NY Times article on persecutions of Bahá'ís

Describing the latest arrests (see below Youth Persecution In Iran?) as the largest mass arrest since the 1980's, this article presents an overview of the alarming activities recently taking place in Iran on the persecution of the Bahá'ís.

Check out the link to the article written by Laurie Goodstein http://www.nytimes.com/2006/06/01/world/middleeast/01bahai.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

As Iran continues to move the pendulum towards and away from nuclear threats, I cannot help to speculate what their agenda is, how far they will go and whether they are or even believe that they are unstoppable...

To New York and back, with love.

For our 11th year anniversary, Pieter and I went to frequent the spots we used to go to, visit places we never have and reacquaint ourselves with our former home, Manhattan. We took the NY Waterway Ferry across from NJ to NY, the same ride we used to take everyday to get to work in NY. The boat was nice, and though cloudy, was still a great ride, all 6 minutes of it.

When we arrived, we went to Columbia Circle to the Mall on 59th which contained the flagship store of Williams-Sonoma and an array of other shops and restaurants (one with a review a great place to eat, but lunches costing a mere $300). Our experience was less than interesting, maybe because I didn't really care to splurge for anything that was unnecessary, nor did I find the high end boutiques pleasant. The fancy bakery that looked really good was a real let-down. How in the world could a $30 ham and cheese baguette and an almond brioche be stale and overly soggy respectively?? What-ever. The best part of the "mall" was walking down to the basement for some Heavenly teas from Whole Foods and then bringing our overpriced baguettes and wet brioche to Central Park, where we checked out a cool tree and ate lunch. Anyway, despite the oops factor, and the "better to go to Cosi for a GOOD sandwich" it was still a day of discovery, with more to come. After the park and checking out the new APPLE store uptown, we took a ride in the subways to go to Soho and revisit some of our favorite cafes.

The subway reminded me that NY is a city of strangers, often bumping into one another and exchanging the rituals of human communication, trust and kindness. Yes, this is NY, but I felt the warmth and the briskness of the city again. We had many smiles, short conversations, pictures that people volunteered to take (while holding 3 Hat boxes mind you)and through it all witnessed the symbiotic consciousness of the city. The funny element though that is often missing, is that you have to have the right EYES to see this. I found eye to eye contact in this panorama of movement can be extremely cold and distant, self-preserving with fear, or can enable one to connect completely as a fellow soul walking on the street.

For Pieter and myself, it often felt like the latter and we enjoyed it. Check out the cellist in the cafe which was located in an art gallery. So cool, and so NY.

Anyway, later after Iced coffees, Jamba juices etc, Pieter and I went to the opening weekend of AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH, a very impressive film about reality that is not fun to hear; man's playground (Earth) needs some improvement and fast due to global warming. I was skeptical and cautious and was fully aware that I personally would not be swayed by suppositions only of "uncertain" or "unfounded" science regarding global warming. Instead, I wanted to wait for facts supported by uncontroverted details before I reach a conclusion, a process that may be intuitively supported by legal analysis tools I use everyday. This film provided the content...dead on, simple, and to the point. Facts like this do not need the Hollywood drama, stars or a great script to get the message across. If you can watch a film this summer, watch this one and become aware. I would offer that anyone who has a preconcieved notion of what global warming is, whether it is a myth or reality, keep your mind open and think for yourself. It may help mankind (or rather the Western world) prevent some of the worst manmade global crises from happening.

Towards the end of the night, after we reflected on the state of the world, as far as environment, global cooperation and pro active action was concerned, we needed to eat dinner.

The table is perfect, the restaurant like a second home, and the food, oh the food. Cornelia Street Cafe was our host for the evening, a place Pieter and I used to go to and loved each time for its simplicity, great food and warm atmosphere. We commenced with sharing a warm goat cheese salad on belgian endive; and then extended our journey with Bistro-perfect Steak Frites, and ended the wondrous meal with cappacino that made me want to linger in the City lights for the rest of the night. Here is quick pic with me holding the candle in awe of our surroundings, evening and overall celebration of our anniverary.

The day was memorable and every bit special. It was like seeing our old friend again. With some friends, it is great to visit, but better to keep a distance. It was nice to see that we both were so thankful for our 5 year experience in and around the city, but even happier that we could come home. (A special Hartelijk Bedankt to Carolina for taking care of Bella and Alec ALL day and being a fantastic Oma (making pancakes with them and all). We couldnt have had the day without your generosity, kindness and love.

When We Dance...

Eleven years ago tomorrow, the most wonderful event happened that changed the rest of my life. I made a promise to someone and these were the words I heard on that most wonderful day while we had our 1st dance as husband and wife on May 27, 1995:

Come and live with me
We'll have children of our own
I would love you more than life
If you'll come and be my wife
When we dance, angels will run and hide their wings

I'm gonna try in every way
Cathedrals are broken
Heaven's no longer above
And hellfire's a promise away
I'd still be saying
I'm still in love
When we dance, angels will run and hide their wings

I never thought it would come true, but it has. What started as an unexpected yet wonderful email correspondance in 1994 became the start of an incredible intense shared friendship and partnership that would last and endure through today with utter love and respect while setting each other free as we grow & learn through this thing called life.

Happy anniversary to my greatest love and best friend Pieter Bas. I look forward to the rest of time by your side.

Youth persecution in Iran?

I received an heart wrenching email around midnight that 57 Bahá'í youth were recently arrested in Shiraz. They were taken captured, and imprisoned...I supposed by the authorities. I do not know any details, or have I verified with any news agency. As much as I hope (and pray) it is not true, it could be.

Today also commemorates a holy day for Bahá'ís, with the Declaration of the Báb, which began the "Bahá'í era". 163 years ago, the Báb, the prophet-herald of the Bahá'í Faith, announced in the same city of Shiraz, that he was the herald of a new messenger of God and with that new messenger, a new age in which a new type of society, one of unity, and world peace.

Commencing with the announcement of the Báb, Bahá'ís believe the coming of Bahá'u'lláh opened the age for the establishment of world peace, when, as anticipated in the sacred scriptures of the past, all humanity will achieve its spiritual and social maturity, and live as one united family in a just, global society. Bahá'ís believe that there is one God, that all humanity is one family, and that there is a fundamental unity underlying religion. Interesting note that the night of the Declaration of the Báb coincided with the 1st transmission in Morse code in 1844 with the following words: “What hath God wrought?”

Is this a religion that deserves persecution?? More than 20,000 Bahá'ís have already died, people have been killed in the past and in the recent present. Now today, of all days, more youth, YOUTH, students, kids, not adults, but youth have been captured and imprisoned???!!!

I will not recount all the history of the Bahá'í persecutions in the past, (go to Bahai.org/iranthreat for more history and information) but I am constantly and utterly numbed at how this can persist even through today.

I know that recently, there has been fear that the attack on the Bahá'ís would get worse. The White House even took note.(See blog entry on White House responds). It is happening, it is happening, the fear has become reality.

The only thing I know what to do is to say prayers for these youth, for strength, courage, safety and their return, and that as these events take hold, as the world takes notice, that action will follow thought, and voices will be heard to change this situation, before it gets too late.

A Second Life

If you could do something different, what would it be? Would you change yourself? Change your life? I am on a constant quest for betterment in the world, through the micro-actions of my life. Hopefully they will at least affect some change; at least for Isabella and Alec. I have my own type of instruction booklet guided by principle, hard work, discipliine and utter sincerity of heart. Much of what I do is inspired by my Bahá’í sense of purpose, peppered with my personality and experience as a woman, mother, lawyer, friend and soulmate.

If I didnt have this path though, where would I be? What would I have done? Well, for some of us, there is a second reality available to you for free, as long as you have the internet, can download an application and connect.

"Second life". A place that was created by Linden Labs to set in motion a new virtual community filled with keyboard communicators across the world. So far there are about 180,000 (or so) members from around the world loggin in at different times or at the same time to discover the areas navigatable by your specially made, customized moving and virtual living avatar.

My avatar's name is Alanna and I have purple hair with red eyes, and long hair. Even in the virtual world I can't seem to settle for a hair cut. I log in by clicking on an icon that resembles a green gloved hand and enter...

This is a fascinating place where anyone can be anyone and walk through computer generated lands, discovering things, people, creativity, art, places that satisfy our lower nature and many other areas which I have not ventured into to discover. I personnaly still having trouble navigating with arrows, page ups and page downs (which help you fly). I wish I had a GPS system to get around but no such luck. So anyway, I get online, stay on for about 15 minutes and then log off. I seem not to have the patience to linger, learn and slowly find my way. I walk into trees, dip into water and fly backwards a lot.

My graceful husband (as Scott) of course has already found out how to sail a boat, not surprising of course based on his innate skills at navigating, discovering and acquiring knowledge. Plus he misses sailing on this planet (he once spotted Duran Duran on their yacht while he was sailing!!!)

Where can this virtual community lead to? In a perfect world, perhaps dialogue, growth, empathy and communication. In fact I think there are some university sponsored learning centers that have launched virtual lectures there as well. That sounds cool. The other telling item is that many areas of the virtual community are built by members online, they own the IP rights (as long as they share the coding with the owners, an open source type sharing tool for the master coders)and folks can charge Linden Dollars which can accumlate into real Earthling dollars. Interesting business models...collaborative development through a voluntary system with shared opportunities and possible benefits leading to profits, creative expression and...

Well, I will hold off on judging or commenting on the future of this place just yet and will revisit this item later on. For now, I'll get back to my reality... my primary (1st) life.

Peace.

Nish stops.

I was sick for 2 days. This entry is really a reflection about when we are stopped in our tracks.

I had to actually call in sick two days in a row. I never do that, and yet I had to with a fever that would not go away and a headache etc that prevented me from focusing, reading or even responding to my blackberry. I slept longer in bed than I can ever recall, looking at the clock as it hit the AM's and then the afternoon and into evening, with little motivation for me to get up. I did finally to eat some wasa crackers and to drink some water and hang out with my kids. But the experience was surreal.

I have also found out that Alec loves to hang out with me at my worst moments, wanting to be held and just to sit with me. My daughter meanwhile comes to my room, sits on my bed and asks whether I am feeling better. When I am sick I am not in the mood to chat or hang out, but with kids like these, who can resist?

P has been wonderful during these two days, as his work schedule on his book has become topsy turvy dependent on how the house is going, whether he can feel good enough to leave the house while I am less than better. I wish my illness didnt impact him at all, but in reality what I go through, he goes through too, for good or for bad. As a quick example, he slept in our "office" at night, on an old couch/bed which is not very comfortable, but since I have had such sleepless nights, it was his only hope for a full night sleep. Actually he awoke 5 times each night, with a sore back and probably feeling more tired than when he went to bed. He is really a sweetie.

Anyway, I came back to life today...almost. One of the Nancy's at work (there are three...) looked at me said I should go home, and wondered if I got any work done. Well, it was a better day than yesterday and although I did not get all the stuff done, I did make a dent in my workload.

I do not like getting "stopped" in my tracks, but I have to let go, be detached and let others help out. My work-mates (thanks Judy and Nancy) were amazingly supportive, helpful and very kind; my family was great, and even though everyone kept on going, they didnt make me feel bad that I couldnt.

Nice to sometimes stop, since only at those times, does one know who will help you go forward.

Discovery...

Alec turned 2 nine days ago. He is a cutie pie who lights up my life with every funny glance, sad look, demanding sounds and when he says "Hooo hoooo" whenever he sees a train. He is on a path of discovery with everything, and it is incredible to witness it. Every bird, dog, plane, big truck excites him and he just follows them, even says hello, and good bye (I try not to worry when he pets little dogs, and big dogs...)

I hope his discovery will never end.

I am currently thinking a lot of about discovery, and self-knowledge. By coicidence, or maybe by design, this coming Saturday Pieter and I will host another "Spiritual Cafe" and the theme will be independent investigation of truth.

As preparation for the Spiritual Cafe meeting, I came up with a few questions that popped up in my mind as content rich for the discovery question.

How much of life have you chose, how much is chosen for you?

What does it mean to see truth independently?

Do you think about your actions?

Have you found your reason for living?

How many people have researched the religion they were "born" in, instead of just being without knowing?

Is your life your own, or is it mirroring someone else's dreams?

What is truth?

Have you ever searched for it?

Do you want to?

Should you?

How?

The last question is in my mind, as I have had a similar question-answer dialogue with someone very close to me, and it is a hard answer. If a person is willing to search and find their reason of being, what and how do they do it? Reading? Experiencing? Living?

Maybe just trying a bit each day and learning something new each day with an attitude of discovery is more important than the wisdom gained in the process.

Recently, I saw a clip on Oprah that was inspiring. A 98 year old man after a life of illeteracy finally decided to learn how to read. A ninety-eight year old man. Not 40, 55, or even 70 but 98. Wow. The phrase Your are never too old to learn, imprinted in my mind as a great example to tell anyone who is afraid to learn new things.

I guess this proves that we humans have a true capacity to learn, discover and gain new insights whether we are 2 or 98. Wonderful that this is an everlasting quest, as long as we want it (and believe it).

Beauty in the breakdown.

Pieter and I took Bella and Alec to the Sculpture Garden in Hamilton NJ and we hung out, walked through the park, viewed sculpures, danced around them and had a really nice time.

This is a great unexpected result, since taking kids to anywhere can always be unpredictable. Plus, when we read about the gardens on the Internet, it seemed very strict and foreboding "no talking loud, this is a contemplative space, no running..."



So, we took our chances, cut up some apple to bring for a snack, loaded up on cups and waters for the kids as Pieter and I filled up our mugs to bring fresh fair trade coffee (thanks Bradley!)as we drove over there. Luckily, the kids were as excited and happy to see the art as we had hoped. Anyway, after we got there, we first went to a water sculpture area, saw a live peacock much to our surprise, and continued on our journey, spotting secret service men looking statues, abstract pieces that just make you say hmmmmmm, animals, nature pieces and more. Each one was fitted around nature, surrounded by grass, trees, and or near water as if the nature was half of the show. Plus since the weather was absolutely gorgeous, the whole event was sun filled, cool weather and perfect for walking.

There were so many moments of watching the kids view this stuff for the 1st time, asking questions of how it sculptures are put together, posing queries on what "marble" is, or how a something looks as if it is flying. I think that Pieter and I were gathering their comments in our mind's collection of moments to keep: "Wow loooooook at that..."I wish I could hop scotch on it!" or Alec amazed and growling at a sculpture dog.

Most of the day was filled with these moments, observing their faces, laughing at their expressions of surprise, awe of nature, art and the world in general.

Cool.

Tickets to Sculpture gardens: 36 dollars
Price of map and guidebook: 3 dollars
Price of the apple and water bottles: 2 dollars.
Watching your kids dancing like a sculpture...Priceless.

The rides.

Has anyone ever gone on a "Tower of Terror" or an "Aerosmith rock roller coaster"?? I did, at the famous Disney World MGM studios last week. I was there on business for the annual "sales kickoff" in Orlando, Florida. As part of the IP legal team, we had a break out session, but took part in the huge events at night. So I actually went on a Star Wars ride, watched a 3D movie starring the Muppets, entered the Tower of Terror elevator drop, drop again, and drop again and cautiously closed my eyes while I took a ride on the Aerosmith roller coaster. Hint, closing your eyes during a turn twisty ride is NOT good for the balance. At the end of the night, I was NOT pleased.

I kept on asking my friends and colleauges there, why do we as Americans create this type of self-contrived thrill contraptions...what is it about US that can build, spend tons of money and forget about the world at large, creating menu choices of an array of rides, thrills and terror?

I got some interesting responses,
1) the Americans are bored;
2) We have "so little time" to vacation so it is important to escape!
3) "Why not??"
4) silence

I am not sure if there is one answer, though I suspect it has to do with our consumption attitude and ability to provide a supply a demand for fun unlike anywhere else. I do not want to judge this at all, and frankly I heard TONS of people enjoy themselves, laugh like crazy and just relaxed with the hazy reality that set in. I did feel that the "Disney World" experience is similar to living through a spectactular Broadway musical all day and night. Watching a show...being part of the show and never leaving the audience. I guess this is what the place is about.

One day, I may bring Isabella and Alec to Disney World so Pieter and I can introduce them to the vast playground. I cannot see spending more than a few days, but experiencing how our culture relates to the phenomenon of vacation is at the very least highly intriguing. But only after I show them my world...

We will have to see NY (sooner than later as we are planning a trip to Central Park this spring), Paris, France, the place I adore ever since I studied in France in 1989, we will definitely visit family and all our 'gezellig' places in Holland (next summer if all goes well), my family's heritage in Pakistan (Pieter and I are aiming for within the next 2-3 years), the Bahá'í Houses of Worship (the Lotus temple in New Dehli, India is on the top of our list after the one in Chicago) and Haifa, at the Bahá'í world center, where Pieter and I went for Pilgrimage back in 97. That place had the greatest ride of all, a spiritual one, but everlasting and definitely beyond this world.

Dear Congressman

There are few people who wield enough power collectively and individually that can move this nation into action. This is the reason I am writing you, and I hope that you will listen.

On March 20, a confidential letter of the Iranian Government was made public by the U.N. Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief. Based on this letter, it has become known that the Iranian government will be tracking the whereabouts of 300,000 Iranian Bahá’ís (largest religous minority in Iran) and will be monitoring their activities.

This is an alarming step that will possibly evolve in a systematic increase of persecutions of Bahá’ís. In the not so distant past, the Iranian government has committed grave crimes against the Iranian Bahá’ís, denial of higher education, removal of voting rights, torture, desecration of cemetaries,unjustified imprisonment, and murder. Justification was spun into baseless allegations that the Bahá’í Faith is a threat to the wellbeing of the Iranian government. The true basis? Religious hatred by Islamic fundamentalists who view the Bahá’í Faith as a threat to Islam particularly because the progressive position on women's rights, independent investigation of truth, and education.

I most respectfully urge you to review this issue thoroughly, discuss it with your fellow Congressmen, encourage a dialogue and contact others. Let the United States take a strong stand and raise a call to Iran to STOP the oppressive treatment and of the Bahá’ís.

This is a plea, not because I am myself an Iranian Bahai,not because I have been tortured or imprisoned by that country. I am simply a female American, born and raised in this country, who found out about the Bahá’í Faith during high school who found that actually it was possible to find a religion that demonstrated in deeds not words that elimination of all prejudice, world peace, equality for women and men, universal education, harmony of science and religion, no clergy, independent search for truth to see truth through my own eyes and not judged by others, was actually written within the precepts of a world wide religion with six million other souls.

A religion that engenders love, tolerance and utter and complete respect for every world religion today and in the past. How else could every Bahá’í temple have 9 sides representing each world faith and the physical unity of all religions?? This is my religion, this is my faith and it is unfair, unjust and completely insane that 300,000 believers in another country have to suffer for finding the same belief and who want but are threatened to practice this faith.

Please help.