Gangland areas are a great example. Police and many people have been trying to make these areas at least livable for many years to no avail. That’s only a small portion of the world’s population.
The injustices we have in our country are unfortunate but understandable and unavoidable in a country/system as big as ours. The perfect system that hippies dream of is just impossible, but, this is why, however, I feel that our country is truly the best. The freedoms and abilities we have here far outweigh the negative things or things that could be done better.
His reference to communism failing to provide a perfect system makes his idea of a system, in which there isn’t a huge gap between ‘classes’, more palatable, to me, at least. Other hippie-fied, communist ideas I don’t like, but I am ok with the idea of a system that eliminates the gap between ridiculous wealth and struggling to buy birthday presents for yer damn kids.
He says something undeniable, to me, “As we approach the end of the Twentieth Century, we find that the world is becoming one community.” This, to me, is the truth that faces us, regardless of differences of culture, religion, politics, etc. This is why I love technology and namely the internet, which has allowed people all over the world to network their ideas and resources.
I joke about having my feeling removed when I became a Naval Officer, but, as I have said of myself, I would give my last 5 dollars to help someone in need and, on the other hand, I would gladly choke the life out of someone who seeks to prey on someone else, especially someone weaker. I hate people, but at the same time, I love people. Dudeman said it well, “I believe that one of the principal factors that hinder us from fully appreciating our interdependence is our undue emphasis on material development. We have become so engrossed in its pursuit that, unknowingly, we have neglected the most basic qualities of compassion, caring and cooperation.”
Now, I don’t expect, ever, that everyone will be warm and fuzzy, ain’t gonna happen. However, people who would be and are normally nice to others, become not-so-nice when they get behind the wheel of their plush SUV or luxury car or any car, for that matter, or when they are busy text messaging someone or when they, spoiled by their ‘instant gratification’ life, are forced to wait in a line for something. Therefore, a system that would be more conducive to normally nice people and normally gruff people being at least sociable would really help.*****
The following are the Dalai Lama’s words:
Human Rights and Universal Responsibility
Non-Governmental Organizations
The United Nations World Conference
on Human Rights
Vienna, Austria
15 June, 1993
Our world is becoming smaller and ever more interdependent with the rapid growth in population and increasing contact between people and governments. In this light, it is important to reassess the rights and responsibilities of individuals, peoples and nations in relation to each other and to the planet as a whole. This World Conference of organizations and governments concerned about the rights and freedoms of people throughout the world reflects the appreciation of our interdependence.
No matter what country or continent we come from we are all basically the same human beings. We have the common human needs and concerns. We all seek happiness and try to avoid suffering regardless of our race, religion, sex or political status. Human beings, indeed all sentient beings, have the right to pursue happiness and live in peace and in freedom. As free human beings we can use our unique intelligence to try to understand ourselves and our world. But if we are prevented from using our creative potential, we are deprived of one of the basic characteristics of a human being. It is very often the most gifted, dedicated and creative members of our society who become victims of human rights abuses. Thus the political, social, cultural and economic developments of a society are obstructed by the violations of human rights. Therefore, the protection of these rights and freedoms are of immense importance both for the individuals affected and for the development of the society as a whole.
It is my belief that the lack of understanding of the true cause of happiness is the principal reason why people inflict suffering on others. Some people think that causing pain to others may lead to their own happiness or that their own happiness is of such importance that the pain of others is of no significance. But this is clearly shortsighted. No one truly benefits from causing harm to another being. Whatever immediate advantage is gained at the expense of someone else is short-lived. In the long run causing others misery and infringing upon their peace and happiness creates anxiety, fear and suspicion for oneself.
The key to creating a better and more peaceful world is the development of love and compassion for others. This naturally means we must develop concern for our brothers and sisters who are less fortunate than we are. In this respect, the non-governmental organizations have a key role to play. You not only create awareness for the need to respect the rights of all human beings, but also give the victims of human rights violations hope for a better future.
When I travelled to Europe for the first time in 1973, I talked about the increasing interdependence of the world and the need to develop a sense of universal responsibility. We need to think in global terms because the effects of one nation's actions are felt far beyond its borders. The acceptance of universally binding standards of Human Rights as laid down in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and in the International Covenants of Human Rights is essential in today's shrinking world. Respect for fundamental human rights should not remain an ideal to be achieved but a requisite foundation for every human society.
When we demand the rights and freedoms we so cherish we should also be aware of our responsibilities. If we accept that others have an equal right to peace and happiness as ourselves do we not have a responsibility to help those in need? Respect for fundamental human rights is as important to the people of Africa and Asia as it is to those in Europe or the Americas. All human beings, whatever their cultural or historical background, suffer when they are intimidated, imprisoned or tortured. The question of human rights is so fundamentally important that there should be no difference of views on this. We must therefore insist on a global consensus not only on the need to respect human rights world wide but more importantly on the definition of these rights.
Recently some Asian governments have contended that the standards of human rights laid down in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights are those advocated by the West and cannot be applied to Asia and others parts of the Third World because of differences in culture and differences in social and economic development. I do not share this view and I am convinced that the majority of Asian people do not support this view either, for it is the inherent nature of all human beings to yearn for freedom, equality and dignity, and they have an equal to achieve that. I do not see any contradiction between the need for economic development and the need for respect of human rights. The rich diversity of cultures and religions should help to strengthen the fundamental human rights in all communities. Because underlying this diversity are fundamental principles that bind us all as members of the same human family. Diversity and traditions can never justify the violations of human rights. Thus discrimination of persons from a different race, of women, and of weaker sections of society may be traditional in some regions, but if they are inconsistent with universally recognized human rights, these forms of behavior must change. The universal principles of equality of all human beings must take precedence.
It is mainly the authoritarian and totalitarian regimes who are opposed to the universality of human rights. It would be absolutely wrong to concede to this view. On the contrary, such regimes must be made to respect and conform to the universally accepted principles in the larger and long term interests of their own peoples. The dramatic changes in the past few years clearly indicate that the triumph of human rights is inevitable.
There is a growing awareness of peoples' responsibilities to each other and to the planet we share. This is encouraging even though so much suffering continues to be inflicted based on chauvinism, race, religion, ideology and history. A new hope is emerging for the downtrodden, and people everywhere are displaying a willingness to champion and defend the rights and freedoms of their fellow human beings.
Brute force, no matter how strongly applied, can never subdue the basic human desire for freedom and dignity. It is not enough, as communist systems have assumed, merely to provide people with food, shelter and clothing. The deeper human nature needs to breathe the precious air of liberty. However, some governments still consider the fundamental human rights of its citizens an internal matter of the state. They do not accept that the fate of a people in any country is the legitimate concern of the entire human family and that claims to sovereignty are not a license to mistreat one's citizens. It is not only our right as members of the global human family to protest when our brothers and sisters are being treated brutally, but it is also our duty to do whatever we can to help them.
Artificial barriers that have divided nations and peoples have fallen in recent times. With the dismantling of Berlin wall the East - West division which has polarized the whole world for decades has now come to an end. We are experiencing a time filled with hope and expectations. Yet there still remains a major gulf at the heart of the human family. By this I am referring to the North-South divide. If we are serious in our commitment to the fundamental principles of equality, principles which, I believe, lie at the heart of the concept of human rights, today's economic disparity can no longer be ignored. It is not enough to merely state that all human beings must enjoy equal dignity. This must be translated into action. We have a responsibility to find ways to achieve a more equitable distribution of world's resources.
We are witnessing a tremendous popular movement for the advancement of human rights and democratic freedom in the world. This movement must become an even more powerful moral force, so that even the most obstructive governments and armies are incapable of suppressing it. This conference is an occasion for all of us to reaffirm our commitment to this goal. It is natural and just for nations, peoples and individuals to demand respect for their rights and freedoms and to struggle to end repression, racism, economic exploitation, military occupation, and various forms of colonialism and alien domination. Governments should actively support such demands instead of only paying lip service to them.
As we approach the end of the Twentieth Century, we find that the world is becoming one community. We are being drawn together by the grave problems of over population, dwindling natural resources, and an environmental crisis that threaten the very foundation of our existence on this planet. Human rights, environmental protection and great social and economic equality, are all interrelated. I believe that to meet the challenges of our times, human beings will have to develop a greater sense of universal responsibility. Each of us must learn to work not just for one self, one's own family or one's nation, but for the benefit of all humankind. Universal responsibility is the best foundation for world peace.
This need for co-operation can only strengthen humankind, because it helps us to recognize that the most secure foundation for a new world order is not simply broader political and economic alliances, but each individual's genuine practice of love and compassion. These qualities are the ultimate source of human happiness, and our need for them lies at the very core of our being. The practice of compassion is not idealistic, but the most effective way to pursue the best interests of others as well as our own. The more we become interdependent the more it is in our own interest to ensure the well-being of others.
I believe that one of the principal factors that hinder us from fully appreciating our interdependence is our undue emphasis on material development. We have become so engrossed in its pursuit that, unknowingly, we have neglected the most basic qualities of compassion, caring and cooperation. When we do not know someone or do not feel connected to an individual or group, we tend to overlook their needs. Yet, the development of human society requires that people help each other.
I, for one, strongly believe that individuals can make a difference in society. Every individual has a responsibility to help move our global family in the right direction and we must each assume that responsibility. As a Buddhist monk, I try to develop compassion within myself, not simply as a religious practice, but on a human level as well. To encourage myself in this altruistic attitude, I sometimes find it helpful to imagine myself standing as a single individual on one side, facing a huge gathering of all other human beings on the other side. Then I ask myself, 'Whose interests are more important?' To me it is quite clear that however important I may feel I am, I am just one individual while others are infinite in number and importance.
I just read something in April's Popular Science magazine about Amyris Biotechnologies out there in Emeryville, CA. They are testing a new idea they have come up with that sounds and looks pretty awesome so far. They are making a genetically manipulated bacteria that can be used to produce a good old fashioned gasoline. A carbon-neutral gas at that.A professor Keasling out there at Berkeley said, so perfectly, in my opinion, "...today's gasoline engines are powerful machines finely tuned by decades of engineering and innovation. Why give them up if we don't have to?"
Jack Newman, the co-founder of Amyris, and his colleagues agree that, as I have said for a while now (glad to hear someone else say it), no single technology is going to solve our energy woes. This cool new technology would still only fuel a fraction of the cars, if mass-produced. However, it would be more worthy, in my opinion, of investing time and money in.
Ethanol, for example, can't be used in existing pipelines because it is so corrosive and, as a few knowledgeable sources have said, if all the corn in the U.S. was used for ethanol, it would still only support a mere 10 or 12% of our appetite for fuel.
