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| POINT Updates |
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| Welcome to POINT’s newsletter! Each month we will be featuring our regular updates, along with input from our members. Editorial POINT had its first Birthday in August; its beginning last year, marked a new direction in terms of social consciousness in our lives. We have planted many seeds and are dedicated to nurturing those seeds so that they will blossom into the vision of a mutual co-operative and nourishing society. The beginning of this summer also brought changes to our life. Stressful changes, but not negative ones. Consequently, we have “worked” very hard at relaxing in our limited spare time. Now however, fall is definitely in the air - aroma-wise, activity-wise, visually, and for those who feel it, - vibrationally. It is time to think of returning to regular routine and commitments, either ones that we already have, or of which we plan to include. Serious choices will be made in many aspects of our lives. Though we’ve been pretty successful in relaxing physically and emotionally, disturbing incidents have not by any means, gone unnoticed. I try to remember and apply, the Serenity Prayer, every day - “God grant me the strength to change the things I can, to accept the things I cannot change, - and the wisdom to know the difference!” Applying this principle helps to keep me in balance, for if everything were a #1 priority, I would always be worn out. I feel it necessary to POINT out some of the disturbing incidents that have occurred, and repeat the conclusions of many trauma experts. At a children’s hockey game, a parent became upset at unnecessary physicality used by one of the children towards his son. He became so upset that he physically fought with the child’s father, and killed him! Dismayed sportswriters wrote about “Parent Rage” and “Parents in the Penalty Box”. The general public was horrified. How could this happen? Why didn’t anybody intervene? What a terrible thing to leave indelibly in the eyes and minds of the children involved. According to experts around the globe, there is absolutely no doubt that the violence we are exposed to (by choice or happenstance) has a definite effect on our behaviour. It is naive at best and stubborn or stupid, to insist that there really aren’t any damaging effects on humanity, from the violence in movies, videos and video games, music, sports and any other venue depicting same. While simultaneously calling for increased gun legislation, the Canadian Government is proposing that children, twelve years old and up be taught to hunt, in order to boost revenue collected for licenses, etc. They say that as along as the child is in the company of an adult, 18 years or older, this would be a good thing for the hunting industry. How do you feel about a child ability to be responsible with guns? Haven’t we had enough evidence in the past year alone? Important areas of our lives are being dangerously influenced - and we are allowing it! The music industry has several solo performers and or groups who incorporate violence, sexism, racism etc., into their “art”. Some of these people say they don’t mean to harm anyone and some of them are not at all concerned, as long as they say what they want and sell tickets! The messages in their chosen words are violently against women and must not be tolerated any more than racism must not be tolerated. I won’t dignify any of these performers by even mentioning their names, but I ask you, as I ask myself - why would any caring person go (or allow their children to go) to the concerts, performances or whatever, of these people? There was a sold-out concert at one of Vancouver’s major theatre venues, by performers whose purpose is to distribute hate, disdain, violence, profanity, degradation, condescension--I could go on and on. Another group is simulating wrestling moves (many of which have been banned) while singing and playing their music. Can we expect things to get better when we remain silent and therefore add to the acceptance of such public displays - and pay their salaries to boot? It looks like we have to stand firm and speak out in favour of acceptable entertainment etc., while refusing to support the “JUNK” that is out there. I believe if you do not want to step up into the forefront in some manner, then you can still assist humanity by at the very least letting your own friends, family and acquaintances know how strongly you feel and that you are making sure your choices reflect your feelings/position. It is useless to say, “what can I do, I am only one person”. You can make a difference if you will commit to adding your voice to organizations such as POINT, so that the numbers of people who want to see society improve, outnumber those who want to see society fail. I am not talking censorship here. I am in agreement with a statement I read recently in the news: “Standards of decency and civility have eroded. Parents should not be forced to compete with the popular culture in order to raise their children.” If you believe society needs help, realize that society needs YOUR help. We can all contribute positively or negatively. Which way do you want to contribute? Quote of the Month You cannot shake hands with a clenched fist. - Indira Gandhi Members’ Corner As an employer of people from their early 20’s through to their late 50’s, I agree that a good work ethic is sorely lacking. Here’s hoping that readers of POINT’s newsletter will apply your suggestions for their own benefit as employees, and for us the employers. A.R., North Vancouver, BC Join POINT Annual Memberships: Individual: $10 Family: $25 We encourage you to express your support of POINT by becoming members. Please send your cheque or money order to: POINT, 1778 Alberni Street, Suite 401, Vancouver, BC, V6G 1B2 Name:________________________ Address:_________________________________ Phone:_____________________ Fax:_________________ e-mail:________________ Type of Membership: Individual________ Family___________ |
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