On this day of awe for kids, soberness and thoughtfulness for adults and inspired belief for the Christian world, I sit and wonder.
Why must we limit this display of joy, love and generosity for our brothers and fellow creatures to one day a year? If it exists within us for one day, then surely we can summon our better selves to serve us throughout the year.
My daughter said it best: "what is there is gratitude. Gratitude for this season when for a few moments a huge population of the planet turns their attention to love, peace, healing and hope. It doesn’t last long, and it doesn’t happen for everyone. But it does happen which means it exists as a way of being for all of us all the time."
Peace to all and to all a good day.
Friday, December 25, 2009
Sunday, December 6, 2009
The Presidential Elections in Bolivia
President Evo Morales is expected to win another five year presidential term in Bolivia today.
Morales has inspired the indigenous people all over the country but especially in the Chappare Region of Eastern Bolivia, where it is said he voted early this morning and where the indigenous "cocaleros" are prevalent. Morales is a former cocalero and the first native Bolivian to be elected president in the country's history; thus, the Aymara and Quechua people feel this is their opportunity to have a voice.
How does one argue with that? Still there are many complaints of a Morales crackdown on the opposition, unjust imprisonment of those who are vocally non-supportive and spending state funds to campaign.
It will be interesting to see how relations with the U. S. proceed after months of strain and Morales' history of anti-American rhetoric. What about the joint eradication program which ended when Morales accused the DEA of spying on him? Will he allow a new U. S. ambassador to be appointed to the Embassy in LaPaz? Will the U. S. at least give Morales credit for the growth of Bolivia's economy?
I've been following the Democracy Center's live blog as well as updates from the Carter Center which is monotoring the elections across the country and I await the results of the vote which should be decisive sometime tomorrow.
Morales has inspired the indigenous people all over the country but especially in the Chappare Region of Eastern Bolivia, where it is said he voted early this morning and where the indigenous "cocaleros" are prevalent. Morales is a former cocalero and the first native Bolivian to be elected president in the country's history; thus, the Aymara and Quechua people feel this is their opportunity to have a voice.
How does one argue with that? Still there are many complaints of a Morales crackdown on the opposition, unjust imprisonment of those who are vocally non-supportive and spending state funds to campaign.
It will be interesting to see how relations with the U. S. proceed after months of strain and Morales' history of anti-American rhetoric. What about the joint eradication program which ended when Morales accused the DEA of spying on him? Will he allow a new U. S. ambassador to be appointed to the Embassy in LaPaz? Will the U. S. at least give Morales credit for the growth of Bolivia's economy?
I've been following the Democracy Center's live blog as well as updates from the Carter Center which is monotoring the elections across the country and I await the results of the vote which should be decisive sometime tomorrow.
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