The journey is the destination.

Stephen McDaniel & Twelve Angry Men

2011-09-09T15:50:00.002-04:00

I was recently appalled by a relatively recent local murder case. It was especially appalling because the accused murderer is (was) a client of mine at work.

The details of the murder are horrifying, so horrifying that I wish no one was responsible for it.

So when I read that he and his family are adamant that he is innocent, I had hope that perhaps this could be a Twelve Angry Men case. Maybe Stephen McDaniel is not guilty no matter how seemingly so. Their confidence of his innocence gave me hope that he may indeed be innocent.

But other unrelated charges soon came against him, and that did not help bring down the prejudice already stacked against him, especially since those charges are related to sexual exploitation of children.

I had hoped that he is innocent .Whatever the truth is, may it be revealed.

As for Twelve Angry Men, I love the commitment to justice in it. Integrity and humilty shines in the movie.

Autumn!

2011-08-23T15:02:00.001-04:00

No, not really. But again, it was 74 degrees outside this morning as I walked out of my apartment, and it felt wonderful!

The cool breeze was just wonderful (74 degrees is cool in Atlanta summer). A slight (very slight) chill greeted my legs as I walked out from my apartment. I can't wait for Fall! A season of light sweaters and sunshine, of colorful leaves and refreshing breeze. Oooh :)

But on another note, search "Geirangerfjord" online and tell me what you think of it. I think it's breathtaking!

Autumn?

2011-08-15T15:20:00.000-04:00

Today is unusually cool, and it is giving me the false impression that it is Fall.

And I love it, but at the same time, I am feeling a bit emo.

Oh, but I love Fall in Georgia. It's just so perfect!

Come again?

2011-08-09T00:59:00.001-04:00

It seems like He is trying to re-write the month of November in my life.

What I would rather hide and "forget" -- that is what God would choose to bring to the surface right to.my.face. No, he is not masochistic. Sigh. He brings to the surface what is rotten and stinky to redeem it. Make it new. Make "beauty from ashes." #chacha

Hey, what better way to freedom from any bondage to that rot?

Okay, Lord.

Somalia - Revolutionary (in all sense of the word)

2011-08-06T11:24:00.001-04:00

The rebels left the Mog today - whaaaaaaat!?!

Wow. Somalia was one of my favorite studies in school. It's in such a bizarre situation. What's also a bizarre situation is finding out that one of your clients at work committed murder. Yea. He sawed her body in half. Yea. That's bizarre. The archetype of a "failed state." The failed state. I mean, just look at the titles of the related stories on BBC today:

"How does Somalia function at all?" and "Somaliland: Non-existent country." How about, "Women: Marry or be beheaded?" To me, the phrase "hell on earth" brings to mind North Korea and Somalia.

At school, we just did not know how on earth Somalia would heal. It has been an anarchy for twenty years now, and the civil war-ish conflict between the "government" and the rebels have rocked the country to its current state.

But apparently the rebels voluntarily left the capital today! I might have been out of the loop for a bit, but I am very surprised.

Yet, it seems that this is no end in sight. According to a BBC correspondent Will Ross:

"It seems very premature to be putting this down as a victory seeing that al-Shabab have vowed to fight on in Mogadishu but with different tactics.

They say they are going to switch to guerrilla tactics, so we could now see more suicide bombings, more grenade attacks and perhaps the use of more landmines."

Sheesh...

How do you feel when you see this? These children?

My life in a movie for an audience of one, me.

2011-08-06T10:27:00.001-04:00

How much I've changed.

I'd love to sit by Jesus's side and watch my life as if it were a movie. This thought would have never crossed my mind just a year ago. If it did, it would have sounded too narcissistic for me to admit it. But in this strange place that I am at in my life journey, it seems like a lot of my thoughts are about pondering who I am and why.

I want to say that watching my life movie is one thing I want to do when I get to heaven, but... I don't think I'd care to when I'm there. It wouldn't matter anymore, would it? The fullness of His presence would be too captivating for me to wonder about my life here on earth, wouldn't it? Ahhh... in His presence, "I am not in want." Forreal.

But since I'm still here on earth, there are some thoughts running through my mind. And as I watch the movie with my arm holding onto His, I would ask Him and tell Him...

"What were you thinking here?"
"Did your heart break that day?"
"What should I have done that day?"
"How did you feel when I finally repented?"
"I am sorry about that day.."
"Thank you for changing my life!"

I guess I could tell him these things today! After writing down the questions, they seem so silly.

But there are questions unanswered and roots of issues in my life that are unknown to me. Father, do I not have to wait until heaven to learn more about myself? To learn more about this person that you died for? I want to know me and know you. I am a mystery, and so are you. I see dimly today, but I will see clearly one day, face to face with me and with you!

ps. Baked a cake yesterday. Just because. It had been too long without baking. Yay!

#mommyissues

2011-08-01T21:30:00.000-04:00

ou@)($u##(jij@I8-_#)EWPLDnsdkfjlsdkOPE$I!)@(#@!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

#daddyissues

2011-07-28T22:38:00.004-04:00

"What the crap."

That was my thought when my dad told me this morning that we're canceling our dinner date tonight. Actually, a dinner appointment is more like it.

My dad recently finished a forty-day fast. When he started, I asked him what he was praying about (I knew the answer already). His response was that he'll tell me after the fast is over. He finished last week. Earlier this week (three days ago) he told me, "I have something to tell you. We need to talk." Okay, finally. We decided that we'd talk "Thursday," today. But not anymore. Sigh.

Apparently, he's concluded that there are some things you can share and some things you cannot/should not share with your daughter. Well.... ok. Then why stir up my thoughts and involve me at all from the beginning? Yes, maybe (probably) this is something I need to be praising God about for the discernment He gave my dad; maybe it IS better that I don't know. But it's just frustrating.

Btw, if it were a date, the fact that he decided he wouldn't share with me what his fast was about, what he concluded, etc. wouldn't have mattered. We would have still met. But it wasn't about us spending time together from the beginnng. The message was the point, and when the message went away, so did the "appointment."

I knew that the fast was about him and my mom. "Division" sums up their relationship. They are not one. So... it (whatever "it" is - their relationship, their lack of, etc.) affects me. There were talks about me moving out because we would no longer have a home together (my dad's m.o. is/was that his daughter does not move out before marriage). So, this affects me not only emotionally and spiritually, but also physically and logistically. Thus this morning, I naturally just felt entitled to know whatever there is to know because it affects me. "I have the right to know!" I thought.

But maybe I don't.

One thing my dad told me after he canceled on me was, "Get married sooner than later. And don't ever get a divorce. It takes away everything." What am I supposed to conclude from that? What is he trying to communicate relationally beyond the literal words? Does that imply my need to move out (for the third time)? Does that mean they aren't getting a divorce? Does it mean that they are? I believe that they are not. My dad is not convinced that divorce is the better option (thank you God that he fears you!). Neither does he believe that the status quo is. Huh. That only means that he has another option/choice in mind!

On another note, I found out this morning that a good friend's dad passed away and that my co-worker's dad who recently had a heart attack had a relapse. Okay.

All these daddy issues. God, what are you trying to say through these circumstances of the people around me? My ultimate Father in heaven, q intentas comunicar a mi?

"Resting may not mean doing nothing..."

2011-06-28T12:18:00.000-04:00

"...it may mean being available." Friend Stephanie Mattox.

Recently asked myself, "If you had more time, what would you want to do?" Before even getting to the answer, I told myself, "Whatever that is, do it."

Whatever it is, that is what I choose to & want to be available to. This morning, the first thing I realized I want to be available to do is waiting on God. I just want to sit still with Him more.

And what else?

The World's Eeriest Abandoned Places

2011-05-25T13:09:00.001-04:00

Shall visitng one of these abandoned places be added to my bucket list?

Lier Sykehus, Norway. Former psychiatric hospital where lobotomies and electroshock treatments were frequent. Reminds me of One flew over the Cuckoo's Nest. I haven't thought of that book in a ages (well, since I last read it in high school)!

One of those days

2011-05-24T17:03:00.000-04:00

Some days, His grace covers all things and I can go through the whole day justifying that things are the way they are because that's how they need to be for the time being. For now. And that is comforting enough.

But there are those days when that just is not enough. Some days you can't excuse those questions that are normally (after the UnNormal series at Fusion, I cringe everytime I say that word now) tucked away in the back of your mind with no resistance. Today is one of those days.

Why am I working here? Until when?

But I know that I am right where I need to be (for now hehe). Thank you for providing for me. Thank you for challenging my patience. Thank you that I am worth you molding me.

Internal revolution

2011-05-18T00:36:00.001-04:00

In the last couple years, my life turned upside down but the right side up.
Now, I think my heart is turning upside down... but the right side up.

External revolution has come and gone (to be back again). But here comes internal revolution.

Nazi guard found guilty today

2011-05-12T11:10:00.000-04:00

What do you think about it? His name is John Demjanjuk.

Someone commented in response to the article, "This prosecution served only to assuage a warped sense of vengeance."

Another, "The main point of this trial was the process and getting the evidence aired in public rather than the verdict."

Again, justice vs peace. Guilty or not guilty? Justice served or "What justice?!"?

There are so many war crimes in our history, some under the spotlight more than others. And prosecuting certain names and faces for these crimes... it's important (right?)!

On another note.. is it teaching us anything? There are so many war crimes today. It's ongoing. And, no, I'm not saying that laws and enforcement of laws exist to prevent further crimes. But shouldn't what gives us 20/20 vision in hindsight teach us something, anything that would "better" the state of current affairs today?

After thought:

During my lunch break today, I came across Deuteronomy 17:2-7. The law that s/he who worships another god shall be put to death did not deter some from ultimately turning to other gods. What happened? How was there no fear to obey when breaking that law meant the death sentence? Whether idolatry or war crimes, tis a mystery...

Promising Light and Pure Crown

2011-05-09T16:00:00.001-04:00

Elizabeth Chae and Katherine Stephanie.

Elizabeth is the greek form of the Hebrew name Elisheva, and it means "God's promise." Chae is derived from Korean and means "light," "bright," or "shining." Put it together, and comes "Promising Light" or "God's promising light."

What's more, Elizabeth was the mother of John the Baptist. She was a Levite, the Jewish tribe set apart for priesthood. Now, check this out: Aaron's wife Elisheba's name means "mother of all priests." Elizabeth Chae, mother of all priests. May your children and children's children all come to know Christ's love and join the royal priesthood. What and who else is more fit to be called "God's promising light" than a mother of future royal priests, ministers of reconciliation! God blesses you abundantly, child!

Maybe... my mom is an 'Elizabeth Chae.' Huh. Hmmm. Maybe my mom was chosen to be set apart and to be a generation-changer, just as much as I was. I mean, there is no me, unless there is her, right?

Katherine means "pure." Stephanie means "crown." It also means "torture," which is fitting, as it is the female form of the name Stephen, the first Christian martyr. What a name of privilege and high calling. Pure royalty in the Kingdom. I love that the royalty, the worth is bestowed and not inherent in this name. She is a queen. She is so precious because the one to whom she belongs is infinitely worthy and royal.

Like Father, like daughter

2011-04-30T22:48:00.010-04:00

"Is what you want for yourself to become someone very different than me?"
-Flor Moreno, Spanglish

That I am becoming someone different from him is my dad's fear. My friends, my desires, my views are seemingly becoming more and more different from his.

Lord, I am turning out to be quite different from my earthly father. It's frustrating sometimes. Because... I wish that I were understood. But it's okay. Because I think you knew it'd be that way. And as long as you know me, I'm okay.

But, I must be like you. I must be like you.

p.s. I bet my dad wishes that I understood him!

Self-forgetfulness

2011-04-22T09:01:00.012-04:00

Self-forgetfulness in the presence of greatness is the capstone of joy. -John Piper

After a morning like today, it's not difficult to concede that being able to excuse myself into forgetfulness is a good thing.

This morning, I yelled at my dad.

I h.a.t.e. yelling at my dad.

When you do what you hate to do but do it any way, it's not difficult to desire self-forgetfulness. It's funny. I read Romans 7:15-20 this morning. After reading it, I specifically wondered, "I've been freed from addictions and strongholds that bound me before. What is it that I hate to do but do now?" Then I got up without another thought to get ready for work. Little did I know that God would answer the question for me just moments later during breakfast in a conversation with my earthly father.

But God doesn't just release me from myself. He releases and blesses me. He imparts worth and value to me by letting me be released through His magnificent, jaw-dropping, time-halting, powerful beauty which is found in His presence through a relationship with Him.

How amazing that my release is His glory? That His glory is my freedom!

Life change

2010-11-28T00:08:00.005-05:00

"How do you pick up the threads of an old life?

How do you go on.. When you begin to understand that there is no going back?

There are some things that time cannot mend.

Some hurts that go too deep that have taken a hold."

Frodo, Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King

"...each of us must come and go in the telling."

Bilbo, Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King

"I will not say do not weep. For not all tears are of evil."

Gandalf, Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King

"It has been saved, but not for me."

Frodo, Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King

This last line reminds me of Ender who could not come back to Earth after he defeats the buggers. The selflessness of that sacrifice... the ultimate example of such, Jesus Christ.

Lust: objectifying men

2010-11-09T20:55:00.008-05:00

Man is "precious, honored, and lovely" per Isaiah 43:4.

But many today, especially children, are objects of lust. Objects. Candies.

Regarding human trafficking, Atlanta is:
# 10 in the world

#01 in the U.S.

source: Street GRACE

In Georgia, 28,000 men / year seek children candies. Of them, 10,000 are regulars.

Let's Stop the Candy Shop.

ps. this...mentality of inaction. This numbness to immorality and injustice. Will you choose to do something about it?

For more information on what you can do, visit:

http://www.stopthecandyshop.com/

http://www.streetgrace.org/

http://www.notforsalecampaign.org/

http://www.polarisproject.org/

http://sundaytosunday.org/blog/

Anyone?

2010-10-28T21:05:00.009-04:00

UN back in Somalia

Historic. Is it, to anyone else? The first time in seventeen years.

The U.N. is going back into Somalia. And knowing that this decision passed through the U.S. after such humbling political shock from UNOSOM II in 1993-95 (the event that the movie Black Hawk Down starring Josh Hartnett is based on)...

Somalia hasn't really been off of the spotlight - be it terrorism, piracy or civil war. So, not that it hasn't had attention, but it hasn't had helpful attention. The end of this particular attention seems edifying.

But how can one ever see sincerity behind the action of any powerhouse in the world stage?

Still, I am excited. It's such pleasant news.

But TFG this, TFG that. They are still in the picture. I guess, of course. But what are they doing?

Who is the enemy?

2010-08-15T23:01:00.005-04:00

Human trafficking. The trafficked are victims of a serious crime. However, after reading an article about a former murderer and trafficker, I realize that the trafficker is a victim too. Yes, the convict. The culprit is a victim too.

There is an enemy, and it is not the trafficker. It is not Philip Markoff. He, too, was a victim.

Mi corazón me duele. Dios, la esperanza del mundo, que venga tu reino. Te esperamos. Muéstrate.

being flown a millimeter in a mile long journey.

2010-07-05T22:58:00.002-04:00

Life-changes, new experiences, widened perspectives, etc.

So wonderful! Painful at times, but... all so purposeful & wonderful.

Foreign relations via sports?

2010-06-15T23:15:00.004-04:00

"North Korea's Jong Tae Se is overcome with emotion as he listens to the national anthem prior to the World Cup group G soccer match between Brazil and North Korea at Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa, Tuesday, June 15, 2010. (AP Photo/Ivan Sekretarev)"

Today, I think one soccer game did more than what fifty years of diplomacy did to better public relations for North Korea. Seriously! Humanity gleamed through these athletes from a country that is usually no more than an "Axis of Evil" on any other day.

The phrase "Good job, North Korea" is unheard of.

But today, it is very fitting. Congrats Brazil, and great job, NK!

Migrant workers, invisible heroes

2010-06-06T21:04:00.007-04:00

I love the facial expression. There is a simple determination. Not self'conscious. Just doing his work. Getting his job done.

So humble. I love humility. Someone taught me that humility is true greatness.

Their sacrifices will be remembered.

I saw a Spiderman costume in a store in November 2001, and that's when everything came together in my head. Comic-book superheroes have an alter ego, and so do immigrants in the United States. They may be insignificant or even invisible to much of society, but they are heroes in their homelands. -Dulce Pinzón

Cool photo essay, "The Magnificent Migrants."

We don't have forever.

2010-05-20T15:15:00.005-04:00

Protests in Bangkok.

A lot on my mind today...

I knew that that air plane accident death of the Polish President was shady. It was too.. coincidental. A politician + plane crash? After 9/11, that's automatically a red flag. Now that they've found that

1. non-crew people were in the pit

2. there was no engine problem

3. the crew knew that it was not an optimal time to land

We know that there was either covert action or terrorism involved. Am I right or am I right?

And second, the prevented bomb plot in South Africa during the World Cup. WHAT?!? I wonder if this comes off as a whole new level of wrong to anyone else? It's just... so random. Yes, it is international, but it's a wholly civilian apolitical sports event. Hence it's a terrorist attack, but... Thank you Jesus, that this was discovered and prevented before the games started even.

Third, the sinked ship in South Korea off of North Korea's coast. Is North Korea's offense confirmed? I am going to hold my breath for now and just keep my eyes on it. The impact of a confrontation between the two states would have huge implications, but it's just not probable right now in my opinion. It clearly will unfortunately kick off a new season of classic realist policies due to heightened mistrust and public angst, but... a militant confrontation? No... and, though a tiny place on the map, the Korean peninsula has huge implications to the rest of the world, not just Asia.

Fourth, the protests in Bangkok. The governed have a right to protest if the regime is out of hand. But this.. this is so shocking. Burning down national infrastructures? Military vs civilians. That is always unjust. Curfews over cities? The phrase "But this is the 21st century!" has lost its meaning when it comes to democracy, it seems. Freedom is clearly lacking.

These and more are signs of the times. We don't have forever.

Republic of Korea: its presence and voice is getting louder in the global arena

2010-05-01T20:28:00.005-04:00

G20 Summit in Korea this coming November. How cool is that? I could not believe it when I first found out.

First Kim Dae Joong wins the Nobel Peace Prize in 2000 (no matter how disputed within the nation, his accomplishments or attempts for peace with North Korea was acknowledged by the world), then Ban Ki Moon succeeds Kofi Annan as the Secretary General of the United Nations in 2007, and I find that Song Sang Hyun has been a judge in the International Criminal Court since 2003.

And I hear that South Korea is the first aid-receiving nation to become a donor state. That tiny little nation, that "shrimp between two whales" as described by my 7th grade Social Studies text book, is not so little in its voice or foot stomping. It is making noise, and it is being heard.

...but. It must be wary. It must remember to be humble.

"Pride goes before a destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall." Proverbs 16:17-18.

On a side note however, I miss Korea.

School violence is getting creative

2010-05-01T20:18:00.004-04:00

Five children hurt in fresh attack on school in China

This is not normal. These men must not have been in their right minds. Es loco que los niños corren peligrosos en las escuelas. Qué ataque a la paz de las familias y de la sociedad.

Y ¡qué varias maneras usaron los hombres en estos ataques! ¿El martillo? ¡Anda ya!

CHINA SCHOOL ATTACKS

30 April 2010 Five children hurt in hammer attack in Weifang, Shandong

29 April 2010 - three adults and 28 children injured in Taixing, Jiangsu

28 April 2010- at least 15 children and one teacher injured in Leizhou, Guangdong

24 March 2010- eight children killed in Nanping, Fujian

November 2004 - eight boys stabbed to death in a school dormitory in Ruzhou, Henan

September 2004 - 28 children knifed in nursery in Suzhou and 24 children at a school in Shandong

August 2004 - pre-school doorman kills one child and injures 14 in Beijing

What's the point of election?

2010-04-26T14:04:00.004-04:00

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8643602.stm

Omar al-Bashir was re-elected as President of Sudan today.

He currently faces war crime charges from the ICC http://www.icc-cpi.int/menus/icc/situations%20and%20cases/situations/situation%20icc%200205/related%20cases/icc02050109/icc02050109?lan=en-GB .

Was it naive of me to expect anything different from this election, the first Sudanese multi-party election in 24 years?

I wonder what the views of the Sudanese on the ground are. As for me, I am limited to my outsider perspective, and I am disappointed.

Local news for a change

2010-03-11T20:23:00.004-05:00

http://www.ajc.com/news/gwinnett/600600k-worth-of-coke-363349.html

Twenty-five kilos, or $600,000, worth of cocaine were found 3.8 miles from my home.

My heart is heavy tonight.

Heavy, but free. I need to remember that and acknowledge the deception that it is not. I am free.

Somali "govt kills al-Shabab al-Qaeda man

2010-02-09T21:40:00.005-05:00

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8506233.stm

will this lead to more bloodshed?

probably.

what is this all about? is it really about the Sharia law.. or is it about power and profit? and selfishness and carelessness and the following injustice and darkness!

but the TFG is no more trustworthy than the rebel groups..

Nineteen years, going on twenty without a legitimate government... will this change? when? how? what's it going to take? The UN? (UNOSOM...) The 'hegemon'? (UNOSOM II.....) The AU?...The OIC? ("Oh, I see"...)

Reconciliation among the factions. BUT HOW?

James Madison's faith in faction ensuring democracy clearly does not seem to apply in Somalia. certain... foundations seem to be missing for faction to establish democracy. "Democracy" isn't the matter, freedom is!

Freedom, justice, righteousness.

Somali al-Shabab and Al Qaeda hold hands

2010-02-02T20:20:00.004-05:00

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8491329.stm

"Somali Islamists al-Shabab 'join al-Qaeda fight.'"

that's some unsettling news...

There is political mess all over the world. But the conditions in failed states in Africa.. are really disturbing.

http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/africa/02/02/somalia.violence/

the TFG seems like.... a sitting duck...

thinking with a purpose and acting with conviction

2010-01-09T11:28:00.005-05:00

The scientists of today think deeply instead of clearly. One must be sane to think clearly, but one can think deeply and be quite insane.

- Nikola Tesla

If you are not criticized, you may not be doing much.
- Donald H. Rumsfeld

When do you stop believing what you hear?

2009-12-24T16:18:00.005-05:00

Merry Christmas!!!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8429370.stm

"Dozens killed in Yemen air strike on al-Qaeda suspects"

At least 30 suspected al-Qaeda militants have been killed by an air strike in a remote mountainous area of Yemen, security officials say...Two senior al-Qaeda commanders in the Arabian peninsula could be among the dead, he said.

Dozens may not sound like much.. but that is dozens killed. Each life is precious. And we report it like.. it's a good thing. And who are these security officials? Many times they are "unnamed officials." How do we know that these are leaders? It seems like we are getting everyone but the one that seems to "matter."

Wow. Al-Qaeda vows revenge for these air strikes (http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5h8vQklBs9xrxofvmdvPzvz4Ml1DQ).

And news like this reports,
Al-Qaeda has carried out frequent attacks in Yemen in recent months. Since when does that justify killing? (I know, for centuries.)

Some say that it is actually related to the Fort Hood shooting (http://www.csmonitor.com/World/terrorism-security/2009/1224/Yemen-air-strike-on-Al-Qaeda-Was-cleric-linked-to-Fort-Hood-shooting-killed
)

Whatever it is,lets question why we do the way we do the things we do.

Question and challenge accepted wisdom, lets.

And more:
Iraq bomb explosions leave 23 dead
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8429945.stm

Afghan suicide bomber kills eight
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8430270.stm

History forgotten is history repeated.

2009-12-01T22:59:00.004-05:00

Barack Obama orders 30,000 more troops to Afghanistan
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8389778.stm

wow.

but...history ISN'T forgotten. We still remember Nixon & Vietnam. Then why is history repeating?

Withdrawal of troops was not a promise Obama should have made. Withdrawal of troops was never his decision to make. Affairs seem to be run by the institution, not the President.

I wonder how he feels now that he hasn't kept his word to his constituents... I don't blame him. But did he not see this coming? Did he really not know? Was he really ignorant of the reality of the situation in how things roll in the White HOuse?

Thinking = prejudice exercise?

2009-11-26T09:28:00.004-05:00

A great many people think they are thinking when they are really rearranging their prejudices.
William James
US Pragmatist philosopher & psychologist (1842 - 1910)

When I enter into a classroom and walk out an hour and fifteen minutes later after discussions and debates, it's true - many times (not all), i think it simply was as James said as quoted above.

Happy dia de dar gracias!
범사에 기뻐하고 감사하라.

Did not know that drug cartels were this dangerous..

2009-11-16T19:58:00.006-05:00

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8362459.stm

"On average, seven people have been killed each day in Ciudad Juarez in 2009...

On this one evening on these streets 15 people were killed, their names are added to a growing list of nearly 2,000 who have been murdered in Juarez so far this year.

In Ciudad Juarez a taskforce of thousands of federal army soldiers, federal police and municipal police patrol the streets under direct orders from the president of Mexico to bring the violence under control.

The people of this city are asking why they are still not safe?"

*2000 murders so far?
*Why ARE they still not safe?
*Why do these drug cartels attack people, the civilians? (What is their purpose and message?)

naïveté

2009-11-13T18:11:00.004-05:00

"Naïveté is a gift, a protective emotional shield that gives us the courage to walk into uncharted territory oblivious to the unknown dangers that may lurk around us. It affords us a sense of confidence, albeit unwarranted, that our good intentions will ultimately carry the day. And often they do! Innocence can be disarming. And if it is twinned with humility and an eagerness to learn, it can win over the hearts of woul-be adversaries."

Bob Lupton from Urban Perspectives

Growing up, my brother always told me that I was naive and implied that that was a bad thing. Well, here is an encouraging way to look at it.

Still, to be knowledgeable isn't to lose innocence, but to gain wisdom.

...and peace please?

2009-11-12T06:05:00.006-05:00

http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2009/11/11/no_one_left_to_blame?page=0,1

"Everyone agrees the present situation can't go on, but no one shares any ideas about what should replace the two-headed, three-hearted, 12-legged monstrosity that is the Bosnian state."

"Karadzic's day in court may be long overdue. But that's about all it is: a court date, a moment for much-delayed justice -- but not a chance for political progress in the Balkans. As one Bosnian Serb told me when he was arrested, "Now no one will talk about anything else for 10 days. But who cares?" Now, if things don't getter better in Bosnia, there won't be anyone left to blame."

"Those who did this thing deserve to be punished. So let his trial begin now, and let it end. But whatever happens to Karadzic, the dead will still be dead, the living unreconciled."

Ahhh, arghh, this cuts to it. This gets me. Yay for justice, but how about peace? Is justice and peace both not attainable together?? I am excited about the future of the ICTY, ICC, and all the other fruits of universal jurisdiction and international law, but.. but..

Freedom beyond its current frontiers

2009-11-09T16:50:00.008-05:00

Leaders and citizens alike, we must pledge ourselves to work together to advance freedom beyond its current frontiers so that people everywhere are afforded are offered the opportunity to live up their dreams and live up to their God-given potential.
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8349742.stm

Will the Korean peninsula ever have such an anniversary? Will the two Koreas ever be one?

Come on, conflict!

2009-11-06T20:37:00.008-05:00

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8347786.stm

I'm not against universal jurisdiction and the recent ratification of the Lisbon Treaty - but I AM wary. When I become a bit cautious about embracing political globalization, here comes a slap in the face that nations, men, are...predisposed to conflict.

Ha! oh, err.. Oh no!...seriously. it's such a web of mess.

-----------------------------

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8347216.stm

Dear Prosecutor Luis Moreno Ocampo,
Can you go into Somalia next, please? You might as well.. you've hit its neighbors.

The Lord's Prayer

2009-11-05T00:18:00.006-05:00

Padre nuestro que estás en los cielos
하늘에 계신 우리 아버지
Santificado sea tu Nombre
아버지의 이름을 거룩하게 하시며
Venga tu reino
아버지의 나라가 오게 하시며
Hágase tu voluntad
아버지의 뜻이 하늘에서와 같이
En la tierra como en el cielo
땅에서도 이루어지게 하소서
Danos hoy el pan de este día
오늘 우리에게 일용한 양식을 주시고
y perdona nuestras deudas
우리가 우리에게 죄지은 자를 사하여 준 것같이
como nosotros perdonamos nuestros deudores
우리의 죄를 사하여 주시옵소서
y no nos dejes caer en al tentación
우리를 시험에 들게 하지 마옵시고
sino que líbranos del malo.
다만 악에서 구하옵소서
나라와 권세와 영광이 아버지께 영원히 있사옵나이다.
Amen/Así sea
아멘.

Seriously, Amen!

I think language and writing are couple of the most beautiful inventions.

Karadzic is not dumb

2009-11-03T21:13:00.010-05:00

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8339833.stm

Wow.. Karadzic finally appears at trial!!... and he actually has the nerves to speak up and against what is brought before him. Stating article 21 of the Statute (whichever it was that established the ICTY, I'm assuming) about his fundamental right of having ample time to prepare defense, he actually accuses the court of unfairness...well too bad that Judge Kwon does think that Karadzic has had enough time, and also Judge Kwon reminds him.. "it is the trial chamber, not an accused person, which determines readiness for trial."

So, according to my Human Rights professor, these hearings are long and tedious in reality. But Milosevic and Karadzic's fighting back seems to kind of..excite(?) these trials...actually quite interesting. The video clip in the link above only shows Karadzic speaking, but it would have been really interesting (...sounds wrong to say "entertaining") to hear Kardazic and Judge Kwon speaking with and about each other. can you say "tension"?

but.. why am i convinced that Karadzic didn't get enough time to prepare? i KNOW that he's a war criminal (some would argue war HERO. diction is crucial). but 1.3 million pages of accusation?

what am i talking about? He killed 100,000 people. is that room to give him sympathy? in that case, how about justice? his rights? yet.. is it not obvious that he is guilty; in that case, wouldn't we be just wasting our time if we gave him more time? but WAIT! then why have this trial in the first place if we already know the judgment? is it a SHOW? ...just a procedure to satisfy and to save face?

it's such a puzzle. so political. whose expectations does the ICTY want to fulfill? should it cater to any expectations? No. truth is truth. ICTY should be about the truth. but, ah, truth is arguable considering war crimes, Karadzic and other indicted ones would say..

International courts is like "a 3-D chess game being played on a rotating board." Kirsch
"On a rotating fluid board." someone Weschler doesn't cite in Exceptional Cases in Rome: The United States and the Struggle for an ICC.

and wow: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8340664.stm is this really happening?

and another hmm..: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8341540.stm "The results will be taken by some as a referendum on President Obama's first nine months in office" ehh... I don't know. These surveys are so unreliable in reality (in my humble opinion; in the U.S. political arena at least, I feel like they exist not to provide data, but to rile up people...).

Karadzic will "appear at trial"

2009-11-02T23:39:00.005-05:00

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8337357.stm

of course. 그럼 그렇지.

apparently, he wrote a personal letter to Judge O-Gon Kwon.
do you think Karadzic is scared? heck.. i'd be after the ultimatum Judge Kwon gave last week.

GEOG 3640, Geography of Human Rights at UGA : universal jurisdiction

2009-11-01T21:24:00.008-05:00

What is your idea of the ideal situation regarding the International Criminal Court (ICC) and state sovereignty? I ask this because that was my next step of thought after I found my self thinking of US's reluctance to join the ICC as ridiculous. I thought, what is the alternative expectation then? The ICC being at the apex of global order above all nation states? Is that the ideal?

I had these above two questions in mind during class actually, but in my "debriefing" after class while walking to my next class, I got some other questions..

If the ICC does indeed get to the top, who/what entity will keep the ICC accountable? And will it ever get to the top? It doesn't seem so, but the existence of ICC shows that the unthinkable can happen.. I got to admit, my first response to the idea of ICC or any universal jurisdiction being at the top was wariness. I guess that shows where my current "loyalty"/"trust" lies? But is trust in ICC and trust in your own country a linear relationship? The question remains unanswered, but a conclusion I reached was that I don't want to trust in any institutions.

I love that we learn through case studies. I like horizontal knowledge, but I love vertical knowledge.

I love courses that change me. alter my viewpoints. challenge and encourage me. shape me.

now.. another late night is ahead of me.

Karadzic, your absense communicates nothing but negligence and lack of cooperation.

2009-10-28T23:10:00.006-04:00

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8327210.stm

"I note that although the right of an accused person during his trial is a fundamental one, it is well-recognized that this right is not absolute . Moreover, when the accused himself chooses not to exercise his right to be present, the chamber can consider such a choice as a waiver of that right."

*goosebumps*

Judge O-Gon Kwon, how I'd love to meet you!