I have one word to say: "Per-co-cet!"

I have been laid up the last several weeks with a pinched nerve in my neck.  If you have never experienced it, God bless you.  It is pain I would not wish on anyone.  It is pain that quite literally had me calling for my mother.  As my mother has been dead close to 30 years, this was some long distance call. 

Like men tend to do, I was determined to gut it out. Give me a hunk of leather to bite on and I would be just fine.  The tough man act lasted about a week before my suffering became such that I took my wife's advice to go to the emergency room, which is where after some poking and prodding and an EKG to make certain the numbness in my hand and the pain shooting down my arm were not symptoms of a heart attack, I met my friend Percocet and his partner in crime, Demerol.   I don't know what either medication is, but I must say they make a rather pleasant combination and it wasn't long before my pain began to diminish -- my anguish subside.

I do not intend that my few weeks of incapacity is comparable to say the suffering endured by my sister during her all too brief life or that of those suffering the ravages of war, famine or any number of other trials.  All the same, I confess that during the time on my back I wondered on more than one occasion what mad purpose God had in mind.

After my shot of relief, paramedics wheeled a woman into an examination room near my own.  She appeared to be in considerably more pain than I.  Her agony could be heard through the entire emergency room.  As she continued to moan, I determined that I would go to her room and sit with her and hold her hand.  We sat for perhaps 10 minutes before my doctor entered the room and suggested that I go back to my bed.  He was concerned that I might fall and hurt myself walking around under the influence of so much medicine.  I was again determined to gut it out, but in truth my head was beginning to spin.  Given the amount of pain I had been in, it was a very pleasant spin indeed.

The question of why God allows suffering is older than the bible itself and I certainly do not imagine I am going to solve this riddle in the space of this column. 

It did occur to me however, that pain seems inextricably associated with life.  We are birthed into this life with pain, we fall down while learning to walk, and we experience pain as we cut our baby teeth and as our bones grow and as age creeps up on us the aches in our bodies tend to increase.  There is also pain of another sort: dreams are crushed as our talents do not match our aspirations, we suffer betrayal as we search for trust and our hearts are broken in a quest for love.

We can, if we choose, accept pain as part of nature's law or we can as Sitis, Job's wife, suggested "curse God and die"...or anesthetize ourselves to life's agonies.  There are opiates of many kinds to numb us to that pain:  drugs, alcohol, debauchery and bitterness of every kind.  Unfortunately, the price of such relief is that we are forced to disengage from each other.  As wonderful as that pill made me feel, if taking it means I must sit in my bed and be disconnected from the rest of humanity, I do not want it. As awful as my pain was, I do not want to nod-out in a corner nor do I want to become filled with such enmity for my fellow man that I choose to withdraw or become consumed with a self-hate that manifests itself in cruelty and anti-social behavior.  My pain doesn't just keep me in contact with others, but the pain of others keeps all of us reaching for our fellow beings. Without pain there would be no compassion, no hand holding, hugs, no need to nurse or to heal, no shoulders to cry on and ultimately no search for justice. Without pain I dare say there would be no life; none worth living at any rate. 

Call it an opiate induced mind dance if you will but I do not want to be an observer of life.  I want to live it.  I do not want to sit on the sidelines while my fellow humans endure life's tragedies while also enjoying its many pleasures and triumphs.

 Joseph C. Phillips is the author of "He Talk Like A White Boy" available wherever books are sold.

 

By Armando Navarro, Ph.D., NAHR Coordinator

The National Alliance for Human Rights (NAHR), a network of individuals and organizations committed to the promotion of human rights, social justice, and the political empowerment of Mexicana/os and Latina/os is supporting the call for a national mobilization for immigration reform at the Democratic Convention. It should be noted that the Denver-based Somos America Coalition is finalizing the details of such type efforts for the said Convention.  The timing is propitious and the immigration crisis for our communities is urgent; therefore, NAHR is proposing the following strategic plan of action for consideration of not only the Somos America Coalition but also our communities at-large.  

Rationale:  NAHR applauds and supports Somos America's call for a massive March and Rally to be held in downtown Denver at the site of the Democratic Party Convention on Tuesday, August 26; however, with a few recommendations for modification to their current proposed plan. NAHR, considering that next weekend will be the commemoration of the National Chicano Moratorium of August 29, 1970, sees this as a crucial opportunity for our community to hold a one-day Summit on that Monday, August 25 for the purpose of developing a Voter education and mobilization plan of action designed to get a Democrat elected to the Whitehouse but more importantly with a well-developed process for ensuring that human immigration reform is secured in 2009.

The timing could not be better for bringing attention, focus, and planning to the need for real humane immigration reform, if we hope for the Democrats to make immigration reform a policy priority for 2009.  Our mass-lobbing efforts are practical and achievable for the following reasons: (1) Denver's Mexicano/Latino population is 40 percent; (2) 20 percent of Colorado's population is Mexicano/Latino; (3) There are more than 27 million Latinos living in Aztlán (Southwest); (4) Denver has the leadership and organizational capability to be the matrix for pulling-off such a historical political mobilization;  (5) The political timing is excellent for Mexicanos and Latinos to show their political power and the importance of a Democrat victory in November; and (6) NAHR is not aware of any national strategy for addressing humane immigration reform beyond the May 1st mobilizations.

The Democrats in November will need "our" Brown vote; after all, we have some 12 million Mexicanos/Latinos registered to vote; and we are strategically concentrated in key electoral-college states, such as California, Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Illinois, New York, and Florida that are crucial to a Democratic Party win.

Summit: A one-day summit that convenes Mexicano and Latino pro-immigrant rights activists, organizations, coalitions, and politicians to formulate a plan of action for the national mobilization of the Mexicano/Latino community not only for the presidential elections, but equally important for comprehensive humane immigration reform in 2009.  The summit would be facilitated by Somos America or other designated entities.  NAHR's proposed plan calls for the formation of a national agenda that mandates that in exchange for our vote in November we secure from the Democrat presidential nominee a commitment for a comprehensive humane immigration reform in 2009. There would be many ideas brought to the table; however, regardless which plan is adopted, if one hopes to get a Democrat elected to the Whitehouse and comprehensive humane immigration reform in 2009, it must have the requisite capacity and organizational infrastructure needed to conduct massive voter registration, voter education, and grass roots Get-Out-the-Vote drives for November 2.  One such strategy would be the creation of "Viva Kennedy" like campaigns, which were effective in securing the Latina/o vote for J.F.K. in 1960; therefore, whomever the Democratic nominee, they will need our vote.

 Mobilization:  A powerful Mexicano/Latino/ Voter Mobilization March and Political Rally calling for support from the Democrats.  The events must not be perceived as being adversarial towards the Democrats but rather as a means for collectively developing and achieving a 3-point goal of: attaining a Democrat in the White House; Democrats maintaining control and increasing their numbers in both houses; and developing and implementing with Mexicanos, Latinos, and pro-immigrant rights advocates humane immigration reform in 2009. 

The march and rally call for the participation of the presidential nominee, politicians, convention delegates and of course the massive participation from all sectors of the Mexicano/Latino communities nationwide that would include pro-migrant rights activists, organizations, coalitions, labor, students, churches, media, business, etc.  Equally important, other ethnic/racial groups would be asked to participate; thus, marketing both events as being multi-ethnic/racial in appeal.  Both events would be colorful and the Rally's program would include an array of speakers, the keynote being presidential nominee, music, and participation and performance of key entertainers.  The program should also be designed to showcase the power particularly of our Mexicano/Latino communities.  Specifically, however, the rally should be utilized to launch the nationwide call for a Mexicano/Latino Voter National Mobilization for the November presidential elections in support of the Democratic Party presidential ticket and for Democrat majority Congress.               

 Organizing Strategy:  Somos America coalition assumes the key leadership role in Colorado.   All groups participating within each state would sign off and become a co-sponsor of both said events. Each state would call for a statewide planning meeting for sometime in May or early June. The meeting's main purpose would be to develop the means by which to provide support and statewide mobilization to participate in Denver in August.  Each state would have its own media and outreach plan, finances, and hold events in particular cities of the state to foment interest and participation.  One important aspect would be to caravan into Denver.  Some caravans would leave a week early so as to stop in different communities to hold meetings and media events for creating hype for Denver Mobilization.

For those who cannot participate in the caravans or attend the Denver Mobilization, organizing events such as marches, rallies, and vigils could be held on the same day in as many local cities as possible; in essence, a day of multiple mobilizations nationwide.

 

In taking medical histories during my orthopaedic surgical practice certain patients would have 20 or so important complaints-- e.g. left foot, low back, and right knee pain. After asking the patient which of their 20 are most important to her, she might say the right knee. By contrast, my immediate impression might have been the low back. However, following the complete medical history taking, performing a physical examination, reading the patient's x-rays, reviewing thick medical records, and doing pertinent research, my initial impression of the most important might now be the left foot. A painful left foot can alter the normal biomechanical balance of the lower part of the body and thereby cause pain in the low back which, in turn, can cause pain in the right knee. Hence, treat first the left foot. Note that much detailed work of many types is needed to decide what is the most important of several options.

One of the top five problems I notice in people is their inability to determine what is important. The tendency is to elevate what is familiar into the MVP (most valuable player) position. As a result, the chances of doing something important in life are slim to none because with no idea of what is important one can have no goal-and no "stretching" in order to achieve. In setting out on any journey a sound philosophy of life (POL) and stepping stone goals are required (e.g. immediate, short term, intermediate, long term, and ultimate). The ultimate goal is the most important because, by keeping it in focus when decisions are made about each of the other goals, one's actions stay pointed straight ahead. It also eliminates the "little boy in a candy store" syndrome (i.e. scattered attractive attractions). Nothing important will be done when one is scattered. A sound POL fashions Paradigms (like the dough from which you fashion different types of cookies). From paradigms you immediately, and without thinking, make choices, decisions, and solutions that are right in the long term. Things important in life to do are not necessarily what we like. Yet, to make the best choices for your POL requires access to your Pure Feelings and sharpened Rational Thinking skills. Make your own decisions!

Since the single most important way to start developing Rational Thinking skills is to think about every thing you do and have a reason for doing what you do, there is no better place to start than with Time and Energy Management. This pertains to the thoughtful work related to research; to engaging in reflective thinking for determining what is important; to having a deadline for doing all that has to be done and then getting it done ahead of schedule; and to doing things or to selecting people that will generate the greatest effectiveness ("that which works") and efficiency ("doing it quickly"). The focus is on the Essence of whatever is under consideration. Essence is either a summary of the most important essential qualities; the most significant quality; or the ideal pattern of something's form of being. Answer daily the question: "What is the single most important thing to me?-and Why?" In general, what is important is that which does the most good, for the most people (or oneself), and over the longest period of time. If you set a goal, then that is a promise-and keeping your word is more important than any "want to" option. Of all the goals you set, your Legacy goal is the most important. Once you decide on what is important, then stay focused on that thing and start each day doing or taking care of the most important things first.

 website: www.jablifeskills.com

Joseph A. Bailey, II, M.D.

 

The ancient Hebrews themselves answer whether the literature of the ancient Hebrews includes portions that may be called poetry. That the ancient Hebrews perceived there were poetical portions in their literature is shown by their entitling songs or chants such passages as Exodus 15:1-19 and Numbers 21:17-20; and a song or chant is, according to the primary meaning of the term, poetry.

Poetry in the Old Testament: At a very early date poetry became part of the written literature of the Hebrew people. Many scholars believe the song of Moses and the song of Miriam (Exod. 15:1-21), celebrating the destruction of Pharaoh's army in the sea, is the oldest existing Hebrew hymn or poetic work, dating perhaps from the 12th century B.C. Three of the greatest poetic masterpieces of the Old Testament are the Song of Deborah (Judges 5); the Song of the Bow - David's lament over the death of Saul and Jonathan (II Sam. 1:27-27) - and the Burden of Nineveh (Nah. 1:10-3:19).

Approximately one-third of the Old Testament is written in poetry. This includes entire books (except for short prose sections), such as Job, Psalms, Proverbs, the Song of Solomon, and Lamentations. Large portions of Isaiah, Jeremiah, and the Minor Prophets are also poetic in form and content. Many scholars consider the Book of Job to be not only the greatest poem in the Old Testament but also one of the greatest poems in all literature.

The three main divisions of the Old Testament - the Law, the Prophets, and the Writings - contain poetry in successively greater amounts. Only seven Old Testament books - Leviticus, Ruth, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Haggai, and Malachi - appear to have no poetic lines.

Poetic elements such as assonance, alliteration, and rhyme - so common to poetry as we know it today - occur rarely in Hebrew poetry; these are not essential ingredients of Old Testament poetry. Instead, the essential formal characteristic of Hebrew poetry is parallelism. This is a construction in which the content of one line is repeated, contrasted, or advanced by the content of the next - a type of sense rhythm characterized by thought arrangement rather than by word arrangement or rhyme. The three main types of parallelism in biblical poetry are synonymous, antithetic, and synthetic.

Email: richardojones1@verizon.net