Amazing news of cessation of three decades of war, but I can't help feeling some degree of cynicism. Is it really over? Have the most passionate of people really laid down their arms uncinditionally? And regardless of the immediate outcome, what of the cost to Sri Lanka and her people?
And where to from here? I've heard the cries of 'One Nation, One People' but who gets to decide? Will the Tamil (and Moor) minorities actually get a voice in the decisions to come? And what future is there for the thousands of displaced people - those Sinhalese and Tamil people who fought to live and in the process lost homes, family and friends.
In the sprint to create a nation who watches out for the citizens that won't matter?
I don't pretend to understand the complexities that inform a thirty year war. But there are some that have benefitted from the ongoing fighting, there are some that have made their reputation: but I do not believe that it is over for thousands who were, and will be, used as pawns in an essentially greedy and ugly grab for power.
Thursday, 21 May 2009
Tuesday, 21 April 2009
WELCOMING STRANGERS
The issue of assylum seekers and their journey through Indonesia in the hope of finding safety and hope in Australia (and New Zealand) is one that continues to dominate the media and political agenda. Images of fishing trawlers burning and survivors in bandages perpetuate the emotive agenda of refugee advocates, whilst political speak of security and economy drive politicians on both sides to call for another discussion – to build a better, cleaner way to welcome (approved and limited) strangers.
Our leaders tell us that the main issue is the “scum of the earth” (Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, AAP) that profit from the transport of assylum seekers, not the refugees. Apparently, providing a person fits within the United Nations category of refugee, and meets the requirements of entry into our ‘lucky country’, we are ready and willing to welcome them! But, those people smugglers, “they should rot in hell”. (K Rudd)
So why don’t we circumvent the people smugglers? Why don’t we put a fence around the cliff instead of a screaming ambulance on Ashmore Reef?
I know this is hugely simplistic, but surely the establishment of a refugee assessment / processing unit (with the approval and partnership of the Indonesian government) on the ground in Indonesia would be a better use of finance, not to mention it would remove the client base from the privateers (or is that pirates) that would trade on the desperation of hope-driven humanity. This refugee assessment centre could conceivably accept (or return) and transport personnel from Indonesia cheaper than protecting borders, salvaging ships and hospitalising asylum seekers. And again, it has the potential to remove the people smugglers from the scene – after all they’re the problem.
Our leaders tell us that the main issue is the “scum of the earth” (Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, AAP) that profit from the transport of assylum seekers, not the refugees. Apparently, providing a person fits within the United Nations category of refugee, and meets the requirements of entry into our ‘lucky country’, we are ready and willing to welcome them! But, those people smugglers, “they should rot in hell”. (K Rudd)
So why don’t we circumvent the people smugglers? Why don’t we put a fence around the cliff instead of a screaming ambulance on Ashmore Reef?
I know this is hugely simplistic, but surely the establishment of a refugee assessment / processing unit (with the approval and partnership of the Indonesian government) on the ground in Indonesia would be a better use of finance, not to mention it would remove the client base from the privateers (or is that pirates) that would trade on the desperation of hope-driven humanity. This refugee assessment centre could conceivably accept (or return) and transport personnel from Indonesia cheaper than protecting borders, salvaging ships and hospitalising asylum seekers. And again, it has the potential to remove the people smugglers from the scene – after all they’re the problem.
Saturday, 18 April 2009
Killing Crocs
The discussion about killing all the crocs within a certain area in the Northern Territory got me thinking.
Apparently we are going to declare open season on the animals because they have killed a couple of idiots that decided that if they went swimming in croc infested waters they would be safe. Despite all the warnings, the documented stories, the experience of many others over many years and the signs that say "Don't Swim Here" - they believed that it would never happen to them. So society decides, it's not the fault of the idiot but rather the croc.
I wonder what would be said if we applied the same logic to tobacco and alcohol. Perhaps we should cull these 'killers' too, after all they are responsible for the deaths of many more idiots that despite the warnings believe that lung cancer, or liver poisoning, or death as a result of drunk driving will never happen to them.
If it isn't their fault then blame must be laid on the "crocs", mustn't it!
Apparently we are going to declare open season on the animals because they have killed a couple of idiots that decided that if they went swimming in croc infested waters they would be safe. Despite all the warnings, the documented stories, the experience of many others over many years and the signs that say "Don't Swim Here" - they believed that it would never happen to them. So society decides, it's not the fault of the idiot but rather the croc.
I wonder what would be said if we applied the same logic to tobacco and alcohol. Perhaps we should cull these 'killers' too, after all they are responsible for the deaths of many more idiots that despite the warnings believe that lung cancer, or liver poisoning, or death as a result of drunk driving will never happen to them.
If it isn't their fault then blame must be laid on the "crocs", mustn't it!
Monday, 30 March 2009
Lies or Lapse in Judgement
It seems that there is a difference between lying and not telling the truth, until you're caught out.
Recently former Federal Court judge Marcus Einfeld was sentenced to jail for telling lies. All in an attempt to avoid a $77.000 traffic fine. Not too much later the government dismissed Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon's failure to disclose trips to China as a "lapse in judgement".
Now, I'm not an expert but it seems bizarre to me that we would sentence any person to jail for lying. Given the costs of incarceration and the apparent over population of jails - I am sure there has to be a better way of publicly shaming and punishing a person for lying. Or is Einfeld being punished so harshly because he is supposed to be a man of truth, a man we respect both for that which he has achieved and for the office that he held.
On the other hand a sitting government minister (a man elected to represent the public) speaks in parliament and acts contrary to accepted and published rules of behaviour and he is excused, his is just a 'lapse in judgement'!
Public figures: church leaders, government ministers and judges should be held to a high standard. We should be able to rely on them to tell the truth. But maybe we should hold them all to the same standard. There should be no parliamentary privilege, or governmental grace, that excuses a 'lapse in judgement'.
The same standard by which Einfeld was judged for a $77.00 lie should be used to examine Fitzgibbon's (perhaps) $ 10,000.00 lie.
Any person that seeks a position of power; any person that represents others, should be held to the highest of ethical standards. No person who seeks to be a leader should be excused for a deliberate, self-protectionist, lapse of judgement: a lie. I join Prime Minister Rudd in his understatement, I "expect better'.
Let's be honest Fitzgibbon's (and Einfeld's) main problem was that he got caught. It's just as well we can expect better of all our other politicians, church leaders and judges otherwise our jails might be a little more crowded and our parliaments, churches and courts a bit emptier!
Recently former Federal Court judge Marcus Einfeld was sentenced to jail for telling lies. All in an attempt to avoid a $77.000 traffic fine. Not too much later the government dismissed Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon's failure to disclose trips to China as a "lapse in judgement".
Now, I'm not an expert but it seems bizarre to me that we would sentence any person to jail for lying. Given the costs of incarceration and the apparent over population of jails - I am sure there has to be a better way of publicly shaming and punishing a person for lying. Or is Einfeld being punished so harshly because he is supposed to be a man of truth, a man we respect both for that which he has achieved and for the office that he held.
On the other hand a sitting government minister (a man elected to represent the public) speaks in parliament and acts contrary to accepted and published rules of behaviour and he is excused, his is just a 'lapse in judgement'!
Public figures: church leaders, government ministers and judges should be held to a high standard. We should be able to rely on them to tell the truth. But maybe we should hold them all to the same standard. There should be no parliamentary privilege, or governmental grace, that excuses a 'lapse in judgement'.
The same standard by which Einfeld was judged for a $77.00 lie should be used to examine Fitzgibbon's (perhaps) $ 10,000.00 lie.
Any person that seeks a position of power; any person that represents others, should be held to the highest of ethical standards. No person who seeks to be a leader should be excused for a deliberate, self-protectionist, lapse of judgement: a lie. I join Prime Minister Rudd in his understatement, I "expect better'.
Let's be honest Fitzgibbon's (and Einfeld's) main problem was that he got caught. It's just as well we can expect better of all our other politicians, church leaders and judges otherwise our jails might be a little more crowded and our parliaments, churches and courts a bit emptier!
Wednesday, 11 March 2009
Attitude
When a motivational products company interviewed Tim Dumler by phone for a sales job, he told them his goal was to become their number one employee.
After meeting him in person they were shocked to discover he was legally blind. But he promised he'd buy a machine that magnifies letters. So, despite serious misgivings, they hired him. And it's a good thing they did. He came in early, worked late, and within six years became their top producer.
His clients loved him because when you're blind you become a great listener. And his associates loved him because of his caring, positive attitude. He said, "It's unfortunate that I'm visually impaired but adversity made me a better person. I have a lot more than I don't have."
Tim has the 100-degree attitude!What's the 100-degree attitude?
At 99 degrees Celsius water is hot. At 100 degrees it boils. With boiling water comes steam. And steam can power a train. One extra degree makes all the difference in business and in life; it separates the good from the great. (Story from the Web)
Attitude, yours and mine, has an amazingly powerful influence on the effectiveness of our ministry.
Attitude can reveal more about who you really are than anything you say, or do. It can be that one thing that makes me want to hear what you say, or walk away. And that’s completely unfair because it’s entirely subjective—and often irreversible.
Integrity (and therefore potential for influence) can be destroyed in five seconds by attitude, but confidence and trust take infinitely longer to rebuild.
After meeting him in person they were shocked to discover he was legally blind. But he promised he'd buy a machine that magnifies letters. So, despite serious misgivings, they hired him. And it's a good thing they did. He came in early, worked late, and within six years became their top producer.
His clients loved him because when you're blind you become a great listener. And his associates loved him because of his caring, positive attitude. He said, "It's unfortunate that I'm visually impaired but adversity made me a better person. I have a lot more than I don't have."
Tim has the 100-degree attitude!What's the 100-degree attitude?
At 99 degrees Celsius water is hot. At 100 degrees it boils. With boiling water comes steam. And steam can power a train. One extra degree makes all the difference in business and in life; it separates the good from the great. (Story from the Web)
Attitude, yours and mine, has an amazingly powerful influence on the effectiveness of our ministry.
Attitude can reveal more about who you really are than anything you say, or do. It can be that one thing that makes me want to hear what you say, or walk away. And that’s completely unfair because it’s entirely subjective—and often irreversible.
Integrity (and therefore potential for influence) can be destroyed in five seconds by attitude, but confidence and trust take infinitely longer to rebuild.
Tuesday, 3 March 2009
Bushfires
I have had the privilege of working in the communities of Whittlesea, Kinglake, Kinglake West and Flowerdale over the past three weeks. Called up to help coordinate the Material Aid Centre in Whittlesea I spent the first 10 days or so working with a team of people that took delivery of the mountain of generous donations given by people from all over Australia.
My role in the last few weeks has changed focus to the affected communities (pictures opposite) up in the hills. It's here that I have experienced, and been on the receiving end, of just about every human emotion. And most of this as a result of well intentioned people; people who want to help and so make promises that cannot be kept, (or at least not in the time frame that the affected people need).
One of the things I am reminded of in this experience is that well intentioned is not good enough! It is not good enough to send well intentioned people into these environments - we need people that understand the emotional and physical roller coaster that is in play here. We need experienced people that are able to separate the barrage of anger from the release of frustration and fear.
We need organisations that have used the devastation to gain exposure by advertsising assistance to keep their word!
No longer is it good enough to promise and hope delivery is possible - we need to be professional: we need to know our limitations, our resources and our capacities and we need to do what we do well.
My role in the last few weeks has changed focus to the affected communities (pictures opposite) up in the hills. It's here that I have experienced, and been on the receiving end, of just about every human emotion. And most of this as a result of well intentioned people; people who want to help and so make promises that cannot be kept, (or at least not in the time frame that the affected people need).
One of the things I am reminded of in this experience is that well intentioned is not good enough! It is not good enough to send well intentioned people into these environments - we need people that understand the emotional and physical roller coaster that is in play here. We need experienced people that are able to separate the barrage of anger from the release of frustration and fear.
We need organisations that have used the devastation to gain exposure by advertsising assistance to keep their word!
No longer is it good enough to promise and hope delivery is possible - we need to be professional: we need to know our limitations, our resources and our capacities and we need to do what we do well.
Wednesday, 25 February 2009
Promises
Development and transformation are built on trust. Trust is built on integrity. Integrity is built on a foundation of reliability. If promises are made they must be kept! If decisions are advertised they must be carried through. If your word cannot be relied upon, then your integrity is flawed, you (and any organisation you represent) can not be trusted and you will not be a catalyst for effective transformation.
I think the most destructive element in building a relationship of trust is broken promises. Don't advertise that you can provide a service if it is not ready to go. Don't use promises to make you look good, or even to make the other happy and to give them hope, unless you have the authority and resources to fulfill the promise.
'Let your yes, be yes, and your no, no!' More often than not you only have your word as an individual; you only have your integrity - don't base your promises on any organisation's resources or reputation - hopefully (and more often than not) they are reliable - but ultimately a relationship (and a shared journey) is built between individuals not organisations.
I think the most destructive element in building a relationship of trust is broken promises. Don't advertise that you can provide a service if it is not ready to go. Don't use promises to make you look good, or even to make the other happy and to give them hope, unless you have the authority and resources to fulfill the promise.
'Let your yes, be yes, and your no, no!' More often than not you only have your word as an individual; you only have your integrity - don't base your promises on any organisation's resources or reputation - hopefully (and more often than not) they are reliable - but ultimately a relationship (and a shared journey) is built between individuals not organisations.
Tuesday, 17 February 2009
What a Week
Now that I have remembered the details to sign in I can finally update my blog... and if that was the only reason why I haven't updated it that would be great!
I would imagine that everyone knows about the Bushfires that have devastated the Victorian (Australia) countryside. I heard a comparison the other day that claimed that the area of land that has burnt so far is approximately the same as England, and with a death toll climbing over 180 people it is Australia's worst ever natural disaster.
The fires began in the early hours of Saturday 7th and within 20 hours had wiped out entire towns, joining together to create an awesome wall of fire almost the entire width of the state. It was on Monday (9th) that I was called in to help coordinate the material aid centre in Whittlesea, a town just 30 minutes up the road from where I live and work now.
I arrived to find an amazing group of volunteers, many of whom had been on the go for over 40 hours, and now just needed support and a break to re-group. It has been my privilege to work with these people to provide a place where people can donate, (mountains of clothes, shelves of food and many other goods) and a safe and quiet place where the victims can find supplies, support and safety.
I've heard amazing and terrifying reports of fire and escape and stories of death and devastation. I listened to a child of 7 tell us about the wall of fire that raced behind them down the road. I sat with a man who three days after the fires was reunited with a partner he though had died. I walked with a man who four days after running for his life had just comprehended that the shoes that he needed for work were in the cupboard, in the bedroom, in the house that was no more.
But in the midst of the stories of devastation there are the stories of heroism, hope, faith and generosity. The people of Australia have, as they usually do, opened their hearts, their wallets, their garages and their cupboards to assist those that have lost the lot. So much so, that we have almost covered an entire cricket ground with pallets, marquees, piles of clothes, food and equipment and that's not to mention the hundreds of people that have come to volunteer their time and talents to relieve and ultimately rebuild.
The Centre and the support effort continues at Whittlesea as I try and juggle a continuing "consultant" role with the work I am supposed to do.
I would imagine that everyone knows about the Bushfires that have devastated the Victorian (Australia) countryside. I heard a comparison the other day that claimed that the area of land that has burnt so far is approximately the same as England, and with a death toll climbing over 180 people it is Australia's worst ever natural disaster.
The fires began in the early hours of Saturday 7th and within 20 hours had wiped out entire towns, joining together to create an awesome wall of fire almost the entire width of the state. It was on Monday (9th) that I was called in to help coordinate the material aid centre in Whittlesea, a town just 30 minutes up the road from where I live and work now.I arrived to find an amazing group of volunteers, many of whom had been on the go for over 40 hours, and now just needed support and a break to re-group. It has been my privilege to work with these people to provide a place where people can donate, (mountains of clothes, shelves of food and many other goods) and a safe and quiet place where the victims can find supplies, support and safety.
I've heard amazing and terrifying reports of fire and escape and stories of death and devastation. I listened to a child of 7 tell us about the wall of fire that raced behind them down the road. I sat with a man who three days after the fires was reunited with a partner he though had died. I walked with a man who four days after running for his life had just comprehended that the shoes that he needed for work were in the cupboard, in the bedroom, in the house that was no more.
But in the midst of the stories of devastation there are the stories of heroism, hope, faith and generosity. The people of Australia have, as they usually do, opened their hearts, their wallets, their garages and their cupboards to assist those that have lost the lot. So much so, that we have almost covered an entire cricket ground with pallets, marquees, piles of clothes, food and equipment and that's not to mention the hundreds of people that have come to volunteer their time and talents to relieve and ultimately rebuild.
The Centre and the support effort continues at Whittlesea as I try and juggle a continuing "consultant" role with the work I am supposed to do.
Wednesday, 7 January 2009
I'm Back!
After an uneventful flight across the ditch we arrived in Melbourne to be presented with our new car by our new boss. Life is tough some times!
The highlight of the day however, after being met by family, was our introduction to my new niece Anjali (and visiting her parents was good too), and all this before we celebrated a Birthday dinner (Sandy's) at our favourite Sri Lankan restaurant with family. All this before we jumped in our new Holden and drove 750km to Aldinga in South Australia to spend a week with Sandy's family.
It's nice to have a break before we begin our new roles at The Salvation Army - Preston, The Training College (Sandy) and Headquarters (Daryl). And as I write Alexis is out driving her cousins around in her Aunty's car - the first time she has been by herself with passengers - do they really have to grow up? Releasing people to fulfill their potential can be an anxious procedure.
The highlight of the day however, after being met by family, was our introduction to my new niece Anjali (and visiting her parents was good too), and all this before we celebrated a Birthday dinner (Sandy's) at our favourite Sri Lankan restaurant with family. All this before we jumped in our new Holden and drove 750km to Aldinga in South Australia to spend a week with Sandy's family.
It's nice to have a break before we begin our new roles at The Salvation Army - Preston, The Training College (Sandy) and Headquarters (Daryl). And as I write Alexis is out driving her cousins around in her Aunty's car - the first time she has been by herself with passengers - do they really have to grow up? Releasing people to fulfill their potential can be an anxious procedure.
Friday, 2 January 2009
Farewell Aotearoa
Our luggage is gone, most of our possessions are somewhere between New Zealand and Australia, we are cleaning and preparing the house for the next people, and on Sunday we will worship at The Meeting House for the last time.
Our time in New Zealand Aotearoa is almost over. It has been a good three years. The privilege of leading The Meeting House during these years has taught me a lot and the people have become friends. It is always difficult and sad to say goodbye, but that's where we're up to again.
So thank you New Zealand, and The Meeting House; thank you B,P,B,R our Kiwi whanau you made our sojourn down-under so much more special - we will miss you guys deeply.
I will be back at work after January 14 in Preston, Victoria, Australia. See you there!
Our time in New Zealand Aotearoa is almost over. It has been a good three years. The privilege of leading The Meeting House during these years has taught me a lot and the people have become friends. It is always difficult and sad to say goodbye, but that's where we're up to again.
So thank you New Zealand, and The Meeting House; thank you B,P,B,R our Kiwi whanau you made our sojourn down-under so much more special - we will miss you guys deeply.
I will be back at work after January 14 in Preston, Victoria, Australia. See you there!
Saturday, 20 December 2008
Happy Christmas to you all
I hope you all have a great Christmas and a Happy New Year.
With my departure from New Zealand in just over two weeks, and all the packing, cleaning, organising etc to be done I am taking a break from blogging. Maybe to be picked up again in the new year, once established in my new location at Preston, (just outside Melbourne) in Australia.
So until we meet again. Insha'Allah.
With my departure from New Zealand in just over two weeks, and all the packing, cleaning, organising etc to be done I am taking a break from blogging. Maybe to be picked up again in the new year, once established in my new location at Preston, (just outside Melbourne) in Australia.
So until we meet again. Insha'Allah.
Wednesday, 10 December 2008
Detours are a Problem
I knew my ultimate destination, and I knew the roads to get there, but as I came round the corner I saw the fluorescent 'DETOUR" sign that preceded a barricaded road, the only way I knew to get to my goal was closed! Momentary panic ensued - a decision needed to be made. I didn't know the roads that the detour arrows led me down and I was not comfortable with the change of scenery, let alone the change of roads.
My road trip experience has parallels for me in the spiritual dynamic of the church. I think that many people (Christians) want concrete direction, some want decisions made for them, many want the church to tell them what to do, to wear, to say, to work at and to think. They want to know not only the ultimate destination but what roads to take and a guarantee that they are safe, open and dependable.
These people, usually fundamentalists, can come unstuck when the dynamic, messy and undependable reality of society and relationship collide with their neat, controlled, predictable spiritual Rubik cube.
Life is full of unexpected detours which can throw us off track momentarily, or if we have no foundation upon which to negotiate our own re-alignment they can throw us off track permanently.
In cultural terms this could find some clarity in the idea that for a 'modern', spirituality is a series of decisions - controlled, predictable and rational, (like colour coded squares rotating on a rigid and unforgiving framework). For a 'post-modern', spirituality is a 'journey' which has a specific destination but a flexibility that finds detours not annoying and panic inducing, but exciting and possibly opportunities to learn.
Despite this 'clarity' it is impossible to label moderns as fundamentalists, and post-moderns as liberals - it's not a matter of culture, and it's not a static state that defines us for eternity. Perhaps it's a matter of personality, genetics or contextual necessity.
I have the privilege of interacting with people of numerous denominations, faiths and belief systems. I don't have the luxury of absolutes, in fact I have not found many to exist. What I need to know is my destination (and I know that) and the non-negotiables of the journey (love - for God and others).
What frustrates some people is that I refuse to give them concrete answers. (I can't do the cube!) I'll tell them what I believe God reveals, I'll share my own experience, and that of others I know and read and I'll love and accept them as best I can, as I believe Jesus would: but then the decision, the journey is up to them.
My road trip experience has parallels for me in the spiritual dynamic of the church. I think that many people (Christians) want concrete direction, some want decisions made for them, many want the church to tell them what to do, to wear, to say, to work at and to think. They want to know not only the ultimate destination but what roads to take and a guarantee that they are safe, open and dependable.
These people, usually fundamentalists, can come unstuck when the dynamic, messy and undependable reality of society and relationship collide with their neat, controlled, predictable spiritual Rubik cube.
Life is full of unexpected detours which can throw us off track momentarily, or if we have no foundation upon which to negotiate our own re-alignment they can throw us off track permanently.
In cultural terms this could find some clarity in the idea that for a 'modern', spirituality is a series of decisions - controlled, predictable and rational, (like colour coded squares rotating on a rigid and unforgiving framework). For a 'post-modern', spirituality is a 'journey' which has a specific destination but a flexibility that finds detours not annoying and panic inducing, but exciting and possibly opportunities to learn.
Despite this 'clarity' it is impossible to label moderns as fundamentalists, and post-moderns as liberals - it's not a matter of culture, and it's not a static state that defines us for eternity. Perhaps it's a matter of personality, genetics or contextual necessity.
I have the privilege of interacting with people of numerous denominations, faiths and belief systems. I don't have the luxury of absolutes, in fact I have not found many to exist. What I need to know is my destination (and I know that) and the non-negotiables of the journey (love - for God and others).
What frustrates some people is that I refuse to give them concrete answers. (I can't do the cube!) I'll tell them what I believe God reveals, I'll share my own experience, and that of others I know and read and I'll love and accept them as best I can, as I believe Jesus would: but then the decision, the journey is up to them.
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