Equality

Complex Thinking for Complex Times: Balancing Everyone’s Rights

We are not living in simple times anymore.  These complex times require complex thinking.  We are being challenged, as a society, to think about new solutions to problems unique because of the advances humans have made in the last 200 years. Because of the speed with which we are advancing and because of the interconnectedness… Read More Complex Thinking for Complex Times: Balancing Everyone’s Rights

Family, Parenting

Human Rights For Everyone—Including Our Babies

I think we can all agree that babies are human beings just like we are—albeit with quite a few developmental accomplishments ahead of them.  However, I find that we have a hard time putting this concept into practice.  Actually, to be blunt: it is amazing to me how disrespectful we are of our little one’s… Read More Human Rights For Everyone—Including Our Babies

Community, Community Building, Community Development, Social Justice

Petitions and Boycotts: Why I Am Boycotting Nestlé Products

The transformation of the world from its current state to a place where every individual can participate actively in their personal material and spiritual development as well as contribute to the progress of humankind as a whole is going to need the upending of a lot of things—and I mean, a lot.  This means that… Read More Petitions and Boycotts: Why I Am Boycotting Nestlé Products

Community, Community Building, Community Development

Unity Amidst Increasing Diversity in Smaller and Smaller Spaces: The Vital Importance of Respect

I recently posted reflections about the importance of learning the skills related to consultation in the context of a family, so that we can apply said skills in the context of society. The world is becoming smaller and smaller through increasingly efficient travel and exchange of information. This means two things: different people end up… Read More Unity Amidst Increasing Diversity in Smaller and Smaller Spaces: The Vital Importance of Respect

Community Building

Reaching Over the Anger: Building on a Common Desire

As a blogger, I have gone through many phases. A recent one was defined by anger at the various and unfortunately numerous forms of injustice that exist. Long-time readers have commented on it before, and it has led to many an interesting, if not heated, discussion. While anger might light a fire in someone’s heart… Read More Reaching Over the Anger: Building on a Common Desire

General

All isn’t at it seems, even (especially?) when it seems good

I’m not a cynic. Seriously, I’m not. I might have a sarcastic comeback to many a comment, as some of you well know, but I am definitely not a cynic. However, I am a realist, which is why information like this doesn’t surprise me: Hardline women won’t help Iran I wish I could feel proud… Read More All isn’t at it seems, even (especially?) when it seems good

General

From BWNS: ‘Trial of seven imprisoned Baha’i leaders postponed’

Posted on August 17th 2009 The trial of seven Baha’i leaders imprisoned in Iran has been postponed until 18 October, the Baha’i International Community learned today. According to Diane Ala’i, the Baha’i International Community representative to the United Nations in Geneva, following a request for postponement of the trial from Mr. Hadi Esmaielzadeh and Ms.… Read More From BWNS: ‘Trial of seven imprisoned Baha’i leaders postponed’

General

From CNN: “Lawyer: Iran has no evidence against Baha’i prisoners”

Story Highlights: Seven Baha’i prisoners accused of espionage to go on trial Tuesday in Iran Baha’is are accused of spying for Israel, spreading propaganda against Iran One of defendants’ attorneys is in jail; another is outside the country Case of the seven Baha’is has drawn global attention Story: Iran should release seven Baha’i prisoners accused… Read More From CNN: “Lawyer: Iran has no evidence against Baha’i prisoners”

General

Unjust justice – more post-election unrest in Iran

It’s not because I haven’t been blogging that I haven’t been reading or following up on certain matters that are important to me, one of which being the situation in Iran. The disregard of the rights of the people in Iran who don’t agree with the government has been difficult to watch; paint me naîve,… Read More Unjust justice – more post-election unrest in Iran

General

Human Rights in Iran: The Baha’is under fire (again and always)

The recent elections in Iran and its aftermath have underlied the continuous and often blatant human rights violation that exists in that country. It is most unfortunate that the rest of the world associates this disregard for basic human rights with the Islamic Republic of Iran because Islam, just like any other major religion in… Read More Human Rights in Iran: The Baha’is under fire (again and always)