WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT IT: Is Violence ALWAYS Wrong?

It came to me in the most bizarre way. I'm not even sure how I found it.  While researching some music, I came across the theme from the movie, The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly. Most of us are familiar with the movie and it's leading man, Clint Eastwood. Filmed in Spain, directed by an Italian, starring and international cast and, despite its enormous popularity, derided in its day as a Spaghetti Western, the film has finally been recognized for the masterpiece it truly is.

The direction, cinematography, acting, and, especially, the music, are the best that film-making has to offer. In my mind, the music, composed and conducted by the legendary Ennio Morricone, reaches epic proportions. Morricone manages to capture the ethos of the savage, Wild West while at the same time honoring his Italian operatic roots. The result is a sound track that is both spare and extravagant.

The rendition I was listening to was a full orchestral version by the Danish Symphony and it was spectacular - soaring, moving, and so full of drama and emotion. As strange as it sounds, it was so powerful that it actually made me cry a bit. THAT'S good music!

It also made me emotional because it conveys the embodiment of a man with so many of the traits that I admire: a virtually anonymous, indomitable free-spirit, incorruptible, alone in the pursuit of his vision of justice. He lives by his wits and his weapons. Tall, his gaze is unflinching,. He has 2, .36 caliber Navy Colt pistols strapped to his hips and a Bowie knife hidden in his boot. He is the master of his fate. He needs not fame, fortune, nor comfort - only justice. And, he is not only willing to die for honor, but to kill for it, too. He is not a perfect man - far from it. In fact, he is often taciturn, bilious and bellicose. But, at the same time, he is brave and honest. In other words, he is the classic American anti-hero.

But, the fact that I admire men that possess these qualities vexes me at the same time.

I have done my best to commit to non-violence. If we are ever to reach a higher level of consciousness, we have to evolve past the use of violence to solve our problems. We can't keep repeating the endless cycle of bloodshed. Remember, an eye for an eye simply leaves the whole world blind. However, at the same time, it is right to fight for justice and against tyranny. And, sometimes, that fight is literal - we must take arms against a sea of trouble and by opposing, end them. In my experience, the best way to stop a bully is literally to give him a taste of his own medicine, i.e. a good punch in the nose. Often, it is the only solution.

Most animals are also willing to fight for many reasons; not only for their very survival, but for dominance, territory, and breading rights, too. It is nature's way. So, is it fantasy to think that we can live in a world that is absent of ANY violence? Perhaps, it is.  Even Gandhi, one of the world's greatest proponents of non-violent revolution, said he would  prefer violence over cowardice*. In other words, at times, it is unfortunate, but may be completely unavoidable.

So, WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT IT, I suppose that it is in the application of violence that makes the difference. If we inflict pain and suffering on others willfully for reasons like rage, anger, jealousy, greed, avarice, fear, and ignorance, then we are fulfilling a self-defeating cycle where hate simply begets more hate. However, there are times when we need the Clint Eastwoods of the world, guns blazing, to send the bad guys to their doom before riding off into the sunset. . .




*https://www.mkgandhi.org/nonviolence/phil8.htm

Today's MOZEN: The Power of Compassion

F LoBuono

Because of the proliferation of Social Media (it is estimated that in 2019, nearly 2.8 billion people will use it*), we are exposed to the almost endless variety of emotions that make up the human condition. From the sublime to the absurd and everything in between, we observe ALL of the things that make us different while at the same time experiencing the core values that make us the same. We bear witness to wanton cruelty AND transcendent grace - usually with one immediately following the other as we scroll through any one of the social media platforms we choose to use.

And, it never ceases to amaze me that both traits can be attributed to the same species!

Most of us, but not all, are shocked by some of the deviant and abhorrent behavior that we see on the Internet. If it truly shocked ALL of us, it wouldn't happen. But, it does - most of us cannot conceive of hurting an innocent child or helpless animal, yet we see it every single day. It is virtually impossible to peruse Facebook or Instagram and not be exposed to some horror. I can only rationalize that people who perpetrate these deplorable acts have themselves been abused to the point of completely losing their moral compass.

So, for the great majority of us who receive no sick pleasure from posting such vitriol, what are we to do when we encounter such depravity? Most of us feel powerless to effect direct change for what we are witnessing. After all, how can we change a horrible situation that may have happened thousands of miles away and if not for the miracle of the Internet, we would not even have knowledge of? We can shake out fists all we like. We can even access a little angry "emoji" to express our outrage. Or, we can simply hide our heads in the sand and ignore the reality of what is happening.

But, what can we do practically to fight back?

Well, because of time and distance, our response may not be direct. Still, that doesn't mean we don't have any options.

So, the best way that I know how to counter the effects of cruelty is to practice copious amounts of compassion.

Of all of the positive human emotions, compassion, in my mind, is the most effective in combating malice because it does not judge - it enables us to move forward with kindness and without prejudice. It does not force us to ask WHY? - it compels us to ACT. We do the right thing simply because it IS the right thing to do. As basic as this sounds, it can be a difficult concept to master because it is countered with other, also human emotions like anger, greed, jealousy, and, in particular, fear.

Perhaps, the so-called crisis at our Southern Border is the best example. The President has created a climate of fear: rapists are coming. Gangs are crossing into your neighborhoods. Drugs are flowing in with them. Now, none of these claims have been proven to be true. But, it has been an effective policy for this Administration. Even though it may not be accurate many believe it to be so. Capitalizing on the fear created, our Government's response has been draconian at its best with the separation of innocent children from their families being its worst.

Those who support the policy shout "blame the parents, they are the ones who put their children at risk". And, "they know the rules. They got what they deserved." And, here within lies the judgment that I spoke of - they must suffer because they broke the rules.

Those who practice compassion are, in a sense, blind to the causes of the migration and, instead, focus on what can be done to alleviate the suffering of those caught in the maelstrom. They don't question WHY they are there but, rather, focus their energy and efforts on what can be done to make the situation better for ALL.

This is the power of compassion. It raises us to a higher level of awareness - one in which the path to true enlightenment is clearly marked.

However, just like magic and faith, you have to believe for it to work. You have to trust that your compassion serves a higher purpose. The reward may not be direct, but you must accept the concept that ALL of the deeds that you do, no matter how small, contribute to the greater good for ALL. And, that my friends, is enough.



*https://www.statista.com/statistics/278414/number-of-worldwide-social-network-users/

Today's MOZEN: Amazon - A New Name for Corporate Greed.

F LoBuono

Recently, Amazon, the world's most valuable company with estimated assets in the area of $800 billion to $1 trillion, backed out of a multi-billion dollar deal to bring one of it's shipping hubs to Long Island City, NY. In exchange for the proposed creation of about 25,000 jobs, plus training of local people for jobs there, and a promise of improved living conditions for the area, Amazon would receive about $3 billion in tax rebate incentives from the City and State of New York.

The reaction to their departure was mixed. Those in favor of the project bemoaned the loss of job creation in an area of the City that desperately needs it, as well as the loss of predicted infrastructure improvements like new shops, stores, and restaurants that would employ even more. Many also believed the alleged improvements would increase their property values. Their attitude was that the return on the City's investment in the company was well worth the $3 billion price tag.

On the other side of the fence, those opposed claimed that, given Amazon's track record in other areas, it was the City that was getting the raw end of the deal. They claimed that there was no way the hub would create 25,000 jobs AND that most of the better paying jobs would go to so-called "outsiders" anyway, i.e. those with advanced educations from other parts of the Country. This is turn would inflate the rental and housing markets, pricing the residents of Long Island City out of their own enclave. In addition, the added activity would only further choke an already overly-congested area of the City.

Jeff Bezos. Photo USA Today

Well, I for one, am glad to see them go. And, my reasoning is pretty simple. Why in the world would a company with nearly $1 trillion in assets need a break to make even more money? The company's founder and leader, Jeff Bezos has amassed a personal fortune in excess of $150 billion dollars - that's BILLIONS with a capital B. That fortune makes him not only the richest man in the world, it makes him the RICHEST MAN in MODERN HISTORY. And, if that is not enough to second guess Amazon and its intentions, it has recently been reported that the company will pay NO CORPORATE INCOME TAX IN 2018 (as it did not in 2017, as well).* Yes, you heard that correctly: Amazon will pay ZERO INCOME TAX ON A PROFIT OF $11.2 BILLION for 2018. Yup - ZERO-ZILTCH-NADA-NOTHING.

In addition to their outrageous profits, they are not considered to be worker friendly with many employees describing a toxic work environment. ** Amazon has also resisted all efforts for their employees to unionize***.

So, in the final analysis, what is there to like - really? In fact, they have a term for the way a company like Amazon is run - it's called CORPORATE GREED. And, they are particularly good at it. Virtually every deal Amazon makes is heavily slanted in their favor - or, they won't make it. Well, that may work in some places, some of the time. But, this ain't someplace. This is NEW YORK CITY and we don't tolerate that kind of crap. So, Jeff, tell your story walking. We don't need your kind here.

EPILOGUE:

As part of the debate (and, this topic is worthy of vigorous discourse), people are bandying about the economic principal of Return on Investment, i.e. are the benefits worth the cost.

In the Amazon vs. Long Island City Residents, the numbers, as presented by the mayor and other city and state officials, initially seemed to be a BIG WIN for virtually all parties concerned. Certainly, Amazon’s already enormous profitability would benefit from the prime, NYC location AND the $3 billion in tax breaks it would receive from the City and State. The City and State and, hence the residents, would benefit from the taxes paid to the government by the creation of 25,000 jobs and the proposed infrastructure developments.

But, this is a situation where factors are in play beyond just dollars and cents.

First, and foremost, it is entirely debatable whether or not the residents of the area, particularly those of the huge Queensbridge Housing Project, would receive the full benefits of Amazon’s presence. Certainly, anything that can lift people out of poverty or simply improve their lot in life is always welcome. However, as many residents of the area testified in some of the news stories I saw, skepticism reigned supreme. Most believed that the cost in increased traffic and congestion would outweigh the meager benefits that would come their way. Wherever the truth lies, this seems to be the perception of most. And, it’s THEIR neighborhood.

Second, there is an issue of morality here. A fair question to ask is why in the world would the wealthiest company on earth, headed by reportedly the richest man who ever lived, be in the need of a tax break? Why should a fabulously valuable entity like Amazon with a boss like Jeff Bezos (net worth in the vicinity of $150 billion) need a tax break of ANY kind? Is it not reasonable to expect a highly successful company to create jobs and improve their communities while AT THE SAME TIME paying their share of taxes – just like everyone else?

This leads me to my third point: as part of our ethos, i.e. National Identity, do we want to incentivize the uber-rich to be become even more so for doing the things they should be ethically obligated to do? This leads to the dreaded word – SOCIALISM. The very word strikes fear in the very heart of economic conservatives – how dare we tell businesses how to run themselves! Well, folks, socialism is not a dirty word! In fact, we see it in practice on a daily basis when a fire truck races by or your garbage is collected. We pride ourselves on being ONE people – Americans. So, one way to reinforce that legacy is work collectively for the greater good. Those with the ability to give more, simply should. And, that includes you, me, AND, Amazon.

*http://fortune.com/2019/02/14/amazon-doesnt-pay-federal-taxes-2019/
** https://www.businessinsider.com/the-worst-parts-about-working-at-amazon-according-to-employees-2015-8#your-offer-comes-with-a-lot-of-stock-but-it-wont-vest-for-two-years-1
***http://time.com/956/how-amazon-crushed-the-union-movement/

Today's MOZEN: The Subtlety of Racism

F LoBuono

The symbols  of racism, hate, and bigotry are often overt: think burning crosses, white-hooded figures, and the Nazi Swastika among many others. And, we generally think of those individuals for whom these symbols mean a great deal in the same vein - they make their intentions well known, often voicing their sentiments at huge rallies with others of the same temperament.

However, racism and bigotry can often be much more subtle and harder to discern. But, it stings with the same perverse intent. 

Allow me to give you a personal example.

I'm of Sicilian decent - both sides. So, I can trace my lineage to that ancient island, the largest in the Mediterranean. Because of its strategic location, it has been called one of the most conquered places on the planet. It has been desired (and, held) by the Phoenicians, the Greeks, the Romans, the Byzantines, the Ottomans, the Arabs, the French, the Spanish, the Germans, and, even the Americans.

Because of this conglomeration of influences, people often insult Sicilians by called them mongrels, referring to dogs of dubious pedigree. Rather than playing into their hands by responding negatively to this intended slight, I explain to them that I have the blood of Conquerors coursing through MY veins. Only the bravest and boldest individuals came to our island and created a new race of incredibly resilient people, instead of the weakness caused by the implementation of a so-called Master Race (a type of in-breeding that can lead to catastrophic genetic diseases like hemophilia). Sicilian genes are an amalgamation of only the strongest traits.

Another intended slight is to remind us that Sicily is less than 100 miles from the coast of Africa. And, because I am so swarthy, others (most often other Italians) try to deride me by saying, "you must have African blood in you", as if this was supposed to make me somehow inferior to the whites who say it. In fact, I have heard it said that Sicilians are the niggers of Italy. 

Think about that: The Niggers of Italy.

Once again, I try to turn the tables on my antagonists by countering, "I sure hope so. That would make me just that much better."

Now, let me make this perfectly clear: in no way have I experienced the blatant, vigorous, undisguised racism that has been visited on black Africans here and around the world. That is

Nicolas Maduro (AP Photo)

obvious. My hope is to point out that bias exists on so many levels, many of them not so easily apparent. We must commit to eradicating its ugly head WHEREVER it is found - subtle or not.Venezuela is the latest example. There are many ills effecting that country, including wanton corruption. However, racial lines can be drawn between the Mestizos (mixed race) who support duly elected President Nicolas Maduro (dark) and the purer, elite followers of the far fairer (in skin tone only!) opposition leader, Juan Guaido'. 

Juan Guaido' (Reuters Photo)

And, guess who's side the US is on?

Unfortunately, I am not surprised. Somehow, it seems to be in our DNA. And, only through awareness can we hope to eradicate the scourge of racism and bigotry. Again, we only lack the will . . .

Today's MOZEN: We Are What We Believe

F LoBuono

Ultimately, it's pretty simple: Our reality is what we believe.

If you believe that our Country is being overwhelmed by an invasion at our Southern border, that is your reality. If you believe that the so-called caravans are infested with drug dealers, rapists, and desperadoes, that is your reality. If you believe an abortion is the wanton desire of women who simply don't want the burden of pregnancy, that is your reality. If you believe that vaccines do more harm than good, that is your reality. If you believe that the white race is superior, that is your reality. If you believe Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, and Atheism are inferior to Christianity, that is your reality. If you believe in the right of exclusion, that is your reality. If you believe that more guns make you safer, that is your reality. If you believe that the world is flat,  that is your reality. If you believe that high ranking officials ran a child trafficking ring out of a pizzeria, that is your reality. If you believe that chemtrails are a plot to poison you from above, that is your reality. If you believe that Elvis is still alive, that is your reality. If you believe that the Press is an enemy of the people. that is your reality. If you believe that an advanced education makes one an elitist, that is your reality. If you believe that the coal industry will be revitalized, that is your reality. If you believe that man-made Greenhouse gases do not contribute to global warming, that is your reality. If you believe in the Divine Right of Kings, that is your reality. And, if you believe that President Trump is making America Great Again, that is your reality.

All of us have the freedom to believe what we want. And, that's a beautiful thing. However, keep in mind, just because we believe something, that doesn't make it right. We CHOOSE to believe what we want to. So, choose wisely - we eventually come to be whatever it is we believe. . .

Today's MOSTLY TRUE SHORT STORY: The Joy of Winter - Sometimes

Words and photo by F LoBuono

Make no mistake about it - I hate the winter. No. Wait. Let me rephrase that: I DETEST WINTER. No matter how ZEN I try to be about it, I simply have a hard time seeing (or, feeling!) much of any benefit to it. I find the loss of light depressing. Once I get cold, I just can't seem to get warm again - ever! Plus, it actually hurts to be cold! And, with the preponderance of salt used to de-ice the highways, EVERYTHING is coated with white filth.

Furthermore, all of my immediate ancestors hailed from Sicily, an island that is notoriously hot and dry for most of the year. So, my genes are engineered to handle that climate - not Siberia's! In fact, I am so genetically predisposed for scorching weather that for me to start getting tan only requires showing me a photo of the sun.

But, as is the case with most things in life, there are exceptions to virtually every rule. And, today was one of them. After a few days of dealing with the brutal reality of The Polar Vortex that plunged the region and much of the Country into the freezer with record setting low temperatures, the weather rebounded today. When I left my house to drive to work, the temperature had reached about 20, which by comparison to the previous few days, felt downright balmy. And, with a bright sun and crystal clear blue skies, one might have even described the day as pleasant.

So, I fired up my truck and set out on my journey, beginning with a trip over the new Mario M. Cuomo - Tappan Zee Bridge. Traffic was light and the sun absolutely brilliant. I crested the high point of the span and looked to my right - South. Before me lay a magnificent site: the Hudson River looked like a quicksilver ribbon, stretched out for miles from the bridge all the way to the towering skyscrapers of Manhattan, glimmering in the distance. And, the ice which was clogging the eddies, looked like brilliant, floating, uncut diamonds reflecting the brilliant afternoon sun.

It was enough to make me think that, maybe, just maybe, winter may not be that bad after all - that is at least until the next Polar Vortex!