News roundup: hurricane, labor issues, rights issues

More on Qatar's donation to Katrina relief. Despite the obvious inaccuracies (was it 100 million dollars or riyals?), I thought the historical note about 9/11 was interesting: apparently Sheikh Hamad was the first Arab Muslim leader to visit the U.S. after 9/11; he visited ground zero on Oct. 2 and contributed $3 million to victims' families. Go, Sheikh Hamad!

In the continuing labor unrest saga, another 100 Indian construction workers aren't getting paid. (Picture here.)

In happier news, the Qatar Human Rights Commission is opening a shelter for human rights abuse victims, focusing on abused maids and child jockeys. This gives them somewhere to live and get medical and psychological help while their trials are going on. If I were living in Qatar long-term, I think I would be looking into working there.

And, halfway around the world, the California Assembly finally passed the gay marriage bill, making our state legislature the first to approve gay marriage. I love you, California.

Instant dharma's gonna get you

I like today's Dhammapada readings:

Overcome the angry by non-anger;
overcome the wicked by goodness;
overcome the miser by generosity;
overcome the liar by truth. (223)

O Atula! Indeed, this is an ancient practice, not one only of today:
they blame those who remain silent,
they blame those speak much,
they blame those who speak in moderation.
There is none in the world who is not blamed.
There never was,
there never will be,
nor is there now,
a person who is wholly blamed or wholly praised. (227-228)