Wisdom

From transcript of Barack Hussein Obama's speech "A New Beginning."

All of us share this world for but a brief moment in time. The question is whether we spend that time focused on what pushes us apart, or whether we commit ourselves to an effort -- a sustained effort -- to find common ground, to focus on the future we seek for our children, and to respect the dignity of all human beings.

It's easier to start wars than to end them. It's easier to blame others than to look inward. It's easier to see what is different about someone than to find the things we share. But we should choose the right path, not just the easy path. There's one rule that lies at the heart of every religion -- that we do unto others as we would have them do unto us. (Applause.)

This truth transcends nations and peoples -- a belief that isn't new; that isn't black or white or brown; that isn't Christian or Muslim or Jew. It's a belief that pulsed in the cradle of civilization, and that still beats in the hearts of billions around the world. It's a faith in other people, and it's what brought me here today.

We have the power to make the world we seek, but only if we have the courage to make a new beginning, keeping in mind what has been written.

The Holy Koran tells us: "O mankind! We have created you male and a female; and we have made you into nations and tribes so that you may know one another."

The Talmud tells us: "The whole of the Torah is for the purpose of promoting peace."

The Holy Bible tells us: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of
God." (Applause.)

The people of the world can live together in peace. We know that is God's vision. Now
that must be our work here on Earth.

Thank you. And may God's peace be upon you. Thank you very much. Thank you.
(Applause.)

The Pompass Ass Chainsaw Massacre

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Originally uploaded by Three Seas

After 5 years of living with this ginourmous, ugly Pompass Grass near the driveway, it's gone! It took a pickup truck and chain to pull it out of the ground, then a few hours of chainsawing by yours truly to get it stuffed into the yard waste bags. I now have a decent sized, sunny area to plant veggies. The first went in this last weekend: spinach, tomatoes, kale, and basil. More photos--and perhaps an explanation of how the "Grass" became known as "Ass"--soon.

Seattle by iPhone

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Originally uploaded by Three Seas

My mom has been visitng since 19 May. She's taken some wonderful photos with her iPhone.