What national or world event has inspired you most in 2006?

[david uk]

(please feel free to move this to the zoo if you think apporpriate).

As 2006 comes to an end it's easy to remember everything bad that happened in the year, and heaven knows there was plenty of bad stuff.

But there were also good things that happened, so I wanted to ask everyone:

If you had to name one event in the world that inspired you or gave you hope in 2006, what would it be? It doesn't matter whether it's a world event, or one in your country, your town or community.

As for me, I would say that South Africa's decision to legalise same-sex marriage, making it the first country in the African continent to do so, was a landmark decision. It is great to see an African nation leading the way for once and making positive news :) :)

[amelio747]

Wow I didn't know that David - ok my friend now informs me of this too! This is so radical and before I could never imagined this in million (well a thousand say) years! I will try to think of something inspiring from this year too. Though, this is hard to do after seeing every newspaper this morning showing Saddam Housain just about to be hung. Ok he's not a nice guy, but how distasteful.

[saxman]

i have to say it was Janis at Mcabes in Santa Monica Calif . Made me Play my sax more.

[Eva]

I am still thinking David... If I think about what the news shows us, so many bad things happened in the world and much less good and inspiring things.

Maybe I should think smaller. Like the fact that all the babies that were born in 2006 and 2005 around me are growing up happily and that they are healthy. And that my parents are alive and relatively well (compared to their age and some physical things)
Like the fact that I am not depressed for a while now. It has been the longest period since my early teens that I am not depressed somehow. I can hardly believe it. When someone asks me how I am, every time I have to think about it and come to the wonderous conclusion that yes, I am well. It's amazing.

To be honest, those 'smaller' things are even more important to me.

Eva

[Dee]

If you had to name one event in the world that inspired you or gave you hope in 2006, what would it be?

Looking back on world events, I cannot name just one event David, because I honestly can't name any! "The world" as a whole is a major disappointment to me. I seldom if ever find it inspiring, and I don't find much hope in it (or for it at this stage). Guess I need to lower my expectations huh?

This is why I focus on friends in my own small world, David. It’s an exceedingly better place to live. Otherwise, life would seem totally pointless and completely unbearable!

[david uk]

nice answers, eva and dee :)

[Mieke]

If you had to name one event in the world that inspired you or gave you hope in 2006, what would it be? It doesn't matter whether it's a world event, or one in your country, your town or community.

The one event that has inspired me the most was a horrible event.
But it has truly inspired me to become active and try to help.
It was just a little story in most newspapers probably:
the murder of Safia Ahmed-jan (or: Safia Amajan) in Afghanistan last September.
She was a very courageous woman who lived in Kandahar Afghanistan and refused to flee during the Taliban regime. She led secret schools where she taught girls (who weren't allowed to go to school) and when the Taliban fell, she became provincial director of women's affairs in the Province of Kandahar.

She started public schools for women where women would learn things like cooking, sewing, making clothes etc, and she'd help these women to sell their products on the markets.
These schools (6 of them) were a major success and thousands of women attended them.
She was 65 and a very courageous lady who refused to wear the "Burkha" and would still do her own shopping, despite the threats against her life.
She also had a severely handicapped husband of whom she took care as the sole provider of the family.
That last part just again stresses the tragedy of a regime which forbids women to work, even when they have to provide for their families.

Anyway: here you can see some pictures of her:
http://ericaisaac.blogspot.com/2006/10/millions-of-people-like-her.html

She was brutally murdered by the Taliban last September in front of her own house. As they usually target women and men who try to give education to women.

This story inspired me more then any other story. If these women are so courageous that they continue to fight for the right of education and even normal things to us like going outside etc, they deserve our support I think.

UNICEF started a special program where you can donate money for this purpose: to help girls go to school in Afghanistan.
Every dollar is used to buy fundamental stuff kids need at school.
http://www.unicef.nl/unicef/show/id=96595/sc=459711

You can also donate money directly to the Afghan women's network:
http://www.afghanwomensnetwork.org/index.php?q=node/

Anyway: I dont know why this story of all touches me so deeply, I think it was after seeing the pictures of this kind old lady, and to think some would be so cowardice to just murder people like that.:mad:
I cant change the world, but this is some concrete thing I feel I can help some to support women who just want things that are so normal to us.

[Darlene]

I can't think any one one thing.
But but I have noticed that the world is changing. People are more excepting of people who " those that march to that different drummer".
In my lifetime I have seen a lot of changes. In my class in high school there were African Americans who had to got segregated schools until the fourth grade. I saw "whites only" laundry mats I thought you could only wash white clothes, I couldn't understand why mother washed colored clothes there. The African Americans had to go in to a separate door than the whites at he movie theater. No sexual behavior between whites and African Americans that was really trashy. Forget about same sex partners. That was only done by well only.... they chose not to believe that it was possible.
But I have been watching people lately (something I do quite a lot) and the changes are beautiful. Some people will stop and stare at African American and white couples or seem grossed out by same sex couples. But I am surprised at how many people don't even pay attention or they glance and go on there way.
So if I have to pick one thing that changed in the world is that the world has made great advances in their acceptance of those "who march to that different drummer"

[Eva]

Mieke, what a couragous woman. Yes, she surely gives hope to the world. No matter what horrible things this regime will do to stop people like her. There will always be people like Safia Amajan.

Eva

[DaveM]

I find "the world" at large increasingly overwhelming and far beyond the ability of any individual (my opinion) to "intervene" in my own way.

So, apart from a general desire to stay informed, I limit my consideration to "my world", that is to say myself and a carefully selected group of friends. The rest are free to do as they wish. I owe nothing to them and they owe nothing to me. I mind my own business, harm no one, and in return ask only to be granted the same consideration.

Sadly, in today's world this is too much to ask on several accounts.

[RedjackRyan]

As with many of you, i find the world as a whole a mighty depressing place. I try to focus on those close to me. To that end 2006 brought me friendship with several overseas Rudies (Including one crazy icelander who keeps trying to kill me with schnapps.. Just you wait! I will find something equally interesting to share with you!) I made some positive changes in my own life and decided to ..as mixty puts it, not pet the sweaty things. Life is far too short for dealing with those who only seek to bring you down and make you as miserable as they are. Whether by action or word, I simply won't deal with it any more.

[Randy & Betty in Pa]

Good morning to you all...

I do wish I could magically pull some happy event out of the air for the most inspiring event of 2006 but unfortunately I can't. I can think of no inspirational event of a positive nature that can top those negative things that are happening around us in the United States... Though hurricane Katrina was in 2005, the response , or lack of response for the most part took place this year...

The hurricane hit, devasting much of the gulf coast... Our government springs into action promising to take whatever steps needed to support the region and citizens... The President gets his photo op....He will spend as much as it takes.... Fema blocks Walmart trucks from delivering FREE life saving supplies... People die.... The Mexican National Guard has troops in New Orleans faster then we do... Our politicians squabble, bicker and pee on bushes... Halliburten satelite companies get the big "no bid" contracts.... The minimum wage is suspended for the local residents that lost everything...George Bush vacations.... The Insurance companies fail to make good on their policies.... Bush Sr. and Clinton raise millions of dollars and suddenly the sports facility is open for business.... But the nineth Ward is still in ruins... Peoples property is being foreclosed on because their job was washed out to sea or blown away.... They have to work for sub-minimum wage standards while the big money goes to major corporations... Yes our government is wasting BILLIONS on a war of conquest which we will lose in Iraq... All at the expense of our promised freedoms, soldiers lives and dollars...Habias corpus is suspended...

I'm so thankful for the many positive things that did impact out lives... So many concerts and meeting so many rudies.... Friends and family.... Yes even GISLI & REDJACK...

At least I see a ray of hope for the future unless of course the politicians get busy and do more of the same that they've been doing.... We had an election that I do hope BOTH parties learned a valuable lesson from...

MEANWHILE Bush wants to send another 20,000 plus troops into Iraq... He has a name for it but it does remind me much of "stay the course" mentality...

BRING OUR TROOPS HOME NOW... Americans soldiers should NOT be expected to die for politics or politicians...

Prayers and best wishes to all

R. from Pa

[aabram]

David, the one event in 2006 which inspired me wasn't on any news or anything else other than the simple act of finding Advocates for Animals. I did more for myself that way than anything else I've ever done. The event of stopping eating meat wasn't taken lightly, but that's done more for me, my weight and my health than any one single news event ever will. To be part of that organisation is definitely the most inspiring act and I stil continue to learn every time I go in. Love Annabel x

[DaveM]

Cap'n, there are a number of Do It Yourself Absinthe kits available online--it's illegal to import or sell the stuff in the United States, but there is no law against making your own. Surely that would be a suitable response to that Icelandic antifreeze, which actually shares some of the same ingredients.

One of the absinthe sites also has a recipe for "Potka"--will leave the ingredients to your imagination.

[RedjackRyan]

Well gee Dave, thanks for the information..but I thought we were friends?? Now i see that you too are tryin to do yer beloved cap'n in :D

Were it not for the taste of that licorice flavored stuff, i'd be in heaven as it does indeed pack a serious wallop.. Just never been too fond of licorice. Fortunately, after three shots, one doesn't much care what it tastes like.

[DaveM]

Sounds much like what my brother said about Japanese sake`--"it tastes better after the third glass or so".

Apparently the alleged toxicity of absinthe has been blown way out of proportion, though I wouldn't advise the consumption of large amounts of it (or any distilled beverage, of course). One can buy it most parts of Europe, and while it is illegal to manufacture the stuff in the United States, pure wormwood extract (the flavoring component which is indeed toxic in large doses) has been used as an herbal medicinal for centuries and can be legally purchased at your local health food.

As the name would suggest, wormwood has traditionally been administered to get rid of worms. Perhaps we could paint the pirate ship with it?

"Potka" apparently has no major health risks, apart from the possibility of arrest.

[Bat]

Back on topic, I think the legalizing of Gay Marriage in Spain was equally astounding as the South African...a basically predominately Catholic country!
DaveM, one person can indeed make a difference if even in one's own sphere.
Our Subway Hero has proven that! (but that was this year, not last.)

Probably the most inspiring thing was the coming together of the country to oust some of the most egregious Senators and Representatives...there were inevitably some babies thrown out with the bathwater (there are some good Conservatives out there, but they were effectively silenced by the last bunch. Let us hope the people will have a voice in this Congress, not just those with money and great business affiliations.

I have great hope that the best news of this new year will be the end of the war in Iraq, Paul's family staying safe, and the impeachment of the worst excuse of a president this country has ever suffered through...and there have indeed been some bad ones in the past. I hope they stuff this guy in a cell! Probably won't happen, but wishful thinking doesn't hurt. Better than assassination! Better than he have been shot, remember.
Rant over...just hoping for a not-so-bleak new year.

Oh, yeah....another good thing...A Woman as Speaker of the House!

[hoops]

i, too, must go for the not so earthshattering events in life...such as meeting Janis Ian, meeting a boat load of rudies while attening my very first Janis Ian show and meeting Diane
peace
hoops

[DaveM]

I hope for the same, Bat. At the same time I am cynical enough to wonder what we will do when the end of the "revolution at the ballot box" this past November leads only to more business as usual. Indeed, if it does not, I will be astonished. However, I WILL celebrate!

[Bat]

Yeah, Dave...I think hope triumphs over cynicism at this moment in time.
Hopefully it will be warrented. At least, in their first day in session, the House has passed an ethics bill and an anti-lobbying bill in a bilateral acceptance vote. I'll be interested in seeing if it gets through the Senate and onto the Royal Desk...
Well, anyway, they're off to a good start. Hope Mama Pelosi will live up to her good press. I like her so far.

[DaveM]

Fingers crossed....

[gisli]

Remember the shooting in an Amish school????

Some students where killed.

Remember the reaction of the Amish people??? They turned theyre anger into forgiveness instead of hate and driven by the power of love suported the family of the shooter........

Is there any sacrifise or kindness greater than that?????

[Randy & Betty in Pa]

Is there any sacrifise or kindness greater than that?????

The Amish are a wonderful and amazing people! Armed only with wit, love and respect yet lead by example... Now if only we had an Amish President...

Best

R. from pa

[Eva]

Gísli, I don't think I could do what those Amish people did. To be honest, I am not even sure if I would want to.

Eva