Madman within

The only thing that is preventing me from owning a gun is knowing that I will one day use it.

You thought Pol Pot was bad? You thought Saddam Hussein was merciless?

Then, give me power and I’ll make half the world disappear.

The most beautiful anthems will be written in my honor.

Roads, rivers and airports will be named after me.

I could be your best friend, if you let me.

I’ll make it all better; I’ll set you free; I’ll promise you the world.

Well, half of what’s left of it, anyway.

“If you have selfish, ignorant citizens, you’re gonna have selfish, ignorant leaders” – RIP, Brotha G.C.

George Carlin educated me on the Reagan era and hypocrisy (when no one else would):

George Carlin made me question why I think my vote counts (2000 & 2004 elections, anyone?):

George Carlin was a uniquely American cynic with a completely Universal heart:

You didn’t think I would find out?

You don’t want me to think about the past…but, funny thing is, the past won’t let go of me until I look, until I watch and until I either beg for it to stop or beg for even more.

The war inside me is a house-to-house firefight with an indefinite outcome. I don’t know who I’m shooting at and I can’t believe that they would ever want to shoot at me. I’m the good guy. But, they don’t know that. And, I can’t say for certain that they’re the bad ones.

All I know is that I got the order to shoot and I don’t have much time. On this earth, in this place, on your mind.

Have I got a story to tell you, son. I’m gonna show you that the past does not stay where it is. It doesn’t belong back there; it belongs up here where we can detail it, examine it and then release it into the wild.

Writing Campaign for Open Records Movement

Gershom over at Without A Tribe tipped me off to a worthwhile effort in support of the civil rights of adoptees in the US:

Every Friday (7 in total) from now until the protest – July 22, 2008 - protestors, and supporters of adoptees and our civil rights, will be sending letters to their state representatives. Our mission is to inform the legislators about the issues surrounding Adoptee Rights and unconditional access to our records as well as informing them of our appearance in New Orleans this July. Join us! 

Also, Gershom is providing updates to the Adoptee Rights Demonstration to be held in New Orleans on July 22nd. You can read the latest one HERE.

Personal video from an Australian Vietnamese adoptee

Jen Fitzpatrick talks a little about her life as a  Vietnamese adoptee in Australia.

Asian Adult Adoptee Gathering & Film Festival, October 11-13, 2008

From October 11-13, the Korean Adoptees of Hawai’i (KAHI) are hosting the Asian Adult Adoptee Gathering & Film Festival in Honolulu.

I’ve already registered and can’t wait to go!

Below is a note from Ji In Lugtu, Vice President & Co-Founder of KAHI, and blogger extraordinaire at sixth sister:

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All transnational and domestic adult adoptees (age 18+) of Asian and mixed Asian heritage are invited to attend this international event – the first of its kind to be hosted in Hawai’i. Enjoy food, films, friends, sun, sand, surf and the aloha spirit on the island of O’ahu.

Online registration for the Asian Adult Adoptee Gathering & Film Festival will begin this Saturday, May 31, at http://www.kahawaii.org/mini08/registration.html.

Register EARLY, from May 31 – June 15, to take advantage of the discounted registration fee of $75 (US dollars). General registration will be available from June 16 – August 10 for $90. Late registration, from August 11 – October 1, will be at an increased rate of $125.

Registration for the Asian Adult Adoptee Gathering will cover materials, the Aloha Dinner on Friday, film festival tickets and transportation between the Hawaii Prince Hotel and theater on Saturday, Sunday’s breakfast and conference sessions.

Optional add-ons include cultural and recreational tours and activities, souvenir T-shirt, and a Sunday evening gala luau (including food, drinks, entertainment and transportation).

Guests of adoptee attendees may also register for the entire event, or for the film festival only, plus optional cultural and recreational tours and activities.

Payment will be available by PayPal (credit card or bank transfer), or by mail (check or money order).

For complete information about the Asian Adult Adoptee Gathering and the inaugural Asian Adoptee Film Festival, showcasing the artistry and expression of Asian adoptee filmmakers – and to register starting May 31 – visit http://www.KAHawaii.org/mini08/.

OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS:

* DISCOUNTED HOTEL RATES at the Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki

The Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki, a luxury oceanfront hotel ideally situated at the gateway to Waikiki and diagonally across the boulevard from world-class shopping at Ala Moana Center, will serve as the official hotel for the Asian Adult Adoptee Gathering. Why stay at the Hawaii Prince Hotel? Registration, some meals, conference sessions, and transportation to/from the film festival and other activities will all be provided here. Transportation to/from other locations will not be provided.

A specially discounted rate of $155 USD (plus taxes) per room per night has been arranged for Asian Adult Adoptee Gathering participants. This rate – a generous reduction from the regular rack rate of $425 – is available for room check-ins starting Sunday, October 5, through the check-out date of Saturday, October 18. All guest rooms have ocean views and many amenities.

For reservation information and complete hotel details, including golf club discount, parking rates, spa/salon info, cancellation policy and more, please visit our website: http://www.kahawaii.org/mini08/hotel.html

* CAR RENTAL DISCOUNTS
Visit our website at http://www.kahawaii.org/mini08/travel.html to view an overview of the available discounted vehicle rental rates provided by Hertz.

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We look forward to welcoming you to Hawai’i this October! Please view our website for complete details about the Asian Adult Adoptee Gathering & Film Festival: http://www.KAHawaii.org/mini08/

E-mail us at info@KAHawaii.org with your questions or comments.

Mahalo!

the shadows of winter
deer tracks up to the window and
then a sprint back to the woods