doncarlos

Hey just got back from a two week trip in the Caribbean Am trying to catch up on the SGs so things have changed while I was gone... and thats a good thing.

I had a great time I always have to spend at least two to three days alone when I return from these trips. After visiting the country side, meeting with farmers, and hanging with locals in the most remote parts of the islands - I just cant return to my normal life and code switch that fast. Three days does it for me. I am grateful for the life and opportunities I have. After sharing thoughts, ideas, time and space with the people I visit I am never the same. Every time I return I notice I feel different and I process the world around me differently My experience is that people in island nations such as Cuba, Haiti and the Dominican Republic attempt to live their lives everyday with hopes that it includes a safe environment, basic nourishment and a shelter to sleep in. That is it, simple, fundamental and the essential.

When I see this, live it for a short period of time and share with the people in the islands - it moves my soul to the depths of my being I expend so much energy, time and resources in my life to secure the essentials and always feel lacking and at times make a major effort to reach some level of happiness and peace. Yet my friends in the islands find peace, security and happiness using the least amount of energy and resources.

I listened to President Hugo Chavez of Venezuela last night on Nightline. He said that he just hopes when his country is on its feet the American people are there also, when his country kneels, it is to pray and not to be under anyones control. His statement moved me to acknowledge that we use force, military pressure, and economic blockades, covert and sinister operations just to place countries on their knees. Countries like Venezuela and Cuba who help their sister countries and neighbors to maintain the basic essentials and prevent children from starving, share their limited resources and wealth. Like Venezuela shares its oil and Cuba its human resources such as doctors, disaster specialist and medicines.

We want to control other countries resources, Venezuelas oil, influence the Middle East, and strangle Cuba economically until its leadership gives in to U.S.A. control. Chavez asked the American people last night to find out why is it that our present administration cant just permit our own neighboring countries to exist and co-exist when they pose no threat to America, its people and security.

Do not believe your President when he says other countries hate us, as Chavez said he knows the Venezuelan and Cuban people along with their leadership love the American people; they just do not like Bush and his administration who discredit and conspire against them in order to attempt to invade their process of being a free, peaceful and independent people. What you and I want and hope for on a daily basis. Have a great fall, it is a time to reflect, a time to see change happen and a time for you to make commitments to self and influence change. Keep the Revolution Moving Forward.
MUAH!!!!