A Roof Over Every American’s Head: Addressing the Core of our Current Crisis of Confidence
posted by Rayman Mathoda on January 12, 2009 at 11:06 AM
What is the #1 worry that most Americans have when they get laid off? I believe it is that they might lose the roof over their and their families’ heads in a worst case scenario (i.e., if they are unable to find adequate alternate sources of income).
How to Defeat Hamas -- Face Up to the Truth
posted by Deepak Chopra on January 06, 2009 at 03:29 PM
An article in the Washington Post On Faith section in response to their question: Hamas leaders claim that their understanding of Islam makes Israel's survival a theological and moral impossibility. What's your response to that? How should Israel respond? How should other Muslims respond?
Continue reading "How to Defeat Hamas -- Face Up to the Truth"
Dear Mr. Obama, It’s Time For a Peace Plan That Works
posted by Deepak Chopra on January 05, 2009 at 01:14 PM
Israel's massive assault on Gaza is the worst sort of déjà vu all over again. As news commentators wearily point out that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a never-ending story, there are shifts in that story. The most important was George Bush's decision to studiously ignore the whole problem. For eight years the U.S. has abandoned its responsibility to broker peace. The result has been an ongoing catastrophe. No one needs reminding of that.
Read the rest of the article here at the San Francisco Chronicle
Query: Israel-Palestine and Obama
posted by DK Matai on December 28, 2008 at 02:06 AM
Dear Friends, we note the escalating conflict between Israel & Palestine with potential repercussions across the world. In particular, the Arab world, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan and also, Russia. Obama where art thou? How do you feel about this?
Continue reading "Query: Israel-Palestine and Obama"
Untapped and Under-tapped Foreclosure Prevention Strategies: “Let a Hundred Flowers Bloom”
posted by Rayman Mathoda on December 23, 2008 at 10:29 AM
There is widespread agreement among key national political, economic and housing stakeholders (the government and regulators, consumers and Banks among others) on the need to help prevent foreclosures, keep as many people as possible in their homes, and “clear the housing market” of troubled assets quickly and fairly. This would help the housing market find a bottom more quickly - which housing market bottom will mark a turning point in our nations’ economic recovery.
We Don't Need Rick Warren's Blessing, Or Anyone Else's
posted by Deepak Chopra on December 22, 2008 at 12:18 PM
Since God didn't vote for President, why should he get a seat on the inauguration platform? In the midst of controversy over picking Rick Warren to offer an invocation, it's been overlooked that reality is shifting in America. We are a largely secular society where the vast majority of people do not attend church. When religion enters the picture, we are a pluralistic society, not a Christian one. The right wing may posture as if Christianity deserves special privilege and pride of place. Their posturing has convinced a lot of people for the past twenty years, but it's high time we threw the whole charade out the window.
Continue reading "We Don't Need Rick Warren's Blessing, Or Anyone Else's"
Obama’s slap in the face to the gay community
posted by Rayman Mathoda on December 22, 2008 at 10:50 AM
A few days before November 4th, the evangelical/right wing proponents of Proposition 8 (the anti-gay marriage ballot initiative) widely broadcast President Elect Obama’s words on the issue of gay marriage to Californian’s. Although Obama was against Proposition 8 and supports civil unions for same sex couples, he does not support gay marriage and has said on many occasions that he believes marriage is appropriate only between a man and a woman.
Continue reading "Obama’s slap in the face to the gay community"
George W. Bush Has Been Throwing Shoes at Us
posted by Deepak Chopra on December 16, 2008 at 06:23 PM
Most commentators took the shoe-throwing incident that happened over the weekend as a bit of grotesque political slapstick. The Iraqi television reporter who threw his shoes at President Bush apparently considered himself a martyr, according to a note he passed to a colleague on the spot. No doubt he anticipated some extremely cruel reprisal for his symbolic protest. It's up in the air what will happen to Muntadar al-Zeidi. The fact that he became an instant hero in the Arab street carries small significance in the West, since that tinder box doesn't need even a spark to ignite it.
Continue reading "George W. Bush Has Been Throwing Shoes at Us"
Opinionators in Paradise
posted by Deepak Chopra on December 15, 2008 at 08:32 AM
It's a golden time to have an opinion. Broadcasting your personal viewpoint to the world has never been easier. The chances of fame, if only momentary, are the same for millions of bloggers. The risk of retribution is basically nil. Therefore, a new democracy has arisen, the democracy of "You want to know what I think?" It used to be that a cat could look at a king. Now the cat can post on the Web every tidbit of court gossip, and the king can do absolutely nothing about it.
Continue reading in the San Francisco Chronicle
Visit www.intent.com to read more from Deepak Chopra and other prominent voices.
Cursed are the peacemakers
posted by Deepak Chopra on December 08, 2008 at 01:42 PM
The catastrophic and horrendous attacks in Mumbai are being labeled as India's 9/11. Several thousand innocent civilians have already died in India as the result of bombings over the past few years. But this particular attack, striking at the most prestigious sites in the country's most prestigious city, has had a unique psychological effect. As with 9/11, a symbolic wound has been opened. The image of India as progressive and modern has been shattered.
Read the rest of this article in the San Francisco Chronicle
Continue reading "Cursed are the peacemakers"
Equality for all: US Supreme Court Decision and Timing
posted by Rayman Mathoda on November 17, 2008 at 06:10 PM
I am a strong believer that civil rights issues should be resolved through the legal (not political) process and feel it is only a matter of time until the US Supreme Court strikes all the discrimination that has been “constitutionalized” during the last 8 Bush years on the issue of gay marriage (sadly, fully 30 states now “ban” gay marriage via their constitutions). I was feeling like a naive optimist after a conversation over brunch this past weekend, where a (clearly very smart) lawyer made a strong argument that the US Supreme court wouldn’t do what I say it will…at least not for the next 20 years!
Continue reading "Equality for all: US Supreme Court Decision and Timing"
I’m heartbroken…
posted by Avantika Shahi on November 10, 2008 at 07:50 AM
Nov 4, 2008 will go down in history as an extremely bittersweet and historic day. Millions of Americans crossed the ultimate racial barrier and elected their first African American president – a huge day for civil rights and Californians purposefully (and in some cases hatefully) took away the rights of a group of citizens…an extremely dark day for civil rights.
Proponents of Proposition 8 led a campaign based on lies and deceit, feeding on people’s fears, a strategy that worked in their favor. Based on that, millions of Californians voted to amend the state constitution to forever take away from a minority group, their constitutionally granted rights.
Continue reading "I’m heartbroken…"
Convulsions, Sobs, and Laughter
posted by Deepak Chopra on November 06, 2008 at 12:07 PM
An article in the Washington Post On Faith section in response to their question: What does the election of Barack Obama as president say about America? What does it say to the world?
Continue reading "Convulsions, Sobs, and Laughter"
President Obama
posted by Gotham Chopra on November 05, 2008 at 11:44 AM
Today, much of the country and her citizens awoke with a renewed sense of hope, a long forgotten emotion in the bleak national nightmare that has endured since September 11'th 2001.
Continue reading "President Obama"
President Obama!
posted by Mallika Chopra on November 04, 2008 at 08:10 PM
I am so proud to be American.
Ambasteve, what say you?
posted by Gotham Chopra on November 04, 2008 at 04:16 PM
How could they possibly think that?
posted by Max Simon on November 04, 2008 at 09:29 AM
Today is an important day.
It's where we collectively decide what type of leadership feels most aligned with our own core values and beliefs. As you can imagine, emotions are burning hot.
Continue reading "How could they possibly think that?"
The Undecided
posted by Gotham Chopra on November 02, 2008 at 09:29 PM
I want to meet one of these "undecided" people on whose decision the future of the planet relies. Really, who the f#$% are they and why the f@#$ do they get to decide the rest of our fate?
Continue reading "The Undecided"
War Hero or War Criminal, Who Decides?
posted by Deepak Chopra on November 02, 2008 at 01:04 PM
The Man Who Changed the World?
posted by Deepak Chopra on October 31, 2008 at 04:17 PM
Wanting to change the world is different from having to. The latter is what's expected of Barack Obama if he's elected. The huge crowds he keeps attracting aren't looking simply for a new leader, or even a reformer to undo the bad things wrought by the Republicans. They are looking for transformation. This isn't pure fantasy. Sometimes history forces change right before your eyes, and when that happens the road forks. You can tinker with the world as it is or you can remake the world as it should be.
Continue reading "The Man Who Changed the World?"
Will God Stop Voting?
posted by Deepak Chopra on October 29, 2008 at 10:01 AM
An article in the Washington Post On Faith section in response to their question: Is there a religious reason to vote for or against Obama or McCain?
There never will be, and never should be, a religious reason to pick one candidate over another. God hasn't personally voted in an American election, but he keeps voting by proxy. In an ideal world that would never happen. Supernatural beings aren't citizens. Omniscient deities don't make choices (since they already know every outcome in advance). To anyone who holds a serious regard for the Constitution, voting your faith should be a private matter, not a public one. It wouldn't make me happy to know that a Catholic friend voted for someone solely because he was a Catholic, or that a Jewish friend voted for someone solely because he took a hawkish stand pro Israel, but that's their right. No public discussion is required.
Continue reading "Will God Stop Voting?"
Obama's Loss Traced to Deepak Chopra
posted by Mallika Chopra on October 25, 2008 at 09:05 PM
A friend just sent this video to my father. It is hysterical!
Continue reading "Obama's Loss Traced to Deepak Chopra"
A New Focus for American Foreign Policy: Human Rights
posted by Rayman Mathoda on October 24, 2008 at 05:51 PM
One of the fatal flaws of the Bush approach/policy framework that I would love to see Barack Obama change…is this idea that it is America’s job to spread Democracy around the world. As a student of Democracy and child of the largest Democracy in the world (India), I do believe in and love Democracy. However, just like Capitalism….Democracy, too, is a flawed, chaotic, and imperfect system and I just don’t think it’s America’s job to tell other countries what political system is best for them.
Continue reading "A New Focus for American Foreign Policy: Human Rights"
Gay Marriage and the Democratic Hazard
posted by Deepak Chopra on October 23, 2008 at 11:59 PM
"Moral hazard" is a phrase more of us know in this era of reckless trading on Wall Street, and now we can apply it to politics. Traders who use other people's money aren't exposed to the risk of losing their own money; therefore, they act less responsibly than someone who is fully exposed to the consequences of a risky decision -- that's the moral hazard. In politics, irresponsible behavior happens when there is little or no consequence to be felt, the only difference being that you play with someone else's life, not merely their money.
Continue reading "Gay Marriage and the Democratic Hazard"
If Religion Is Power, Women Deserve Their Share
posted by Deepak Chopra on October 22, 2008 at 01:50 PM
An article in the Washington Post On Faith section in response to their question: The theme of The Women's Conference 2008 this week is: We Empower. Does religion empower women?
Continue reading "If Religion Is Power, Women Deserve Their Share"
goodness gracious
posted by Saira Mohan on October 21, 2008 at 05:50 PM
"San Francisco Weighs Decriminalizing Prostitution "
Rascist slurs at McCain/Palin rallies should be denounced by candidates and party
posted by Rayman Mathoda on October 21, 2008 at 10:29 AM
I was trying last night to have a mellow evening at home after a full day of work. The full day of work was quite an experience after spending 3 blissful months ‘Exploring my Zen’ (as I like to call it) following the collapse of Indymac during the Summer. So here I was…cuddling with my 2 freshly bathed (and good smelling) Great Dane’s Lara and Tank…watching TV. But what I saw on CNN shocked me.
Continue reading "Rascist slurs at McCain/Palin rallies should be denounced by candidates and party"
Robo Rove and Willie Horton Redux
posted by Deepak Chopra on October 17, 2008 at 06:10 PM
The progressive side of American politics feels done in by the nasty work of Karl Rove, following in the muddy footprints of the late Lee Atwater, a grinning, guitar-strumming master of demagoguery. The effectiveness of slamming Michael Dukakis with the horrifying tale of Willie Horton is now being revived using mug shots of William Ayers. Rove has been retooled as robo calls in a number of swing states, all of it to see if the old black magic will keep working. Instead of erupting in outrage and secretly dreading that a smear campaign will undo Barack Obama's lead in the polls, I return to the basics.
Continue reading this at Intent.com
Thoughts on the Debate?
posted by Mallika Chopra on October 15, 2008 at 08:28 PM
A Noble Loser vs. A Dirty Winner
posted by Deepak Chopra on October 10, 2008 at 03:10 PM
The reason that the Democrats have become experts at losing the Presidency is that the Republicans have become experts at the dirty win. Or so the mythology goes. This idea gained traction with the smear campaign run against Michael Dukakis in 1988, when the patrician George Bush played the part of Pontius Pilate, washing his hands while Willie Horton's face was plastered all over the TV. Since then we have seen Swift boating and Democratic candidates faces split-screened with Osama bin Laden.
Continue reading "A Noble Loser vs. A Dirty Winner"
A "Birds of a Feather" Campaign Strategy
posted by Deepak Chopra on October 08, 2008 at 01:48 PM
An article in the Washington Post On Faith section in response to their question: Obama and Wright. McCain and Keating. Palin and Muthee. To what extent is it right or wrong to judge candidates by the company they keep?
Continue reading "A "Birds of a Feather" Campaign Strategy"
Conservative Parker calls for Palin to go - about time?
posted by Tori Roy on October 02, 2008 at 01:29 PM
Conservative columnist: Palin should go
The Associated Press
Friday, September 26, 2008; 8:55 PM
WASHINGTON -- A conservative columnist who welcomed Sarah Palin's entry in national politics says she's proven to be a dud and should step aside as John McCain's running mate.
Kathleen Parker, writing in the National Review Online, says her "cringe reflex is exhausted" after watching the Alaska governor stumble through TV interviews and it's become clear to her that Palin is out of her league.
Continue reading "Conservative Parker calls for Palin to go - about time?"
Witchcraft and the White House
posted by Intent on October 01, 2008 at 12:03 PM
An article in the Washington Post On Faith section in response to their question: Vice presidential candidates Joe Biden and Sarah Palin will debate this week. What would you ask them about their religious beliefs and why?
Continue reading "Witchcraft and the White House"
Obama Is "Wake Up," McCain Is "Let Me Sleep"
posted by Deepak Chopra on September 26, 2008 at 09:56 AM
The urgency that anyone feels, or doesn't feel, about the 2008 election rests on the issue of waking up. Over two-thirds of Americans tell pollsters that the country is on the wrong track. Dissatisfaction with government is rife. Looming crises such as climate change and global recession call for quick action. But if the conventional wisdom sees this as a race against time before the clock runs out, conventional wisdom is wrong. This election is a consciousness race. Either you see the need to wake up or you want to keep sleeping, which means giving in to inertia and denial. Continue reading this post at Intent.com.
Out of the closet
posted by Gotham Chopra on September 25, 2008 at 10:13 PM
I'm an intellectual elite and I am not ashamed to admit it.
Continue reading "Out of the closet"
McCain's time off
posted by Gotham Chopra on September 24, 2008 at 11:16 PM
I'm curious to see what John McCain's campaign suspension and retreat back to DC to solve this country's worst economic slide of the past half century will bring about. I seriously do not understand the logic of this. Isn't the whole point of a Presidential campaign to present voters and citizens with a vision and plan to help get them out of this mess?
Continue reading "McCain's time off"
When Gray Is the Only Color
posted by Deepak Chopra on September 24, 2008 at 06:26 PM
An article in the Washington Post On Faith section in response to their question: John McCain and Sarah Palin say it's time to overturn Roe v. Wade, the 1973 Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion. Do you agree? What is the right moral choice?
Continue reading "When Gray Is the Only Color"
My American Prayer
posted by Intent on September 23, 2008 at 03:14 PM
Dear Friends,
I wanted to share a great video called "My American Prayer, by my friend, Dave Stewart. You are also welcome to share it with your friends.
Love,
Deepak
The Art of Politics
posted by Derrick N Ashong on September 18, 2008 at 09:37 PM
I did an interview earlier this week for Harvardwood, exploring some of the current trends in the campaign and some key issues facing the nation. It's a 45min full-length, unedited, uncensored response to some live questioning and covers topics from the role the Media & the Arts in politics to the ongoing propagation of lies by the McCain/Palin ticket in this campaign.
Continue reading "The Art of Politics"
Obama and the Palin Effect (Part 2)
posted by Deepak Chopra on September 16, 2008 at 03:22 PM
My post a few weeks ago on Sarah Palin acting as Barack Obama's psychological shadow triggered a lot of people. I thought it would be worthwhile to talk about how one deals with the shadow once it breaks out and begins to disrupt things. But first a short recap: The emergence of Gov. Palin wasn't simply startling -- it was inexplicable. How could 20% of women voters suddenly turn toward her when Palin stands for erasing forty years of feminism?
Continue reading "Obama and the Palin Effect (Part 2)"
You're not helping...
posted by Gotham Chopra on September 13, 2008 at 07:04 AM
I forget - have I made it clear who I am supporting this coming November in the Presidential elections?
Continue reading "You're not helping..."
Why Obama Needs to Reach Deeper
posted by Deepak Chopra on September 10, 2008 at 07:34 PM
The race has changed, now what? All reports indicate that the Obama camp is rife with confusion about where they stand in the face of the meteoric rise of Sarah Palin and John McCain's ability to bring the Republican Party together. Neither one was remotely anticipated. This is more than a bump. I think Obama needs to recognize that the tide has decisively turned in McCain's favor. Palin is shooting down the turnpike, and unless Obama puts up a big hand to stop her, McCain is going to ride her coattails to the White House. The tire is deflating on the Democrats, and once enthusiastic supporters are becoming disheartened.
Continue reading "Why Obama Needs to Reach Deeper"
What's Good for GM Is Good for God
posted by Deepak Chopra on September 10, 2008 at 02:09 PM
An article in the Washington Post On Faith section in response to their question: Republican VP nominee Sarah Palin recently suggested that a gas pipeline is "God's will" and the Iraq war is "a task that is from God." Are you concerned about these or any other candidate's religious views?
Continue reading "What's Good for GM Is Good for God"
Leaders of Women or Stepford Wives?
posted by Tori Roy on September 10, 2008 at 06:24 AM
The leaders of a women's political organization that launched earlier this year to support Hillary Clinton are speaking out against what they say are examples of media sexism toward Sarah Palin and urging members to tell the press corps "to back off."
Continue reading "Leaders of Women or Stepford Wives?"
McBush's speech
posted by Gotham Chopra on September 05, 2008 at 12:10 AM
John McCain is a good man.
Continue reading "McBush's speech"
Obama and the Palin Effect
posted by Deepak Chopra on September 04, 2008 at 10:42 AM
Sometimes politics has the uncanny effect of mirroring the national psyche even when nobody intended to do that. This is perfectly illustrated by the rousing effect that Gov. Sarah Palin had on the Republican convention in Minneapolis this week. On the surface, she outdoes former Vice President Dan Quayle as an unlikely choice, given her negligent parochial expertise in the complex affairs of governing. Her state of Alaska has less than 700,000 residents, which reduces the job of governor to the scale of running one-tenth of New York City. By comparison, Rudy Giuliani is a towering international figure. Palin's pluck has been admired, and her forthrightness, but her real appeal goes deeper.
Continue reading "Obama and the Palin Effect"
Sarah Palin's speech
posted by Gotham Chopra on September 03, 2008 at 08:08 PM
I thought her speech was very impressive. I bet it's amazingly persuasive in the original German.
Continue reading "Sarah Palin's speech"
CORRECTION: Sarah Palin's daughter IS pregnant
posted by Gotham Chopra on September 01, 2008 at 01:15 PM
Okay, forget the salacious rumors that Governor Palin covered up her underage daughter's pregnancy. That's yesterday's (unproven) news. Today's is that Palin's 17-year-old unwed daughter IS pregnant right now.
Continue reading "CORRECTION: Sarah Palin's daughter IS pregnant"
Palin Pregnancy whispers
posted by Gotham Chopra on August 30, 2008 at 07:24 PM
Almost as soon as Alaska Governor Sarah Palin was selected by presidential hopeful John McBush to be his running mate, the whispers started.
Continue reading "Palin Pregnancy whispers"
The American Spirit
posted by Derrick N Ashong on August 30, 2008 at 12:02 PM
I wrote this the night of The Speech. In the wake of McCain's announcement yesterday I think it is ever more important to think about the global implications of the decision we are about to make.
Continue reading "The American Spirit"
Obama and the Tragedy of Apathy
posted by Deepak Chopra on August 29, 2008 at 12:32 PM
Listening to Barack Obama's acceptance speech, I got two messages. The first was tactical. Like a general mapping out a battle strategy, Obama has listened carefully to his critics, and in the speech he rolled out rebuttals, one by one, to the charge that he must announce plans and solutions to the country's nagging problems. His trademark eloquence mostly had to wait until the last few moments, but when it came, the giant stadium audience was moved.
Continue reading "Obama and the Tragedy of Apathy"
The High Priests Gathered to Praise the Dems - but the Prophets Were Missing
posted by Rabbi Lerner on August 28, 2008 at 10:47 PM
For all the media chatter about how far we've come since the Democratic Convention in Chicago,1968, or the anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr's. "I Have A Dream Speech," if you were expecting that the words of the prophets had moved from the subway walls and tenement halls into the mainstream of the Democratic Party you'd be sadly disappointed.
Continue reading "The High Priests Gathered to Praise the Dems - but the Prophets Were Missing"
Obama: "It's not about me, it's about you."
posted by Gotham Chopra on August 28, 2008 at 09:24 PM
Barack Obama made a pretty strong case for change. And it's not just what he said tonight in his historic address at the DNC, it's what he represents, how he acts, and how he looks.
Continue reading "Obama: "It's not about me, it's about you.""
Speechless from the Speech
posted by Mallika Chopra on August 28, 2008 at 08:30 PM
Obama inspired, challenged, empowered. Incredible.
Silence of the Lamb
posted by Deepak Chopra on August 27, 2008 at 02:28 PM
An article in the Washington Post On Faith section in response to their question: Advise John McCain and Barack Obama on the role religion should play in their presidential campaigns.
Continue reading "Silence of the Lamb"
Hillary Clinton was AWESOME
posted by Gotham Chopra on August 26, 2008 at 10:33 PM
CORRECTION: Listen to her.
John McCain's favorite song is DANCING QUEEN by ABBA
posted by Gotham Chopra on August 25, 2008 at 08:40 PM
Seriously
Huh?
Yup.
That's what I am thinking.
Michelle Obama: A Role Model for My Daughters
posted by Mallika Chopra on August 25, 2008 at 08:17 PM
Every night before we go to bed, my daughters and I talk about our worst and best parts of the day. Today, we all agreed that the best part was watching Michelle Obama's warm and passionate speech, and then seeing her girls come onto the stage. As a mom, I felt we were experiencing a piece of history together...
Continue reading "Michelle Obama: A Role Model for My Daughters"
Hillary, go away
posted by Gotham Chopra on August 24, 2008 at 07:49 PM
Let me start by saying that I am Hillary guy. I really like and admire her for all that she has accomplished professionally and personally. I've gone to her fundraisers, met her in person a few times, and voted for her husband as many times as I possibly could. But man am I sick of her.
Continue reading "Hillary, go away"
When Illusions Refuse to Die (Part 3)
posted by Deepak Chopra on August 22, 2008 at 11:20 AM
The saddest part about the period of sleepwalking that the U.S. has experienced over the past eight years is that we don't have to return to the status quo before Bush was elected. History can move forward to the benefit of America, but only if we recognize that some uneasy trends cannot be reversed. The reactionary backlash that allowed the neocon vision to take hold has been disastrous. Since it was based on cherished illusions, there's a strong chance that the voting public might be seduced by McCain's promise of "no surrender" and the promotion of old-fashioned nationalism backed up with overwhelming military threat.
Continue reading "When Illusions Refuse to Die (Part 3)"
Why is Obama Down in the Polls?
posted by Rabbi Lerner on August 22, 2008 at 05:02 AM
In an open-letter to Senator Obama on Thursday, over 150 American clergy appealed to the Democratic candidate for President to retain the ethical and spiritual vision that won him the nomination in the first place. Rejecting the "inside-the-Beltway" wisdom that a Democrat must "move to the center to win the election," the clergy disputed the very notion that this is an accurate understanding of American politics.
Continue reading "Why is Obama Down in the Polls?"
Presidential Preseason
posted by Gotham Chopra on August 20, 2008 at 08:15 AM
Is it just me or is the presidential race - more so the campaign - just an elaborate sporting event? All the hype. All the prognosticators. All the predictions and statistics, the punditry, optimism, and criticism, and so-called strategy and PR that ultimately seems to mean little to the actual outcome.
Continue reading "Presidential Preseason"
Is it a sin to be born a minority ?
posted by Vijay Sappani on August 19, 2008 at 11:05 PM
Hundreds of clashes around the world, thousands of people killed, millions displaced and billions made by arms dealers. All this happening while we spend most of our time on Simpsons and American Idol.
Continue reading "Is it a sin to be born a minority ?"
Faith Quizzes Get an F
posted by Deepak Chopra on August 19, 2008 at 05:47 PM
An article in the Washington Post On Faith section in response to their question: At the Saddleback Church Forum, pastor Rick Warren began his interviews with John McCain and Barack Obama by saying: "We believe in separation of church and state, but not faith and politics." What's your response to that and to the forum?
Continue reading "Faith Quizzes Get an F"
Will Evan Bayh Be Obama's VP Pick?
posted by James Boyce on August 19, 2008 at 02:11 PM
Time flies in presidential races, it seems like yesterday that a good friend of mine met with Barack Obama about running the online portion of his campaign. He didn't want the job after the interview, sensing, correctly, that Obama was centrist, maybe even centrist-right and my friend is more of a Democrat.
Continue reading "Will Evan Bayh Be Obama's VP Pick?"
Hope and Change: India and Pakistan
posted by Vijay Sappani on August 16, 2008 at 11:24 AM
India and Pakistan are celebrating their 61st Independecen day, but are the masses really free ?
Continue reading "Hope and Change: India and Pakistan"
When Illusions Refuse to Die (Part 2)
posted by Deepak Chopra on August 15, 2008 at 09:44 AM
A great deal of confusion is being stirred up now over where the disastrous experience of Iraq and the collapse of neoconservatism will lead. By an ironic twist, Barack Obama has been labeled an idealist, when in fact he is an arch-realist who detected the need for change much earlier than any other major politician. John McCain, who cannot escape his share in promoting right-wing illusions, advocates the reversal of history, which means ignoring Iraq and continuing on as if it never happened. But some significant illusions died on the battlefield over the past five years, leading to major shifts on many fronts. Let's continue down the list.
Continue reading "When Illusions Refuse to Die (Part 2)"
"Forgive Me, I'm Sorry I Got Caught"
posted by Deepak Chopra on August 13, 2008 at 01:34 PM
An article in the Washington Post On Faith section in response to their question:
Another politician (John Edwards) has admitted to having an extramarital affair, and another spouse (Elizabeth Edwards) has been forgiving. At what point does a person of faith cease to forgive? At what point does forgiveness become destructive?
Continue reading ""Forgive Me, I'm Sorry I Got Caught""
Harper is wrong in not attending the Olympics; Bush is right
posted by Vijay Sappani on August 11, 2008 at 10:28 PM
Olympics is all about sports, not this one. It is all about China. Will it meet the expectations of the commies and the rest of the world?
Continue reading "Harper is wrong in not attending the Olympics; Bush is right"
When Illusions Refuse to Die (Part 1)
posted by Deepak Chopra on August 09, 2008 at 05:31 PM
Societies don't remain the same after a war but find that they have radically changed. Sometimes the change is catastrophic, sometimes not. But it can never be ignored. A major undercurrent in the 2008 presidential campaign centers on this fact, because the people who devised and promoted the Iraq war want to preserve the illusion that nothing in America has really changed, when in fact a host of illusions died on the battlefield. On the other side, the anti-war party (as the Democrats became de facto over the past five years) is struggling to invent new realities to replace these lost illusions. The public is caught in between, for there's no doubt that comforting illusions have a way of springing back to life, if only history could be reversed.
Continue reading "When Illusions Refuse to Die (Part 1)"
Excuse Me, How Does It Feel to Be Poor?
posted by Deepak Chopra on August 07, 2008 at 10:43 AM
An article in the Washington Post On Faith section in response to their question:
What's your response to this question from a Post national poll of low-wage workers? "What role does God or your faith play in helping you get through tough financial times?"
Continue reading "Excuse Me, How Does It Feel to Be Poor?"
New Life in a New World
posted by Deepak Chopra on August 01, 2008 at 04:29 PM
People need a way to deal with the global changes suddenly surrounding us. As often happens, second-hand opinions are gaining the most power. The vocabulary on the left speaks of positive change, a new order, rising prosperity in what used to be the third world, and creative possibilities. The right employs a darker, more pessimistic vocabulary of turmoil in the credit markets, military threat from China, the need to seize on traditional values and exclude immigrants. The basic difference comes down to embracing the emerging global community or holding tight to isolated nationalism backed up with military threats.
Continue reading "New Life in a New World"
Does a New Start Have a Chance?
posted by Deepak Chopra on July 25, 2008 at 10:11 AM
Barack Obama's eloquence in the defense of idealism hasn't changed since Iowa, but reaction to it has. He is accused of favoring uplifting rhetoric over hard policy choices. Some commentators complain that for them, the thrilling speeches of the primary season now produce little or no reaction. Obama speaks of a renewed world, but most old-timers, cynical or not, expect the world -- especially the one inside the Beltway -- to roll on without much change. Inertia will prevail over hope. We are fortunate, however, that Obama himself doesn't believe any of this.
Continue reading "Does a New Start Have a Chance?"