Dalai Lama

Although admittedly under-informed, I've always been sympathetic toward the movement within Tibet to achieve autonomy under (if not independence from) Chinese rule. A good friend shared this article with me that disheartened me somewhat.

New York Times article

I wish there was something I, personally, could do, that would affect real change to the situation at hand...

PLUR.

Mmm...

I think grapes are delicious. They're sweet and bite-sized, and an excellent food to snack on, both frozen and room-temperature. I would be terrifically happy if someone passed a law stating that every public place had to have a bowl of fresh grapes for employees and patrons to munch on throughout the day. Think about how much people get irritated when they're out and about taking care of their business. How much of that do you think is tied to hunger? I know I get grumpy when I'm hungry. A bowl of grapes in every house and public building would make the world a happier place...and they're healthier than chips or chocolate, too!

Of course, I'm also in love with pomegranates, but I know those aren't as universally loved - some people don't like the dryness, or the tartness of them. That's okay, though, 'cause that means there are more pomegranates for people like me!

PLUR!

Commentary

In light of the election results, and since it's on my mind, I feel that I should take this opportunity to make a political statement, and offer some of my own opinions about the future of this country.

In lieu of that, I'm going to post lyrics to the song "Let It Ring" by Amy Ray (of the Indigo Girls). This song is more powerful than any speech from any politician, orator, or public speaker I've ever heard.

When you march stand up straight.
When you fill the world with hate
Step in time with your kind and
Let it ring

When you speak against me
Would you bring your family
Say it loud pass it down and
Let it ring

Let it ring to Jesus 'cause he sure'd be proud of you
You made fear an institution and it got the best of you
Let it ring in the name of the one that set you free
Let it ring

As I wander through this valley
In the shadow of my doubting
I will not be discounted
So let it ring

You can cite the need for wars
Call us infidels or whores
Either way we'll be your neighbor
So let it ring

Let it ring
in the name of the man that set you free
Let it ring

And the strife will make me stronger
As my maker leads me onward
I'll be marching in that number
So let it ring

I'm gonna let it ring to Jesus
Cause I know he loves me too
And I get down on my knees and I pray the same as you
Let it ring, let it ring
'Cause one day we'll all be free

And here's a link to a YouTube video of Any Ray performing the song live at the Manchester University Student Union.