tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16574545838100698572024-02-20T01:17:22.650-04:00Tales from the Triangle's Tip....Thoughts from distorted visions of the world.Phil Rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00194572000552500092noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1657454583810069857.post-63529595740326193922011-06-29T17:53:00.000-03:002011-06-29T17:53:17.257-03:00The Assimilation degree...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0FHZps7AOvEQ-vVQ8FIciMlfgMultxvk5YzSTTuL0LaMghPonAw6DzBM_jtFx5C-b25fZceDHbrTCKzx7AR4Xpm2kpmr6Kx47RG6NDbs7eLaRslSW-1g5I3X45FqEGnwfW5Q9RIkQIO3m/s1600/assimilate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0FHZps7AOvEQ-vVQ8FIciMlfgMultxvk5YzSTTuL0LaMghPonAw6DzBM_jtFx5C-b25fZceDHbrTCKzx7AR4Xpm2kpmr6Kx47RG6NDbs7eLaRslSW-1g5I3X45FqEGnwfW5Q9RIkQIO3m/s320/assimilate.jpg" width="241" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><i><b>"Resistance is futile" ~ The Borg (Star Trek Next Generation)</b></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In my favorite version of the Star Trek Series, The Borg, a cybernetic expanding collective who travel around the Delta Quadrant destroying everything in their path. Assimilation of every known species is their agenda. If you're a fan like I am, you can still wonder if such a force is possible, if there ever was or ever could be a superior race of beings that simply force their way through time and space destroying culture and civilizations in the blink of an eye.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I began reading Marvel comics as a kid. Like millions of other kids, I loved Spiderman, The Avengers... but more than any of them, I loved the X-men. The original X-men: Cyclops, Beast, Marvel Girl, Angel and Iceman. As the group transformed and grew, then split off into other factions, I tried to keep up, but other distractions, girls, bikes and music got in the way. My love for the X-men remains today, and while I don't read comic books any longer, I love the big screen epics that roll out every couple of years. It keeps me young.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I love sci-fi. Not so much the stuff of today, but I definitely loved The Planet of the Apes movies, James Bond is still my favorite human hero, Star Wars, Alien, into today with Lord of the Rings and so on. There is a lot of similarities in these works of art...ok fiction, but to the true believer it's most definitely art. Good versus evil, the struggle for a better humanity, a better universe. The Borg believed that assimilation was the easiest most direct form of destruction. The X-men fought Homo-Superior (mutant) versus Homo-Sapien (human) and other mutants for the right to be accepted as different but equal. Magneto believed that only the mutant should survive that mutant-kind was indeed the ultimate development for all of mankind. Hatred manifests itself in many ways. These ideas albeit fantasy are manifested from our own world, and deal with issues we have been dealing with for hundreds if not thousands of years. Since the beginning of time, man has railed against those who are not similar, those who are different, those who do not look, sound, or pray like us. Ethnic cleansing is the worst case scenario now... genocide, the extreme elimination of one specific culture because of a failure to... assimilate.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Assimilation has happened. Right here in our lovely island, ok the Borg may not have taken over and we may not have been assimilated as such, nor are we in any race war (not yet anyway) but a lot of our cultural and racial identities have caused blacks to assimilate to the only known culture they can accept. A white man's world. The hard part of all of this is that while not wanting to deal with the issues of being black on a personal level, the assimilated black man has forgone his attempts at an identity for a seemingly harmonious place in the white man's power structure. It is indeed a very sad thing. The struggles of the civil right leaders, the blood of millions has faded into a distant memory and for the most part they have been assimilated. The white man's unrepentant path has devoured the souls of those who are too weak to fight. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thank god, that isn't the case in every situation. Thank god there are quite a few black men and women who are not so ready to concede everything, are not so ready to be assimilated. Thank god we can still dare to dream as MLK did. It is an important thing... identity. Fighting for it. Standing up for equality on every level and moving beyond hate. The hard part is getting those who have assimilated to understand that it is indeed important to be black. It is important for those who are bi-racial to NOT be consumed by their whiteness and allow themselves to be accepted in BOTH areas of society. Last but not least it's important for WHITES to not be so damn uptight about it. Blacks needing to be BLACK is not a threat to our security, far from it, it's a chance for Whites to move beyond assimilation, move beyond the systems that forced blacks to assimilate, and let a proud culture of diverse elements emerge as one nation!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">namaste _//||\\_</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Phil Rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00194572000552500092noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1657454583810069857.post-5681531514284724112011-06-24T11:29:00.000-03:002011-06-24T11:29:48.735-03:00Who we hate... why we hate...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLKqPAXm0a9B8iM1TNcdOuXwDRbYrHCIXRYKjbV-5RM7TchCMC4SYWwcQjcvd6MZ_RBfo4iMGuQYxnPaz5HwJ4wDquNYh3r9ybPB-vogBB6bRNOIJUVgQEJ6m9ATjUGqBTf_hFJTjdVAWD/s1600/battlestar-enemy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLKqPAXm0a9B8iM1TNcdOuXwDRbYrHCIXRYKjbV-5RM7TchCMC4SYWwcQjcvd6MZ_RBfo4iMGuQYxnPaz5HwJ4wDquNYh3r9ybPB-vogBB6bRNOIJUVgQEJ6m9ATjUGqBTf_hFJTjdVAWD/s320/battlestar-enemy.jpg" width="246" /></a></div><br />
Interesting thoughts entering this distorted view. I'm not sure why I spend so much energy in concern for my white brothers. The endless drivel that occurs on one of our local forums berating the current government for anything and everything is mind numbing. More than that it's really getting old. Their ability to incite each other into levels of hatred led one such valued member not so long ago to threaten a violent end to then premier Dr. Brown.<br />
<br />
I will applaud those few brave black brothers who continue to offer a bit of resistance on that forum, but I can not, for it is simply not a healthy idea for me. There is debate for debate's sake, and there is a fight. I will gladly debate openly on issues that matter, but at no point will I be dragged into the muck by those who would be already blinded by hatred. I know now that the "buddy system" is used and anyone who offers any sort of resistance is eaten up by the piranha mentality of vicious white people who have clearly moved beyond any form of reconciliation.<br />
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What does that say for our society? What does that say for the state of race relations in our small country? The legacy of hatred for anything black is bound to infect generations to come unless we find a common ground from which to stand upon. Unfortunately, no one knows if that common ground even exists. The really sad part about all of this is the negative effects it will have on our children. It is the sort of disease that is taught to generation after generation of white kids. That these white men can consistently beat this drum is not easy to take. I fear none would be strong enough to stand outside their pen names and offer the same fight in a public manner. Their fear drives their hate, their fear of losing the power that still moves them.... money.<br />
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I will offer no apologies for them. Their denial in acceptance of responsibility for the sins of the past is clear. They will not do so, for they believe they were not responsible. Then who exactly was responsible? If whites today could go back 20 years, 30 years, 40 years... 100 years and apologize for the racist system that they imposed on our island, would they? No... probably not. So the issue has never been truly resolved, it's been swept under the rug, and hopefully someone else will deal with it.<br />
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Likewise I will not accept mismanagement or abuse by the current government. Hate is hate and it is truly colorblind. Zane Desilva can not hide behind them, nor can any member of the PLP be excused for using terms to incite hatred in the house and in public. What may be used as general vernacular in today's world is not acceptable in the social conscience and as such should be done away with. We should hold our politicians ... all of them to a higher standard, and hold them accountable when violations occur. Apology or not, Mr. Desilva should have been reprimanded by the speaker, and further by his party seniors.<br />
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Talk the talk... walk the walk. Teach your kids to love and respect all people and you preach hatred, whether online or anywhere else, you are a hypocrite.<br />
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On a personal note, I umpired the middle school boys softball tournament this week. Congrats to all those participating teams. Special note of congrats to Warwick Academy for winning the tournament. Saltus finished second, Somersfield third. It is clear that those boys who play baseball have a far superior advantage and these middle should be encouraged to continue their softball development It is a mandate by the Softball Association to encourage this development and hopefully we will do so soon enough.Phil Rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00194572000552500092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1657454583810069857.post-42668804070551170492011-06-13T11:17:00.001-03:002011-06-13T11:27:45.376-03:00Random Thoughts...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCMvq135gfU0cPrHR6V5el7mCDhSmIbJ69DTkXPpPjRmvD3TbTEYMwgR3qvHWlnK4z9Xsu9x7Sn7gIBRFhyQof9DkYLeRgJpgq5WTvE1C3wGhvf6D0h_rW4RrgUJj8iLPR3yfHvGmR2ufS/s1600/RandomThoughts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCMvq135gfU0cPrHR6V5el7mCDhSmIbJ69DTkXPpPjRmvD3TbTEYMwgR3qvHWlnK4z9Xsu9x7Sn7gIBRFhyQof9DkYLeRgJpgq5WTvE1C3wGhvf6D0h_rW4RrgUJj8iLPR3yfHvGmR2ufS/s1600/RandomThoughts.jpg" /></a></div>Just some quick hits on what's happening in my world...<br />
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Not that I'm a believer, but God doesn't like ugly. A huge sigh of relief that the Miami Heat lost, on their home court, the NBA championship last night. The year long coronation of the "three" as the next big thing failed. The pain that has been the over-hyped new dream team has finally subsided with the NBA title going to Mark Cuban's Dallas Mavericks. Now I'm not a Cuban fan, but no one NBA owner lives and dies with his team as he does. Congrats to the Mavericks and in some strange way to the Cleveland Cavaliers who might feel that justice has been served.<br />
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Sticking with the sports world, the NHL playoffs... the finals... are still ongoing. The longest season in professional sports continues, and as a hockey fan I don't mind it one little bit. That said, I won't cry when it's over. A Canucks victory would restore the faith in Canada that the game is still something that they do better than most, even though the NHL titles have been few and far between. Apologies to the long suffering Leafs fans, but one must believe that Ottawa stands closer to winning a championship than Canada's version of the Chicago Cubs does (1967 must feel like 1908 in Toronto).<br />
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On the local front the CSL (Softball) heads into it's final week (or so). Much maligned, the sport when played at a competitive level is very exciting and as president of BASA, I can only hope for the day we can get our fast-pitch demons behind us. Bermuda deserves to have a competitive fast-pitch league, needs to have the game developed and played at the highest level. If I can do only one thing... let it be having fastpitch played again...<br />
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Moving away from sports, I see we had another minor "quake" yesterday morning. I'm no expert here, and I gather that these things happen quite often, but I wonder if I need to add earthquake insurance to my home insurance policy?<br />
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Also... RAIN! YES!!!! Let's hope it stays around for a while. My tank definitely needs some help. Apologies to any tourists paying the exorbitant hotel rates, but this has been a LONG time coming.<br />
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The BIU has sent a 21 day strike notice to the Transportation minister. How does a Labour government end up having labour problems? Hmmmm....<br />
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The Deputy Governor (who?) has gone on record as stating that the Uighurs are not here permanently. Any bet they will be here longer than the Deputy Governor?<br />
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Why is it that we can recognize a tourist caught with ammunition is no threat to the island, and let them off without charge, and yet when a woman comes to the island with marijuana for "medical use" (as noted by her physician), we treat her like she's the worst villain in the world?<br />
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CURB will be hosting Part 3 of a Discussion with Black Bermudians Wednesday at the Leopard's Club beginning at 7:30 p.m. hosted by Dr. Eva Hodgson and Cordell Riley. I can't support this effort enough. CURB is doing some amazing work in Bermuda and I only wish more Bermudians would take note. In a society that continually draws a line between black and white, the experience and dedication of CURB to the public can not be overstated.<br />
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Last but not least, another school year is coming to a close. Our kids have worked hard and hopefully most will continue to make progress. We can not blame them for the failures of an inadequate educational system. We can not blame them for the continued neglect that happens within the school system, nor should we blame them for the budgetary restraints being placed upon teachers, and schools within the system. What it does require is more effort from us.... the parents. We need to be far more active in the education of our children and be more pro-active rather than reactive. If we spend the necessary time and effort with them at home, keep on top of them at school, it will be a much more successful community, and ultimately .... country.<br />
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namaste _/||\_Phil Rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00194572000552500092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1657454583810069857.post-48210246161925006352011-06-11T09:50:00.001-03:002011-06-11T09:52:46.732-03:00The Independence Myth...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZJEpzz_YnnJS1xVso-049InI9oTmU5N2PK7nYsGGJpLPBND995ciGOZn1d8uuoVQuQnJ70GmX6MQnFPKqHHHnmQvItteCWmHm1KPYNOH2d6QrH4XnZTSAlI_uwpvT2bW4zZBKV913tjSU/s1600/stop-racism1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZJEpzz_YnnJS1xVso-049InI9oTmU5N2PK7nYsGGJpLPBND995ciGOZn1d8uuoVQuQnJ70GmX6MQnFPKqHHHnmQvItteCWmHm1KPYNOH2d6QrH4XnZTSAlI_uwpvT2bW4zZBKV913tjSU/s320/stop-racism1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Independence.... it will eliminate racism in Bermuda. It's just that simple. Ok.... it's not just that simple. Independence has not prevented racism in other countries in the world, and it's highly doubtful that it will stop it from happening here. The world has fought this battle for far too long and the plague of racism still exists. In it's most simple form, racism is hatred, an intolerance for anyone who is different. It is projected as Black/White, and in our specific example, here in Bermuda, it is as simple as black and white.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In order for us to grasp the concept of racism in Bermuda, we need to look at our lives, and more specifically how we got to where we are today. Any understanding of the world as we know it, MUST include a concentrated look at history, and how our society has arrived at this point. It may be easy to say that those problems of the past don't exist today, but if the systemic structure has not changed, then those problems that some may believe have mysteriously vanished (for there was no official decree ending racism... note... an end to segregation is NOT an end to racism) have not just been eliminated from our social conscience.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The ramifications of a system that was built over hundreds of years that indeed was racist, are not simply gone because we wish them away. The structure of our society was developed to give Whites a distinct advantage, and it's not just here in Bermuda but in many countries around the world. Most assuredly, even Barack Obama wouldn't admit that his country's racial struggles are over, and the idea that our world is "post-racial" is naive and simply wrong. The White elite still runs the world, and it would be folly to deny it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Let's look closely at our own island. A Westminster government, with a Queen's representative as the head of state. Our island has been built on White money and Black blood. Front St. is still controlled by the White oligarchy that has existed for generations. While we may miss Triminghams, Smiths and the known 40 thieves, they have been replaced by others. The names may change, but the faces haven't. The Black money hasn't made it into a significant position (if it exists) and there are too few Black CEO's making an impact on our society. It is important to continue the battle cry of Dr. Eva Hodgson, who notes that even though we have a Black government, nothing has been done to eliminate the economic disparity between the races.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's a difficult picture to envision. A structure that has been built with a clear racist agenda, all of a sudden is no longer racist because that's the way we want it to be. Hate has simply become a thing of the past and we are a new world where everyone is equal, where women get paid the same as men for doing the same jobs, where blacks are welcome in white neighborhoods without a cautious eye or a question as to why they are there (it does happen). We won't begin to note organizations where Blacks can not exceed middle management, and like women, are not paid the same as whites are. It is easy to deny that it doesn't exist because the government, the PLP, historically Black, is now in power.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Strange as it is, they have done very little to break those shackles. It's a difficult proposition stepping into the unknown. Independence. It is a subject that has a strong emotional element to it. People are strongly divided on the subject and for the majority here (as per a referendum in 1995... 16 years ago under a UBP government) seem to be against it. If those results were in the least bit tarnished (only 58% of the electorate voted) and a call for a boycott by the PLP withheld voters in 1995, one would have to wonder if those results might be a bit different here in 2011. There is no guarantee of course. There may be more of a movement against it now. Fear of the unknown allows the worst kind of propaganda to exist. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The advantages of staying a British Overseas Territory are clear. A cozy relationship with her majesty, an ability to travel to the motherland and into the EU. Protection. Our best interests are always at the forefront of those in WhiteHall. Or so we would believe. Our business relationships are secure because of our relationship with HRH (another myth). An image that we are much more stable with her majesty's assistance than without it. I daresay that even today that image isn't what it used to be. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">While I am sure that there are countless other advantages to remaining aligned with England, I have highlighted those that seem to be the most important. We have enjoyed the benefits of this Westminster government for so long now, and as the old saying goes... if it ain't broke... don't mess with it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If Independence does anything for us, if it creates peace of mind, if it engages our people on a new level of responsibility and self-determination, if it allows things like equity, and allows us to finally break away from a system that created this problem in the first place, then isn't it worth it? Isn't our freedom worth any price? If those who are tired of the race card being played are truly tired of it, why wouldn't they do everything in their power to prevent that from continuing to be an issue?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">At this point we aren't even moving in that direction, all we are talking about is having a discussion. An independence discussion. A chance to learn, share and debate a very important subject. A chance to engage those in the highest echelons of our society and discuss options for change. If I was a White person, I might be truly worried. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hold on... I am a White person.... so why am I not worried?</div>Phil Rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00194572000552500092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1657454583810069857.post-15066544260047022952011-06-10T08:10:00.000-03:002011-06-10T08:10:10.958-03:00Sins of the sons.... (and grandsons)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsy75d9hjCRYf2Ix4mplwaTUWjIqVxztU2ML6ZMUA3qTAi_inungQeiojgGPXBN2b_u7hW-Vidhot7IOEDPvaevPflApGhltd2TywEUzqcSHo_kvTwaRTKmH1Bgp_ofXjLcgR8WxIGgDFw/s1600/guilty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsy75d9hjCRYf2Ix4mplwaTUWjIqVxztU2ML6ZMUA3qTAi_inungQeiojgGPXBN2b_u7hW-Vidhot7IOEDPvaevPflApGhltd2TywEUzqcSHo_kvTwaRTKmH1Bgp_ofXjLcgR8WxIGgDFw/s320/guilty.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Just have to add my two cents to a debate brought up this week by Senator Laverne Furbert. She questioned the need for the media to expose MP Neletha Butterfield in a criminal case against the MP's grandson. It should be noted that this is NOT a black and white issue, as we have had people's relations brought to light irrespective of colour or party affiliation. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here's my spiel. This practice MUST stop. If you do it for one you must do it for all. Are we interested in finding out who David Cox, who is being tried in the death of Yankee Rawlins, parents are? Or who is grandparents are? His great grandparents? Cox is a pretty powerful name in Bermuda. Would we be willing to expose a lineage of the Cox name to find a relationship that has absolutely nothing to do with the case?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Shame on the mass media for doing this. Not only here in Bermuda... but around the world. We need less sensationalism and more important coverage paid to the crime itself.</div>Phil Rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00194572000552500092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1657454583810069857.post-50373888862910092062011-06-10T07:57:00.000-03:002011-06-10T07:57:25.205-03:00Behind These Castle Walls...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNxLiwO91G2J3v62JXLp0hv91IhJHoHkyDG46RyYOBkvRlY9iivfoJokuP1I6bge4q0TWI8ZzksUr6G9Mtl1cR0rdBd-C5vH2wmkGVjaz3TmoGkZ8VJ3GVjTz7wChU1OuDwnNiSKLsYocc/s1600/bermuda_flag_350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNxLiwO91G2J3v62JXLp0hv91IhJHoHkyDG46RyYOBkvRlY9iivfoJokuP1I6bge4q0TWI8ZzksUr6G9Mtl1cR0rdBd-C5vH2wmkGVjaz3TmoGkZ8VJ3GVjTz7wChU1OuDwnNiSKLsYocc/s320/bermuda_flag_350.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><br />
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<b><i>while it really seem like the kings life seem glamorous </i></b><br />
<b><i>as seen through the eyes of untrained amateurs </i></b><br />
<b><i>because the camera's don't see beyond the walls of the smiles </i></b><br />
<b><i>only counts until it falls in the pile - T.I.</i></b><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">Artist T.I.'s lyrics send home a message that begs to be heard. It's not all pink sand and blue skies here in our beautiful Bermuda. The erosion of our sins from years of abuse are finally catching up with us and the promises of bountiful futures are now as weak as the fortifications that once secured our shores. Limestone dreams turning to sand in our hands. The rot is finally coming to the surface and if we fail to react properly and quickly...our castle walls will crumble.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">Prophecy of doom? Maybe. Are we able to see the promising futures we had all hoped for? Is the crystal ball clearly giving us hope for a better tomorrow? Of course not. There are no magical instruments, no tarot cards, and no biblical prophecies that can ensure that our future generations will have the ability to recover from the damage that we are doing. Let's not talk of personal futures, let's begin to think about our children, their children, their children's children. Let's project what our island will be like in the next 25 years.Are we as confident that the way we do things now are going to be able to sustain us? When will the economy rebound? Will Bermudians be able to get jobs? What can we do to curtail the violent streak that has plagued us the past few years? Will we ever be able to come together as a community, irrespective of those things that continue to separate us (religion, race etc.)?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Interesting questions for sure. In my previous posts, I discussed the importance of change and that we should start considering the ways we can create change in our country. There has been a change in recent years, and it really is important to look at those changes and note whether or not we can continue on this path. Ultimately, who is responsible? The PLP, or does it indeed go further back, back to a legacy of racism that has left most of us concerned as to the future. Are we willing to concede that what has seemingly worked in the past, isn't working now and that we need something better? This isn't a condition of the PLP government, this is the effect of a legacy of failure, of selling out our people, selling out our country to those who truly only care about their bottom line. What happened to our bottom line?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Before we wallow in our sorrows, and drown them in Heineken, we must recognize that while the PLP government is not solely to blame for the problems that plague us, they must, as a government accept the responsibility of fixing it. If they don't, things will only continue to spiral downward. You can not expect the UBP.... oops... the OBA to do anything. They can bluff their way into making some believe they have a good hand, but at the end of the day, they offer nothing new. The same old retread, the same old rhetoric... the same old UBP. Thus it is CLEARLY the current government's responsibility to implement the changes we need to make to get out of this mess.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Let's not hold our breath shall we?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">It's always been in our ability to determine our future, and it will always be. The Independence debate is rearing it's head once again. Brought up in the House of Assembly, and further discussions in the daily gazette, by Walton Brown, various letters to the editor, debates on whether or not we need to remain tied to the UK, and what those ties do for us. It really isn't that much of a debate though is it? Our self determination, our ability to make the most important decisions will always be made by her majesty, the Queen. It's a comfortable shoe and the "perks" that go with membership to the Queen's club are somewhat satisfying to those who would deem independence as nonsensical. It is strange that those who are against independence are also anti-government (PLP) and yet would not seek a more significant manner of change. The belief that the opposition is capable is far worse than the idea that the government is incapable. I fear the belief that the UBP....oops.... the OBA has a chance in any forthcoming election fuels a fire of delirium in support of that faction.<br />
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This leads us ultimately back to my first post about change. How badly do we desire it? How badly are we willing to work to get it? Should we not be discussing alternative methods of government now? Should we not be discussing the very real possibility of the next election and the options that are available to us?<br />
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The status quo only gets worse. Viva La Revolucion!</div>Phil Rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00194572000552500092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1657454583810069857.post-81537090813417376112011-06-07T18:42:00.000-03:002011-06-07T18:42:24.540-03:00Stepping into the deep end...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd6iE4G-L43pOlrkSivEuJHFpeNSar-jlnJb3s2aWVHvh-39nXAGuCwMcZhfKeanpa-8ZZNaYQJh9TR0zJUQMmz_80ckgZi3uROsNZMsawHKM4e5LB07sarjZxs3leO0BEvHsPYpUKPT01/s1600/61089116thedeepend_35169.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd6iE4G-L43pOlrkSivEuJHFpeNSar-jlnJb3s2aWVHvh-39nXAGuCwMcZhfKeanpa-8ZZNaYQJh9TR0zJUQMmz_80ckgZi3uROsNZMsawHKM4e5LB07sarjZxs3leO0BEvHsPYpUKPT01/s320/61089116thedeepend_35169.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
My last post discussed the emergence of the OBA (One Bermuda Alliance) on the political scene and no matter how much things seem to change, they in fact stay pretty much the same. The discussions that seem to be prevalent in and around our society seem to be related to when and if an election will be called, and if we as a nation are prepared for it. Such discussions seem to include talks of independence, and as usual all things underlying (racism...colonialism). Devolution of our sensibilities is well under way, and before we know it, we will be drowning in propaganda and all things that will keep us away from the decisions that must be made, decisions that will ultimately determine our future.<br />
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When it comes to making important decisions, we have a hard time with the connection between head and heart. Our head tells us that we must make an intelligent decision based on facts and figures, issues and policies. Our heart tells us that we must make an emotionally intelligent decision, following our heart, and not allowing propaganda such as "the race card" to blindly drive us to make a decision that in retrospect might not have been made in a non-election period.<br />
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It is always advisable to know how to swim before we jump into the deep end of the pool. In fact, it might be advisable to make sure there are enough life preservers around, just in case we need one. Recent elections, have shown that without a viable opposition, we will have our current government for a long, long time to come. The status quo. Certainly there are some who believe that the status quo is unacceptable, but the vast majority, who can not conceive voting for the opposition, would seemingly rather drown than seek the only other option available.<br />
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Currently the options are the governing PLP, or the UBP.... oops.... I mean the OBA... I forgot that there was a difference. Are these the only options that we have? We could choose to NOT vote, which I do NOT personally approve of. The last by-election, showed only 40% of the constituency's electorate participate, and that can not be acceptable at all. How can a candidate be elected when under half of those who are able to vote, don't? In fact, the majority, by not participating are conceding their futures to choices made by others! Insanity. The birthright of everyone in our country is the right to vote, and if it means that much then get involved in the process and get in a candidate that will best represent your views.<br />
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There is a third option (or fourth if you have an independent candidate in your constituency), and while a third option would not be a vote of confidence, it would send a clearly defined message to our supposed leadership. A move of huge proportions, a vote of "un-confidence" in the leadership and the opposition. A vote that speaks volumes, and explains the level of frustration in the community and in our country as a whole. The key is to set in motion a movement of change, a movement that will set in motion the steps of a new democratic environment, one that would allow the people to have the ultimate say as to who they want to lead their country.<br />
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The third choice... the "spoiled ballot". To enter the voting booth and make the only choice that we can. To purposefully and dramatically write UNWORTHY on the ballot. To tell those who would seek to lead that we will not vote for people simply because there is no choice, but that we do indeed choose... none of the above. A radical approach. What then? Will the current government remain in power by default? What will happen then? We can't possibly go off half-cocked and simply destroy a system without a backup plan, without a plan for the future... can we?<br />
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I actually would like to believe that we can do this and before we go to the polls, we can have a backup plan, we can have a better idea, we can get rid of the partisan politics that continue to inspire hate and divide us, that we can at long last have a government that is representative of our people and will answer completely to us. A fair balance of representation in 9 parishes, 3 corporations, and ministers for each major portfolio. A smaller, harder working government that works for the people.<br />
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A chance for change. A chance to have accountability, respect and a vote that matters. Isn't that the way it should be?Phil Rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00194572000552500092noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1657454583810069857.post-75175425786709795982011-06-05T19:43:00.001-03:002011-06-05T19:49:04.841-03:00Breaking through...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia8uS2Y5bUZiGt-IjYaysbTrj8GMaa5A1pgRudkw8K-9lvpHODEGhjGX1EXJVkmwkk1wtFUdyesvwktw15rtv-JLRMS3j_s3BT5CY1g8MKUfBdNQYmcSTJ39wwTPyhylazozD4jeVBjrTN/s1600/change.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia8uS2Y5bUZiGt-IjYaysbTrj8GMaa5A1pgRudkw8K-9lvpHODEGhjGX1EXJVkmwkk1wtFUdyesvwktw15rtv-JLRMS3j_s3BT5CY1g8MKUfBdNQYmcSTJ39wwTPyhylazozD4jeVBjrTN/s320/change.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Change is a difficult thing. Change asks us to step outside of what we see as comfortable and take a chance on something new, something that might not be natural. Change pushes the envelope, demands that we make a sacrifice and that we recognize the faults in what we are currently doing. Change happens when someone is forced to re-evaluate their position for one reason or another. A person may do this for health or financial reasons, businesses do this primarily to stay in business. A change in management, staff or outlook may require harsh changes.<br />
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In 2008, the United States voted for change, choosing Barack Obama as the first African American president, a historically significant change, for he changed the way people perceived Blacks, and the world took notice. He not only took on the single hardest job in the world, he did so at a time when the world was/is reeling from one of the largest known financial crisis' ever. It is unknown if we will ever be able to accept the changes that have been affecting us all. If we know anything, change must happen. It is a part of our evolution.<br />
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In Bermuda, we have had our own version of change. 1998 saw the election of the PLP in a Westminster system of government. It was a major change at that time because our island had never known a PLP government, and the years of UBP abuses had finally caught up with them. A PLP government brought change, and even today we have more change. Jennifer Smith, Alex Scott, Ewart Brown, and now Paula Cox... four leadership changes in eleven years as the governing party forges it's future. Are we confident in the changes? Does the PLP provide the real change people expected in 1998?<br />
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Our opposition has had their own change. The legacy of the UBP would be one that guaranteed their ultimate demise. As Bermuda's first governing political party, they utilized every trick in the book to secure their position until that fateful November day in 1998 when the people demanded change. The last vestiges of the UBP are now committed to history as the once power party has become a chapter in our history. The emergence of the Bermuda Democratic Alliance, and now the One Bermuda Alliance and the mass defections from the UBP to the OBA leave us all wondering.... who's fooling who?<br />
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Accusations of a scripted plan and the mass defections are not votes of confidence in the public eye. The UBP -> BDA -> OBA move has not really fooled anyone has it? While it has left two mp's (including the UBP leader) scrambling and scratching their heads in a truly WTF moment, political pundits knew that splitting an already weakened opposition would do nothing but strengthen the government come the next election. Sadly, this farce will probably end up doing the exact same thing.<br />
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How can so many UBP mp's have such a HUGE change of philosophy, all at once? Was the BDA really threatening anyone at all? How is the OBA any different than the old UBP? Change the name and maybe people will forget who you were to begin with? What dynamic philosophy change does the OBA bring to the table that the old UBP doesn't?<br />
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Note to Mr. Barritt and Mr. Cannonier. You're not fooling anyone.<br />
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The more things change, the more they stay the same. The worst part of all of the OBA/UBP shenanigans is that it breeds arrogance and complacency from the government. No one in the government fears anything from the opposition, and as such we should all be afraid. Very afraid. If apathy and disgust rules at the polls when the next election rolls around, which should be in the next 12 months, we may find that there is little to be hopeful for. If people don't feel the need to vote, and stay away from the polls, in the end, we will all be losers.<br />
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The question has to be then... what are our choices? Revolution? Our world is filled with revolution as of late. The changes in the middle east are inspiring for all. Truly, the power of the people is an awesome thing when in motion, and it is hard not to be impressed by millions seeking change. But here? In Bermuda? Are we revolutionaries born? I don't see the hardship in our bellies that breeds revolutionaries, not in this generation, and probably not in future generations either. We have not been born to fight, we have not hungered, we have not struggled and even now, when times are harder then they have been for many years, far longer than most of us remember.<br />
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Our choices seem difficult to envision, but there are choices, Tough decisions must be made. How do we effect change when we are entrenched in a system that offers so little hope.<br />
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To quote Mr. Cannonier and most recently Mr. Barritt.... "Stay Tuned!"Phil Rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00194572000552500092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1657454583810069857.post-5590777138551772292011-03-06T07:56:00.000-04:002011-03-06T07:56:13.725-04:00Back to life... back to reality.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMTr9TJLa_co71nIGOsi8jakjJgFergem0Ob_zv_rVMdVV2mSYUI04VLGQBKJh1ahXbYeqg1bOmrF7vwWibQrAK-94yx2S5KXOM-6sqh3CppJuQFjuG35tiHN5rgYv3gQCD4kBMNfTPgVh/s1600/bermuda_roof_2_by_bermyChris.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMTr9TJLa_co71nIGOsi8jakjJgFergem0Ob_zv_rVMdVV2mSYUI04VLGQBKJh1ahXbYeqg1bOmrF7vwWibQrAK-94yx2S5KXOM-6sqh3CppJuQFjuG35tiHN5rgYv3gQCD4kBMNfTPgVh/s320/bermuda_roof_2_by_bermyChris.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><span class="sqq" style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-decoration: underline;">“If those in charge of our society - politicians, corporate executives, and owners of press and television - can dominate our ideas, they will be secure in their power. They will not need soldiers patrolling the streets. We will control ourselves.” - Howard Zinn</span></span><br />
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Time off does several things to the ego. It challenges you to be productive, and at the same time allows you the time to question your abilities and how you got to where you are today. Unemployment, for a man in his mid- 40's is hard enough, especially with two teenage kids. The questions that enter the mind are whether or not you'll get a job, and what kind of job that will be, and ultimately who will hire you?Who am I competing with? Is discrimination something I need to be worried about? Not racial discrimination, but age discrimination? When your confidence is low, you don't realize how hard it is to get out of bed in the morning. It's getting close to a year without employment. All of a sudden pride is no longer a question. I can understand desperate, I can understand frustration. The jobs in the newspaper all have someone else's name on them.<br />
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A few thoughts on the rising unemployment rate in Bermuda. As there is no official method of tracking unemployment, it might behoove someone to actually work on a way to find out. Pension records should show last receipt of payment, or social insurance, or payroll tax. Surely those people who have paid these taxes before who aren't paying them now can't all be dead. That Dept. of Statistics place... can't they produce some stats?<br />
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Just a thought. Run a program, produce a report.<br />
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A few years ago, there was a document entitled the "Shift Report" that was created to provide information as to how our country has "shifted" it's economic focus from a tourism based industry, to an International business industry. In that report, it explained how most of our people were unprepared for that shift, and that the closures of hotels and losses of jobs in the hospitality industry has affected our way of life. The report went into many details of many different areas of our islands evolution, but failed to recognize the overall impact of that shift. It was very short-sighted and failed to predict what would happen when and if a recession hit.<br />
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We failed to recognize what would happen if the international business sector down-sized or ultimately leave our shores. We have failed to formulate a backup-plan when and if the inevitable happens and these companies, who have no contracts to remain here, decide that it is more cost-effective to move their companies to places that can offer tax credits and lower costs of operations. The cost of doing business is much higher when the home country needs to have their people employed, and their leaders decide that these companies should indeed return home, or be taxed appropriately.<br />
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Why run an offshore business if it will be taxed anyway? The old "you can run, but you can't hide" adage is applicable here. We are not guaranteed forever, and forever may have an end date. It may happen sooner than we think. So what of the back-up plan? Where do we go when Bermudians are looking for work? Where do we go when none of the jobs advertised fit? What do we do now?<br />
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The Tucker's Point SDO is a double edged sword. We want more tourists, to create more jobs, but we don't want to do it at the expense of our last vestiges of an eco-system, and the legacy of a racist system that has denied blacks the rights to own the land that was taken from them 100 years ago. We seem to be at a crossroads in our period of evolution. We desire all the benefits of the present with modern technologies and advancements in our society, but we are handcuffed by our own moral conscience of what's right and what's wrong. We accept that our society has certain acceptable and unacceptable ills, yet we are so afraid of becoming worse than we are.<br />
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A company who is in serious debt is being allowed to "expand" it's operations? How does that work? If I was 150 million in the red, I see my way forward by tapping a resource that is unproven? Tread carefully my friends, this can only get worse.<br />
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Here's my problem with the SDO.<br />
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Are we using TPC as a last roll of the dice for the Tourism industry in Bermuda? Really??? If Tuckers Point fails, tourism is doomed? What tourism? I'll take the obligatory stance and ask the obvious question... what tourism industry? The Minister for Tourism has said that they need to find ways to make our "product" better. What exactly is our "product"? What exactly do we have to sell that people can't get in other places cheaper or more efficiently?<br />
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Our position in the marketplace is tenuous. It is one that no longer appeals to a certain market or markets. The once vast middle class of American visitor is almost gone, and thus we have a product that does not appeal to the expanded lower class who can not afford it, and it does not appeal to the upper class who demand more bang for their buck. Low cost airlines appeal to bargain hunters, but when has Bermuda ever been a bargain for anyone? A $98 dollar ticket for a $300 per night room? This type of logic defies belief. Cruise ships bring in the masses, but how are they encouraged to do more than buy a t-shirt or a trinket (more than likely items not made in Bermuda)? Are we telling the ships to close up their bars and restaurants while they are in port? Are the entertainment options on board better than what the tourist will find while in port?<br />
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We know the answers. The "product" is broken and the big question is whether or not we have the guts to fix it properly. It's a huge gamble. It will inevitably change the course of our island forever... but as with electricity, cars, television and the internet, we must take that gamble, we must ultimately do what is the right thing for our country, and the people in it. That cold hard slap in the face is one we've failed to grasp. Our choices are limited.<br />
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Gaming must be considered as the next step. The crisis of conscience hits again. Our moral standards need to be checked. Yes, casinos are our future. The "fix" for our product, the way to improve it and make it better is to "shift" once again. We must include gaming as part of our product, and with it we must accept those things that come with it. Just as we did when we shifted away from tourism as a primary industry, the only way back will cost us a part of who we are.<br />
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Gaming will bring problems. It will force us to "shift" our uber-conservative position into a more liberal and open one. It will do for us, what International business has not done for us. It will re-create a market for which we are aptly suited. Tourism. It will create jobs, it will stimulate the economy and it will force us to "shift" our target market to offer something that other tropical locations have been doing for quite some time... FUN. For far too long have we lost focus on the idea that we are a beautiful island, a haven, a retreat, a vacation spot, a place to get away for a day, a weekend... whatever. Pink sand beaches, pristine blue oceans, golf and tennis, are all small parts of the product, but these things just aren't marketable any more. We need a shift. We need to get back to Bermuda, a country who needs Tourism as the PRIMARY industry.<br />
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One last note. I entered a local "chain" eatery in the Washington Mall the other day. Not one Bermudian is employed in this particular "chain link" of the establishment. When are our people going to stop supporting these places? By purchasing their goods, we continue to support a bottom-feeder employment scheme that allows these people to support the system overall. We need to start supporting BERMUDIAN establishments, and if that takes a bit more effort... so be it.Phil Rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00194572000552500092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1657454583810069857.post-85714672090417382952010-07-05T20:25:00.000-03:002010-07-05T20:25:30.048-03:00Rain... and other problems.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmOzWeuI-7CO1pSYzJVPmIw0Qp_ON2zuYDiO6E-GAL62Rxj9pS3wrKSBJE1gQADckYz8Hpa3lXlDjV_8TRHqAIf0MxLy_XxLa9PmeM3hR1nWUxSFRxGRFyWsQzxTVH6whGORvMnjnimP7m/s1600/rain.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmOzWeuI-7CO1pSYzJVPmIw0Qp_ON2zuYDiO6E-GAL62Rxj9pS3wrKSBJE1gQADckYz8Hpa3lXlDjV_8TRHqAIf0MxLy_XxLa9PmeM3hR1nWUxSFRxGRFyWsQzxTVH6whGORvMnjnimP7m/s320/rain.jpeg" /></a></div><br />
Water. It's hard to believe that this, the most basic of resources is still a major issue for so many Bermudians. For all of our technological advances in our small society, we have not managed to supply our households with enough water, and we have not found a permanent solution to the one resource that we should have absolutely no problem with. Late last week we had good rain, but it certainly is not enough. So far I have had to purchase water two times this summer - 3 loads each time. With a house of 6 adults and 1 infant, my shower-time is ever shorter, and flushing is limited.<br />
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Speaking of resources, what are we doing to cut down on our carbon footprint? What is happening at BELCO to move our society forward and away from our need for fossil fuels? Why aren't we exploring wind farms and wave power offshore? Is our society too large to facilitate such a move? Why aren't we signed up for any new forms of energy initiatives? Shouldn't our country be on the forefront of explorative energy production?<br />
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On the domestic front, we seem to be bogged down by issues that seemingly are not going away. Bermudians Against the Draft (BAD) are fighting a losing battle I fear. Strange thing is, that options were available (reserve Constabulary and Fire Dept.), and certainly we could cut down on the tax-payers burden and have a few roads repaired. Have you seen Serpentine Road lately? I have no problems if you don't want to be in the military, but I do believe that all 18 year olds should serve their country in one form or another. National service establishes pride in your country and gives young people a chance to develop skills that they wouldn't normally.<br />
<br />
Last but not least, the employment scene is scary. More and more Bermudians (myself included) are seeking work (I am using multiple part-time jobs to get by). The issues here are many. With more people desperate for employment, crime will most certainly rise. We will have more people staying sick, because more people will be uninsured by not having basic insurance coverage. By the way... when are we going to have a national health plan? Shouldn't that, like access to water be a right of everyone? Times are tough, there is no doubt, and as we head into the doldrums of summer, it will be important for all of us to realize that Bermuda is not the same Bermuda most of us grew up in and we need to stop wanting it to be that way. Progress is painful.Phil Rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00194572000552500092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1657454583810069857.post-64583004227963591942010-01-19T20:13:00.002-04:002010-01-19T20:57:52.417-04:00More noise...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghep0RigVKwSiQcy4V_gOxwELva3evuFInN_vwA3ey6QiggzddUo-a6Gj_O37L6tfQn_HEoTwkXKkdG2A2WHcpnX_LdfgmpEB4VuN-VZxMZgfGWvx4SqwCTsVH5Rt6Eh2-8jJTeL-HRfs3/s1600-h/white_noise_by_kevinsaintgrey.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghep0RigVKwSiQcy4V_gOxwELva3evuFInN_vwA3ey6QiggzddUo-a6Gj_O37L6tfQn_HEoTwkXKkdG2A2WHcpnX_LdfgmpEB4VuN-VZxMZgfGWvx4SqwCTsVH5Rt6Eh2-8jJTeL-HRfs3/s320/white_noise_by_kevinsaintgrey.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428608652989300978" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; "><h1 style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; color: rgb(0, 51, 153); font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; ">“Ten people who speak make more noise than ten thousand who are silent.” - Napoleon Bonaparte</h1><div><br /></div><div>Happy new year...</div><div><br /></div><div>2010... here we come. here we are not out of January and we are already knee deep into the muck. I guess the challenge for any normal thinking person is to not take life as serious as we could. It's hard to not see the events that affect our world and become depressed. The Haiti situation is devastating, and we seem to be seeing more and more of these natural disasters in recent times. The tsunami that hit the Philippines, Hurricane Katrina, and now the earthquake in Haiti.</div><div><br /></div><div>My religious friends deem this an act of God's vengeance, and while I have (and will probably continue) to debate the rationale of that argument, It definitely hits home. I don't believe that this horror is somehow vengeance from God for a questionable past. I prefer to believe that science had a lot to do with the earthquake and that idiots like Pat Robertson should not be seen and definitely not be heard.</div><div>That said, I read a great article by Sir Hilary Beckles on <a href="http://www.normangirvan.info/beckles-hate-quake/">Haiti</a> and how the French have done more damage to Haiti than this earthquake ever could. </div><div><br /></div><div>What can not be argued is that millions of people are now in peril and countries who never gave a damn about Haiti before, seem to have changed their minds. It's funny how natural disasters do that, but human made tragedies don't. While I will not debate the need for aid in Haiti now, where has that aid been the past 100+ years? How is it that human rights violators like Mugabe and Bashir still walk free while millions are fighting for their very lives? The logic escapes me.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here at home, all seems quiet. I knew Perry Puckerin from his participation in Devonshire Rec's youth program. To say that I was shocked to find out about his murder would be putting it mildly. In the recent years I knew him, he was a genuinely warm and funny guy, and he never ever showed any signs of the lifestyle that ultimately took his. RIP Perry... you will be missed. </div><div><br /></div><div>Lot's of talk about the gang situation and what we can do. Had a chance to hear Dr. Matthews last night at DRC and he connects on a lot of levels. I'm a supporter of Rise Above Bermuda and wish him all the best, It's nice to see good people do good things in our community. Let's hope that it's contagious.</div><div><br /></div></span>Phil Rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00194572000552500092noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1657454583810069857.post-87872196480976592132009-12-25T07:05:00.002-04:002009-12-25T07:35:14.464-04:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmeLYdxHI9dI6fgcb0H8O5M1VXLgTCu0FcZBqEVpzh7RqOJKE2K-9tpU8oLTI6gBbXHuFBMuuc7GSvbNnCvLWFa_FBaM8lVyGaogobcuWxcR8V88q6u9cBTyIZZVzoESHdOaCMOyXTOrlp/s1600-h/Destiny_by_anchica.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 197px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmeLYdxHI9dI6fgcb0H8O5M1VXLgTCu0FcZBqEVpzh7RqOJKE2K-9tpU8oLTI6gBbXHuFBMuuc7GSvbNnCvLWFa_FBaM8lVyGaogobcuWxcR8V88q6u9cBTyIZZVzoESHdOaCMOyXTOrlp/s320/Destiny_by_anchica.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419128620886691698" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; "><h1 style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; color: rgb(0, 51, 153); font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; ">“It is perhaps a more fortunate destiny to have a taste for collecting shells than to be born a millionaire” - Robert Louis Stevenson</h1><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We must find a way. We must have a plan. We must break that which is broken, break it completely so that it can not ever be resurrected, for we know now that what is broken should not continue to be used. We must forge a new path, as those before us who believed in manifest destiny...</div><div><br /></div><div>We must be thankful for where we are and how we came to be, we must be a government of one people, undaunted, undivided. We must love the aged and the young, their contributions mean so much. We must educate and be educated, to stop learning is to stop living, for we are here on planet earth for a reason, to be great, each and every day.</div><div><br /></div><div>We must grow more food, we must drive less, we must find ways to save our world, to save our people. We must make less war, and make more love, for there can be nothing better than love. We must cry more, laugh more. We must give more and take less. We must take pride in our accomplishments and strive to be better every day. We must find cures for the plagues that affect us. We must plant more trees and build less skyscrapers, we must use less and recycle more. We must seek less from God, and take responsibility for our people and our world. We must remove barriers and build bridges, we must invite more and not wait to be invited, we must work harder and celebrate less.</div><div><br /></div><div>We must smile more, for we know that in the smile of a child there is nothing more precious or beautiful. We must accept that we are not perfect and that it is ok. We must develop relationships based on friendships without expectation or demand. We need less in our banks and more in our hearts. We must show our future generations that there is hope and that together we can achieve much, alone we achieve little.</div><div><br /></div><div>One hope for all at this time of year... that we have learned from our mistakes, that we can move beyond hate and learn to appreciate the gifts we have. Move with love in your heart and we will all move mountains.</div></span>Phil Rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00194572000552500092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1657454583810069857.post-64233709401676523932009-12-07T17:42:00.003-04:002009-12-07T18:15:44.560-04:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj09OyDEp2c5GfG4Itb30GeHiwWJsHOivpu1ff2eKx-PwwLKk2TYsO8-DiJGvQ9c6RCVPAT_8oIPa-yu_tIa4rwYqGBFovKqm1DPsliUV9DS-JwvRbhLv7X56ra-Hns5vovpHle5mrgditP/s1600-h/ponder_by_mykwee88.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 183px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj09OyDEp2c5GfG4Itb30GeHiwWJsHOivpu1ff2eKx-PwwLKk2TYsO8-DiJGvQ9c6RCVPAT_8oIPa-yu_tIa4rwYqGBFovKqm1DPsliUV9DS-JwvRbhLv7X56ra-Hns5vovpHle5mrgditP/s320/ponder_by_mykwee88.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412613475894816418" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; "><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;">"Today, more than ever before, life must be characterized by a sense of Universal responsibility, not only nation to nation and human to human, but also human to other forms of life." - Dalai Lama</span></i></b></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:100%;color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:100%;color:#663300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">The past month has been really hectic and I haven't had much time to gather my thoughts, but hopefully with the year winding down, I have found some moments for reflection, meditation and growth. Our world is so much smaller now and if we let it spin out of control we can easily lose sight of the important things.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">With so much negative press surrounding events both local and foreign, and most of it negative, I'm going to take a few words to give props, where props are due. Funny isn't it we often hear how the media reads off the Police blotter every day, as if they are afraid to report "good" news. Are we so obsessed with negativity (and there is enough to report) that we can not celebrate some successes? </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">Congrats go out to Somerset School of Dance for their bi-annual performance held at the Ruth Seaton James auditorium at the end of November. I know a lot of parents at the school would love to see their kids dance more, I know how much I love watching my daughter dance, but credit to Sal Hodgson for making her school more than just a place to go for recitals. The RAD (Royal Academy of Dance) curriculum is one of the leading ballet methods in the world, and it's a bonus to know that all of her students pass their examinations with flying colors. It doesn't get reported on the news, but it's the truth. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">As most will know, I am far from a supporter of the queen, but I am glad she came. There is some kind of magic with her that draws people from far and wide, and while I didn't take the opportunity to go out and see her, I am not the least bit surprised by the turnout. The premier alluded to the idea that we shouldn't read anything into her popularity as it regards independence and I tend to agree, but I don't think it was really necessary to come out and say that. Enjoy the moment, and know that we can allow for a moment of pomp and circumstance.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">This past weekend I was proud to join the CURB table at the "Global Village" in Par-La-Ville Park. I gather the major sponsors are <a href="http://www.chewstick.com/">Chewstick</a>, and I was really impressed with the social activism that was displayed by so many of the islands different groups. I will always preach the importance of being active, it is so important for our communities, and ultimately our country, that people care. If we can take the energy of the "Global Village" and unite to tackle some of our social ills, I'm certain we can move mountains. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">Christmas is a time of year when we spend time with family and friends, and Bermuda has it's own set of traditions, that makes our country a great place to be. It's a great time of year, and I hope everyone takes a moment to move away from the negativity that is constantly beaten into our social media, and our regular media to embrace the season. Hug your kids, love your families and love one another people, for we are truly worth it.</span></span></div>Phil Rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00194572000552500092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1657454583810069857.post-83800017569543119642009-11-07T07:41:00.003-04:002009-11-07T08:32:22.958-04:00Introducing.... The Alliance!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZxwrTyYcbO5jPBvj-wx9N4Ntt3W-yEPrRwBGlAJwUvD7MCvtJTglJPq5GVHrcynuNvu4zGwEDmkBxha1Lwr4PDTi6DXcj3nQJtF466BfhGJ2ntJs76PmlJjrr_l5Xm8Xm6beiLFrMMAPv/s1600-h/mua2.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZxwrTyYcbO5jPBvj-wx9N4Ntt3W-yEPrRwBGlAJwUvD7MCvtJTglJPq5GVHrcynuNvu4zGwEDmkBxha1Lwr4PDTi6DXcj3nQJtF466BfhGJ2ntJs76PmlJjrr_l5Xm8Xm6beiLFrMMAPv/s320/mua2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401330070389128946" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; "><h1 style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">“One man may hit the mark, another blunder; but heed not these distinctions. Only from the alliance of the one, working with and through the other, are great things born.” - </span></h1><h2 style="font-size: 12px; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">Antoine de Saint-Exupery</span></h2><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 16px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; ">Alliance: a merging of efforts or interests by persons, families, states, or organizations: <span class="ital-inline" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 1.25em; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; font-style: italic; ">an alliance between church and state. (dictionary.com)</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:100%;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:100%;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><i>I don't profess to be a genius here, but the BDA (Bermuda Democratic Alliance) are who exactly? Disgruntled former members of the UBP? Allied with whom? Are we awaiting defections from across the floor to complete this historic group?</i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:100%;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:100%;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><i>Ok... it's early days yet. The third option has emerged and before HMS United Bermuda Party is well and truly left to the fishes, we must say this. The third option at this point seems to be truly only a rehashed version of the second option, if said second option is the opposition. I'm not sure if said opposition would be the first option, I would hope not, but if you define power in terms of rankings, then the first option would definitely be the government... wouldn't it?</i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:100%;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:100%;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><i>Never mind. This "Alliance"... don't we just love vague labels for political parties? ... what exactly is it? A Democratic Alliance - thank god it's a democratic alliance and not a communist or worse a socialist alliance, for we can't have radicals running around now can we? - made up of former UBP MP's that have left the UBP. Hey... wait a minute here.... if I voted party lines and one of these MP's is my MP and I voted for them under the UBP flag, does that mean I have to change political parties too? My head hurts.</i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:100%;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:100%;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><i>I know...I know... it's early days yet. We may have influential government members jumping on board the Alliance bandwagon. Mr. Perinchief? Mr. Horton? Mr. James? I know... Mr. Butler.... wow... I'm not convinced. Maybe the Alliance can pick up Ashfield Devent... if they put legalization on their platform. Ok... maybe the Alliance will be made up of the former UBP MP's and a few independent thinkers, whoa!!! Not <b>Independence</b> thinkers... <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">INDEPENDENT</span></b> thinkers! We'll have none of that Independence stuff around here. </i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:100%;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:100%;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><i>Oh and that platform thing. Yeah, it's early days yet, but these former UBP mp's need to get a platform thing. Separate themselves from the UBP, you know be different, be a true third option... or second option... or first option... or no option if you don't think that they are an alliance at all... like me... just a few disgruntled former UBP MP's trying to be an option. Dad always said... if it walks like a duck, and talks like a duck, then it's more than likely... A DUCK!!!</i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:100%;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:100%;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><i>Good luck... I'll take Captain America as my MP. </i></span></span></div><div><br /></div></span>Phil Rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00194572000552500092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1657454583810069857.post-69186333481709449552009-11-01T14:37:00.003-04:002009-11-01T15:45:17.552-04:00Why I blog...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgozH-jfgFrzlqTgjiEIvA8Le7XBdNamQQ7d9zmANT_WXkQIgF0hCBggRjXvO7OOJwfH_AJM_rV2s_I8QNDBNwvCAz9euBPSl4DvbDIYLo-z4Qao9oqQjcbDVWoPM2l_IaObjGTzEbLabys/s1600-h/Misdirected_Charity_03_by_Vagharshabadi.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 285px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgozH-jfgFrzlqTgjiEIvA8Le7XBdNamQQ7d9zmANT_WXkQIgF0hCBggRjXvO7OOJwfH_AJM_rV2s_I8QNDBNwvCAz9euBPSl4DvbDIYLo-z4Qao9oqQjcbDVWoPM2l_IaObjGTzEbLabys/s320/Misdirected_Charity_03_by_Vagharshabadi.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399209881049033762" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Arial, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><h1 style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; color: rgb(0, 51, 153); font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; ">“We cannot seek achievement for ourselves and forget about progress and prosperity for our community... Our ambitions must be broad enough to include the aspirations and needs of others, for their sakes and for our own." - Cesar Chavez</h1><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I decided several months ago to "out" myself. Ok... I'm not "out" in that way. I'm out by exposing myself on my blog. It is a decision I'm proud of. Putting my picture on my blog was a personal choice. Live by the sword (or pen...computer) die by it. In local circles, it's not a popular thing to do. Most forums/blogs are represented by nicknames (mine is "sparxx" for which I have had for many years) and users apply avatars that somehow represent the user in one way or another. I understand why people do this, it detaches accountability to a face and makes freedom of speech more "free". You can say what you like and no one has to know who it is behind the scenes. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">My decision came for a few reasons. I have always accepted responsibility for who I am, what I say and what I do. Yet in the online world there seems to be less accountability and people can seemingly do what they want, and say what they want and get away with it. Again, I understand a users right to personal privacy, but if you are gutsy enough to criticize someone or something, have the guts to show your face. There are strong and radical voices in cyberspace, and it is important to accept a responsible approach in all aspects of life... even our online ones. I preach to my kids about standing up for what they believe in and fighting the good fight, for their honour and for those who can't fight for themselves.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Dictionary.com defines </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">commitment</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> as </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">"a pledge or a promise, an obligation"</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. It also defines the word </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">citizen</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> as </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">"</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 16px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">a native or naturalized member of a state or nation who owes allegiance to its government and is entitled to its protection."</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">It is my honest belief that as citizens we must always work to ensure that we do our parts in our communities to make all of our lives a little bit better. It's a commitment, and one I take seriously. I take it seriously for me, and my family. I choose to do so because I accept that there is work to be done. As with <b>many</b> others, I do so freely and with the hope that our future generations will do the same. There is no glory in it, there is no requirement for acknowledgement, and while some may see this as "tooting" my own horn, that's their opinion and they are entitled to it!</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 16px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 16px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;font-size:small;">I choose to blog for several reasons, foremost it's a place where I can log my thoughts and keep my writing going. I have tried writing stories, and poetry and games, but for whatever reason never found a niche with any of them. This blog allows me a little more literary freedom and it provides the outlet I need, whenever I need it. Other reasons are for discipline and for exploration into my world as I see it. I titled this blog "distorted visions" simply because I know that for the most part my visions are mine alone. That's fine, and I don't purposely seek to irritate or aggravate. If that happens... so be it.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 16px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 16px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;font-size:small;">I have to accept that there are things, people who will not change. I have to accept that in our island paradise there will always be people who are just not happy. People who probably do a hell of a lot more in their communities than me and like me expect nothing in return. Bermudians are great people when they work together, and they are great more often than not, but they can be royal pains in the butt when they have reasons to be. I guess that's the way it is in most places, but in such a small society such as our own, and in ways where we can continue to be great, we continue to find reasons to fail. </span></span></div></span>Phil Rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00194572000552500092noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1657454583810069857.post-89806567630571549182009-10-27T21:25:00.002-03:002009-10-27T22:15:52.812-03:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3_Lf4vJP2jYSfUlT294LxgGfGJiMBvO6fwcT2zOvtFAd3KZ1SEJuoiePUAtHX2u-Af87kNnSSDEf4VI06ihVj9LuouRWAAtVHAqJurMdOyid50NbEdBIP_0xpCFb6XIxe7bHvgJ41hv64/s1600-h/halloween-tree.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3_Lf4vJP2jYSfUlT294LxgGfGJiMBvO6fwcT2zOvtFAd3KZ1SEJuoiePUAtHX2u-Af87kNnSSDEf4VI06ihVj9LuouRWAAtVHAqJurMdOyid50NbEdBIP_0xpCFb6XIxe7bHvgJ41hv64/s320/halloween-tree.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397444577871648994" /></a>Random Thoughts...<div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; "><h1 style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; color: rgb(0, 51, 153); font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; ">“We are what we think. All that we are arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts, we make the world." - Buddha</h1><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The Lane School zoning tribunal convenes this Friday. There is no doubt that this should be a black history museum. The location is the Salvation Army Citadel on North St. at 1:45 p.m. Come out and help support the cause.</div><div><br /></div><div>Halloween is Saturday. Keep it real people and keep it safe. This is a kids day, and we should all remember that. There is always reason to be cautious, let's hope the knuckleheads don't lose their minds. The dangers are many, so please take all the proper precautions.</div><div><br /></div><div>Hurricane season is almost over. It's been unusually quiet the past couple of years, wonder if it's got anything to do with the global planet changes. It's time to pay attention people. Our world is going to hell in a hand-basket temperature wise. Recycle, re-use and remember to re-fill those ink and toner cartridges (shameless plug).</div><div><br /></div><div>Lot's of talk on several boards about homosexuality. I'm not going to go overboard on this, so I'll just say that HUMAN RIGHTS should always be our number one fight. I'm not going to debate people on the issues of morality, but please remember, without human rights we have no debate. Freedom is a gift best used wisely. Live, love and learn!</div><div><br /></div><div>A follow up on my post regarding Softball. Our ladies have travelled to the Bahamas, and it was a pleasure to see them off. I wish them all the luck. I told them Sunday morning that to have come this far is a victory in itself and that they should all be proud of their accomplishment. Win or lose they will do us proud I'm sure. As for the suspended pair, they have travelled with the team, but probably will be relegated to spectator level. The Bermuda Amateur Softball Association will always strive to do the right thing, and as such we will hold a SGM (special general meeting) on Nov. 17th. All those interested should please come out and get involved. We have exciting plans for the upcoming year (2010) and we need all the help we can get!</div><div><br /></div><div>CURB held their AGM recently. Kudos to all those elected, including our amazing president Lynne Winfield who is now in Tanzania doing the Diaspora thing. Next year it's back in Bermuda and we should get it back on the front burner. Special mention goes to Dr. Eva Hodgson who has been given an honorary lifetime membership to our Central Council. Her wisdom and expertise in fighting racism in Bermuda is legendary, and while many people may not be able to find her candor appetizing, it has long been a staple for us and we are so proud to share in her brilliance!</div><div><br /></div><div>Finally, my daughter turned 15 this weekend. I can't begin to tell you how amazing she is, or for that matter how old I feel. She is turning into quite a lady and as she presses on with her GCSE examinations this year, I know that she will do her best! I was also really happy to have her help me out with the Youth Softball Development League on Saturday. It's nice that a dad can share a sport with his kids (boys and girls) and as my kids have spent so much time with me at the Mike Preece Stadium (Bernard's Park) I look forward to spending a lot more time with them there! Happy Birthday Rachel... I love you!!!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></span></div>Phil Rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00194572000552500092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1657454583810069857.post-1041355887114680882009-10-26T08:18:00.001-03:002009-10-26T08:22:18.938-03:00The power of people....<div>If you fail to understand what people can do, even one person can inspire masses...</div><div><br /></div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxkMwFFsCko">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxkMwFFsCko</a><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Phil Rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00194572000552500092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1657454583810069857.post-56818880675254523542009-10-17T07:39:00.003-03:002009-10-17T08:20:35.830-03:00Bermuda Softball - Our National Spirit.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqAI0LRoJkAq9unhIZ_TisHiqG3hK-U1CIzUOveRu5dvNfSe3k6liB460iIz0zqi3k0UJpoAkvmhgouONoWbzpFn9BCcCkDTlPbPow1kisC_LCKKYFF6r_MJFLJX6oWGGzSD4hvbqKFvRo/s1600-h/In_Stitches_and_Dirt_Edit_by_Castaway_battles.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqAI0LRoJkAq9unhIZ_TisHiqG3hK-U1CIzUOveRu5dvNfSe3k6liB460iIz0zqi3k0UJpoAkvmhgouONoWbzpFn9BCcCkDTlPbPow1kisC_LCKKYFF6r_MJFLJX6oWGGzSD4hvbqKFvRo/s320/In_Stitches_and_Dirt_Edit_by_Castaway_battles.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393516831731613378" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Arial, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><h1 style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; color: rgb(0, 51, 153); font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; ">“Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision. The ability to direct individual accomplishments toward organizational objectives. It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results.”</h1><div><br /></div><div>Softball in Bermuda has always been in our fabric. There has always been a connection with our culture and this very passionate game. It is as Bermudian a tradition as any of the other "big" sports, namely soccer and cricket, and it should still be spoken in that same reverence. It's not.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have been involved in softball for easily the better part of 20 years, and I have stuck with it through the highs and lows, for which the local game is still trying to emerge from a murky decade of indifference. As Vice President of the Bermuda Amateur Softball Association, it has been a task trying to emerge from this period with a plan, and the support from the public hasn't always been there. </div><div><br /></div><div>Slow pitch softball is the only competitive aspect of our game at the moment. Slow pitch leagues dominate and credit to their dedicated core, they have kept softball being played, even if it's not the "real" game we want. Slow pitch is a nice fun game, but there is no development, there are no progression charts. The top teams are who they always have been and there is very little to be gained from this game. Its fun and gives players a chance to play... but it's not our game.</div><div><br /></div><div>Our game is fastpitch. It always has been, and always will be. We have a need for it and it is Bermuda Softball. For the past few months a ladies team has been very dedicated in trying to come together to compete in a tournament in the Bahamas, for which they leave in a weeks time. Under the coaching excellence of Braxton Stowe, the team is really taking shape and as we head into the final weekend of fundraising efforts we also look forward to the launch of our youth program this weekend. I can not begin to tell you how exciting this is. Focus on fastpitch, developing a plan, a strategy to carry us forward, and ultimately a long term goal of club softball being played around the island every night of the week! It is a solid plan and if we can make it happen, softball will return to it's rightful place on Bermuda's sporting mantle piece.</div><div><br /></div><div>This weekend, B.A.S.A. will hold car washes at BAA and at Somersfield this morning and a bake sale at the stadium this afternoon. A reminder that all youth ages 15+ that are interested in playing are asked to please come out to the Mike Preece Stadium (Bernard's park) beginning at 4:30 p.m. for registration and introductions.</div><div><br /></div><div>One last note. Some people may have paid attention to media reports this week about a player that was dropped and "re-instated" from the ladies team. She has, provided her "side" of the story, and early next week the Association will reply through those same media channels. I will not go into great detail, but I will say this. In meetings last night, for which she and another player opted out, a TEAM decision was made, and the decision was unanimous. Stay tuned for further updates!!!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></span>Phil Rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00194572000552500092noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1657454583810069857.post-23610038741959391212009-10-10T09:12:00.004-03:002009-10-10T10:07:29.222-03:00You gotta have faith....<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsN-OTje1kWeZfIKDznojztTJ29vtxJt7gvKD4Yen8tPfYTunh0WGpxbKCDI4FmShtWi63r3NZgOO2_XKNh1Pk6Vu8ewz8ZUp2XtdThYUiv3gtQOXmZy-sw90TuqCgzVmuGyujTfFyXV5C/s1600-h/Faith_by_TomWilcox.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsN-OTje1kWeZfIKDznojztTJ29vtxJt7gvKD4Yen8tPfYTunh0WGpxbKCDI4FmShtWi63r3NZgOO2_XKNh1Pk6Vu8ewz8ZUp2XtdThYUiv3gtQOXmZy-sw90TuqCgzVmuGyujTfFyXV5C/s320/Faith_by_TomWilcox.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390943198527450402" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Arial, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><h1 style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; color: rgb(0, 51, 153); font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; ">“Faith is the bird that feels the light and sings when the dawn is still dark.” - Rabindranath Tagore</h1><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>At some point I know that certain things are proven to be true. People are born, and people will die. Life here on our spinning blue ball continues to evolve and as we progress, it is in faith that we believe things will happen. Still our faith is challenged when things don't happen the way they are supposed to. How many of us become irritated when a light doesn't go on when we flick a switch? How many of us expect our cars to start every day? How many would be surprised if we walked into a grocery store to find that they didn't have any food? Our world is built on faith that things happen when we expect them to. Most of these things are easily explained. </div><div><br /></div><div>We know that (or we hope that) if we pay our electricity bill, the electric company will continue to supply us with service, and when we come home at night and turn on a light, it should come on. Certainly bulbs will blow, fuses or breakers will blow or trip, but for the most part we have faith in the system. Just as we expect the grocery store to provide the food we want when we are hungry. In this instance we do not say that we have blind faith, we have proven faith.</div><div><br /></div><div>We can have faith in our governments to do the best thing for us, but that faith is continually challenged when they do boneheaded things. To err is human... Still, most of us believe in the power of love, and to that end we have hope for the future. A lot of things reinforce that faith, that love, that hope for the future. Friendship, family, security and the basic idea that man is inherently good and that we truly care for everyone and everything around us. Faith is the key to human existence. Unfortunately this is where things become... muddled.</div><div><br /></div><div>We have faith, faith in people, places and things, all things that we can prove exist, but when we all of a sudden have faith in things that can't be proven to exist, I begin to worry a bit about our future. I guess the point here is what I'll call the "GOD PROBLEM". For as long as can be known, people have had this ... problem. The problem is, that unlike the "electricity" problem, that can be resolved by paying the bill, changing the bulb or fuse, flipping the breaker, the God thing isn't so easily fixed. It isn't easily proven. The bible tells us that there are certain things we can do to ensure a place in heaven, but that heaven place, did someone get an address or phone number? I know DisneyWorld exists, and it may be the coolest place on earth, because I've been there ... a few times. I know outer space exists, because I can see the stars in the sky and I can see the facts laid before me by people who have been there. It's like Antarctica... I've never been there, but I have reasonable faith that it exists, because if I look hard enough I'll find someone who has been there.</div><div><br /></div><div>The God/Heaven thing hasn't been proven yet people are willing to die for their faith. I'm just not getting it. I've been an altar boy, joined Young Life, studied with Christians, Mormons, Jehovas... and their story is all the same. An undisputed belief in a god or heaven that can not be verified. It's a feel good thing. People need to feel good and they need to believe that there is something good after you die. We know that every year after Christmas, there are post-christmas sales, but I have never met anyone that's had a post-life experience. We have to be careful. I understand the NEED to have FAITH, I'd just like it to be verifiable. I'm just not sworn to it. Give me something... anything. Give me a plug, a bulb, a power cord, an electric company, something tangible, something verifiable.</div><div><br /></div><div>In the end, I guess it's a double edged sword. I believe in Christmas, Easter, if not for the social aspects of these holidays, so is it wrong for me to deny the existence of the one who makes those days important? Believe me, I want those holidays, so I know that it should be something important to me. Unfortunately it's not. If I lived in a society that told me I had to work those days, I'm sure it would mean even less to me. The one thing I will continue to have faith in, is man. One way or another I have faith that I will be surprised, shocked, amazed and horrified by what he can do. I only hope that faith is not the only thing carrying me through it all.</div></span>Phil Rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00194572000552500092noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1657454583810069857.post-87174763644147611022009-10-07T14:25:00.003-03:002009-10-07T15:07:52.896-03:00Becoming a lean green machine....<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGQeKbJ8Jn4kXOwkRPhSi_odKkxx8xWRE7uh9p5tMSLuV_aTxz5aUI77uqEFxpZMSXShvCMdNYlhkCteAq1W9DE8tyqgYUcGzA8ChsNk02iBGLRn3SC47bbY6rrLRh4EhMoCet5NlKFAWV/s1600-h/images.jpeg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 99px; height: 124px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGQeKbJ8Jn4kXOwkRPhSi_odKkxx8xWRE7uh9p5tMSLuV_aTxz5aUI77uqEFxpZMSXShvCMdNYlhkCteAq1W9DE8tyqgYUcGzA8ChsNk02iBGLRn3SC47bbY6rrLRh4EhMoCet5NlKFAWV/s320/images.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389910644813703122" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; ">Did you know, the Hershey Company in the US produces about 20,000,000 kisses each day using 133 square miles of aluminum to wrap them in; this material is recyclable and most of it ends up in the trash rather than the recycle bin. - <a href="http://www.environment-green.com/More_Recycling_Facts_and_Statistics.html">http://www.environment-green.com/More_Recycling_Facts_and_Statistics.html</a></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><a href="http://www.environment-green.com/More_Recycling_Facts_and_Statistics.html"></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">It's a serious thing this recycling business. Certainly it is a business, the pros of running a "green" business definitely outweigh the cons. The statistics are staggering. Even here in our small island home, people think "green" as a way of life. Most of our fine citizens find ways to recycle, save energy and plant trees. We are known for our cleanliness. Tourists love that our streets are not consumed by litter and our oceans are not suffering the effects of pollution as most other countries in the west. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">It's a part of our social conscience isn't it? In all that we do, we are challenged to live a better life, create a better world, saving the planet ultimately saves lives and who wouldn't want that? So keep separating your plastics, glass and metals!!! Hey if you didn't notice, our Government is offering the good people up to $5000 if you install solar panels in your home! Will that inspire people? Eh.....</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">So many things to consider in recognizing our "footprint", things we take for granted like that little Hershey's Kiss deal up there. Are you going to stop using your gas guzzling automobiles? Does car-pooling even happen in Bermuda? I don't think so. It's a nice thought, but it's an effort that takes mass coordination. We don't have the time to be worried about how others are doing, so we just keep stuffing those blue bags, keep taking our green bags to the grocers, and turn off the lights every once in a while. Oh and Belco will still give out prizes for those who do a decent job with their Christmas lights.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">I wonder. Would you drive an electric bike? Would you recycle that paper in the office? Would you buy a bottle of wine that has a screw cap instead of a cork? Would you car-pool, or better yet walk to work? No... it's still too hot outside. Are we conscientiously making an effort to save our world, or are we just keeping the kids happy so when they go to school they can say "We recycle at home!!!" So keep stuffing those blue bags... we'll be green some day.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">If we look at our lives, we must consider that even in doing what we do, it may not be enough. GreenRock reports that with each kilowatt hour of electricity we use, 751 grams of CO2 are pumped into the atmosphere. <a href="http://www.greenrock.org/content/view/223/4">(here</a>). There is hope fans... several businesses have begun to do their part. I'm not really into self promotion, but hey it's my dime, so you get what you pay for... Skinks Ink (located in Sound Stage in the Washington Mall) is refilling ink-jet cartridges, and Lanier Business products, who I am working with, are remanufacturing laser toner cartridges. Bermudian businesses doing the right thing. An off-shoot of the Lanier Business is the lithium battery electric bike EVT that uses no gas. It's conscious efforts like these that will continue to make a difference. So the next time you snap off a blue bag, have a look at the blue sky outside and wonder if it really is too hot to walk to work, or even better call someone and offer to pick them up!!!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span></div></div>Phil Rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00194572000552500092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1657454583810069857.post-57618365192222599812009-09-24T20:20:00.003-03:002009-09-25T00:32:58.628-03:00Who Are We???<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC6wfDO4tny7xmWYLVAi-Obqthfy5F43g4TJ5WB3_ggJvmZF_YRgnkAjtKpm6KmpdFE7UuKDovTPDNL9vIrDMw5bPPiVPQPzDyNuuYWYoH6ZXUzWg_3Kygeww7cpwJASQfL513uWFTWjrS/s1600-h/crown_jewels.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 289px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC6wfDO4tny7xmWYLVAi-Obqthfy5F43g4TJ5WB3_ggJvmZF_YRgnkAjtKpm6KmpdFE7UuKDovTPDNL9vIrDMw5bPPiVPQPzDyNuuYWYoH6ZXUzWg_3Kygeww7cpwJASQfL513uWFTWjrS/s320/crown_jewels.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385188037754324914" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; "><h1 style="text-align: center;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; color: rgb(0, 51, 153); font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; ">“Culture of the mind must be subservient to the heart" - Ghandi</h1><div><br /></div><div>I see her royal majesty is planning a special trip here to help celebrate our 400th birthday. A real nice treat to end what has been a pretty fantastic year. Originally she wasn't coming, now she is. I wonder what changed her mind? Maybe a plea from our premier? Maybe a chance to come and put her royal stamp on us, to show that she really cares. Yup, should be fun. Let's practice those bows and curtsies boys and girls... lest we forget who we truly are. Our safety and security in the hands of <b><i>ye olde</i></b> british empire, making sure that the bad guys of the world don't invade us for our wonderfully pink sand. It's a lingering question. Just exactly who are we? What makes us special in the world, how are we different from those who would seem most similar?</div><div><br /></div><div>Take a minute and look around. Aside from the slew of "Bermujan Verds", what is our culture? What distinct qualities make us different? Bermuda Shorts? Codfish and potatoes? Are these things truly unique to us? We have a history developed over 400 years of good, bad and indifferent. If we compare ourselves with those countries we most closely associate with are we more American than British? If so what about those who connect with the Caribbean? Why do we connect with some places, but not all? With a heavy latin presence there, why do we seem to connect with those former British colonies, and not with the Spanish places?? We had a Spanish presence once... what happened to us?</div><div><br /></div><div>So, after 400 years, we are still defined by a queen, a crown... and it's only taken her 40 years to come back (ok... close to 40 years). What is the problem with that? If we are one of the last remaining Overseas Territories (1 of 14), you might think we're a bit more deserving. We're special... aren't we? Now we could look at the importance of us in a bigger picture, we don't hold world war or cold war summits anymore, and in reality we're not the most popular beach in the world, and for the past 30 years we've been open to international businesses hiding their books on our lovely shores. Talk of independence has come and gone, referendums, threats of anarchy and political change has seen our evolution change quite a bit since her majesty last graced our shores.</div><div><br /></div><div>So we struggle. I note that some are wondering whether our Premier will have the decency to hang around for her visit. I guess the bigger question is.... why should he? Has she been involved in our lives the past 40 years (ok... close to 40 years)? Has she even sent us a birthday card? If anything can be taken from this impromptu visit, it's that we should be ready to kiss the royal backside once again, because all attitudes being equal, we really do need her in our world.</div><div><br /></div><div>Let's hope the monarchy won't be burdened as such for birthday 401. We'd hate to keep her from whatever it is she does anyway.</div></span>Phil Rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00194572000552500092noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1657454583810069857.post-5752409197836632482009-09-21T10:10:00.002-03:002009-09-21T10:45:13.614-03:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNS5_o0qm_pOUiHKE1TTipfDCAIscT0Xlpju64jhmZnlFa4sOS0dd6PGJzCdNeXVhVmcZMFR0nyW7zc-xPxI5aergs7w_xQVIAkvXTvb376MCqltbrs5qvnqukPkbC5JixPS0HAF_gBEOy/s1600-h/A_long_road_by_zepiaf.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 314px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNS5_o0qm_pOUiHKE1TTipfDCAIscT0Xlpju64jhmZnlFa4sOS0dd6PGJzCdNeXVhVmcZMFR0nyW7zc-xPxI5aergs7w_xQVIAkvXTvb376MCqltbrs5qvnqukPkbC5JixPS0HAF_gBEOy/s320/A_long_road_by_zepiaf.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383907747757313938" /></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; "><table cellspacing="0" width="100%" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin-top: 5px; "><tbody><tr><td colspan="2" class="sqtdq" style="background-color: rgb(237, 241, 247); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; "><br /><h1 style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; color: rgb(0, 51, 153); font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; ">“When you have completed 95 percent of your journey, you are only halfway there.” Japanese Proverb</h1><div><br /></div><div>There comes a point in one's development where he simply must recognize that going in the same direction leads him nowhere and that he must seek a new path. The road walked last week was a long and tedious one. One I have seen more than enough of, and one that will, for the moment, remain closed. That road is endless and goes nowhere. There are certain issues that make little sense to me and this is one. How do we get to a happy middle ground? How do we achieve peace of mind? Must we fight endless battles that accomplish nothing? How many times must we re-hash the same ideas, the same thought patterns only to end up in a name-calling, degradation of humanity?</div><div><br /></div><div>We must always seek the strong, the positive, the path less walked. It is in the darkest of hours that we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off and move on. So I am... moving on.</div><div><br /></div><div>I note this week that several pertinent subjects have appeared on the blogsphere. The cannabis question is an important one. There comes a larger question, one that exceeds our shores. When do we say when? If we allow cannabis, what happens when someone wants to legalize all kinds of hallucinogens? Are we not struggling with being under the influence a little too much? A society that accepts being dazed and confused as natural accepts that once that bridge has been crossed, there will be many others to deal with. In a non-smoking world, why would we want to say it's ok to smoke... anything?</div><div><br /></div><div>A question... on the bad level, which is worse, drugs or gambling? Just wondering. The few places in our world where drugs are legal, stand out, but not necessarily for all the right reasons. An open drug policy will allow more people to be arrested leaving Bermuda, as it seems highly unlikely that other countries are going to bend their laws any time soon. Be careful. If the end goal is to prevent people from going to jail, then we need to look at the problem from the wider perspective. If we are to frown upon drug use at this level, then we should probably frown on alcohol abuse as well. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Last but not least is the apparent implosion of the United Bermuda Party. Who can honestly feel bad for them? Seriously, they have been pathetic, and now is the right time for them to bid the political world adieu. Don't wait for a new opposition to come up. Leave now, let the people have a better choice, even if there is none. Sometimes not choosing is a more definitive statement than making the wrong choice.</div><div><br /></div><div>Stay tuned.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></td></tr></tbody></table></span></div>Phil Rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00194572000552500092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1657454583810069857.post-68729328800386773062009-09-17T06:06:00.004-03:002009-09-17T06:47:20.804-03:00If this is it then, let's have at it!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXts-mCPa5eUTrnXeiwlzdFyyXG6gCvtwm1RkAWThJYJgWpBFtSM_LwjGEdNgFtCzyaT-ppUWuP7hL7Tqb5n97uQKnoPDhY1sKh0Nxj-yio1-OfhYz4yDw70o0A5BASWSoSglAjC0iFH69/s1600-h/A_Never_Ending_Battle_by_Misted_Dream.png"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 197px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXts-mCPa5eUTrnXeiwlzdFyyXG6gCvtwm1RkAWThJYJgWpBFtSM_LwjGEdNgFtCzyaT-ppUWuP7hL7Tqb5n97uQKnoPDhY1sKh0Nxj-yio1-OfhYz4yDw70o0A5BASWSoSglAjC0iFH69/s320/A_Never_Ending_Battle_by_Misted_Dream.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382369670766662850" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: medium; "><h1 style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; color: rgb(0, 51, 153); font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; ">“If you know the enemy and know yourself you need not fear the</h1><h1 style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; color: rgb(0, 51, 153); font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; ">results of a hundred battles.” - Sun Tzu</h1><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">It would seem that there are those who frequent the</span></div><div><a href="http://www.bermudaisanotherworld.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Bermuda is another world</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> site that have inspired Uncle Elvis</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">into engaging me here, so I will accommodate him (them). My</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">challenge here is a simple one, exploration, education and some how along the way an attempt to continue the discussion on racism.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Let me say this. Regardless of my feelings, I never resorted to</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">name-calling, and never resorted to the sort of character assasination tactics that happen at BIAW. I will not hide, I will not run, and I will only continue the dialogue here. The battle is on, Uncle Elvis asked for it, so let him bring it. In as much, I ask only one thing, that we do it one thing at a time, and if he could check his profanity hat at the door it would be greatly appreciated.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">One other thing. It was/is not my intention to speak for others. I speak of things as I see them, which may or may not agree with the status quo. In my "distorted" (like the title of my blog) view, it is only one view, mine, I never asked people to like it, I never asked for alarms to be sounded, but we are here now, so let the process be complete.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">You got your wish UE, I will back up whatever you want...</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div></span><div style="text-align: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div>Phil Rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00194572000552500092noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1657454583810069857.post-13708134001994305982009-09-16T22:01:00.002-03:002009-09-16T22:33:48.162-03:00Wisdom - Why we must endure...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqtnSx4an0rKBbsimbi8q553LvmQyIh7tPjb2w807zXjs0C4YdcOX8LpddCAqABoD1yxOxk1b322vU5crVbuoOA3qBE41hPamRnbAxP31RCtqPVZd5tFA4wN7oo9ly4n_au7apcDVJDD65/s1600-h/wisdom-gray-wolf.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 252px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqtnSx4an0rKBbsimbi8q553LvmQyIh7tPjb2w807zXjs0C4YdcOX8LpddCAqABoD1yxOxk1b322vU5crVbuoOA3qBE41hPamRnbAxP31RCtqPVZd5tFA4wN7oo9ly4n_au7apcDVJDD65/s320/wisdom-gray-wolf.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382235320733021954" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; "><h1 style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; color: rgb(0, 51, 153); font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; ">“The doorstep to the temple of wisdom is a knowledge of our own ignorance.” - Benjamin Franklin</h1><div><br /></div><div>The fight is over. At least it is for me. I stepped out on a ledge and was rejected out of hand. Fool me once, shame on me. I hope to all I hold dear that I am not so foolish again. The smart person picks his fights carefully. I didn't. Ouch...</div><div><br /></div><div>Ok enough dwelling on the past. Bermuda truly is another world and I am one of the lucky few who can truly call it home. I don't know if there are better places in the world, but it would be extremely difficult to find one. One thing I think we as Bermudians truly fail to grasp is that this paradise os ours, and we should do whatever we can to make it the best we possibly can.</div><div><br /></div><div>My beliefs on religion, faith, racism, politics, sports and ice cream (for there can be no better flavor than rum raisin) have all been challenges for me personally, most recently. It may be that I'm reaching the age where things truly matter, but it may also be that I care just a bit more.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have never seen the world through my father's eyes. In my own liberal sensibilities, I still see the glass as half full. Dad's is always half empty. I have never believed in party politics, and in recent times have even begun to question the existence of God. Book plug - if you get a chance please read "The Evolution of God" by Robert Wright, a great investigatory piece.</div><div><br /></div><div>The quest for wisdom is ongoing for me. Education never stops, Seeking the truths, understanding the untruths, knowing that when I walk out onto the ledge, it matters not how strong I am, it matters how strong that ledge is, and that there will always be hills to climb, oceans to swim, and fights to fight. </div><div><br /></div><div>Just make sure that the fight is one worth fighting.</div></span>Phil Rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00194572000552500092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1657454583810069857.post-39353200273081691432009-09-13T07:19:00.009-03:002009-09-13T08:56:23.400-03:00Racism - the work still to be done.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3QGPuQ0EpShDtzM-KAnPcj5BmpKwoblglAQkmrotNl-_np8Yoq2igms2wWYe4Pn6uPb2jc6BYtijqldjwn_sdU_nLHuxRAnegoSrYGUoX2j-ui4OcWlkAxazgt7fo7QMjyB2hqcaFGwgB/s1600-h/No_to_Racism.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 233px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3QGPuQ0EpShDtzM-KAnPcj5BmpKwoblglAQkmrotNl-_np8Yoq2igms2wWYe4Pn6uPb2jc6BYtijqldjwn_sdU_nLHuxRAnegoSrYGUoX2j-ui4OcWlkAxazgt7fo7QMjyB2hqcaFGwgB/s320/No_to_Racism.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380899767792267634" /></a><div style="text-align: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:-webkit-xxx-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:-webkit-xxx-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:-webkit-xxx-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:-webkit-xxx-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:-webkit-xxx-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:-webkit-xxx-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:-webkit-xxx-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:-webkit-xxx-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:-webkit-xxx-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:12px;">"Before enlightenment chop wood and carry water, after enlightenment, chop wood and carry water." Zen Proverb</span></span></div><div style="text-align: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:12px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:12px;">It's a tough thing. In expressing a point of view, one must be willing to accept that the point of view is one that might not be accepted on all levels. It's quite possible that the point of view is shared only by a certain few, and will be defended against by those unwilling to accept it.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:12px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:12px;">When a white person talks about racism, more than likely you will get someone who will admit that it exists, someone who will admit that they aren't racist and don't support any system or agenda that does. A pretty comfortable perch from which to view the world. If we seek further enlightenment, things can get pretty uncomfortable quite quickly.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:12px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:12px;">Such is life in Bermuda. A core society where whites are the minority and are supported by a British oligarchy, a social structure created and built by whites and that still exists, blacks are the majority and have the political power, and have finally emerged from years of being held down. The transition from then to now has been a difficult one. Whites are now seen as irrelevant, and are asked to accept that the only way forward is in acceptance of the past. That will not be easy.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:12px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:12px;">Our way forward is clouded in denial from whites and an in your face attitude by those in power. If whites (most whites, not all) had it their way, the past would be written in the history books and left there. It is difficult to say what blacks want. There are some who are content with life and like whites want to leave the past in the past, while there are some who are not so sure. A vote for the UBP (the white party) is a vote for the past. Seeds of insecurity and mistrust still exist. Discomfort over the past and an unwillingness to simply leave it for the history books means that there is still work to be done, on both sides.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:12px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:12px;">I spent a good part of my Saturday on another local blog <a href="http://www.bermudaisanotherworld.org/">Bermuda is another world</a> attempting to share my point of view about racism, and how that some attitudes prevail from the past. It's undeniable. For the most part I was accused of being a condescending, contradictory irritant who's point of view was neither appreciated or wanted. The thing is, I knew the minute I posted on the blog that I didn't share the same vision as most of the posters there, and even though most of us are white, I knew that I was in a cage of like-minded people, and the chances of me actually walking away from that site with a "feel good" were virtually nill. A bee in a hornets nest... so to speak.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:12px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:12px;">What is truly scary is that most of these people argued my main points, most went after certain phraseology that was only used for "window dressing". What makes this even more disturbing is that while I found myself being dragged down into this muck, I lost sight of what was truly important, a continuation of the conversation. I left there pissed off, not at the posters who had baited me, but at myself for allowing to be baited. The other important lesson I learned yesterday was that for the most part you can't add "phraseology" to anything and expect it to be bypassed. Note to self - People will always look to degrade your vision. Do not add feed to their fodder.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:12px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:12px;">I guess one of the reasons I joined CURB was that there are like-minded people like me, my own bee-hive if you will. Black and white, working together to continue the fight against racism in Bermuda, to educate and enlighten, and yes to even argue the importance of it all. To those people at<a href="http://www.bermudaisanotherworld.org/"> BIAW</a>, you goaded me into an area I didn't need to go. For that I apologize. You showed the kind of mentality I knew walking in, and for that I will do my best not to bother you in the future.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:12px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:12px;"><br /></span></span></div>Phil Rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00194572000552500092noreply@blogger.com36