Changing views in a changing world

Recently, on a trip to a neighbouring country, I had an interesting experience...

I was going along the highway when I was pulled over by a police road block. They checked my car license plate number against a list and waved me aside, claiming that I was speeding...

That's interesting.

Why? Because I was stuck behind a slow-moving Toyota Vios for a couple of kilometres and was growing impatient trying to find a chance to overtake him. How to break the speed limit when I cannot?

Anyway, the "upholder of law and justice" started out by asking for my driver's licence and telling me that I have broken the speed limit. Then he began to expound on the difficulties and inconvenience of paying the $300 fine.

"Issue me the summon", I said. I can see his eyes pop out of the sockets when I said that...

I can see that he was reluctant as he started to fiddle with my traffic ticket. Then he asked for $50. At this point, I gave him the money and he let me continue my journey without further troubles.

So what is the difference? Ahh...I believe the difference in the intent of the act is largely dependent on the time during which the money was handed over.

When he stopped me and claimed that I was breaking the law, to hand over money at this juncture is considered bribery. What is bribery?

bribe
noun
1. payment made to a person in a position of trust to corrupt his judgment

So if I paid him money so that he does not fine me for speeding, I am guilty of bribery (which is against my religious beliefs). That is why I asked him to issue the summon if I am guilty. Which he cannot...

Then why pass him the money later?

Well, when he could not issue the summon (obviously because I was NOT speeding), he resorted to asking for money. This is not bribery as no justice is being perverted. This is greed.

greed
noun
1. excessive desire to acquire or possess more (especially more material wealth) than one needs or deserves

So when I gave him the $50, it is catering to his greed, which is not against my religious beliefs. At the same time, it 'greased" his hand to stop hindering my journey.

There was a time when I could not agree with this myself, but after travelling a little, I began to modify my world view and perceptions.

Most importantly, I broke no law, natural or spiritual.

Agree with my point of view? Its ok...to each his own.........

Selah............

Religion...Real or Illusionary?

All my life, I have heard religious and anti-religious statements being made.

Karl Marx made this statement, "Religion is the opium of the masses". According to him, religion is the sigh of the oppressed creature, the heart of a heartless world, and the soul of soulless conditions and thus the abolition of religion as the illusory happiness of the people is the demand for their real happiness.

What a statement...

http://www.awitness.org/news/november_2001/opiate_religion_marx.html

Well, I read an paper publishing the results of a study on how religion affects the disadvantaged.

The study was done over 15 years, tracing the outcome in life for the children of people who are disadvantaged (single parent, low or no income, bad neighbourhood, parents with low or no education, etc).

Results? There were many factors that occured but did not have an impact on the outcome of the children's life but interestingly, they found that the children of parent(s) who attended church (protestant or otherwisee) at least 3 out of 4 times a month did significantly better in life. They were more highly educated, earned more per annum, were healthier and had better relationships in life.

So religion does have a positive impact on the lives of the people...or is Karl Marx still right about it being illusionary?

A really really smart man once said, "There is life and death...Choose life." That, my friends, is good advice....

Pondering (again)...

Glock 37...the real stuff

Finally got a chance to try the renowned Austrian-made Glock pistol a few weeks ago whilst overseas... See the website for more specs.

http://www.handgunsmag.com/featured_handguns/glock37_0305/

It lived up to its reputation. The pistol was light, easy to hold and the recoil came as a surprise as I was expecting a bigger kick from a .45 firearm. Now I understand why the Special forces liked it. Its so easy to "double-tap".

One my 1st try at the range, I fired 10 shots. 3 were out, 4 hit the target and 3 hit the bullseye. Not bad for a first-timer huh?

For all the gun lovers out there, try it out the Glock 37 the next time you are overseas and have a chance to go to a shooting range (licensed one please)... You will love the experience.

Musing over other (more peaceful) stuff....