Repression isn’t nice…but its very real

I really am surprised I’m talking political here again, but this seems to be something that forces itself into the arts and every day life of us all, wether we like it or not.

The BBC reported
Czech author Josef Skvorecky, who took a stand against communist authorities in his native country by publishing banned works, has died aged 87.
–Read Story

Earlier in 2011 Actress Mila Kunis (born in Chernivtsi in the Ukrainian SSR) made her views on Communism as a failed system, and singer-songwriter Kerli’s (Born in Estonia) story of life in the USR is both sad and inspiring at once. It makes clear the complete repression of arts is as intense as the more reported religious repression.

Now China again reminds all who think they are so much nicer now, just what they are all about is more clear with an announcement that entertainment programming will be cut by two-thirds on their TV stations (BBC Report). That’s right, that’s how it works in those countries. The government says what you can do, what you can be and even what you can watch, say, wear, etc

Few years back, Bjork made the Chinese government very sad

In 2008, Björk set off an international controversy after she dedicated “Declare Independence” to the Tibet freedom movement during a Shanghai concert, chanting “Tibet! Tibet!” during the song. China’s Culture Ministry issued a denunciation through state news agency Xinhua stating that Björk “broke Chinese law” and “hurt Chinese people’s feelings”, and pledged to further tighten control over foreign artists performing in China. A later statement accused Björk of “whipping up ethnic hatred

General feeling I saw in our press about this was a combination of dismissive to faux elitist comments on nativity of Bjork. I mean, the Chinese are our friends now right?

Dont get warm and fuzzy feelings about anywhere that stomps on freedoms. It’s easy to forget about how horribad it can be, while we push back against our own governments attempts at social engineering.

Oh, it would be very remiss not to mention that Communist countries don’t hold a monopoly in such repression. Look at countries with extreme religious systems. Need a hint? Iran, and even Saudi Arabia. Many Mid-East countries get a virtual pass in opinion as they “aren’t as bad as Iran”. That’s not good enough.

Which leads us to home. Hey! We are way better than those guys! Well, yes, but only as long as we, the people continue to push back. The apathy that was pervasive for the last two decades seems to be receding as people are starting to say “Enough is enough”. I fear that its been replaced by “polarization” which is pretty frustrating.
Republican Newt Gingrich was set-upon for comments

“I don’t think right-wing social engineering is any more desirable than left-wing social engineering. I don’t think imposing radical change from the right or the left is a very good way for a free society to operate. I think we need a national conversation to get to a better Medicare system with more choices for seniors,” Gingrich said.

Weird thing to see, but a politician saying something true. Go figure. Of course he was then ravaged by outraged “right ring” and “left-wing” social engineers. Silly rabbit.

 So as I stated in the blogs opening. Listen, ponder and make your own opinions. There is no disgrace in being an individual, its your right as a living human being. Don’t be afraid, try it, you’ll be amazed at the weight it takes off your heart.

Be thankful for the freedoms you do have, but don’t think for a second people in power will not crush them in a second to get a more “cooperative” populace.

-wolf

The Taboo…

Religion and Politics.
My father told me to always avoid that subjects in company. He was right to and especially so in todays “heated” polarization in the USA. Having said that, I’m going to say a few things of my personal views. Forgive me dad.

It seems to me that we have forgotten that the rights of all men are to be equal and we should strive to that end. It is not a tolerant view to be so strongly opposed to others of a different view than yours, that you in turn are the more intolerant person. We are barraged from media sources on all fronts on how to think, dress, behave and even prioritize our lives.

Point is, politicians aren't beacons of good reason

I don’t believe being of a political, religious or “most” social viewpoints immediately cubby-holes you into a persona usually most animatedly described by that of the polar opposite beliefs. Convictions are a dangerous thing if they over ride any ability to empathize or see beyond what others have told you.

For my own part I think the mantra “We are a nation of laws” is upsetting. Our political leadership play games with matters that are personal decision and not a matter of these brilliant people to tell us they know better. Your beliefs are a guide to make your decisions in a matter of  abortion or right to life, alternate lifetsyles, choice of education, views on what goverment is, or is not. It should not be a matter for elected officials eager to get a good turn out on election day to tell us or even worse, MAKE us believe any set way of things in life. I don’t want to tell anyone what is right in those most personal matters that often shape a person. It’s what you think that matters, but only to your own decisions. Don’t be so arrogant to force it on others.
If you are a practicing member of a religious or belief system wich includes doctrine on a matter than you make your own decision to follow that path or leave it. Do not blame the ideology that you can not be at peace with. Instead; do the right thing.

Most matters of social importance are personal decision and should not be a matter of law. All men are created equal. Its that simple.

I only used examples here so please don’t take it out of context and it its entirely my own viewpoint. There will be much more on the “Taboos” to come.