There once was a Samarui Warrior, who, understanding that he was missing something that his long years of training did not and could not teach him, ventured into the mountains to seek out an answer. He could see all around him the pain and suffering that his sword could not prevent, or even assuage... yet he also saw the wonder of the Earth and the spirit of triumph and love in the eyes of those from whom he would least expect it. Thus in confusion and at the limits of his understanding he went in search of an old Monk whose reputation for knowledge and kindness was known throughout the land.

Upon arriving at the Monk's home, after several days travel through storms and mountains, the Samarui burst through the door, as is their way, and demanded, "Monk! Tell me the difference between good and evil, heaven and hell!"

For a moment the Monk sat, his back to the Samarui and his thoughts in his prayers. Then, turning only briefly from his business to peer at the Samarui, he laughed and replied, "You are not worthy of my teachings. You are unkempt and dirty, and drip water and mud on my floor. Your blade is rusty, and you smell."

The Samarui could not believe his ears, and instantly rage and pride coursed through his viens. Grasping his sword his anger flared when the Monk, turning his back on him, continued, "Ah, do you reach for your blade? Am I now to be intimidated, frightened by the power that rests only in your imagination?"

With that the Samarui unsheathed his blade and raised it high with fire in his eyes, preparing to cleave the Monks head.

"That", said the Monk softly, "is Hell, and the gateway to evil."

In mid swing, the Samarui stopped. Understanding immediately that the monk had surpassed him by risking his life to give him this lesson, his heart filled with gratitude and his eyes with tears for the courage and love displayed to and for him this day.

"And that", said the Monk, "is heaven and the gateway to peace."

And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

I need to make some amends.

First and foremost to George W. Bush and his family for saying, thinking and wishing ill upon him and all his relatives and descendents.

Then to hundreds of thousands of Republicans throughout the nation and all those who came to be known as 'Soccer Moms' or 'Joe Sixpack', those persons whom I took to calling 'neckless swamp dwelling knuckledraggers', among other things, for also saying, wishing and thinking ill towards them and all their relatives and descendents. These throngs include those young people of Republican belief who chose to fight the Global War on Terror from the comfort of their home. Also included are those who, never having experienced the pain or pleasure of wearing their nation's uniform, much less tasted the salty sickly sweet air of war nor seen the lasting results of combat, have laid plans to project war into our nation's peoples' future as far as the eye can see.

Thirdly I need to make amends to all those others who I felt were too lazy or disinterested to do the minimal work required to find out the reality behind all the myths and legends, controversy and contradictions that have sprung up about our current administration and the reasons for senslessly killing and maiming hundreds of thousands of people.

I forgot that what I believe, I forgot what keeps me sane...

In 1979, while in the Marines, I was in my first rehab at NAS San Diego, when one of the counselors there, an officer, I believe, gave me the poem from which I took my opening line... If you'd like to see more click see the rest or whatever the link is that let's you go to the next part. The poem is kind of long, space wise, but will only take a moment to read. Someone made a song thingy out o fit in the early 70's I think, so it may be a little cliche'...

Who knows, maybe I'll say more about it later.... and before anybody thinks so.... no, we're not back with a vengence....

So, I'm blown away.....

I doubt too many people still swing by this haunted, hacked, half of what it was website, but for those who do or for those who chance upon this mindless drivel, go now to The Calm Before the Sand and read. I haven't been there in awhile but what he has written lately floored me, as it will you. Then after you go there tell everybody else... you shouldn't bogart stuff this good...

ok, go on... scamper off.... nothing to see here...

No really, go see for yourself!