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Points of View

Written by Faye Bee | 01 July 2009
Posted in iNFORMATION PRESS - Points of View

This is so serious, but so important – please, I am begging you – read and listen.
As young as age 4, even before they really understand, tell your children, and all the children you care for, about not getting in cars with strangers, not taking candy and especially about inappropriate touching.
It is not enough to remind them regularly, you must ask if it has ever happened to them. Do this alone with them, not in a group situation.
Be very specific about the inappropriate areas, long kisses, and anyone wanting the child to sleep with them alone.
The sexual predator, often a relative, will buy gifts for them and sometimes be very generous to the parents. He can start very young with them; even offering to babysit infants. They brainwash, they bribe, and they manipulate, cohere and threaten. The child may come eventually to like or even look forward to the abundant attention and even ask to be with the sexual deviant.
Always be on the lookout for these symptoms:
• Shows sudden changes in behavior or school performance.
• Is always watchful, as though preparing for something bad to happen.
• Is overly compliant, passive or withdrawn.
• Has difficulty walking or sitting.
• Suddenly refuses to change for gym or to participate in physical activities.
• Reports nightmares or bedwetting.
• Experiences a sudden change in appetite.
• Demonstrates bizarre, sophisticated or unusual sexual knowledge or behavior.
• Becomes very secretive and/or isolated.
If your child does tell you of sexual things that have happened to them, do your best to remain calm, no matter how hard it is. Their ability to totally confide in you will depend on you not over reacting.
Please believe them! For the minute number of children who might lie about such things, there are huge numbers that are not believed or never tell, or the parent doesn’t want to acknowledge the truth because of the repercussion it will cause in the family.
If you find out it has happened in your family, or if it was you (no matter how long ago) you must go to the police.
I am not naive about the pain, the mess and the destruction this can cause in a family. No one wants the shame, the questioning, the testifying, and reliving of the pain. The reason it is worth that entire horrible trauma is because if someone else had told or testified, then perhaps it wouldn’t have happened to you.
Please don’t just think of yourself; think of all the other children that could be molested if you remain silent.
For the adults that have the courage to do something it is extremely important that you don’t treat or view the abused child differently. And, for God’s sake do not make the child feel worse by reprimanding them for not telling sooner, for not stopping the abuser, for not refusing to go there. These are just children and the sick sex predator is a pro at brainwashing them.
If you have been molested and want to report it and others try to talk you out of it by saying it is in the past, or you’ll destroy the family, answer this way: “The reason I am doing this is so another child won’t suffer, as I have”.
There are some agencies that can help and may provide support groups that will be by your side through the ordeal. Child Welfare, Child Protective Services and Social Services in your County of residence can assist you in locating support. Also, the ‘211’ Hotline can suggest other private agencies in your area.
Please be silent no more. There are 5 children in my family that could have been saved if the first one had told. It is never too late to stop a predator.
Submitted by: 
 Faye Bee
Oceano

Written by Sandra Marshall | 06 June 2009
Posted in iNFORMATION PRESS - Points of View

And the swirl deepens...

In honor of all men, at whatever stage of life you are, this issue is dedicated to you. How interesting it has been to look at the men mentioned in this issue through their work and personal stories. From the relationship of a daughter with her step-dad, the message of a spiritual leader, to the creator of fine instruments, a look at Bob’s garden and the story of a safe place for men to discover ones’ self, we get a glimpse of the way some men think, feel and live in the world.

A deeper look shows that men have carved a strong foundation into the pages of Information Press over-the-years. I appreciate the time and energy they have poured into each issue. This month, Michael Morin’s Green Driving article is missing as he’s rides his bike across country in celebration of his 60th birthday. Go Michael!

Working on this issue brought up from the depth of my swirl the expectations I have had of men, especially in the past. Looking back, for most of my life, from little girl to forty year old woman, I tried to feel accepted or change the men in my life. Years of counseling, hours with friends on the phone, readings, buckets of tears, anger and sorrow finally led me to the door of letting go. I desperately wanted a man to make me feel good about myself. It was so much work, the results were short lived; I couldn’t take the hurt anymore.

Finally I realized that he was so messed up why would I want him to fix my life? If he has to get emotionally healthy, then obviously I need to get healthy too. Why do I expect him to fix me? Where did that belief come from? I need to fix this myself.

The realization was actually very simple but the implementation was difficult. Once I discovered that no one can make me feel anything; that I have control over my thinking and could create my own belief system it became easier.

Since then how I viewed men and what I expect of them has changed greatly. All man and woman have stuff. We come from different beginnings and are influenced by people and situations that come in and out of our life. My likes may not be your likes; my traumas may not phase you. Man or woman, we are individual in the way be perceive, in the way we respond, in the way that we feel. There is no right or wrong, it just is. Seldom will we have an opportunity to know the deeper side of another human being. What we see at work may be worlds apart from life at home, with family or alone. Learning to blend and balance, to be our authentic self is the gift waiting to be discovered.

This shift made me responsible and in charged of my own thoughts and feelings. Soon I was free of the old worry, control and manipulation game. As I began to be in control I found I wasn’t hurt or angry as often.

Now I can watch and talk with my sons without the blame game. We talk openly about how they feel and how they fit in the world. I can reflect on the past with my dad with joy and continue on the river of life with my husband as we go in and out of time.
We are pushing the doors of our hearts and minds open to a new day. Information Press is moving to new levels. Join us on the internet during the month.

Until next time.
Happy dad’s day, happy solstice.
Peace to all
Sandra

Written by Anastasia Killham | 01 July 2009
Posted in iNFORMATION PRESS - Points of View

Mirroring a nation wide trend, organic and locally grown products are increasingly in demand. Cal Poly, SLO is no exception. In a recent survey of high school seniors who will be going into agricultural colleges, organic agriculture was stated as being the number one major of interest. This is likely due to a greater eco-consciousness in young adults and an increased understanding of the impact that agriculture has on the environment. The next generation of farmers will need to know how to farm in congruence with nature through promoting biodiversity and conserving resources.
Since 1989, the Cal Poly Organic Farm (CPO) has been providing educational opportunities in sustainable and organic agriculture through an on-campus farm that serves as the center of a thriving network of producers and consumers. Over time the original 2-acre ‘home site’ has been utilized to demonstrate organic techniques that are appropriate for small farms and gardens. It was the first plot on campus to undergo the three year long organic certification process. There are now two additional blocks, totaling approximately 11 acres, which are also certified organic and demonstrate more commercial-scale agriculture.
CPOF is training future farmers, as is evidenced by the graduating class of 2009. Three graduating farm employees have plans to return to their respective homes (Templeton, San Diego, and Cape Cod, MA.) to start their own Community Supported Agriculture Program.
The Cal Poly Organic Farm is “the” place to go for students interested in learning how to grow food more sustainably. Each quarter students from a variety of majors learn “by doing”, growing if you will, how food is produced. At any time throughout the year they are likely to be introduced to as many as 25 different vegetable crops that are grown on the organic acreage. Through the Community Supported Agriculture Program (a yearlong vegetable subscription offering from the Farm) and the Organic Enterprise Course: CRSC 203, students are introduced to concepts and practical hands on knowledge about gardening and production agriculture. Students sow seeds, plant, transplant, weed, harvest, wash, pack and market food that is grown on the Farm. For many, these concepts and technical skills are entirely new.
The enterprise students and approximately 20 paid student staff members work under the direction of Farm Manager Cindy Douglas and Production Supervisor Jerry Mahoney. An increasing number of volunteers, some who work specifically for a ‘share’ of Farm veggies, also contribute and learn about sustainable agriculture.
CPOF’s CSA members invest in the Farm at the start of a season to receive a weekly share of produce, of which the majority is grown at CPOF. Additional produce is purchased for the shares from a network of ‘Collaborative Growers’ throughout the county. Through ongoing communication, CPOF is able to supplement their shares with produce from other farms resulting in a consistently diverse and abundant weekly share and a needed investment in the local agriculture economy.
The best way to support organic and sustainable agricultural education is by purchasing the Farm’s produce through the year-round CSA Program or at the Thursday evening and Saturday morning San Luis Obispo Farmers Markets.
For more information or to schedule a CPOF tour, please visit: www.calpolyorgfarm.com, call: 805-756-6139 or e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Written by Ron Colone | 01 June 2009
Posted in iNFORMATION PRESS - Points of View

Why, it was only a month ago I was committed and consistent, and then stuff got in the way; people, deadlines, diversions and sickness.

I had managed to carve out certain times of the day, and I was dedicated to those slots. I had gotten myself into a good routine, and was gaining momentum and getting results. Suddenly, it stopped, as the demands of some aspect of my life seemed to me to become greater and call out for more of my time and attention.

You may ask, what was it I was doing before I got interrupted? If you guessed working out, you’re right. If you guessed meditating, you’re right. If you guessed picking things up, or putting things away, or practicing clarinet, or eating, breathing and speaking – consciously, then you are also right, in each and every instance.

It’s the issue of conflicting selves; different aspects of ourselves; different characters with different concerns and on different time schedules, each wrestling for control.

It’s why some spiritual teachers say we don’t deserve the right to use the word “I,” because it implies that there is one controlling entity whose goals and priorities and preferences and opinions remain constant from day to day or even throughout the course of a single day, when in reality we have many different “I”s all concerned with different things and going off in different directions, at different times, or sometimes even at the same time. Some of those teachers, and many of the proponents of their teachings, believe that the key and the requirement is to “become one.”

I’ve been taking a little bit different approach to it lately, as my focus has been to see how many of my different “I”s I can get to happily, and peacefully, and effectively co-exist together at the same time; a sort of musketeers approach, where it’s all for one and one for all.

Through self observation I have come to believe (or at least one of my “I”s believes) that the minimum number of “I”s that is required, and that must co-exist in a state of balance in order for me to be happy and fulfilled is five.

One is the one who loves and honors and is fully cognizant of the importance of family and friends. Other of my “I”s who must be present and active are the ones who attend to work, physical health, spiritual health, and the “other” work of “higher” purpose. Sometimes I do a better job, and sometimes I’m not quite as good at keeping these five basic selves of mine happening at the same time.

When things are going along nicely, and the five of us are working well and playing nice together for an extended period of time, I gradually welcome in other “I”s and other aspects (there have been times when a dozen of us have enjoyed extended times and journeys together.) It’s similar to the way I work out; I add a push-up a day until my momentum gets broken, and then I take it back down to 10 and start building again from there.

Likewise, in this crazy, busy, hectic world, when my personal momentum gets interrupted, or I feel overwhelmed or overloaded, I pull in the reins, and cut it back down to the most necessary aspects, where there’s just the five of us, my essential selves, pledging “one for all and all for one.”

Ron Colone can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Written by Ron Colone | 01 July 2009
Posted in iNFORMATION PRESS - Points of View

Things have been quiet on the Separation of Church and State front with our new president.  Unlike Bush, who actively courted Christian Fundamentalists by promoting Nation Day of Prayer and creating a massive federal bureaucracy to funnel billions to religious organizations to run social program (and proselytize)  - Obama, so far, seems to be a believer in separation.  Although there are no serious first amendment threats at the federal level, Americans United, ACLU, and People for the American Way litigators are keeping busy with a never-ending stream of local issues; teaching  creationism/intelligent design, display of the ten commandments, prayer at school events, school vouchers, and abstinence only sex-ed.  There’s a controversy brewing on the teaching Transcendental Meditation ®  (TM®)  in the classroom.

Transcendental Meditation ?   Seems pretty harmless.

Transcendental Meditation was founded as a religious organization and brought to the West by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in 1959.  A meditation technique that involves a mantra met with immediate success, it became famous when several celebrities, notably the Beatles, embraced the Maharishi’s brand of Eastern religion and meditation.  Today the organization is worth billions from fees, publications and real estate holdings.

According to Skeptic’s Dictionary, “TM is a spiritual business whose proprietors claim it is … scientifically validated. Trainees pay hundreds of dollars for their mantras . . . the cost of TM training is $2,500.”

Although TM works for many people, its use in schools is troubling for religious liberty advocates.  Critics, including Physiologist John Knapp, say it’s religion based and followers are expected to follow rituals to gods, a creation story, claims that practitioners will “experience God personally,” reciting hymns from Hindu sacred text, and other religious practices.

If TM is a religion, then schools who use it in their classrooms are violating the First Amendment’s establishment clause.

There’s a lot of controversy between TM advocates and religious liberty groups whether it’s a religion. Adherents call it a “true science” while opponents label TM as religion. The courts have ruled it a religion.

In 1979, a class on transcendental meditation was banned from New Jersey public schools on the grounds it was based on Hinduism and violated the separation of church and state.  The court pointed out that students were required to chant to Hindu gods and went through a type of religious ceremony called a puja. An article in Church and State explains that during a puja, “a TM teacher sits before a student and recites in Sanskrit a long list of Hindu deities, stating in part, “Curu in the glory of Brahma, Curu in the glory of Vishnu . . .”

But TM is making a comeback. Filmmaker David Lynch (Blue Velvet, Mulholland Drive) and ex-Beatles Paul McCartney and Ringo Star plan to sell TM to public schools nationwide.

Lynch created the David Lynch Foundation for Consciousness-Based Education and World Peace. Headquartered in Fairfield, Iowa, it provides grants for educational initiatives at public and private schools.

TM is being promoted as a solution for “everything from poor academic performance and fidgety kids to unruly student behavior and gang violence.” The foundation is using music festivals called “Change Begins Within” to promote  the use of TM in schools
According to Americans United, public schools in San Francisco, Detroit, Washington, and Hartford have TM classes. And TM programs have been proposed in Illinois, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Kentucky. Lynch is planning to raise $20 million to bring TM to at risk students in intercity schools. 

Americans United has warned schools about taking foundation money, noting that TM in a public school can spark litigation.

In Marin County, school officials proposed a TM proposed program caused a community outcry. Angry parents lined up to speak against TM at school board meetings. Several threatened litigation. TM was denounced as a cult. Officials dropped the idea of bringing in TM.

What’s the future of TM and schools? Americans United says it’s monitoring the spread of TM in public education. There have been complaints, but not enough to bring a case to trial. Of course, not all meditation is religious. But if there’s a tie to a larger religious movement, then the program should be removed from public education.

According to Barry Lynn, executive director of Americans United, “Advocating for a Hindu-based religious practice in public schools is the same as pushing Christianity or another faith. It’s equally unconstitutional.”

Bill Lakin is a member of the National Advisory Council of Americans United for Separation of Church and State. For more information log on to www.au.or or contact Bill at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

 

Written by Mike Papantonio | 01 June 2009
Posted in iNFORMATION PRESS - Points of View

Mike Papantonio

. Several years ago, Paul Begala, a CNN political commentator, told me during an interview that when the GOP began to crumble, it would be because of their failure to question their party leadership. Begala called it right. He is a reliable political prophet. Democrats need to pay closer attention to Begala’s wisdom. Grassroots Barrack Obama supporters should avoid the tendency to mimic the well-trained Republican loyalists who danced like organ grinder monkeys every time their leadership played a new tune. But I hear that organ grinder warming up for the Democrats. Last week, we barely saw more than a yawn from Democrats when Obama recommended Ignacia Moreno to take over the position of Assistant Attorney General for the Environmental and National Resources Division at the Department of Justice. It’s basically the equivalent of asking Colonel Sanders to guard your chickens.

A quick history on this newest Obama pick is that she has always been a lawyer for some of America’s most lawless corporate polluters. Not just the little polluters, but the real experts. Moreno represented General Electric in that company’s effort to reverse health protection regulations for people who breathe the toxic filth emanating from America’s most poisonous superfund sites. She wanted to help super polluters abolish clean-up requirements and allow the residents living near those sites to become ill and die from diseases related to toxins like PCB, arsenic and mercury.

When Obama tapped Moreno for this new job, he knew that Moreno also went to court on behalf of Mexican factory tuna fisherman who were killing Pacific dolphin by the thousands so they could catch more tuna. With Obama’s pick of Moreno, we begin to see a pattern. For example, when Obama chose Ken Salazar to be his Secretary of Interior, it was as if Obama believed that no one noticed that the guy he picked to protect our natural resources was the same guy who G.E., Frontier Oil, and Duke Energy, endorsed as one of their own. It’s beginning to look like the Clinton years all over again. Bill Clinton built his career on words that made him sound like an everyman’s visionary. That use to scare U.S. Chamber of Commerce leadership until they figured out that just like Republican presidential candidates, Democrats are also for sale.

By the time Clinton had secured the White House, corporate America had secured political influence over Bill Clinton. Rather than a people’s Populist president, we were left with just another Republican-like corporate tool. In fact, Clinton brought us CAFTA and NAFTA. He also brought us Walmart-caliber overseas job outsourcing along with federal judge appointments that came almost exclusively from corporate law firms that represented big money not big innovative political ideas. The Democratic diehards who helped elect Clinton were too timid to be forcefully critical. They took on the persona of mousey GOP-ers who historically never asked questions of their leaders.

By 2000, the Democrats’ three-monkey party that heard no evil, saw no evil and spoke no evil looked almost as pitiful as the GOP in 2009. And registered Independents like me recognized that there really is no difference between an organ grinder’s monkey, a timid donkey, and an aging well-trained elephant.

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