Changing His Mind
While reading the letter titled “Dale Nails it “ (MJ #22/31), I felt compelled to share the following with Dale Lowdermilk, the letter writer: I commend you, Dale, on your “dream” for a gun-free world, but... even if this “dream” would come true, you would still be left with your own fear-based individual mind that is generating continual thoughts of threat and persecution. In other words, you could be living in, say, heaven on earth, (which you are), and still feel that: “if only things were different ‘out there’, I would be at peace, and happy”, right? You could be living in a quasi-utopia, (quasi because no perfection can exist in this, our reality, where the only constant is change). And still you would find fault in the world you live in. What I’m trying to express is the fact that the only permanent change you can bring about, is not “outside” your body-encapsulated mind, but, inside your mind. You can live a perfect in-ner world of peace and fulfillment, regardless of all the violence occurring out there. It is our common human experience that we solve one problem, and one or more arises to take its place. We never find ourselves in a space where we have zero problems, right? You cannot control or restrict the stream of thoughts that are inevitably and endlessly appearing on the screen of your mind, but you can control your response to them, once they appear. In other words: nothing “out there” has more of a capacity to hurt you than your own incessant stream of fear-based-thinking. Why not, instead of asking “Hollywood to take responsibility for brainwashing thousands of fans...”, you yourself, Dale, take personal responsibility for listening to, and agreeing with, all your thoughts regarding violence in the world? You are making yourself fear-sick by not addressing and reasoning-through all your fears. You are too quick to point the finger and accuse your siblings, working in the entertainment business, of the “glorification of violence, victory, heroism,” and even say they are just as “guilty” as “big” (and bad?) successful companies. How about if you point this “all their fault” condemning finger of yours at yourself, and change the only thing you can truly change in this world: your own mind. Change your own mind’s “gun culture (obsession) madness” first, before you ask someone else to do so. Anita (last name withheld) Montecito (Mr. Lowdermilk responds: I greatly appreciate Anonymous Anita’s comments and concerns, and I respect her credentials 18 – 25 August 2016
Butterfly Beach, midweek, mid-August, the ocean as calm as a lake (photo by Dan Seibert)
as a “scientist.” I’m also very curious to know whether she supports the “manmade global-warming theory” or if she believes that nature is at fault. I promise not to attack Anita personally for her opinion and/or comments the way many politically correct scientists treated physicists Dr. Valentian Zharkova at the National Astronomy Meeting in Llandudno, Wales, on July 9. Dr. Zharkova had the audacity to propose that global warming was caused by solar activity. She, along with about 31,000 other “wacko” scientists agreed with author Michael Crichton that natural forces (volcanoes, weather, earthquakes, et cetera) cannot be controlled by man. My body feels much better after receiving Anita’s telepathic psychoanalysis, diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic harmonic-convergence healing vibrations. I hope she accepts PayPal or takes credit cards. – Dale Lowdermilk, member, Vast Right Wing Conspiracy, Santa Barbara Chapter)
Jerry Eibert Santa Barbara (Editor’s note: We share your pain, Mr. Eibert, but we continue to believe Donald Trump is the better choice. – J.B.)
No Doom and Gloom Here
The shoe was Sharon’s (she had it fabricated) and Philip’s thought to celebrate his wife’s shoe fetish on her 70th birthday. Please note my seatmate, that day’s model. Philip Smith Carpinteria
After reading Ernie Salomon’s letter (“He’s Had It” MJ #22/32), I couldn’t argue about the many issues facing us and his concerns are the concerns of millions. I just found it ironic that on the same day I read his letter, I also drove by Butterfly Beach, got out, and took this photo. Life here seems far removed from his laundry list of doom and gloom. Dan Seibert Santa Barbara (Editor’s note: Wow, every time I drive to Butterfly Beach to meditate to the sounds of the ocean, parking has been hard to come by, but you seem to have found the Optimal Interval. – J.B.)
Contemplating Clintrump
Zen Master: “What is the sound of one hand clapping?” Apprentice: “I know! It’s an internal feeling of futility from a void of choice. Instead of an outward joy from expectation, people feel inside a sour noise... clintrump.”
If the Shoe Fits
See You at the Zoo
As a board member for the Santa Barbara Zoo, I want to share this great opportunity with your readers: The Santa Barbara Zoo is raffling off an incredible seven-night, AMA Waterways European wine cruise for two people (valued at $7,500)! Yes, it’s a cruise with AmaWaterways, showcasing the acclaimed wine regions along Europe’s Danube, Mosel, Rhine, Rhone, or Seine Rivers. These unique sailings are hosted by top wine experts and feature complimentary lectures, wine tastings, exquisite cuisine with paired wines, and excursions to historic vineyards and wine cellars. Learn about centuries-old wine traditions, sample oneof-a-kind vintages, and enjoy private
If it doesn’t matter who wins or loses, why do they keep score? – Vince Lombardi
wine-themed excursions (all courtesy of Robertson International Travel Consultants & AMA Waterways – www.amawaterways.com). Here are the details to enter the raffle: • Tickets are on sale now through Saturday, August 27 (the winner will be drawn at this year’s Zoofari Ball, one need not be present to win); • Tickets are $100 each; • Only 200 tickets will be sold; • To purchase, call (805) 962-5339 I am passionate about animals, conservation, and our community, and that’s why it is such an honor to serve on the Santa Barbara Zoo Board of Directors. I support this organization, because I know the role that the zoo takes in connecting people with animals and nature is truly meaningful for so many individuals and families (including mine). All proceeds from the raffle will go to support the animals at the
zoo and beyond. Brian Robertson Carpinteria
Summer Reading
While at the Polo Club a few weeks back, I sat near a family with a little girl. When the faux-rubber polo balls were tossed into the stands, the young gal caught one and presented it to her mother, who said, “See what you get if you read?” Curious, I asked if they came to the matches often, and mom replied, “Nope, first time; she won the tickets,” gesturing to her daughter. “How?” I inquired. “The Library’s Summer Reading program,” mom answered. Turns out, our Montecito Village library, along with all the other libraries countywide, offer prizes for completion of their Summer Reading program. What a great idea. And with rewards at every turn of the page! To find out more, visit your local library. Michael Edwards Montecito •MJ MONTECITO JOURNAL
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