I agree that an independent investigation should be carried out to discern if Governor Andrew Cuomo broke the law, and if found guilty, he should be held accountable.
However, justice has becoming increasingly difficult to get in America. An American president just got away with telling lies about this pandemic, mocking scientists and inciting an insurrection, which produced the ransacking of the Capitol and 7 deaths. And although he was impeached and got away with his crime because his Party did not have the moral courage to punish him.
And some people are demanding that Cuomo resign. But did President Trump resign? Did he show any remorse for the damage he caused to our country? Did he apologize to the families of the dead and the wounded in the Capitol attack?
Others want Governor Cuomo impeached, and he should also be denied his state pension. But if we are fair people, we must ask ourselves: Did Trump get his just punishment for what he did?
No one should be above the law, not even a governor and not even a president. In fact, they should be held to higher standards!
But let us not be hypocritical and defend those that we like and/or agree with, even when they break the law!
Our nation is in trouble, our state is too, because of MORAL DEGRADATION at the helm. While millions are suffering!
Let us not be hypocritical, and instead have the courage to hold all political leaders accountable and to the highest ethical standards! No matter their Party affiliation. Justice must be carried out justly so that corruption, and bad leaders, can be extricated from our government.
POPE'S ENEMIES WITHIN THE CHURCH
Letter to the Schenectady Daily Gazette, by OLP 2-27-21
Some high-level Catholic leaders, cardinals, and bishops, have committed/covered up sexual scandals, money fraud, and some even criticize and attack the pope! They accuse him of being too liberal!
While in the past, others accused Pope John Paul of being too strict! Today these accusers have the audacity to refuse the Eucharist to faithful who commit grave sins. Lately they have turned against President Biden for his pro-choice stance- so they criticize and attack him and claim that he is not worthy of the Eucharist.
However, I wonder if these religious leaders ever criticized and/or refused the Eucharist to their fellow corrupt bishops and cardinals. I also wonder if they ever scolded former President Trump- the first president in 130 years- who enacted the federal death penalty and sent 17 inmates to death. Former President Trump also lied, derided people and institutions, and even countries! He also cut food stamps and social services from the poor to save money! While giving huge tax breaks to billionaires!
Catholic pastors have forgotten Jesus words about accusing others and questioning authority: "Who is without sin, can throw the first stone."- John 8:7
“You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. - Matthew 7:5
“Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand.” – Matthew 12:25
It is obvious that these high-profile Catholic accusers are HYPOCRITES!
The following below, are the last parts of an editorial article published by NCRONLINE on Feb 26, 2021, by Michael Sean Winters. It is titled: Anonymous bishops take potshots at pope.
Maier's anonymous bishops also apparently need a refresher course in canon law. "Several voiced irritation with Washington's Cardinal Wilton Gregory for undercutting conference leadership on the issue of Communion and President Biden's problematic sacramental status," he writes. The conference has no juridical role in deciding who should, or should not, be barred from the Communion rail. Gregory is the bishop of the church of Washington, D.C., not anyone else. The irritation of the unnamed bishops is of no consequence.
Cardinal Gregory and President Biden are in good company, as Maier has some choice observations for the pope too. He writes:
All of the men I spoke with expressed a sincere fidelity to the Holy Father. Many praised his efforts to reshape the Roman curia toward a more supportive, service-oriented posture in dealing with local bishops. But many also voiced an equally vigorous frustration with what they see as his ambiguous comments and behavior, which too often feed confusion among the faithful, encourage conflict, and undermine bishops' ability to teach and lead.
So, they thought he was a nice guy when they visited with him during their ad limina meetings, but they think he is not a very good pope, is that it? The canard about ambiguity in teaching and confusion among the faithful has been around since the dubia cardinals launched their attack on Pope Francis in 2016. It is a staple at rightwing websites like LifeSiteNews, First Things and the EWTN-owned National Catholic Register. If the bishops with whom Maier spoke can't grasp Francis' good faith effort to do more by way of pastoral ministry than hurl a copy of the catechism at the lay faithful, then I think we can question just how "sincere" their fidelity to the Holy Father is.
Maier is part of a cabal of conservative lay Catholics who have become influential with certain churchmen. Last month, it was George Weigel's opportunity to attack Biden, and last year, he published a book, The Next Pope, that was one long criticism of Francis. This month, it is Maier's turn. Fr. Raymond De Souza was quick to praise Cardinal Robert Sarah after the cardinal's resignation was accepted, and the cardinal sent out a churlish tweet with "The only rock is Christ." The Register's Edward Pentin, who broke the news about the Viganò testimony calling on Francis to resign, is another part of the anti-Francis brigade.
Who is Fran Maier? He is the longtime amanuensis and senior advisor to former Philadelphia Archbishop Charles Chaput. A gifted writer, Maier is now a senior fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center and a research associate in Constitutional Studies at the University of Notre Dame.
Maier penned a column on First Things, strangely, even creepily, entitled "Somebody Needs to be Dad" that presents the results of confidential interviews he conducted with 28 U.S. bishops in recent months.
Maier relates some unexceptional observations: The revenues of most dioceses have been affected by COVID-19 but not as badly as feared; sacramental participation rates continue to decline; administrative tasks tend to overwhelm the daily routine.
It stands to reason that different people would warm to different popes, as they warm to different political parties or to different kinds of entertainment. What is most remarkable, however, in the writings of the anti-Francis cabal is the fact that they make no effort to cover-up the palpable sensation that they are behaving like children who have had a toy taken away from them. How dare the American people elect Biden. How dare the cardinals elect Francis. That tone emerges in all their writings. Every time.
In this instance, the problem is more than one of tone, however. Some may think that hiding behind anonymity doesn't matter, and maybe it didn't when Maier was ghosting for Chaput. But when you are affiliated with a modern research university, presenting the results of a series of interviews as significant implies a certain veneer of social science. You can't just call your buddies and suggest they are a representative sample. Maier should release the names of the bishops he interviewed. He need not connect any particular bishop with any particular statement. But if we are to accept his conclusions as meaningful, we have a right to know if his sample was representative or not.
Besides, what is Maier's qualification to be involved in a program on constitutional studies? He used to work down the street from the Liberty Bell. Does that count? And what does this foray into the views of his former boss' allies among the bishops have to do with constitutional studies? Certainly, nothing he writes here answers those questions. Nothing he writes here answers any questions really.
Nor does relating cowardly anonymous attacks on the pope and leading members of the American hierarchy cohere with the mission of America's flagship Catholic university, even if it is standard fare at First Things. Fr. John Jenkins: Call your office!
Archbishop Gomez, who would know Maier from their time together in Denver 20 years ago and is now the elected leader of the U.S. bishops, should call his office also. Does this article reflect the views of the bishops as a body? Are they all, or at least a majority, "frustrated" with the pope and, if so, what is Gomez planning to do about it? Is the U.S. hierarchy committed to exercising their ministry sub Petro et cum Petro or not?
Copyright © The National Catholic Reporter Publishing Company
DEATH IS NOT THE END. FB post, 21
February 2021
I want to share
with you some books, videos, and films, and online
articles that talk about life after death, or NDEs (Near Death Experiences), of
people who have died temporarily (due to accidents, heart attacks, illness, and/or coma, etc.), who have come back to life, and have revealed/talked
about their experiences in the afterlife. And there were others who did not die
but went into a coma and then (some after many years) returned to normal.
I believe in
eternal life based on four points; my Christian faith, my reason and my knowledge.
My Christian faith and Holy Scriptures tell me that I was born because I am a product, a being, a
soul created by God, who loves me very much.
Reason and knowledge give me proof of the existence of life after death. Reason and knowledge are both part of our intellect, which make us understand many things. For example, creation; that is, the earth with its laws, all its living beings, and the entire universe, and these cannot be the result of coincidence, or rather of a random creation caused by
the Big Bang and/or evolution. No, creation was set in motion, created,
generated by God. However, reason also tells me that my mind's capacity is limited; therefore I can't see/understand everything in the universe. So, if I can't see something- it doesn't mean that it cannot exist!
I often ask myself: How is it
possible that a planet as fantastic as the earth came out of the chaos of the
Big Bang? With its laws of physics, its power but also its fragility, its
indescribable beauty, with its myriad beings, also incredibly beautiful, intelligent,
and fantastic. How is this possible? Why is the earth unique? Why did God make
it for us? And he told us to enjoy it, but also to take care of it - as a sign
of love and respect for the gift he gave us. And of course, we must also take
care of all creation, all that God has done for us, including ourselves, living
beings - man! We, his children.
Life after death continues, and not only on the basis of our
faith, our reason and knowledge, but also on the basis of our experiences -
which can give us strong evidence regarding the existence of life after death.
I would call these experiences spiritual, and/or inexplicable/supernatural experiences.
I personally have
gone through some real personal experiences. I call them spiritual and/or inexplicable experiences. They
happened when I was a teenager, after my mother's death (when I was 13), and later in my life, when I
was a young father. In these experiences mother made me feel her presence many times.
Immediately after her death, my mother often came to me in my dreams, especially at times of
difficulty. And afterwards, twice, her presence was much stronger- very palpable. Obvious and very strong! Those two times that I felt close to her, it
was an internal feeling - that is to say, I felt it in my soul. I do not
know how to explain it; I didn't see her, but I felt her presence close
to me! The first time I felt her presence was when my daughter was born. I felt her unmistakable/palpable (real) presence, again with my daughter, when I was taking her to
visit a college to start her master’s course.
Science also makes me believe in life after death. We will
find the evidence in these videos, books, and articles.
Below I have provided a list of books, videos, and online articles about NDEs, life after death. I hope these stories
are of comfort and hope to everyone, especially those of you who have recently lost a
loved one, and/or have a family member who is ill gravely and may have little time left, or someone in a coma who has little hope of regaining
faith and love. As we can see in the first two videos; they show us that there is
always hope- even for those who have faith but are persistent- they do not give up.
So let's not be afraid and/or embittered and have faith in God, because death is not the end!
NDE VIDEOS & MOVIES
1. Life to Afterlife Death and Back
Full Official Movie (96 min)Feb
8, 2021 https://youtu.be/Hm-IGeVpJ-
Life to Afterlife Death
and Back Full Official Movie from the official creator. In this episode of Life
to Afterlife, Craig McMahon interviews four people that died but came back to
life, or also known as NDE, Near Death Experience. Their amazing stories will
shock some and comfort others. Erica sees heaven, Ingrid communicates with
beings of light, Howard visits hell, and Tricia witnesses three spiritual
beings assist surgeons on her spine.
2.
Surviving Death
(2021) Netflix Documentary Series Review(5.4 min) •Jan 6, 2021 Surviving Death, the new Netflix documentary
series, explores questions that have been contemplated throughout time: What
does it mean to die, and is death the end of our existence? Is this documentary
series worth the watch? Thanks for checking out my review of Surviving Death! https://youtu.be/HaoM6GUP66o
3. Surviving Death | Official Trailer | Netflix (1.3 min) •Jan 4, 2021
What
does it mean to die, and is death the end of our existence? Weaving together
innovative new research with firsthand accounts from those who’ve been close
to—and even experienced—death, this series takes viewers on an extraordinary
journey into a world beyond human existence as we know it. https://youtu.be/Cq5V9SgO1_A
4.
Beyond Death (Full Episode) | The Story of God with
Morgan Freeman (50.18
min) •Dec 27, 2020 https://youtu.be/wZORPVmXN7k
Host Morgan Freeman explores how different religions of
past and present answer the question: What happens when we die?
Article
What does the Bible say about death?
https://www.bibleinfo.com/en/questions/what-does-bible-say-about-death
It’s
a question that has crossed everyone’s mind, because death happens to everyone,
regardless of age, race, gender, religion, or status. Death is the
unconquerable foe that has taken over the likes of Alexander the Great and
Julius Caesar. Postulates or theories by minds like Einstein or Stephen Hawking
can never be proved upon this subject. So what does the Bible say?
YouTube
Videos IN ITALIAN
1. Si Sveglia Da
Un Coma Di 27 Minuti, ECCO COSA HA VISTO
(10 min) Nov
6, 2020 https://youtu.be/GpcWFiWuHfo
2. Undicenne Finisce in Coma, si
Sveglia dopo 4 Anni e Svela un Segreto Agghiacciante "Sentiva Tutto"(10 min) 10 giugno 2020
https://youtu.be/pwWPFs98aJk
Undicenne
Finisce in Coma, si Sveglia dopo 4 Anni e Svela un Segreto Agghiacciante "Sentiva
Tutto"
3.
Sara, la bimba che ha sognato la
Madonna prima di morire
(33 min) https://youtu.be/m1_1IZOJkYo
Sara, la bimba
che ha sognato la Madonna prima di morire. Il racconto in studio a Bel tempo si
spera della mamma Anna Armentano.
4. Salvatore:
"Ero morto da 16 ore, poi ho riaperto gli occhi" - La vita in diretta
20/12/2018 (13 min) https://youtu.be/ygxJUflGHFs
Un caso di
morte apparente? Salvatore ci racconta la sua storia. Di quando, da bambino, si
risvegliò durante la sua veglia funebre.
5. Cosa c'è dopo la MORTE?
(5 min) 16 aprile, 2017
https://youtu.be/uDzsPwA-JCg
6. Torna in vita
dopo 20 minuti di morte: ecco cosa ha visto (2 min)
23 Ott. 2017 https://youtu.be/h3HAn_21tVg
L'incredibile storia di Zack Clements. Si
risveglia dopo 20 minuti di morte cerebrale e racconta un'esperienza
incredibile
7.
Dott. Carlo Cipolla: La Vita Oltre la Vita (Credere,
Sperare, Pensare...) (18 min) Dec 22, 2013
https://youtu.be/uJrtGrGOVlM
Una notte in terapia intensiva, due donne in
arresto cardiaco a poche ore di distanza una dall'altra, di estrazione sociale
diversa, di cultura diversa, una religiosa una laica, due donne che più diverse
non potrebbero essere... il Dott Carlo Cipolla, Direttore della Divisione di
Cardiologia dell'IEO di Milano ci racconta cosa successe quella notte e cosa
gli raccontarono le due donne a distanza di circa un anno su ciò che avevano
provato mentre erano in arresto cardiaco, e cioè un'esperienza molto simile nei
loro racconti di vita oltre la vita, in quel tunnel di luce che molti hanno
testimoniato di aver visto e che rimane uno dei misteri più affascinanti della
mente umana (o per chi è credente della conferma che esiste un
"dopo") ma che comunque emoziona e fa pensare...
8.
Voyager Vita dopo la morte, intervista a Eben
Alexander (proof of heaven).avi (38 min) •Feb 8, 2013 https://youtu.be/P1RWOKdC8zw
Articoli /ARTICLES IN ITALIAN
1. Cosa succede dopo la Morte? Cosa
dice la Bibbia? Da la Luce di Maria 18/03/2015https://www.lalucedimaria.it/cosa-succede-dopo-la-morte/
Una domanda che tutti si
pongono è: Cosa accade dopo la morte? Dove si va quando si muore? L’anima, il
cielo, l’inferno… cosa c’è di vero? Nel corso dei secoli l’uomo ha cercato di
darsi delle risposte cercando nella filosofia e nelle tradizioni religiose, nel
tentativo di sottrarsi al timore generato da quegli interrogativi.
In questo studio daremo
brevemente uno sguardo alle principali idee umane e religiose su questi
argomenti, e infine vedremo cosa dice la Bibbia in proposito.
2.
Vita dopo la morte - Cristolibera.it
Dalla Bibbia sappiamo
molte cose su questo argomento. ... Cosa significano la Sua morte e
la Sua resurrezione? ... Che cosa ci aspetta nell' aldilà? ...
In Daniele 12:1-4, Daniele parla della fine dei tempi quando dice, “molti
di quelli che ... Cristo, il Figlio di Dio, ha fatto in modo che anche noi
fossimo vincitori sulla morte. https://www.cristolibera.it/Vita_dopo_morte.html
Di Betty Miller. Al giorno
d’oggi, la maggior parte delle persone fa fatica a capire il fatto che lo
spirito è eterno, immortale. Persino coloro che si dicono “religiosi” spesso
credono in una sorta di vita dopo la morte. L’unica cosa è che non sono sicuri
di ciò che sia; altri ancora non lo vogliono neanche sapere. L’Inferno non
è un argomento molto di moda. Gli insegnamenti della New Age (Nuova Era) hanno
introdotto nella nostra società un concetto vago e molto “comodo” della vita
dopo la morte.
PEACE CANNOT BE BUILT ON ARMS ONLY!
FB post 2-18-21
I realize the world is unstable with many crazy fanatics ready to destroy us! We need weapons to defend stability and peace in order to keep at bay those who seek to annihilate us.
I also realize that the world's richest countries need reduce our military spending because it is unsustainable! We cannot afford to continue spending billions, while people are starving, have no food, no health care, no education, no hope!
It seems that we have not yet learned our lessons! Look at us, humanity is on its knees! The covid19 pandemic has killed millions! And yet, most of our tax money, here in the USA (59 cent for every federal tax dollar we pay), is spent on defense! That's way too much! It is simply immoral! And unnecessary! We are enriching the already rich defense industry, the defense contractors, and arms dealers! But it's taking away needed funds from health care, the infrastructure (roads, bridges, the antiquated US railway system), from education, from research, from the protection of the environment and of badly needed social services; we have over 50 million poor in the USA, close to a billion poor in the world and over 75 million refugees all over the world! etc., etc.!
Reducing our defense budget by 10-20 percent, or even freezing it for a few years- won't threaten our military security! But keeping on spending this outrageous amount of money on armaments isn't making our planet any safer!
Please, write your elected officials at the national level and demand a reduction in the defense budget! Do it for our children and their future on this planet! Thank you!
8 Doves in Space. Acrylic on canvas board.
Petition calls for Archbishop Naumann's removal as bishops' pro-life chair
Mar 18, 2021
More than 20,000 individuals signed a petition calling for Archbishop Joseph Naumann to be removed as chairman of the U.S. bishops' pro-life committee after he signaled hostility towards President Joe Biden over his position on abortion.
Source:
https://www.ncronline.org/news/people/petition-calls-archbishop-naumanns-removal-bishops-pro-life-chair?fbclid=IwAR3EVcVIFqV63m9eymctTJ9NjpK1rlRG3hSkZ5Aa4ZbDxe0WmsaAT3rskgc
The CLERGY SHOULD ALSO BE ASHAMED OF SEXUAL CHILD ABUSES AND FINANCIAL ABUSES! FB Post 18 March, 2021
Antwerp Bishop Johan Bonny said he felt "shame for my church" at the Vatican statement against blessing same-sex unions and added: "I want to apologize to all for whom this is painful and incomprehensible."
BRUSSELS — A Belgian bishop has lashed out at the Vatican over its decree that the Catholic Church won't bless same-sex unions since God "cannot bless sin."
Antwerp Bishop Johan Bonny wrote in an opinion piece Wednesday that he feels "shame for my Church" and "intellectual and moral incomprehension" after Pope Francis approved the "negative" response to a question about whether Catholic clergy have the authority to bless same-sex unions. The official response said God "does not and cannot bless sin."
The Vatican holds that gay people must be treated with dignity and respect, but that gay sex is "intrinsically disordered." Catholic teaching says that marriage is a lifelong union between a man and a woman that is part of God's plan and intended for creating new life.
The orthodoxy office's document argued that same-sex unions can't be blessed by the Catholic Church because they are not part of that plan.
God "does not and cannot bless sin: He blesses sinful man, so that he may recognize that he is part of his plan of love and allow himself to be changed by him," the note said.
In his opinion piece published in Belgian newspaper De Standaard, Bonny countered that "sin is one of the most difficult theological and moral categories to define, and one of the last to pin on people and their way of living together."
The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith issued a similar decree in 2003 that said the church's respect for gay people "cannot lead in any way to approval of homosexual behavior or to legal recognition of homosexual unions."
Belgium has historically been a staunch Roman Catholic country with strong ties to the Vatican. But the number of believers and attendance at church services has shrunk over the past decades.
The nation is dotted with churches great and small, but their death announcements almost invariably outnumber those for baptisms.
Source:
https://www.ncronline.org/news/justice/belgian-bishop-lashes-out-vatican-over-gay-unions-decree?fbclid=IwAR0qB4KW0AJXpuB7ugybIA4drAJrhS-fPh4LYpFWEp2poGb5FD61-t2aiek
I DESPISE HYPOCRISY FB post 2-17-21
On February 13, in an interview published in the Catholic World Report.com Archbishop Nauman, the Archbishop of Kansas City, and of Kansas, the current chairman USCCB’s Committee on Pro-Life Activities, discussed the March for Life and other pro-life work, controversy over vaccines, and why he stated that Joe Biden is “usurping the role of the bishops and confusing people."
I have been a lifelong devout Catholic and I can tell you that Joe Biden is not “usurping the role of the bishops and people." Joe Biden isn't confusing me either, because he has said clearly that he is personally opposed to abortion, but cannot force his Catholic beliefs on women.
Therefore, I think that it's not President Biden who is “usurping the role of the bishops and people," but rather some bishops and cardinals who are questioning the moral authority of the Church and the pope- with their rogue immoral behavior! I am referring to those bishops who accuse President Joe Biden and others, of being bad Catholics, and they say this in public! This certainly against Church teachings because they are breaking the wow of silence. No priest has the authority to divulge peoples' sins. This is one of your requirements as a Catholic priests.
It seems to me that many Catholic pastors have forgotten Jesus words about accusing others: "WHO IS WITHOUT SIN, CAN THROW THE FIRST STONE."
Some of these high-level Catholic leaders also think that it is Ok to deny the Eucharist- only because people support freedom of choice. But shouldn’t they also deny the Eucharist to those who commit other horrible sins? Like sexually abusing minors, and stealing money from the Church's coffers?
Is this a habit of yours, to accuse others of their sins in public? What about past Presidents? Did you accuse former President Trump of some of his sins? We know he had many! He told over 35,000 lies, mocked others, as the desperate immigrants and refugees. Did you accuse him of cutting food stamps from the very poor? (over 700,000!).
Did you accuse him of enacting the federal death penalty (after 130 years!) and executed many inmates in the last years of his presidency (see the sources at the end of this post), he also slammed doors on immigrants and refugees, and he separated immigrant families and put their children in cages. telling lies/deceiving voters, and cutting food stamps and social services from the poor, spending billions on armaments, supporting and the death penalty.
Did you accuse/scold former President Trump of his abuses of power and being arrogant, offensive and degrading? Did you accuse him of inciting hate and many lies, including election fraud (without any evidence)! And finally, did you accuse him of fomenting violence with his big lie of election fraud and inciting a mob on January 6 into "fighting like hell" and attack the Capitol in order to stop the peaceful transfer of power in our nation?
I don't think that you accused former POTUS even once! Why? Is it because he claimed to be a pro-life president? But was he really? And what about the adult lives he destroyed with his hatred, his lies and deceitful ways and policies that undercut the needy, the environment, health care, etc.. While his policies benefitted himself and the wealthy!
What about former President Trump's sins of neglecting poverty, abuse, persecution, wars, hunger, droughts, environmental disasters? These are mostly human actions/disasters that have contributed to over 75 million of refugees throughout the world! Thanks also to the shockingly enormous amount of money/resources that the top 10 RICHEST NATIONS spend annually on armaments. These countries include the USA, which is the biggest defense spender! It spends as much as all of them.
I have been a faithful Catholic all my life. I'm in my mid 60s, and I despise HYPOCRISY. And with all due respect archbishop, I must say that there's lots of it in our own Catholic Church! Why are you, and other bishops and cardinals, accusing President Biden of being a bad Catholic in public- isn't this against Church teachings? Aren't you supposed be quiet about the sins of other people? Aren't you supposed to keep the wow of silence? Isn't this one of your requirements as a Catholic priest? Of course it is!
However, you think you have the right to criticize and/accuse anyone in public? Even the the current POTUS! What about the former one? What about the sins of your own brother cardinals, bishops and priests who have committed ugly/grave sins?
Dear archbishop, I do not hate anyone! Don't worry, I am only an independent thinker and a pacifist, who rejects evil and violence, and believes in kindness, in truth, freedom of conscience. In addition, I love and trust Our Lord! And His Mother, our Mother Mary, who is the Queen of the Church, therefore I'll always be faithful to God.
But I am upset at these injustices and hypocritical behaviors! Which, unfortunately have been with us a long time. I see high level of Catholics religious, including priests, who are jealous of other priests, even the pope and the saints! Like Saint Padre Pio of Pietralcina! Some of his own brother priests accused him of being a con! A fake! And a deceiver! That his stigmata were fake, a fruit of his imagination! And our Church believed some of these lies! Hence, Padre Pio was forbidden to say Mass for 10 years!
But that's not all the hypocrisy I've seen, and I want to tell you about. Please, forgive me, if I continue, but I must. Why? Because the truth shall set us free! And because I care for the Church, which sadly has become arrogant, divisive, selective, judgmental, insensitive, hypocritical and sinful!
I met a priest about 30 years ago who was upset at Pope John Paul II! The priest vehemently complained that John Paul was to strict! And now many high level Catholic religious, even some cardinals and bishops, attack and criticize Pope Francis for being too liberal!
If we believe that popes are selected by the Holy Spirit, why do they attack and accuse him unjustly/erroneously and blame him of destroying the Church? Isn't the Pope the vicar of Christ? Didn't the cardinals chose/elect him? So, why do some of them, the black sheep of the Church, attack and accuse him him of perverting the Church and its doctrine? Certainly, this is a rebellion! Don't you think?
So, in all humility and due respect, I'd like to remind you and all other Catholic leaders, that the Bible tells us that we're all sinners. In fact, there are also high level sinners in our Catholic Church. Aren't they? We've heard of cardinals and bishops, who have committed horrendous sins, and therefore should have been fired and/or at the very least excommunicated. What kind of sins am I talking about? Sexual and financial abuses! And then covering these disgusting crimes!
So, I again respectfully remind you what the Bible says, about judging others: BEFORE YOU TAKE TAKE THE SPECK OUT OF YOUR BROTHER, TAKE THE LOG OFF YOURS!
I understand that you're a leader, and I think that good leaders should at least be consistent- therefore you should point the finger at all sinners! Not just the ones you disagree with on political/moral matters! And/or political Parties! Because no US political party is fully, truly pro-life! In fact, both are supporting a culture of death! The republicans forbid all abortions, but yet they are for the death penalty, for cutting funds from the poor, the middle class, the environment and many other social programs! While they give huge tax breaks to the wealthy, spend enormous amount of our tax dollars on defense/armaments, and on regime change wars! And when it comes to curbing gun violence, they say: WE DO NOT PULL THE TRIGGERS!
While innocent citizens are murdered in mass shooting in our cities and our schools! And Republicans still continue refusing to pass common sense gun legislation! I'm not proposing to ban all guns, but to have at least some controls in order to reduce the suffering and the number of murders, which are over 33,000 annually!
Then we have the Democrats; who have very permissive, or should I say, radical abortion laws? That encourage abortion on demand anytime during a pregnancy. And most democrats say: WE DO NOT FORCE WOMEN TO HAVE ABORTIONS!
Both political parties are right in a way! They do not force anyone to use/kill with guns and or abortions! And they do not force any women into having abortions! However, their policies encourage and support this culture of death! So, both parties act like the roman governor, Pontius Pilate! They wash their hands! They refuse to take responsibility!
Then we have religious people like you, who only see abortion as the evils of society. You are right, you should speak up, but what about all the other evils I mentioned above? Don't they make people suffer and die too?!? Of course! Life isn't only in the wombs!
People who are sensitive, informed and concerned can see that the problems in our society are many, it's not just abortions. So, how can we prevent these huge problems/issues that are destroying the heart and soul of our nation? What do we do?
I think that as Catholics, we need to pray and ask for God's forgiveness. Second, we must ask God to illuminate our minds/hearts, so that we start being understanding and considerate toward everyone, even those we disagree with. Third, we must find common ground and work together in reducing societies' ills; suffering (often caused caused by ignorance), by poverty, which often brings women to abort because they can't afford a full term pregnancy!
And then there are many other poor people who resort to crime and guns! Poverty, abuse, persecution, wars, hunger, droughts, environmental disasters, all of these ills have contributed to over 75 millions of refugees throughout the world! And yet the top 10 RICHEST NATIONS still spend enormous amounts on armaments. These countries include the USA, the biggest defense spender! It spends as much as all of them combined! I agree with pope Francis when he says: LET'S NOT be SELECTIVE of ONLY CERTAIN SINS, BECAUSE ALL ARE EVIL!
I'm sorry for being long in this response, but I needed to respectfully vent! Because I love and care for the Church; and my objective isn't pointing the finger at anyone, and/or accusing anyone. No, but I hope and pray that you and all Church leaders listen and stop being selective in your opinions/criticism and/or accusations, and instead try to be fair, and criticize all sin and sinners- not just abortion on demand.
I'm not a theologian, I'm a simple person. I am a married father of 2 adult children, a school teacher, and a retired US veteran, who loves all life, not just the life in the womb. I also believe that abortion is wrong, but banning abortion and guns, won't work in reducing suffering and death. We need compassion and regulations to protect life from those who abuse the system, the liars and cheaters.
As you can see from my response, I'm a not a confused Catholic, I just despise the HYPOCRISY, especially when it comes from religious and political leaders. Additionally, I think that we, Catholics, can't force our religious views/beliefs on the population because of Church-State separation laws, and because there are millions who aren't Catholics. America is a multi-cultural society; there are Buddhists, Protestants, Jewish, Muslims, Hindus, atheists etc.. We are also a minority. Would you want them to force their views/beliefs on us? If we impose our belief on others, then we're going to incite misunderstanding, resentment, hate, which are things that usually lead to violence.
I hope that you will not get upset since I disagree with you, and I hope you'll appreciate my frankness, and finally, I also hope that you will pray about all points I made here.
Here are is proof that Trump isn't pro life! He's executed many people during his failed presidency. By BBC.Com
In Trump’s final days, a rush of federal executions. By Holly Honderich
Five people have been executed in the run-up to President-elect Joe Biden's 20 January inauguration - breaking with an 130-year-old precedent of pausing executions amid a presidential transition.
They make Mr. Trump the country's most prolific execution president in more than a century, overseeing the executions of 13 death row inmates since July of this year.
Trump administration has executed more Americans than all states combined, report finds. This article is more than 2 months old. By The Guardian. The execution spree was a first in US history and stands contrary to the declining trend in death penalty practices
Donald Trump has added a morbid new distinction to his presidency – for the first time in US history, the federal government has in one year executed more American civilians than all the states combined.
In the course of 2020, in an unprecedented glut of judicial killing, the Trump administration rushed to put 10 prisoners to death. The execution spree ran roughshod over historical norms and stood entirely contrary to the decline in the practice of the death penalty that has been the trend in the US for several years.
The outlier nature of the Trump administration’s thirst for blood is set out in the year-end report of the Death Penalty Information Center (DPIC). In recent years, the annual review has highlighted the steady withering away of executions, all of which were carried out by individual states.
VIDEOS ON THE Jan 6, 2021 US CAPITOL TERRORIST ATTACK
Please watch these videos and tell me if this isn't sinful.
1. The warning signs before the Capitol riot (6 min) 1-16-21
2. Unpacking the Capitol Riot & Four Years of Trump’s Bulls**t | The Daily Social Distancing Show (11 min) https://youtu.be/j2CTK14LbvM Jan 19, 2021 The Daily Show with Trevor Noah. New information comes out about the Capitol riot, Fox News pundits defend the rioters, Lindsey Graham takes a stand against President Trump but then backtracks, and Republicans call for unity.
3. The Capitol Riots: An Hour-By-Hour Timeline
https://youtu.be/jXAv2cDkWAA Supporters of President Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2020, causing Congress to suspend proceedings to confirm the election of Joe Biden as president. The riot turned deadly when a woman who was shot by police died. The outbreak of chaos led to a historic day in America. Here's a timeline of the U.S. Capitol breach, the riot that ensued, and how U.S. lawmakers returned to confirm Joe Biden's victory in the electoral college.
4. Timeline of the U.S. Capitol Attack on Jan 6, 2021
Supporters of President Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2020, causing Congress to suspend proceedings to confirm the election of Joe Biden as president. The riot turned deadly when a woman who was shot by police died. The outbreak of chaos led to a historic day in America. Here's a timeline of the U.S. Capitol breach, the riot that ensued, and how U.S. lawmakers returned to confirm Joe Biden's victory in the electoral college.
5. Jordan Klepper Sees It All at The Capitol Insurrection | The Daily Social Distancing Show (6.5 min.) Jan 12, 2021
Pitchforks, Proud Boys, and a one-man “Tyranny Response Team.” Jordan Klepper saw it all at the Capitol insurrection.
6. Inside the Capitol Hill Riots (3.4 min) •Jan 9, 2021
This is what it was like to be inside the Capitol Hill insurrection.
Luke Mogelson followed Trump supporters as they forced their way into the U.S. Capitol, using his phone’s camera as a reporter’s notebook.
8. Governor Schwarzenegger's Message Following this Week's Attack on the Capitol (6.4 min) Jan 10, 2021. This is my message to my fellow Americans and my friends around the world after January 6, 2021.
GOOD PEOPLE MUST DENOUNCE
AND REJECT ALL EVIL; ESPECIALLY HATRED, VIOLENCE, COMUNISM, FASCISM, NAZISM AND
RACISM. We have all experienced some of these here in the USA, but I also have close family members, in Italy, who experienced the effects of Fascism! 2-16-21
How can we say that we are good people is we support any of the evils above? No one who says I try to be a good person should have anything to do with the evil ways I mentioned above. If anyone uses those methods, then we know that they are naïve, and/or ignorant, hence they deceive us and themselves too. People who claim to be good, but then resort to evil ways, are false prophets- they are the opposite of goodness.
Did Jesus ever encourage and/or supported violence against the
establishment of his time? He never did! He never instigated and/or tell His
followers to fight the leaders of the time. According to history we know that
the main authorities during the life of Jesus, were Tiberius Caesar (Roman Emperor), Pontius Pilatus (Roman governor), Herod Antipas (King of Judea), and Joseph Caiaphas. Although they exercised control over the economy, military, civil law, and the religious establishment, their power faded, and their influence was only temporary.
So, what do we do when we see evil? Not too long ago, Americans witnessed it on 9/11/01, and just recently we saw the ugly/violent events of January 6, 2021. The terrorists attack of 9/11 was carried out by foreigners; people who thought that they were acting on God’s behalf to punish America for its imperialism and evils all over the world. The terrorists killed 3,000 people that fateful dark day in our history.
Those who inspired and carried out the US Capitol insurrection and attack were white Americans “patriotic” who thought too that they were acting on God’s behalf to save America, When in reality they were listening to former President Trump’s false claims of election fraud. The former president fallowers resorted to violence and humiliation of our nation, in order to prevent the peaceful transfer of power- the certification of the election results- Joe Biden’s lawful win.
Nevertheless, the Americans who ransacked the Capitol were Americans who
believe that they are good people. And yet, they caused the death of 7
people. Theirs was a humiliating and degrading act because our president incited it, he lit the fire by spreading the big lie; a fraudulent election- without any proof- even his own AG, confirmed that there was no election fraud whatsoever! And close to 60 judges (Republicans and Democrats) told former President Trump that there was indeed no fraud anywhere in the USA during the 2020 presidential election. In addition, there has never been any major/serious election fraud anywhere/anytime in the US’s history.
My family in Italy experienced the effects of Benito Mussolini’s Fascist government. My dad was 8 years old, poor, hungry and without shoes, when Mussolini (called “il Duce”- the leader) was in power. My dad often tells me of those ugly and difficult times. He said that he was hungry every day, and he ate all kinds of greens he could find in the countryside. One time he was so hungry that he dared to steal a loaf of bread from the German soldiers camping outside our hometown in Sicily. He also tells me, that at that time, people were not allowed to
congregate in public places, if two were seen talking by the “camice nere”, the black shirts (the Duce’s policing teams). The people they harassed would get arrested, others would be sent away, “al confine”, to the border- away from everyone they knew. Many got beat up and killed by the camice nere.
So, what is my point? My point is that Fascism, Nazism, Communism and Racism are all violent ways that good/decent peace-loving people cannot even think to support because they are evil; they all resort to violence to reach their sick, perverted, deadly ways. So, let us not be deceived and allow evil
political leaders/dictators to take office, because they will sooner or later
resort to abuse, deceit, lies, hate, violence, wars, aggressive confrontations, with threats, torture, murdering in order to get what they want and stay in power at all means. We can find better ways to get them out than murdering them,
Do good people have to obey the governments? What does the Bible say? I found the answers in Got Questions Your Questions Biblical Answers, an online article titled, Do Christians have to obey the laws of the land? Here are the major points.
Romans 13:1-7 tells us, “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.
Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what
God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.
For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong.
Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is
right and he will commend you. For he is God’s servant to do you good. But
if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is
God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.
Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of
possible punishment but also because of conscience. This is also why you pay
taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to
governing. Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if
revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.”
The above passage is obvious- we either obey the rulers appointed over us, or
sooner or later God will punish us. But that is not all Genesis 9:6 says: “Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for God made man in his own image.”
Is God telling us to seek revenge? Or use
capital punishment (the death penalty) as a form of justice. I do not think
so, because Jesus warned us not to seek revenge. Have you heard the
saying: "Live by the sword, die by the sword"?
This is a phrase that comes from the Gospel of Matthew 26:52)- it says: “Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for
all who draw the sword will die by the sword.”
No, God wants us to be obedient, in fact Jesus
gave us plenty of examples on how we should behave when dealing with the
authority of the government. In Mark 12:17 Jesus said, “give to Caesar
what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.” His reply
completely amazed them.
1 Corinthians 14:33 says: "For God is not a God of disorder but
of peace, as in all the meetings of God's holy people."
Romans 12:8 says: "if it is to encourage, then give
encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it
diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully."
So, it is clear that we are to obey the government; when paying
taxes, obeying rules and laws, and showing respect. If we do not, we are
showing disrespect towards God, for He is the One who placed that government over us. When the apostle Paul wrote to the Romans, he was under the government of Rome, which was very vicious. However, Paul recognized the Roman government’s rule over him. Should we do otherwise, hence cheat, or rebel and/or resort to violence?
But what if the government and/or leaders appointed over us
are corrupt? Can we intentionally- freely disobey their orders and/or
laws? The Bible has also an answer in this regard.
Acts 5:27-29 says, And when they had brought them, they set them
before the council. And the high priest questioned them, saying, “We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet
here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring
this man's blood upon us.” But
Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.
I invite
you to learn about the lives of the world’s most violent dictators- not to imitate them- but to remind us that violent human can cause much suffering. I have listed some sources below. I also pray that we will never let anyone influence us (not even presidents and/or military leaders). We must stay clear; stay away from those who think and resort to violence and try to convince us that they we are doing something good for our country, and/or that they are following God’s ways.
God would never tell His children to hurt and/or kill another human being. God cannot and will not do that, because God is Love and Mercy. He is the One who gives life and the One who can take it away. God would never condone and/or accept violence. If someone tells you that violence is necessary to solve/stop a problem- do not believe them- there are many better non-violent ways to fix problems.
We must learn
and follow the example of the world’s peacemakers like Jesus Christ, Cesar Chavez, Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr, Nelson Mandela, Pope John Paul II, Francis, and many others. These are some of greatest leaders who have done good by building understanding, tolerance, peace, and justice.
And we must restore and return to duty, honor, respect (all people have dignity) responsibility (civic- choosing good leaders, doing what is best for our communities and the world), respect/honor all peoples cultures and religions.
And finally,we must never resort to violence to solve our differences and/or problems. We have seen what dictatorial systems of Communism, Fascism, Nazism, and Racism have done to our brothers/sisters in the world.
For more info. on peace and social activists, on obeying the law/governments, on the
evils committed by dictators, by Communism, Fascism, Nazism, and Racism see the
following sources.
Social Activists- peace workers!
1. 5 non-violent
activists you may not know https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/
2. Most Famous Activists in History
by BRITTANY MCSORLEY 3 years
ago in ACTIVISM / HISTORY / POLITICS / LIST History is shaped by those who take a
stand and fight for change, such as the most famous activists in history. https://vocal.media/theSwamp/most-famous-activists-in-history
3. The Fifty Most Influential
Progressives of the Twentieth Century. The
radical ideas of one generation become the common sense of the next. Here,
Peter Dreier honors the people who moved progressive ideas in America from the
marginal to the mainstream. https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/fifty-most-influential-progressives-twentieth-century/
4. US Civil Rights Activists https://www.biography.com/people/groups/civil-rights-activists
5. Top 10 Activists Who Made A Difference (video,
5.5 min) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=el9lIgKFMpA
Top 10 Activists Who Made A Difference. We
here at Babble Top have put together a list of the top 10 activists who made
real historical differences in our world.
American Heroes & Social Activists
1. Mother Cabrini https://www.mothercabrini.org/who-we-are/mother-cabrini/
Saint Frances Cabrini, was also known as Maria
Francesca Cabrini. She was an Italian immigrant and a catholic nun. She helped
poor immigrant children by providing (them a home to stay, and by building many
hospitals and orphanages throughout the USA. She was born in a small Italian
village on July 15, 1850. She opened Columbus Hospital in New York. In 1909
Mother Cabrini became a U.S. citizen. She died on December 22, 1922. Pope Pius
XII canonized her (declared her a saint in 1946 and named her Patroness, the protector
of immigrants. She was the first U. S. citizen to be declared a saint.
2. Mother Cabrini - Official Trailer (1.3 min)
10-28-18https://youtu.be/KoTXo4yUzp0
3. Cesar Chávez Cesar Chavez was born near Yuma,
Arizona, on March 31, 1927, Cesar Chavez employed nonviolent means to bring
attention to the plight of farmworkers, and formed both the National Farm
Workers Association, which later became United Farm Workers. As a labor leader,
Chavez led marches, called for boycotts and went on several hunger strikes. It
is believed that Chavez's hunger strikes contributed to his death on April 23,
1993, in San Luis, Arizona.
4. Cesar Chavez - American Civil Rights Activist |
Mini Bio | BIO (2 min) https://youtu.be/Ns5NMHTk-yY?list=PL1q4nS4tiDfVzBYK8iFbuG0kMqDNBgfoH&t=2
5. Cesar Chavez - American Civil Rights Activist | Mini Bio | BIO (4 min) https://youtu.be/Ns5NMHTk-yY?list=PL1q4nS4tiDfVzBYK8iFbuG0kMqDNBgfoH&t=1
6. Cesar Chavez-Movie trailer (2 min)
Michael Peña stars as
Cesar Chavez in this empowering biopic. Chavez inspired millions of Americans
from all walks of life to fight for social justice. Also starring America
Ferrera, Rosario Dawson and John Malkovich, this film chronicles Chavez'
triumphant journey and is a testament to the power of one individual's ability
to change the world. https://youtu.be/q81a7KBEMVs?t=12
7. Francis:The Pope From The New World - Full Documentary
(51 min)
Francis: the Pope
From the New World unveils the personality, passion, and extraordinary faith of
the new Pope. Shot on location in Buenos Aires, and featuring interviews with
close friends, collaborators, and his official biographer—this documentary
paints an indelible portrait of a towering figure of our time.
https://youtu.be/aImytGrpoaY?t=1
8. Pope Francis Arrives In U.S., Rides Off In Fiat | MSNBC (4 min)
Anne Thompson reports on Pope Francis'
departure from Joint Base Andrews in a small Fiat after saying goodbye to
President Obama and the First Lady.
https://youtu.be/NnuXc-FWyEI?t=1
9. NELSON MANDELA
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was a South African anti-apartheid revolutionary, political
leader, and philanthropist (helper/donor) who served as President of South
Africa from 1994 to 1999. He was the country's first black head of state and
the first elected in a fully representative democratic election. Wikipedia Born: July 18, 1918, Mvezo, South Africa. Died: December 5, 2013, Houghton Estate, Johannesburg, South Africa.
Nelson Mandela: Civil Rights Activist & President Of South Africa | Biography (6.5 min) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UqoYmx_L-Xs
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was a nonviolence anti-apartheid
activist, politician and philanthropist who became South Africa’s first black
president. Find out more about his life in this short biography.
10. Martin Luther King Jr. was an American
Christian minister and activist who became the most visible spokesperson
and leader in the Civil Rights Movement from 1955 until his
assassination in 1968. Born: January 15, 1929, Atlanta, GA. Assassinated (killed): April 4, 1968, Memphis, TN.
BBC Face to Face| Martin Luther King Jr Interview
(1961) 31 min.
Firs transmitted in 1961, Martin Luther King talks about his childhood experiences
and the incidents that led to the Montgomery bus boycott. These events shaped
King's life and led to him becoming a national figurehead and civil rights
leader. He is questioned on whether he feels fear or loneliness in his position,
as well as his own feelings on his adequacy as a leader of the civil rights
movement in America.
https://youtu.be/Df4fycfda10?t=3
HOW
SHOULD CHRISTIANS BEHAVE TOWARD THE GOVERNMENT?
1. Do Christians have to obey
the laws of the land?
https://www.gotquestions.org/laws-land.html
TOP 1
2. Political Leaders After Jesus – 4-10-18 BY Titus KENNEDY
https://drivethruhistoryadventures.com/political-leaders-jesus/#:~:text=In%20the%20kingdom%20of%20man,their%20influence%20was%20only%20temporary
VICIUS LEADERS/DICTATORS
1. Top Ten Most Evil Dictators of All Time (in order of kill count)
You can read the whole article at the bottom of this post. Some
people make horrible decisions, others are just bad presidents, a few are
bloodthirsty, many are extremists, a couple are warmongers, and all of these
guys are a mix. Ten of our political leaders in the last 130 years have been
the architects of the most horrific genocides, systematic murders, blockades,
brutal wars, and policy reforms history has ever recorded. http://www.popten.net/2010/05/top-ten-most-evil-dictators-of-all-time-in-order-of-kill-count/
2. TopTen Most Evil Dictators of All Time (in
order of kill count). Some
people make horrible decisions, others are just bad presidents, a few are
bloodthirsty, many are extremists, a couple are warmongers, and all of these
guys are a mix. Ten of our political leaders in the last 130 years have been
the architects of the most horrific genocides, systematic murders, blockades,
brutal wars, and policy reforms history has ever recorded.
https://www.jcpe.tv/top-ten-most-evil-dictators-of-all-time-in-order-of-kill-count/
3. Racism - A History (Part 1 of 3) - YouTube (54 min)
A documentary about the origins of racism. https://youtu.be/GcrcflTCu4Q
4. After 100 years, Mussolini’s
fascist party is a reminder of the fragility of freedom / The
Conversation/ March 12, 2019 · 12:15 PM EDT
By Richard Gunderman For more than two decades, when he came to be known as “Il Duce,” or “the leader,” Mussolini wielded broad powers. At the end of World War II, he was
shot by a firing squad for his crimes. His body was publicly hung upside down.
https://www.pri.org/stories/2019-03-12/after-100-years-mussolini-s-fascist-party-reminder-fragility-freedom
5. Black Brigades – From Wikipedia
War crimes The Black Brigades were frequently involved in support of German units during anti-partisan operations which resulted in massacres of the Italian civilian population, like at
the Vinca massacre where 162 civilians were executed where the 40. Brigata near “Vittorio Ricciarelli” di Livorno was involved.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Brigades
6. Adolf
Hitler ORIGINAL: OCT 29, 2009 / UPDATED: AUG 30, 2019
Adolf Hitler, the leader of Germany’s Nazi Party, was one of the most
powerful and notorious dictators of the 20th century. Hitler capitalized on
economic woes, popular discontent and political infighting to take absolute power
in Germany beginning in 1933. Germany’s invasion of Poland in 1939 led to the
outbreak of World War II, and by 1941 Nazi forces
had occupied much of Europe. Hitler’s virulent anti-Semitism and obsessive pursuit
of Aryan supremacy fueled the murder of some 6 million Jews, along with other
victims of the Holocaust. After the tide of war
turned against him, Hitler committed suicide in a Berlin bunker in April 1945.
https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/adolf-hitler-1
7. 2004:
The Murder of Emmett Till (25 min) 6-20-20
https://youtu.be/fjr6XLcCXgU
In 2004, 60 Minutes correspondent Ed Bradley reported on
the 1955 murder of 14-year-old Emmett Till.
FULL ARTICLE OF THE…
8. Top Ten Most Evil
Dictators of All Time (in order of kill count)
http://www.popten.net/2010/05/top-ten-most-evil-dictators-of-all-time-in-order-of-kill-count/
MAY 04, 2010by JUAN
CARLOS PINEIRO ESCORIAZAin FEATURED
Article: The 'morally grave' reasons this member of Congress is voting for Biden
10-30-20
https://www.ncronline.org/news/opinion/morally-grave-reasons-member-congress-voting-biden?fbclid=IwAR1YED562MxjXhnazLkCRrqeldh__OBnqJfUeFFzAyB7B7zPsRHtOBybUtc
Image# 1- below: Crucified Nature
Oil & collage on canvas. NY City. 1977.
Image23- Below: The Man and the Machine. Oils on
canvas. 3’ x 5’. Manhattan, NYC, 1976. © Ottavio Lo Piccolo.
President Trump isn't totally pro-life
Letter to the Schenectady Daily Gazette, NY 8-22-20
President Trump claims to be pro-life and pro-guns, however, the Catholic Church condemns greed, the exploitation of the poor, and degrading God's creation. It is especially troubling to see him claim that his support of the Second Amendment should endear him to Catholics specifically.
I did a small research on the topic of abortion, in order to find out which political party actually reduces the number of abortions. Let me share three articles on this issue.
The first one: The sharpest drops in abortion rates in America have been under Democratic presidents. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the last three decades, abortion rates have fallen the most under Democrats, and remained flat or at best decreased marginally under republican administrations; starting from Ronald Reagan to Barack Obama. The abortion rate is now the lowest on record since 1971, two years before Roe v. Wade a became law.
The second article: Explainer: If Joe Biden wins, what does that mean for abortion policies? By James T. Keane August 19, 2020. Online post by America The Jesuit Review.
And the third one: Sharpest drops in abortion under Democrats.
So, it’s obvious that so far, the way to reduce abortions is economic stability, affordable family planning/birth control, and quality health care. The things that Trump and Republicans oppose and fight against. It’s also obvious that voting Republican will not necessarily reduce abortions.
Something to think about if we truly care about life and not empty words!
GOOD PEOPLE MUST DENOUNCE
AND REJECT ALL EVIL - FB post, 2-16-21
All people should do that and totally reject hatred, violence and any form of ism; Communism, Fascism, Nazism and racism. We have all experienced some of these here in the USA- we all saw a violent act on January 6, but I also have close family members, in Italy, who experienced the effects of Fascism!
How can we say that we are good people if we support any of the evils above? No one who says, "I try to be a good person"- should have anything to do with the evils I mentioned above. If anyone uses those methods, then we know that they are naïve, and/or ignorant, hence they will deceive us and deceive themselves too. People who claim to be good, but then resort to evil ways, are false prophets- they are the opposite of goodness.
I am a Christian, and I often ask myself; Did Jesus ever encourage and/or support violence? Was he violent against the establishment of his time? He never was! He never instigated and/or tell His followers to fight the leaders of the time.
According to history we know that the main authorities during the life of Jesus, were Tiberius Caesar (Roman Emperor), Pontius Pilatus (Roman governor), Herod Antipas, the son of Herod the Great, became tetrarch of Galilee and ruled throughout Jesus of Nazareth's ministry, and Joseph Caiaphas (religious leader). Although they exercised control over the economy, military, civil law, and the religious establishment, their power faded, and their influence was only temporary.
So, what do we do when we see evil? Not too long ago, Americans witnessed it on 9/11/01, and just recently we saw the ugly/violent events of January 6, 2021. The terrorists attack of 9/11 was carried out by foreigners; people who thought that they were acting on God’s behalf to punish America for its imperialism and evils all over the world. The terrorists killed 3,000 people that fateful dark day in our history.
Those who inspired and carried out the US Capitol insurrection and attack were white Americans “patriotic” who thought too that they were acting on God’s behalf to save America, When in reality they were listening to former President Trump’s false claims of election fraud. The former president fallowers resorted to violence and humiliation of our nation, in order to prevent the peaceful transfer of power- the certification of the election results- Joe Biden’s lawful win. Nevertheless, the Americans who ransacked the Capitol were Americans who believe that they are good people. And yet, they caused the death of 7 people. Theirs was a humiliating and degrading act because our president incited it, he lit the fire by spreading the big lie; a fraudulent election- without any proof- even his own AG, confirmed that there was no election fraud whatsoever! And close to 60 judges (Republicans and Democrats) told former President Trump that there was indeed no fraud anywhere in the USA during the 2020 presidential election. In addition, there has never been any major/serious election fraud anywhere/anytime in the US’s history.
My family in Italy experienced the effects of Benito Mussolini’s Fascist government. My dad was 8 years old, poor, hungry and without shoes, when Mussolini (called “il Duce”- the leader) was in power. My dad often tells me of those ugly and difficult times. He said that he was hungry every day, and he ate all kinds of greens he could find in the countryside. One time he was so hungry that he dared to steal a loaf of bread from the German soldiers camping outside our hometown in Sicily. He also tells me, that at that time, people were not allowed to congregate in public places, if two were seen talking by the “camice nere”, the black shirts (the Duce’s policing teams). The people they harassed would get arrested, others would be sent away, “al confine”, to the border- away from everyone they knew. Many got beat up and killed by the camice nere.
So, what is my point? My point is that Fascism, Nazism, Communism and Racism are all violent ways that good/decent peace-loving people cannot even think to support because they are evil; they all resort to violence to reach their sick, perverted, deadly ways. So, let us not be deceived and allow evil political leaders/dictators to take office, because they will sooner or later resort to abuse, deceit, lies, hate, violence, wars, aggressive confrontations, with threats, torture, murdering in order to get what they want and stay in power at all means. We can find better ways to get them out than murdering them.
Do good people have to obey the governments? What does the Bible say? Here are the major points.
Romans 13:1-7 tells us,
“Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God’s servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.”
The above passage is obvious- we either obey the rulers appointed over us, or sooner or later God will punish us. But that is not all Genesis 9:6 says: “Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for God made man in his own image.”
Is God telling us to seek revenge? Or use capital punishment (the death penalty) as a form of justice. I do not think so, because Jesus warned us not to seek revenge. Have you heard the saying: "Live by the sword, die by the sword"? This is a phrase that comes from the Gospel of Matthew 26:52)- it says: “Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.”
No, God wants us to be obedient, in fact Jesus gave us plenty of examples on how we should behave when dealing with the authority of the government. In Mark 12:17 Jesus said, “give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.” His reply completely amazed them.
1 Corinthians 14:33 says: "For God is not a God of disorder but of peace, as in all the meetings of God's holy people."
Romans 12:8 says: "if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully."
So, it is clear that we are to obey the government; when paying taxes, obeying rules and laws, and showing respect. If we do not, we are showing disrespect towards God, for He is the One who placed that government over us. When the apostle Paul wrote to the Romans, he was under the government of Rome, which was very vicious. However, Paul recognized the Roman government’s rule over him. Should we do otherwise? Hence cheat, or rebel, and/or resort to violence?
But what if the government and/or leaders appointed over us are corrupt? Can we intentionally- freely disobey their orders and/or laws? The Bible has also an answer in this regard. Acts 5:27-29 says, And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest questioned them, saying, “We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man's blood upon us.” But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.
I am a retired US veteran, and I'm very familiar in obeying orders; but I only executed those that were legal and morally correct. Most military personnel do, because we are trained well; we know that if a commander, or even the President, gives us an illegal order- like for instance- shooting armless civilians, we are not obliged to obey it- we can refuse to carry it out!! Because if we do, we will be incriminated! Why? Because one of the rules of engagement (fighting) in the military tells us not to shoot innocent civilians. And no one has the authority, not even the POTUS (President of the US), has the authority to order us to do something illegal and/or ethically unsound.
The people who attacked the Capitol were executing an illegal order from the Commander-in- Chief, our own president! Too bad if they were not aware that their action was unlawful! They will have to face the consequences, and pay for their crimes. I'm sure some of them may have realized their mistake, and have repented, but many still think that what they did was necessary. These people don't realize the damage they have done to our nation. They simply are not mature to see that a divided house will fall. And it's sad to say, they may not care because they are following a selfish and deranged leader.
I invite you to learn about the lives of the world’s most violent dictators- not to imitate them- but to remind us that violent humans can cause much suffering and harm. I have listed some sources below. I also pray that we will never let anyone influence us (not even presidents and/or military leaders). We must stay clear- away from those who think and resort to violence and try to convince us that what they are doing is something good for our country, and that they are following God’s ways.
God would never accept and/or inspire, nor tell His children to hurt and/or kill another human being. God cannot and will not do that, because God is Love and Mercy. He is the One who gives life and the One who can take it away. God would never condone and/or accept violence. If someone tells you that violence is necessary to solve/stop a problem- do not believe them- there are many better non-violent ways to fix problems.
We must also learn and follow the example of the world’s peacemakers like Jesus Christ, Cesar Chavez, Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr, Nelson Mandela, Pope John Paul II, Pope Francis, and many others. These are leaders who have done much good by building understanding, tolerance, peace, and justice. And many have even given their life for the cause of peace.
Let's restore, respect, civic responsibility (by choosing honest/compassionate leaders who are willing to do what is best for our communities and the world, and respect/honor all peoples/races, cultures and religions.
And finally, we must never resort to violence to solve our differences and/or problems. We have seen what dictatorial systems of Communism, Fascism, Nazism, and Racism have done to our brothers/sisters in our country and all over the world.
Biblical sources: Got Questions Your Questions Biblical Answers. Do Christians have to obey the laws of the land? https://www.gotquestions.org/laws-land.html
For more info. on peace and social activists, on obeying the law/governments, on the evils committed by dictators, by Communism, Fascism, Nazism, and Racism see the following sources below.
SOCIAL ACTIVISTS- peace workers!
2. Most Famous Activists in History
3. The Fifty Most Influential Progressives of the Twentieth Century. The radical ideas of one generation become the common sense of the next. Here, Peter Dreier honors the people who moved progressive ideas in America from the marginal to the mainstream. https://www.thenation.com/.../fifty-most-influential.../
AMERICAN HEROES AND SOCIAL ACTIVITS
Saint Frances Cabrini, was also known as Maria Francesca Cabrini. She was an Italian immigrant and a catholic nun. She helped poor immigrant children by providing (them a home to stay, and by building many hospitals and orphanages throughout the USA. She was born in a small Italian village on July 15, 1850. She opened Columbus Hospital in New York. In 1909 Mother Cabrini became a U.S. citizen. She died on December 22, 1922. Pope Pius XII canonized her (declared her a saint in 1946 and named her Patroness, the protector of immigrants. She was the first U. S. citizen to be declared a saint.
2. Mother Cabrini - Official Trailer (1.3 min) 10-28-18
3. Cesar Chávez Cesar Chavez was born near Yuma, Arizona, on March 31, 1927, Cesar Chavez employed nonviolent means to bring attention to the plight of farmworkers, and formed both the National Farm Workers Association, which later became United Farm Workers. As a labor leader, Chavez led marches, called for boycotts and went on several hunger strikes. It is believed that Chavez's hunger strikes contributed to his death on April 23, 1993, in San Luis, Arizona.
6. Cesar Chavez- Movie trailer (2 min). Michael Peña stars as Cesar Chavez in this empowering biopic. Chavez inspired millions of Americans from all walks of life to fight for social justice. Also starring America Ferrera, Rosario Dawson and John Malkovich, this film chronicles Chavez' triumphant journey and is a testament to the power of one individual's ability to change the world. https://youtu.be/q81a7KBEMVs?t=12
7. Francis: The Pope From The New World - Full Documentary (51 min) Francis: the Pope From the New World unveils the personality, passion, and extraordinary faith of the new Pope. Shot on location in Buenos Aires, and featuring interviews with close friends, collaborators, and his official biographer—this documentary paints an indelible portrait of a towering figure of our time.
8. Pope Francis Arrives In U.S., Rides Off In Fiat | MSNBC (4 min)
Anne Thompson reports on Pope Francis' departure from Joint Base Andrews in a small Fiat after saying goodbye to President Obama and the First Lady.
9. NELSON MANDELA Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was a South African anti-apartheid, revolutionary nonviolent activist, also a politician and philanthropist who became South Africa’s first black president from 1994 to 1999. Find out more about his life in this short biography. He was the country's first black head of state and the first elected in a fully representative democratic election. Wikipedia Born: July 18, 1918, Mvezo, South Africa. Died: December 5, 2013, Houghton Estate, Johannesburg, South Africa. Nelson Mandela: Civil Rights Activist & President Of South Africa | Biography (6.5 min) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UqoYmx_L-Xs 10. Martin Luther King Jr. was an American Christian minister and activist who became the most visible spokesperson and leader in the Civil Rights Movement from 1955 until his assassination in 1968. Born: January 15, 1929, Atlanta, GA. Assassinated (killed): April 4, 1968, Memphis, TN. BBC Face to Face| Martin Luther King Jr Interview (1961) 31 min. First transmitted in 1961, Martin Luther King talks about his childhood experiences and the incidents that led to the Montgomery bus boycott. These events shaped King's life and led to him becoming a national figurehead and civil rights leader. He is questioned on whether he feels fear or loneliness in his position, as well as his own feelings on his adequacy as a leader of the civil rights movement in America.
BBC Face to Face| Martin Luther King Jr Interview (1961) 31 min. First transmitted in 1961, Martin Luther King talks about his childhood experiences and the incidents that led to the Montgomery bus boycott. These events shaped King's life and led to him becoming a national figurehead and civil rights leader. He is questioned on whether he feels fear or loneliness in his position, as well as his own feelings on his adequacy as a leader of the civil rights movement in America. https://youtu.be/Df4fycfda10?t=3
MLK Talks 'New Phase' Of Civil Rights Struggle, 11 Months Before His Assassination | NBC News (26.5 min). In 1967, at the Ebenezer Baptist Church inAtlanta, Georgia, Martin Luther King spoke with NBC News' Sander Vanocur about the "new phase" of the struggle for "genuine equality." https://youtu.be/2xsbt3a7K-8?t=73
HOW SHOULD CHRISTIANS BEHAVE TOWARD THE GOVERNMENT?
1. Do Christians have to obey the laws of the land?
2. Political Leaders After Jesus – 4-10-18 BY TITUS KENNEDY
VICIUS LEADERS/DICTATORS
1. Top Ten Most Evil Dictators of All Time (in order of kill count)
Some people make horrible decisions, others are just bad presidents, a few are bloodthirsty, many are extremists, a couple are warmongers, and all of these guys are a mix. Ten of our political leaders in the last 130 years have been the architects of the most horrific genocides, systematic murders, blockades, brutal wars, and policy reforms history has ever recorded.
3. Racism - A History (Part 1 of 3) - YouTube (54 min)
4. After 100 years, Mussolini’s fascist party is a reminder of the fragility of freedom / The Conversation/ March 12, 2019. By Richard Gunderman For more than two decades, when he came to be known as “Il Duce,” or “the leader,” Mussolini wielded broad powers. At the end of World War II, he was shot by a firing squad for his crimes. His body was publicly hung upside down.
5. Black Brigades – From Wikipedia
War crimes The Black Brigades were frequently involved in support of German units during anti-partisan operations which resulted in massacres of the Italian civilian population, like at the Vinca massacre where 162 civilians were executed where the 40. Brigata near “Vittorio Ricciarelli” di Livorno was involved.
6. Adolf Hitler ORIGINAL: OCT 29, 2009 / UPDATED: 8- 30-19
Adolf Hitler, the leader of Germany’s Nazi Party, was one of the most powerful and notorious dictators of the 20th century. Hitler capitalized on economic woes, popular discontent and political infighting to take absolute power in Germany beginning in 1933. Germany’s invasion of Poland in 1939 led to the outbreak of World War II, and by 1941 Nazi forces had occupied much of Europe. Hitler’s virulent anti-Semitism and obsessive pursuit of Aryan supremacy fueled the murder of some 6 million Jews, along with other victims of the Holocaust. After the tide of war turned against him, Hitler committed suicide in a Berlin bunker in April 1945.
7. 2004: The Murder of Emmett Till (25 min) 6-20-20
In 2004, 60 Minutes correspondent Ed Bradley reported on the 1955 murder of 14-year-old Emmett Till
TRUMP’S
CONVICTION WILL MAKE OUR DEMOCRACY SAFER Letter to the Albany’s Times Union,
2-8-21
In a recent Facebook
post by Senator Bernie Sanders caught my attention because it “hits the nail on
the head”, it gets to the heart of the problem. Here is what it said.
"Why do we want to
IMPEACH and CONVICT a president who is out of office? Because it must be made
clear that no president, now or in the future, can lead an insurrection against
the government he is sworn to protect."
Trump has betrayed his
oath of office many times, and his latest attempt of January 6, 2020, was the
most obvious; on that day he committed the most egregious, most dishonorable
act; that of inciting the attack on the US Capitol, which so far has left 7
people dead. He showed the whole world what he is, a traitor!
But yet some of his
staunchest supporters still defend him! Even some in Congress! They say that to
impeach a president, who is no longer in office, is unconstitutional!
However, Trump's crimes
were committed while in office! Therefore, he should be held accountable! And
at the very least, he should be forbidden to run for any political and/or
public office for life!
Trump is a threat, not
only to our freedom, but also to our physical and moral wellbeing. America’s
democracy will be doomed if he is allowed to walks away and return to politics
as usual.
REMEMBERING MLK -
Letter to the Albany Times Union, 1-17-21
Dr. King didn’t believe in
violence- he thought that non-violent ways/methods- were the best and most
just/compassionate way to get our government to get rid of disgraceful racist
laws, so that African- Americans and poor people would be treated with dignity.
In
fact, his activism and inspirational speeches, brought about the end of the
legal segregation of African American citizens in the south, and the creation
of the Civil Rights of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
In
these last 4 years, I have often wondered about
his reaction, to the racial turmoil of police brutality, immigrant intolerance,
and the divisive/offensive rhetoric and dishonest actions of President Trump.
Today ML would have been 92 years old- if he were alive- I am certain that
he wouldn’t have been silent! His emotional/powerful voice would have echoed
again! In condemning the brutal police killings of blacks. Let’s
remember and honor him- he deserves no less from all of us!
TRUMP'S CAPITOL'S THUGS SAY THEY FOLLOWED HIS ORDERS- THEY BROKE THE LAW AND
NOW THEY ARE ASKING TO BE PARDONED. Playing dumb? Or bucking responsibility?
Posted on FB 1-16-21 and emailed to the
Albany T.U.
This evening ABC news reported that some of Trump's aficionados, violent
fanatics, who stormed and ransacked the Capitol Building, stated that
they were following the Presidents' orders. But now they are asking to be
pardoned.
Didn't they know that what they did wasn't a
good idea? That it was illegal and unlawful? They may have not known, or maybe
they knew, but now that they are in trouble and in police custody and realizing
that they were foolish in following President’s Trump's orders- to attack the
Capitol on January 6.
They most likely be incriminated, because they
can’t plead ignorance of the law and say that they were following orders. In
fact, no one, not even the President of the US- has the authority to
oblige/force anyone- not even the military- to obey and/or carry out an illegal
and/or immoral order.
Some people do not know that no one is
obliged/required to follow an illegal/immoral order- even if given by the US
president. If anyone follows/carries out an illegal/immoral order from the
President, and/or by the officers (military or police) above them- they will be
held responsible and could be incriminated if found guilty.
I am a retired US veteran and I'm familiar
with the Military Code of Justice; shooting/harming innocent civilians and/or
or attacking civilian buildings like hospitals, churches, museums, that didn’t
pose a threat- is against rules of engagement. Even in the military you cannot
shoot/attach a target- unless it poses a threat! Only then can we defend
ourselves and/or return fire.
TEACHING HISTORY ISN'T ENOUGH to
RESTORE DIGNITY, RESPECT and THINKING WISELY
FB Post/Reflection by OLP, 1-31-21!
Some people believe that if history
was taught well in schools, then there would be no ignorance, no racial
injustices, and many other evils would disappear. But I think that this is naïve. Let me explain why I disagree.
I am a schoolteacher, a father of two
adult children, and a recent grandfather.
I guarantee you that history is taught
well in American schools; the problem is ignorance! Unwillingness to learn, to
know, to question and to explore. In addition, if these skills, and/or ways of
thinking/living are not supported at home, within the family, history will not
stick! Will not make much difference! Furthermore, morality, what is right from
what is wrong, respect, honesty, and the knowledge of history (past
facts/lessons), must also be supported and taught at home.
I also wonder why some people;
although they have a high school diploma, and some even have a college
education, are racists, believe in fake news and or leaders who lie and are
corrupt! I believe, this is so because they do not reason, and they are not
being guided wisely by their families, and their community.
Lastly, schools, like governments,
cannot do everything. This fact and reality reminds me of the Italian saying:
PUOI PORTARE L'ASINO (o il cavallo)
ALL'ACQUA, MA NON PUOI FORZARLO A BERE!
Meaning: YOU CAN LEAD A DONKEY, or
HORSE, TO THE WATER, BUT YOU CAN'T MAKE IT DRINK!
The Astronauts' Dilemma. Drawing by Ottavio Lo Piccolo.
DEFENDING TRUMP IS FLAWED THINKING
Shared
on FB 2-4-21
Why do some people,
still defend an ex-president who committed treason? I fail to comprehend their
reasoning. But I suspect their insistence is based on flawed thinking.
Do they truly think that
Trump is the only honest person in America? And everyone else are liars? Most
Americans are decent and would never accept this thought.
We all know that during
his 4 years in office Trump lied over 30,000 times, offended people, women,
children, veterans (dead and alive), ridiculed institutions (even those of the
US government), mocked nations, cultures, and religions, and repeatedly abused
his power and betrayed the US Constitution and American values of decency,
honesty, integrity, countless times.
Trump has therefore,
failed as a moral leader, this was most apparent, most obvious, on January 6,
2020, when he blatantly showed his true self, and he condemned himself to
commit the most egregious, most dishonorable act; that of inciting the attack
on the US Capitol, which so far has left 7 people dead. He showed the whole
world what he is, a traitor!
Anyone who truly loves
peace, justice, respect, and dignity should not support him. He is a threat,
not only to our freedom, but also to our physical and moral wellbeing.
But yet some of his
staunchest supporters still defend him! Even some in Congress! They say that to
impeach a president, who is no longer in office, is unconstitutional!
However, Trump's crimes
were committed while in office! Therefore, he should be held accountable! And
at the very least, he should be forbidden to run for any political and/or public
office for life!
Reflection by me; an
independent voter, who does not care for party politics, but cares for peace,
justice, honesty, respect, the wellbeing of America and the common good.
DOES IT MAKE SENSE TO HAVE FAITH? AND DO GOOD? EVEN
IN BAD TIMES AS THESE?
Shared on FB may 14, 2020
There
is much injustice and also lots of selfishness and cynicism going around in
these times of the pandemic covid19. So, how should those of us who believe in
good behave? Should we also get carried away by the wave of evil? ABSOLUTELY
NOT! We must be focused on the example of Christ and his faithful disciples.
Just as the many people who have done good in the past, including saints like
St. Francis, and more recent times, as Mother
Teresa and Mother Cabrini, Martin Luther King Jr., Gandhi, César Chavez, John
F. Kennedy, Bill Gates, and many others, and thousands of missionaries and
volunteers around the world to alleviate suffering.
THEREFORE,
WE MUST CONTINUE TO FOLLOW THE EXAMPLE OF THESE COURAGEOUS, KIND AND GENEROUS
PEOPLE!
A note about Bill Gates
Some people will doubt his
goodness and / or true motivation. And in fact, some will say that profit-
making money- is the real motivation for Bill Gates. But I say that we are all
sinners, nobody is perfect. It may be possible that Gates is trying to make a
profit, however, I haven't seen proof of it. What I have noticed- are his many
good works so far- even though I have followed a little of all the good he's
done for the world's needy so far.
I also have listened to his
words, and read about his reasons. So, his real motivation, in my opinion-
seems to be CHARITY. I do not believe that his projects- have as the ultimate
goal- making money or a political seat.
In the end, only God can read in the heart of man- only God knows gates' true
motivations. And finally, I also think there are many people who make money
honestly - both millionaires and ordinary people like us. We certainly
"cannot make a bundle of all the grass" as we say in Italian. We
can't put all bad apples in the same basket! It's not right!
HOW
CAN I BE SO RELAXED IN THIS PANDEMIC?
FB
post 11-7-20
This
image was taken last fall in one of the schools I serve as an ESL/ENL teacher.
The beginning of the school year is always stressful because we, teachers, meet
new students; and for me it also means meeting new colleagues, since I am an
itinerant teacher who travels between schools; to help children and adults
learn/improve their English skills, so they can succeed in school and in life,
here in the USA.
Teaching
last spring felt like starting my career again; the pandemic forced me to stay
home and teach online. It felt like my first-year teaching! It was like
starting all over! At times I felt overwhelmed, and I often felt like quitting!
And retiring early!
But I
am still here; teaching in school and still teaching online, whenever needed. I
had to adjust, we all had to, if we wanted to survive!
I
often ask why we had to go through this pandemic, which has taken millions of
lives, bankrupted many businesses and placed millions on unemployment. I think
that, although it's been a horrible situation, we're learning many things.
The
first lesson for me is cooperation and considerations for others. I learn this
lesson every day form the school children I teach, and also my adult immigrant
students. I see their sense of civic duty in all the schools I work. They wear
their mask and follow social distancing rules gladly and with responsibility!
I
also learned and saw how important my family was during the lockdown. Without
their love and care, I could not have made it! And without my afternoon walks
at Central Park in Schenectady. Nature certainly restored my sanity every day!
And
saying my prayers while admiring mother nature, it helped me feel God's love. I
admire school children! I look up to them! Besides, they are so kind, humble,
and often sweet too. And thank God for them in my life! They have turned hard
days into happy ones! God bless them!
We
will make it if we stick together and take all the precautions and doctors'
advice. Soon a vaccine will come out and everyone will be protected against
this terrible virus. By next fall it will be history! And hopefully we will
have learned some important life lessons; that will help us grow, make our
world better with compassion, and with peaceful and respectful cooperation.
With
responsibility, goodwill and with God's help, we shall overcome!
WHAT IS
HUMILITY? WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE HUMBLE? 12- 9-19, FB post
Humility,
in my opinion, is when we begin examining our conscience and admit our
mistakes. So, humility may possibly the hardest virtue to enact in life.
Courageous people try it often, however, malicious individuals will call humble
ones: stupid and/or foolish.
So, the
questions for me are two:
First, will we have the courage/faith to be humble, even in the face of
ridicule from the arrogant ones, who will mock the humble ones?
And second, where do humble people draw their strength/faith; to acknowledge their
faults, weaknesses, and their sins?
I
believe the answer, the source of their strength, to be humble,
rests/originates with the Lord. Yes, I believe that it is He who gives us
strength to endure, even when we are mocked for our goodness and humility.
May we
draw our faith from the Son of God, the GREATEST example of humility.
So, my
prayer is that Jesus’ manger, (his birthplace, his first bed, which was made of
wood and straw) and His cross, be forever impressed in our hearts and minds, so
that we may remember Jesus humility/love, and hence have the courage/faith to
be humble for the rest of our life.
What
the Bible says on humility, watch this YouTube video:
PHILIPPIANS 2 | "WHAT DOES
HUMILITY LOOK LIKE?" •Sep 2, 2016
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hb11LAK8Y3s
Below is my passport photo, at the age of 17 –
just before I migrated (came) to America.
Below, some of my first artworks as a teenager
Image# 4- Above: Central Park. Manhattan, NY City. Oil on Canvas board
painting. 7-1976.
Below- Image
5. Flowers in the City. Oil on canvas. Manhattan,
NYC, 7-1976.
Below, me in my early twenties. Behind my house in Astoria, NY.
Below- Image 26. Four Doves
in Space. Acrylics on canvas. 2007
Below- Image
28. Halloween. Pen and ink drawing on
poster board, 1981.
All of these artworks were done while I was serving in the US Air Force, 1981-83Above: Flights Over Italy's Flag. Acrylic on canvas.
Below: 5 Felt tip marker studies/illustrations.
Below: Colored Pencil Illustration. Accomplished at The Air Force's Graphic Specialist School, Lowry AFB.
Below: Tempera Illustration.
Me in front of the mural, on the right, that I painted at Griffis Air Force Base, now an industrial park. 1981,
Pen and Ink drawing.
Below: Art Exhibit at the Niskayuna Star Bucks.
Below: Satellite Repair. Pencil & Lithography.
Below: Flights in Space. Acrylic on canvas.
Below: The Astronaut. Plaster and acrylic paint sculpture
Still life. Oil colors on wood board.
Soccer Players. Acrylic on canvas. 3' x 4'
Soccer Players Study. Pencil on paper.
Below: Flights in Space Series. Acrylic on canvas. This is 3' x 4'
Me, during an outdoor art show in Syracuse, NY1982.
Me, several years ago during a personal art exhibit at the Niskayuna Public Library, NY.
