I AM

I AM

If you have seen or read the news in recent days you may be familiar with the phrase “Je suis Charlie” meaning “I am Charlie” [Hebdo], referencing a public outpouring of support and recognition of a psychological solidarity movement in response to the terror attacks and killings by Islamist fundamental jihadists in Paris, France. More recently this same phraseology (Yo Soy Nisman; “I am Nisman”) has appeared in Argentina referencing the [apparent] suicide of prosecutor Alberto Nisman, although some believe he was murdered by Islamic agents of the Iranian government. In both cases the phrase “I AM” is employed and displayed prominently to bring attention and support to a consciousness of unity in confronting terrorist acts. In a unique dichotomy, different groups continue to clash along ethnic, racial and religious divides, yet the trouble seems exacerbated by responses of right wing groups and neo-conservative fundamentalist factions, such as the ‘Pegida’ in Germany, the right wing ‘National Front’ in France, the ‘Tea Party’ in America, and of course ISIS, Al-Qaeda, Boko Harem and others of their ilk in the middle east. While responses by western neo-conservatives has yet to reach a crescendo as blatantly abhorrent, deadly or destructive as some Islamic groups, those in the west can be just as bombastic in their inflammatory rhetoric and their ‘just beneath the surface’ fatal desires or perhaps, intentions. In America we see this clash exhibited primarily in racial or xenophobic responses to those not Caucasian or what once was anti-WASP in the early and mid-twentieth century, is now more skin color and ‘anti-Christian’ lifestyle directed. In parts of Europe and most of the Middle Eastern and/or North African countries confrontations often have a root cause between those of fundamental Islam and [sometimes] Jewish (religious) cultures. Most clashes in other countries or parts of the world are focused primarily on religious differences between Christians, Jews, Muslims and/or Buddhists populace combinations.

The response of most “I AM” participation is an attempt to draw together many who prefer the use of peace and cooperation to defy terrorist acts under banners of freedom, free speech, free expression to bolster political dissent and/or compromise as indeed stronger than violence. And that coexistence coupled with social cooperation, even if at odds at times, may still prevail in an ever changing world. Neo-Conservative Fascists in democratic, republic, and parliamentary countries often use programmed change through legislation, denial or elimination of public [assistance] programs (for those who often need them most), or police state tactics to ‘keep order’, whereas terrorists see only deadly force and acts of violence as both the ‘means and the ends’ methods to impose their fundamentalist doctrines and beliefs on others.

In our postmodern world the exclusionary didactics between different conservative extremist groups of like, yet oppositional fundamentalism come into contact and into conflict with each other’s bellowing expletives of superiority through both in oratory and actions. Likewise, the “I AM” of extreme right fundamentalism and left-leaning progressive reactionaries go at each other on every available opportunity and stage; political, economic, social, religious, sectarian, provincial and/or parochial, fighting each other as individuals and groups. It’s no mystery that this “I AM” identity and label within these different groups and interests who use as their declaration to others and to the world at large is so closely connected to the “It’s All About Me” syndrome purposed and propagated by twenty-first century social media technologies. We now live in a world of exhibitionists competing for time, space and attention in a world of voyeurs.

In this mix of ‘Always getting my way’ and ‘What’s in it for me?’ ‘My group, right or wrong’ and ‘My way or the highway’, there does exist one more “I AM”. The original “I AM”. The “I AM” of brotherhood and sisterhood, the “I AM” of Peace and Love and Truth. 

When God described Himself for mankind He said simply, “I AM”.  
He said to Moses, “I AM Who I AM” and “. . .say to them, ‘I AM’ has sent me” (Ex3:14).

It is through this and only this one, “I AM” that we who long for peace and love and truth should strive to identify with and emulate. It is when we as individuals, and group participants declare “I AM” as a reflection of God’s true nature and character that His spiritual strength and wisdom will defeat the enemies of truth and love. By making this one declarative and emulative statement of belief of truth our own, we can move forward against evil and terror in all its forms and incantations of racism, bigotry, misogyny, xenophobia, hatred.

The one and only “I AM”; (God, Allah, Adonai, Para Brahman) explained the action required to make 
“I AM” your reality, my reality, our reality:  “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

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