Ta Ta Jesse Helms

[Boss Radio]

Originally Posted by LSPoorEeyorick

I don't think MBC or I were suggesting anyone needed to feel differently than they are feeling. We are dealing with it differently than, say, someone who draws your (very vividly described, btw!) pinata. We don't think that kind of thing would be helpful to us as people. But that opinion isn't stopping anyone else from feeling however they need to feel, doing whatever they need to do, to make themselves feel better and improve the world.

Someone very wise told me recently about a Buddhist teaching that I like very much. "Hatred is like holding on to a burning ember. You're the one who gets burned." It's OK for anyone to focus on him and hold on to their outrage. Of COURSE it is. But it's also OK for me to try to move on and let go but always be informed by his awful legacy as I attempt to do good in the world, to try to fill the karmic hole he made.

Of course. The conversation has become semantic at this point - we're all saying basically the same thing.

You, MBC and JWB are very kind, loving people. People like you make the world a better place. Philosophically, you are right. All of you echo the great Master Po when he taught young Grasshopper how to channel his emotions.
But remember, when faced with prejudice, hate and blind ignrance, Kwai Chiang Cain would gracefully kick his opponent's ass and then move on.
He channeled his emotions, but still knew when and how to use them.
And yes, he used them in self defense. And I'm sure Master Po disapproved of grave dancing. And yes, it was just a TV show, but dammit, it was a good one.

All I'm sayin' is...it's ok to hate a virulent, bad, hutful philosophy. I think that is the very best use of our capacity for hatred. Hating dangerous ideology enough to want to change it is a good thing...and yes, change ultimately occurs through deeds, like you nice people are all saying.

And did I mention I HATE all organized religion?