There are times in life when we are faced with choices. Some are easy, but many are hard. It is at those times that we discover something about ourselves; something shocking, and yet, not totally unexpected. It seems that, for me, this is one of these times. I understand the implications of the world wide web, and how one story can change your life forever.
In 1992 a religious group called Falun Gong began in China. True the religion had been passed down for centuries, master to decibel, but in ‘92, the public was made aware. Mr. L. Hongzhi is credited with the knowledge, as he published books, and gave lectures about the subject. Falun Gong, or Falun Dafa, grew rapidly gaining followers until the religion swelled to almost 100,000,000 people.
Falun Gong is a combination of Buddhism, Taoism, and traditional Qigong. Spiritual mediation is combined with exercise to promote Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance. For followers of Fulan Dafa, it is a very relaxing, and stress free way to start or end your day, leaving the follower with better health and mind. Falun Dafa teaches the principles of nonviolence, tolerance, and a general self-improvement.
While the religious movement continued to grow, the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) began to crack down. The party felt the movement was too strong, and became jealous of the popularity of Falun Gong. On April 25th, 1999, 10,000 practitioners were protesting the arrest of 45 members of their own. While the 45 were released, it marked the beginning of the persecution to come.
As with the Great Leap Forward, and the Cultural Revolution, the Chinese Government used propaganda to cast a bad light on Falun Gong. The group was named the “top class enemy” and Chinese citizens were told of it’s evil ways. Followers of Fulan Gong were told to renounce the religion and sign statements saying they no longer believed it’s ways. Those who resisted, or who protested where beaten, tortured, sent to labor camps, or some combination of the three.
Today Falun Gong is followed throughout the world, except in the country where it originated. Even with the recurrence of other religions, Falun Dafa is still banned. Followers practice in secret, going to “safe houses” or hoping they will not be discovered in their own homes. Others have moved to different countries, particularly America, but are now forever banned from their home nation, less they be thrown in prison for their beliefs. Though some still practice Falun Dafa, most feel that it is a lost cause, one that is not worth the price of family. One woman says, “ her spirituality has died: ‘I believe in nothing.’"* Others feel that the task their leaders ask to too hard. Perhaps the leaders who are forced to live in our country or others have forgotten how hard freedom is to come by in their home country. As they ask for more and more demonstrations, the followers in China ask why?
It’s hard to say exactly why the CCP banned Falun Gong. I myself would like to know, but I have a feeling that it is one of these things that just happens. Those unsolved mysteries that never seem to end. I would like to believe that it will one day be solved, and that the religion will be followed again, but I’m not so sure. I just find it so hard to believe that this could happen. Yes I think that the persecution is true, and some of the horror stories, even though the thought that human beings could do that to each other is horrifying. It just seems like too much, almost too much at once, as I am just beginning to understand most of it today. It is also difficult to understand the whole picture as much of what we see is tainted by someone else's view. May of the web sites that I looked at seemed to have their own opinion, without meaning too, not that you can look at the communist side for fear of the consequences. It is very hard for me to write this opinion when I’m not sure of all the facts and even if they are true. I guess my biggest hang-up is how far people will go for power.
*http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,165163,00.html
http://www.falundafa.org
http://www.falundafainfo.net
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Revisions of "Organic Or Local?"
If you walk into any supermarket today, a variety of foods await you. Traveling down the produce isle, several thoughts may occur to you. As you pick up an apple, one thought in particular runs through your mind: organic; or conventional? This debate has been going on for years; the choice to buy organically grown produce, or food grown in the conventional way. Today people are taking the game one step further, deliberating whether to buy locally. It’s a tough decision, one with many options and concerns to think about.
Today it seems to be a fad to buy organic produce because it is said to be healthier for you, and better for the environment. But organic is not always greener. I am reminded of a bumper sticker saying, “Don’t eat fossil fuels, buy local!” According to TIME Magazine, this is most often the case. While it’s true that some local farmers grow organic produce, a majority of what you buy in the store is not from around here. Products are primarily shipped from California, South America, or any other number of places where organic food can be grown abundantly, and at most times of the year. Not that there isn’t organic food locally, but if you go into the supermarket, chances are that what you find on the selves, wasn’t grown around here*, or can only be grown during certain seasons.
With the increase of fuel oil prices, we seem to be eating more and more fossil fuels. The number of people buying organic produce is up 17% from figures in 2000**. This is due in part from the idea that organically grown food is “greener” than locally grown produce. Or is it? According to a representative of Goold’s orchard, organically grown food, is not as environmentally friendly as we are led to believe. Organic growing is not as efficient as more conventional methods, due to the increased amount of land needed to grow said crops. You get half the produce for twice the price, as organic food can be upwards of 50% more expensive than orthodox produce***.
While some people would argue that the large shipments of produce are actually cheaper than small, locally driven produce^; the shipment is not the most expensive part of the problem, nor is it the biggest environmental concern. Although 11% of the greenhouse gasses caused by organic farming are from transportation, 83% are due to the agricultural practices*^.
The more pressing reason people seem to be buying organic is the health risk pesticides present, but this is an undocumented problem. Scientists have failed to prove that the low levels of pesticides actually cause cancer, and haven’t found any results from long-term exposure**. According to Goold’s Orchard, spraying too much is undesirable, as it is expensive, and could cause ”super mites”. That means that the mites, and other insects farmers are trying to keep from the crops could become resistant to the pesticides, causing more cost as farmers would have to invest in new pesticides. Spraying in little quantities also keeps down the cost of the product, as insecticides can be expensive, and would drive up the costs of goods, if used excessively.
Spray materials have to follow strict laws. All products come with a specific label, much like those found on medications, and can only be used by people who have a Spray Materials License. Each year these persons must go and have a refresher class, to make sure they know all the rules and regulations.
To me, it seems better to buy locally. Any way to reduce fossil fuel is a greener way to be. Buying locally also helps support our economy, and keeps jobs in our local area. I realize that local produce can be hard to come buy in the different seasons, but that is the time to eat different foods. Remember, a hundred years ago, people only ate strawberries, when it was strawberry season. We just might have to use some of their ideas to help us stay green today. The concern of vitamin deficiency is unprecedented. Many people already take supplements, or the like, everyday, and there are other possibilities, such as frozen, or canned foods. These are still nutritious and have the same benefits as fresh produce.
So the next time you walk into a supermarket, know your choices. Two red apples sit side by side, one local, one organic. Both apples look pretty good, and maybe the organic one appears to be “greener”, perhaps healthier, but think of the taste of that local apple, a taste that is sugary and sweet, not one of fossil fuel.
*(A side note: I realize that this is the World Wide Web, and that there is a chance you could be reading this, and you live in a place with abundant organic food locally, but where I live, that is not typically the case).
**http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1595245-1,00.html
***http://www.thegreenguide.com/doc/116/local
^http://articles.latimes.com/2008/jun/19/opinion/oew-grier-roberts19
*^http://www.thedailygreen.com/healthy-eating/eat-safe/food-miles-production-costs-44042808?click=main_sr
Today it seems to be a fad to buy organic produce because it is said to be healthier for you, and better for the environment. But organic is not always greener. I am reminded of a bumper sticker saying, “Don’t eat fossil fuels, buy local!” According to TIME Magazine, this is most often the case. While it’s true that some local farmers grow organic produce, a majority of what you buy in the store is not from around here. Products are primarily shipped from California, South America, or any other number of places where organic food can be grown abundantly, and at most times of the year. Not that there isn’t organic food locally, but if you go into the supermarket, chances are that what you find on the selves, wasn’t grown around here*, or can only be grown during certain seasons.
With the increase of fuel oil prices, we seem to be eating more and more fossil fuels. The number of people buying organic produce is up 17% from figures in 2000**. This is due in part from the idea that organically grown food is “greener” than locally grown produce. Or is it? According to a representative of Goold’s orchard, organically grown food, is not as environmentally friendly as we are led to believe. Organic growing is not as efficient as more conventional methods, due to the increased amount of land needed to grow said crops. You get half the produce for twice the price, as organic food can be upwards of 50% more expensive than orthodox produce***.
While some people would argue that the large shipments of produce are actually cheaper than small, locally driven produce^; the shipment is not the most expensive part of the problem, nor is it the biggest environmental concern. Although 11% of the greenhouse gasses caused by organic farming are from transportation, 83% are due to the agricultural practices*^.
The more pressing reason people seem to be buying organic is the health risk pesticides present, but this is an undocumented problem. Scientists have failed to prove that the low levels of pesticides actually cause cancer, and haven’t found any results from long-term exposure**. According to Goold’s Orchard, spraying too much is undesirable, as it is expensive, and could cause ”super mites”. That means that the mites, and other insects farmers are trying to keep from the crops could become resistant to the pesticides, causing more cost as farmers would have to invest in new pesticides. Spraying in little quantities also keeps down the cost of the product, as insecticides can be expensive, and would drive up the costs of goods, if used excessively.
Spray materials have to follow strict laws. All products come with a specific label, much like those found on medications, and can only be used by people who have a Spray Materials License. Each year these persons must go and have a refresher class, to make sure they know all the rules and regulations.
To me, it seems better to buy locally. Any way to reduce fossil fuel is a greener way to be. Buying locally also helps support our economy, and keeps jobs in our local area. I realize that local produce can be hard to come buy in the different seasons, but that is the time to eat different foods. Remember, a hundred years ago, people only ate strawberries, when it was strawberry season. We just might have to use some of their ideas to help us stay green today. The concern of vitamin deficiency is unprecedented. Many people already take supplements, or the like, everyday, and there are other possibilities, such as frozen, or canned foods. These are still nutritious and have the same benefits as fresh produce.
So the next time you walk into a supermarket, know your choices. Two red apples sit side by side, one local, one organic. Both apples look pretty good, and maybe the organic one appears to be “greener”, perhaps healthier, but think of the taste of that local apple, a taste that is sugary and sweet, not one of fossil fuel.
*(A side note: I realize that this is the World Wide Web, and that there is a chance you could be reading this, and you live in a place with abundant organic food locally, but where I live, that is not typically the case).
**http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1595245-1,00.html
***http://www.thegreenguide.com/doc/116/local
^http://articles.latimes.com/2008/jun/19/opinion/oew-grier-roberts19
*^http://www.thedailygreen.com/healthy-eating/eat-safe/food-miles-production-costs-44042808?click=main_sr
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Organic Or Local?
If you walk into any supermarket today, a variety of foods await you. Traveling down the produce isle, several thoughts may occur to you. As you pick up an apple, one thought in particular runs through your mind: organic; or conventional? This debate has been going on for years; the choice to buy organically grown produce, or food grown in the conventional way. Today people are taking the game one step further, deliberating whether to buy locally. It’s a tough decision, one with many options and concerns to think about.
Today it seems to be a fad to buy organic produce because it is said to be healthier for you, and better for the environment. But organic is not always greener. I am reminded of a bumper sticker saying, “Don’t eat fossil fuels, buy local!” According to TIME Magazine, this is most often the case. While it’s true that some local farmers grow organic produce, a majority of what you buy in the store is not from around here. Products are primarily shipped from California, South America, or any other number of places where organic food can be grown abundantly, and at most times of the year. Not that there isn’t organic food locally, but if you go into the supermarket, chances are that what you find on the selves, wasn’t grown around here*, or can only be grown during certain seasons.
With the increase of fuel oil prices, we seem to be eating more and more fossil fuels. The number of people buying organic produce is up 17% from figures in 2000**. This is due in part from the idea that organically grown food is “greener” than locally grown produce. Or is it? According to a representative of Goold’s orchard, organically grown food, is not as environmentally friendly as we are led to believe. Organic growing is not as efficient as more conventional methods, due to the increased amount of land needed to grow said crops. You get half the produce for twice the price, as organic food can be upwards of 50% more expensive than orthodox produce***.
The more pressing reason people seem to be buying organic is the health risk pesticides present, but this is an un documented problem. Scientists have not been able to prove that the low levels of pesticides actually cause cancer, nor have they found any results from long-term exposure**. Actually, according to Goold’s Orchard, spraying too much is undesirable, as it is expensive, and could cause ”super mites”. That means that the mites, and other insects farmers are trying to keep from the crops could become resistant to the pesticides, causing more cost as farmers would have to invest in new pesticides. Spraying in little quantities also keeps down the cost of the product, as insecticides can be expensive, and would drive up the costs of goods, if used excessively.
Spray materials have to follow strict laws. All products come with a specific label, much like those found on medications, and can only be used by people who have a Spray Materials License. Each year these persons must go and have a refresher class, to make sure they know all the rules and regulations.
To me, it seems better to buy locally. Any way to reduce fossil fuel is a greener way to be. Buying locally also helps support our economy, and keeps jobs in our local area. I realize that local produce can be hard to come buy in the different seasons, but that is the time to eat different foods. Remember, a hundred years ago, people only ate strawberries, when it was strawberry season. We just might have to use some of their ideas to help us stay green today.
So the next time you walk into a supermarket, know your choices. Two red apples sitting side by side, one local, one organic. Both apples look pretty good, and maybe the organic one appears to be “greener”, perhaps healthier, but think of the taste of that local apple, a taste that is sugary and sweet, not one of fossil fuel.
*(A side note: I realize that this is the World Wide Web, and that there is a chance you could be reading this, and you live in a place with abundant organic food locally, but where I live, that is not typically the case).
**http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1595245-1,00.html
***http://www.thegreenguide.com/doc/116/local
Today it seems to be a fad to buy organic produce because it is said to be healthier for you, and better for the environment. But organic is not always greener. I am reminded of a bumper sticker saying, “Don’t eat fossil fuels, buy local!” According to TIME Magazine, this is most often the case. While it’s true that some local farmers grow organic produce, a majority of what you buy in the store is not from around here. Products are primarily shipped from California, South America, or any other number of places where organic food can be grown abundantly, and at most times of the year. Not that there isn’t organic food locally, but if you go into the supermarket, chances are that what you find on the selves, wasn’t grown around here*, or can only be grown during certain seasons.
With the increase of fuel oil prices, we seem to be eating more and more fossil fuels. The number of people buying organic produce is up 17% from figures in 2000**. This is due in part from the idea that organically grown food is “greener” than locally grown produce. Or is it? According to a representative of Goold’s orchard, organically grown food, is not as environmentally friendly as we are led to believe. Organic growing is not as efficient as more conventional methods, due to the increased amount of land needed to grow said crops. You get half the produce for twice the price, as organic food can be upwards of 50% more expensive than orthodox produce***.
The more pressing reason people seem to be buying organic is the health risk pesticides present, but this is an un documented problem. Scientists have not been able to prove that the low levels of pesticides actually cause cancer, nor have they found any results from long-term exposure**. Actually, according to Goold’s Orchard, spraying too much is undesirable, as it is expensive, and could cause ”super mites”. That means that the mites, and other insects farmers are trying to keep from the crops could become resistant to the pesticides, causing more cost as farmers would have to invest in new pesticides. Spraying in little quantities also keeps down the cost of the product, as insecticides can be expensive, and would drive up the costs of goods, if used excessively.
Spray materials have to follow strict laws. All products come with a specific label, much like those found on medications, and can only be used by people who have a Spray Materials License. Each year these persons must go and have a refresher class, to make sure they know all the rules and regulations.
To me, it seems better to buy locally. Any way to reduce fossil fuel is a greener way to be. Buying locally also helps support our economy, and keeps jobs in our local area. I realize that local produce can be hard to come buy in the different seasons, but that is the time to eat different foods. Remember, a hundred years ago, people only ate strawberries, when it was strawberry season. We just might have to use some of their ideas to help us stay green today.
So the next time you walk into a supermarket, know your choices. Two red apples sitting side by side, one local, one organic. Both apples look pretty good, and maybe the organic one appears to be “greener”, perhaps healthier, but think of the taste of that local apple, a taste that is sugary and sweet, not one of fossil fuel.
*(A side note: I realize that this is the World Wide Web, and that there is a chance you could be reading this, and you live in a place with abundant organic food locally, but where I live, that is not typically the case).
**http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1595245-1,00.html
***http://www.thegreenguide.com/doc/116/local
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Revisions of "Our Government"
“We the People.” Those are beautiful words, but what is even more beautiful is what they stand for. In our country those words stand for leadership, courage, and freedom. We use those traits every day of our lives, as we go to work, school, or anywhere that strikes our fancy. We have the ability to use our rights and stand up with each other as one voice, one body and decide precisely what we would like to do. That’s the great thing about democracy; the power of the people. This government gives us a say, or rather the say in our affairs.
Each and everyday, people discuss subjects that are important to them, each having an opinion that matters, even one about our politicians. It is a privilege that we citizens share, and one that some hold sacred. With the upcoming election, it is now more noticeable than ever how important the people’s voices really are. Like wiping dust off a window, suddenly everything is clear. What the people say, does matter.
With every situation you are presented, there are ups and downs. This same theory can also be applied to our system of Government. I appreciate and respect our rights, freedoms, and political decisions, but that does not mean I will always agree with them. Corruption, greed, and dishonesty are three terms that I do not agree with. These three rear their ugly heads more often than seems appropriate unfortunately, especially now with our crumbling economy. Perhaps now is the time for us to step up and fix the problem. No more corruption or greed, in investing/banking would be a useful start. Alas, I am not sure what would be a fix for this situation. Perhaps, looking back though history at the many problems we have already overcome would be the solution to this rouse. With the Great Depression of the 30’s, FDR used an almost socialist government to get people back on their feet. We might be able to set up the same types of committees that were present in the 1930’s, such as FDIC, or strengthen the ones in use today. This way the banking industry would be a water tight ship, secure and firm.
Using our wonderful tools of courage, leadership, and freedom, we can do something about this. We have the power to stand up together and decide what we would like to do. It is time for us to stand up as leaders and do something about our problems. Our nation is full of opinions, rights and good people. We have the power.
Each and everyday, people discuss subjects that are important to them, each having an opinion that matters, even one about our politicians. It is a privilege that we citizens share, and one that some hold sacred. With the upcoming election, it is now more noticeable than ever how important the people’s voices really are. Like wiping dust off a window, suddenly everything is clear. What the people say, does matter.
With every situation you are presented, there are ups and downs. This same theory can also be applied to our system of Government. I appreciate and respect our rights, freedoms, and political decisions, but that does not mean I will always agree with them. Corruption, greed, and dishonesty are three terms that I do not agree with. These three rear their ugly heads more often than seems appropriate unfortunately, especially now with our crumbling economy. Perhaps now is the time for us to step up and fix the problem. No more corruption or greed, in investing/banking would be a useful start. Alas, I am not sure what would be a fix for this situation. Perhaps, looking back though history at the many problems we have already overcome would be the solution to this rouse. With the Great Depression of the 30’s, FDR used an almost socialist government to get people back on their feet. We might be able to set up the same types of committees that were present in the 1930’s, such as FDIC, or strengthen the ones in use today. This way the banking industry would be a water tight ship, secure and firm.
Using our wonderful tools of courage, leadership, and freedom, we can do something about this. We have the power to stand up together and decide what we would like to do. It is time for us to stand up as leaders and do something about our problems. Our nation is full of opinions, rights and good people. We have the power.
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