We would rather be ruined than changed;
We would rather die in our dread
Than climb the cross of the moment
And let our illusions die.
—W. H. Auden, The Age Anxiety
Category Archives: mindful
Experts Call for Early Focus on Black Boys’ Nonacademic Skills
Education Week: Experts Call for Early Focus on Black Boys’ Nonacademic Skills
From the article…“Stanley Howard, the founder of the Chicago-based Law and Civics Literacy Institute for Urban Males, wondered how educators can best boost educational outcomes for African-American males in a political context in which many Americans seem to be thinking: “Now you have a black president. What are you still crying about, bellyaching about?” He added, “What if black boys are economically obsolete?”
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Black boys who become men (If homicide or suicide doesn’t fall upon them) are economically viable in our society: They feed the prison industrial complex, Black men are incarcerated at an alarming rate in America. We know that there more than likely to be locked up six times more than their white counterpart. The rate among Black men is 3,119 per 100,000. (Heather West, William J. Sabol, and Sarah J. Greenman, “Prisoners in 2009,” Bureau of Justice Statistics Bulletin, December 2010.)
The Rise of Prison-Industrial Complex
- In the last 3 decades – prison industrial complex had been developed in the US– confluence of special interests that has given prison construction in the United States a seemingly unstoppable momentum.
- Since 1991 the rate of violent crime in the United States has fallen by about 20 percent, while the number of people in prison or jail has risen by 50 percent. Increase because of imprisonment of people who have committed nonviolent offenses. Instead of community service, fines, or drug treatment – to a prison term, by far the most expensive form of punishment.
- politicians, both liberal and conservative, who have used the fear of crime to gain votes;
- impoverished rural areas where prisons have become a cornerstone of economic development;
- private companies tap into $35 billion a year spending on prisons
- Spending on corrections since 1980s increased 5 times; there are more than 1000 vendors that sell corrections paraphernalia;
- The growth projected 5-10% annually;
- Private prisons keep 90,000 prisoners from 27 states
- “Bed brokers,” rent a cell facilities ($20 to $60 a day with $2.50-5.50 commission per man-day); trucking prisoners hundreds of miles through the country – threat to public order; escapes;
- Wackenhut Corrections, second largest private-prison company has ravenous $1 billion a year;
- U.S. Corrections Corporation – the largest private-prison company wants to buy and run all state of Taxes’ prisons;
- globalization of the private-prison business: British private-prison company, Securicor, operates two facilities in Florida; Wackenhut Corrections is now under contract to operate prison in England; three prisons in Australia; and a prison in Scotland. It is actively seeking prison contracts in South Africa.
- 1 pay phone in prison generates $15,000 a year; MCI installs phones for free;
- Government officials whose fiefdoms have expanded along with the inmate population.
The Invisible Dragon
The Traveler’s Gift, Christian Book Review
Reading and reviewing books has become a past time. A few friends have joined in partnership to exchange text for examination. We have dissimilar religious and spiritual affiliations, they being Christians and the blogger a pious orphan. Taoism is the nearest philosophy among my external counsel. However religious and philosophical membership aside, reading wisdom-based fiction is cool. Discovering new and useful information among text is the purpose anyhow.
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“The Traveler’s Gift” by Andy Andrews speaks about the fictional life of David Ponder. Mr. Ponders experience a midlife crisis and finds himself traveling back through time. He encounters several individuals who will provide him with values for personal success, seven total. Hence, however, these persons are making crucial decisions as David crashes into their 
past.
In fact, Harry S. Truman found time to speak with David as he decided the fate of Japan. The past realities and David’s life come together to forge a new mental framework for guidance to success. Overall these seven principles are foundational attributes through a Christian writer’s lens.
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Personal Observation: Christian’ books (my personal book reviews) consistently promote “when my ship comes in” paradigms. The Traveler’s Gift in step presents a map to obtain future happiness and rewards. As such Mr. Andrews illustrate that present moments are only platforms for things to come.
The Traveler’s Gift, pp..88-89 “My hopes, my passion, my vision for the future are my existence…I am passionate about my vision for the future. My course has been charted. My destiny is assured…I have a decided heart.”…pp 166, “I will persist without exception. I focus on results. To achieve the results I desire, it is not necessary that I enjoy the process. It is only important that I continue the process with my eyes on the outcome…my light, my harbor, my future is within sight.”
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Sadly, we do not control the future with our works; however the author seems to suggest otherwise. In fact, he points out that until goals, ambitions, or expectations become reality happiness may remain dormant. This book in my opinion is a pep rally, a motivational dialogue woven into a brilliant story.
Nevertheless, disowning the present moment while concentrating exclusively on expectations will create pain for many. Because obsessions with future or past events may create emotional trauma. In addition, what happens when our plans do not work out? Do we blame God? On the other hand, do we condemn ourselves for a lack of faith?
In closing, adhere to the present in my humble opinion. Because happiness is a state of being available anytime; your choice and free of charge.
Tao 73, Non-Action
The Tao is always at ease.
It overcomes without competing,
answers without speaking a word,
arrives without being summoned,
accomplishes without a plan.
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Its net covers the whole universe.
And though its meshes are wide,
it doesn’t let a thing slip through.
tao te ching, Stephen Mitchell’s Translation
Personal Development:
The harder one fights to grasp a pearl the more distance it becomes. This is why the tempered spirit uses non-action to accomplish all things. By letting things flow, one lives in harmony with the way things are. Non-action is a perfect state of being.
Why listen to someone who has nothing to say?
Does this make sense?
Sequestered in a small space (The Free Mind), a megalomania examination of “Inner-Being” provoked an epochal deliberation of critical inner reflection. In the past, however, the descent into (The Suffering Mind) normally involved ameliorating negative thoughts or regrets…however; this expedition was as aforementioned in (The Free Mind). As such, the often-adrenalized ego remained aloof and docile. Hence, the latent absence permitted an excursion intended on freedom from within; to travel unmolested…make sense?
In addition, to remain congruent to the new (Free Mind) this inspection considered the practice of pontificating theories of intra-forgiveness. Although, popular maxims consider ‘one should forgive and forget others’ (Inter-forgiveness), this by the way; deserve an ambitious moratorium on the phraseology of ‘speech forgiveness.’
In fact, (Imitation verbal conviction aside), to exile pain caused by other’s mischief or unintentional consequences deserves lengthy praise…albeit, whenever truly accomplished…I am sorry, I digress.
To the point at hand…How does the pardon of self-inflicted injury heal?
***Book Recommendation Alert***
“There’s No Such Place As Far Away” by Richard Bach
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The Invisible Dragon
