I Am Not Apologzing

Mental Illness Cause for Radicalization?


I do believe that there are some like those mentioned in the article who are in danger of becoming radicalized, but I also believe there are others who are deliberately and methodically designing ways to undermine the security of the country and our way of life through violence and extortion.


 I am not going apologize for being born in North America, I am not going to apologize because I work, pay taxes, and obey the laws of the land.


 I am not sorry that I live  in a free and democratic society that strives for the  safety, freedom,  education, and health of all our citizens .  I am not going to apologize for the many Canadians who sincerely work towards the betterment of many people around the world.


 Just because other countries all over the world near and far are used to guns, terror, and ignorance on their streets and in their government  does not make what has transpired on Canadian ground this week any less evil or justifiable. 
 
 ISIS is not a little band of  down trodden mentally ill rebels living barefoot lives in mud floored huts in the middle of the desert.  They are oil rich and are bent on destroying  anyone who gets in their way including their own people.  Their motives aren't to better their citizen's lifestyle, to educate their women, or to allow freedom of expression and religion.


 I don't like that and I am not apologizing for wanting them stopped.

September 1

A new month thus commences.
The calendar days are so far clear as the empty numbered rectangles
await, empty, and open to possibilities.  Spaces
to be filled with the recordings of the evidence of time being used.

How much of what happens this month will make a mark on the month that follows?
How much of what happens will have no bearing at all on any future happening except in the mere recording of the moment?
How much of what happens will not be a result of our choices?

Will we look back in 30 days on a calendar full of  hastily crossed out mundane activities, or will we look back on these 30 days and realize that each day had a mindful purpose whether it be in terms of knowledge acquired, wisdom shared, a relationship improved, or our souls enhanced in whatever way that word means for each of us?

Perhaps instead of waiting for the empty calendar spaces to be filled by what often is merely the rambling demands of the outside world, we should  insltead take charge and fill them now  with our  own goals and our own needs  whatever  they may be.

Perhaps an appointment of a  quiet time alone with oneself, a  time blocked especially  for  learning to be done,  a dedicated hour or so for a friend  with whom to reconnect, or some other personal unmet want to make this month's calendar be one that, when it is perused in 30 days, will  contain more items that have been checked off with enthusiasm rather than crossed off with relief.