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civact6
A Common Human Weakness -- Young Intellectuals Often Seem to Need Something to Sneer At
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G'Day All --
No doubt about it -- the world is awash with the consequences of human and institutional failings and stupidity. But how sad it is that some of the most intelligent and well educated among us seem to derive much more satisfaction out of "cursing the darkness, rather than to light a candle of their own."
When it comes to self-important young people who wish to pontificate at great length about the sins and shortcomings of others, I would be much more inclined to give serious consideration to their opinions if I knew that they had ever been personally involved in -- for example -- starting a credit union, operating a housing development project, helping to launch micro-business enterprises, working with rural communities to establish water systems, providing aid to children or the elderly, etc.
It always surprises me that such individuals can be so knowledgeable about every transgression and defect of someone else's religion, ethnicity, country, or culture, when the critics themselves are often sitting in the midst of poverty, hunger, injustice, ill-health, illiteracy, racism, fanaticism, violence, and inter-group hatred.
But, alas, that often seems to be one of the "occupational hazards" of being a young intellectual.
For persons who would like to put their "mental horsepower" to the test in a productive exercise, let me offer the following scenario for discussion:
"Your Mission, If You Choose To Accept It"
http://www.angelfire.com/ca4/yourturf/mission.htm
It is by no means a "perfect" seminar exercise. If you have a better one to suggest, by all means please feel free to do so.
Peace, prosperity, and happiness to all,
Dave Matthews, Facilitator
The Civic Action Free University
http://www.tcafu.net
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| August 19, 2005 | 9:03 PM |
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Many Members of the Jewish Faith are Quite Intelligent -- Could This Be Why ??
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G'Day All --
Please don't misunderstand -- what follows is not intended to offend anyone, but only in a humorous way to stimulate a little thought and reflection by those who are so-inclined.
In my university anthropology class, the question arose one day as to why many people of the Jewish faith seem to be very intelligent and creative people. Here is the observation offered by my professor as one possible explanation:
Throughout Europe for nearly 1,500 or 1,600 years, if a peasant family of the Christian faith had a son who was extraordinarily smart and talented, there was only one place for him to go -- into the Priesthood.
As a Priest, if he was true to his vows of celibacy, he never had any children, and none of his genetic qualities were passed on to future generations.
My old professor smiled and continued, "All during these many centuries, however, Rabbis normally had large families."
Let me note that the professor's comment was not offered as a "scientific explanation," but only as a casual and somewhat humorous personal observation. Whether there could be any truth in his perspective you are fully capable of deciding for yourself.
However, if there is some validity in the concept, I find myself wondering what will be the effect upon certain ethnic groups in the Middle East if they make a long-term habit of recruiting "the best and brightest" of their youth to strap on explosive vests and become suicide bombers ?? Are they bringing about the systematic destruction of their culture's best genetic qualities ??
Or, to the contrary, is it only the *least* intelligent and talented young people who are being recruited ?? On CNN recently an ex-jihadi was interviewed and asked why he had decided not to blow himself up. He replied that, among other reasons, he had become aware that the same leaders who were enthusiastically promoting martyrdom to himself and his friends were secretly sending their own sons and daughters to the United States to study engineering and medicine.
So, where does the truth lie with regard to these matters ?? You, Dear Friends, are best suited to decide that for yourselves.
Peace and prosperity to all, and may all of your constructive endeavors be successful !!
Dave Matthews
Facilitator, The Civic Action Free University
http://www.tcafu.net
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| August 15, 2005 | 5:52 PM |
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Religious Fanaticism -- Attempting to Understand and Overcome It
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G'Day All --
Sad to say, most of the world's religions go through periods of appallingly violent fanaticism, during which anyone considered to be an "unbeliever" or "heretic" may be subjected to the most horrible kinds of torture and death -- all in the name of God, of course.
The best single book I've ever found to help understand the psychology of fanaticism and "mass movements" of all types (religious, political, etc.) is "The True Believer," by Eric Hoffer. I highly recommend it.
It is very unfortunate indeed that some sects of the Muslim faith are presently in a phase of insanely violent and destructive fanaticism. These same kinds of behavior were quite common for several hundred years in the Christian religion. If you have any doubts (and if you can tolerate images and documentation of a most horrible nature), I suggest you review material from the 1685 edition of "Martyrs Mirror," as provided by the Mennonite Library and Archives of Bethel College, at:
http://www.bethelks.edu/services/mla/images/martyrsmirror/
Full text is at:
http://www.homecomers.org/mirror/contents.htm
If you have a low tolerance for quite disturbing material, you may want to forgo the above sites. I have provided them only for the purpose of illustrating the fact that every religion is capable of being grossly perverted and misused by the darkest sides of human nature.
The question that we all must wrestle with is how to overcome such homicidal idiocy, and instead behave with one another in ways that are actually consistent with a loving and compassionate God, and that are pleasing in the sight of God.
Best wishes to all, Dave Matthews
Facilitator, The Civic Action Free University
http://www.tcafu.net
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| August 4, 2005 | 10:05 PM |
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Becoming a Civic Action Free University Country Representative -- Response to an Inquiry
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G'Day All --
The Civic Action Free University (TCAFU) was recently both pleased and honored to receive an inquiry from a young person who volunteered to become the TCAFU Representative for his country. His interest is very much appreciated, and the Free University wishes to encourage all persons of constructive intent who have any sort of similar inclinations.
On the other hand -- to use an analogy -- if we wish to be the designated representative of any worthwhile non-governmental organization, we must have taken the time and effort to become thoroughly familiar with all aspects of that organization. We must be knowledgeable about its facilities and resources, as well as its capabilities and limitations.
Because of these considerations, the following response and guidance was provided to the individual who had expressed interest in representing TCAFU in his country. If you would like to review the material that follows, I would be glad to receive your comments as to whether the requirements outlined seem reasonable and appropriate.
**** Message of Response Follows ****
Hi Mr. "Xxxx" --
In reply to your indication of interest in being designated as The Civic Action Free University's Representative for the Nation of "Xxxx," during preliminary conversations with TCAFU's Board of Directors it was indicated that they would be glad to review your CV. If possible, I would suggest that you send it to me as an e-mail attachment , and I will ensure that it is made available to the Board.
However, let me also inform you of the Board's additional comments and advice.
The Free University works hard toward providing a continually improving collection of information and resources that will enable people and organizations engaged in village/community-level civic action, community service, and development efforts to achieve accelerated positive results.
We hope to assist in putting constructive life-affirming development on the "Fast Track." Although the Free University is far from being a perfect set of resources, we hope we are making progress toward assembling some really worthwhile material.
What the Board wants to see in potential candidates to serve as TCAFU Country Representatives is some solid evidence that the individuals under consideration: (1) have become thoroughly familiar with the contents and capabilities that TCAFU provides; (2) have informed other people and organizations in their respective localities about TCAFU, and helped them also to become "plugged in" to TCAFU's facilities; (3) have begun to effectively utilize TCAFU in efforts to mobilize people, funding, and resources to successfully organize and train operational Development Teams capable of addressing significant local causes and/or conditions of poverty, hunger, homelessness, ill-health, illiteracy, racism, injustice, oppression, exploitation, crime, corruption, violence, and/or other such problems.
Remember that all of TCAFU's components are available to help encourage and support constructive civic action, community service, and development in your country. Take some time to explore the site, and see how it can be useful in helping you to achieve your dreams.
In other words, to the extent that you have become knowledgeable and skillful in utilizing TCAFU to help youself and your fellow citizens to achive your dreams, you will likewise have gained the special types of knowledge, skill, and experience that the TCAFU's Board wishes to see in its Country Representatives. I realize that is a very substantial challenge, but I would be less than honest if I didn't tell you it is the necessary pathway to success.
Remember that with TakingITGlobal, The Civic Action Free University -- as well as the amazing capabilities provided by Internet services such as Google, and Yahoo!, etc. -- you have in your hands a set of tools far more powerful than any that were ever available to Nelson Mandela, Jomo Kenyatta, or any of the world's other great leaders prior to the year 2000.
But having these tools in your hands is not enough. You must apply yourself to learning how to use them to build the future -- an exciting and challenging task that I'm confident you have the capabilities, the energy, and the courage to accomplish !!
As a couple of possible "starting points," let me suggest that you review two documents that you will find in the Links section of TCAFU's International Training and Service E-Mail Group, at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ca4ytinternationalservice/
The documents are:
1. Your Mission, If You Choose to Accept It
http://www.angelfire.com/ca4/yourturf/mission.htm
and
2. Civic Action Options for International Impact
http://www.angelfire.com/ca6/yourturf4/internatimpactoptions.html
Note: These two documents were written for use in the United States, so you should feel quite free to ignore the portions that "don't work" or are inapplicable in your situation. There is nothing "sacred" about them -- they are simply intended to serve as a helpful stimulus for your own thoughts, ideas, and creativity. You may find that other TCAFU sections or contents are more useful in your own situation than the two I have suggested. The key test is: What works best for you in your situation ??
I hope the above comments will be helpful to you. Please take some time to throughly review and familiarize yourself with this material, and advise me of any questions or comments you may have.
Best wishes, Dave Matthews
Facilitator, The Civic Action Free University
http://www.tcafu.net
E-Mail: civact6@yahoo.com
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| August 2, 2005 | 12:08 PM |
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