Monday, July 27, 2009

My New Hero

I know I’ve written the last post the other day but once I did that, I realize I had more things to say. I was suddenly hit with lots of inspiration. I recently added a new addition to my list of worthy Heroes in my life. My dad (God bless his soul) is on top of that list and will never-ever be nudge.

This last weekend was a quite affair in my life. I’ve moved into my recently vacant brother’s room then I found a book lying around in my sister’s room; A Child called IT. With the exception of going swimming with my siblings for which I got sun burn for, I spent most of the weekend tuck away alone in my room reading this book only to occasionally to go out to eat and entertain visits from my siblings and mum. I read some of the chapters a few times. I’ve always wrote in this blog longing to be inspired, and the story of Dave Pelzer definitely has.

The book is based on true events. It entails the worse case of Child Abuse in the history of California. It was so moving and terrifying, I was heartbroken. To say the mother was a monster is an understatement. I can’t believe what Dave Pelzer had to endure for what must have been, 8 very long years. Reading it, I was introduces to a world that I never, and hope that no one will ever experience. Though I am not naive when it comes to issues like these, it is one thing to know the facts and another to read the details and realizing the pain he went through. The term “a living hell” is thrown here and there but his childhood in my humble opinion really was. I cannot stress that enough. I couldn’t put the book down. I cried most of the time. The days were about winning bouts internally with his mother. He wouldn’t give her the satisfaction of seeing him breakdown even though there were times where she got the best of him. He was physically abuse from the age of 4 to 12 that’s when he was finally rescued by his teacher Athena Konstan. She later wrote “In my 31 years of teaching, David Pelzer was the most severely abused child I have ever known." He was burned on a stove, stabbed in the chest, starve for days on end, forced to eat feces and vomit, ridiculed, put in an unventilated room fuming with ammonia and Clorox, it’s an equivalent to a gas chamber. He lost his dignity, his security, his liberty, his freedom and his love, basically lost his humanity. He only survived on primal instinct where he had to steal food in order to survive. But if ever caught by the mother, which happen frequently because she ensures that he cannot eat food, would be beaten to the point where he collapse.

What’s really inspiring was, in the end he forgave his mother. After enduring all that, he was able to move on, find love and live happily without resentment for his mother. I had people who wrong me in the past but nothing liked what he went through. Dave has inspired me to forgive. He was able to do it than so should I. I will… and have forgiven. After reading it, I feel very privilege to have a dad liked mine. I missed him and wish he was still here. Rest in peace Dad. Al-Fatiha…

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Basic Human Rights

On December 1940, the United Nation adopted and proclaimed the Universal Human Rights. The assembly called upon all Member countries to publicize the text of the Declaration and "to cause it to be disseminated, displayed, read and expounded principally in schools and other educational institutions, without distinction based on the political status of countries or territories."

I’m writing this post because I witness a discrimination and maltreatment of a minority in this country of ours. Without due cause the perpetrator threaten to cause harm to an individual who is only following orders of his employer. Any grievances should’ve been taken up with the employer. I, just a bystander, ran to the rescue to this Indian worker who was about to hit by this belligerent Malay, hell bent on inflicting his form of justice. By the way, they preferred to be called Indian rather than “kaling”. This plead was made by them to a woman one time at a minimart near my home. It shows to me that they do not like to be referred to as that because it carries a derogatory connotation. Please do correct people when you hear them use it.

I proceed to inform the Malay individual that everyone has equal rights under Law and also reminded him that ignorance of the law is not a defense. Human Rights Standards for Law Enforcement Officials states that:
“Everyone is entitled to equal protection of the law, without discrimination on any grounds, and especially against violence or threat. Be especially vigilant to protect potentially vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, women, refugees, displaced persons and members of minority groups.”

This right includes:
“Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.”
“Everyone is entitled without any discrimination to equal protection of the law”

By this time he was getting more infuriated by the fact that I pointed out he was wrong. His recourse was to start calling me names for siding with the worker rather than him. Typical sign of a weak mind, I expected the reaction. However, I continue to point out that if indeed his does strike first, with malice aforethought, I will call the police and asked the worker to press charges, resulting in him being arrested. He then went away fuming, mumbling words that I could only half make out. I inform the worker that he needs not fear this type of people because everyone has rights.

On a different note, I started working again. Job is not what I expected. It feels like an anti-climax really after a long study. I thought I would enjoy the money I’ll be making. But there was no joy to be had. The money is very good, more than I expected. But I still feel empty inside. So I decided to do voluntary work, I planted trees to help the environment and also initiated a community outreach program that will address some of the needs of rural communities in Brunei and eventually some of the ASEAN countries as well. I’m in the midst of writing up the paper work to be presented later on. This is all voluntary but it gives me more joy than working for high pay.

I think this is what I was meant to do. Mind you it’s far cry from my actual major…

Also, it saddens me but, this will be my last post on this blog. I would like to thank all our regular readers especially G4, maybe our paths will cross one day and work together on some goodwill projects. You have submitted very good ideas in the past. I hope you will continue your ways. By the way, I was debating with blabness whether you are guy or a girl? We both kind of agree that you are a girl. Are we right? no offense intended. To the always controversial JasonBiggs, please continue to write your opinion. I may not agree with some of things you say, but I will defend your rights to say them. Preserving Freedom of Speech and Freedom itself. For who are we without freedom. We are born of free people, and free people we shall continue to be. If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t have started this blog.

Anyway to the others thank you for your contributing your voice and please continue to make a difference. Help others in need and those that incapable of helping themselves. Like someone once said “Heal the world, make it a better place, for you and for me and the entire human race”…

I will start another blog again sometime in the near future or when I’m ready. So until then, I bid you all adieu. Assalamu Alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh…