Ten Commandments for the 21st Century

I. Know and Love Thyself

II. Honor and Love Thy Mothers, Fathers, Caregivers, and Gamete Donors (in that order)

III. Bless the Beasts and the Children

IV. Teach the Children Well

V. Love and Cherish Thy Neighbor

VI. Serve the Community Well

VII. Cherish and Protect the Homeland

VIII. Thou Shalt Not Fear Something Into Existence [antiterror commandment]

IX. Thou Shalt Not Shame Thyself or Thy Neighbor [misbegotten shame]
*Note Well Japan*

X. Thou Shalt Not Take Responsibility for Harms Perpetrated By Others [misplaced guilt] *For the Jews*

All Souls Day

In early summer of 1963, a white woman nourished a babe in her womb. The woman had herself been born and raised--raised badly, bleakly--in rural Kansas, U.S.

In early summer 1963, to her half-sister, born of a poor Argentinian woman and the same German father, she uttered the words: "Blacks do not have souls."

The babe in the woman's womb is now 45 years old, living in Somerville, Massachusetts. It is November 5, 2008, and the United States of America has elected the first African-American president.

The babe-woman weeps with all the black souls. And rejoices.