Social Issues

The book The Secret has come under attack from many quarters. And indeed, much of that criticism is justified. Yes the basic premise, that you can “attract” good and success by your thought processes does sound kind of hocus-pocus. Of course most critics also over simplify the process.

I am a huge fan of The Secret book and the movie. I think that ALL success and failure start in the mind. And yes, other circumstances that we have no control over does influence the course of a person’s life.

That said, my main criticism with The Secret is the same criticism I have of much of the Laws of Attraction and Positive Thinking advocates- it ignores social and political forces. In other words, if whole groups line up against you then wouldn’t their forces of attraction be stronger than yours? We can’t ignore that. At the same time we can’t succumb to it either.

I think The Secret is a wonderful addition to your library and something to be studied. The movie should be watched also, again and again. The goal is not to read the book or watch the movie. The goal is to absorb the teachings. The tenets need to melt into your subconscious mind.

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The world of gambling got a major boost in number of players and in popularity since the ascension of the internet, specifically online gambling. Gambling is simply a way to make sporting events more interesting and enjoyable. Legalizing gambling activities, our society have higher possibility to become addicted in this game in one form or another.

The Netherlands is facing this kind of situation where online gambling addiction is the main issue. The government is pursuing any possible ways to limit online gambling and having more advertising to run gambling in the entire state. It seems that the country is in collision with the European Union. The country is doing their best to follow the footsteps of the United States by increasing their efforts towards online gambling by making it illegal in processing bank transactions and other credit card companies from Dutch citizens to any foreign gambling operators.

Addiction is the main issue of the government for having an online gambling prohibition in the country with harmful negative consequences that could bring. According to De Volkskrant, The Hague has no European Union laws about gambling and only the Netherlands have rights to contradict the laws to prevent criminal activity and gambling addiction. The EU internal market commissioner, Charlie McCreevy, points out that the actions of the Dutch in preventing foreign access to online gambling is creating a monopolize gaming industry to the nation. The situation will become worst because there is only one provider of the service in the country.

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In my preparatory reading and study for returning to Kenya next week, I came across quite an amazing illustration and statement.

When we meet a community’s need for clean water, and basic hygiene, and sanitation, it is like toppling the first domino in a whole series of serious issues.

Deal with these first and it becomes easier to confront the lack of education, the risk of rape, and violence, poor health and limited employment. If we deal with these areas of water and sanitation then people in the poorest areas of the world are more able to handle other matters to improve their quality of life.

When women no longer have to find a quiet spot to use as a latrine, the danger of being on the receiving end of violence and rape diminishes. That is so true. How would you like to venture out late on a dark night where there is no lighting to do the toilet?

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