In traveling the blogging trail, there are times when we come across a blog that is so profound in it messages and is written with such depth of passion, that I want to share it so that many, many more will visit and enjoy. It is fine dining for the mind. Such is the case with
Barkha Dhar’s Blogs On Social Issues
This writer has a depth of passion for social activism on women’s issues that is unsurpassed. Her latest entry is “Women’s Rights Should Not Be Ostracized.” The following is a brief excerpt from that post:
“So if you are a man and you see a women being expelled of her rights……
- Stand up against violence. You shall be more of a man in doing so
- Care for other women as you would care for your own
- Learn to respect femininity. It may not seem as powerful as masculinity but without it your machismo certainly is incomplete
- Be an advocate to stop ostracism against women. Talk to peers, family and friends or whoever you think is the smallest dust particle that causes such offense.
- Everybody says that it’s a man’s world. Is it or isn’t it? is not the question. The real quest is to make this world a better place for everyone to live including every woman you meet in your lifetime, irrespective of her role or abilities.
If you are the King, she is the Queen, so treat her like one. You will be a torch bearer for others”
She also uses the most powerful videos in furthering her message. In her post entitled “Peace of Mind,” she has used this video to emphasize her message. It will stay with you for a long time.
Please visit this amazing site. Give Barkha Dhar your support and let us all be thankful that good people like this are treasures in our blogosphere.
—cher
Tags: Barkha Dhar's blog, blogs, social ctivism, women's rights, writing with depth of passion
- Image via Wikipedia
Reacting to threats by the European Union to strengthen sanctions against Iran, President Ahmadinejad continued to “rattle his saber”, and expressed his usual contempt for those countries that stand in the way of Iran’s nuclear weapons ambitions. Ahmadinejad’s bellicose behavior comes as no surprise to either the EU or to the United Nations, both of which have repeatedly threatened to punish Iran for it’s uranium enrichment program. The unfortunate truth is that sanctions are unlikely to work over the long run because of Russia’s and China’s reluctance to push too hard against a country they view as friendly to their own self-interests in the region. In the short run, sanctions will not be effective because the government has repeatedly shown its willingness to allow its people to suffer from shortages and deprivations in the pursuit of nuclear weapons. In the end of the “development period”, which is coming soon, the Iranians will have constructed and deployed nuclear weapons in spite of world-wide condemnation.
As Iran enters its final phase of nuclear weapons development, the issue of economic sanctions becomes more and more of a moot point. Although sanctions may continue to be used to “punish” Iran for bad behavior, they will have failed in stopping the Iranians from acquiring “the bomb”. Once Iran has accomplished its objective, there will be few options available to the U.S. or its NATO allies to curtail the Iranians from pursuing more expansionist objectives. In his testimony before the U.S. Senate, General James Cartwright concluded that the U.S. may not be able to permanently stop Iran’s nuclear weapons ambitions from happening unless it is willing to occupy the country. Given the unlikelihood that the Obama Administration would seriously consider putting “boots on the ground” in Iran, a more likely scenario would be that the U.S. and NATO nations learn to live with a nuclear Iran.
At this point in time, it is almost “unthinkable” that there would be the political or moral support within the U.S. or anywhere else in the world (except Israel) to engage in a bloody and brutal ground war in Iran. The unintended consequences of such an action would be to boost the life-expectancy of the Iranian leadership, end all chances of internal political pressure taking hold, and risk a regional conflagration as surrounding nations jump into the fray. Iran has deliberately set in motion a course of events that will take it out of its “age of innocence”, and into the world of the “big boys”. In a sense, Iran has made itself a much bigger target for the powerful countries of the world, and has upped the ante immeasurably. Only time will tell if Iran is ready to wear “long pants”, or if its ambitions will ultimately lead to its destruction.
Rich
Tags: economic sanctions, nuclear weapons development, president ahmadinejad, sanctions against iran, uranium enrichment program
In the late ‘80’s I was a social worker and did some photography on the side. A friend of mine was a radio talk show host at KDKA in Pittsburgh and had an interview scheduled in-studio with Muhammad Ali. He asked if I would like to be there to be there to take photos for him during the interview. I couldn’t get the word “Yes” out fast enough! My friend invited a cadre of associates who also wanted to be there to meet “The Great One.”
I checked and re-checked my 35mm camera and finally the evening of the interview arrived. The group of friends sat in the green room awaiting the arrival of Ali, swapping stories about him, many of which included Howard Cosell. When security called to say that he had arrived at the station, the host as
ked if I would go to the lobby to greet him. Me? Sure!
I took the elevator and my heart pounded in descent as much as it rose in anticipation. The doors opened and there he was, the Great Muhammad Ali. I was taken aback by the beauty of his face. Not a mark on it. He was tall and stately looking. I introduced myself to him and to his entourage of black-suited, tie-clad businessmen who had accompanied him. I later learned they were some of his Muslim brothers.
We went to the green room and waited till 9:00p.m. when the interview was scheduled to begin. In the interim, I offered Mr. Ali coffee and we chatted about Pittsburgh. His mind was sharp and his body not yet as debilitated as it would later become. I admit that I was completely star-struck. But it was more than that. His manner was that of a gentleman and had I not seen him and his strength in the boxing ring, nor known of his prowess at the sport, I may have thought him to be a spiritual leader in some high capacity or an astute businessman without a hint of arrogance. He was humble and so unlike the persona who would “float like a butterfly; sting like a bee.”
We entered the studio at 9:00 and I introduced him to the host. Quick exchanges were made and the host, known for his sense of humor, ended up bested by Ali who one-upped him with barbs, as he leaned back in his chair laughing. I sat discretely in a corner of the studio snapping shots as quickly as I could. The interview was raucous with stories and laughter.
After the show, we went into the green room and all eyes were lit with delight as Mr. Ali kindly consented to have me take his photo with each person there. He may have been the most gracious person I have ever met. I have thought of him often in the years since. I wonder if he knows the indelible impression he made that night, not only on me but all who were there. He truly is “The Great One.” May his days be filled with comfort and his heart at peace with the knowledge that he is a good man.
—cher
Tags: KDKA radio Pittsburgh, muhammad ali, photographing Ali, The Great One Ali
