KROGER MIX

Snippets:

2008-07-07T23:00:00.000-07:00

The Coalition of Immokalee Workers has scored another labor victory. "Burger King has agreed to pay an additional net penny per pound for Florida tomatoes to increase wages for the Florida farm workers who harvest tomatoes."

In West Virginian people will be able to get more bang for their buck when they shop for food. The state has now cut the food tax in half.

Because of Democratic Senator Jim Webb and others, a new GI Bill was passed and signed into law. The legislation provides substantially better benefits because the old GI bill was outdated.

The US Supreme Court ruled that Guantanamo prisoners have the right to challenge their detention at the US military base in civilian courts.

Despite improvements in domestic nutrition programs, the recently passed Farm Bill failed to reform farm subsidies. Thanks for trying President Bush.

The House passed an updated and compromised FISA bill. The debate over telecom immunity will continue in the Senate today.

A report released by the human rights group, Physicians for Human Rights, reveals that former terrorist suspects detained by the United States were tortured.

In her new book and this interview, Professor M. Gigi Durham discusses the corporate media's sexual objectification of girls and how to help young women fight regressive media messages.

Chris Satullo suggests "we deserve no Fourth this year" in his newspaper column.

The Office: Japanese

2008-07-07T22:00:00.000-07:00

AIPAC Pandering

2008-07-07T21:00:00.000-07:00

In this clip Stewart claims that a real debate about Israel is only acceptable in Israel. Based on my experience in the US and in Israel I would say his comments are fairly accurate.

With regard to Obama's pandering at the annual policy conference of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), he did at least offer some suggestions to Israel.
“Israel can,” he said, “ease the freedom of movement for Palestinians, improve economic conditions in the West Bank, and to refrain from building new settlements — as it agreed to with the [President George W.] Bush administration at Annapolis.” Inter Press Service

If Obama is elected, I hope that he will be able to critique the harsh violence of both the Palestinians and the Israelis.

Short Film: Strangers

2008-07-07T20:00:00.000-07:00

"Strangers depicts the unlikely duo of a young Arabic and a Jewish man who must put aside their fears and predisposed hatred toward one another when confronted with an even greater threat, a gang of skinheads.

This short film by Erez Tadmor and Guy Nattiv really sheds some perspective on tensions between Arabs and Israelis, considering how both still face an incredible amount of prejudice and violence in Europe and elsewhere throughout the world." Alternet

Film: Promises

2008-07-07T19:00:00.000-07:00

Before I left for the Middle East I watched the documentary, Promises. The film taught me a great deal about Israeli/Palestinian conflict. It also caused me me laugh, despair, and hope.

You are welcome to borrow the film from me

Cluster Bomb Treaty

2008-07-07T18:00:00.000-07:00

In May over 100 nations approved a cluster bomb treaty ban.
For more on the story & on who didn't sign the treaty watch this video.

Dangerous Ground is a commercial that depicts what life would be like if Westerners could not walk on the ground due to landmines and unexploded cluster bombs.

ACT: Ask all the presidential candidates to commit to sign the global cluster bomb ban.

Hannah's Lunchbox

2008-07-07T17:00:00.000-07:00

Kevin was one of several incredible lay persons who joined me and 29 other seminarians in our Middle East Travel Seminar.

His family was recently featured on CNN and the Today Show for their project, Hannah's Lunchbox. I hope you will be inspired and challenged like I was by their story. I refer to it in my column.

Music: Nick Cannon

2008-07-07T16:00:00.000-07:00

One day at the United Methodist General Conference I attended a luncheon that featured a former abortion clinic owner. As the speaker told horrors stories from her experiences and spoke passionately against abortion I was moved. But I was also disturbed as she basically characterized all pro-choice advocates as being pro-abortion. I came away believing even more strongly that the extremism on both sides of the abortion debate is detrimental.

I believe I am apart of the moderate majority that is pro-life, but against the criminalization of abortion. If we are to effectively reduce abortions in America, we must find ways for persons who are pro-life and pro-choice to work together.

Nick Cannon's song below is a powerful testimony of his own personal experience with the issue. While you may not agree with the message he is conveying, I hope you'll take a listen.

Cartoon: Democrats

2008-07-07T15:00:00.000-07:00

Quote: Bobby Kennedy

2008-07-07T14:00:00.000-07:00

40 years ago Robert F. Kennedy was assassinated. May his words continue to inspire us to do what is right, even when the work is difficult and seems insignificant.

"It is from numberless diverse acts of courage and belief that human history is shaped. Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance."
University of Cape Town, June 6th, 1966

New Social Creeds

2008-07-07T13:00:00.000-07:00

The United Methodist Church (UMC), the Presbyterian Church (PCUSA), and the National Council of Churches (NCC) have all written new social creeds.

I am proud to be a United Methodist because we retained the previous social creed and set the new social creed to music. This will hopefully enable the social creed to be used regularly in worship services.

Social Sin

2008-07-07T12:00:00.000-07:00

What can one family do to help end poverty and hunger in Africa? They can do a lot if they sell their house and give away half the money. That is exactly what Hannah’s family eventually did through their project, Hannah’s Lunchbox. In a video about the project Hannah explains what got things started: “There are always homeless men sitting at [that stoplight] holding up signs and begging for food. And right in front of us there was a Mercedes. And I looked at the guy in the Mercedes and I said, “You know, if that guy didn’t have such a nice car, the man over here could have a meal.””
Hannah's words reminded me of the quote I came across in college that challenged me immensely: “Live simply that others may simply live.” This quote makes a claim that individual life choices affect the livelihood of other people. For me it also makes a value judgment that says, there is something not right about living beyond the necessities of life while others lack the necessities to live. This realization dawned on me in my experiences with the poor in Peru. Hannah realized it through serving the poor at a food bank in Atlanta and because of the disparity she saw between a man begging for food and a man driving a Mercedes.

To understand that we play a role in affecting disparities is to recognize how our individual decisions directly and indirectly impact other people. From there we can accept responsibility for the welfare of others. My faith tradition teaches me that all persons are my neighbor and my brother or sister. When our actions, even inadvertently, cause harm to our friends, the beggar downtown, or the struggling widow around the world, I believe we sin. That does not necessarily mean we are bad people, but it recognizes that because of our interconnectedness--what we do matters.

This is also true because we are apart of and participate in a variety of systems and institutions. In 18th century England one of those systems was slavery. In the 1791 pamphlet, An Address to the People of Great Britain, the author argues that if persons “purchase the commodity” of sugar they “participate in the crime." The same logic applies our financial support of governments, churches, and corporations. If governments, churches, or corporations we support engage in practices that oppress, exploit, and/or harm others, (which they often do) we too bear part of the responsibility, and thus part of the guilt. If we are silent or complicit in the harm that the institutions cause we all even more to confess to God and to our community.

I am define sin as that which distances us from God and/or our neighbor. The “that” which I refer to can be either an act or a condition, both of which feed off of the other. Social sin occurs when we fail to love our neighbor as a community or fail to love our neighbor through our participation in institutions that cause harm. Often this takes places because of naivet’e or apathy. These sins of omission are also apart of social sin. On a practical level I think the fact that Hannah saw a homeless man is an indictment of the man with the Mercedes and the community.

I do not know whether Hannah or her family were ever thinking about sin. However they decided to live differently and to give up their former ways. Their personal decision to reside in a significantly smaller house will have a direct impact on the lives of hundreds of African people. Their willingness to sacrifice for something greater than themselves inspires me to do even more to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God (Micah 6:8).

Colbert in Space

2008-05-09T23:00:00.000-07:00

Stephen goes intergalactic when he makes contact with a Hero floating in space. Enjoy the delayed laughter.

Myanmar Cyclone

2008-05-09T22:00:00.000-07:00

Myanmar is finally accepting more aid to help the victims.
This isn't getting nearly the press the 2004 Tsunami did. One article suggested the death toll might even surpass that of the Tsunami.

Every hour of this relief operation is precious to saving lives.
ACT: Please donate to one of the relief organizations.

Climate Change PSA

2008-05-09T21:00:00.000-07:00

Al Gore continues to impress me with the leadership and momentum he has provided to fight global warming. If he can bring together Al Sharpton and Pat Robertson, then I think we just might be able to care for creation.
Learn more at http://www.wecansolveit.org/

50 Shots: Sean Bell

2008-05-09T20:00:00.000-07:00

In November of 2006 Sean Bell was shot and killed by NY detectives.
Recently three police officers who were indicted were acquitted.

Al Sharpton is leading protests calling for justice.
While I understand the need for Obama to distance himself from “angry black men,” his silence at injustice disturbs me.

This excellent video from Max Blumenthal takes us to the streets of Queens, where New Yorkers vent their rage against the Sean Bell verdict.
(Warning: graphic language)

US Planned Torture

2008-05-09T19:00:00.000-07:00

ABC News has uncovered that the Whitehouse planned “enhanced interrogation techniques” (torture). Video report. (CrooksandLiars)

As always, Jon Stewart reveals American hypocrisy with truth and humor.

On a related note, Amnesty International has just released another video showing American torture.

Puppy Mills

2008-05-09T18:00:00.000-07:00

Oprah did a great special about Lisa Ling's investigation of puppy mills.
One of the saddest moments was watching a rescued dog struggle to walk on the floor since it had spent its entire life in a wire cage.

I found this moving and informative video on YouTube.
ACT: Please consider a donation to Main Line Animal Rescue

Loving Your Mugger

2008-05-09T17:00:00.000-07:00

NPR recently featured a unique and inspiring story called "A Victim Treats His Mugger Right."

You can read or listen to it here.
(Thanks Jen)

FAA Inspectors

2008-05-09T16:00:00.000-07:00

You know your government is screwed up when the very agencies meant to put safety over profit, put profit over safety.

FAA whistleblowers testified to congress that the "agency views the airlines as its "customers" instead of companies to be regulated."

You can learn more in this CNN video report.

SD Hogfarm Protest

2008-05-09T15:00:00.000-07:00

"The Yankton Sioux Tribe of Marty, South Dakota is fighting Longview Corporation's construction of a hog facility on non-Indian fee land within the reservation, which will produce over 70,000 pigs annually. In two weeks since April 15th, 38 Tribal members were arrested by state law enforcement while peacefully blocking construction on a BIA road. Most tribal members are opposed to the construction and are unaware of any consultation with the tribe for environmental permits. One Native American was injured when a skid loader rammed into him as he and others blocked the earth moving equipment. Tribal members are protesting at the site seven days a week and report that construction is also still occuring seven days a week, even on Sunday. The people are praying that their attorneys will be successful at seeking an injunction to prevent the further construction of the hog farm." (REZNET)

Healthcare Systems

2008-05-09T14:00:00.000-07:00

PBS Frontline had a great show examining different healthcare systems.
While perhaps no system is perfect, it is clear that American can improve.

Watch a preview below and the full show, Sick Around the World here.

MLK Assassination

2008-05-09T13:00:00.000-07:00

Watching CNN's special on MLK, "Eyewitness to Murder: The King Assassination," was saddening and disturbing. America misses you Dr. King.

Did you know that the FBI sent King the note below?

"King, look into your heart. You know, you are a complete fraud and a greater liability to all of us Negroes. White people in this country have enough frauds of their own but I am sure they don’t have one at this time that is anywhere near your equal. You are no clergyman and you know it. I repeat that you are a colossal fraud and an evil, vicious one at that….King, like all frauds your end is approaching. You could have been our greatest leader….But you are done. Your honorary degrees, your Nobel Prize (what a grim farce) and other awards will not save you. King, I repeat you are done….The American public, the church organizations that have been helping–Protestants, Catholics and Jews will know you for what you are–an evil beast. So will others who have backed you. You are done.
King, there is only one thing left for you to do. You know what it is. You have just 34 days in which to do (this exact number has been selected for a specific reason, it has definite practical significance). You are done. There is but one way out for you. You better take it before your filthy fraudulent self is bared to the nation."

Film: Jailing Immigrants

2008-05-09T12:00:00.000-07:00

Some haunting stories have come out recently about the treatment of detained immigrants. Clouded in secrecy, many immigrants have been caused harm or denied basic care.

"Some non-U.S. citizens detained by the government for violating immigration laws are kept in rat-infested, cramped detention centers, fed noxious food and denied basic hygiene items such as clean socks and underpants." (NPR)
One story from the New York Times is about the death of Boubacar Bah, a tailor from W. Africa. After Mr. Bah overstayed his tourist visa, he was taken into a private immigration detention center. As the result of a possible accident and staff negligence, Mr. Bah died. The details of what happened are very disturbing.

-At 8:00am Mr. Bah collapsed and hit the back of his head on the floor. Intracranial bleeding begins.
-Assuming Mr. Bah was faking his injury, he was written up and put in solitary confinement for yelling and regurgitating on the floor.
-He was locked up all day.
-At 7:10pm a guard noted that “he began to breathe heavily and started foaming slightly at the mouth.”
-The nurse notified by the guard rejected his request to come check on Mr. Bah.
-At 8:00pm it was suggested that Mr. Bah receive a mental health exam in the morning.
-At 10:30pm the nurse noted Mr. Bah’s condition: “unresponsive on the floor incontinent with foamy brown vomitus noted around the mouth.”
-“Just before 11, someone at the jail called 911.
-A few days later Mr Bah died in a hospital.

In Texas some women have been raped at a detention center.

In the midst of all the inhumanity, a film like The Visitor, reminds us that we are not so different and that we all deserve to be treated with respect.

Updates:

2008-05-09T11:00:00.000-07:00

Death Penalty
With the Supreme Court ruling allowing lethal injection and Georgia's decision to execute William Lynd, the death penalty is back in motion in America. Nevertheless momentum towards abolition continues.

Zimbabwe
Election officials in Zimbabwe announced that no candidate received 50% of the vote and thus there is not a winner yet. The opposition leader, Morgan Tsvangirai, has just agreed to a runoff election.

Second Chance Act
President Bush has signed the Second Chance Act, making rehabilitation a central goal of the federal justice system.

Burger King
"Farm worker advocates sought to present more than 80,000 signatures to Burger King officials urging the fast-food giant to...help boost the wages of Florida tomato pickers and improve working conditions in the fields." "During a Senate hearing on the issue earlier this month, lawmakers called for an investigation into Florida tomato picker conditions."

Animals
"Last week, the Colorado legislature passed landmark legislation to phase out gestation crates and veal crates. When Governor Bill Ritter signs the bill -- which he says he'll do -- Colorado will be the fourth state to prohibit gestation crates and the second to prohibit veal crates."

WMC Peace Award
Sister Helen Prejean, spokesperson and advocate against the death penalty has received the 2008 World Methodist Peace Award.