On access to clean water and the commoditization of a human need,

"We recognize that access to safe drinking water and sanitation is a basic human need,"

It takes a week-long international forum to figure out something the Romans knew over 2,000 years ago. Actually, with state built baths, aqueducts and washrooms, the Romans seem to have been much more enlightened than we are.

The Romans understood that if people are healthy and don't spend the majority of their day scavenging for food, shelter and clean water, they can spend more time doing business. They developed doctors, engineers, mathematicians, philosophers, leaders, cooks, biologists, the list can go on.

In simple terms, when one doesn't have to worry basic need i.e. food, water, shelter and peace, poverty tends to disappear, great minds emerge, and life for everyone improves.

We are now developing a society that revovles around the needs of the one, that you are the only one responsible for your health, food and living conditions, and that we have no responsibility to those around us. If they live in poverty, we tend to think that it doesn't affect us. In reality, the cost of not helping our neighbors, here and abroad is much more a detriment to our society than smaller bank accounts.

We in the west do have access to clean water and sanitation, but we cannot deny the fact that the west is rich and holds some power over the poor in the world. As long as we control their economies, we are responsible for what kind of world they live in. We must help them, if not out of compassion, then because it will benefit us as well as them.


"...nor expect to live on thine own terms in a realm that is common to all."

-Boethius

The Consolation of Philosophy

"But listen now, and cease to let thy heart consume away with fretfulness, nor expect to live on thine own terms in a realm that is common to all."

Just something I found, speaks well against greed.

According to CBC Radio, the death toll in Mumbai has risen to over 100...

The beginning

"Who is Elenor Rigby", that is what was on the news today... A story about a fictional character created as a metaphor for all the lonely people in the world. This story of a lonely person has touched so many people. Although most people I know are rarely alone, this song and its popularity seem to indicate that the majority of us are truly alone, with no soul-mate or dependent, a sad life which has no bearing on the lives of other people. Perhaps a good description of many young adults, who have not found love and have no responsibility.

No responsibility, what a blessing... or is it? Your sole purpose is to carry on your day, careless. Or are you truly free? Is this an opportunity to express yourself? Or is it simply freedom from commitment? Care free, careless, uncaring, uncared for...

Perhaps having something depend on you can bring benefits, a motivation in life. Perhaps your efforts are appreciated, and impose upon that dependent a lasting memory, forever thanking you for your kindness and protection. Perhaps that is what life is all about, supporting those around you and creating an easier life for many people and not yourself...creating self satisfaction and happiness.

It is 3:13 A.M. and a train full of coal is blowing its horn in a residential area... My dresser is shaking... damn train...

Mumbai, India
nearly 80 people are haphazardly killed by gunmen who's purpose is to bring fear to the lives of people. The true motivations of these men are unknown to me. Their actions have no bearing on my life, yet I am angered at these people for causing suffering to innocents. I wish harm upon these terrorists, I honestly believe our world would be better off without them. Yet I do not act on this impulse, and encourage people to forgive these terrorists. I don't fully understand why...

Perhaps they are retaliating because of some injustice that was done to them, or they were manipulated into doing this by idealism, religion or even money... their true intentions are not know, even though they say it is because India is losing its Islamic traditions. A shame, a crying shame that such a beautiful religion so closely tied to Christianity and Judaism is corrupted to serve the needs of a handful of idealistic tyrants who wish to retain their position and spread their influence. When actions likes these are taken, all of humanity is injured, especially those who are under the influence of usurpers. The usurpers who use the word of God, Allah, or any other belief system to bring hate, fear, death, destruction, terror, instability and war to the world. These people truly are the enemies of humanity.

A sadness has fallen upon me. 80 lives removed from us. 80 families robbed of loved ones, never to be seen again. Parent's children, children's parents, lover's no more. Friends who were depended upon, who shared a laugh, a drink, an afternoon or a childhood... gone...

This in not how I wanted to start my blog, but I feel it fitting to dedicate it to the people who were affected by this terrible event.