1. Activist Feedback
Rick Hershey writes:
I handed out 1650 CVA booklets to a friendly crowd of
mostly kids at Cadence Bank Arena in Tupelo, Kansas in cold weather. The
crowd was much smaller than last year here, but last year it was on the
weekend.
[Later] I handed out 3750 CVA booklets at Simmons Bank Arena in North Little
Rock in pleasant weather today for Winter Jam.
[Comment: Pretty amazing. -SK]
2. Toward the Beloved Community: Challenges of Contemporary Society, Part 2
Last time, we noted how social media can promote values that undermine
efforts to create the Beloved Community. Another difficulty is that there is
widespread cognitive impairment by prescribed and unprescribed drugs. Humans
have sought mind-altering drugs since the beginning of recorded time, but
their use was largely restricted to communal religious events in which they
facilitated a sense of connection to the divine. Modern drug use seems
largely oriented toward soothing minds stressed by work, relationships, and
existential crises.
A difficulty is that human psychology and physiology, which has changed
little in the tens of thousands of years since humans lived exclusively on
the savannas of Africa, is ill-equipped for modern living. Widespread
anxiety, stress, and depression has prompted the use of drugs. About 1 in 6
Americans are taking psychiatric medications, with the most popular
including Celexa, Lexapro, Prozac, Paxil, and Wellbutrin. All these
medications influence mood and thinking and have a wide range of other
physical and psychological effects.
The book Anatomy of an Epidemic by Robert Whitaker details the massive
increase in use of psychiatric medications among children, particularly
central nervous system stimulants (such as Ritalin and Adderall) and
anti-depressants. These medications have profound effects on developing
brains. Perhaps my difficulty understanding the thinking of many Generation
Z people reflects my age, but perhaps it is due to significant differences
in brain development.
A key component of living in the Beloved Community is mindfulness, which
promotes empathy and alerts us to the needs and desires of other community
members. Mind-altering drugs tend to reduce mindfulness. The decision to use
mind-altering drugs relates to difficulties coping with modern living. How
can we find peace of mind, which is helpful in generating the Beloved
Community, without mind-altering drugs? Perhaps ancient wisdom, as manifest
in the teachings and ministry of Jesus, can help show the way. I will
consider this next.
Stephen R. Kaufman, MD
3. From All-Creatures.Org Ministry
All-Creatures.org Newsletter, April 17, 2024:
Lucy the Lobster’s tale of being rescued - ethical investing? - watching the decline of U.S. horseracing - clarifying sustainable and regenerative agriculture - loving rascally raccoons - Storm: on being an activist - vegan grandmothers speak - No Kill Companion [book] - What to Eat When You Don’t Eat Animals - hidden-camera ban is struck down by Canadian court - and more…
All-Creatures.org Newsletter,
April 24, 2024:
Kind knitting means no abused sheep - humans are eradicating non-human lives
- Food for Freedom by Will Tuttle [book] - litigations to ban plant-based
‘meaty’ labels are failing - ending Icelandic whaling? - Earth Day 2024 -
frighteningly destructive deep-sea mining - how driving kills Coho Salmon -
more medical breakthroughs without animal torture - and more…
Do you have things that you would like to see included in future newsletters? Then send it to us at veda@all-creatures.org.
In the Love of the Lord,
Frank L Hoffman
All-Creatures.org
and
Kindness,
Tams Nicholson
Executive Directress
All-Creatures.org