Saturday, May 30, 2015
JMG REPORT: Pentagon Set To Add Sexual Orientation As A Protected Class
Via the Washington Blade:
Reposted from Joe Jervis
The Pentagon is preparing to update its Military Equal Opportunity Policy to include sexual orientation as a protected class and the change could be made final as soon as the end of next month, the Washington Blade has learned. A senior defense official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed late Friday the Defense Department is planning to update the Military Equal Opportunity Policy to add the words “sexual orientation” as part of the non-discrimination policy.
The proposed change is set to be delivered as early as the middle of next week to Defense Secretary Ashton Carter for his review and final approval, the official said. Each of the military services has already agreed to the change, the official said. The planned change follows an internal review at the Pentagon of the Military Equal Opportunity Policy, which the official said lasted about 12 months. Efforts to include sexual orientation in the revision were languishing, but were re-energized after the appointment in April of Brad Carson as under secretary of defense for personnel and readiness, the official said.
The Military Equal Opportunity Policy identifies classes of service members that should be protected from discrimination to allow them to rise to highest level or responsibility possible. As it stands, the Military Equal Opportunity Policy includes race, color, religion, age, physical or mental disability, sex and national origin. However, service members as of right now have no recourse for anti-gay discrimination outside of their chain of command.
Via Sri Prem Baba: Flor do Dia- Flor del Día- Flower of the day 30/05/2015
“Porque tratamos a natureza como um objeto a ser comercializado? Porque
não podemos ver o espirito divino que está na árvore, no rio, no
animal? Essa indiferença é um mecanismo de defesa que nos mantém
distante da dor – a dor de não ter sido amado. Quando criança, seus pais
fizeram algo diferente do que você esperava, e você compreendeu isso
como desamor. E até pode ser que eles realmente não tenham te amado. Mas
o problema é que, até hoje, você está preso nisso. Você não quer perdoar, e por isso segue destruindo tudo ao seu redor.”
Para ler o Satsang completo, acesse: bit.ly/1QYPXF2
Para ler o Satsang completo, acesse: bit.ly/1QYPXF2
“¿Por qué tratamos a la naturaleza como un objeto para ser
comercializado? ¿Por qué no podemos ver el espíritu divino que está en
el árbol, en el río, en el animal? Esta indiferencia es un mecanismo de
defensa que nos mantiene distantes del dolor – el dolor de no haber sido
amado. Cuando niño, tus padres hicieron algo diferente de lo que
esperabas, y comprendiste esto como desamor. Y hasta puede ser que ellos
realmente no te hayan amado. Pero el problema es que, hasta hoy, estás
preso en eso. No quieres perdonar, y por eso sigues destruyendo todo a
tu alrededor.”
“Why do we treat nature like an object to be commercialized? Why can’t we see the Divine Spirit in trees, rivers and animals? This indifference is a defense mechanism that we use to keep pain at a distance: the pain of not having been loved. As a child, our parents did something different from what we had expected, and we understood this to mean that they did not love us. Maybe they didn’t actually love us, but the problem is that until today we still remain trapped in these thoughts. We don’t want to forgive them, which is why we continue to destroy everything around us.”
“Why do we treat nature like an object to be commercialized? Why can’t we see the Divine Spirit in trees, rivers and animals? This indifference is a defense mechanism that we use to keep pain at a distance: the pain of not having been loved. As a child, our parents did something different from what we had expected, and we understood this to mean that they did not love us. Maybe they didn’t actually love us, but the problem is that until today we still remain trapped in these thoughts. We don’t want to forgive them, which is why we continue to destroy everything around us.”
Today's Daily Dharma: Searching for Ego
Photo: Bill Armstrong
|
Searching for Ego
|
If we carefully analyze our body and mind, we will never find in them anything that corresponds to the ego?ego really is an illusion. Being selfish, then, is merely enacting an illusion, not being what we truly are, which is awakened, a buddha. - Karma Trinlay Rinpoche, "What We've Been All Along" |
Friday, May 29, 2015
Via JMG: Mozambique Legalizes Homosexuality
Via JMG: Obama Issues Pride Month Proclamation
"From the moment our Nation first came together to declare the
fundamental truth that all men are created equal, courageous and
dedicated patriots have fought to refine our founding promise and
broaden democracy's reach. Over the course of more than two centuries of
striving and sacrifice, our country has expanded civil rights and
enshrined equal protections into our Constitution. Through struggle and
setback, we see a common trajectory toward a more free and just society.
But we are also reminded that we are not truly equal until every person
is afforded the same rights and opportunities -- that when one of us
experiences discrimination, it affects all of us -- and that our journey
is not complete until our lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender
(LGBT) brothers and sisters are treated like anyone else under the law.
"Across our Nation, tremendous progress has been won by determined individuals who stood up, spoke out, and shared their stories. Earlier this year, because of my landmark Executive Order on LGBT workplace discrimination, protections for Federal contractors went into effect, guarding against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The Federal Government is now leading by example, ensuring that our employees and contractors are judged by the quality of their work, not by who they love. And I will keep calling on the Congress to pass legislation so that all Americans are covered by these protections, no matter where they work.
"In communities throughout the country, barriers that limit the potential of LGBT Americans have been torn down, but too many individuals continue to encounter discrimination and unfair treatment. My Administration supports efforts to ban the use of conversion therapy for minors because the overwhelming scientific evidence demonstrates that it can cause substantial harm. We understand the unique challenges faced by sexual and gender minorities -- especially transgender and gender non-conforming individuals -- and are taking steps to address them. And we recognize that families come in many shapes and sizes. Whether biological, foster, or adoptive, family acceptance is an important protective factor against suicide and harm for LGBTQ youth, and mental health experts have created resources to support family communication and involvement.
"For countless young people, it is not enough to simply say it gets better; we must take action too. We continue to address bullying and harassment in our classrooms, ensuring every student has a nurturing environment in which to learn and grow. Across the Federal Government, we are working every day to unlock the opportunities all LGBT individuals deserve and the resources and care they need. Too many LGBTQ youth face homelessness and too many older individuals struggle to find welcoming and affordable housing; that is why my Administration is striving to ensure they have equal access to safe and supportive housing throughout life. We are updating our National HIV/AIDS Strategy to better address the disproportionate burden HIV has on communities of gay and bisexual men and transgender women. We continue to extend family and spousal benefits to legally married same-sex couples.
"And because we know LGBT rights are human rights, we are championing protections and support for LGBT persons around the world. All people deserve to live with dignity and respect, free from fear and violence, and protected against discrimination, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation. During Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month, we celebrate the proud legacy LGBT individuals have woven into the fabric of our Nation, we honor those who have fought to perfect our Union, and we continue our work to build a society where every child grows up knowing that their country supports them, is proud of them, and has a place for them exactly as they are.
"NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 2015 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month. I call upon the people of the United States to eliminate prejudice everywhere it exists, and to celebrate the great diversity of the American people.
"IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-ninth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-ninth. - BARACK OBAMA.
Reposted from Joe Jervis
"Across our Nation, tremendous progress has been won by determined individuals who stood up, spoke out, and shared their stories. Earlier this year, because of my landmark Executive Order on LGBT workplace discrimination, protections for Federal contractors went into effect, guarding against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The Federal Government is now leading by example, ensuring that our employees and contractors are judged by the quality of their work, not by who they love. And I will keep calling on the Congress to pass legislation so that all Americans are covered by these protections, no matter where they work.
"In communities throughout the country, barriers that limit the potential of LGBT Americans have been torn down, but too many individuals continue to encounter discrimination and unfair treatment. My Administration supports efforts to ban the use of conversion therapy for minors because the overwhelming scientific evidence demonstrates that it can cause substantial harm. We understand the unique challenges faced by sexual and gender minorities -- especially transgender and gender non-conforming individuals -- and are taking steps to address them. And we recognize that families come in many shapes and sizes. Whether biological, foster, or adoptive, family acceptance is an important protective factor against suicide and harm for LGBTQ youth, and mental health experts have created resources to support family communication and involvement.
"For countless young people, it is not enough to simply say it gets better; we must take action too. We continue to address bullying and harassment in our classrooms, ensuring every student has a nurturing environment in which to learn and grow. Across the Federal Government, we are working every day to unlock the opportunities all LGBT individuals deserve and the resources and care they need. Too many LGBTQ youth face homelessness and too many older individuals struggle to find welcoming and affordable housing; that is why my Administration is striving to ensure they have equal access to safe and supportive housing throughout life. We are updating our National HIV/AIDS Strategy to better address the disproportionate burden HIV has on communities of gay and bisexual men and transgender women. We continue to extend family and spousal benefits to legally married same-sex couples.
"And because we know LGBT rights are human rights, we are championing protections and support for LGBT persons around the world. All people deserve to live with dignity and respect, free from fear and violence, and protected against discrimination, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation. During Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month, we celebrate the proud legacy LGBT individuals have woven into the fabric of our Nation, we honor those who have fought to perfect our Union, and we continue our work to build a society where every child grows up knowing that their country supports them, is proud of them, and has a place for them exactly as they are.
"NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 2015 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month. I call upon the people of the United States to eliminate prejudice everywhere it exists, and to celebrate the great diversity of the American people.
"IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-ninth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-ninth. - BARACK OBAMA.
Via Sri Prem Baba: Flor do Dia- Flor del Día- Flower of the day 29/05/2015
“O adolescente rebelde está pedindo amor incondicional. Na verdade,
ele não está dando conta do que sente, ele está desesperado. Esse é um
amor exigente. Enquanto você está ali dando o seu melhor, ele está
jogando pedras. Mas é preciso compreender que esse é o seu material de
escola. Você está aprendendo a não se identificar com sua própria
criança ferida, a manter sua mente equânime e não aceitar o convite para
a guerra. No momento, esse filho é o seu mestre.”
“El adolescente rebelde está pidiendo amor incondicional. En verdad,
no se está dando cuenta de lo que siente, está desesperado. Este es un
amor exigente. Mientras tú estás ahí dando lo mejor, él está tirando
piedras. Pero es necesario comprender que este es tu material de
escuela. Estás aprendiendo a no identificarte con tu propio niño herido,
a mantener tu mente ecuánime y no aceptar la invitación a la guerra. En
ese momento, ese hijo es tu maestro.”
“Rebellious teenagers are asking for unconditional love. In truth, they are not managing to cope with their feelings, and are in a state of despair. This is a very demanding form of love. While you are there giving your best efforts, they are hurling stones back at you. You must understand that this is your learning material. You are learning not to get identified with your own wounded child, and how to keep your mind balanced and not take up the gauntlet or accept the invitation to fight. At this moment, your child is your teacher.”
“Rebellious teenagers are asking for unconditional love. In truth, they are not managing to cope with their feelings, and are in a state of despair. This is a very demanding form of love. While you are there giving your best efforts, they are hurling stones back at you. You must understand that this is your learning material. You are learning not to get identified with your own wounded child, and how to keep your mind balanced and not take up the gauntlet or accept the invitation to fight. At this moment, your child is your teacher.”
Today's Daily Dharma: The Myth of Enlightenment.
The Myth of Enlightenment
One
idea that really hampers us is to believe that people get
'enlightened,' and then they’re that way forever and ever. We may have
our moments, and if we get sick and have lots of things happening, we
may fall back. But a person who practices consistently over years and
years is more that way, more of the time, all the time. And that’s
enough. There is no such thing as getting it.
- Charlotte Joko Beck, "Life's Not A Problem"
Thursday, May 28, 2015
Via American Atheists's / FB
Since Senator Rubio seems to be confused about this: We don't want to criminalize Catholic teachings or even call them "hate speech." But his religious beliefs don't excuse his bigotry. And criticizing him for his bigotry isn't persecution, it's holding him accountable.
Via adicting Info: Teens Are Leaving Religion In Droves, And That Spells Big Trouble For The GOP
It is no secret to anyone who bothers to turn on a television news
show or use Google that the current incarnation of the GOP is hellbent
on turning America into a fundamentalist Christians theocracy. They
believe that everything that is even a little bit progressive, from
climate change to acceptance of homosexuality, to abortion, is some evil
liberal plot to take away their Bibles, burn down their churches, and
persecute Christians. While thinking people know that they are deluded,
the people who make up today’s GOP pander to the nut jobs who believe
it. Well, luckily for the rest of us, that base of people and their
politicians are getting older and dying off. Even better is the fact
that younger version of these people are not replacing them.
According to a recent- and quite thorough study, today’s adolescents are leaving religion in droves. It isn’t because they haven’t found god yet or anything like that, either, according to this study. It’s because there has been a cultural shift, and these people do not need or want religion in their lives. Jean Twenge, the psychology professor from San Diego State who led the study, says:
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/05/28/teens-are-leaving-religion-in-droves-and-that-spells-big-trouble-for-the-gop/
According to a recent- and quite thorough study, today’s adolescents are leaving religion in droves. It isn’t because they haven’t found god yet or anything like that, either, according to this study. It’s because there has been a cultural shift, and these people do not need or want religion in their lives. Jean Twenge, the psychology professor from San Diego State who led the study, says:
“Unlike previous studies, ours is able to show that Millennials’ lower religious involvement is due to cultural change, not to millennials being young and unsettled.”Further, the study concludes that this is the least religious generation in six decades. Also, because it is a cultural change, these young people are unlikely to turn to religion as they get older. According to Twenge, who also authored a book on the Millennial generation entitled Generation Me, this shift has to do with the fact that children born in the 1980’s and 1990’s are simply more inclined to be individualistic than those before them. She describes Millennials as tolerant, confident, open-minded, and ambitious but also disengaged, narcissistic, distrustful, and anxious,” and calls them the “Entitlement Generation.”
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/05/28/teens-are-leaving-religion-in-droves-and-that-spells-big-trouble-for-the-gop/
Via The Washington Blade: Obama to host Pride at the White House on June 24
President Obama is set to host Pride at the White House on June 24. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)
President Obama is set to host Pride at the White House on June 24. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)
President Obama is set to host Pride at the White House on June 24. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)
JMG HomoQuotable - Armistead Maupin
Labels: Armistead Maupin, boycotts, Fire Island Pines, HomoQuotable, Ian Reisner, Mati Weiderpass, Ted Cruz
Via Sri Prem Baba: Flor do Dia- Flor del Día- Flower of the day 28/05/2015
“Pais e educadores precisam tomar consciência da grande
responsabilidade que lhes foi dada: interromper o ciclo da ignorância
neste planeta. Porque através da educação das crianças podemos quebrar o
círculo vicioso da destruição e realmente mudar o mundo. Para isso,
precisamos fazer nossa parte que é ajudar as crianças a encontrarem seus
dons e talentos, e se alinharem com a sua verdadeira missão. Não basta
largar a criança na escola, é preciso se responsabilizar e se comprometer com o despertar do amor desse Ser.”
“Padres y educadores necesitan tomar consciencia de la gran
responsabilidad que les fue dada: interrumpir el ciclo de la ignorancia
en este planeta. Porque a través de la educación de los niños podemos
romper el círculo vicioso de la destrucción y realmente cambiar el
mundo. Para eso, necesitamos hacer nuestra parte que es ayudar a los
niños a encontrar sus dones y talentos, y alinearse con su verdadera
misión. No basta dejar al niño en la escuela, es necesario
responsabilizarse y comprometerse con el despertar del amor de ese Ser.”
“Parents and educators need to become aware of the great responsibility they have been given: to interrupt the cycle of ignorance on this planet. Through our children’s education we can break the vicious circle of destruction and create a change in the world. We need to do our part in order for this to happen. We must help our children to discover their gifts and talents, and to live in alignment with their true purpose. It is not enough to put your child in a school system – you have to be responsible and committed to awakening the love within this human being.”
“Parents and educators need to become aware of the great responsibility they have been given: to interrupt the cycle of ignorance on this planet. Through our children’s education we can break the vicious circle of destruction and create a change in the world. We need to do our part in order for this to happen. We must help our children to discover their gifts and talents, and to live in alignment with their true purpose. It is not enough to put your child in a school system – you have to be responsible and committed to awakening the love within this human being.”
Today's Daily Dharma: The Dawning of Truth.
The Dawning of Truth
If
we use the practice tools that develop intelligence and clarity with a
confused, selfish motivation, reality is bound to collide with our
fiction. This is where practice is supposed to bring us. This is the proof that the dharma works. It’s the end of our confused, fictive world, and the dawning of truth.
- Lama Tsony, "Facing Fear"
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)