We often hear stories of war torn countries and starving children. It seems so far away and foreign that it's difficult to remember that there are real people, children included, with real feelings who are being traumatized and living sub-standard, terrifying lives. This is like child abuse magnified. The impact of this trauma is far reaching and long-term.
I believe that when we calculate the cost of war, we need to factor these traumatized children and their damaged lives into the picture. Notice the intensity of emotion and expression that this child in the video displays as she describes wearing gas soaked clothes, eating food that tastes like gas and living in terror everyday of her life.
I am no expert on trauma but I work closely with people who are and I can speak to the long-term impact of living in an unpredictable, violent, chaotic environment as a child. If you have experienced trauma and are looking for a healer, I would recommend Yaffa Balsam, James Hyman or Tina Tessina. Each person brings his or her own expertise into the mix. Balsam and Tessina are both licensed therapists, James Hyman is a shamanic healer who does Deep Emotional Release Bodywork.
The song of the week came to me scrawed on a piece of paper. Evidently Michael Zampelli was in the garage listening to music when this song came on and he didn't want to forget it.
I watched the video for the first time just now and I was bawling 2 1/2 minutes in. So powerful. If I was into giving stars, I'd give this one a strong five.
The song of the week is brought to you by Michael Zampelli, former owner of Southern California punk rock icon, Zed Records. For almost 30 years, this mecca of punk and alternative music kept Southern California enthusiasts adequately supplied with unique, original and innovative music.
Currently, Zampelli manages a hockey fan message boards at www.letsgokings.com with thousands of subscribers. He takes photos for the LAist and the LA Derby Dolls. Each week he will contribute a song with a theme, a message and a beat. Enjoy and stay tuned.