Change Is Difficult But Inevitable

Year in, year out, day in, day out, we have to slog or drag our poor soul through this drama called 'Life'. Like it or not, we have to force ourselves out of bed and face the day, with the bravery befitting a soldier defending his nation. On the other hand, we could be more optimistic and begin the day with the desire to change the world and therefore, excited to get out of bed because there's so much ahead of us to accomplish? Which one of this scenario would you desire?

There's no doubt that you have to get out of the comfortable bed sooner or later. But what are you going to do for the rest of the day? Is dragging yourself through the day a good choice? Or are you going to decide on buying a fake M.C and call it a day and mope for the rest of the day in bed at home?

As you mope in bed, the flowers would've bloomed and getting ready to soak in the sun's rays to generate the day's food supply so that it can last the day, before it calls it a day when the sun sets. Won't it be a better choice to rise and shine, and actually anticipating excitedly to step into the office, eager to tackle the challenges which the workplace is bound to give you? Won't this lead to a more meaningful life, a fuller one, that you will live to regret when you're lying on bed counting down the last minutes and seconds to your life? Will you lie on the bed, reflecting on the regrets that wouldn't have been had you taken on 'Life' with gutso and anticipation? Will you leave this world with a heavy sigh?

No doubt the daily grind of travelling to the workplace is a challenge in itself. What with the need to send the kids to school (public transportation is an uncertainty in itself but let's keep it for another topic), face the traffic congestion amidst an exploding full bladder and eventually finding a carpark when you arrive at the workplace? I'm sure many of us can empathise with those who are facing this similar or near similar scenario for 5 or 6 days a week. Faced with the prospect of going through this daily cycle repeatedly for at least 30 years will definitely kill the desire to live for any ordinary person. But it's rather a no choice thing, right? Everyone goes through it and what makes you different from the rest of them?

 Add to this, the concern for where the country is heading politically. The landscape has changed since 2008, with more people getting vocal with their opinions in social networking sites and blogs. Within the ever borderless world, conversations take place within seconds around the world. Nothing can escape the notice of netizens who spend their life behind the computer screen, scouting for things of interest to entertain themselves. Mainstream media is being rejected on a larger scale due to the mistrust, that the MSM is a voice of the current goverment. They need to renew their publishing license, right? Go take a walk or jog and exercise your worries away.

Putting the worries of maintaining a job and the country's political direction together, is definitely going to give you sleepless nights. With so much uncertainties, what does the future hold for us? Are we secure in our current jobs? Will inflation and the jobless scenario aflict us in the next two years? 'Life' is just like water flowing in a river - it keeps on flowing past boulders and any obstruction that gets in its way. Water has been known to carve through mountains, creating beauties of nature that we appreciate once a while.

When you're faced with an obstacle, do you take a step back and refrain from advancing further in 'Life'? Do you fear the unknown? Or would you get to know the unknown and together with like minded people, strive to move past the source of obstruction? Maybe alone, you won't be able to do it, but together, no obstacle is ever so big that it cannot be surpassed. Can we make it happen? The decision is in our hands.

Or are you just going to pause and stare at the unknown, like the gecko on the right? Of course, it's the easiest 'solution' when faced with a problem. In Buddhism, there's nothing wrong or right. But you have answer your own karma. It goes around until you realise what you should've changed. Will the current government satisfy your desire for a competent, accountable and transparent management of the country? With hundreds of thousands of citizens leaving the country yearly for better prospects in a foreign land, doesn't it speak volumes about the government? Coupled with the abuse of the justice system to oppress the opposition movement, do you have any minute hope at all for justice to be meted our in a fair and just manner?

Are we going to be like leaves fallen to the ground, after our life has been squeezed out of us under an oppressive leadership. Are we going to just shrivel up for people to run over us? Or are you going to take part actively in a movement that's changing the country for sure. For better or for worse, if we don't give it a try, we will not know the result. What have we got to lose anyway? We have already lost much, to politicians who incite racial unrest with impunity, knowing that the law will 'protect' them from being ever penalised from their crime while opposition members are arrested at the slightest provocation? Are we going to let ourselves be trampled further by oppresive leaders?

I say we arm ourselves with knowledge (not from the MSM) and make the decision for change. It's no point lounging in the comforts of the home and complaining. Do something about it. Together we can. Change is imminent and we must make sure it happens. If change had taken place earlier, we would not be in the dire economic situation we are in now. After this change, may our lives sail smoother. We head towards the mountains and make sure we're able to go over it.

Peaceful Gatherings - Is It Possible?

It was a cool, dark night on 1st August, 2010 with a slight drizzle. Some would say that it's probably 'hujan rahmat' as the Almighty symphatizes with his creations who are gathering to commemorate the anniversary of the anti-ISA protest. Anticipation of a show of force by the men in blue is imminent as the time passes by close to the 30th minute after 2000 hrs. All possible entry points into AmpCorp Mall have been blocked and manned by the police.

The protestors gathered and walked across the carpark to the open field. The national anthem 'Negaraku' was sung loud and clear for everyone to hear. Is it a crime to gather in an open field to sing 'Negaraku' together. The men in blue don't think so and they're allowed to continue up to the end of the 2nd repeat of the national anthem. It's great to see Malaysians sing in unity. This is what the leaders of our beloved country have espoused - unity.

 As it was drizzling, the protestors marched into the shopping mall to seek shelter from the tears in the sky as possible arrest becomes imminent as time passes by, closer to 2030 hrs. Under the shade of the mall, candles are lighted up after 'Negaraku' is sung for the 3rd time. Shouts of 'Hidup Rakyat' and 'Mansuhkan ISA' is heard as the protestors made the call from the bottom of their heart as they yearn and demand for change.

The FRU stations themselves at the front of the main lobby, standing by in case the police riots. The protestors are a reasonable lot and are just gathering peacefully to highlights the ills of the country. It is feared that the police will riot, seeing peace in process. They wait for their instructions. Those manning the flea market are grumbling that the police's actions are hindering their business.

The protestors were observed walking in front of the FRU, inquiring with them on the reason why they were deployed in great numbers to 'monitor' a peaceful gathering? No, they are just following orders. Two FRU trucks were parked beside the open field, ready to imprison unlucky protestors who were caught. It's just a small truck, so not many will arrested tonight. Don't worry, the men in blue are nice people and won't arrest more than they have to. Only the popular ones will be detained for 'further questioning' in the prison cell while the others will most probably be counselled not to participate in this 'illegal' gatherings in future.

At the blow of the whistle, all hell breaks loose and everyone runs helter skelter. The men in blue rushes into the middle podium of the shopping mall. A protestor was manhandled and dragged to the awaiting truck. Photographs rushed to capture the violent scene as they wondered what could have warranted such a reaction from the men in blue? Nobody were instigating them. Most probably they received instruction 'from above' and had to 'menjalankan tugas' as dutiful public servants who have failed to apprehend the real criminals in the form of snatch thiefs, robbers, serial killers, etc. But arresting peaceful citizens seems to be their forte these days, although they're their paymasters.

The shoppers and onlookers were warned to stay away. Businesses were disrupted not by the peaceful protestors but the men in blue as tables and chairs were pushed aside in their haste to arrest the citizens. It was total chaos for about 5 minutes. Most probably the rest were spared because there was no more room for them in the little trucks. These scenes are likely to be the norm as the citizens demand for the repeal of an archaic law that oppresses the commoners who want change. Peaceful gatherings are not impossible, as long as the men in blue don't interrupt the peace process and citizens awaken to their rights in the democratic fight for justice.

A Team Who Plays Together, Works Together

Arguments, debates, debacles, etc. These words all point to the same thing - that there's some unhappiness on one party and the other demands an explanation or at least a justification on the action that caused the unpleasant situation. While there's intellectual value in debates, arguments and debacles almost always end up as a waste of time and resources for both the accusing and aggrieved parties. Should we instead spend more time on beneficial activities or continue to argue till the end of time? Would you gain satisfaction from maligning others? Have you considered the fact that others may do the same to you? Unproven assumptions and accusations will drive a company to disaster if not nipped in the bud, don't you agree?

In any company, whether there's only 3 employees or 3,000 employees, there will exist cliques amongst the employees working there. And why not? One should only choose to work with those who they are more comfortable working with. And why not? Why waste resources convincing the other party of need to work together objectively? Why waste time to convince the other party that there's a vital need to work as a team? Don't they already know that we have to work together for the good of the company?

Who will stand to benefit should there be teamwork amongst the employees? No, it's not the clients nor the bystanders to the arguing circus. Yes, it's the employees themselves who stand to gain if there's a concerted effort directed towards solving a work-related problem instead of wasting saliva on personal-related problems. Yes, the top management may even observe and recognise this visible teamwork effort by handing out the bonus the employees so much desire or even feel obliged to organise events that may further enhance the good relations amongst employees.

Now, a Family Day is not an obligation of the company to organise. It is an expensive event to organise - accommodation, food, activities and logistics. Especially so if the employees are great in number, adding the fact that most would have families coming along. However, Family Day is an event where the employees and their families get an opportunity to know each other better and may even further cement the good relations amongst the employees. Wives and children will get to play together and it is an excellent opportunity to mingle around, besides the Annual Dinner which normally consists of the employee and his/her spouse only. I mean, why not? What do we stand to lose for attending this meaningful event? Nothing much, I guess.

The programs and logistics takes months to prepare. Rooms need to be booked well in advance, taking into consideration that other companies/organisations may have the same idea in organising Family Day. The room access cards need to be collected and counter checked to ensure that they open the room they're supposed to open. Employees need to be allocated rooms according to their family size or if they're single, studio rooms which will reduce the chance of inter-mixing which is against the grain of most religions.

The most important thing to remember in Family Day events is that you have to be pro-active. You need to volunteer yourselves to participate in the games. You need to be more extrovert than normal. You need to introduce yourselves so that others may at least know your existence and have you participate in the games planned. Don't wait for the organising committee members to call/plead you to participate. If you're an introvert, well, this is an excellent opportunity for change. Don't worry, they won't bite, I'm sure. The main objective is to mingle around with the crowd, no matter who they are, whatever level of management they are.

However, the best activity in my opinion, would be the photography part of the whole event. In telematches, there's ample opportunity to capture scenes of activities, comedic action of the games participants, facial expressions as they struggle to complete the games, and kids are the best subjects for photography because they are most cute as they are guided by their parents in completing the games. Humans are great subjects for photography.

Of course, the satisfaction from taking photographs would be to know that others enjoy or at least agree with your shots. Comparing the photos with fellow photographers would be an excellent opportunity for learning - learning is a never ending process in whichever part of your life you're in. Any camera will do - it's the composition of the image that matters. Having an expensive camera doesn't always guarantee a good photograph.

In summary, if there's ever a Family Day being organised, it's best to stamp your participation in this great activity for nurturing and enhancing employee relationships. Unless you have other more important personal matters to attend to, of course. And that's most probably because after work, most of us would normally head home to our families and have individual family activities.A team that plays together will work together in a more harmonious working environment, I'm sure.  Well, at least that's what I believe in. All the angst would be set aside during the Family Day and who knows, it may change your working relationships for the better.  When there's a harmonious working environment, all he unnecessary knots would be released. Carpe diem!

Happy Parents Day - Why Not?

Babies are being born every second. With that, a couple becomes parents. Just imagine how many parents are created every second. And with the mortality rate that controls the population boom, we can be sure that new parents will be created and aged parents will end their contribution with their dignified passing. It's part of the cycle of LIFE. Just imagine what would happen if the mortality rate is low and the human population keeps on increasing? Overpopulation is not something pleasant as everyone would be rushing for food to ensure their survival and surely there would be a shortage of food then. Did you read that for earth to be given a chance to recover, 70% of humans must die?

For those of us who still have parents, we should be thankful and grateful for that gift. Sure, we didn't ask to be born. Therefore, our being born is more of a choiceless living? For those who are born with a silver spoon, they may say life has been great for them. However, for those who were born in the slumps, well, they may say has been great too...if they haven't had the opportunity to experience the other side of where they may be living in. Having said that, the rich will have their 'rich' problems while the poor will have their fair share of 'poor' problems. Well, the diversity of Life is what gets us moving as we begin to appreciate Life as it is and stop to smell the rose every now and then.

I'm grateful that my parents are still with me. Both are 66 and 64 years old respectively. Now that they're this old, I can really see how they've aged with time. From big, sturdy, able bodied adults who have taken care of me and nurtured me to being who I am currently, their faces are wrinkled and the melanin has contributed to the many spots on their skin as the UV rays work their way through and their weight has subsided a lot. Biology is wonderful, isn't it?

Once a while, when the the full moon blooms, I get a little melancholic. As I sit quietly contemplating LIFE, I also think about the family which I was fortunate to have been born into. To think that I used to be the little rascal who used to drive my parents up the wall with my pranks, and now grown up to have a kid and daughter who too, are driving me up the wall with their own unique pranks. That's the cycle of life, isn't it? Life, in its own humorous way. Discipline aside, it's wonderful to observe them as they grow up and the increase in their tenacity and energy is really great. Nerve wrecking it can be, but their growing up process is a fascinating real life drama to follow.

No, not only did I harass my parents, I remember my late grandfather chasing me up the tree as I climbed hurriedly to escape the cane. Stayed there for quite a while until he gave up. And to think of it, I spent a lot of my growing up years on the mango tree. Plucking the unripe mangoes and eating it on the spot. Thinking about it now sends shivers down my spine, as the sourness will cause my teeth to 'shake'. And not to mention, de-skinning the sugarcane with my bare teeth. And to top it all, I would climb onto the garage of the single storey bungalow without any assistance from the ladder. Walked on the sloping roof and climbing down eventually by the tree. That's how 'great' I was those days. Nowadays, just thinking of it makes my palm sweat!

On the other hand, I also helped my mum to make kuih bangkit, curry puffs and other cookies for Chinese New Year. I can still remember the dining table (which has since made way for a new marble top round table) messed up with white flour and the sound of knocking as we attempted to get the formed dough out of the mould, ready to be baked by the oven. The curry puffs made by my grandfather was great - I couldn't wait for it to cool down sufficiently to sink my teeth into it. The curry potato was heavenly, hot from the wok. And not forgetting the tons of kaya jam that I've eaten in my lifetime. You see, there's a jungle near my house (which has since made way for a housing estate in progress) where my grandfather collects matured coconuts. Once the coconut milk is squeezed out  to make kaya, the husk and shell is used as fuel to fry the waste coconut whites to obtain coconut oil for cooking purposes. Talk about multipurpose product of nature.

My dad stayed at the back of the violin class in order to learn the violin - to teach me back at home. Can you imagine the dedication to music? He himself learned the organ at age 30 odd. Perhaps to make up for the lost opportunity when he was young and couldn't afford it. And when I was in Form 3, when most boys would have gotten a motorcycle to bring sweet young things around, my dad used the amount of money that could have purchased a bike, to buy me a violin? What the hell, I cursed. When the rest of my buddies are busy feeding their growth hormones, I was doomed at home with the violin? Is it fair? Well, at that time, no. But I'm grateful for that now, as I have musical knowledge and am able to play a few other musical instruments. At least, I have something different from my friends. Music is a tool to get people together as music is a form of 'international language', understood by all.

Not forgetting the driving lessons before I was legally able to take driving lessons. It wasn't as easy as it looked as I learnt to estimate the size of the car and manipulating the clutch and gears to get the car moving while steering it at the same time. Quite a momentous task at that young age. But I was proud - to be given the trust and opportunity to drive. If I can remember correctly, I was about 15 years of age then. I didn't have the opportunity of owning a motorcycle as mum had deemed it as a dangerous vehicle. I eventually purchased one of my own (Aprilia) when I worked in Singapore and zoomed home one day to show them ... that, hey! I have a motorcycle now. 140 km/h on the highway was fun then.

Oh, there were one too many occasions where I was caned for both being naughty and stubborn. But I believe now that capital punishment was to discipline and mould me into what I am now. I could've been with bad company if not for the constant reminders with the cane. Likewise, I'm now using it on my daughter because she can get out of hand sometimes. But sparingly.

Dad used to be the discipline tyrant and mum is who I went to for consolation. I think it's the same for everyone, in a 'normal' family. I've never heard of mums who would cane their sons. But occasionally, I would get a rap on the head by mum if I had been a tad too stubborn and caused her anguish. No permanent damage from this.

And not forgetting the stray dog which we had grown to like. It began with feeding it with plain white rice. Being hungry, the dog appreciated our kind gestures and decided that we would be the family to have him. Both parents objected because of the additional member in the family but over time, the dog which we called 'Doggie' convinced them that it's special. Did I say before that it could de-husk the coconut? And pull us on our bicycle? It's a big dog and it stayed with us for about 10 years before passing on to the nether world. Memories, memories. Regretted not having taken more photos of our Doggie. It's only when it left that I realised that there weren't enough photos of it but for the fortunate few.

I could go on and on about how I was being brought up and how my parents dealt with my growing years. If I get too lengthy, you would most probably wonder why I'm babbling too much this time on this blog. But really, there's more to write and I would be honoured to share my life's experience with you. I'll leave it to some other title to write about. In the meantime, Happy Parents Day and why not? Why succumb to commercialism? Every day should be parents' day and we should cherish them while they're still alive even though I would feel tongue tied to express my feelings but I guess, action shows.  I never believed in visiting the grave and burning prayer material after their death. It's all hogwash and I won't know for sure whether they'd receive those objects that we burn for them. Again, Happy Parents Day.

Death - Is it Necessarily Negative?

Death is a word that strikes fear into everyone's minds. Or at least generates spooky feelings in relevance to ghosts - spirits who roam after death. Death is a macabre word that most people would want to avoid uttering. Death conjures up images of sadness, despair and doom. Why can't it conjure images of happiness, hope and bloom instead? What is it that prevents us from thinking positively about death? Should death be such a good thought, that everyone would rush to be on the bandwagon? Why should anyone avoid death like the plague? Why go to great lengths to prevent people from uttering the death word? Is it such a bad thing to think of death once a while?

Why is death always a negative thing? Of course, death separates us from our loved ones. But isn't it something good for them, that they're able to leave this world of suffering and cross over to the next world? Should we instead be happy for them, for they're crossing over earlier than us? It's like saying goodbye when the bus leaves. But then, the bus in the real world, will return. In the ethereal world, spirits of the dead will return. Physically, no but spiritually, yes. Death is like a journey. It's up to us to ensure that it's a pleasurable one. Your imagination will ascertain what to expect ahead.

Should we be happy for those who manage to leave earlier than us? Why not? Nobody thinks of separation in good terms. It's always thought of in negative terms. When the time comes for them to leave, it's more often a 'no choice' thing. Unless they committed suicide thing, of course. But then, suicide is a choice, no? Put that aside. Back to 'no choice' death. When the Reaper comes calling, it's time to go. Sometimes, there's no time to say goodbye. Maybe it's best that way, sometimes?

So, if you have to go, you have to go. We should be happy for them but the burden is on us to let go. Humans are a sentimental lot in nature and will run through a quick re-collection of the past and present when a loved one is about to leave this mortal world. While the loved one fades into unconsciousness, the one who's leaving will also experience quick flashes of their own past and present. It's normally during the point of death, that humans go through this stage. It's like a video recorder being made to run on excessive speed till its end of the tape reel.

Before dying, most probably there'll be regrets. Regrets of not saying what you wanted to say when the person was still alive, which makes you think why you didn't want to say it at all? Regrets of not doing something that you've wanted to do all this while, but procastinated till the last moment and having realised that you're no longer in a position to perform the tasks? It's not a good feeling to have regrets on your deathbed. During that time, there's more turning back. The bus has arrived and the door is open, waiting for you to board. No, there's no chance of throwing the ticket away. A helpless feeling isn't exactly a good feeling.

On some occassions, when there's instant death, there's no opportunity for reminiscing the past or even having regrets. Bang! You're dead. That would probably be the best way to go? If it's an accident, having the thought of being maimed for life or even having an arm or leg amputated would most probably be an unbearable thought for some. So, for these people, a quick launch into the ethereal world is the best way. No time to even think of loved ones they'd be leaving behind or even to consider whether the world awaiting them will be a good one, like what they've dreamed about all this while. Or like what their religion has preached to them, heaven is awaiting if you've done good. And when you reach the Gates, the Gatekeeper apologises and informs regretfully that you're not allowed into Heaven...but leave this for another blog, ok?

So, think of it. There's only 2 things certain in life - death and taxes. Why not relish death? I'm also reminding myself that death of loved ones is inevitable. As you age, you biologically slow down to a standstill (freeze). I've gone through 5 passings, I guess. Fortunately, nothing happened to my immediate family members...yet. I know I will have to face it one day. So fearful am I of this thought that I always think it's best for me to 'go' first. Then I won't have to shed tears for them. It's a painful event, I can imagine. I can also empathise with those who have lost their loved ones.

So, is death a negative thing? We should look at it positively. It will help us to overcome the doom and gloom. Thinking that the dead would be on their way to a better future, will enable us to overcome our grief faster than moaning over the death. The emotional suffering would be short. After the burial, we look at the gravestone and think of the legacy that was left behind and hope that the dearly departed would continue to think of us and drop hints of their visit every once a while. The Chinese will wait for the Hell Gates to open in the 7th Month whilst other cultures would have their own unique way to deal with the dead. Therefore, death is a good thing and we should be envious of those who have managed to leave early. For those who've left, please wait for us to come, ok?

The New Year - Is Everything Ok?

Another year has gone. 2009 is no more. 365 days of last year is the past now. Time and tide waits for no man (and ladies). Once it's gone, it's gone and turning back the clock's arms won't bring back last year. Not even reversing the date of the clock. But you can choose to fool yourself, if you want to. The past is the past and accept the new year as it comes. You can't hide in one corner and pretend that the new year hasn't arrived.

What has changed for this year? Well, at least you're one year older already. Whether aging has created a more mature 'you', only you can determine. New Year Resolutions will remain as mere statements unless you physically take action on it. It could be only one resolution but if it just remains as a thought, then you could perhaps make it your resolution to complete last year's unresolved resolutions. For those who have one too many resolutions, you can pacify yourself by completing as many resolutions as possible. 

I'm past making resolutions because I know I won't be able to accomplish it . Making resolutions only made me feel good. However, it doesn't feel good if I don't accomplish it. So, for this year's resolutions - there won't be any. Keep life simple. I hope I'm not alone in this. I hope there's many, many others out there who are like me. Keep taking photographs, enjoy the great food out there and enjoy life. Oops, that's sounds like 3 resolutions already.

With 4 churches having had molotov cocktails thrown at them and damaged as a result of the fire, one wonders what 2010 brings us. It's not a good start to the year but political anarchists have managed to bring uncalm to the country. No, they're not religious anarchists but rather, political anarchists who are bent on taking over the Selangor state by whatever despicable means. This event is like food - if you don't like it, just spit it out.

And that's what the rakyat is doing. Throw the bad away. They are not going to be sucked into this political game. The rakyat is now more politically aware, compared to the situation 30 years ago, where almost everyone had to depend on what the mainstream media churns out due to no other source of information. During those days, the rakyat can be fooled by propaganda because they had no way to verify the information. The internet has saved us. This is the Information Age. With many of us on Facebook and other social networking sites and blogs, we are helping ourselves by disseminating the right information around. Of course, cybertroopers will try their best to confuse us with their selfish propaganda but we're not easily fooled or taken in by their 'stories'. They are just serving their political masters. Leave them alone. We totally understand that they're just doing their job, albeit being paid using the rakyat's money.

The power of the internet knows no bounds. 'Stories' propagated by the MSM are almost always countered with the right information on the internet, with scanned copies of the original documents to boot. With just one click and the information is transmitted to interested parties. Many times faster than the slow mail, which sometimes don't arrive at all. With many of the netizens who are bent on spreading truth and those who can only live on truth, we're pretty sure that we won't fall for the lies found in the MSM. But it's ok. Leave the MSM alone. They too, are serving their political masters. In the nearest future, we can expect to see the printed media dwindling in readership as more rakyat are joining the wireless broadband bandwagon, where information is at the tip of their fingers.

So, the year didn't begin on such a bad note after all. Well, it seemed bad in the beginning. But the solidarity shown by our brothers out there, have shown that political maturity has risen to a level that we continue to support ourselves and remind ourselves to be rational and not to be taken in by the anarchist's actions. The support level in the cyberworld and amongst the netizens is so great because we have also at the same time, managed to filter out those cybertroopers from amongst us. For one, their grasp of the English language speaks loudly of the government's stance on going against the teaching of Maths and Science in English. But let's leave English for another blog. Their answers in public discussions show's how weak their English is and it's a wonder if anyone understands them at all. But for RM3,500 monthly allowance and given a pc to boot, it's the dream job of graduates who haven't found jobs in the real world due to their uncompetitiveness. Their salary is paid by our taxes.

The way we handle the challenges posed by a dying regime will encourage others to join our team. The team for change, that is. The rakyat will be able to compare the way our leaders handle the situation. On one side, we have instigators and anarchists who abuse the MSM to spread religious and racist remarks. On the other, we have people who pacify and explain to the masses that anarchists are at work and not to be taken in by their negative actions. As a result, we have a peaceful country and citizens who are rational in their thinking. For those churches who were torched, collect money from the faithful for the repairs. I'm sure there are many who will contribute to rebuild the houses of worship.

We will continue to be rational because we have positive leaders who are rational. We will listen to them and continue to do so, as they lead us to change. Many of us strongly feel that change is imminent and it's possible in the near future. That'll be our hope for 2010. We will let the anarchists do what they think they can do, and we will just sit back and enjoy the entertainment provided by these clowns. We choose peace. We will continue to demand for peace and equality and will not let ourselves be hijacked by the actions of a few. Life should be smooth sailing and we should take every effort to ensure it stays that way. Happy New Year.