If you feel freedom, you can respect it.
You may be living in freedom without actually feeling it. When you don't feel something, it's difficult to appreciate its true value.
If we as Americans unite with the common understanding that although we may have differences in opinions, belief systems, and values, WE THE PEOPLE can still show respect for each other prior to forming any negative judgements on things we may not fully understand or able to share a level of compassion.
You may be living in freedom without actually feeling it. When you don't feel something, it's difficult to appreciate its true value.
If we as Americans unite with the common understanding that although we may have differences in opinions, belief systems, and values, WE THE PEOPLE can still show respect for each other prior to forming any negative judgements on things we may not fully understand or able to share a level of compassion.
To feel freedom, you must either be striped of it or have the fear of losing it. You must feel vulnerable. Anyone of us who've lived to experience something comparable to the attacks on the World Trade Centers, can remember how Americans came together by displaying the American colors without fear of judgement or prejudice. We set aside differences to find common ground in a collaborative effort to fight terrorism and defend our freedom. The strategy and excution is left for debate, but we must not forget that "WE THE PEOPLE" are what make up America and not our government. As Americans, we have an obligaiton to preserve the freedoms and rights that our founding forefathers as well as everyone to include your family who've come before us.
What does being an American mean to you?
More than 1.6 billion people—23 percent of the world’s population—have no say in how they are governed and face severe consequences if they try to exercise their most basic rights, such as expressing their views, assembling peacefully, and organizing independently of the state. Citizens who dare to assert their rights in these repressive countries typically suffer harassment and imprisonment, and often are subjected to physical or psychological abuse. In these countries, state control over public life is pervasive, and individuals have little if any recourse to justice for crimes the state commits against them. (Freedom House 2012)
Compassion is an emotion that is a sense of shared suffering, most often combined with a desire to alleviate or reduce the suffering of another; to show special kindness to those who suffer.
Benefits
Why develop compassion in your life? Well, there are scientific studies that suggest there are physical benefits to practicing compassion — people who practice it produce 100 percent more DHEA, which is a hormone that counteracts the aging process, and 23 percent less cortisol — the “stress hormone.”
But there are other benefits as well, and these are emotional and spiritual. The main benefit is that it helps you to be more happy, and brings others around you to be more happy. If we agree that it is a common aim of each of us to strive to be happy, then compassion is one of the main tools for achieving that happiness. It is therefore of utmost importance that we cultivate compassion in our lives and practice compassion every day. (Zen Habits 2007)
Benefits
Why develop compassion in your life? Well, there are scientific studies that suggest there are physical benefits to practicing compassion — people who practice it produce 100 percent more DHEA, which is a hormone that counteracts the aging process, and 23 percent less cortisol — the “stress hormone.”
But there are other benefits as well, and these are emotional and spiritual. The main benefit is that it helps you to be more happy, and brings others around you to be more happy. If we agree that it is a common aim of each of us to strive to be happy, then compassion is one of the main tools for achieving that happiness. It is therefore of utmost importance that we cultivate compassion in our lives and practice compassion every day. (Zen Habits 2007)
Why the SKULL?
As a human being, we all have a skull. If we were to not have a face, skin, hair, clothing, etc, and all we could identify initially among each other was the fact that you were a fellow human or not, we wouldn't be hindered by any preconceived judgments allowing us to connect on a deeper level of compassion and understanding.
The skull represents the aknowledgment of nonjudgement, and also in honor of those who have come before us.
The skull represents the aknowledgment of nonjudgement, and also in honor of those who have come before us.
Why the .XXX?
Words and symbols only have meaning when a person gives them meaning. Society and social norms may mold meaning and significance in something, but it does not dictate it. If ".xxx" is currently perceived and accepted by society to represent "explicit content," but "we" come together make society question their judgements and beliefs, we ultimately are encompassing our mission.
Questioning our personal beliefs and judgements is the first step to acceptance. It's imporatant that we understand that we don't have to change it, but simply feeling compassion for others allows us to unite. And as united, we are stronger.
Questioning our personal beliefs and judgements is the first step to acceptance. It's imporatant that we understand that we don't have to change it, but simply feeling compassion for others allows us to unite. And as united, we are stronger.
Take the pledge, give respect, get respect. #iamXXX
XXX Pledge
WE THE PEOPLE re-pledge our allegiance to America. As one nation, we believe that our basic human right to simply have an opinion that is free from tyranny is paramount.
I may or may not agree with other fellow Americans' political views, religion, sexual orientation, social status, gender qualifications, or race stereotypes, but for the sake of re-uniting our country, honoring those who came before us, and preserving freedom for our children and the generations of tomorrow;
I WILL RESPECT YOU FIRST WITHOUT FEAR OF JUDGEMENT FROM OTHERS.
I WILL VOCALIZE MY RESPECT FOR YOU.
I WILL ACCEPT RESPECT FROM OTHERS.
I AM AN AMERICAN.
I may or may not agree with other fellow Americans' political views, religion, sexual orientation, social status, gender qualifications, or race stereotypes, but for the sake of re-uniting our country, honoring those who came before us, and preserving freedom for our children and the generations of tomorrow;
I WILL RESPECT YOU FIRST WITHOUT FEAR OF JUDGEMENT FROM OTHERS.
I WILL VOCALIZE MY RESPECT FOR YOU.
I WILL ACCEPT RESPECT FROM OTHERS.
I AM AN AMERICAN.