Standing UpWrite
Mood:  loud
Now Playing: King George and Those in the Box Suites
Topic: Politics
Standing UpWrite
06/23/04
by Darrin F. Coe, MA

June 2004 will go down in history as one of the most tragic months in recent memory. Islamic militants have beheaded three hostages and my guess is there will be more. When I saw the video of the first hostage being beheaded I became physically ill and felt like vomiting, much like I felt when I saw the Abu Ghraib depredations.

America is uniting in it's anger over the beheadings of civilians living and working in the Middle East but is our anger being focused correctly? Should we blame the militants? No I think we need to look much deeper than Islam and it's militants. The victims of Islamic militancy would not be victims if the United States under the direction of George Bush, Jr., Donald Rumsfeld and Dick Cheney, had not invaded Iraq.

Sadly, we should look to our own to find who's truly responsible for the atrocities that are being committed in the Middle East. A true patriot will not get caught up in the flag waving and rhetoric of King George and instead will begin to access information and become educated on what's really going on in this administration.

There is a mounting body of evidence and information now available indicating that our federal administration, at the top levels, has been disingenuous concerning the attacks of 9/11 as well as the purpose for invading a sovereign nation. Every rational this administration has put forth for invading Iraq has been shown to be without substance. Weapons of mass destruction - not happening; Saddam, Al Queda connection - not happening; pre-emptive strike to protect the homeland - not happening.

Ask yourself these questions: Who financed George Bush, Jr's. oil business, Harken? How did the several hundred page Patriot Act get written and passed within days after the 9/11 attack? Why has there been a ban on investigations related to the Saudi royal family and those associated with the royal family? Why did George Bush Jr. take time for a photo op after hearing about the 9/11 attacks?

If you want to be counted as a patriot stand up and question what our government is doing in the name of "freedom" because it's going to affect our "liberty" and it's getting people killed. George Bush Jr. claims to be a man of God but he's looking more like a failed businessman with delusions of dictatorship.

Standing UpWrite
Mood:  on fire
Now Playing: Oneida Success
Topic: Politics
As you know, every so often it's necessary to be exposed to some good news. Usually, when I'm in a rut, it means I've focused to much on the negative and not on the positive. In this light and because I love this country I want to share with you a story reported in Indian Country Today. It's well documented that we have a less than stellar history regarding Indigenous People but we do have our moments and this month we had one of our "moments".

The U.S. Solicitor General, representing our Federal Government, filed a brief with the Supreme Court supporting the Oneida Nation. The Supreme Court is deciding whether or not to issue a writ of certiorari to the city of Sherrill. Sherrill is appealing a 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals ruling stating that land reacquired by the Oneida Nation is exempt from real estate taxes. The brief affirmed the position of the lower courts which stated the Oneidas retained Indian title to land in the 300,000 acres reserved to them by federal treaties but which was stolen by the State of New York

The Solicitor General's brief to the Supreme Court requested that a writ of certiorari be denied thus ending the appeals process for the City of Sherrill. Indian Country Today goes on to report that the U.S. government is also supporting the Oneidas and several other New York state nations in long-running land claims suits.

This type of information displays the good in our nation's administration. It lets me know that our federal administration is not plummeting into moral and political decay. Not yet anyway. I'm not happy with our current administration's policy and behavior but kudos must be given when they're earned. In supporting the Oneida Nation our Federal Administration takes a very large step in reinforcing the sovereignty of the Indigenous Nations within the United States.

I hope they'll continue this type of behavior with other Indigenous Peoples around the world. I hope they give this same type of support to Iraq and Afghanistan. Our history with the Native American Nations has been sordid and regrettable; the United States government has much to do in way of reparations and the support of the Oneida Nation is a wonderful step in that process. Now if we'd just investigate the Bin Laden family-Saudi Arabia-Al Queda connection.

Standing UpWrite
Mood:  on fire
Now Playing: Fight For Your Right
Topic: Politics
Standing UpWrite
by Darrin F. Coe, MA

Recently, Colorado passed a law banning participation in "toughperson" fighting competitions. This is wrong and unamerican. I believe the right to engage in consensual violence falls under the ninth amendment right to privacy. What makes the United States great is choice. Our government was founded on choice. The right to chose the words I speak; the right to chose the way I worship; the right to assemble peaceable and to question my government; and the right to chose to arm or not to arm myself are all part and parcel of the greatness of America.

The ninth amendment says, "the enumeration, in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people." The right to privacy falls under these unenumerated rights. The right to privacy is the right to not have the government dictate personal behavior. Thus, as long as it does not harm other people, deprive others of property, or engaged in by those who can give consent, our government does not have the right to regulate it.

I do not believe the federal government has the constitutional power to regulate who marries who; I do not believe the government has the right to regulate the wearing of seatbelts by adults; I do not believe the government has the right to regulate the wearing of motorcycle helmets; nor do I believe the government has the right to regulate competitive violence.

The constitution affords the federal government the right to regulate commerce between the states; establish revenues and taxes; pay the debts of the country; and provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States. Any rights not specifically enumerated as belonging to the federal government belongs to the state governments.

I encourage every citizen to know the content of their state and federal constitutions. It is incumbent upon the citizens to know and protect their rights. It seems to me that the federal and state governments will take away rights if we allow them to do so; sometimes in the interests of "welfare" and sometimes in the interests of "money".

Take the time to care enough about our government and your rights as individuals; to get involved and be informed. The more you give the more they'll take and those in government have great love for the uninformed.


Darrin F. Coe, MA
http://dcoe1.tripod.com
http://dcoe1.tripod.com/poetry
coe@ris.net
dfcoe1@yahoo.com

Standing UpWrite
Mood:  on fire
Now Playing: Rethinking Communion
Topic: culture and religion
Rethinking Communion
By Darrin Coe, MA

We've missed the boat on Communion. Jesus wasn't attempting to create an ages old tradition and ritual, as he broke the bread and poured the wine. Try to picture the following:

Peter toasted, "To Jesus, the only Savior powerful enough to cater a revival through saying the blessing."

"To Jesus!!" The disciples responded.

"So Jesus? What's arising next for the Savior of the world?" Andrew asked.

"Miracles will be on the rise, shortly. More fish?" Jesus replied, reclining at the table.

"Yeah, thanks. Was this catered or multiplied?"

"Peter made the arrangements. I had him try multiplying it but he's still of little faith." Jesus replied, "Go light on the wine boys, I'm gonna need some of that in a minute"

"Hey, Jesus? Could you pass me the bread and wine? Hey, Judas? Pass me the dippin' bowl you and Jesus was using."

Jesus then stood and intoned, "I will now create a ritual that will be passed down through generations. I now ordain the ritual of communion."

"Lighten up Lord, I only asked for the bread and wine."

Then breaking the bread, Jesus placed a crumb upon the disciple's tongue, "Take eat; this is My body."

"What's up?" One of the disciples whispered.

"I don't know." Judas blurted, "I didn't do it."

Jesus meanwhile had filled one of the cups, as he passed it, he intoned ceremoniously, "Drink from it, all of you; for this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for forgiveness of sins."

"What's he talking about?" James asked John.

"Don't know. I was dozing off. Hey, grab the cup."

Then Jesus grinned and shouted, "Singing time." The party commenced to sing boisterously, then they headed for the Mount of Olives.

Ok, it probably didn't happen like that. Jesus was about to be crucified. He was both happy and sorely grieved. I think he used the food available at the time, to show the disciples a way to remember what he'd be doing for they and the rest of humanity. He was telling them, "every time you eat and drink, remember me. Remember my broken body every time you break bread (that's "eat" in today's language) and remember the forgiveness I've won every time you drink."

If he'd done a similar thing in today's day he'd've cut the pizza and passed the beer or soda pop. We could make communion more salient, by using tortillas, and salsa or serving small brats and beer.

My point is, take the time to remember Jesus and not a man-made ritual..

Standing UpWrite
Mood:  on fire
Now Playing: Take the Child's Perspective
Topic: Parenting
Standing UpWrite
by Darrin F. Coe, MA

Over 90 per cent of American parents rely on physical punishment to correct children's behavior, according to The Journal of Sociology. 1999.
That statistic scares me. I'd like every parent or person in a position of trust to take the child's perspective before you impose physical punishment.
How would feel if you were only three feet tall and an adult was looming over you, yelling, screaming, and swinging their hands in your direction? Consider the fear this could instill. Imagine the confusion as the person who is supposed to nurture you, and provide you with safety, imposes some level of inescapable pain on you. Would you scream, cry, act out, or run away?
We should ask ourselves, "What are we teaching children by imposing physical punishment?" I see a moral paradox in teaching a child not to hit by hitting them or teaching them not to scream by yelling at them.
One of the most trying times in many parents day is bedtime. Parents seem to think that children should automatically fall asleep. Perhaps paddling or shouting will intimidate them enough to "shut up and go to sleep" when it's not automatic. Take the child's perspective. Have you ever had insomnia? Would getting slapped out of frustration convince you to fall asleep? Have you ever tossed and turned all night? Do you sleep well when you're scared? Children are no different.

Adults have options to help them get to sleep. Children are required to lay in bed, quiet and still whether they are tired or not. Eventually, they'll sleep but consider the trauma they may experience in the process.
Behavioral psychology teaches that rewarding positive behavior is more effective than punishing undesirable behavior. Developmental psychology has found soothing sounds, calm environments, and structure positively impact behavior.
Stop punishing and start rewarding. Figure out what you want your children to do and reward them for it. Rewards can be complimenting and praising them, small pieces of candy, time spent playing a favorite game, time spent watching a favorite television show, or anything else special to the child. Acknowledge them as children who are loved and nurtured.
High energy, breaking things, not paying attention, spilling things, running wild and being loud are part of being a child. Children are not miniature adults and shouldn't be expected to act like adults.


Darrin F. Coe, MA
http://dcoe1.tripod.com/

Standing UpWrite
Mood:  on fire
Now Playing: Abuses of Indigenous Peoples
Topic: Politics
Standing UpWrite
by Darrin F. Coe, MA

This past week, Newsweek published a series of articles focusing on the abuses in the Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq. In all honesty, I almost started crying as I read about the abuses against Iraqi prisoners and the allegations of cover-ups stemming from the top levels of our government.

I realized something, this is not the first time the United States has been guilty of abusing indigenous peoples. As far as democracy is concerned America is still the best boat afloat but we have a terrible history of abusing indigenous people. Consider the American Indians.

Many indigenous people living in the United States consider themselves to be occupied nations just like Iraq and Palestine. There's a reason many American Indian Tribes refer to themselves as nations. American Indian Tribes that are recognized as such by the American government are considered sovereigns. The members of those tribes are considered to hold dual citizenship and are allowed all the rights and privileges of being both American citizens and Indigenous citizens.

Many people have a poor understanding of Indigenous Nations; their history and current political status. Indigenous nations such as the Lakota, Ute, Shoshone, and Oneida are not subject to state taxes nor state criminal jurisdiction. States must compact with tribes in good faith to establish any levels of taxation or jurisdiction and most tribes have special rights to water and natural resources within their nation's boundaries.

Only the United States government is allowed to regulate commerce and politics within the Indigenous Nations. Interestingly enough the Bureau of Indian Affairs was originally part of the department of defense because the United States government believed they needed to treat the indigenous peoples just as they would treat other sovereign nations. Treaties subject to international law exist that establish the relationship between different indigenous nations and the United States.

The United States has a questionable history of honoring the treaties it developed with the Indigenous Nations as well as having a sordid history of military and social mistreatment of the Indigenous Nations. From multiple massacres of elders and children to secret sterilizations of Indigenous women to secret land deals that abuse the trust of the Nations.

Perhaps in Iraq the American government can change it's behavior and stop it's cycle of abuse against indigenous people. American is the greatest nation in the world, I'd like to see us prove it.

Standing UpWrite
Mood:  on fire
Now Playing: I'm Confused
Topic: morality and ethics
Standing UpWrite
By Darrin F. Coe


In one of the great paradoxes of the 21st

century, the original horror musician, Alice Cooper

was given an honorary Ph.D. by Grand Canyon

University a Christian liberal arts school. The

vice-chairman of the university said that Cooper

was receiving the honor for his financial backing

and his strong faith. That's like honoring Gandhi

for his success as a soldier.


I guess Alice Cooper receiving an honor from a

Christian University shouldn't surprise me

considering many of the moral and ethical paradoxes

found in our society. I think as a nation we are

morally and ethically confused. Consider some of

the paradoxes we process everyday.


Our current federal administration claims to

be pro-life yet endorses war. We have activists

that fight for both the sanctity of the dolphin's

life and the right to have an abortion. For a time

in March, the top two grossing movies were The

Passion of the Christ and Hellboy. We live in a

country that is referred to as the land of the free

and home of the brave yet we have a history of

slavery, concentration camps, and genocidal

occupation. Our children are getting healthy

eating literature from the restaurant that's

serving them greasy, cheese pizza.


The message I get when I peruse the mass media

is we don't know what's right and wrong but as long

as we shoot it and are upset if it was naked then

it's ok. We have a society that throws a fit over

Janet Jackson's partially bared breast but is Ok

with TBS showing the series Sex in the City..

The psychological community tells parents it's not

your fault if your kids end up in prison while at

the same time encouraging us to get more involved

in our children's lives. Researchers have told us

time and again that violence on television will

facilitate violent behavior but we continue to

support Yugio and Digimon as good for our

children. We wonder why the Columbine tragedy

happened while purchasing toy weapons for our

toddlers


I'm so confused. It seems like we're becoming

victims of the old adage, "If you won't stand for

something you'll fall for anything." Let's

rediscover morality and ethics. Do we even

remember what's right and wrong? I suggest

speaking up for those who can't; taking care of

widows and orphans; pursuing peace; and raising the

next generation based on "love thy neighbor as

thyself".

Dance Your Heart Out
Mood:  on fire
Topic: Inspiration
Standing UpWrite
by Darrin F. Coe, MA


Every night news headlines tell us about people dying, people killing, people committing crimes, and people hurting. I understand that there is a legitimate sociological and fiduciary interest in reporting these stories but sometimes I need a break. Sometimes I need to be inspired; to read about the goodness and passion in the world around me. Recently, I hit inspiration paydirt and felt obligated to share the joy with those around me.
Here's a quote taken from a recent article in the L.A. Times, "I love playing the sax," he said, "playing the sax, you can make a person's day. You can make people feel happy about themselves . . ." This from a 14 year old trying to gain entrance to the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts, a prestigious school with such alumni as Jenna Elfman.
One of the judges who presided over the highly competitive dance auditions instructed the students to "Dance like you dance in your living room when no one's watching. When you are given the opportunity to dance and show why you want to come to this school, you should dance your heart out." I thought to myself, "what a powerful and inspirational encouragement for living in general." We need to dance our hearts out! What inspiration to read about 13, 14, and 15 year olds playing music, acting, drawing, and engaging in life with such passion. If we would all approach life with such passion, we could improve on an already awesome experience.
Next let me share a quote from a recent article from the New York Daily Times. "Even though Gabby's hands are often too weak to hold a pencil, the third grader won an M. Samuel Stern Memorial Award yesterday for a story she wrote about a boy, a dog, and a frog."
This eight year old girl who said, "Mommy, I'll never give up. I'll fight." Makes my heart soar. She lives her life with more passion than most adults even though she's currently struggling in a battle for her life against a rare form of Leukemia.
These two wonderful stories reinforce for me, the goodness, joy, grace, and passion that thrives in our world despite all of the death, destruction, and pain we are inundated with. Remember, "When you are given the opportunity to dance . . . you should dance your heart out." Our life is our dance, it's our opportunity!

Mental Illness Uncommon
Mood:  bright
Topic: Mental Health
Standing UpWrite

I believe the American people are psychologically strong. WebMD, recently released an article stating 15% of Americans suffer from mental illness, meaning a full 85% of Americans are maintaining mental stability. The article stated that 1% of Americans over the age of 18 are diagnosed with bipolar disorder, meaning 99% of Americans have stable and functional moods. WebMD reported that up to 5% of American school age children suffer from ADHD, indicating 95 % of school age children are getting the job done and are pretty stable in their behavior.
This is very exciting news, even though WebMD released it as a report of concern, attempting to show the commonness of mental illness in America. This report indicates 15% of people are mentally ill, should that be considered common? I think not! I think we're looking at these statistics backwards and can find encouragement in them instead of concern.
Some encouragements I think we can take from this report: 1) those bad moods we go through from time to time are pretty much par for the stability course; 2) ups, downs, highs, and lows are simply part of the human experience and not mental illness; 3) We, as a culture and a nation, are mentally strong; and 4) mental illness is the anomaly not the norm.
Given this apparent normalcy in our society, why then is there this perception that everyone is walking about mentally ill or dysfunctional? I think there are a number of reasons and most of them revolve around money.
Psychiatrists and psychologists need clients so they've got to convince us we need them. Psychiatric drugs are big money makers for drug companies so we must need the medications. It's unfortunate that the mental health industry would have us believe that if we're not happy, and sucking the marrow out of the bones of life constantly, that we're mentally ill. They seem to turn normal human behavior into sickness.
According to the diagnostic handbook of the mental health industry, it's mental illness if it's chronic and causes a disruption in daily functioning. It's ok to have a bad day. It's ok to have a great day. It's ok to be sad. It's O.K. to be really happy. It's ok to think odd thoughts. Just don't hurt anyone. Most of what we experience is just being human.
Remember, don't suffer from mental illness, enjoy it completely!

Darrin F. Coe holds a master's degree in professional psychology and works as a mental health professional.

Where Have All The Fathers Gone?
Mood:  on fire
Standing UpWrite

By Darrin F. Coe, MA

One of the primary negative impacts on children is the lack of a consistent, nurturing father or father-figure. One of the primary predictors of future violent behavior in boys is how much neglect they perceive from their father. It's not enough for "dad" to go to work, come home, read the paper, watch ESPN and then go to bed. That's being a roommate not a dad.

Children need to perceive active investment from fathers. We've defined a good dad as the man who works consistently, brings home the paycheck, and doesn't openly abuse his children and family. I think it's time to expect more out of fathers. Here's some suggestions.

1) Mentor Humility: Fathers can have a powerful impact on their children if they are willing to actively mentor humility. Showing children it's ok to admit when they are wrong and placing others before one's self are powerful investments.

2) Invest Time: Set aside time for your children on a regular, frequent basis. This time is for the kids. It allows them to bond with dad and each other in a familial, empowering way. This develops family coherence, problem solving development, and can be used to develop ethics and values.

3) Have bedtime with your children: Fathers should set aside bedtime as very specific time to spend with each of the children. This is a time to reflect on the day, a time to establish calm communication with the children.

Children require a sense of safety and security. Bedtime can be used to create a quiet atmosphere that encourages your children to share and allows them to see that you are there for them when the world is dark and unsure.

Finally, both mom and dad should participate in bedtime. If children can fall asleep feeling safe, and secure they will experience a higher quality of sleep leading to improved, positive behavior. They will trust their parents more, leading to an increase in communication.

Fatherhood is no longer about procreation leading to paycheck contribution. It is investment leading to excellence. Fathers need to be as involved or more involved than mothers in the raising of children.

Darrin F. Coe, MA is the father of two very active pre-schoolers and a mental health professional

Darrin F. Coe, MA
1019 Clover
Canon City, CO 81212
719-275-5907
coe@ris.net