Rotendaokab Articles

i. Wars are basic conflicts over land.

ii. Boundaries. The state of israel shall basically be her pre-1967 borders, except for their municipal jurisdiction in jerusalem. The boundaries of the state of palestine shall be the west bank and gaza. the boundaries of syria shall be her pre-1967 borders.

iii. Citizenship. Jewish people currently living in the new palestinian state shall automatically become jewish citizens of the new palestinian state; palestinian people currently living in israel shall automatically become israeli citizens; jewish people currently living in syria shall automatically become jewish citizen’s of syria.

iv. Immigration. The rights of jewish persons to travel and live in the new palestinian state and the rights of palestinian persons to travel and live in israel shall be equal. The government in the actual country of immigration shall set the laws, executive and judicial decisions and acts governing travel and immigration.

v. Jerusalem. The rights of all people to travel and pray in the walled city of jerusalem shall not be restricted. The walled city of jerusalem shall be sacred land with equal sovereignty and rights to all religions, peoples and persons who honor the faith of abraham. Both israeli and palestinian citizenship and dual citizenship will be allowed for the residents of jerusalem.

vi. Jurisdiction. The government’s sovereignty over private and public property rights; and civil and criminal claims and complaints shall be that government’s in the actual land of the country of usage and occurrence. Palestine, israel and syria agree to drop any and all past property, political, civil, criminal, private and public claims and complaints between and among each nations, peoples, persons, citizens and residents. All nations, peoples, persons, citizens and residents agree to honor and respect the government’s sovereignty of new legislative, executive and judicial decisions and actions. Israel, palestine and syria agree to be bound by any final appeal vote.

vii. Foremost rights will be given to the current user and use.

viii. Capitols. The rights of israel to have their existing capitol building in jerusalem, and the rights of palestine to have their capitol building in ramallah shall not be restricted.

ix. Demilitarization. Upon the prime minister’s approval of the palestinian, israeli and syrian people, this agreement shall become operational. Israeli demilitarization to her basic borders shall begin october 31, 2004 and be effective by may 1, 2005. Thereafter, the territories that were occupied shall remain demilitarized by israel, palestine and syria.

x. Final appeal. Any final appeal or determination will be determined by a majority vote by a three person committee made up of a palestinian, israeli and american minister. A majority vote is a requirement to hear a final appeal or determination.

LloydPaulKraus@hotmail.com for your comments and changes to Simple Middle East Plan

Here we are in the midst of another political season, and I have to admit I just dont get it.

Weve been at this game now for 225 years or so, and this is the best we can do? Lets face it. Our vaunted two-party system really is doing it right this time. Here we are, trying to kick off a new millennium. But what have we got to show for it? A choice [again] between two guys nobody wants, forcing us to pick the one we dislike least to have any chance of relevance at all in the selection process?

How long have we listened to the talking heads blabber on about how bad our schools have become. When are they going to start looking at the dumbing down of our political system?

Its not like our Founding Fathers planned it this way.

We started strong enough. Heck, George Washington was so widely admired they wanted to make him king. Good thing Martha knew how to put him in his place, or wed all be on our knees today.

Then again, maybe we are. Because the powers behind the throne have convinced us to pay homage to the real royalty of today Lord Buck, the Almighty Dollar. Otherwise, why would we be so impressed by two guys who promise to give us back a little more of our hard-earned dollars, while running around passing it out like flower girls at a wedding?

To top it off, they have the audacity to act like theyre doing us a favor. Some favor.

There they stand, in our faces day in and day out throughout the entire election season, railing about how bad the other one is and talking on all sides of issues they pretty much agree on anyway. To add insult to injury, they think we buy it.

Take Iraq, for instance. King George stands firmly behind his troops as they try to put down an insurgent host. Way behind, probably 5,000 miles or more. Those in his camp conveniently lose count of the body bags so long as they arent filled on this side of the ocean.

Prince John, on the other hand, tries to usurp power by crying about how we were duped into a conflict he wont commit to end. I think he mumbled something about preserving our credibility. And of course, his supporters pretend not to notice he wasnt opposed to a little muscle-flexing when it started, particularly when the polls showed the rest of us wanted to do a little friendly butt-kicking. And now that were tiring of this game, he wants to change dealers without shuffling the deck.

But I sure cant blame either one. Theyre only doing what we pay them to do – stand up there and wave to the cameras, driveling little sound-bites that their media friends dutifully dole out every hour on the hour.

To boot, the political hacks that put them there hate each other so much they cant wait to stick knives in each others backs or poison their drinks. As if there were more than a hairs difference between them. Lucretia Borgia would be proud.

Theyve put so much effort into spinning their yarns that theyre starting to believe their own rhetoric. Worse, they think we do, too. And maybe we are. Or at least pretend we do, so we dont have to face the truth.

What a fine mess weve gotten ourselves into this time.

Its not just the war. Nor is it an economy on the brink, where free enterprise means moving jobs offshore so they can afford to charge us the prices we want to pay for stuff we dont need.

No, its much more than that. Its our great American Dream thats at stake. The one to which we all cling when we give these so-called leaders blanket authority to run rampant around the world. And ignore the real problems in favor of the window-dressing that gets them elected.

And what do we do about it? We hold our nose at the stink coming from the rotting system weve allowed to be put in place, and look winsomely for a place with some fresh air to breathe.

All the while we they keep playing their high-stakes poker games for our future. Where the deck is stacked in favor of one side or the other, trading seats periodically so we can delude ourselves that the system is working. In return, they get to pass the scepter back and forth while we play musical chairs, hoping that were not the ones left standing when the music stops. Hiding behind a smokescreen of tradition that we pretend continues to serve us.

Someday, someone will wake up to see that its not the Emperor without the clothes. Its us. But even then, we wont have to worry. Well just have them blow the smoke a little higher. Then again, I dont know how much higher it can go.

Its already blowing where the sun doesnt shine.

Copyright 2004 by John Dennison. John is a voice for those who do not hear or know they have an inner voice. Author of Whispers in the Silence: Living by the Light of Your Soul, he can be reached at john@WhisperZone.org or visit him at WhisperZone.org, home for those who know their own way.

These 911 Commission hearings are fascinating. But lurking beneath the surface is something that really bothers me.

They dont get it.

Then again, we dont, either. Its not enough to point the finger at those who did it. No, our blood lust demands more. So our unbiased bi-partisan surrogates are looking under every rock for someone else to blame.

But theyre looking in the wrong place. They should start with us.

Now, dont think for a second that I want to give us some giant guilt complex. That monkeys on our backs already. Here we are, the nation of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, standing before the world as a beacon of light. And somehow weve misplaced our torch.

Lets face it. Were confused, stumbling around in the dark.

We delude ourselves into thinking were a bastion of freedom. Perhaps in a sense we are, at least to the extent we havent traded it for a false sense of self-righteousness. But as far as lighting the way for others to follow, weve got a long way to go.

We pray not to the God that speaks to us from the silence within, but to the god of comfort, acquisition, and preservation of our over-indulgent lifestyles. While much of the world is experiencing the stirrings of awakening consciousness, were content to sit back and tell them, Sorry, guys. Youre on your own.

And while many struggle to claim their own right of self-determination, our demand for more, bigger, better spurs our leaders to ride out on our nations technological steed, wielding a sword of righteous indignation. And if they dont keep the heathens from the gates of our magnificent creation, well get someone who will.

With that perspective, the 911 commission is doing us a big favor. Theyre wielding the broom so we can pretend were sweeping out all the cobwebs that contributed to this horrible event. But when theyre done, well still have our heads in the sand.

And the wounds that give rise to terrorism and conflict between cultures will continue to fester.

So what are we doing to combat the root causes that led to this mess in the first place? Do we ask our leaders to address the underlying problems of religious conflict, nationalism, hunger, and political oppression? No, we put them on the hot seat to explain how they let some third-world terrorists awaken us from our reverie. While we sit back wringing our hands, demanding they build our walls a little higher. We arm ourselves even more, hoarding the spoils of our conquests. Thomas Jefferson would have been proud.

Can I let you in on a secret?

Some of us want more of our nation. More than a safe place to live, more than a reasonable income to feed our families, and even more than sand in which to stick our heads.

In fact, we want more from ourselves. We want to stand up and be counted, to make a difference and this world a better place. But those desires stem not from a reaction to protect our way of life, but from the inner whispers of our souls. Perhaps the 911 tragedy was a wake up call for some, but for most it only accelerated what was already happening inside.

Many are beginning to wonder where our great experiment of democracy is headed. What is our role in the world?

Sure, we need to protect ourselves from wanton destruction. But we are so much more than a loud mouth carrying a big stick, threatening to swing it at anyone who so much as gives us a dirty look.

Were supposed to be a nation of vision, where inner guided principles and individual rights take precedence over everything else. Isnt it time we walk the walk, and demand our leaders put that vision before commercial interests, or the most recent blip in the economy? Or will we keep letting them buy us off through entitlements and pork-barrel benefits?

Some say we should go beyond our role of world cop to one of true leader, not by force, but by love and patient guidance. That doesnt mean rolling over and playing dead. But it does mean putting our actions where our principles are, and not simply reaching to protect our wallets.

Our technology has created the means to draw this world together into one big society. Yet sometimes it seems we stand in the way of that happening, even as the downtrodden of the world demand a piece of the pie of abundance.

If youre a parent, you know there comes a time to let our kids grow up. And when they do, we have to let them stand, and fall, on their own. And hopefully well be there to help them up when they do.

The rest of the world is much like our children, and were the parents. Weve fed it these values for 200+ years. Now its growing up, and wants to be treated as an adult, not someone to forever be bullied and controlled. How will we respond?

Will we beat them into submission? Or let them choose their own way while holding out the vision of a way to peace and happiness that they, too, may find of value?

Maybe we can drag them out behind the woodshed for a while longer. Eventually, though, what goes around comes around. Theyll grow up, and the beating will be on us.

In the meantime, we know what we have to do. Weve got to throw the bums out. Because if we dont, we may be forced to look at the ones who are really to blame.

And thats one the 911 commission wouldnt touch with a 10 foot pole.

Copyright 2004 by John Dennison. John is a voice for those who do not hear or know they have an inner voice. Author of Whispers in the Silence: Living by the Light of Your Soul, he can be reached at john@WhisperZone.org or visit him at WhisperZone.org, home for those who know their own way.

You work hard to make a difference for your family. You go to war each day to earn a buck, but youre caught in a never-ending cycle of conflict. And worse, its everywhere you turn. Even at home. Day in and day out, its fight, fight, fight. What are you to do? Run away from it all? Give up, and let yourself be beat down? Or do you meet conflict with conflict?

If you’re like many, you probably wonder why you put yourself through all this. The usual answer is there isnt any other way. But there is!

You don’t have to live with senseless fighting all the time. And you certainly dont have to be prepared for attack around every turn, ready to strike at the slightest provocation. Yet thats the way so many of us go about our business. And worse, its the way we deal with our loved ones.

Lets face it. Sometimes were so tightly wound from all lifes arrows that anything even remotely resembling an attack sets us off. Its like weve lost the ability to be civil, even with those we love most. Were we always like this?

As we took responsibilitys heavy weight onto our shoulders, we began to believe that we could only keep it up through sheer force of will. And that meant imposing it upon everyone who crosses our path.

Now, in business we have to be somewhat tactful with those who think otherwise, for through them flow our bread and butter. Still, modern economists have adopted the Japanese view that business is war, the principles of which they teach from A Book of Five Rings by the legendary swordsman Miyamoto Musashi. Certainly our courts and negotiating tables are filled with those who take that approach.

Unfortunately, the social restraints that keep us from completely losing it at work dont necessarily follow us into the home. Emotions run high as we continually push the buttons that inflame those we love, and they in us. Its like were addicted to the conflict, and cant stop. And in a sense, its true. As much as we profess to hate the fighting, we do it all the time. Often reveling in the process, and its impact on others.

So what are we to do?

Any hope of ending the cycle of combat starts with an understanding of why it happens. And thats not easy. Many factors interact, not the least of which is that we believe things should be a certain way, and feel a need to defend that belief and make it reality.

Think about some recent argument. You asserted your views. The other person did, too. The problem is, both of you saw it differently, and neither was willing to accept the others view. So on you went, trying to prove who was right. To make matters worse, you may have even been talking about different things, but you were so preoccupied with presenting your thoughts that you missed an open window of agreement.

Dont feel bad. Youre not the only one. Most of us are the same way. Were so caught up in our own thoughts we block any chance anothers can enter. So were left to figure out some way for our differing beliefs to coexist.

Coexistence usually means well never see eye-to-eye, but will give in just enough to get our way on those things that really matter. Hopefully we dont each need to have our way on the same things. This win-win approach is how most experts teach negotiation. Ultimately it is doomed to fail on those issues that matter most. After all, it flies in the face of the underlying business is war philosophy, and goes against our innate tendency to hold on to what we want.

I propose another way. And that is to look at the underlying beliefs and thoughts that led to the confrontation in the first place. Why is it that we believe those things anyway? What are the factors that cause us to fight so hard over things that really dont matter as much as wed like to think?

The real process of interaction, whether in the organized warfare of a lawsuit or in conversation with a spouse, is not one of trying to compromise. Because if you only win some, you lose some, too. And no one likes to lose. Even a little. So we harbor resentments that tend to come back and bite us down the road.

Instead, what really happens is that we fight until we tire of the conflict. Those moments of emotional exhaustion allow us to reconcile our beliefs with the toll of the fight, and we stop trying to get everything our way. In other words, we loosen our attachment to the ideas we fought over in the first place. This provides room to explore other possibilities to find solutions.

Lets look at the common divorce where emotions run high. Each side gets a lawyer to fight for them, and off they go. Round and round they fight, spewing venom at spouse and lawyer alike. Sooner or later, one or both tire and want it over. Maybe the costs are mounting more than they think its worth. Maybe what they were fighting over doesnt seem quite so important. Either way, they loosen their grip on how the outcome should look, and start trying to work things out. Maybe half-heartedly. Or even reluctantly. But at least they open a crack through which a resolution can emerge.

So maybe theres a place for fighting the good fight. But let me suggest the answer lies not in the methods of combat, but in the things we fight over. If we quit clinging so tightly to those things we believe or want to happen, maybe we can find a way to live together in peace. Peace, then, comes not from anyone giving in. But by going to the place that was staring them in the face at the start, but they were too blind to see it.

So next time youre fighting over anything, whether negotiating a big deal or trying to decide how to remodel the kitchen, why not stop and ask what youre fighting about? And while youre at it, give thanks the conflict gave you the chance to see it.

Theres always more than we know. Its there waiting for us to look.

Copyright 2004 by John Dennison. John is a voice for those who do not hear or know they have an inner voice. Author of Whispers in the Silence: Living by the Light of Your Soul, he can be reached at john@WhisperZone.org or visit him at WhisperZone.org, home for those who know their own way.

Im really excited. I just got a bigger soapbox, and I wanted to invite the rest of you to get up here on it with me.

You may remember I was recently talking about how beliefs are at the core of our conflicts, yet those beliefs are built upon less-than-complete information. What is known is not all there is theres always something more. Yet we try to explain what we think we know by constructing complex belief systems around them, and fight to defend them against those who believe another way. Our egos are so fragile that wed rather fight than consider that the foundations of our thought and society might be built upon shifting sands.

Maybe this seems farfetched. But lets look at the Middle East. The interplay of beliefs give us a prime example.

One set involves religion, where ideological descendants of a common ancestor have fought for centuries under the guise of righting a perceived assault upon their God. Each fights to eradicate the other side, and hopefully the differing beliefs they hold. Superimpose upon this age-old fight an internal Muslim war between sects, along with a regional struggle between clerics and secularists, and the complexities grow immense. But thats far from all.

Lets also not forget that most in the area live deprived of what many believe are basic human rights, often repressed by brutal regimes that crush dissent to maintain power and the status quo. All this while their citizens are awakening to an inner call to explore their own potential, fueled by worldwide communications that show what others already enjoy. Many are crying out to end this. Some even resort to terrorism, further complicating the mix.

Now add in geopolitical struggles for money and power which are impacted by the areas crucial location over large deposits of oil. This lifeblood fuels mankinds technological march into the future, and allows us to enjoy a standard of living not even dreamed of in centuries past. Instability of any kind triggers fears our way of life may be impaired or lost altogether.

Whew, it makes me dizzy just thinking about it.

Weve given the existing institutions of government and religion a chance, and look what theyve done with it. Theyve showed us the answer is not in diplomacy. And it certainly isnt in war. Or in greater religious fervor. Or in any of the tools at their disposal.

So let me suggest another way. What if everyone asked themselves, Why do we believe this stuff anyway? It couldnt hurt to just consider the possibilities.

What if people found a way to connect to God and find meaning without religions that inherently pitted them against each other, whether intended or not? Not to replace one religion with another, but to find an inner spirituality that didnt need the institutions or structure? Where we all knew and felt connected to our source, so that all religions could go quietly into the night?

What if people accepted that others who were different could live among them, and that this diversity both honored and accentuated the best characteristics of each? And that diversity was accepted as a gift to better know themselves, rather than an irritant to be tolerated?

What if there were no struggles to govern among groups or sects because each truly enjoyed the ability to be itself without having to worry about either defending its differences or imposing them on others?

What if governments were not run by either despots or leaders that curried popular favor by castigating opponents and fomenting social discord? Rather, their peoples were guided by an inner force (not an outer one inflamed by religion or politics) that allowed them, and their leaders, to find the seeds of peace within every conflict?

What if people everywhere knew and trusted that their needs would be met as they arose, and that they could explore meaningful pursuits without bumping up against the efforts of others?

This may be a dream, but it is certainly one that is within our reach. You know it as well as I do. But to make it happen, we each have to first hold out a vision of what can be. And then to commit ourselves to make it happen.

Sure, there will be many objections and roadblocks. Religious institutions and governments will fight hard against it. Fear will bring resistance and maybe even greater strife in the short run. Patience and persistent effort will be needed to see it through. But who says the best things come easy?

Isnt it time we stopped leaving the evolution of humanity up to chance, or at least quit pretending its out of our hands? Were at a point now where people worldwide can share ideas and visions. So why not work toward those that go beyond predatory commerce, politics, and religion? Why not believe that which serves us and our ideals, and promotes the common good, rather than sows the seeds of conflict and destruction?

If this is a world where people go to war over beliefs, isnt belief theres a better way worth fighting for? I sure think so. What about you?

Copyright 2004 by John Dennison. John is a voice for those who do not hear or know they have an inner voice. Author of Whispers in the Silence: Living by the Light of Your Soul, he can be reached at john@WhisperZone.org or visit him at WhisperZone.org, home for those who know their own way.

When you think about the girl next door, usually it brings pleasant thoughts. She is a lady we have seen around, exchanged greetings and smiles walked away feeling good. The part about feeling good has a lot to do with the calm atmosphere and the casual meeting. There was no crowd, no expectations of trying to be picked up, and you were not concerned about being rejected. Instead, it was you and a lady exchanging some small talk with no pressure or competition. Over time as you get to know each other the conversation may get a little more personal and you may decide to get together for dinner or drinks. It seems to come natural.

In a club, the atmosphere is completely different. There is competition and much more intensity in the air. The women dont know who you are and if they seen you around, they can only judge you by your actions which may be effected by alcohol. When you do walk up to one of these ladies in a club, right away you are inviting her to go out, have a drink, etc., without her really knowing who you are. No wonder this type of atmosphere is ripe with rejection. Granted a lady may get to know you in a club over time, but there always seems to be another guy around the corner trying to take your place. Probably this competition is the reason for the hurried invite for a personal connection. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesnt. But I bet, must guys have had more then their share of rejections in a club and really dont care for the feeling.

Meeting a girl online is similar to the girl next door concept. She may not be next door, but the atmosphere of little pressure, casual conversation and getting to know each other by online exchange (email, online chatting, etc.), make it a more pleasant feeling. In time, this exchange may blossom into more then friendship. If sparks connect, you will find yourself in love with the girl next door though she may be miles even oceans away.

A lady in a bar who doesnt know who you are, may say no for that reason alone. She may get to know you in time, but more then likely you have asked her out before she got the chance to know who you are. After a guy has been rejected, more then likely he wont return to the scene of the accident. You may tell yourself you will let the lady get to know you before making any advances, which is not a bad idea, but by the time she gets to know you, three other guys have asked her out. The girl next door concept in a bar could work, but the competition and the odds are stacked against you.

With the girl next door concept on the internet, you get to know each other before asking intimate questions. And when the time comes to invite the lady into a romantic encounter, she knows who you are and rejection is less likely. Granted, there are jerks on the net whose first email may say baby, I want to make love to you all night, but that line seems out of place for a first email. Yet that same line may not seem so out of place the first time you meet a lady in a club. See the difference? I doubt if you would say baby, I want to make love to you all night the first time you meet your new lady neighbor. Yet in a club, after a few drinks, you will say just that and it is almost expected.

You can see why the girl next door concept works well with online dating. Ladies get to know the guys, rejection is less, and finding love is more likely. I cant imagine a better way to get to know the girl next door then from the comfort of your home and computer. The girl next door is as close as your fingers on the keyboard you just got to go out and find her. With so many online dating services, finding the girl next door should be as easy as ringing her door bell.

Steve Eyes is the webmaster and owner of FilipinaEyes Association. His experience comes from finding love on the internet and helping others do the same.

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