Email Struggle (Jihad) is over!

Please excuse the lapse in blogging, but I have been multitasking, juggling an email war, and vomiting from the new pain medication we're (my doctor and I) trying out.  Also my fridge is broken, and I've been too ill to replace it, or to buy groceries to go bad in it!  I did get to the oral surgeon, who was extremely nice to me, and he said that the dentist who pulled my tooth 3 years ago, and told me I probably had cancer, is wrong!  That opinion only cost me $70.00, whereas the tooth pulling and cancer comment cost $250.00 which was cheaper than the $850.00 he wanted for a root canal!!
I am glad to say that my little email war over freedom of speech has ended, and I got out quite nicely, being called only a few bad names, and certainly none that I hadn't heard before! JJ and I have agreed to disagree, and after all ideally that's how it should all play out in the end.  We are ALL so diffferent, and we come in more options than skin colour, faith, education, sexual preferences, morality, and on and on.
But if you put all that aside, we are just a bunch of humans who "feel" the same, who bleed the same, who die the same. It is our environment and nurturing that preceeds our actions as adults...so maybe if we are better to each other, better to our children, the hatred might wane with each generation of well loved children.  Idealistic?  Yeah...but if it is not considered as an option, it will never be a reality.

The Email Jihad continues!

Amazingly, or not so amazingly, it turns out that people who send out "hate" mail, don't particularly like to be critisized for it! Who knew!  It was always my impression that these individuals were seeking a reaction from their propaganda, but it appears that is only true if you agree with them...so this lady's free speech, trumps my free speech, and maybe even yours!  I've been told that her email to me (by default in forwarding) is none of my business. But didn't she send it out there into cyberspace with the intention that it be forwarded...that's what the email said!?  But she is also un happy that I sent my response to her, and all the contacts that were above.  I'm not really sure why this is such a problem, as she didn't seem to mind publicising her original offensive remarks?

The whole point of this little banter is merely to point out how damaging this kind of thing can be...and it seems that people, like this women, feel that's okay as long as the "damage" falls in the Muslim's backyard and not in hers.

So the next time you get one of those "please forward this horrible message on to as many people as you can" kind of messages...just remember that it might end up in my mailbox, and neither you or I would like that!

Free Speech is very costly...

The problem with free speech is that if you advocate for it for yourself, then you must hold it true for others as well, and some times that can raise emotions in us that aren't pretty!  For instance, the email that I spoke of a few days ago, that attempts to ellicit hatred towards Muslims...I myself founf it to be quite offensive, and have written back to the "sender" my feelings on the subject.  At one time I may have not done this...I may have instead had a drink, bit my nails and kicked the cat! (of course not!!!) however someone might find that offensive too, as I do! So this person, and all her other recipients might possibly react negatively to what I have to say, and that will be okay too...That's free speech!
It's when free speech starts to cost lives, that it becomes too expensive for me to tolerate.  When families, and villages, and countries are ravaged with the notion being that somehow those peoples thoughts,  faiths and values need to be extinguished we called it "colonization" but I thought we had learned from all that tragedy. 
The reality may just be that "He who shouts the loudest wins", so we musn't be quiet in the face of injustice, even if we are Christians...Jesus shouted! Below is a refresher of the Charter.

CANADIAN CHARTER OF RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS

Being Part I of the Constitution Act, 1982

[Enacted by the Canada Act 1982 [U.K.] c.11; proclaimed in force April 17, 1982. Amended by the Constitution Amendment Proclamation, 1983, SI/84-102, effective June 21, 1984. Amended by the Constitution Amendment, 1993 [New Brunswick], SI/93-54, Can. Gaz. Part II, April 7, 1993, effective March 12, 1993.]



Whereas Canada is founded upon principles that recognize the supremacy of God and the rule of law:
Guarantee of Rights and Freedoms

RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS IN CANADA.

1. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees the rights and freedoms set out in it subject only to such reasonable limits prescribed by law as can be demonstrably justified in a free and democratic society.
Fundamental Freedoms

FUNDAMENTAL FREEDOMS.

2. Everyone has the following fundamental freedoms:
(a) freedom of conscience and religion;

(b) freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression, including freedom of the press and other media of communication;

(c) freedom of peaceful assembly; and

(d) freedom of association.

Democratic Rights

DEMOCRATIC RIGHTS OF CITIZENS.

3. Every citizen of Canada has the right to vote in an election of members of the House of Commons or of a legislative assembly and to be qualified for membership therein.

Complete Canadian Charter of Rights

The Oscars 2010: Why this is the year you'll actually tune in for the Academy Awards show

The Oscars 2010: Why this is the year you'll actually tune in for the Academy Awards show

Well It's that time again ... it's time for ANGELA'S OSCAR PARTY!....

It's amazing...every year people spend billions of dollars to make and view movies, just so they can gather at my sister's apartment, crowd around a semi small television (bigger this year) and watch the Oscars while eating chips and dip (Not sure if there's anything else on the menu...maybe egg salad sandwiches but that's an inside joke). I do love movies, but I seldom get to go out to see them. Paul (my eldest) usually gets me cineplex gift cards for Christmas, but he didn't this year (2010)and as a result I will be completely ignorant as to the nominees for next years Oscars. To be fair though, Paul did takeMatt and I to see AVATAR, which I probably wouldn't have gone to see myself unless under threat by Matt. I must say that I was completely enthralled, and stayed seated throughout despite the intense thigh pain that I had decided was a blood clot!! (Thank you Matt forgetting me water to take some medicine!)
Anyway I vote for Avatar if any one's the least bit interested, which they probably aren't, as that's the only nominee that I've seen and it was incredible. I have seen the nominee in Documentary about China's unnatural disaster and it was very powerful...so I vote for it also.
Finally...I think we all owe Angela a debt of gratitude for keeping this Oscar thing going...you truly are remarkable...and yes the bread was good!!

Jihad emails another form of inciting hatred ...PLEASE READ!

So I got this email today forwarded, supposedly, from someone's father who wrote this article for "The Canadian Press"(?)but no clearer reference. First let me say that I believe in Jesus Christ, I am Methodist, and I was raised Catholic. Every 2 weeks I'm visited by a small group of Jehovah's Witnesses and we discuss the Bible and our different faiths...I want to understand our similarities, and our differences. Having FAITH is one thing, and having DOCTRINES is another. Each religion has it's doctrines, and each religion also has it's extremist splinter groups, that use fear and hate mongering to promote themselves. The internet is the perfect place to go "viral" with your messages and fuel the fires that are already smoldering because of the actions of these extremist groups.
We need to be vigilant in ensuring that messages we are forwarding are based on truth, particularly when we know the impact of spreading this "information" is to strike us with fear, and vengeance.

I know this is long but read the email, and then the wiki quote...research the link...and then make an informed decision about whether or not you want to participate in this kind of "Jihad"!

"The following article is an extract from The Canadian Press..
The Muslim religion is the fastest growing religion per capita in Canada, especially in the minority races!
Last month I attended my annual training session that's required for maintaining my federal prison security clearance.
During the training session there was a presentation by three speakers representing the Roman Catholic, Protestant and Muslim faiths, who explained each of their beliefs..
I was particularly interested in what the Islamic Imam had to say. The Imam gave a great presentation of the basics of Islam, complete with a video.
After the presentations, time was provided for questions and answers.
When it was my turn, I directed my question to the Imam and asked: 'Please, correct me if I'm wrong, but I understand that most Imams and clerics of Islam have declared a holy jihad [Holy war] against the infidels of
the world and, that by killing an infidel, (which is a command to all Muslims) they are assured of a place in heaven. If that's the case, can you give me the definition of an infidel?'
There was no disagreement with my statements and, without hesitation, he replied, 'Non-believers!'
I responded, 'So, let me make sure I have this straight. All followers of Allah have been commanded to kill everyone who is not of your faith so they can have a place in heaven. Is that correct?'
The expression on his face changed from one of authority and command to that of a little boy who had just been caughtwith his hand in the cookie jar.'
He sheepishly replied, 'Yes.'
I then stated, 'Well, sir, I have a real problem trying to imagine Pope John Paul commanding all Catholics to kill those of your faith or Dr. Stanley ordering all Protestants to do the same in order to guarantee them a place in heaven!'

The Imam was speechless!

I continued, 'I also have a problem with being your friend when you and your brother clerics are telling your followers to kill me!

Let me ask you a question: Would you rather have your Allah, who tells you to kill me in order for you to go to heaven, or my Jesus who tells me to love you because I am going to heaven and He wants you to be there with me?'

You could have heard a pin drop as the Imam hung his head in shame. Needless to say, the organizers and/or promoters of the Diversification training seminar were not happy with my way of dealing with the Islamic Imam, and exposing the truth about the Muslims' beliefs.

In twenty years there will be enough Muslim voters in Canada to elect the Prime Minister!

I think everyone in Canada should be required to read this.

There is no way this will be widely publicized, unless each of us send it on!

The man who walks with God always gets to his destination. If you have a pulse you have a purpose.

This is your chance to make a difference.

FOR GODS' SAKE! SEND THIS ON

For God's sake DON'T send this on!
from Wikipedia...

Jihad
Main articles: Jihad and Islamic military jurisprudence
Jihad means "to strive or struggle" (in the way of God) and is considered the "Sixth Pillar of Islam" by a minority of Sunni Muslim authorities.[67] Jihad, in its broadest sense, is classically defined as "exerting one's utmost power, efforts, endeavors, or ability in contending with an object of disapprobation." Depending on the object being a visible enemy, the devil, and aspects of one's own self, different categories of Jihad are defined.[68] Jihad, when used without any qualifier, is understood in its military aspect.[69][70] Jihad also refers to one's striving to attain religious and moral perfection.[71] Some Muslim authorities, especially among the Shi'a and Sufis, distinguish between the "greater jihad", which pertains to spiritual self-perfection, and the "lesser jihad", defined as warfare.[72]

Within Islamic jurisprudence, jihad is usually taken to mean military exertion against non-Muslim combatants in the defense or expansion of the Ummah. The ultimate purpose of military jihad is debated, both within the Islamic community and without, with some claiming that it only serves to protect he Ummah, with no aspiration of offensive conflict, whereas others have argued that the goal of Jihad is global conquest. Jihad is the only form of warfare permissible in Islamic law and may be declared against apostates, rebels, highway robbers, violent groups, and leaders or states, Islamic or otherwise, who oppress Muslims or hamper proselytizing efforts.[73][74] Most Muslims today interpret Jihad as only a defensive form of warfare: the external Jihad includes a struggle to make the Islamic societies conform to the Islamic norms of justice.[75]

Under most circumstances and for most Muslims, jihad is a collective duty (fard kifaya): its performance by some individuals exempts the others. Only for those vested with authority, especially the sovereign (imam), does jihad become an individual duty. For the rest of the populace, this happens only in the case of a general mobilization.[74] For most Shias, offensive jihad can only be declared by a divinely appointed leader of the Muslim community, and as such is suspended since Muhammad al-Mahdi's[76] occultation in 868 AD.[77]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islam#Articles_of_faith

"I Believe" I don't know what to do now that the O's are Over....

I'm still going through Olympic withdrawal, and can't seem to get excited about anything that doesn't include the potential risk of ligament tears, concussions, or knee surgeries! I'm not certain how much longer this process will take, but until then I just keep playing the "I Believe" video each day so that I'm oriented to time and place...Again, I'm not sure whether this is a good thing or a bad thing?!!!
Go ahead...have a little sing a long for yourself too!

Addressing the crowd, John Furlong, said ..."the time has come to say goodbye...

Addressing the crowd, John Furlong, head of the Organizing Committee for the 2010 Games, said:

"The time has come to say goodbye and to perhaps compare for a moment the Canada that was to the Canada that now is. I believe we Canadians tonight are stronger, more united, more in love with our country and more connected with each other."

Well I know that in these past 2 weeks, even though I've said some negative things about the money that is spent and the relations that have become strained, I have felt more connected to Canada's people, as a whole, than I ever have before...and that is big for me!!! I didn't expect a sports event to touch my heart... but it has!
I don't leave the house much, and have been getting more and more withdrawn, I'm not sure why, except that dealing with pain and the fatigue that it causes, leaves me cautious about expending energy on anything but the basics, because sometimes I can't even do them. So the Olympics have meant alot more to me than watching an sporting event...They have given me exciting things/events to look forward to; things to even cheer about...loudly, and brought them right into my home!
It's been a wonderful ride, and the closing ceremonies were fantastic!
I'll miss it.
Thanks Canada