Worldwide Bierkergaard

Within the last month, the stat sites for Bierkergaard reveal that the country with the second most hits is Poland! Followed by India. Now, that is pretty cool.

So, I want to do a shout out.

In my new book coming out (On the Edge: Helping Students Transition Imaginatively to College), I tell a story about a Polish guy named Bart, who was a cook at the Whistle Stop Cafe in Montana, which illuminates the courage of Poles in light of Nazi and Communist oppression.

Bart filled me in on the sad history of WWII when the West let Germany devour Poland and then stepped aside when the Bolsheviks from the East did the same. Bart gave me two stickers that day...one says "Pomorskie dobry kurs" which means something along the lines of "Good Course" and "Pomorskie w Unii. "

You want to know where Communism was first called out? Poland...the Gdansk Shipyard. The Poles stared down dictatorship. The Poles are heroes and have a lot to teach us about courage in the face of despotism.

I have, through my wife's friends and co-workers, come to know some wonderful Indian people. And, their kids. A land that has brought forth Gandhi and his teachings of Satyagraha, which means “Soul-Force”, has much to teach us in the age of conflict. Plus, I know it is shallow to say, but I absolutely love Curry...and make it hot, and not just white boy hot. Bring the heat.

Here is to the people of the Middle East who are seeking freedom from oppression. We in the U.S. for too long sucked your cheap gas without demanding justice on behalf of suppressed peoples. We have, in large part, created the mess in your lands. Jesus Christ stands with power and love to aid you in your struggle. Our prayers are with you as you stand for dignity. May it be so.

To the ruling class in China...get ready for your revolution. Coming to a town near you.