This letter is to the leaders of the nations who are in a position to do something about the crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. As I write this, the M23 Rebel Group (please read this as "terrorist group of thugs") is attacking both the Congolese Army and innocent Congolese civilians.
Today, November 17, 2012, the UN Security Council met and "strongly condemned" M23. The UN forces in the DRC are actively fighting the M23 things along with the Congolese army.
In the midst of all of this war and political wrangling, innocent people are fleeing their homes by the thousands. Innocent people are dying. Innocent people are being murdered. Innocent people are being raped. Innocent people are suffering unspeakable acts of violence. All of this is happening while the world basically looks on.
"It's not our business." "Let them fight their own battle." "Why should we suffer for them?" Those are the most often heard excuses for NOT getting involved - They are not without merit. At this point, I am not asking anyone to become involved for politicians or political means - I am asking out of deep humanitarian concern.
Fine - Let the political battles be fought by the politicians, but stop the innocents from being killed and terrorized! Put weight behind the words of the United Nations.
Many blame the arming of M23 on Rwanda under President Paul Kagame's regime. Rwanda denies this. To Rwanda: If you so deeply deny this, then do the right thing! Help the civilians! Support life! Remember your own genocide and the horrors you faced - do not let that happen again somewhere else! If your words are true, the put action behind your words. You are in a powerful position to stop this, or to at least make a huge difference!
To the UN: Condemning is fine, but these people need ACTION. Stop the political games and for now, put the blaming aside - save that for when the crisis is over. Right now, save these people. Imagine if they were your family.
To the United States: As a citizen of this nation, I am both proud and ashamed - for too many years, we have ignored Africa. It is not "strategically significant" to us. Can we for a moment remember that people are dying gruesome deaths? Can we remember that as founding members of the United Nations, we should set the example by uniting with other nations to stop this crisis.
To the Faith Leaders: As a fellow pastor - We cannot remain silent. We must speak truth. We must condemn random acts of violence. We must say that what is happening is wrong. We must say that what is happening is evil. I'm not speaking of politics - I'm speaking of people. All life is sacred to God, and it should be to us as well.
To the News Media: The power is really in your hands. You can cover a story or you can ignore a story. I get it that you need ratings. Ratings keep you in business. But, news cannot be invented. This issue is serious and MUST be covered. Do not have the blood on your hands. Report the horrors. Show the grotesque. Maybe it will cause people to start pressuring their own Governments!
To all people everywhere: Do not sit idly by. Write to those in power. Call those in power. Don't stop when you are ignored - Trust me, you will be ignored. Pray for peace - God still answers prayer! God is still faithful. But listen to God's call. Hold your leaders accountable! The DRC may not have any direct connection to you or to me, but if this can happen there, what is to say it can't happen where we live?
May God's Peace Reign,
T.H.
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Thursday, November 15, 2012
A Blog Experiment - Stories
I want to try something new on my blog. I want to know who reads my blog. I don't care if you put your name or not. I just want to know about you. Where are you from? Do you have a story to share? What is your life like? What are your hopes and dreams? What do you do? What do you like? What don't you like? What was a memorable moment in your life - good or bad? What are your goals in life? What are you proud of? What do you regret?
In the comment section below, write about yourself. I don't care what you say. You can put your name or leave it anonymous. Just put something. Please be honest - that is the only "rule"
In the comment section below, write about yourself. I don't care what you say. You can put your name or leave it anonymous. Just put something. Please be honest - that is the only "rule"
Naming the Nameless
1 Kings 17:8-16
8Then the word of the Lord came to him [Elijah],
saying, 9“Go now to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and live there;
for I have commanded a widow there to feed you.” 10So he set out and went to
Zarephath. When he came to the gate of the town, a widow was there gathering
sticks; he called to her and said, “Bring me a little water in a vessel, so
that I may drink.” 11As she was going to bring it, he called to her and said, “Bring
me a morsel of bread in your hand.” 12But she said, “As the Lord your God lives, I have
nothing baked, only a handful of meal in a jar, and a little oil in a jug; I am
now gathering a couple of sticks, so that I may go home and prepare it for
myself and my son, that we may eat it, and die.” 13Elijah said to her, “Do not be
afraid; go and do as you have said; but first make me a little cake of it and
bring it to me, and afterwards make something for yourself and your son. 14For thus says
the Lord the God of Israel: The jar of meal will not be emptied and
the jug of oil will not fail until the day that the Lord sends rain
on the earth.” 15She went and did as Elijah said, so that she as well as he and
her household ate for many days. 16The jar of meal was not emptied, neither did the jug of oil
fail, according to the word of the Lord that he spoke by Elijah.
Naming the Nameless
Did you notice what the writer left out of this Scripture? Did you notice what WASN'T there? Most of us probably didn't even notice. In fact, it took me a long time to notice this detail. The writer left out the names of the widow and her son.
Why would the author do that? Was the writer a Patriarchal Bigot? Well, that's putting our modern moralities on an ancient text. But, being God-Inspired Scripture, I think it's a lot deeper than that. The widow and her son were left without names because they were forgotten by their society.
Look at their situation. When Elijah showed up, she didn't want to give anything away. She was afraid. She was going to go home, make a last meal, and she and her son were going to sit around and watch each other die. Even more disturbing - She accepted this. She stated it so "matter of fact-like" to Elijah as if she were talking about the weather or last night's baseball score.
Let's bring this story into modern times now. Think of all the nameless people we see every day. We see them at work (if your work is big enough), on the street, in the store, at school, and in cars as we drive by. We don't know them; they don't know us; and we're ok with that. I suppose there's nothing right or wrong about that - in most cases, that's just the way it is.
But, what about the times when we choose not to name someone? Or, when we choose to give them a name to make their situation sound "cleaner" to our ears?
I'm going to stick to one issue here - the main issue of most of my postings lately - the humanitarian crisis in the Congo, but please, know that people do this ignoring and renaming in many contexts.
In our Scripture, this woman was called a "widow." That name gives us certain assumptions about her. In her own time, that name, or rather lack of a name, would have been even more powerful. In her time, women were known by their husband's status. Her husband was dead, so therefore, she had no status. She was a "widow." She was a person with no status. She was essentially a non-person.
Was that why she was going to cook her last meal and she and her son were going to die? Why didn't the neighbors help? Couldn't someone spare a little meal? Wouldn't human decency tell you that if your neighbor is starving to death that you would at least give them something? What about the Zarephath community at large? Someone in that community had to have extra food. Why didn't they help? Why didn't they give here even their left-overs?
Right now, in the Congo, there are hundreds of thousands of people who are fleeing their homes because armed militias are doing battle with Government Forces. These militias do not care whether they are shooting at other soldiers or whether they are shooting at civilians. These militias use rape and sexual violence as a weapon of control. They will rape an 8 year old just as quickly as they will rape an 80 year old. They will kidnap children and force them to become "Child Soldiers." - Isn't that another term that takes away a name? Doesn't "Child Soldier" have a certain sound of "nobility" to it? Why doesn't the world call them kidnapped victims of war crimes?
Even the term "militia" makes these forces seem somehow patriots fighting for a cause, when in reality, they are thugs who get a thrill out of murder, stealing, and sexual violence.
The most disturbing term we have for these victims in the Congo (and in any war in the world) is "Collateral Damage." "During the battle between Government Forces and the M23 Militia, there were X number of soldiers killed, Y number of militia forces killed, and collateral damage was high" (or so a news report may say). What is "Collateral Damage?" It is people! Why do we clean that up? Why do we not call these innocent people killed by thugs or by armies "innocent people killed by war?"
Why do we call someone fleeing for his or her life a "Refugee" or "Displaced Person?" Why don't we call them "Innocent people fleeing for their lives from murderous thugs who have no respect for human life or dignity?"
Do these real names I've proposed make us too uncomfortable? Do they hurt our ears? Do they put pictures into our heads? Do we see the pain and suffering of a mother watching her young daughter being raped? Do we see a man refusing to go with the thugs being stabbed repeatedly over and over and over - blood pouring down his whole body before they finally put a bullet in his skull?
Maybe we should see these pictures in our heads...at least for a while. But, we also need to know the story doesn't end with these pictures. The widow didn't starve. God knew her name and sent Elijah to learn her name. As we become familiar with these stories, we learn just how helpless we are. I can't stop the killing. You can't stop it either. But, God can. God knows the needs of the people who suffer. God knows them by name. God has a way of connecting us. God may give you the power to speak and name the nameless. God may give you the power to vote and vote for the nameless. God may give you the power to counsel the nameless. God may send you to the very battlefields where these horrific acts are happening. God will give you strength to do whatever it is that you are sent to do.
No matter what God calls or sends us to do for the nameless, remember this: they stop being nameless! They have names! The one whose wife was murdered has a name and a face. The girl whose parents were killed has a name and a face.
All names and all faces are sacred to God. Let them be sacred to us too!
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Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Open Letter - Why I Post About Kagame
Many people ask me why I post so much about President Paul Kagame of Rwanda. I am an American. I don't know anyone in Rwanda. I have no ties to Rwanda. So, what business do I have with him or that area?
It all goes back to the question Cain asked God - "Am I my brother's keeper?" The answer is obviously, "Yes."
Over the past several years, I have studied and learned about the Rwandan Genocide of 1994 and the events that followed. Through my studies and research, I have come to find out that too many have suffered and died. That number is in the MILLIONS. The suffering and dying is not confined to Rwanda - it has also spread into the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
When a person has such information, he or she is morally obligated to speak for those who cannot. If I were to sit on this information, I would be morally culpable.
After the Holocaust, the world said, "Never again!" The world lied. The Rwandan Genocide and the events following proved this lie. Instead of aiding the defenseless, the world turned a blind eye. I would guess (and probably be right) that the reason is that Rwanda does not sit on an oil well. Let's face it. Wars, Aid, Sanctions, Allies, and Enemies are all based on economic interests - right now, that is decided upon oil wealth (for the most part).
When the Genocide of 1994 happened, I was 16 years old. While Rwandans my age had to be adults, I was being a teenager. I don't say that with pride. I just say that to point out the reality.
For those who have attacked me as a "liar," a "hater," a "useless preacher," an "stupid white person," "another meddling westerner," a "biased individual," and other such names, let me outline my stance and sources. Then I will pose some questions, and if I am wrong, I ask that you answer those questions and I will publicly recant.
My Stance:
1. The Genocide in Rwanda in 1994 was a severely tragic event. That in itself is an understatement. I cannot find words strong enough to express my sympathy to ALL Rwandans and ALL people who were affected by this.
2. I do not deny that Hutus killed Tutsis. (For those who do not know, Rwanda has 3 tribes - Hutus which make up about 85%, Tutsis which make up about 14%, and the Twa which make up about 1% of the population)
3. It is also a fact that Hutus were killed - Both guilty Hutus (those who participated in killing Tutsis) and innocent Hutus (those who did not participate in killing).
4. During the 100 Day Genocide, it is true that mostly Tutsis were killed.
TIME OUT - I do not mean to make this sound like a bunch of statistics! Please recognize that I am speaking of human lives! All life is sacred to God!
5. The Genocide was sparked when an already tense situation between Hutus and Tutsis was pushed "over the edge" when Hutu President Habyaimana was shot down as it was landing. It remains officially unproven who shot the plane down. A recent French Investigation implicated Habyaimana's own forces (http://www.voanews.com/content/french-probe-seemingly-clears-rwandas-kagame-in-genocide-events-137111838/150561.html). At the same time, now President Kagame was then General Kagame in the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) a militia force engaged in a Civil War against the Habyaimana Regime. According to Kagame's then Secretary General, Dr. Theogene Rudasingwa, who is now defected from Rwanda, it was Kagame who ordered that the RPF shoot down the airplane (http://rwandinfo.com/eng/i-confirm-it-is-paul-kagame-who-sparked-the-rwandan-genocide-rudasingwa/). While the question as to who sparked the genocide by shooting down the plane remains in debate, there is a question to consider:
- Do we trust an investigation held largely in a court and argued by lawyers? Or do we trust a defected member of the RPF who worked alongside of Kagame?
I will leave the answer up to the reader.
6. It is no secret that Kagame then pursued those who committed the Genocide into the DRC. Under most military sensibilities, this is justifiable. HOWEVER, According to Paragraph 513 of the UN Mapping Report of the DRC Mapping Report 1993-2003 completed by the United Nations states that Rwanda (under Kagame) is guilty of crimes of Genocide against Hutu refugees (NOT limited to Hutu militias – we are talking about INNOCENT Hutu Refugees). It goes on to state that ALL Hutus were targets. Paragraph 514 tells that refugees were tricked to coming to meetings and then systematically killed in brutal manners (meaning not shot, but bludgeoned, tortured, etc.). Paragraph 515 of the same report shows that no distinction was made regarding age or gender of the victims. (Here is the Link to the Entire Mapping Report). Some do not consider these War Crimes to be "Genocide." I refuse to get into a battle of semantics. Call it what you will - Genocide, War Crimes, Mass Murder, etc.
7. In 2010, Kagame was reelected as President of Rwanda with 95% of the vote over 3 little known candidates. According to THIS ARTICLE “Several opposition candidates were refused permission to take part, while at least three government critics have been attacked – two fatally…” This leads to some questions:
- In what free and democratic NATIONAL elections do politicians ever win 95% of the vote?
- If the vote was free and democratic, why were opposition candidates refused permission to run?
- I understand other nations do not provide the same protection to political candidates that we do in the United States. But, when 3 are attacked, and 2 are killed, there are serious questions as to how and why this happens.
8. Finally, A UN Report (See this Article) has implicated Rwanda and Uganda for empowering the M23 Militia in terrorizing the DRC to this day. The M23 Militia for readers who do not know who they are is a Militia that invades the DRC, and kills and uses rape as a weapon. They do not always attack military targets. Their targets are sometimes, and often, civilian.
Questions:
If I am wrong, rather than name calling, please answer the following questions, and I will recant:
1. Were not both Tutsis and Hutus killed in the 1994 Genocide? (Tutsis were obviously killed to a greater extent) - I also do not want to diminish the suffering of the Twa people who suffered as well.
2. If Kagame did not kill INNOCENT Hutus in the DRC, can you supply me with outside documentation rather than name calling? I've heard Kagame's denials - can you supply documentation beyond his denials?
3. My ultimate goal for posting is peace - I do not seek a violent end to Kagame - I do not wish harm on anyone. Why must you become hateful on anyone who disagrees with you? Has your mind become so brainwashed that you know nothing else?
4. What are your goals? I do not live in that area of the world. I would like to know what you want. Please give me your account and your goals.
Clarifications:
I only wish peace for the people of Rwanda and the DRC. It is true that if one enters modern Rwanda, one will have a vision of a peaceful and organized nation. Paul Kagame has modernized Rwanda and brought many technological advances. But, at what price? It is illegal to identify one's self as Hutu, Tutsi, or Twa. All are "Rwandan." On the surface, that may sound like a good idea. But think of the deeper ramifications. It is true that all are Rwandan, but ethnicity is also important for heritage and culture. History cannot be erased. Culture brings many things to a nation - both good and bad. Rather than capitalizing on the good and negotiating through the bad, Kagame simply wiped history away. This only leaves an underlying tension that is ready to boil over at any second.
It all goes back to the question Cain asked God - "Am I my brother's keeper?" The answer is obviously, "Yes."
Over the past several years, I have studied and learned about the Rwandan Genocide of 1994 and the events that followed. Through my studies and research, I have come to find out that too many have suffered and died. That number is in the MILLIONS. The suffering and dying is not confined to Rwanda - it has also spread into the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
When a person has such information, he or she is morally obligated to speak for those who cannot. If I were to sit on this information, I would be morally culpable.
After the Holocaust, the world said, "Never again!" The world lied. The Rwandan Genocide and the events following proved this lie. Instead of aiding the defenseless, the world turned a blind eye. I would guess (and probably be right) that the reason is that Rwanda does not sit on an oil well. Let's face it. Wars, Aid, Sanctions, Allies, and Enemies are all based on economic interests - right now, that is decided upon oil wealth (for the most part).
When the Genocide of 1994 happened, I was 16 years old. While Rwandans my age had to be adults, I was being a teenager. I don't say that with pride. I just say that to point out the reality.
For those who have attacked me as a "liar," a "hater," a "useless preacher," an "stupid white person," "another meddling westerner," a "biased individual," and other such names, let me outline my stance and sources. Then I will pose some questions, and if I am wrong, I ask that you answer those questions and I will publicly recant.
My Stance:
1. The Genocide in Rwanda in 1994 was a severely tragic event. That in itself is an understatement. I cannot find words strong enough to express my sympathy to ALL Rwandans and ALL people who were affected by this.
2. I do not deny that Hutus killed Tutsis. (For those who do not know, Rwanda has 3 tribes - Hutus which make up about 85%, Tutsis which make up about 14%, and the Twa which make up about 1% of the population)
3. It is also a fact that Hutus were killed - Both guilty Hutus (those who participated in killing Tutsis) and innocent Hutus (those who did not participate in killing).
4. During the 100 Day Genocide, it is true that mostly Tutsis were killed.
TIME OUT - I do not mean to make this sound like a bunch of statistics! Please recognize that I am speaking of human lives! All life is sacred to God!
5. The Genocide was sparked when an already tense situation between Hutus and Tutsis was pushed "over the edge" when Hutu President Habyaimana was shot down as it was landing. It remains officially unproven who shot the plane down. A recent French Investigation implicated Habyaimana's own forces (http://www.voanews.com/content/french-probe-seemingly-clears-rwandas-kagame-in-genocide-events-137111838/150561.html). At the same time, now President Kagame was then General Kagame in the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) a militia force engaged in a Civil War against the Habyaimana Regime. According to Kagame's then Secretary General, Dr. Theogene Rudasingwa, who is now defected from Rwanda, it was Kagame who ordered that the RPF shoot down the airplane (http://rwandinfo.com/eng/i-confirm-it-is-paul-kagame-who-sparked-the-rwandan-genocide-rudasingwa/). While the question as to who sparked the genocide by shooting down the plane remains in debate, there is a question to consider:
- Do we trust an investigation held largely in a court and argued by lawyers? Or do we trust a defected member of the RPF who worked alongside of Kagame?
I will leave the answer up to the reader.
6. It is no secret that Kagame then pursued those who committed the Genocide into the DRC. Under most military sensibilities, this is justifiable. HOWEVER, According to Paragraph 513 of the UN Mapping Report of the DRC Mapping Report 1993-2003 completed by the United Nations states that Rwanda (under Kagame) is guilty of crimes of Genocide against Hutu refugees (NOT limited to Hutu militias – we are talking about INNOCENT Hutu Refugees). It goes on to state that ALL Hutus were targets. Paragraph 514 tells that refugees were tricked to coming to meetings and then systematically killed in brutal manners (meaning not shot, but bludgeoned, tortured, etc.). Paragraph 515 of the same report shows that no distinction was made regarding age or gender of the victims. (Here is the Link to the Entire Mapping Report). Some do not consider these War Crimes to be "Genocide." I refuse to get into a battle of semantics. Call it what you will - Genocide, War Crimes, Mass Murder, etc.
7. In 2010, Kagame was reelected as President of Rwanda with 95% of the vote over 3 little known candidates. According to THIS ARTICLE “Several opposition candidates were refused permission to take part, while at least three government critics have been attacked – two fatally…” This leads to some questions:
- In what free and democratic NATIONAL elections do politicians ever win 95% of the vote?
- If the vote was free and democratic, why were opposition candidates refused permission to run?
- I understand other nations do not provide the same protection to political candidates that we do in the United States. But, when 3 are attacked, and 2 are killed, there are serious questions as to how and why this happens.
8. Finally, A UN Report (See this Article) has implicated Rwanda and Uganda for empowering the M23 Militia in terrorizing the DRC to this day. The M23 Militia for readers who do not know who they are is a Militia that invades the DRC, and kills and uses rape as a weapon. They do not always attack military targets. Their targets are sometimes, and often, civilian.
Questions:
If I am wrong, rather than name calling, please answer the following questions, and I will recant:
1. Were not both Tutsis and Hutus killed in the 1994 Genocide? (Tutsis were obviously killed to a greater extent) - I also do not want to diminish the suffering of the Twa people who suffered as well.
2. If Kagame did not kill INNOCENT Hutus in the DRC, can you supply me with outside documentation rather than name calling? I've heard Kagame's denials - can you supply documentation beyond his denials?
3. My ultimate goal for posting is peace - I do not seek a violent end to Kagame - I do not wish harm on anyone. Why must you become hateful on anyone who disagrees with you? Has your mind become so brainwashed that you know nothing else?
4. What are your goals? I do not live in that area of the world. I would like to know what you want. Please give me your account and your goals.
Clarifications:
I only wish peace for the people of Rwanda and the DRC. It is true that if one enters modern Rwanda, one will have a vision of a peaceful and organized nation. Paul Kagame has modernized Rwanda and brought many technological advances. But, at what price? It is illegal to identify one's self as Hutu, Tutsi, or Twa. All are "Rwandan." On the surface, that may sound like a good idea. But think of the deeper ramifications. It is true that all are Rwandan, but ethnicity is also important for heritage and culture. History cannot be erased. Culture brings many things to a nation - both good and bad. Rather than capitalizing on the good and negotiating through the bad, Kagame simply wiped history away. This only leaves an underlying tension that is ready to boil over at any second.
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Cleaning My Own House First
I'm sure you've noticed that I've been posting a lot on the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Regime of Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda supporting militias that invade and commit crimes against humanity in the DRC.
I stand by those words, and will continue to advocate for the voiceless and those who continue to suffer and die under these war crimes that are given little more than lip service from the international community.
However, I must also acknowledge that there are problems within my own nation, the United States. They are pale in comparison, but yet they are problems nonetheless. If I ignore these issues, I am neglecting very important issues that must be addressed.
First of all, read these words spoken by Jesus as part of his "Sermon on the Mount:"
Matthew 7
7“Do not judge, so that you may not be judged. 2For with the judgment you make you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get. 3Why do you see the speck in your neighbor’s eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye? 4Or how can you say to your neighbor, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ while the log is in your own eye? 5You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your neighbor’s eye.
On November 6, my nation held a presidential election between incumbent President Barack Obama and Governor Mitt Romney. Our country was deeply divided and I am ashamed to say that both sides had elements of bad-will toward the other. Rather than hoping and campaigning for one's candidate, many resorted to demonizing the other candidate and even bringing in reasons why God has ordained that the other candidate is "evil."
What many Christians have forgotten is that we have elected a president. We did not elect a messiah. We did not elect a representative of our faith. We elected someone to hold the executive branch of the Federal Government. We did not elect a savior or even an infallible person. We elected a human.
Whether President Obama - who won his 2nd term - was the person we voted for or not, it is only right that we unite as a nation. This is a nation (and a world) made of people. The people are more powerful than any government except a theocracy where God is the ruler. We must unite in being one nation. That does not mean we must agree. In fact, we should disagree. Disagreement in a civil discourse can lead to unthought of progress and ideas. Disagreement presents new ideas. Whether President Obama was the person we voted for or not, we must each hold him accountable to his terms of office. We cannot be blind followers of any human leader. When he is due praise, we should give him praise. When he deserves to be rebuked, we should rebuke him.
Disagreement is different from division. Division is the refusal to cooperate. It is the proverbial "taking my ball and bat and going home." Paul addresses this in 1 Corinthians 1:10. Yes, it's addressed to the Church in Corinth, but it speaks to Christians everywhere of all time. There are Democrat Christians. There are Republican Christians. There are non-Afilliated Christians. And there are other party-aligned Christians. We can disagree, but we CAN'T be divided.
Disagreement is different from division. Division is the refusal to cooperate. It is the proverbial "taking my ball and bat and going home." Paul addresses this in 1 Corinthians 1:10. Yes, it's addressed to the Church in Corinth, but it speaks to Christians everywhere of all time. There are Democrat Christians. There are Republican Christians. There are non-Afilliated Christians. And there are other party-aligned Christians. We can disagree, but we CAN'T be divided.
No president can make or break a nation. He or she must work within the confines of the legislative and judicial branches. Yes, the president is powerful. But, the president must also answer to all citizens.
Jesus held the establishment accountable. He refused to "play on their terms." Jesus isn't only meaningful to us because of his death and resurrection. Yes, his death and resurrection are very important, but Jesus also lived and taught for a reason! Jesus held the religious and the social establishment accountable and challenged their authority. When it was appropriate, he non-violently resisted their domination and authority. We can all learn from Jesus on this matter.
No presidential election should cause us to despair or to gloat. Yes, we can be disappointed that our candidate did not win, or we can be glad that our candidate did win, but we must not divide the body of Christ, and we must not divide the nation. We must hold the president to the task of being the representative of all people.
We won't always get what we want - even if our preferred candidate won - but we live in a nation where we can voice our opinions and be heard.
From personal experience, I can testify that there is no such thing as a voice that can't be heard in this nation. When I took an issue with a US Government issue, I sent an e mail, assuming it would go in a pile, unread. A few weeks later, my phone rang, and the caller-ID said, "US Capitol." It was a call one does not merely ignore! It was a staffer from a US Senator's office saying that he received my e mail, personally read it, and was taking it into consideration in the committee work he was doing. The staffer did not know the details, nor did I expect him to, but my voice was heard. Yours can be too. We may not get what we want, but we can always be heard!
In conclusion, remember - we elected a human. God is King. When Jesus said, "All authority in heaven and earth has been given to me (Matthew 28:18)," I believe he meant it!
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
A Blog in Pictures: The Congo Crisis
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| Locations of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) |
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| In 1994, the airplane of Rwandan President Habyarimana was shot down. Though formally found "not guilty" by a French Court, defected members of his regime say that then General Paul Kagame ordered the shooting of the plane. |
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| Then General Paul Kagame - Leader of the Rebel Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) Leading a revolution against Habyarimana's Governmen in 1994. |
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| Sparing you the grotesque pictures - When the president's plane was shot down, it sparked the Rwandan Genocide. Approximately 800,000 people were brutally killed. |
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| The UN sent in General Romeo Dallaire, but left him underfunded and very little rules of engagement. He was set up to fail. He was forced to watch innocent people be massacred. |
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| Just as they do today, the UN did nothing more than babel while innocent people died. |
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| After a provisional government, General Kagame became President Kagame. To this day, he rules with an Iron Fist and is a known War Criminal. |
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| Rwandan troops entered the DRC 2 times to "chase rebels." How many 80 year old rebels do you know of? How many child rebels do you know of? How many unarmed rebels do you know of? |
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| Kagame's Army entered a Refugee camp in the DRC and massacred refugees at will. This happened many times. |
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| Now, Kagame's Government is supporting the M23 Militia in the DRC - The International Community is aware. This is a Humanitarian Crisis The UN does nothing. |
By mentioning that BOTH Hutus and Tutsis died in this Genocide, I am guilty of Genocide Denial in Rwanda - a crime punishable by imprisonment - A "crime" which Opposition Leader, Victore Ingabire, to President Kagame was convicted and sentenced to today. If Kagame has nothing to hide, why is this a crime?
Friday, October 26, 2012
The Crisis Continues
According to THIS STATEMENT RELEASED BY THE UNITED NATIONS on October 25, 2012, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon "condemns in the strongest possible terms the violent attack which took place tonight at the home of Dr. Denis Mukwege, the founder and Director-General of the Panzi Hospital in Bukavu, South Kivu Province in eastern DRC."
This "condemnation" is insufficient, insulting, and perpetuating the known War Criminals that are operating in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
First: The time for words has ended. It is time for action. If the United Nations is not willing to take action in areas of humanitarian crises at the magnitude of those in the DRC, then the UN should cease to exist. Action does NOT necessarily mean military action. Action means that UN Peacekeeping forces are sent to such violent areas and are allowed to actually keep the peace. In this situation, the perpetuators of violence are the M23 militia thugs sponsored by Paul Kagame's Rwandan Government. A Peacekeeping Force from a multi-national force could enter the area and literally be a barrier between the innocents and the thugs. This force could deliver humanitarian aid to refugees and civilians. As they do such, by sheer might, M23 would stand no chance and violence would cease. If M23 pursued violent means, the mere show of unity by a multi-national force would show this para-military killing group that their efforts to kill at will are futile.
While this force is in place, the Congolese people could regain their strength and rebuild their nation. They could learn to do for themselves without the constant fear of an external attack. Congo is one of the richest nations in the world, but the beautiful people of this nation have for centuries been exploited by outside forces preventing their own development. It is only right that they are given the opportunity to do for themselves what other's have robbed from them.
Second: UN condemnations are nothing but mere words. THIS condemnation is directed to an "unknown" person or group (I say "unknown" because it is well known what group attacked Dr. Denis Mukwege is the M23 militia or another Kagame sponsored group). Words do carry power - much power, but the time for words are over. For almost 20 years, Paul Kagame's Rwandan Regime has terrorized the DRC. They have caused the deaths of 10 Million people. His government sponsors militias that continue to do his bidding for his profit. The UN and the powerful nations of the world have known this for a lot longer than just the past few months. They have been complicit either by sending aid to his government or by refusing to intervene. This is an insult to justice and peace.
Third: The UN is not merely spewing political babel, they are perpetuating War Crimes. By refusing to intervene, they are allowing War Criminals to not only carry on but to also bask in the glory of their conquest. In United States Law, if a person is complicit in a crime, even if he or she is not the main criminal, he or she can be charged in that same crime. If I am driving a car, and one of my passengers robs a bank without my knowledge, if we get arrested, I am also charged with bank robbery. Why is the United Nations seen as this benevolent organization when they stand by and watch millions of Congolese die in a very preventable situation?
Let me be clear - I am a Christian Pacifist. To say that is very hard. I've heard it said that if you're not willing to kill, then you shouldn't call yourself a pacifist. I realize that bullets would "solve" this situation much quicker than anything I propose. That is only true on one level - It would eliminate one problem. What would rise to take its place?
As a Christian Pacifist, I take seriously the life, death, resurrection, ascension, and eventual return of Jesus Christ. I believe in redemption. While I often feel hopeless, I believe Jesus' words that hope is always alive through God. This is not a myth to me, this is not a set of mere moral teachings, though it does include moral teachings. This is more than a way of life...This is a world view.
I want to hate the people who kill innocent people. I want to give up the fight. I want to say it's not my problem. But, if I do that, then I break the fabric of humanity. Because these situations are happening in the DRC means they could happen anywhere. The world did not mean it when they said, "never again" after the Holocaust.
Just because I write about Rwanda and the DRC and the UN does not mean that I'm writing only about them. This is about all people of all time where there are evil forces at play against innocent people. This is about life vs. death in the most cosmic sense possible. Substitute any of the specific names I've used with any other similar name or situation if it applies. While I do write out of anger, it is anger motivated out of love - love of God - love of God's creation - love of ALL of my brothers and sisters....even those whom I never will meet.
This "condemnation" is insufficient, insulting, and perpetuating the known War Criminals that are operating in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
First: The time for words has ended. It is time for action. If the United Nations is not willing to take action in areas of humanitarian crises at the magnitude of those in the DRC, then the UN should cease to exist. Action does NOT necessarily mean military action. Action means that UN Peacekeeping forces are sent to such violent areas and are allowed to actually keep the peace. In this situation, the perpetuators of violence are the M23 militia thugs sponsored by Paul Kagame's Rwandan Government. A Peacekeeping Force from a multi-national force could enter the area and literally be a barrier between the innocents and the thugs. This force could deliver humanitarian aid to refugees and civilians. As they do such, by sheer might, M23 would stand no chance and violence would cease. If M23 pursued violent means, the mere show of unity by a multi-national force would show this para-military killing group that their efforts to kill at will are futile.
While this force is in place, the Congolese people could regain their strength and rebuild their nation. They could learn to do for themselves without the constant fear of an external attack. Congo is one of the richest nations in the world, but the beautiful people of this nation have for centuries been exploited by outside forces preventing their own development. It is only right that they are given the opportunity to do for themselves what other's have robbed from them.
Second: UN condemnations are nothing but mere words. THIS condemnation is directed to an "unknown" person or group (I say "unknown" because it is well known what group attacked Dr. Denis Mukwege is the M23 militia or another Kagame sponsored group). Words do carry power - much power, but the time for words are over. For almost 20 years, Paul Kagame's Rwandan Regime has terrorized the DRC. They have caused the deaths of 10 Million people. His government sponsors militias that continue to do his bidding for his profit. The UN and the powerful nations of the world have known this for a lot longer than just the past few months. They have been complicit either by sending aid to his government or by refusing to intervene. This is an insult to justice and peace.
Third: The UN is not merely spewing political babel, they are perpetuating War Crimes. By refusing to intervene, they are allowing War Criminals to not only carry on but to also bask in the glory of their conquest. In United States Law, if a person is complicit in a crime, even if he or she is not the main criminal, he or she can be charged in that same crime. If I am driving a car, and one of my passengers robs a bank without my knowledge, if we get arrested, I am also charged with bank robbery. Why is the United Nations seen as this benevolent organization when they stand by and watch millions of Congolese die in a very preventable situation?
Let me be clear - I am a Christian Pacifist. To say that is very hard. I've heard it said that if you're not willing to kill, then you shouldn't call yourself a pacifist. I realize that bullets would "solve" this situation much quicker than anything I propose. That is only true on one level - It would eliminate one problem. What would rise to take its place?
As a Christian Pacifist, I take seriously the life, death, resurrection, ascension, and eventual return of Jesus Christ. I believe in redemption. While I often feel hopeless, I believe Jesus' words that hope is always alive through God. This is not a myth to me, this is not a set of mere moral teachings, though it does include moral teachings. This is more than a way of life...This is a world view.
I want to hate the people who kill innocent people. I want to give up the fight. I want to say it's not my problem. But, if I do that, then I break the fabric of humanity. Because these situations are happening in the DRC means they could happen anywhere. The world did not mean it when they said, "never again" after the Holocaust.
Just because I write about Rwanda and the DRC and the UN does not mean that I'm writing only about them. This is about all people of all time where there are evil forces at play against innocent people. This is about life vs. death in the most cosmic sense possible. Substitute any of the specific names I've used with any other similar name or situation if it applies. While I do write out of anger, it is anger motivated out of love - love of God - love of God's creation - love of ALL of my brothers and sisters....even those whom I never will meet.
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Birthday Message to President Kagame
October 23, 2012
Dear President Kagame,
I certainly hope you will read this, though I am not naive enough to believe that you will.
I wish to send you greetings on your Birthday this year. May God work in your heart to be a faithful leader of Rwanda and an instrument of God's Peace in the Great Lakes Region and all of Africa.
While you celebrate another year of life, I pray that God moves your heart to humbleness and you ask for forgiveness for the innocent people who died under your commands who will not have the chance to celebrate another year of life. I pray that the survivors of those people will one day be able to forgive you too.
I pray that as you celebrate your Birthday, you remember those who just wish to live one more day - just survive - as they live in fear of the M23 militia incursions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. If, as you say, you have nothing to do with this militia, then I pray that you take decisive steps to end the suffering of the innocent and helpless civilians of the DRC. You have the power that they do not have.
On your Birthday, I pray that God gives you a sense of peace that you no longer have to twist the words and make and carry out threats to those who question your actions. I pray that you speak the truth, no matter how hurtful it may be to you, because God is a just and merciful God - always ready to forgive.
I do not write this greeting in malice, but in the genuine hope and prayer that you, in your power, can turn your authoritarian rule into a rule of dignity. I pray that you end your fear based rule and begin ruling with true humility and service to the people of your nation. I pray that all Rwandans: Tutsis, Hutus, and Twa can live together as one people, though obviously of separate cultural distinctions, for the betterment of Rwanda and the Great Lakes Region. I pray that you will use your powerful role to promote and enforce peace in the area and help the weaker nations to develop into self-reliant nations of their own.
May God bless you with these blessings for your Birthday!
T.H.
(For documentation of anything I speak about, please see a previous post "Africa: Your Brother's and Sister's Blood Cries Out to Me From the Ground")
Dear President Kagame,
I certainly hope you will read this, though I am not naive enough to believe that you will.
I wish to send you greetings on your Birthday this year. May God work in your heart to be a faithful leader of Rwanda and an instrument of God's Peace in the Great Lakes Region and all of Africa.
While you celebrate another year of life, I pray that God moves your heart to humbleness and you ask for forgiveness for the innocent people who died under your commands who will not have the chance to celebrate another year of life. I pray that the survivors of those people will one day be able to forgive you too.
I pray that as you celebrate your Birthday, you remember those who just wish to live one more day - just survive - as they live in fear of the M23 militia incursions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. If, as you say, you have nothing to do with this militia, then I pray that you take decisive steps to end the suffering of the innocent and helpless civilians of the DRC. You have the power that they do not have.
On your Birthday, I pray that God gives you a sense of peace that you no longer have to twist the words and make and carry out threats to those who question your actions. I pray that you speak the truth, no matter how hurtful it may be to you, because God is a just and merciful God - always ready to forgive.
I do not write this greeting in malice, but in the genuine hope and prayer that you, in your power, can turn your authoritarian rule into a rule of dignity. I pray that you end your fear based rule and begin ruling with true humility and service to the people of your nation. I pray that all Rwandans: Tutsis, Hutus, and Twa can live together as one people, though obviously of separate cultural distinctions, for the betterment of Rwanda and the Great Lakes Region. I pray that you will use your powerful role to promote and enforce peace in the area and help the weaker nations to develop into self-reliant nations of their own.
May God bless you with these blessings for your Birthday!
T.H.
(For documentation of anything I speak about, please see a previous post "Africa: Your Brother's and Sister's Blood Cries Out to Me From the Ground")
Monday, October 22, 2012
"Little People" Do Get Heard!
If you've followed anything I've written on here, you see I've been taking on issues of Genocide and War Crimes perpetuated by President Paul Kagame of Rwanda.
Why do I do this? Because Rwanda could be anywhere. After Hitler, the world said, "Never again." The world lied. We saw people like Stalin, Pol Pot, Charles Taylor, and Slobodan Milosevic perpetuate the same types of crimes. Then Paul Kagame rose to power and at current estimation, he is responsible for the deaths of at least 10 Million people. The world stands by and does nothing.
A day after Rwanda was implicated by the United Nations for supporting the M23 militia thugs that invade and violate the border of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and kill, rape, disfigure, and rob its citizens, Rwanda was elected to the United Nations Security Council - the most powerful Council in the UN.
The United Nations failed in the 1994 Genocide. "Peacekeepers" stood by as people were massacred in droves. "Peacekeepers" stopped guarding innocent people so that butchers could come in and kill them with impunity. "Peacekeepers" did nothing as Rwanda invaded the DRC 2 times killing not only "enemies" but also innocent civilians without even trying to distinguish between the 2.
I began writing e mails to the US Ambassador to the UN. I have yet to hear from her. I sent the following "tweet" ("message" in Twitter language) to the UN:@un What is your role? Rept. #Rwanda of supporting M23 1 day add to UNSC next. Where is #justice? U failed in 94 why again? @hrw
(Translated into normal language, I said: United Nations, What is our role? You had a report of Rwanda supporting the M23 Militia one day and added Rwanda to the UN Security Council the next. Where is the justice? You failed in 1994. Why Again? - I also sent this to Human Rights Watch).
Today I received this reply:@tomhallberg1 Kindly see this item from Friday: http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=43339&Cr=democratic&Cr1=congo#.UIWu-I7CEUV
(In Normal Speech: The UN replied to me referring me to the above article).
I found the article an evasion of the fundamental issue. It did not mention Rwanda or Kagame. It was full of political babel.
Though, I am not without hope. Through a loosely knit group of activists, our voices are being heard. We may see justice and peace come to the people of Rwanda and the DRC.
This proves that "Little People" can be heard by the Powers that Be. We may not always "win," but what is victory? The cause is on their radar screen! Every journey starts with a step. This journey is a long one that will not end quickly. With God as our guide, Peace and Justice will reign.
If you would like to follow my Twitter, my ID is @tomhallberg1 I am very eclectic - sometimes I use it to communicate with friends, other times I use it for issues like this.
Why do I do this? Because Rwanda could be anywhere. After Hitler, the world said, "Never again." The world lied. We saw people like Stalin, Pol Pot, Charles Taylor, and Slobodan Milosevic perpetuate the same types of crimes. Then Paul Kagame rose to power and at current estimation, he is responsible for the deaths of at least 10 Million people. The world stands by and does nothing.
A day after Rwanda was implicated by the United Nations for supporting the M23 militia thugs that invade and violate the border of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and kill, rape, disfigure, and rob its citizens, Rwanda was elected to the United Nations Security Council - the most powerful Council in the UN.
The United Nations failed in the 1994 Genocide. "Peacekeepers" stood by as people were massacred in droves. "Peacekeepers" stopped guarding innocent people so that butchers could come in and kill them with impunity. "Peacekeepers" did nothing as Rwanda invaded the DRC 2 times killing not only "enemies" but also innocent civilians without even trying to distinguish between the 2.
I began writing e mails to the US Ambassador to the UN. I have yet to hear from her. I sent the following "tweet" ("message" in Twitter language) to the UN:
(Translated into normal language, I said: United Nations, What is our role? You had a report of Rwanda supporting the M23 Militia one day and added Rwanda to the UN Security Council the next. Where is the justice? You failed in 1994. Why Again? - I also sent this to Human Rights Watch).
Today I received this reply:
(In Normal Speech: The UN replied to me referring me to the above article).
I found the article an evasion of the fundamental issue. It did not mention Rwanda or Kagame. It was full of political babel.
Though, I am not without hope. Through a loosely knit group of activists, our voices are being heard. We may see justice and peace come to the people of Rwanda and the DRC.
This proves that "Little People" can be heard by the Powers that Be. We may not always "win," but what is victory? The cause is on their radar screen! Every journey starts with a step. This journey is a long one that will not end quickly. With God as our guide, Peace and Justice will reign.
If you would like to follow my Twitter, my ID is @tomhallberg1 I am very eclectic - sometimes I use it to communicate with friends, other times I use it for issues like this.
Friday, October 19, 2012
When Did the World Stop Caring?
When did the people of the world stop caring? Why are there so many dying in preventable cases, and those in power do nothing to stop it? How can we acknowledge one government's demonic aims one day and put them on the world's strongest United Nations Committee the next?
I want answers to those questions!
I'm tired of these answers: It doesn't affect me. The reports are lies. There's nothing I can do about it. We can't fight the system. That's just the way the world works. It's every person for themselves. It's a dog eat dog world.
I'm tired of being ignored. I'm tired of the injustice. I'm tired of my sisters and brothers suffering. I'm tired of needless death. I'm tired of rape as a weapon. I'm tired of killing innocent people. I'm tired of needless wars. I'm tired of brutal dictators and their arrogance being rewarded because they serve corporate interests. I'm tired that the world has lost - or maybe never found - its moral compass. I'm just tired. I'm sick.
I want peace. I want people to look each other in the eye and see an Image of God. I want people to care about their neighbor next door and their neighbor across the world. I want people to say "enough is enough." I want people to demand justice. I want people to see the suffering in the world. I want people to demand that the suffering be stopped by the people who can easily make it stop.
Just a few days ago, Paul Kagame's Government of Rwanda, was implicated in supporting Militia of Thugs called M23 that invades the Democratic Republic of the Congo, kills - rapes - mutilates innocent people who are just struggling to survive. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-19973366
Just yesterday Kagame's Government was elected to a position on the United Nation's Security Council - The strongest committee of the United Nations. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-19998195
Paul Kagame is responsible for the deaths of over 10 million people - that is more than Hitler killed. Paul Kagame is evil. Paul Kagame is arrogant. Paul Kagame must be stopped.
(See My Previous Blog Article - "Africa: Your Brother's and Sister's Blood Cries Out From the Ground" for a more detailed discussion on Kagame).
I will reiterate - I do now wish to see a violent overthrow of Kagame. I do not wish to see Kagame murdered or mutilated, though he has no problem doing that to others. I wish to see justice. Nothing that could happen to him can bring back the lives of 10 Million - not even his death. I don't wish to see him die. I do wish to see the world hold him accountable. I wish to see him repent of his own accord. I wish to see him apologize of his own doing. I wish to see him work to rebuild the destruction he caused.
I am not hopeful. I pray to God that there is hope.
I want answers to those questions!
I'm tired of these answers: It doesn't affect me. The reports are lies. There's nothing I can do about it. We can't fight the system. That's just the way the world works. It's every person for themselves. It's a dog eat dog world.
I'm tired of being ignored. I'm tired of the injustice. I'm tired of my sisters and brothers suffering. I'm tired of needless death. I'm tired of rape as a weapon. I'm tired of killing innocent people. I'm tired of needless wars. I'm tired of brutal dictators and their arrogance being rewarded because they serve corporate interests. I'm tired that the world has lost - or maybe never found - its moral compass. I'm just tired. I'm sick.
I want peace. I want people to look each other in the eye and see an Image of God. I want people to care about their neighbor next door and their neighbor across the world. I want people to say "enough is enough." I want people to demand justice. I want people to see the suffering in the world. I want people to demand that the suffering be stopped by the people who can easily make it stop.
Just a few days ago, Paul Kagame's Government of Rwanda, was implicated in supporting Militia of Thugs called M23 that invades the Democratic Republic of the Congo, kills - rapes - mutilates innocent people who are just struggling to survive. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-19973366
Just yesterday Kagame's Government was elected to a position on the United Nation's Security Council - The strongest committee of the United Nations. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-19998195
Paul Kagame is responsible for the deaths of over 10 million people - that is more than Hitler killed. Paul Kagame is evil. Paul Kagame is arrogant. Paul Kagame must be stopped.
(See My Previous Blog Article - "Africa: Your Brother's and Sister's Blood Cries Out From the Ground" for a more detailed discussion on Kagame).
I will reiterate - I do now wish to see a violent overthrow of Kagame. I do not wish to see Kagame murdered or mutilated, though he has no problem doing that to others. I wish to see justice. Nothing that could happen to him can bring back the lives of 10 Million - not even his death. I don't wish to see him die. I do wish to see the world hold him accountable. I wish to see him repent of his own accord. I wish to see him apologize of his own doing. I wish to see him work to rebuild the destruction he caused.
I am not hopeful. I pray to God that there is hope.
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