Ben G. here posting my first "blog" in Cambodia. So far, the trip has been rather exciting and full of experiences that none of us will soon forget. We have all chosen different methods of dealing with some of the troubling things I am sure you have read or heard about. Some have chosen to vent their emotions by crying, confiding in friends and parents, or writing personal journal entries. When it comes to times like these, I, however, tend to rethink my own philosophies and comtemplate existence.
Learning first hand about the horrible Khmer Rouge genocide has made me begin to think of myself as a citizen of the world. It matters not where or when this tragedy occurred, but it should be seen as a threat to human dignity and freedom. We as humans should witness atrocities like these and be disturbed by lack of decency, not because we feel personally afraid of being subjected to such torture, but because it jeopardizes the concept of humanity. Additionally, the scale, context, duration, or supposed justification of these events have little importance: American slavery, the Holocaust, Pol Pot's regime, or the Abu Ghraib scandal should all be viewed through a similar lens.
I hope I have not bored you with my philosophizing. This afternoon, we are traveling to Kampong Cham from Phnom Penh, so we will be out of internet communication for the next several days.
Ben - this is so exciting!!! Can't wait to read more!!
ReplyDeleteLove You
Your trip seems amazing. Looks like you are getting even more insight into a subject you've learned so much about. Say "hi" to Dad and Emily and continue to enjoy this incredible experience.
ReplyDeletelove, Aunt Karen
hey ben, nice job, but i have a question: how come emily's blog comes before yours?? is it ladies before gentlemen over there? i know my kid sister never got away with stuff like that!! anyway, enough fooling around and let's get down to some real business, like contemplating existence and things like that. in case you havent heard www.officeonthegogo.com has set up its own blog, nothing yet as fancy as yours, but i must say that it is really rocking and rolling with juicy info, although i am somewhat biased since it is my blog. now, i am not saying that we are hard up for posts, but because we are new, we could use a few. and remember that saying that one good turn deserves another?? well, here is your chance. so, remember, www.lawyeronthegogo.typepad.com, bearing in mind that the blog , as i said, just went up and is still in its formative days. speaking of which, i guess you heard that liz and chris winchester had a little baby boy, william otis winchester, 8 lbs, 1 oz on super bowl sunday literally right before the kickoff. everyone is fine. send regards to richard and emily and remember to keep your kid sister in line next time!! uncle mike
ReplyDeleteHi, I go to TMS and i think that what you guys are doing is really cool and amazing, i hope that the rest of your trip is fun and educational.
ReplyDelete~Roni Finkelstein~
Emily, Ben, and Richard,
ReplyDeleteIt is so great that you are part of this effort. Sarah and I admire you so much; it is wonderful that you are supporting this mission, and that you are learning so much and sharing with all of us through the website. I can't wait to see you on the 5th!
Love, Neil
Dear Ben; I'm only today aware of your blog(through Uncle Neil), and trying not to miss any of it. The tears are running down my face imagining the things you are seeing, and describing so poignantly. I'm sure one thing that will stay with you is the spirit and fortitude of the people surviving it all. So proud of you all. Love to you all. Aunt Anne.
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