Jedi & Sith vs Religious Extremists & Religious Peacekeepers

I had an interesting conversation with my sister about one of her grad classes that got me thinking. In it they were talking about what the difference is between someone who is a religious extremist and a religious peacekeeper. They are both religious, fundamentalists, and see themselves as good people doing good for their cause. The only difference that grad class could come up with, and one that I agree with, is that the extremists are willing to sacrifice other people while peacekeepers are only sacrificing themselves.

Let me explain. Mahatma Ghandi is largely considered one of the greatest people of the 20th century. What he did for India, and the example he set for others, had an effect that changed the world. He sacrificed himself through hunger strikes and peaceful protests until the British left India. He never sacrificed anyone else, just himself to achieve his goal. He was very devout religiously as well. The people who destroyed the World Trade Center would be extremists. While they too were willing to sacrifice themselves, they were also willing to sacrifice others to achieve their goal.

One other thing is that extremists see things as "You're either with us, or against us."

It just so happens that this accurately describes Jedi and Sith from Star Wars and can be used to help explain such a complicated situation as the Middle East to a child or teen, or just someone who doesn't get it. Jedi and Sith basically believe in the same thing. They believe in an all pervasive energy in the galaxy that they call the "Force". Their training and techniques are the same and even have the same roots. They have a few small, fundamental differences. Sith believe in extremism while Jedi believe in peacekeeping. The extremists also believe in using their passions to achieve their ends, while Jedi believe in detatching oneself from their feelings. Sith believe in absolutes as well. Jedi don't.

It is interesting to note, then, that El (President Bush) has said on numerous occasions that people are either wish us or against us in the War on Terror. He is willing to sacrifice others to achieve his goals, and sees himself as a good person pursuing a good cause. Does this make him a religious extremist fighting other extremist? Perhaps. He has called this war a "crusade" which has all kinds of nuances of religion (especially Christianity) and probably scared more than a few Muslims in the world.

It's an interesting thought that gave me pause and cast the whole Star Wars Saga in a different light. The parallels between that saga and current events is...well, worth considering. Think about it.

Papality and Retrobution

So, over the past week, the Pope has been in hot water after quoting an ancient pope that basically calls Islam a violent religion. While that is obviously not true (Islam is one of the most peaceful religions on the world, believe it or not), some reactions are less than great. There are rumors on MSN, and probably other stations, that talk of "war" against the Papality for such a remark. It is true that, in Islam, Muslims are given the right to fight if they feel their religion is being threatened (the whole drama with Osama is over such a belief...thats for another time). I think that those Muslims who would call for a war would do so not for religious reasons, but just as an excuse to fight the West. This seems obvious in that, those who would call for war are also the ones who hate the West the most (Iran, Syria, Iraq now[maybe not 10 years ago...] etc).

I support the Muslims for feeling outraged. I'd be pretty pissed too if someone said my religion was violent and hate-filled. I also support the Muslims out there who are protesting such a quote. I don't support the violence that has erupted from it, though. One nun was killed and a church burned over the weekend. "Don't commit the crime for which you were wrongly accused". I believe that is the quote from "The Count of Monte Cristo". Basically, it means that if someone calls you violent, you don't disprove it by being violent. That just proves to the world that you are violent, hate-filled people. To see such a beautiful religion warped so is saddening.

In the Pope's defense, he was trying to make a different point but obviously didn't think things through. However, most people shouldn't be surprised by this because he doesn't seem to be the sharpest guy in the room. When he was named Pope, people were already making fun of him by referencing him to Emperor Palpatine and other less savory characters, based on his looks and past. If there is such a thing as a "lame-duck" Pope, we might just be seeing one.

If any kind of violence continues as a result of this, on either side, it will truly be a sad day for the world. This planet does not need any kind of holy war (thanks El for saying you would wage a "crusade" against terrorists...who happen to be Muslim!) and the only thing that would come from such a war would be lots and lots of dead people and no end to the conflict unless one religion was so defeated as to be extinct, or near to it. And, lets face it, the odds would be heavily stacked against the Muslims, sadly. The world deserves peace for a change after the horrid 20th century, which knew only a few years of true peace. This century isn't off to a better start, either.

Fun, Drinks, and Wings

Last night was the Dyamo Power Hour at the Mezzanine Lounge and Dwayne De Rosario, Brian Ching, and Coach Kinnear made stops there to greet fans, sign autographs, down some beers, and do some interviews. Oh, and lots and lots of pics. Here's one of the guy who came in second place during the Wing Eating Contest. He got 2 tix to Sunday's game and a signed tee.



What a nub. He should have come in first place. Heh. Oh well. Good times were had by all. He got to meet all three of the people from the Dynamo and share their table. I hope that the Dynamo do this more often. Doing it before every home game would be great to hype the team and get the fans ready for the game. Just sending two or three people from the team would do wonders. The Mezz was, of course, packed.

Roy O of the Astros was masterfull, yet again, against the Cardinals. He completely shut down their lineup, allowing the Astros to salvage a game in St. Louis. Now they come home for the most important stretch this year. They play the Cardinals again as well as the Phillies. If they can win both series....

In the news today, the US Army found a large gathering of Al Qeida for a supposed funeral. The military asked to bomb them, and was told "No" because of the Rules of Engagement. Part of me wishes they had bombed them, but the better part is glad they didn't. We aren't terrorists and shouldn't start acting like them by killing them any chance we get. Funerals are sacred to all religions and peoples of the world, and by attacking them there, we would just be sinking to their level. While El might be ok with that, I am not. We will get them eventually. No need to act out the part that they accuse of us.

What's A Guy to Do...?

After a decade and a half with a single team, a rarity in baseball these days, Craig Biggio is thinking about retirement. He wants to stay with us and be known as an Astro, and only an Astro. However, he may not get that opportunity.

Craig is close to the 3,000 hit milestone, amongst several others including doubles and runs scored and hit-by-pitches. Unfortunetly, the Astros might not pick up his contract next year with the team slumping so badly. Craig stated in the Houston Chronicle that if the Astros didn't pick him up, he'd go elsewhere to finish his career. That's bullshit. He's one of the greatest players to ever put on the Astros jersey, yet the 'stros are willing to let him go and treat him like garbage, much like what happened to Jeff Bagwell and Nolan Ryan. That's insane. Craig Biggio is a leader in nearly every offensive category on this team, and those he doesn't lead, his long-time friend Jeff has. We can't let a great player go like this. He has stayed with this team despite all the troubles over the years.

Craig could have easily gone to a different team and gotten his ring by now. He didn't, though. He stuck through all the hard times, and the good. All the slumps and hot streaks. Jeff and Craig have been, and continue to be, the heart and soul of this team. It is interesting to note that, with Jeff not with the team this year, they have performed very badly, yet last year they went to the World Series. It's interesting to say the least.

Craig has stayed here because he loves this town and the fans here. He also loves the club and the players he has been able to play alongside. I hope that Drayton will realize this and give Craig what he deserves for his loyalty, a rarity in MLB, which is one more year. When have Houston fans see their player hit 3,000?

Highly Recognizable, yet wholely depressing sign

Maybe it was just how depressing yesterday was, but the air itself seemed to drag on everyone's mood. No one was much in the mood to talk (least of all me...I never talk!) and everyone's tensions were high. Now that the day is over and a new one has started, everyone is in better moods and walking with a lighter step. I have even noticed it in myself. The deaths of those 3,000 people plus the other 3,000 (not quite, but soon enough...) people who have died over seas as a result weighs down on everyone. It is a collective burden that is getting more difficult to bear. Thankfully, after that day each year, there is a new one to great us and offer us a chance to start over and set things right.

I feel lighter today and less burdened. Things seem funnier. My joke list (That'sComedy!) was hilarious today. Even my music, which can be very depressing (Nirvana, SES, Manson, Korn...) seemed more upbeat and lively. Maybe it is just me. Who knows? I hope that there will be another day and another and that El doesn't prevent that from happening (though it is simply a matter of time...all Empires fall)

On a different note, two of my favorite players are going to be giving out autographs at the Mezzanine Lounge tommorow. Brian Ching and Dwayne De Rosario will be out there, doing autographs and talking to the local radio. It's sure to be packed there and a whole lot of fun. From 7-9pm, they will be representing the Houston Dynamo and hopefully the fans will show them some love after being gone for so long.

Depressingly, the Astros, who had a chance to get to .500 for the first time in months, failed to do so and haven't score a run in 20 innings. :-( They are now 70-73 and running out of time to make the playoffs. They need to get their act together.

Greatest Modern Tragedy?

On this day of rememberence, I remember lots of things. I remember when I first heard about what happened. I remember watching what events unfold on TV in high school. Parents were rushing to bring children home to "protect" them. Then as now, I doubt the terrorists could have pulled off strikes nation wide like that. Not to mention that they are not going to hit a school. They want to destroy our symbols and schools aren't a big symbol. That's what was going through my mind.

I also remember all the speeches El presidenete has said over the years. I do and I am disgusted. Here we are, fighting the "War on Terror", and instead of fighting it, we are in Iraq, finishing up a war his father couldn't finish and being sucked into it. You know it has gotten so bad when our biggest ally, Tony Blaire, is forced to resign. Hmm...

I feel bad for those who lost someone. It's a hella way to die and quite sad. No one should have to die so. At the same time, I am a pragmatic person. I can't help but think about El sitting in a classroom, knowing our country is under attack, and doing nothing. That image has been burned in my brain as much as buildings on fire. That image is a symbol for how we have handled things since.

it is true that the 3,000 dead are probably the greatest tragedy. So is our failure to truly honor them by capturing those who are guilty for killing them. However, if we did, then the government's war would be over and the power they have garnered would have to be relinquished. Right?

Right? (Think Star Wars Episode III)

Maybe I'm just turning into a consipiracy theorist. Let those who have died rest in peace and those who fight, for whatever reason, come home. It is what they deserve, if nothing else. The greatest image is that of people of all faiths standing together to mourn the dead and pray for a better future. That is the most beautiful image in what was dubbed a "Crusade" by El.

Success and Failure

The ultimate dichotomy in the world would have to be success and failure. Bigger than all the others because all others rely on this. Good and evil? Love and hate? Sanity and insanity? Some religions and philosophers say that dichotomies are in a constant struggle to dominate the other. Good is always trying to win over evil. Sanity tries to fight off the insane and chaotic. Love attempts to conquer hate. Success climbs up the hill, fighting away failure. Be it on a small scale, such as an individual, or a larger scale such as countries, worlds, or whole galaxies, life is in a constant state of flux.

At times, one side might dominate the other. Failure may drag someone down and dog their every step. Eventually success pushes away failure and traps it in a small box with a lock, but no key, and a Jedi to guard it from escape. What gets people suffering from failure is the word "eventually". That could be seconds, minutes, hours, years or decades. You never know when it will go away. Much like Time, it can stalk you, waiting for the right moment to pounce. It can be felt behind you, but when you turn it vanishes. The eyes of Failure can be felt on the back of your head. It can be that feeling, that distraction, that haunts you for so long. However, it will have to be caught if Success is to dominate.

If Failure does pounce, it can send you falling into a bottomless pit of self-remorse and hate. You can end up wallowing in your own grief, oblivious to the outside world. No matter the stimuli, you feel nothing. It's such a selfish thing, too.

Such is the way of the world.