Sunday, April 25, 2010
FALSE.
A friend sent me this email, asking me if any of it was true:
"LET ME SEE IF I GOT THIS RIGHT!
IF YOU CROSS THE NORTH KOREAN BORDER ILLEGALLY
YOU GET 12 YEARS HARD LABOR.
IF YOU CROSS THE IRANIAN BORDER ILLEGALLY
YOU ARE DETAINED INDEFINITELY.
IF YOU CROSS THE AFGHAN BORDER ILLEGALLY,
YOU GET SHOT.
IF YOU CROSS THE SAUDI ARABIAN BORDER ILLEGALLY
YOU WILL BE JAILED.
IF YOU CROSS THE CHINESE BORDER ILLEGALLY
YOU MAY NEVER BE HEARD FROM AGAIN.
IF YOU CROSS THE VENEZUELAN BORDER ILLEGALLY
YOU WILL BE BRANDED A SPY AND YOUR FATE WILL BE SEALED.
IF YOU CROSS THE CUBAN BORDER ILLEGALLY
YOU WILL BE THROWN INTO POLITICAL PRISON TO ROT.
IF YOU CROSS THE CANADIAN BORDER ILLEGALLY
YOU GET ...
A JOB,
A DRIVERS LICENSE,
SOCIAL INSURANCE CARD,
WELFARE,
FOOD STAMPS,
CREDIT CARDS,
SUBSIDIZED RENT OR A LOAN TO BUY A HOUSE,
FREE EDUCATION,
FREE HEALTH CARE,
A LOBBYIST IN OTTAWA
BILLIONS OF DOLLARS WORTH OF PUBLIC DOCUMENTS PRINTED IN YOUR LANGUAGE
THE RIGHT TO CARRY YOUR COUNTRY'S FLAG WHILE YOU PROTEST THAT YOU
DON'T GET ENOUGH RESPECT
AND, IN MANY INSTANCES, YOU CAN VOTE.
I JUST WANTED TO MAKE SURE I HAD A FIRM GRASP ON THE SITUATION.
In a fit of suppressed rage, I answered (sadly, I do not have Dymaxion World's eloquence, but I'm trying here):
No, this is not true.
Reading between the lines, this is really just an anti-immigration (and racist) propaganda meme that some right-wing nut job probably put together. There's an American version of this "joke" here:
http://www.ebaumsworld.com/jokes/read/80879617/
It's ridiculous that they're comparing the U.S. and Canada to any of these developing, corrupted, or war-torn nations. Is the author of this joke suggesting we brings ourselves to the level of Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, China, and North Korea when it comes to protecting our borders?
What we really need to think about is how fortunate North America is that it will accept people who need help.
Immigration laws are very strict in both the U.S. and Canada and are based on case by case bases. Every month you hear some tragic stories of families being torn apart when a parent is deported even when they've lived in Canada for decades. Of course, on the flip side, there are people who slip through the system, who've taken advantage of the opportunities presented to them and abuse the things they've been given.
That does not give us license to paint ALL immigrants with the same brush.
We worry about our national security, we worry about the economy, we worry that tax dollars aren't being invested to benefit "real" citizens. All of these are valid concerns. But gut reactions to inflammatory messages that spread resentment and hate will not solve these problems.
Being prejudiced against the next wave of immigrants, of people who can't speak our language, of a new neighbor who smells funny and eats weird food doesn't make us righteous: it makes us hypocritical douchebags. Once upon a time, it's pretty likely YOUR people weren't welcome here. Seriously. Go ask grandpa.
Do NOT pass this meme on. Instead, tell people that both Canada and the U.S. are countries populated entirely by immigrants starting with the first pilgrims off the Mayflower; that our collective identity is made richer with new voices and new faces; and that the investment we put into new generations will be returned to us ten-fold.
To quote from the Bible (no, I'm not Christian, but I can read the Word via Google search whenever I have a "I'm pretty sure the Bible didn't say that" moment):
http://www.openbible.info/topics/immigration
"LET ME SEE IF I GOT THIS RIGHT!
IF YOU CROSS THE NORTH KOREAN BORDER ILLEGALLY
YOU GET 12 YEARS HARD LABOR.
IF YOU CROSS THE IRANIAN BORDER ILLEGALLY
YOU ARE DETAINED INDEFINITELY.
IF YOU CROSS THE AFGHAN BORDER ILLEGALLY,
YOU GET SHOT.
IF YOU CROSS THE SAUDI ARABIAN BORDER ILLEGALLY
YOU WILL BE JAILED.
IF YOU CROSS THE CHINESE BORDER ILLEGALLY
YOU MAY NEVER BE HEARD FROM AGAIN.
IF YOU CROSS THE VENEZUELAN BORDER ILLEGALLY
YOU WILL BE BRANDED A SPY AND YOUR FATE WILL BE SEALED.
IF YOU CROSS THE CUBAN BORDER ILLEGALLY
YOU WILL BE THROWN INTO POLITICAL PRISON TO ROT.
IF YOU CROSS THE CANADIAN BORDER ILLEGALLY
YOU GET ...
A JOB,
A DRIVERS LICENSE,
SOCIAL INSURANCE CARD,
WELFARE,
FOOD STAMPS,
CREDIT CARDS,
SUBSIDIZED RENT OR A LOAN TO BUY A HOUSE,
FREE EDUCATION,
FREE HEALTH CARE,
A LOBBYIST IN OTTAWA
BILLIONS OF DOLLARS WORTH OF PUBLIC DOCUMENTS PRINTED IN YOUR LANGUAGE
THE RIGHT TO CARRY YOUR COUNTRY'S FLAG WHILE YOU PROTEST THAT YOU
DON'T GET ENOUGH RESPECT
AND, IN MANY INSTANCES, YOU CAN VOTE.
I JUST WANTED TO MAKE SURE I HAD A FIRM GRASP ON THE SITUATION.
In a fit of suppressed rage, I answered (sadly, I do not have Dymaxion World's eloquence, but I'm trying here):
No, this is not true.
Reading between the lines, this is really just an anti-immigration (and racist) propaganda meme that some right-wing nut job probably put together. There's an American version of this "joke" here:
http://www.ebaumsworld.com/jokes/read/80879617/
It's ridiculous that they're comparing the U.S. and Canada to any of these developing, corrupted, or war-torn nations. Is the author of this joke suggesting we brings ourselves to the level of Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, China, and North Korea when it comes to protecting our borders?
What we really need to think about is how fortunate North America is that it will accept people who need help.
Immigration laws are very strict in both the U.S. and Canada and are based on case by case bases. Every month you hear some tragic stories of families being torn apart when a parent is deported even when they've lived in Canada for decades. Of course, on the flip side, there are people who slip through the system, who've taken advantage of the opportunities presented to them and abuse the things they've been given.
That does not give us license to paint ALL immigrants with the same brush.
We worry about our national security, we worry about the economy, we worry that tax dollars aren't being invested to benefit "real" citizens. All of these are valid concerns. But gut reactions to inflammatory messages that spread resentment and hate will not solve these problems.
Being prejudiced against the next wave of immigrants, of people who can't speak our language, of a new neighbor who smells funny and eats weird food doesn't make us righteous: it makes us hypocritical douchebags. Once upon a time, it's pretty likely YOUR people weren't welcome here. Seriously. Go ask grandpa.
Do NOT pass this meme on. Instead, tell people that both Canada and the U.S. are countries populated entirely by immigrants starting with the first pilgrims off the Mayflower; that our collective identity is made richer with new voices and new faces; and that the investment we put into new generations will be returned to us ten-fold.
To quote from the Bible (no, I'm not Christian, but I can read the Word via Google search whenever I have a "I'm pretty sure the Bible didn't say that" moment):
http://www.openbible.info/topics/immigration
Leviticus 19:33-34
“When a stranger sojourns with you in your land, you shall not do him wrong. You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.
“When a stranger sojourns with you in your land, you shall not do him wrong. You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.
Matthew 25:35
For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me,
For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me,
Exodus 22:21
“You shall not wrong a sojourner or oppress him, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt.
http://preachersfiles.com/helping-others-a-biblical-principle/
“But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men” (Luke 6:35 – ESV).
“And let us not be weary in well doing; for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.”
A companion scripture to the above passage would be Proverbs 3:27: “Withold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.” We are not to refuse exhibiting mercy and kindness to others when it is in our power to do it. The extent of God’s mercy and kindness toward us will be dependent upon our extending mercy and kindness toward others (James 2:13; cf. 1 Thessalonians 5:15).
In Acts 10:38 we read, “How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good….” Jesus went about doing good to others; as His servants, we must follow His example (1 John 2:6). In Romans 12:18-21 (cf. Prov. 25:21-22), we learn that acts of kindness and benevolence can change people’s hearts. Our demonstration of love toward people might result in their obedience to the gospel of Christ. The “coals” referred to in Romans 12:20, are pains of shame which kind treatment will produce. We have an Old Testament example in 1 Samuel 24:16-19.
“You shall not wrong a sojourner or oppress him, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt.
http://preachersfiles.com/helping-others-a-biblical-principle/
“But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men” (Luke 6:35 – ESV).
“And let us not be weary in well doing; for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.”
A companion scripture to the above passage would be Proverbs 3:27: “Withold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.” We are not to refuse exhibiting mercy and kindness to others when it is in our power to do it. The extent of God’s mercy and kindness toward us will be dependent upon our extending mercy and kindness toward others (James 2:13; cf. 1 Thessalonians 5:15).
In Acts 10:38 we read, “How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good….” Jesus went about doing good to others; as His servants, we must follow His example (1 John 2:6). In Romans 12:18-21 (cf. Prov. 25:21-22), we learn that acts of kindness and benevolence can change people’s hearts. Our demonstration of love toward people might result in their obedience to the gospel of Christ. The “coals” referred to in Romans 12:20, are pains of shame which kind treatment will produce. We have an Old Testament example in 1 Samuel 24:16-19.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Monday, April 19, 2010
Golden Heart scores
Here are the scores for the Golden Heart 2010.
I'd entered Fighting for Her Love pre-second-round edits (after my interview with Victoria Curran). Can't help but wonder how it would score now.
I finished in the second quarter. Yay?
I'd entered Fighting for Her Love pre-second-round edits (after my interview with Victoria Curran). Can't help but wonder how it would score now.
I finished in the second quarter. Yay?
Friday, April 16, 2010
Updates!
Random post!
1. On me and sickness:
MRI's scheduled for July 26th at 10 p.m. Don't know why I have to go in so late, but whatever. Haven't had another episode of hearing loss since, but I did have a BPV moment the other day when I turned over in bed. Not a happy moment.
Thanks to Kainnon for emailing me a textbook about inner ear infections and disorders. Educational and terrifying!
2. Nuptials:
Wedding's in 43 days. I'm trying not to think about the stuff that still needs to be done. We'll get to it eventually, I'm sure. RSVPs sure would be welcome...
3. The Cat:
I think Smartikus is getting less and less graceful by the day. In fact, I think he's turning into a dog. He came bounding toward me when I got home in a perfect imitation of my family dog, Yoshi. He was also very sedate and let the niece and nephew bury their faces in his fur in exchange for a bite of croissant. We've caught him failing at cat grace a number of times, too. He's fallen off the table and counter a few times when trying to jump up. Maybe he has cat BPV?
4. The fiance:
For those of you who haven't read his stuff yet, John's now blogging freelance for Toronto Life. Check him out at http://www.torontolife.com/daily/author/jmcgrath/
5. Writing:
Computer has finally cacked out on me, so I've been making do with John's desktop and my Eee until I can get a whole new system built. I haven't been able to get a good chunk of writing done, despite the whittling to my YA WIP. And now the plot bunnies are attacking. Very frustrating.
6. The House:
Been working on the gardens, and now have a nice clean front yard with the last vestiges of crosuses and irises, along with whatever the previous owner was growing. I'm also prepping the backyard and starting seeds for tomatoes, cucumbers, basil, cilantro, dill and parsley. So either I'll have fantastic salad by the end of summer, or one big compost heap.
That is all for now.
1. On me and sickness:
MRI's scheduled for July 26th at 10 p.m. Don't know why I have to go in so late, but whatever. Haven't had another episode of hearing loss since, but I did have a BPV moment the other day when I turned over in bed. Not a happy moment.
Thanks to Kainnon for emailing me a textbook about inner ear infections and disorders. Educational and terrifying!
2. Nuptials:
Wedding's in 43 days. I'm trying not to think about the stuff that still needs to be done. We'll get to it eventually, I'm sure. RSVPs sure would be welcome...
3. The Cat:
I think Smartikus is getting less and less graceful by the day. In fact, I think he's turning into a dog. He came bounding toward me when I got home in a perfect imitation of my family dog, Yoshi. He was also very sedate and let the niece and nephew bury their faces in his fur in exchange for a bite of croissant. We've caught him failing at cat grace a number of times, too. He's fallen off the table and counter a few times when trying to jump up. Maybe he has cat BPV?
4. The fiance:
For those of you who haven't read his stuff yet, John's now blogging freelance for Toronto Life. Check him out at http://www.torontolife.com/daily/author/jmcgrath/
5. Writing:
Computer has finally cacked out on me, so I've been making do with John's desktop and my Eee until I can get a whole new system built. I haven't been able to get a good chunk of writing done, despite the whittling to my YA WIP. And now the plot bunnies are attacking. Very frustrating.
6. The House:
Been working on the gardens, and now have a nice clean front yard with the last vestiges of crosuses and irises, along with whatever the previous owner was growing. I'm also prepping the backyard and starting seeds for tomatoes, cucumbers, basil, cilantro, dill and parsley. So either I'll have fantastic salad by the end of summer, or one big compost heap.
That is all for now.
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