Post #7: Kony 2012 Continued Again...

http://www.hisvoiceglobal.com/blog/?p=1206

Here I have found yet another site, full of great thoughts and information all of us should consider.

Hearing so many different opinions about Kony 2012, I think it's important that we gather as much information as possible, as this blogger suggests, in order to draw a reasonable conclusion.

Don't jump the bandwagon or stand on the sidelines, or boo the organization JUST BECAUSE MILLIONS OF YOUR FRIENDS ARE DOING IT.

We should be able to state what we believe based on information we consider to be valid. Don't just say something because every one else is.

That's how I see it, anyways.

I've made my decision. I do not want to support the solution KONY 2012 offers. I'm considering the fact that it's quite unfair for the campaign to not be a non-profit organization. They've made it to be such a big deal--helping the Invisible Children (which I think is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT)-- but they do not disclose significant information such as this: ONLY 30% OF THE MONEY GOES TO UGANDA.

You know what, I really really really wish there was a way we could get Kony, without donating over half our money to the workers. The way I view it is that if the campaign managers really cared about the Invisible Children, they'd be donating all the money to support the cause. Not just 30%.

If you disagree, I understand. Like I've said in every other blogpost about Kony 2012: tell me what you think! If you feel like donating, go ahead!

Overall it's not for the organization or the opposed to tell you who to believe and what side you should take.

It's up to you!

Just make sure you know that you are really following your own beliefs and not committing yourself to something you aren't really sure about.  :)

I think the most important thing we need to take out of this is that we all need to be aware of what is going on. 

Props to a video that really opened my eyes to a new situation happening in our world. I didn't know about Joseph Kony before this... and I hope they find a suitable, effective solution soon. Until then, I'm going to continue to support campaigns that I trust. I Am Silent is something I've participated in. I know the organization to be true to their word, so far. If by supporting things like this I can make a difference, than by all means I'm going to promote it to the best of my ability! At this point, supporting Free the Children is what I can do. We definitely need more justice in the world today, and taking small steps are just fine. If donating a dollar a month to a non-prof is all you can do-- IT'S STILL MAKING A DIFFERENCE! Don't forget that as you decide what organizations and campaigns you want to support.
So, like the blogger of http://www.hisvoiceglobal.com/blog/?p=1206 said, find something you can get involved in. Don't stand on the sidelines and pretend like you don't know what's going on. Do something. Make a difference, because you actually have the power to do so.

These kids need to stop suffering, and be rescued... in a fair, just way. I do not believe the solution the video states will bring safety to all after reading so many articles.

BUT DON'T TAKE IT FROM ME. GO FIND YOUR OWN EVIDENCE AND YOUR OWN REASONS. EITHER IN SUPPORT TO THE ORGANIZATION, OR IN CONTRARY TO IT.  :) 

And, again.

You disagree? Tell me about it. I'm not glued to believing this. Maybe someone can convince me otherwise.

:)

xoxoxo
Praying something can be done, and supremely effective justice can be served immediately,

JazzyMcJazzerPants

Post #7: Kony 2012 Continued...

LEARNED INFO

http://justiceinconflict.org/

I disagree with some of what he's saying... but understand the point. I've found myself stuck in the middle once again as to whether or not I want to support this campaign. I'm finding more and more reasons why not to though, and I don't think it's fair that this is NOT a non-prof organization.
Which sucks.
Plus... I was thinking about how it would look if troops just marched in from North America into Uganda... :P *ugly*. I don't think the solution for a situation like this is going to be effective. 
On the other hand, I can see how some people can compare Kony to Hitler, and don't see why the blogger of this site bothers arguing against such a fact. I understand how some people can make a comparison as such.

Both that blog and the KONY 2012 video have some statements of strong validity... but i don't know who to side with.
The website definitely did aid me a little bit. I wanted to know more about Kony... and it makes sense now. Plus it's good to hear even more reasons as to why we shouldn't support the campaign's solution, but to understand the moral issues and the importance of being aware of international relations, etc.

Have something to share? Please comment. I want to know more about what people are thinking about this campaign that's become such a controversial subject. :)

Post #7: KONY 2012

As most of you have figured out by now,  I have a huge heart for movements against injustice around the world.

This video is spreading like wild fire on Facebook and Twitter.
Watch it, then read my thoughts.

Amongst many other organizations, I love to see people rise up against injustice. Often times, we are bombarded with a lot of campaigns fuelled by the same need: for justice to be delivered to those in need.

I understand that many of these campaigns are just ignored; speaking on behalf of many other people, I want to know where the donations are actually going. Do workers get payed, or are you all volunteers? Is this just for your own organization's popularity, or are you seriously concerned about the Invisible Children? It makes a huge difference if you're a non-prof organization, so I should hope that you are. If not, you have just lost any hope of finding financial support through me, though emotionally, I completely understand the overall goal of your proposed campaign. However, if posters can be put up, they can also be taken down. How effective can that really become? Some of my friends have made valid points about the inefficient solution towards capturing Kony. If he knows we're looking for him, wouldn't that just propose feelings of indignation on his behalf? It might just make him dig deeper, and really hide himself away. 

My point is this, though. Please hear me out.

Joseph Kony is already in hiding. By "making him famous" we have a better chance of finding him. More people will know what he looks like, what horrible things he has done, and why it's so important to stop him from continuing on his campaign. I understand that this may be an extremely difficult process, but why give up the chance to capture him? Why push it aside? 

We have it in our hands to make a difference! I don't want to miss this chance. Making this crisis known world wide is so opportune--even if it may be of a small percent-- there is STILL a chance that we COULD stop him.

I hate seeing people being treated unfairly. 

Let's put this into perspective, and I know some of you make think that I'm being unreasonable or just writing this into an extreme... but what if another fascist leader like Hitler were to come to power?

Would you not want to stop him? 

Sitting back and watching him take over and reignite the holocaust would be absolutely revolting. I'll admit, I'd be scared out of my beehind.

The thing is, these kids that Kony is targeting are going through terrible crimes that can be just as matched to the holocaust as any other killing spree can be.

We need to help the Invisible Children. They are suffering. 

Look. I get that this solution of trying to make Kony known worldwide is far-fetched. But the fact that this video is getting more attention than a lot of other campaign vids I've seen, says something. People are willing to spread awareness and stand up for justice. People of high political stature will be able to see this and know that we want change. There is a high possibility that change can be configured, if we all join and take a stand.
Say we stop Kony; there is a chance that such a movement against war lords will provide hope for ALL 3rd World Countries--not just Uganda.

I've seen such a small segment of the power of political leaders in 3rd World Countries. It's devastating, revolting, despicable. I want change! If we can stop Kony, I believe that we'll have it in our hands to stop all the other war lords of many other 3rd World Countries.

At this point, I think it would be injudicious to ignore a campaign that's become so widespread, exposing such a situation as this.

I want to make a change. The world needs change.

However, if you disagree with me, or have a strong point of validity to offer towards this situation that I have not covered, please comment.

I will totally understand if you are a supporter or against this campaign. I'm definitely willing to hear your thoughts on whether or not this solution is efficient enough. 

Post #6: Happy New Years.

So this is it: 2012.
Doesn't feel very different, and yet it's preparing to dump prom, grad, and an IB Certificate into my hands.
I'm pretty stoked. These 12 years of education, are finally going to mean something to me.
Sure, some of it--actually, the majority of it--sucked. But that's just it.
It's like I can almost see the light....
I'm almost done.
Highschool drama will finally come to an end.

12 years of preparation for the real world... will finally come into play... and I will be released to explore the world, and make what I can of it.

The thing is, last year... in 2011... it took me months to debate over what YWAM DTS program I had wanted to do.
See, this whole time I've wanted to push myself, take a risk, and do something crazy.... that 'something crazy' turns out to be a 6 month discipleship training school... overseas.

I wanted to go to Hawaii, and the "Engage"DTS had really captured my attention, only to find out this year that in September 2012, the only base in Kona that is for 'someone like me', does not happen to be "Engage."
I had thought that was the one.

Apparently not so.

So here goes, again.

Man. Hello 2012, and the confusion you have brought.

Time to trust God like there's no tomorrow.
Pray for me folks ! I need to figure out what I want to do ASAP.
University or YWAM.
YWAM or University.

:O

Other than that, I'm so excited.

Why is this a "justification post?"

I need to justify myself.
Do what's right.
Be myself.
Intercede.
Love.
Complete my new years resolutions:
   -to stand up for myself
   -say "yes" to things I normally would say "no" to, without breaking moral values (haha, yes, like "Yes man!")
   -Exercise more--> +blog+write music+draw more tooooo. :)

I need to justify myself in order to bring justice into other situations.

This probably doesn't make a whole lot of sense...

Maybe, if I tell you this is one of those "New Years Moments," you'll understand.

A "New Years Moment" where I feel inspired to become a better person, in order to change the world.

Post #4: Justification for the Music Realm.

I figured it would be best for me to include at least one "justice blog" on music... considering I love it so much. Music is a wonderful thing... it allows us to express who we are. Every song in the world is like a piece of soul... every word and every genre explode in such hype... it allows anyone to be who they want to be.

I guess my first question in writing this blog was, What exactly does music have to do with justice? And I thought about how many kids around the world don't get the same opportunities that we do: like being able to take piano lessons, or jam out on banjos, cranking up the bass, screaming in microphones. In North America, we're lucky in a sense.

Then again, we are also limited. On Friday, I attended something we call IB World Music. It's pretty much a bunch of IB kids coming together to dance and play instruments. I rather enjoyed it! I heard of some new instruments and listened to some tunes and beats they play around the world.

I find that we can get so stuck in our own little worlds of pop numbers, that we forget the rest of the world has their own instruments that are not at all similar to our own. A great majority of the student population defines music as anything that can make it on the Billboard Top 100. IB World Music, however, reminded me of the good old days, when I could make music out of banging pots and pans together. Or how about those ancient guitars of elastic bands and tissue boxes!

One of the performances featured a man who brought along some rocks he naturally found to have holes in, as well as a few whistles, and culturally traditional instruments from Vietnam and Japan.
The rocks were my favourite.

In all, I suppose that's what justification in music means to me. We as North Americans need to remember that music doesn't always have to be perfect. Music comes from the heart... and that is what matters most.

As a goal, I'm going to pick up my old guitar again. I know like... 5 chords... and I am determined to make a song before the year ends. It'll be like hitting some old natural roots... playing a song in 5 chords.

Post #3: "As long as we know in our hearts what Christmas ought to be, Christmas is." -Eric Sevareid

I am not sure if I am supposed to know who Eric Sevareid is, but I do approve of the quotation. :)

I thought I would take a different outlook on justice... but... it is rather similar to my passions: Justice For The Children.

For the past two-three weeks, our school has been handing out Operation Christmas Child boxes... and I had the pleasure of stuffing a box for a little girl 5-9 years of age.
I wish I could see her face... when she opens that box and finds pink frilly things and a teddy bear. I wish I could see her face change, a smile spreading from ear to ear.

It just got me thinking about the fact that there are many children who will not get presents this year... and I wish I could do something about that. I know that Christmas is supposed to be about the bigger picture... about the heart... but I'd still like to give to all these kids. I'd just like to see smiles on everyone's faces. :)

And another thing... what about all these kids growing up in our North American culture? Christmas is used as propaganda to get people to buy and buy and buy! It's just another Hallmark Day for most businesses.
...I know that we'll just lose more kids to the belief that "Santa Claus doesn't exist," because not everyone is lucky enough to get a present around this time of year.
Living in this society is not easy... We all need to be reminded of the deeper meaning of Christmas.

(That Smile.)

I just want to make a difference.

I wish I was a trillion dollars richer... I would use it towards endless supplies of teddy bears, hot cocoa, and sugar cookies... every kid deserves that much.

Anyways... I guess the purpose of this blogpost was to challenge you during this season. Volunteer. Do something you normally wouldn't do.

Be the justice our world needs. Spread the love. That's what Christmas is about to me. Spreading the love. :)

xoxo
jazzy

Post #2: I Am Silent: A Protest Against Injustice

I AM SILENT


In 10 days, I shall be abstaining from speaking, miming actions, texting, facebooking, twittering, and blogging. I do not think that being away from the World Wide Web for 24 hours will be much of a challenge... but heck, I'll do it anyway.

On the other hand, I don't know how I am not supposed to talk... or make actions.
But I've decided that this is something I am definitely going to do. It's a small sacrifice.

I am taking a vow of silence on November 24th, to raise awareness about the many people living in a state of poverty, facing such vivid states of exploitation.
A while ago, I told you about a documentary that focused on the unfortunate circumstances that cause young women and children to be forced into human trafficking. At least, I think I did. If I did not, than I will tell you about it another time. It's quite a long story.

In any case, I'm taking this vow of silence to raise money that will go to people like those in poverty, child soldiers, sex slaves, etc.

People in third world countries do not have the opportunities like we do. We are extremely blessed to live in a democratic state, where our freedoms can sometimes be taken for granted (*ahem*occupy wall street*ahem*).

I am choosing to remain silent because it's like a choice to be in their shoes, for just 24 hours. It's not a large price to pay. I am choosing to be silent for one day, because billions of children are forced to remain silent  every day.

I want to stand up for them, because they are not allowed to stand up for themselves. We take our human rights for granted... where as in these third world countries, they are forced to live in environments where their human rights are never met.


I hope this is all making sense to you. If not, here's a link to the website. I encourage you to join me in vowing to remain silent for children around the world. If I know you in the real world and we have personally met, but I have not told you much about this fundraiser, please contact me, and I can totally get you involved.

http://www.freethechildren.com/vowofsilence/

Post #1 Con't: Occupy Wall Street to Occupy Vancouver

Occupy Vancouver protesters disrupt mayoral debate

Enlighten yourself by clicking the above link.

Your thoughts?

I for one and terribly disappointed with both sides of this picture, and this is me being the 99% speaking up against what's really wrong.

Dear Mr. Zimmerman,


If you feel the need to exploit your ideas about how corruption has taken over the government, please do. One thing, however, needs to be made clear. How many people are going to vote for you if you're yelling at them? That was quite a diplomatic approach you made.


I commend you for expressing the values we all hold towards democracy, and am certainly in agreement with that side of your argument... but the other question I hold to being of great value, is how will you act if you become mayor of Vancouver? Do not you think you would seize the opportunity to celebrate your victory, with the salary of the position, by having a lobster dinner? What if you enjoyed it so much that you continued indulging in such unpolitical affairs afterwards?


If you're greatest wish is for the money to be going to the people, and not towards corporate greed, what differences are you going to make that will actually happen?


I have seen promise after promise being made by all candidates in my lifetime, and those who make it big, tend to break their promises in the end anyways. I'm tired of liars running in elections. I want change. I know that you stand for change... 


So what are your promises that will be of effort towards democratic change? How will you make democracy actually happen?


Now, as I have said, I am not in complete disagreement with this man. He has made a point about a crucial matter that needs to be addressed by current mayor, Mr. Roberson, and other mayoral candidate Mrs. Anton.

Dear Mr. Robertson,


What are your true feelings about democracy? I agree, Occupy Vancouver has turned the city into a slum-case-scenario.... But let us disperse with the loitering and the ignorance amongst the crowd, and pull out the few who stand for reason.


The 99% are being oppressed by money factors, as the government stuffs their pockets full of dough. It has been revealed as though you care only for how it is effecting your campaign. Understandable..... but I don't think that saying the following:

“It is your right to protest but it is not your right to have an encampment in our downtown from here on,” he said. “We want to see a resolution that is peaceful and respectful of all the citizens and that enables you to keep protesting but that ends the encampment as it now exists.”

Read more: http://www.vancourier.com/Occupy+Vancouver+protest+disrupts+mayoral+debate/5610666/story.html#ixzz1bwvmij98

is really going to make a difference. Citizens are being dramatic because changes are not being met. 


What are your ideas for change? Your ideology says you lean towards conservatism, so how can you encourage your own campaign, as well as encouraging democratic movements by sufficing the people? You cannot have one without the other in this case.


It is interesting to note that if Mr. Robertson leans towards the democratic changes, he'll lose major conservative supporters. On the other hand, if he disagrees with everything Occupy Vancouver stands for, and is appalled by their "discretion," he will look like quite an oppressor.

Your thoughts? How can this situation be justified and how should Mr. Zimmerman be treated?

Post #1 Continued

Post #1: "To co-operate passively with an unjust system makes the oppressed as evil as the oppressor."-Martin Luther King, Jr.

Occupy Wall Street

In accordance to my blogging oath to update my dear readers on social justice movements and such, I have decided to take a different route on discussing our number one North American Pleasure: democracy.


http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/cifamerica/2011/oct/20/martin-luther-king-protest

I recommend that, first of all, you check out the above website. It links to an article that intertwines the similarities of citizens protesting and Martin Luther King Jr.'s message.
I'm obviously oblivious as to knowing where you stand upon this subject, so I would be more than happy to hear your opinions on Occupy Wall Street.

For the purposes of trying to discuss this article, without showing my own personal bias towards the event, I have decided to touch upon the information brought about within this article relating it towards the doctrines of Martin Luther King, Jr.

Martin Luther King, Jr. once said that, "To co-operate passively with an unjust system makes the oppressed as evil as the oppressor."
Obama has addressed the world by saying this: "If [Martin Luther King, Jr.] were alive today, I believe he would remind us that the unemployed worker can rightly challenge the excesses of Wall Street without demonizing all who work there."
The question, however, that both I and the article dare to ask humanity, is this: Would King really have stood aside and lightly addressed what is happening with our economy?

Considering the circumstances, it is a waste to challenge this topic because we will never really know what he would have said.

The question we should be asking, is whether or not we are taking democracy seriously or not? Has Occupy Wall Street turned into a revolutionizing protest that will forever stand to be a world-wide known movement, heaving upon the government's shoulders the soul substance of a phenomenon called change? Will people look back 100 years from now and say, "Boy, I'm glad my ancestors took a stand against the government for the sake of economical suffice." Or, will the enhanced subject be the mockery of the role of the ordinary people? Has Occupy Wall Street damaged our alleged democracy? Are the brawls of protest in favour of change, or in favour of a lazy population taking democracy for granted? It's one thing to be an activist about standing for what's right, and be organized and lawful about it, but it's another to turn the protests into chaos.

I found out more about Occupy Wall Street whilst I was watching the Pierce Morgan Tonight show. Then, it made sense to me why people were taking a stand. Some of the activists that were interviewed were able to clearly say why they were protesting.

Weeks later, it seems like trashing land and brawls are all a lot of people care about. It makes the oppressed look like oppressors! It's demoralizing the faith of the true activists who are there with a purpose.

It doesn't look like I did a very good job of disguising my bias, but I leave you with this quotation:

"In these turbulent days of uncertainty, the evils of war and of economic and racial injustice threaten the very survival of the human race."

How will justice interfere with our democratic policies? If the fate of our political world can rest within our own democratic beliefs, is the outcome most likely to be negative or positive?


What can we do to make an outstanding change, without risking the destruction of democracy? 


Your thoughts?

“If to be feelingly alive to the sufferings of my fellow-creatures is to be a fanatic, I am one of the most incurable fanatics ever permitted to be at large.” - William Wilberforce

I have been awakened.
My eyes... are now open.
Now, more than ever before.

Did you know that there are over 10 million child sex slaves?
I am appalled at this disgusting, perverted number.

On Saturday, I attended a "movie night" at a friend's church, with my Mumsie. It turned out to be a documentary on human trafficking. I definitely learned some new things. Who knew I could become such a changed person.... more passionate about justice.... within a two and half hour time span.

I didn't know about the Red Light District before.
I didn't know that prostitution was legal in some places! So gross. About a quarter of the way through the documentary, I actually felt like throwing up (this coming from a person with a normally strong stomach).
Why?
Prostitution globally, is never a choice in the end.

In school, I've heard my friends joke about prostitution and pimps before.
But now, I'm determined to never pass it off as something slightly humorous. These poor girls... all of them were caught in these traps (whether they wanted the luxuries portrayed through films like Pretty Woman, or just wanted to obey their parents and bring in the money).

I couldn't believe that there are actually parents out there who will sell their little children (not even 10 years old!) for $3000.
I went home Saturday night feeling blessed to have such a loving Daddy, and a Mumsie who would never dare give up my brother or me for some extra money.

We are all so blessed.

For the next 30 days I am determined to update you guys on justice movements, the injustice happening around the world, and information on what you can do to stop it. I'm tired of pimps and perverted people taking over young women, little girls, and even boys. They have absolutely no right to destroy the innocence of such beautiful people.
I cannot let this rest. Now that my eyes have been opened to the fact that prostitution is not at all a choice (they are being forced to act like it's their own choice so that there pimps don't hurt or kill them, or harm their loved ones), I want to make a difference.

Justice.

We need justice.