a beautiful post

You probably know I have no time for religion, so you might be puzzled by my great admiration for the Benedictine nun Joan Chittister. She is a very smart, humane person who has great insight that allows her to look at common life-issues and see them in surprisingly different and helpful ways.

Her most recent blog post at:
http://ncronline.org/blogs/where-i-stand/bhutans-model-gross-national-happiness-glorious-goal-modern-society
is just such an example. I had heard some time ago of the little nation Bhutan's use of Gross National Happiness instead of Gross National Product as a way of measuring progress and thought it a very sensible thing. Joan sees it from a slightly different angle and somehow gives me hope that we may yet strive for it.

Help stop racist evil

If, like me, you are disgusted by the two shades of evil being propagated by Australia's two old parties, please send a little money to help the Greens produce an advertisement to throw a little informative cold water on the hysterical flames of racism. Unlike the two big parties who are awash with corrupt money, the Greens are trying to get sensible info out there with minimal funds.

If people board dangerous boats fleeing certain death, who in their right mind could think imprisoning them in inhuman conditions would stop them? And what kind of monster would send families back to be murdered?


Read more about Najeeba and the campaign details here.
You can donate here.

Thirteen years ago Najeeba came to Australia on a boat. In Australia, she learned English and graduated from high school. She now has a medical degree and is studying to be a lawyer.

Here are some short videos in which Najeeba explains a little of her heart-rending story.

Rethink Refugees - Najeeba's story (produced by Amnesty International)
Two years ago. A bit over 2 minutes long
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpCJZ4pIbg8

Safer Alternatives to Boats - The Greens Plan Saves Lives (produced by the Greens)
Last year. How we can stop the boats without giving in to evil. A little over 1 minute long.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3q4xCCRM8QU

An hour long Q&A (ABC-TV) piece on refugees featuring Najeeba
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7Z8zEuvtWs