January 2024 - Modern Genocide, Black Pastors, Bottled Water, and Ram Temple
Welcome back to 'Monthly Musings: A Curated Reading List'
“We see them as a part of us. They are oppressed people. We are oppressed people.”
Rev. Cynthia Hale, the founder and senior pastor of Ray of Hope Christian Church in Decatur, Ga., is a Black pastor talking about Palestinians.
Modern Genocide
The case brought by South Africa to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) against Israel provides a comprehensive overview (video) of the situation in Gaza. It compellingly argues that we are witnessing the genocide of a defenseless population, with the United States playing a key role in this tragedy. The recent cessation (video) of aid to Gazans through UNRWA by the Biden administration further suggests our complicity in starving the people of Gaza.
The Biden administration's disregard for the court's ruling has significantly eroded its moral authority on the global stage. This hypocrisy is now evident for all to see and cannot be undone. I hope you do your part by writing to the White House urging it to follow international law and not follow the orders from Tel Aviv.
If I were in Gaza under siege, what would I have done if I had the chance to break free?
I could have been one of those who broke through the siege on October 7 - MondoWeiss
The Global South is striving to liberate itself from Western dominance, and it is heartening to see South Africa taking the lead in this endeavor.
South Africa’s ICJ Case Against Israel Is a Call to Break Free From the Imperial West - The Nation
One of the most significant developments in the United States is the growing solidarity amongst social justice advocates for the freedom of Palestinians.
Black Pastors Pressure Biden to Call for a Cease-Fire in Gaza - The New York Times
Marc Lamont Hill SLAMS Black Preachers for Letting 'Genocide Joe' Exploit The Church (3 min) - YouTube
American Unions Long Backed Israel. Now, Some Are Protesting It. - The New York Times
A few Israeli journalists, historians, and intellectuals are openly discussing the foundations of Israel and its current trajectory. These two videos are particularly enlightening:
The Chris Hedges Report with Israeli historian Ilan Pappé on Israel's end game in Gaza and the future of the Israeli apartheid state - The Chris Hedges Report
Max Blumenthal & Miko Peled : Where is the War in Gaza Going? - YouTube
Technology
ChatGPT, now over a year old, has revolutionized the technological landscape. Its impact is evident. No Wall Street quarterly call is complete without mention of GenAI.
There are many daily practical uses of GenAI, and here is one of them.
How AI Can Find the Perfect Movies, TV Shows and Books for You - The Wall Street Journal
GenAI can be your co-founder, well, very close to being one.
We Asked AI to Draft a Business Plan. Here’s What We Got. - The Wall Street Journal
This is a short article about the history of AI and the essential requirements for its future success in benefiting society.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE’S PROMISE AND PERIL - International Monetary Fund
Why should we be skeptical of big business and their GenAI promises, given the evident misappropriation of GenAI?
AI Hype Distracted Us From Real Problems—With Timnit Gebru - The Nation
Health
As I seek more efficient ways to maintain health with age, here are some articles I've found beneficial:
Did you know that pound-for-pound, raw lentils have more protein than steak?
Why you should eat lentils every day - The Washington Post
I consciously avoid using bottled water except in emergencies. This decision is not only motivated by health considerations but also due to the significant environmental impact associated with bottled water production and disposal.
Here’s what you’re really swallowing when you drink bottled water - The Washington Post
This is such a simple solution for good sleep. I am a big fan.
This $10 purchase can improve your sleep and boost your brain health - The Washington Post
Given my preference for swimming as my primary form of exercise, I had previously overlooked the importance of incorporating strength training into my fitness regimen.
Your Workout Routine Isn’t Complete Without Strength Training - The New York Times
Culture, History, and Politics
On January 22nd, Prime Minister Modi of India inaugurated the under-construction Ram temple in Ayodhya. This move is seen as an effort to galvanize his Hindutva base ahead of the national election.
This temple is being erected on the site of the demolished Babri Mosque, a controversial action dating back to December 6th, 1992. The Indian Supreme Court's decision to allow the temple's construction, despite acknowledging a lack of conclusive evidence of a pre-existing temple and noting the illegal nature of the mosque's demolition, has been a point of significant debate.
Insightful Perspectives on India's Current Trajectory:
What January 22 is, what it isn’t - The Indian Express
Is a New Jim Crow Emerging in India? Ashutosh Varshney Gives a Warning - Democracy Paradox
Please feel free to add your favorite readings of the month in the comments so others can benefit as well. Let me know your thoughts including what was interesting/useful for you.
Your deep dive into the situation in Gaza, juxtaposed with issues ranging from technology's role in our lives to health tips and cultural observations, was particularly striking. You have managed to not only highlight the gravity of the conflict but also the broader implications of global solidarity and the power of advocacy, especially from communities with shared experiences of oppression. This nuanced take enriches the conversation, urging readers to consider the interconnectedness of global and personal issues. Your call for awareness and action in such a complex context is commendable, offering a pathway for informed engagement and support.
A poignant reflection on the human tragedy and hope, particularly resonant with the situation in Gaza, can be found in the works of the renowned Urdu poet Faiz Ahmed Faiz. His poetry, such as the famous 'Hum dekhenge', often delves into themes of oppression, struggle for freedom, the enduring spirit of hope amidst despair and the universal desire for justice and peace. I recently came across this poetry 'Chand roz aur meri jaan':
چند روز اور مری جان فقط چند ہی روز
ظلم کی چھاؤں میں دم لینے پہ مجبور ہیں ہم
اور کچھ دیر ستم سہہ لیں تڑپ لیں رو لیں
اپنے اجداد کی میراث ہے معذور ہیں ہم
جسم پر قید ہے جذبات پہ زنجیریں ہیں
فکر محبوس ہے گفتار پہ تعزیریں ہیں
اپنی ہمت ہے کہ ہم پھر بھی جیے جاتے ہیں
زندگی کیا کسی مفلس کی قبا ہے جس میں
ہر گھڑی درد کے پیوند لگے جاتے ہیں
لیکن اب ظلم کی میعاد کے دن تھوڑے ہیں
اک ذرا صبر کہ فریاد کے دن تھوڑے ہیں
عرصۂ دہر کی جھلسی ہوئی ویرانی میں
ہم کو رہنا ہے پہ یوں ہی تو نہیں رہنا ہے
اجنبی ہاتھوں کا بے نام گراں بار ستم
آج سہنا ہے ہمیشہ تو نہیں سہنا ہے
یہ ترے حسن سے لپٹی ہوئی آلام کی گرد
اپنی دو روزہ جوانی کی شکستوں کا شمار
چاندنی راتوں کا بے کار دہکتا ہوا درد
دل کی بے سود تڑپ جسم کی مایوس پکار
چند روز اور مری جان فقط چند ہی روز
In this poetry Faiz elegantly captures the essence of resilience and hope amidst oppression. He reflects on the brief yet significant moments of endurance against tyranny, emphasizing the inherited struggle and the constraints placed on body, emotions, and speech. Despite the pervasive despair, Faiz highlights the human spirit's strength to live through adversity, likening life to a pauper's cloak stitched with moments of pain. He offers a reminder that the days of oppression are numbered, urging patience as the time for outcry draws near, painting a picture of temporary suffering against the backdrop of life's enduring struggles. This poem is a testament to the power of hope and the inevitability of change.
Since you invited readers to share and contribute impactful readings, here are a few topics I find pertinent and thought-provoking:
The Fentanyl Crisis: The recent declaration of a state of emergency in Portland due to the fentanyl crisis serves as a crucial wakeup call for communities nationwide. The escalating overdose deaths underscore the urgent need for comprehensive public health strategies and community-based interventions. This tragedy highlights the importance of nationwide solidarity and action to address the opioid epidemic, underscoring the need for a collaborative approach to combat this public health crisis effectively. (https://www.cnn.com/2024/01/31/us/fentanyl-crisis-portland-state-of-emergency/index.html)
The Boeing Oversight: A whistleblower's revelations about Boeing's production line defects, including uninstalled bolts on the Max 9, underscore the paramount importance of oversight, discipline, and quality control in the aircraft manufacturing industry. Such incidents not only endanger lives but also erode public trust in aviation safety standards. This situation demands stringent regulatory oversight and a culture of transparency and accountability within the industry. (https://viewfromthewing.com/boeing-whistleblower-production-line-has-enormous-volume-of-defects-bolts-on-max-9-werent-installed/)
Common Personal Law in India: The Indian government's move to implement common personal laws, ostensibly to appease the Hindu majority, highlights the dangers of marginalizing minority communities through brute force. Such policies not only exacerbate social divisions but also undermine the very fabric of India's pluralistic society. This approach, aimed at electoral advantage, risks long-term damage to India's democratic principles and its commitment to equality and justice for all its citizens. (https://news.yahoo.com/modis-party-set-bring-contentious-073322366.html)