Canada seeks to restrict religious freedom

Barbara Lamb; Pat Macpherson, Wisdom Quarterly

Anyone can be imprisoned, tormented, and deprived of humanity (ULC/themonastery.org)

  
As Buddhist practitioners some of us volunteer serving a prison community (mutually supportive sangha). We have seen how spiritual practice can transform lives and lead to real rehabilitation.

Unfortunately, the Canadian Public Safety Minister, Vic Toews, is cancelling the contracts of all part-time, non-Christian chaplains in federal penitentiaries -- with the expectation that the spiritual guidance of prisoners of all faiths will be provided by full-time chaplains, who are predominantly Christian. 

  

Overcrowding (Paul Holt Ministries)

This means that thousands of prisoners will be denied spiritual support grounded in their own tradition and practice. Please consider signing the following petition, which calls on Vic Toews and Prime Minister Stephen Harper to reverse the decision and uphold the rights of citizens behind bars.

Please forward this petition through social networks (email, Facebook, Twitter, etc.). Help make this issue visible to many more who believe religious freedom is one cornerstone of a democratic society. PETITION

• Freedom of Religions for Canadian Prisoners (upaya.org)
• Does Canada have a problem with non-Christian chaplains?

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What do Hip Hop and Islam have in common?

Michael Rass (TheWorld.org); Seven, Boo, Ashley Wells, Wisdom Quarterly

"When I can finally drive and have my own car, I'm going to trick it out!" FEMEN protest advocates for women's rights for drivers in Islamic countries (cryptome.org)

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia - We have already seen that one can be a Buddhist and a gangsta rap fan, even going to extremes enjoying heavy (death) metal. But what do Hip Hop and Islam have in common? The World's Marco Werman speaks with passionate radio host Big Hass (Hassan Denawi), who has made it his mission to bring “true” Hip Hop to his country.

  

First of all, What does "Hip Hop" mean? Hip means "to know," to be hip, to be in on it. Hop means "to move," to dance, to get involved. So Hip Hop is quite literally about "conscious movement," at least it was originally. These modern rappers, who are more about the money and conspicuous consumption, are almost the antithesis of Hip Hop.

  

"Get hopping if you're hip to this jive, my b@#$%)(s!" (ABCNews/AP)

  

Jesus was Black says Bible (Rev 1:12-18)

Rooted in the poverty created by the USA's unspoken class-warfare, class-consciousness arose. American Islam in the Black community had more than a little something to do with that. Hip Hop's astounding popularity worldwide owes something to artists who are now more about bling-bling than the original thing. (We're looking at you, Kanye). So it goes both ways. 

  

There is still room for elevating consciousness, remembering Tupac and senseless Black-on-Black violence that supports the status quo, reading Michelle Alexander, modern slavery in America, and not caving in to the caricatured mass media representation of Black and urban culture in America.  

Asian Buddha statues with African features?

Buddhism, with its emphasis on freedom, wisdom, and compassion for our fellow beings -- and Islam, originally a religion of peace, have much in common. Of course, one would never know that watching TV or FOX News. Fortunately we still have the street, each other, and public radio like Pacifica and Public Radio International and its offshoots.

"Can you believe this brother, sister?"

(TED Talks in English) Big Hass on Hip Hop culture and Islam

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