Lord Krishna in the 21st Century
Chapter 10 - Getting On The Stage
Several years ago Mel Gibson was voted the most popular movie star in the entire world. To this day, across the globe, schools are packed with aspiring young actors and actresses, all hoping to someday, somehow, be that famous themselves.
Acting ability, personality, good looks, luck, etc., they have all contributed to Mel's famous career. Yet, more than anything else is the fact that “he got himself on stage.” In fact, you can see this common factor active in the lives of all the most famous actors and actresses. Somehow they were given the opportunity to be on the stage.
This is the all important starting point. Once Mel Gibson was allowed on stage, he was given the chance to present himself to the worldwide-movie audience which, today, so deeply appreciates him. All of his fame and good fortune occurred because somehow he managed to get on the stage.
I have said that a disaster site, such as where a tornado strikes, is “much like a stage,” but of course not everybody is allowed to get on it. Just like on a Hollywood movie set or the stage at a rock concert, you MUST have “a stage pass.” If you don't, security won't let you enter. Every disaster site (stage) is guarded in this same fashion, whether it be by state police, county sheriff, local law enforcement, military, or even some other official such as a game warden.
Please understand that a disaster site is a highly managed and strictly enforced event (stage). Of course, amid all the chaos this fact may seem obscure and early on there will be mistakes. However, in the same way that the public is not allowed to walk onto a live movie set while the cameras are rolling, exactly who and who isn't allowed into a disaster area (stage) is strictly controlled. Recently I experienced this very thing, twice being told to "turn around" when trying to get near all the hurricane damage in North Carolina. (Note: Not as Krishna Disaster Relief but just an ordinary and curious citizen).
FEMA, or the Federal Emergency Management Agency is located in Washington, D.C. and is one of our nation's top governing authorities in times of disaster. Some years back the United States of America came up with legislation to better manage disasters. When passed into law it was given the name: the Federal Response Plan. The specifics of this law have been published as: Public Law #93-288.
As part of this law, FEMA is required to notify the American Red Cross whenever a major disaster has occurred. Furthermore, it is then stated that the American Red Cross is required to notify NVOAD (pronounced no-vad). NVOAD in turn notifies its member agencies, which are located in every state, including Puerto Rico, Guam, and other U.S. territories. This is called “a chain of command.”
This shouldn't be too confusing. As far as NVOAD and what exactly this is, NVOAD stands for an umbrella organization called, “National Voluntary Organizations Active In Disaster.” What follows, then, is the proper chain of command and the structure which governs in times of disaster. Here in America: FEMA> American Red Cross> NVOAD> Member Disaster Relief Groups (VOADS).
This is noteworthy. Since NVOAD is to be activated by the American Red Cross when a major disaster strikes, NVOAD and its member agencies all have federal authority and are each part of the Federal Response Plan. The bottom line here is that if you belong to NVOAD, "you get a stage pass." This is how you get on stage for both big and little disasters. This is how you become one of the "actors!" This is how you get on television. This is how you receive prime-time media coverage absolutely for free. This is how you stop and get that guy's attention who is sitting in his big easy chair. This is how you instill appreciation for Lord Krishna within his heart, and simultaneously, millions more just like him, all watching the news on their television sets, computers and cellphones.
As for who the current members of NVOAD are, a partial list would include such organizations as World Vision, Volunteers of America, The Salvation Army, Christian Reformed World Relief Committee, Ananda Marga Universal Relief Team, and Church of the Brethren; ... about thirty groups in all. Let's add Krishna Disaster Relief and get our stage pass! In fact, this is what Mr. Bobby Baines was offering Krsna Disaster Relief when he flew to Denver from Washington to speak to me. He wanted to “fast track” Krishna Disaster Relief's seat at the table.
Hmm, but I was told that Shrila Prabhupada would not approve of Krisna Disaster Relief and sadly this tremendous opportunity was both blocked and wasted. However, like I said, I am now 79 years old and for some reason in excellent health and knowing that I only have one shot at life left within me, by September 2025 or sooner, I will be able to post a copy of our IRS 501 (C)(3) credentials.
This image is a screenshot from a video taken in Limon, Colorado, much like the roadblock I encountered.