Thursday, July 04, 2013
Reflections on the Fourth of July
I have just watched a fascinating documentary film on Link T. V. about the history of Iran told through clips from film makers of the time. One of the main points of the video was that in order to be true to your own values, you must not bow down in abjection to the rulers of the time, but show the truth as you perceive it. Again and again they made the point that the "face" of the nation as the authorities presented it was not congruent with the actual conditions under which the people were living. The authorities used law, censorship, propaganda and whatever tools they could muster to present a shining image of a country that had horrific problems for the people at large.
As I watched, I observed a display of fireworks (official) in the distance from my apartment window. This display was part of the celebration of our status as "the greatest nation on earth." In light of the many disturbing actions of our government--as well as the financial institutions, the media, the leaders in various fields--I paused to question whether or not there was not a great discrepancy between what we imagine ourselves to be and what we truly are. Are we saviors or destroyers? Do we rescue the countries we invade or are we simply military aggressors, intent on seizing the wealth (not gold but oil) of these nations helpless before our might? Does our government truly serve the people or is it in the pay of big business, arms manufacturers and the like?
It is easy to wave a flag and call oneself a "patriot". But when does such thoughtless "patriotism" end and honest evaluation of ourselves and our actions (as well as our history) begin?
Now the T. V. is showing a video of the Dalai Lama. He is, to my way of thinking, an image of a true leader, someone not afraid to speak truth and stand up for the principles he believes in. He has (in the film) gone to receive an honorary degree from a university in China. Some students are holding signs applauding China's policies on Tibet. The Dalai Lama reflects that privately they may express different opinions. Same scenario, different setting.
Because of the social and political questions of our time, where truth speakers are hard to find and honest political leaders scarce, I feel that it is important to keep one's contact with the inner spirit, to continue one's spiritual journey, for in that realm truth can flourish and personal authenticity reign.
As I watched, I observed a display of fireworks (official) in the distance from my apartment window. This display was part of the celebration of our status as "the greatest nation on earth." In light of the many disturbing actions of our government--as well as the financial institutions, the media, the leaders in various fields--I paused to question whether or not there was not a great discrepancy between what we imagine ourselves to be and what we truly are. Are we saviors or destroyers? Do we rescue the countries we invade or are we simply military aggressors, intent on seizing the wealth (not gold but oil) of these nations helpless before our might? Does our government truly serve the people or is it in the pay of big business, arms manufacturers and the like?
It is easy to wave a flag and call oneself a "patriot". But when does such thoughtless "patriotism" end and honest evaluation of ourselves and our actions (as well as our history) begin?
Now the T. V. is showing a video of the Dalai Lama. He is, to my way of thinking, an image of a true leader, someone not afraid to speak truth and stand up for the principles he believes in. He has (in the film) gone to receive an honorary degree from a university in China. Some students are holding signs applauding China's policies on Tibet. The Dalai Lama reflects that privately they may express different opinions. Same scenario, different setting.
Because of the social and political questions of our time, where truth speakers are hard to find and honest political leaders scarce, I feel that it is important to keep one's contact with the inner spirit, to continue one's spiritual journey, for in that realm truth can flourish and personal authenticity reign.
