reimanko

27
Jun
2020

5 Reasons for Dual Nationality: Reason #3

Pressuring or forcing dual nationals to renounce one of their citizenships is analogous to creating a brick-less Berlin Wall. It locks in the citizen by making defection more difficult such that poor governance need not result in loss of subjects.

 

Posted by reimanko in Leadership & Identity
27
Jun
2020

5 Reasons for Dual Nationality: Reason #2

For as long as man has kept written history, leaders have recognized that dual nationality is a tool to keep the peace. Emperors and kings frequently married the offspring of rulers from other nations thereby creating a dual national in their spouse while encouraging peace and cooperation between the nations.

Posted by reimanko in Global Affairs & Diplomacy
27
Jun
2020

5 Reasons for Dual Nationality: Reason #1

The origins of prejudice against dual nationality stem from war and the desire for certainty regarding who can be trusted when lives are at stake. If that is true, there seems to be little if any need for such prejudice in times of peace. Keeping that prejudice in play during times of peace communicates a perceived need for preparedness in case of future war. The deep symbiotic relationship between the U.S. and Japan has, long since, outgrown the need for such preparedness. So, keeping it in play is dishonorable.

Posted by reimanko in Leadership & Identity
17
Jun
2020

A Letter From My Son

So I asked my son to write a letter today about any topic and addressed to anyone. Here’s what he chose to write below: “Dear God, thank you for food, water, and health. Help us humans help people. Even, the people we don’t like. Amen.” He is 7 years old and gives me hope for the future.  What letter would you write today and to whom?

 

 

 

Posted by reimanko in Writing & Reflections
14
Jun
2020

How Writing Can Change the World

Writing inspires people to read. Reading can inspire people to feel a certain way. Those feelings can translate into thoughts. Those thoughts ultimately lead to actions. Every change begins with a vision. When you write you create a stream of living ideas that if allowed to flow can change the currents of life. The hardest rock can be pierced open when water keeps pounding at its surface, weathering the hurts of so many ages until finally it cracks! This is why I write: to chip away at that hardened rock of human indifference, prejudice, and intolerance. Writing exposes people to new worlds and perspectives and uncomfortable truths. Yet, it is only through exposing these truths that healing can begin. Write to unite. Write to challenge. Write to inspire. For one day it might be your idea that changes the world!

Posted by reimanko in Writing & Reflections
09
Jun
2020

Rocking Burkinabe Masks in Response to COVID

What better way to promote health, diversity, and creative arts than making custom masks. We used fabric we bought in Burkina Faso, West Africa to make masks for the family. So far the family loves wearing them. What custom masks are you wearing/making these days? Would love to see what unique and creative designs are out there.

Posted by reimanko in Family & Children
27
May
2020

Helping the Homeless and Urban Poor

What a day to be grateful for if you have your health, family and a means to financially support yourself and loved ones. Not everyone is so fortunate. It is a blessing to be able to share one’s wealth and knowledge to alleviate in some way the pain and suffering of others. The spirit of volunteerism is also very American and alive and well. It is a spirit I treasure. I created this business proposal long before the COVID-19 outbreak precisely to see how I could assist the urban homeless in Japan. Why? The homeless aren’t someone else’s problem. They are us. They are human. It is never too late to reaffirm our common humanity through kindness and acts of charity. I hope one day some brave soul will take this business proposal and implement it. It’s free. One less homeless person on the streets is a legacy we can all be proud of – whether Japanese or American or both. Have a great week and know that your health ultimately rests on the health and well-being of others. One human family.

https://kenreiman.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Japan-Urban-Homeless-Project.pdf

Posted by reimanko in Family & Children
13
May
2020

What Does Freedom Mean to You?

Here’s what freedom means to Persian poet and philosopher Rumi (1207-1273). What do you think?

Take someone who doesn’t keep score, who’s not looking to be richer, or afraid of losing, who has not the slightest interest even in his own personality: he’s free.  – Rumi

Posted by reimanko in Leadership & Identity
08
May
2020

Happy Vesak Day!

Today is a sacred day for millions of Buddhists around the world. It was on this day two and a half millennia ago, in the year 623 B.C., that Siddhartha Gautama was born. While he is known to have many wise sayings and teachings, here are two of my favorites:

Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth.

When you move your focus from competition to contribution life becomes a celebration. Never try to defeat people just win their hearts. 

 

 

 

Posted by reimanko in Faith & Spiritual Reflection
01
May
2020

Modesty in Nature and in Life – Happy Weekend

Sharing some words of wisdom to stay grounded and humble and open along with a beautiful picture of wild flowers.

Very little grows on jagged rock. Be ground. Be crumbled, so wild flowers will come up where you are. — Rumi

 

Posted by reimanko in Family & Children