World Vision Dialogue - Building a new collective dream


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NEW VISION for NIGERIA: Honoring the Ethnic Nations

Heart

Creating a new world starts with paying attention  to all our struggles. For it is in the struggles of our good neighbors across the world that we are called to look at ourselves. It is in the understanding of others' dispair that we allow painful truth into our hearts so that innovative solutions emerge in our creative minds. It is in the understanding of others' situation that our individual call-to-action emerges. It is by building understanding and acceptance of one another's injustices that we can take ownership --- feel a since of responsibility to reach out to help nuture, support and sponsor BIG IDEAS that could not only be a solution for one people, but beginning of framework of new thinking that could become a repeatable process for change --- creating a better world than we know today.

Recently, Oguchi Nkwocha, Igbo visionary from South-eastern Nigeria, in sharing a Multi-Nations Solution (MNS) for Nigeria in the editorial below, offers a new vision for honoring one another versus the continued pushing to control, exploit, abuse, rob, displace and impose our differences and beliefs on one another.

I share it with you. May it inspire your action.

Debbe Kennedy
Founder, Global Dialogue Center

FAITH UNDER FIRE
Crackdown on Christians could go nationwide

Fears raised that Islamic law will expand under new president

It is unfortunate that headlines, titles and subtitles such as the above might be ignored by the rest of the world as mere hyperbole, or even worse, religious propaganda.  The fact remains that in Nigeria, real persons, real groups, and real people—Christians—do indeed suffer massively because of Islamic teachings and Muslim actions and practices in their enclave, against Christians residing therein. Not even the reported-quoted individual experiences in your article may get the attention of the world who are in constant psychological denial on this matter. Regarding these experiences, I did not read, in your article, about a not uncommon occurrence which is reported only rarely: the kidnapping of Christian children (of / from Christian families) in Northern Nigeria on the orders of Muslim leaders, and the subsequent forced Islamization of such children behind a religious, social, psychological and even physical wall that is all but impenetrable to the aggrieved Christian families who long with such indescribable longing to rescue and re-unite with their children—in futility, in helplessness, and all alone.

Let’s not assume that the “world” is merely in psychological denial about this issue: often, world and sociopolitical agencies are willing accomplices and play an active role in continued Muslim brutalization and domination of Christians in Nigeria. Recall that for the last 8 years in Nigeria, General Obasanjo has been the President of, and “civilian” Dictator in, Nigeria. He frequently boasts his “Born-Again” Christian credentials and flashes those to blind gullible fellow-Christians from the rest of the world, easily garnering their support or buying their silence. But, the same General Obasanjo has never taken a stand against this problem of Muslim aggression against Christians in Nigeria. Rather, he would publicly attempt to compete for credit for formalizing Shariah in Northern Nigeria. Few would recall that when Shariah was formally launched by one of the Northern Nigerian State governors during Obasanjo’s administration, Obasanjo personally called that State governor on the phone in a live-performance during the launch to congratulate him for the action.  Today, it is “Christian” Obasanjo who, alone, personally and willfully hand-picked relatively unknown Umaru Yar’Adua, a staunch Shariarist, and foists him over Nigeria as the President-elect, if Nigeria’s recent fraudulent (s)election is allowed to stand, by the cowed and comatose peoples living in Nigeria.  Regarding the launching of Shariah, that this formal launching of Northern Nigeria’s Sharia was performed in the US strengthens earlier assertions about the permissive role played by world-bodies.  The US is under constant barrage and pressure by pro-Muslim, non-Muslim ex-diplomats and lobbyists to show and exercise preference for Northern Nigerian Muslims, even over the Christian South, and there is direct and indirect evidence that the US is responding positively to such, including its unusual “softness” with a region where the US flag is burnt with regularity, children are named “Osama” after bin Laden’s 9/11 attack on the US,  and anti-America sentiment runs high all the time. It should be interesting to find out exactly how the US aid to Nigeria is split in terms of Northern (Muslim) versus Southern (Christian) Nigeria.

But the most “indicted” in this area has got to be the British government, a government representing the world’s bastion of Christianity, the world’s traditional “poster-child” Christian Nation. The same British government, starting in the colonial days, even as the British missionaries were busy converting Southern Nigerians to Christianity, got in bed with the Muslim Northern Nigeria and have since supported the Northern Muslims over, and to the clear detriment of, hapless Christian Southern Nigeria—and it makes no secret of it.  As a reminder, when Britain’s Charles, Prince of Wales, visited Nigeria recently, he spent all the time on this official visit in Muslim Northern Nigeria. A year or so earlier, when his mother, the Queen of England, was on official tour of Nigeria, she preferred to be quartered in Muslim Northern Nigeria, snobbing “fellow-Christians” of Southern Nigeria. Take note: these are not just enabling actions by the British government favoring Northern Muslims; they are also truly abrasive actions—deliberately malicious—against the Christians of Nigeria, for reasons still inexplicable.

The fears expressed by the Christians of Nigeria are well-founded. It is not just the fear of Muslim brutalization and domination or forced Islamization of Christians: it is also the fear that the world at large and World Powers would not only look the other way, but will tacitly or actively aid the Muslims against the Christians, in this sordid matter. Already, the British, the US, Italy, the EU, (even Russia and China) have (reportedly) sent congratulatory or cooperation-delegations to Umaru Yar’Adua.  They have conveniently though predictably forgotten Yar’Adua’s Shariah record as a governor of one of the Sharia Northern Nigerian States. The following story throws light on such a record.

Safiya  Hussaini (“Safiya”) became a near-household name (who could forget?) when in 2001, the 35 year-old woman from the core Northern Muslim Nigerian State of Sokoto was sentenced to death by stoning by a Shariah “court” for the “crime” of adultery, following the formal introduction of Shariah in Northern Nigeria.  A horrified World went into gear, slipping into overdrive to try to stop the Shariah-prescribed murder of this woman, and ultimately, prevailed, thank goodness—no thanks to Yar’Adua who was the governor  of a fellow-Shariah State.  Then, soon afterwards, Yar’Adua would be tested directly. He, as the governor of Katsina State, allowed the conviction and death sentence of another hapless Muslim woman who was still nursing her child. Such is the March 2002 case of then 30 year-old Amina Lawal “convicted” by Katsina State Shariah “court” of the “crime” of adultery.  But for another “massive” intervention-crusade on the part of the World, resulting in “creatively” finding a technical loophole (Amina was already pregnant when Shariah law was implemented in her home province), Ms. Lawal would have been stoned to death. Once again, Yar’Adua did not play any active role in saving Amina from State-sponsored Murder.

Umaru Yar’Adua saw nothing wrong with sentences which would have resulted in the murder of Muslims accused and convicted of adultery by Sharia courts in Nigeria. After May 28, 2007, the same Yar’Adua may become the President of almost 140 million people, half of whom are for the most part Christians.  There is no reason to think that the welfare of Christians in Nigeria will evoke any special consideration by Yar’Adua should they go against Shariah laws and practices: he did not spare his fellow-Muslims. This is why the fear of Christians living in Nigeria is justified. But, these Christians should be, and are, in fact, more petrified by the realization that most of the Christian governments of the world will be on Yar’Adua’s side. That is the tragedy.

We have proposed a “Multi-Nations Solution” (MNS) for Nigeria whereby the natural Sovereignty and original political Independence of the major Ethnic Nations in Nigeria are restored, ratified and respected. This removes individual Christian Nations from under the control of Muslims (who will likewise live in their own Independent Nation[s]) by this plan, since religion-boundaries for the most part run along ethnic lines in Nigeria. Nations resulting from MNS which have, in addition, a minority religion (or a minority population) will be held to UN laws and standards on Minority matters.  All the Nations may then determine, with respect, equity and mutuality, how to relate, one with another, on an inter-National basis. MNS protects peoples and religions, while at the same time subjecting each Nation to International Laws (not inscrutable, inhumane internal laws), with equality. This Solution will also effectively solve Nigeria’s chronic instability problems: it is public knowledge that Nigeria as presently constituted is a failed nation, with no hope of recovery (incidentally, the only strong opposition to this plan comes from the government of Christian Britain); for that matter, the circumstances of Yar’Adua’s election are known to be fraudulent, and the legitimacy of any government he may form is in great jeopardy.  It should not be lost on the reader that continued Muslim molestation and abuse of Christians in Northern Nigeria is only made possible by this instability of Nigeria, a pathologic situation which also sustains and shields such religion-based brutality.

It is clear that if nothing is done, Christians will continue to live (if they do) in fear in Nigeria, fear justified by real nasty experiences at the hands of Nigerian Muslims: the same is the case if the status quo is preserved in Nigeria. As we can see, even under a Christian President of Nigeria, the Christians continue to bleed at the hands of Muslim Nigeria; a Muslim President of strict Shariah credentials is expected to victimize the Christians even worse, this time around.

We therefore urge all Christians everywhere to support the Multi-Nations Solution (MNS) paradigm for Nigeria; we urge them to write and contact their respective governments asking that the governments support this plan.  When we do this, then, we will have backed up our prayers for the protection of Christians in Nigeria—and for that matter, all peoples living in Nigeria—with personal action. The fear and suffering of Christians in Nigeria in this matter is unnecessary: it has to end. MNS will accomplish that.

Oguchi Nkwocha, MD
Member, Biafra Actualization Forum (BAF).
May 2007

RELATED PODCAST:
Oguchi Nkwocha, M. D., Igbo visionary from Biafra/south-eastern Nigeria, joins Debbe Kennedy, founder of the Global Dialogue Center to share his thoughts and wisdom, exchanging ideas on creating a new VISION for our WORLD, becoming a visionary ourselves, the role of personal responsibility and how we can become part of the oneness of the full world.
Listen now  59:30

Sunday, May 13, 2007 at 08:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)

SAVING HUMANITY: One man with vision

BabyvisionsmOh, it is sometimes to hard to comprehend the power we have as people to change the world --- the power we have as just a single person. So many looking to us for leadership; so many needing our care and concern; so many counting on us to open the way for the good of all. One dream could change it all.

I was again moved and reminded of this truth in a poem written by my colleague and Igbo visionary from Biafra/south-eastern Nigeria, Dr. Oguchi Nkwocha. He invites us to see a different vision of ourselves, so we can, in turn, bring new dreams to life for others in our spans of influence.

VISION
by Oguchi H. Nkwocha, M.D.

Stirrings, A collection of poetry

The sighted are leading the blind
Where sight is not vision
So indeed do the blind lead the blind.
Sight is the scotoma
Fashioned by the eyes
Interpreted by a perjured brain
Misdirected by a confused mind
Accepted by unchallenge false belief.
Hence it indeed is so--
Believing is seeing.
Enter vision
An act of extension,
Of sharing;
An experience of communion in light,
Always the one field--
Love, peace, joy and happiness;
Oneness and wholeness.
Vision is thought,
The original thought;
It is mind,
The original mind.
One man with vision
Can save the whole humanity
;
A thousand men with perfect sight
Could not even guide a babe.

Consider Dr. Nkwocha's wisdom. Let it fall fresh on you. I leave you this call-to-action as I move into it again myself...

Welcome the unexpected.
Look for the uncharted path that bears your name.
Lead the way!

Debbe

Debbe Kennedy
Founder, Global Dialogue Center

Three related readings, podcasts and music:

WORLD VISION: Embracing Lessons Learned
(includes PODCAST with Dr. Nkwocha)

PERSPECTIVE with Dr. Oguchi Nkwocha
podcast

DREAMS COME TRUE:
Music by Nwakego for Igbo Children and Children of the World

Tuesday, April 10, 2007 at 07:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

NEW WORLD VISION: "When evil men burn and bomb, good men must build and bind"

Peopledancing_3Recently, I conducted a SKYPECAST on the subject of War and the QUESTION of a NOBLE CAUSE. It was a most amazing experience. Twenty-seven people showed up instantly. Twenty listened in. Seven strangers from Ukraine, China, Denmark, London and the US joined me. We represented very different perspectives of the world. Our talk wasn't focused, but curious, spontaneous and respectful of one another. Oh, there was some controversy for sure, but very different people proved that we can be at peace with one another. It was somewhat disturbing to hear the wide gaps in how we perceived one another's intent and definitely views of the world that cast blame on specific people and causes. Don't we all share in it in some way? What saddened me is that many most of those who participated believed in WAR much more than the possibilities of PEACE.

But how do we transcend the barriers of greed and bombs and bloodshed?

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. had a recipe full of wisdom that we could use today:

"When evil men plot, good men must plan. When evil men burn and bomb, good men must build and bind. When evil men shout ugly words of hatred, good men must commit themselves to the glories of love. Where evil men would seek to perpetuate an unjust status quo, good men must seek to bring into being a real order of justice."


HOW DO WE CHANGE OURSELVES?
We can do it in an instant, replacing what is, perhaps what you perceive to be what has always been, with new bold, new PEACEFUL possibilities. You ask how? RUMI, the mystic poet whispers across thousands of years into our ears with what we need to do:

"Tear the binding from around the foot of your soul, and let it race around the track in front of the crowd. Loosen the knot of greed so tight on your neck. Accept your new good luck. Ignore those that make you fearful and sad. Be patient. Respond to every call for your good deeds."

Imagine the power of a NEW WORLD VISION carried by millions that was built upon the premise of when evil men burn and bomb, good men must build and bind.

How could you contribute today with just a little change in your thinking and actions?

Debbe

Debbe Kennedy
Founder, Global Dialogue Center

Saturday, February 24, 2007 at 02:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)

WORLD VISION: See it from a new perspective...

Coming to you from the Global Dialogue Center...

Motherearth Dear friends,

We welcome YOU to a dialogue that has the potential to change the world! It has been going on for sometime and we thought we would refresh its message. Dream with us!

History is full of examples that clearly demonstrate to us all, again and again, that having a vision -- a compelling dream -- is essential for us to manifest a more loving, productive, generous and respectful world for all people. Most of us have forgotten how to dream -- or don't realize its power in helping us create a world very different than we see and experience today.

The future is ours to create. Let's think together and share the possibilities we see from our individual vantage points. Post your dream, vision, thinking or comments. Let's virtually join hands around the world, declaring a new collective dream and intentions to change the world as we know it. To see what others have posted already or to post your own contribution, see left menu or click on comments below.

You'll find supportive writings to inspire you under BEFORE POSTING on the left menu. ...or share your dream in your own way. All visionaries welcome! Also see RELATED LINKS for access to other powerful vision-related exhibits, video and ongoing conversations being held at the Global Dialogue Center.

We are honored to have this opportunity to serve with you in this experience. Join us and others around the world in taking a bold step forward in creating a new future!

With gratitude,
Oguchi Nkwocha, MD             Debbe Kennedy, Founder, Global Dialogue Center

Socratessignatures_2 


Artwork: Mother Earth by Sally K. Green

Monday, October 02, 2006 at 09:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (10) | TrackBack (0)

NIGERIA ALERT: OUR FRIENDS NEED HELP!

Listening_2ALERT
from  theCenter for WORLD INDIGENOUS STUDIES

Emerging Genocide in Nigeria - Biafra

What is now rapidly unfolding in Southeastern Nigeria is the intentional and widespread murder of Igbo people, both men and women, that mimics the early stages of ethnic cleansings in Rwanda, Burundi, Congo and the Darfur in Sudan. Government sanctioned killings of Igbo peoples are developing into a form of genocide.
Learn more

This is not a new issue for the Igbo people. Over two million died in the 1960's while the world turned their heads.

Dream of free Biafra revives in southeast Nigeria"
by Estelle Shirbon, Reuters July 2006,Washington Post

"...the idea of an independent Ibo homeland has regained strength in recent years...A separatist group, the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), formed in 1999 and has drawn increasing support, especially among young people..."We have many graduates in Biafra but many of them are in the market pushing wheelbarrows, because they don't have anything else,"..."We should have our own country so everyone can have the opportunity to show what they can do," ...

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP NOW?
Go here. Inform yourself. Urgent intervention must be initiated now to prevent massive, government sanctioned killings. Please read this news update and send your comments to the US State department and the Nigerian embassy in Washington D.C. at the links provided.

RELATED PODCAST AND STORIES:

PODCAST with Oguchi Nkwocha, M. D.
STORY #1: NIGERIA: Did you know people are dying?
STORY #2: NIGERIA: GREED, HUMAN ABUSE, STEALING and loving your neighbor?
STORY #3: NIGERIAN LEADERS STOLE 100 BILLION SINCE 1999

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
VIKTOR FRANKL's WISDOM:
Meaning, Hope and Change Can Help Others

Horrific circumstances always lead me back to Viktor Frankl and others that have worked to help us understand the human potential we all have to change ourselves in the face of tragedy, so we can in turn respond to our neighbors crys for help and create a better world than we know today. Our friends need us and we can help no matter where we are. We have to find ways within our span of influence to help.

What can we learn from those who have found meaning, hope, courage and love to help others under the worst times of suffering themselves? From Frankl's book, MAN's SEARCH FOR ULTIMATE MEANING, written after his classic Man's Search for Meaning, he writes:

"Facing a fate we cannot change, we are called upon to make the best of it by rising above ourselves and growing beyond ourselves, in a word, by changing ourselves---...inasmuch as we may turn suffering into a human achievement and accomplishment; derive from guilt the opportunity to change for the better; and see in life's transitoriness and incentive to take responsible action. Let me quote from the book of a German bishop (Moser, 1978) the following incident:

A few years after World War II a doctor examined a Jewish woman who wore a bracelet made of baby teeth mounted in gold. "A beautiful bracelet," the doctor remarked. "Yes," the woman answered, "this tooth here belonged to Miriam, this one to Esther, and this one to Samual..." She mentioned the names of her daughters and sons accoding to age. "Nine children," she added,"and all them were taken to the gas chambers." Shocked, the doctor asked: "How can you live with such a bracelet?" Quietly, the Jewish woman replied: "I am now in charge of an orphanage in Israel."

NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE, YOU CAN HELP
This time in history with barbaric realities in places like southeastern NIGERIA and in many corners of the world on the rise, all of us must look within our own lives and hearts to examine what we might change that may in some way ---- perhaps small ways ---- perhaps in direct contributions or with our vote and voice ---- perhaps in changing our indifference that may be perpetuating this kind of human abuse to our good neighbors.

Debbe Kennedy
Founder, Global Dialogue Center

LEARN MORE ABOUT VIKTOR FRANKL's WISDOM:
Viktor Frankl COLLECTION at the Global Dialogue Center
The MEANING DIFFERENCE with Alex Pattakos, Ph.D.

Friday, September 15, 2006 at 02:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

PEACE: Being a GOOD NEIGHBOR

Circlespiral_1Last December, I participated in a most amazing human gathering called the Habitat JAM. It was three days in history when 39,000 people from some 180+ countries came together in dialogue to listen, think, question and be with one another ---- talk with one another about the problems most pressing on our cities throughout the world.

This wonderful experience was resulted because of the visionary leadership of Charles Kelly, Commissioner General of the UN World Forum 3 with the collaboration of the UN-Habitat Programme and the government of Canada and IBM Corporation. It was an unprecedented moment in human history crossing all boundaries of human communication. I will never forget the experience.

There is one brief encounter I had with a man from Turkey that has stayed with me. I had posed the question, "What does it mean to be a good neighbor?"

AYSIN wrote:

l am from Türkiye. You know what hospitable people they are. The thing what we should do to be a good neighbour is that to open your doors, to share your happiness and sadness,to give a plate of soup to them to taste it ,to visit them. We do so. l hope everbody does it. If everybody sees their neighbours as their sister or brother, there will even not be war in the world. Sincerely!

Hold that vision!

...and go visit the Habitat JAM website at www.habitatjam.com to learn more and make your way to WUF3. It has lots going on online, including webcast. Or go direct:
www.wuf3-fum3.ca

Be a good neighbor and tell me what you think about what it means to be a good neighbor?

I would love to talk with you about it.

Debbe

Debbe Kennedy
Founder, Global Dialogue Center
www.globaldialoguecenter.com

Tuesday, June 20, 2006 at 09:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

FINDING NEW COURAGE TO DREAM

Mentor2Life is always asking a little more from us, yes? Asking us to be more, do more. This has been on my mind today and it has reminded me again that I've collected a few pieces of encouragement that seem to help me reach find new courage---that always lead to creating new VISIONS of what is out there for us to capture.

Below are three things that have been trusted friends:

1. I have a big rock on my desk that has YES! carved into it. It reminds me that once I really answer, "YES!" to a question life asks me that the way is opened.

2. When I get scared about doing hard things, I repeat a mantra over and over that a friend shared. I CAN, I WILL, I MUST, I AM. Try it sometime. It gives you an instant lift.

3. Twelve two word sentences define my heart's desire. I found them in a spiritual song some months back. If these things happened what else does one need?

Melt me.
Mold me.
Fill me.
Use me.
Cleanse me.
Teach me.
Hold me.
Reach me.
Shield me.
Free me.
Call me.
Lead me.

How about you?
What encourages you?
What tools to you use to find new courage?

Debbe Kennedy
Founder, Global Dialogue Center
www.globaldialoguecenter.com

Thursday, June 01, 2006 at 08:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

CHANGE THE WORLD: Live with conviction

Questionmark2Life --- it seems is for questioning --- for reexamining, rethinking, reviewing, revitalizing, reinventing. Each of these actions require something of us. We have to want something different than we experience and observe than we do today. We have to have deep passions in our belly and a sincere willingness to make the personal investments to live up to our convictions.

Nelson Mandela has lived his life showing us a clear example of one living his life in this way. He teaches us by his example what it means to stay true to your convictions:

"During my lifetime I have dedicated myself to this struggle of the African people. I have fought against White domination, and I have fought against Black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die."

--- Nelson Mandela
Final page of Mandela's statement at the Rivonia Trial - April 1964

Imagine what all of us could do together if each of us lived our lives with conviction --- if each of us answered life's questions with our conviction to make the world a better place for others. It starts by measuring our behavior, by consciously checking buying decisions, speaking UP!, exercising our VOTE to elect leaders with VISION that unite us as one human family. Hold that vision!

Debbe Kennedy
Founder, Global Dialogue Center

Related:
Put your mark on history; share your opinion
Viktor Frankl Self-Learning Exhibit

Thursday, May 18, 2006 at 07:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

WE CAN HELP ONE ANOTHER WITH A DREAM

CirclespiralWe can change the world with a change of heart and mind. With a DREAM. Do you know this? Even in the worst places, we can change everything, if we can help influence a new consciousness of goodness for all people. It starts with a DREAM.

I recently shared my perspective on my home country ... BIAFRA ... a place that needs your vision and action. Listen now. Read a story. 

To help one another, we have to practice being DREAMERS and it can start right where you are in your city. If you practice building a new DREAM about your city. Then you can DREAM about mine.

Some months ago, I participated in the Habitat JAM and shared how to dream about a better world right in your own city:

I recommend the following tools for DREAMERS building their dream city. You expect practical results from your imaginative dreams; therefore, let the tangible morph seamlessly into the imaginative.

1) Get a city map. How can you be dreaming about building a city without looking at a city map?

A great map is a Satellite map of your city.
a) Find maps with parameters which are of interest to you.
b) Study these maps; play with re-arranging things on the maps.
c) Ask yourself, what were the original city fathers / mothers dreaming and envisioning when they built this city this way?

2) Invite your friend(s) to play with you and the maps make it a game or an exercise: ask yourselves what you want this city to look like in the future, and work it out on the map(s).

3) Increase the pool: invite the community, the city planners, architects, community leaders, etc, to participate in the game. Get a table and play the game at every public community event

4) Let the exercise sharpen and bring clarity to your vision and dream.

5) Allow your Vision / Dream to convert you into a driven-person depending on your level of seriousness and commitment.

John F. Kennedy said:
The problems of the world cannot possibly be solved by those whose horizons are limited by obvious realities. We need men [and women] who can dream of things that never were.

To which I add: ...and have the fortitude and interest to bring such dreams to fruition.

Dream on: that's where "it" is at! Read more about Building a NEW DREAM

Oguchi Nkwocha, M.D.

Tuesday, May 09, 2006 at 10:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

NIGERIA: WHAT YOU CAN DO

BrokenheartThese are difficult times in for many people. We all witness it the injustices daily.

I am Igbo --- a fellow visionary from Biafra/south-eastern Nigeria. The desperate circumstances that exist for the peoples of my homeland serve as an example of the needs of others throughout the world. There is so much each of us can do. Here is my invitation to you:

If you forget everything, do, remember just these:

  • It is better to be good neighbors than to be  "wonderful master-loyal slave" entity.
  • Good neighbors do not take Hope away from others.
  • Without Hope, you can't dream; without dreams, all is lost.
  • Dreams fly Hope to its fulfillment.

PUTTING DREAMS INTO ACTION:

  1. First, cultivate Hope---hope for a better world. Then, DREAM a better world. Yes, it starts with YOU, and from you. And, it begins with Hope, followed by Dreams.
  2. Convince yourself that forcing the political union of peoples of totally and starkly different backgrounds that are unable to get along, is not just a bad idea, it is unconscionable.  It is a gross violation of Nature herself. It kills hope. It should not be happening in 2006 and beyond.
  3. Then, carry your message to others: to the political and societal pundits: your representative; the local newspapers; your neighbors and coworkers. To such romanticized ideas, with respect to Biafra-Nigeria, of preserving and nurturing the so-styled  "Giant of Africa" (Nigeria) by the same group, respond by reminding them that a dysfunctional giant on artificial life-support, a giant with clay feet, is more dangerous and more expensive to maintain than natural entities, which though lesser in size, are better functioning and more fulfilling for their own people. Besides, Africa does not need one giant. Africa is a continent and a Spirit naturally defined by variegation, plethora, uniquenesses and striking contrasts in all her attributes.
  4. Question the arrogance of governments who impose their own ideology and ideas of propriety on other countries, especially when common sense and practical experience continue to show that such ideas are unworkable for the particular, hapless country.
  5. Ask: Just what can be achieved in the long run by killing millions of human beings in order to continue to force them into arrangements that they neither chose nor want?
  6. Write the UN, your government, Nigeria: express your support for a non-violent self determination rights exercise by Biafra resulting in the independence and sovereignty of Biafra from Nigeria.
  7. Protest and carry placards in support of the right of Biafra to her own sovereignty when and where Nigerian officials (and British officials) visit your country.

Give me not love---for love is mere poetry.
But give me hope,
Any hope at all, and I can sing a song for you.
...I can fly. ...Oh how I can fly.
Action is inevitable.


In Oneness...

Oguchi Nkwocha, M.D.

________________________________________

Coming soon at the Global Dialogue Center:

Perspective from Oguchi Nkwocha, M.D.
Igbo visionary from Biafra/south-eastern Nigeria

In this audio/podcast, Dr. Nkwocha enlightens us with his deep conviction and knowledge of the state of south-eastern Nigeria and how our collective consciousness and action can be a catalyst for change and survival for many innocent people.
Learn more...

Also, hear Dr. Nkwocha in a conversation with JOHN PERKINS, author, Confessions of an Economic Hit Man. Learn more...

Sunday, April 02, 2006 at 02:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

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