Welcome to the new and improved THE CITIZEN newsletter. As promised, we have taken 'the plunge' into the electronic medium of the Internet, that great web of information. Beginning this month, we shall publish monthly rather than quarterly issues, tackling varied concerns and issues pertinent to our times.
Take the time to explore our WEB site. As you arrive at our HOME page you see a 'stick figure', with seemingly arms raised, not in alarm, but rather in joy and exuberance. This figure is symbolic of the citizen, not the common and ordinary—but an ideal citizen. The ideal citizen, not as absolute, and static person, not degenerating but instead, one that is evolving.
We are all surrounded by a world that seems to be mired in wars, corruption, and disillusion… don’t we, as fellow citizens deserve a better society, a better world for our children and the children of tomorrow ? A world not imbued in poverty, violence, fear, hatred, ignorance and injustice but instead a world freed from such chains. When I was a young university student, I was faced with a question by one of my professors, regarding the nature of man that I still struggle with—is man a savage or a noble being ? Years later, as I observe the developments of what has become and is becoming history, that same question haunts mankind, I think. The genocide in Rwanda, in Serbia, in Sierra Leone, and lately in the Sudan foreshadows that question. Events in our own nation such as the 9-11 tragedy, and the response by the current administration which espouses violence, the use of preemptive war, curtailing of civil liberties, the development of assassination as an acceptable and viable tool of foreign policy, all accentuate for me that perennial question regarding the nature of man.
Perhaps I am simplistic in my views or idealistic, or just perhaps an eternal optimist—but I choose to join the company of Rousseau, and Maslow but also Viktor Frankl. I choose to think and believe, that man is capable of great accomplishments and deeds, as the Psychologist Maslow theorized; mankind is capable of self-actualizing, if given the proper environment and development. Self-actualization cannot happen amid rampant poverty, amid gross injustice, be it economic or civil. All citizens deserve to be treated in egalitarian terms, with the same rights and opportunities. In short we all deserve a society that is democratic, not in name, but in deeds. But such a society is not just American, it is a world society, you see. So the ‘stick figure’, on our front page is representative of that kind of individual-- who amid the strife of this world, yearns for and fights for, in words and with nonviolent deeds, for a better society, for a better world.
Another page on our site presents thoughts of INSPIRATION, revolving around themes like democracy, liberty, tyranny and other themes to come. The thoughts expressed, are brief quotes or excerpts from philosophers, theologians, writers, and other noteworthy persons. We title this page INSPIRATION, because amid the disillusionment in our present society, what we lack most is the path to a better world, we lack hope, we lack Heroes to be emulated; like Albert Schweitzer, Eleanor Roosevelt, Thomas Paine and others. It is hoped that whenever your soul feels empty, whenever you feel overwhelmed by the darkness of the times, whenever you yearn to be refreshed by ideas of hope, or provoked by thoughts and questions worth considering, that you log on, and consult this page of ours called INSPIRATION.
Our monthly newsletter is presented on another page and as usual, will cover a myriad of issues.
The ARCHIVES page retains all our previous newsletter issues, as well as image files and essays.
The BOOKS page lists a recommended reading list, composed and suggested by our Editor. Brief reviews are listed as well as other detailed information.
The LINKS page, cites references to sites not affiliated with our organization. Sites are grouped according to topic such as; Alternative News, Opinion, Activism, etc.
We give prominence to a COUNSELING page, referencing links to organizations, and entities that provide counseling and treatment, because we firmly believe that one of the greatest afflictions that citizens face is addiction. Our nation is faced by a plague that must be battled by each of us in some manner. Whether the addiction is narcotics, or alcohol, it needs to be overcome. Other sites tied to some form of violence, warranting counseling support will also be listed.
In conclusion, we hope that our site becomes one of your favorite destinations on the WEB, whether as a source of discussion, inspiration, or as a bridge to other WEB pages referenced by us.
Feel free to send your comments, suggestions or articles for publication. We challenge you to join us in the mission for Peace and a better world, through reason and dialogue.
V.S.