Confessions of an Empath

It's time for me to come clean about why I do what I do. You see, I'm an agent. Yep, that's right - I am an agent for change.

Seriously, I do what I am doing because I cannot stand the notion of suffering - anywhere in the cosmos, much less here at home on good ol' planet Earth. My motives practically since birth have been the same: I am sickened by violence, injustice and man's inhumanity to man and other creatures.

A little known fact about me is that I spent the first decade of my life becoming physically ill at the mere thought of violence. My family shielded me from violence, but still it managed to creep into my innocent psyche through images in the media, in movies, TV, books and magazines. I recall one Life magazine photo of a bloated corpse being pulled from an African river - a more grotesque sight my child eyes had never seen before.

I didn't vomit at that image, but I did puke all over the upstairs hallway after my older sibling explained to me what a "leper" was, as I was watching the movie "Ben Hur." As it was described to me, leprosy was "where your fingers and other body parts turn black and fall off." Not exactly a clinical definition, but it sufficed to have me running for the bathroom. I didn't make it.

Nor did I make it to the barf bag my family had brought especially for me to the drive-in movie theater, where we watched the scene of a man being hung in front of a jeering mob during the era of the American Wild West. Nope, that time the candy took the hit, as I grabbed the wrong paper sack. Needless to say, my siblings weren't thrilled at losing the candy.

Prior to the Ben Hur incident was a nightmare at grade school - fourth grade, when I was 9 years old. The kids in my class were surrounding one pupil, looking at a photo sent by his penpal and going, "Ooohhhh, grossss!" The children were also laughing, so I peeked over the boy's shoulder to see what they were looking at.

To my horror and shock, the photo was a picture of an American GI holding the severed heads of two Vietnamese soldiers - and smiling. I immediately backed up from this diabolical image, turned around and walked away, choking back tears and vomit. I was incompassionately pursued by the other children, who ridiculed me for not being a "good American," because these slaughtered human beings were "the enemy." Horrified, I looked to the teacher for relief, but she seemed to be joining in the finger wagging!

A Decisive Moment

That moment in my life was decisive. I knew then that I was very different from most people. I had seen an image of two human beings viciously murdered, while the others had seen "the enemy." I've never tortured or killed anyone, and I cannot even stand the sight of such atrocities; yet, I feel sometimes as if I'm all alone on this planet.

At some point during my first decade on this planet, it was suggested to me that, in order to survive in the world, I would need to become "inured" to its horrors. If by "survival" is meant that I couldn't go on barfing, I agree. And for many years I managed to push hideous atrocities out of my mind. A couple of decades later, I finally woke up, once and for all. I will never become inured to the horrors of this world. I am simply too emphathetic not to feel the evil that men do. Indeed, my empathy was the mechanism by which I would become sickened and vomit as a child. I would actually feel the terror, pain and suffering of individuals as they were tortured and killed. I am still feeling the suffering of my brothers and sisters globally, and I am compelled to expose this suffering and help it to heal.

Unfortunately, there are some very evil characters on this planet, and their sickness is infectious enough to have spread far and wide to what amounts to millions of people. These loathsome characters have created their clones and drones, desensitizing them to a mind-numbing level of violence against other living and breathing human beings. The crimes of these evil creatures are beyond comprehension, including but not limited to:

• torture of all manner
• floggings, lashings and beatings
  
• beheadings
  
• slitting throats
  
• stonings
• hangings from cranes and other devices
  
• hacking off hands and feet
• rape - gang and individual of both genders
  
• child abuse, including rape and sodomy
• animal abuse
• "honor killings"
  
• female and male genital mutilation
  
• depriving women of air and sunlight, and subjecting them to sweltering heat beneath black or other dark-colored clothing
• acid attacks on women's faces and other body parts
  
• slavery
• genocide

Most sickening, these atrocities and crimes against humanity are being committed by entire groups of people in the name of God! In other words, these horrors are unleashed as a major part of "religion." Is it any wonder there are "angry atheists" speaking out against the very notion of an all-powerful, good and merciful God in charge of everything? If the scenario just listed is "godly," what the hell is satanic?!

Every day, day in and day out, these vile thugs are grabbing people - including children of both genders - against their will and doing heinous and evil things to them. In all too many places, these montrous tyrants get away with this despicable behavior all the time, because they are allowed and commanded to do so by the governing authorities, both political and religious. Psychotically, these sadists believe themselves correct and righteous in seizing other living, breathing beings against their will and beating, torturing and murdering them. These savages have such power that large groups of people are under their dominion - and they are not content to stop there.

Who is stopping these constant abuses against innocent human beings? Who can these voiceless victims turn to for respite and salvation? As a person of empathy, I am feeling their pain and suffering - and I am outraged by their persecutors' audacity and megalomania. This unmitigated hubris of vilely destroying God's creatures is absolutely ungodly.

And it must be stopped, because it's making not only me but all of us sick. If there has ever been any creator, it seems "he" has long abandoned his flawed creation to its own devices, much to the dismay of all rational and compassionate human beings. That is to say, all true human beings. I can only fervently hope that there are enough of us true human beings to stand up to these sadistic bullies wherever they may be found.

Muslim Takeover of Europe and America?

The following video records a Muslim leader - Libya's Qaddafi/Gaddafi - discussing the 100 million Muslims now or soon to be in the European Union, and how Europe will be an Islamic state within "a few decades."

According to the translation, which I have not verified, Gaddafi says, "There are signs that Allah will grant Islam victory in Europe..." This takeover will not be "forceful," it is claimed. Rather, it is implied and understood, the main mechanism will be by outpopulating the Europeans and, obviously, subjugating them.

Gaddafi also relates the plot to overtake America as well, saying:

"Europe is in a predicament, and so is America. They should agree to become Islamic in the course of time or else declare war on the Muslims."

In other words, if you don't voluntarily convert to Islam, you'd better be prepared to fight physically for your life: "Convert or die."

This speech was given before thousands of men in Timbuktu. This situation is not an isolated incident of "a few extremist Muslims." They have the numbers and the money as to be alarming - and they should be taken quite seriously. At this writing, an estimated one-fourth or more of the world's population is Muslim - the fastest-growing segment by far.

Presuming this translation is accurate, and factoring in many other signs - including the attempted and successful implementation of sharia law in a number of European countries and in Canada - it seems evident that if the world doesn't wake up, Gaddafi will prove to be correct in his predictions and actions to compel Europe and America to become Muslim.

Adulterer Gingrich Destined for Hell

In yet another display of unmitigated arrogance, while giving the commencement speech at recently deceased fundmentalist minister Jerry Falwell's Liberty University, American politico Newt Gingrich called for an attack on "radical secularism." Gingrich's hypocritical "holier-than-thou" stance is particularly amusing in light of the fact that he is a twice-divorced, known adulterer.

In his pretentions of being a moral cop, possible presidential candidate Gingrich peppered his speech with quotes from the Bible, presumably leaving out the following scriptures:

... take heed to yourselves, and let none be faithless to the wife of his youth. For I hate divorce, says the LORD the God of Israel, and covering one's garment with violence, says the LORD of hosts. So take heed to yourselves and do not be faithless. (Mal 2:15)

And Pharisees came up to [Jesus] and tested him by asking, "Is it lawful to divorce one's wife for any cause?" He answered, "Have you not read that he who made them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, 'For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh'? So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man put asunder." They said to him, "Why then did Moses command one to give a certificate of divorce, and to put her away?" He said to them, "For your hardness of heart Moses allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so. And I say to you: whoever divorces his wife, except for unchastity, and marries another, commits adultery." (Mat 19:3-9)

According to the New Testament, Jesus was squarely against divorce, as well as remarriage, calling the latter "adultery." Since Gingrich is by biblical default and admission an adulterer, let us look at biblical scriptures concerning adultery and adulterers:

You shall not commit adultery. (Exd 20:14)

If a man commits adultery with the wife of his neighbor, both the adulterer and the adulteress shall be put to death. (Lev 20:10)

Neither shall you commit adultery. (Deu 5:18)

He who commits adultery has no sense; he who does it destroys himself. (Pro 6:32 )

"You have heard that it was said, 'You shall not commit adultery.' But I say to you that every one who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.... It was also said, 'Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.' But I say to you that every one who divorces his wife, except on the ground of unchastity, makes her an adulteress; and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery." (Mat 5:27-32)

And Jesus said, "You shall not kill, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness..." (Mat 19:18)

While Jesus upholds the proscription against adultery found in the 10 Commandments, the gospels do not record Christ as assigning the death penalty as a punishment for adultery, as does the Old Testament. In fact, Jesus is depicted as stopping the stoning of a woman on the charge of adultery, uttering the famous words, "Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her." (Jn 8:17)

So egregious is the sin of adultery, however, that St. Paul lumps adulterers in with "the immoral...idolaters... sexual perverts... thieves... the greedy... drunkards... revilers [and] robbers." According to the New Testament, none of these individuals "will inherit the kingdom of God." (1 Cor 6:10)

Thus, it would seem Newt Gingrich is destined for Hell!

In his Liberty-University speech, Gingrich also remarked:

"A growing culture of radical secularism declares that the nation cannot profess the truths on which it was founded... We are told that our public schools can no longer invoke the creator, nor proclaim the natural law nor profess the God-given quality of human rights.

"In hostility to American history, the radical secularists insist that religious belief is inherently divisive and that public debate can only proceed on secular terms....

"Too often, the courts have been biased against religious believers. This anti-religious bias must end..."

In reality, not only is religion divisive, but the a priori assumption by religionists that God exists, as depicted in the Bible and other "holy texts," is utterly dishonest and is at the root of many of the world's problems. The honest debate should be not whether or not "God" is to be allowed in public schools but whether or not the anthropomorphic god as portrayed in the Bible even exists.

The fact is that the majority of individuals in the United States consider themselves to be religious, including judges and legislators, and there have been no professed atheists on the Supreme Court since its inception. Fortunately for Newt Gingrich, however, the courts have been biased against fervent believers in the Old Testament punishment for adultery, i.e., stoning. Gingrich had better hope for his own sake, therefore, that the wall of separation between church and state remains high and unbreachable.

"Suicide Killers" - Islam is "Beautiful?"

On last night's "Daily Show," Jon Stewart hosted a French filmmaker named Pierre Rehov, whose recent creation "Suicide Killers" presents the views of would-be Muslim "bombers for God." Rehov stated that the suicide killers talked to his team because they believe that the French are "100% on their side." The absolute pathology of the individuals involved in this documentary is sickening, reflecting a psychotic indoctrination that can only be termed child abuse.

Although from his website Mr. Rehov is clearly appalled by this pathological attitude and behavior, he unfortunately repeated the disturbing and perilous platitude that it's not Islam but extremists who are the problem. Granted, extremists are a problem, but "innocent" Islam is not. Rehov went so far as to say that "Islam is a beautiful religion." In consideration of its history and all that we know about Islam, including widespread violence, torture and murder wherever it is found, we would really like to know exactly what is "beautiful" about Islam?

• Is the suppression and oppression - the torture - of women "beautiful?"

Here's the Koranic origin of that abysmal mentality:

"Men have authority over women because God has made the one superior to the other, and because they spend their wealth to maintain them. Good women are obedient." (Q 4:34)

The Prophet Mohammed is quoted as saying:

"I was standing at the edge of the fire (hell) and the majority of the people going in were women."

This gruesome image shows an Iranian woman beaten for not covering her hair properly - but one example of sharia or Islamic law. (Reproduced with permission from the Dr. Homa Darabi Foundation.)

The vicious attitude towards and vile treatment of women within Islam is spreading throughout the world:

"From 1998 until 2002, Muslim male gangs taunted Australian girls, particularly in Sydney. The females were labeled 'sluts' and 'Aussie pigs,' therefore, they were bait for rape.

"In Australia's New South Wales Supreme Court in December 2005, a visiting Pakistani rapist testified that his victims had no right to say no, because they were not wearing a headscarf...

"As more and more Muslims move into Western nations, this gang rape will increase because it is part of the Muslim male killing cult, otherwise known as their 'religion.'"

There simply is no excuse for this evil mentality and behavior, but there will be many who deny that it exists, adding insult to the severe injuries - including hideous rape and murder - suffered by its victims.

• Is the constant call for the deaths of infidels something "beautiful?"

The Koran/Quran itself contains repeated statements to torment and kill unbelievers:

"This Book is not to be doubted.... As for the unbelievers, it is the same whether or not you forewarn them; they will not have faith. God has set a seal upon their hearts and ears; their sight is dimmed and grievous punishment awaits them." (Q 2:2-6)

"God's curse be upon the infidels! Evil is that for which they have bartered away their souls. To deny God's own revelation, grudging that He should reveal His bounty to whom He chooses from among His servants! They have incurred God's most inexorable wrath. An ignominious punishment awaits the unbelievers." (Q 2:92-6)

"... Slay them wherever you find them. Drive them out of the places from which they drove you. Idolatry is worse than carnage." (Q 2:190-3)

"When the sacred months are over slay the idolaters wherever you find them. Arrest them, besiege them, and lie in ambush everywhere for them." (Q 9:5)

"Prophet, make war on the unbelievers and the hypocrites and deal rigorously with them. Hell shall be their home: an evil fate." (Q 9:73)

These are direct quotes from the Koran, translated but not "interpreted." No interpretation is necessary, as the meaning is clear.

• Is the repression of sex to the point of driving young men to want to kill themselves and others somehow "beautiful?"

Again, this repression is sanctioned by the Koran, which promises a garden of sexual delights to those who martyr themselves in the name of Islam.

"The righteous shall return to a blessed retreat: the gardens of Eden, whose gates shall open wide to receive them. Reclining there with bashful virgins for companions, they will call for abundant fruit and drink." (Q 38:51-2)

"On that day [the unbelievers] shall be sternly thrown into the fire of Hell... But in fair gardens the righteous shall dwell in bliss, rejoicing in what their Lord will give them. Their Lord will shield them from the scourge of Hell. He will say: Eat and drink to your hearts content. This is the reward of your labours.

"They shall recline on couches ranged in rows. To dark-eyed houris [virgin girls] We shall wed them.... Fruit We shall give them, and such meats as they desire. They will pass from hand to hand a cup inspiring no idle talk, no sinful urge; and there shall wait on them young boys of their own, as fair as virgin pearls." (Q 52:13-24)

"Reclining there upon soft couches, they shall feel neither the scorching heat nor the biting cold. Trees will spread their shade around them, and fruits will hang in clusters over them.

"They shall be served with silver dishes, and beakers as large as goblets; silver goblets which they themselves shall measure: and cups brim-full with ginger-flavoured water from a fount called Salsabil. They shall be attended by boys graced with eternal youth, who to the beholders eyes will seem like sprinkled pearls. When you gave upon that scene, you will behold a kingdom blissful and glorious." (Q 76:9-20)

Note that these last scriptures promise appealing young boys to serve the men who arrive in Paradise.

None of the despicable and inhuman behavior brought out by these scriptures is "extremist" within Islam - it is mainstream. In the future, it would be best to question what exactly is "beautiful" about Islam?

I'm waiting to hear.

(More illustrations of "beautiful Islam." Warning: Extremely gruesome.)

Immigration Reform Protests

On this day of mass immigration-reform protests, the book Reefer Madness: Sex, Drugs and Cheap Labor in the American Black Market appears to be singularly significant. In fact, it represents an extremely important aspect of this divisive debate that most people may be unaware of. Hence, we feel that this vital information needs to be widely spread in order for people to make a more informed opinion on this critical controversy.

In Reefer Madness, the best-selling author of Fast Food Nation investigates America's black market and its far-reaching influence on our society through three of its mainstays -- pot, porn and illegal immigrants.

The underground economy is vast; it comprises perhaps 10 percent -- or more -- of America's overall economy, and it's on the rise. Eric Schlosser charts this growth, and finds its roots in the nexus of ingenuity, greed, idealism, and hypocrisy that is American culture. He reveals the fascinating workings of the shadow economy by focusing on marijuana, one of the nation's largest cash crops; pornography, whose greatest beneficiaries include Fortune 100 companies; and illegal migrant workers, whose lot often resembles that of medieval serfs.

All three industries show how the black market has burgeoned over the past three decades, as America's reckless faith in the free market has combined with a deep-seated puritanism to create situations both preposterous and tragic. Schlosser traces compelling parallels between underground and overground: how tycoons and gangsters rise and fall, how new technology shapes a market, how government intervention can reinvigorate black markets as well as mainstream ones, how big business learns -- and profits -- from the underground.

With intrepid reportage, rich history, and incisive argument, Schlosser illuminates the shadow economy and the culture that casts that shadow.

For more information on this highly relevant and germane work, please go to Reefer Madness: Sex, Drugs and Cheap Labor in the American Black Market.