Many of you may feel as I do. I wonder why does the war in Iraq, in Afghanistan continue. I feel hopeless, even now with a Democratic majority in Congress. In truth, I did not celebrate the Democratic win in November 2006. For me, until actions are taken, and policies put into practice, I feel no reason to rejoice. Currently, the Democratic majority is not doing much better than the Republicans did. Conservatives are not inclined to impinge on the power of the President. Centrists are concerned; dare they be thought too Left or Right. The anti-war contingent is anxious. Might they regret moving too far or too fast.
Each day while Congress patiently convenes, Americans sit comfortably in their cozy homes, apathetic or pounding away at the keys at their electrically powered computers, actively protesting the wars. Meanwhile, civilians, children, and soldiers are dying in Afghanistan and Iraq. As citizens in this country ponder the blood spilled and scream, 'We want justice,' life [or death,] in the Persian Gulf goes on as it has for years.
In order to attend the January 27, 2007 rally, a family from Florida, not mine, though I wish it were, drove up to Washington District of Columbia. They wanted to be part of the newer "Half Million Man and Woman March." This protest did not focus solely on civil rights at home. It addressed sacrifices and privileges of the people worldwide. Foreign and domestic policy was in question. The American public was requesting a return of the troops. People, individuals, and groups were saying, "Give Peace a Chance!"
This is a story that speaks to activism or perchance participation. In times of trouble, trials, and tribulation, it is hard to recall why we try and do as we do. The holidays are here and stressors are plentiful, perhaps more so than the expected pleasures. I wish to share a yarn, one most of us heard in our youth.
We may have forgotten. Many of us are numb, no longer wanting to feel the pain of daily responsibilities. Thus, I offer . . .
Early one morning, a man was walking along a bluff overlooking the ocean when he noticed a barefoot child on the beach. The little girl was clearly engrossed in a strange activity. She was picking up starfish that had been washed ashore by the tide. This lovely lass gently scooped up the fragile echinoderm and, one by one, she threw them back into the sea.
Intrigued, the chap scrambled down the bank of the cliff and approached this youngster.
"What are you doing?" he asked.
"I'm throwing starfish back into the water. If I leave them here they'll dry up and die." The young person answered as she tenderly tossed another into the surf.
The man let his eyes drift along the endless shoreline in wonder.
"But," he stammered, "there are thousands of starfish stranded on this beach. You can't save them all!"
"I know." The girl smiled, as she picked up another starfish, and returned it to the ocean. "But I'm saving this one." She continued undaunted, "And this one. And this one."
The process may be slow. At times, the progress is imperceptible. Yet, as we travel and serve others, we support ourselves.
For every action, there is an equal and opposing deed. What we do unto others, will be done unto us. If we wish to receive richly, we must give with the same splendor. Thus, the next time you sigh deeply and say, "What is the use?" Please remember the story of the little girl and the starfish she saved, one by one.
Please watch this powerful video, featuring a call to action from Meryl Streep.
Rape is rampant in Darfur. Women and children are the victims. Starvation is a way of life. Daily doings are not possible in the way we experience these here in the United States. Genocide functions as a government would, it is the system enforced.
I offer this call to action. Those that support the United Nations Refugee Agency efforts in Darfur are asking the United Sates government to endorse these programs. Dear reader, you can help. If you choose, please add your name to the petition.
In the spirit of Veterans Day, a revolutionary election, and a society that is now more reflective, I pose this question, "Why Billy; Why?"
I did ask Donald. I questioned George. I queried Dick; I sought answers from my representatives.
While the system shows us change is possible, I acknowledge it is slow. I believe we cannot be solely celebratory. We must remember there is much work to be done and if we, as individuals, do not do it, who will? If each of us does not choose to begin independently of what others, think, say, do, or feel, who will start the process. We must believe and act on our beliefs.
The war is not yet over. The issues still haunt us. Health care,wages,Social Security,voters' rights,election dilemmas,immigration issues, and education are all beckoning. Please heed their call. Please contact Congress; call your neighbors. Speak to your friends, your family, and familiars. Write to anyone and everyone. We never know who might be reading our words.
I invite you to join in this domestic deliverance. The struggle did not end on Election Day or with the Rumsfeld resignation. Please continue to Call for Change.
Please reflect; ponder this presentation, Why Billy Why?
I realize, and hope we all recognize, there are still needs, and desires for answers.
Review the References. Choose your position. Pursue, as you will . . .
This weekend I had the opportunity to touch Ohio. I volunteered. With thanks to MoveOn.org, I “called for change.” I shared my support for Democratic Senate, candidate Sherrod Brown. Phew, what a relief this was, interesting, inspiring, and sadly, disillusioning. Nevertheless, I was, I am elated.
"Nothing will ever change; it never does" said the twenty-something, quiet, caring man. Brian was resigned to the fact that elections did not matter. Initially, when I asked if he had voted, he stated, "I missed my opportunity." I inquired, "Did you forget to register?" Though I am new to this state I know in many regions there is a window of opportunity to register for the general election even if you did not do this in time to vote in the primaries. I offered, "There may be time to register before the general election."
Turnout hasn't cracked 40% in any state. In most, primary participation was in the 20%-30% range. Idaho, Illinois, North Carolina, Oregon, Virginia, and West Virginia posted their lowest primary turnouts in at least eight years.
So far, the year's rock-bottom has come in Virginia, which did not have a 2002 primary. The June 13 Democratic Senate primary drew national attention and was open to all Virginians, regardless of their party. Fewer than 4% of more than 4.5 million eligible voters showed up to nominate former Navy Secretary Jim Webb to face Senator George Allen in November.
Those of you that traveled through this site on many occasions know of my commitment to peace. For me, war is never an option. I believe in love.
I recognize that many say the same; however, often actions tell their truth. People propose peace or profess the philosophy, then they state there are exceptions. For me, there are none. I do not think any war is the one that will end all others.
I believe that we, as a society, are caught in a cycle of civil disobedience; it is known as war. What is it good for? In my mind, absolutely nothing! Yet, throughout our planet, there seems to be a conflict occurring somewhere, on any and every given day.
We can study stories from the Bible, the Torah, or our own modern historical texts; everywhere, we see evidence of what I find less than civilized or respectful. We disobey and defy our own philosophical principles when we quote the Golden Rule, Scriptures, the Koran, Talmud, the Old or New Testaments, or other Holy books while promoting conflict. We justify battles, bombs, combat, or what amounts to mass murder. Then, we claim to be caring and innocent. This is what we, as a culture, do and have done for centuries. Some call it human nature. I disagree.
People worldwide belie what they pretend to believe in. They speak of world peace while going to war. They state, "War is the last option," while "thinking," war the best alternative. This baffles me. I believe and observe that if individuals or groups think fighting is necessary at times, then, ultimately, they will do battle. This dichotomy makes no sense to me; it never has.
Therefore, when I read of an effort to send love and peace to those that support the conflict in Iraq, I was interested and grateful. This organized action advocates respect and reciprocal reverence. After reading of this, I rejoiced.
I want to share the story of this endeavor with you and ask you to join in. If you cherished Internet-activist, wish to participate in a peaceful protest against the war, this might appeal to you.
The author of this post, BostonJoe, requests a reciprocal reverence. He desires, as do I, that you express yourself beyond the initial send. You might consider offering a graceful and growing flower, a petal or two, to your own Congressperson. I think this wise.
Originally, gentle contributions were requested for Michigan Republican Representative Mike Rogers. However, others might need a to know how you feel. Please tell your representative that you wish to speak of peace. You want to live in a world that is tranquil and calm. Speak your mind and heart; send your representatives a petal of peace.
Let us hope that each seed spreads a message of love. May we cover the Earth with foliage and not folly.
Please extend your heart, hand, and a bouquet. Let us celebrate world peace by creating it.
I was not born there; however, I am proud to declare, I was raised there. I moved away decades ago; yet, my heart remains in Wisconsin. I marched in my first protest rallies on the streets of Milwaukee. My family followed in the path of a strong civil rights leader, Father Groppi. I would be eighteen before the November general election was held; therefore, I was able to vote as a seventeen year old during Wisconsin primaries.
My father was fortunate enough to work with a true humanitarian and advocate for the people, Wisconsinite, Senator Bill Proxmire. "Liberal" Senator Russ Feingold now, represents this fine state. Please let us all forget that Joseph McCarthy ever resided here.
On this past Tuesday, the citizens of this state, once again proved that they are forward-thinking. I applaud the people of Wisconsin for their most recent vote. In thirty-two communities, "Bring The Troops Home Now" referendums were on the April 4, 2006 ballot.
In twenty-four of these expansive neighborhoods, the vote was yes, bring our boys and girls home immediately. The numbers reflect a great concern, "A resounding 40,043 to 25,641 voted against the continued US occupation of Iraq." Calculating these numbers leads us to conclude, 61 percent of Wisconsin voters want no war. Only 39 percent believe we should remain. In my own former hometown, the village of Shorewood, seventy percent said pullout now.
In eight communities, the initiative was defeated; however, "in only two" of these locales did "the vote for immediate withdrawal fall below 45 percent."
This afternoon I read an essay written by Em Rosa. She mused of the upcoming peace march and offered her opinion on what demonstrators might "do." She also delivered what she thinks is unwise to do. I have a strong philosophical belief that I work to live by, "No one has the right to tell another what he or she "should," think, say, do, feel, or be. Therefore, I will not presume to know what is best for anyone else. I barely know with certainty what is best for me.
I will, however, share a story. Two and one half years ago, I was involved in a protest; the premise was, peace. Yet, the event was not peaceful. It took me to a place that was not pleasant. I reflected. Here, I share that reflection.
On May 1, 2004, I was participating in one of many peace marches I have attended. We were walking the streets of Orange County, California of all places. The police had been notified; permission was given. Permits were pre-arranged. All was going well. Then within our ranks, a group of self-proclaimed anarchists broke stride. They wandered in and out of traffic; they staged performances. They wore costumes, and accentuated their actions with props. They bathed their bodies in a substance that resembled blood.
The police quietly and calmly asked them to return to the sidewalk and to protest peacefully with the rest of us. They refused. The rebels were confrontational. They yelled, screamed, and cursed the law officers. Those that were claiming to advocate peace were attempting to incite a riot. It was fascinating to behold, and in my mind quite contrary.
This post will not be filled with my own words; it will be the sharing of thoughts, those of others. Last evening, on August 17, 2005, MoveOn.org organized a nation-wide vigil. The event was meant to honor Cindy and Casey Sheehan. People were acknowledging the lives of each, a mother and her fallen son. She is grieving and he is physically gone from this Earth. He lost his life fighting for his country; he was an American soldier.
People attending the vigils were standing in support of the living, and eulogizing the physical passing of those slain in a questionable war. Many persons gathered. They mourned the loss of limbs, the loss of sight, and the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual toll war can take.
Crowds came to these ceremonies and each person was doing as Cindy does. They were protesting the Iraq war and American war policies. People came in droves requesting an end to the killing; they want an exit strategy, now! They want to be heard by the President of the United States. Whether King George II chooses to hear their plea, well, that is another story. His choice is his own; nonetheless, many throughout the nation chose to speak.
Words were few, visuals were plenty. I offer these in the form of a slide show. Please journey within. View the Cindy Coalition in peaceful action.
Below, I am also offering some of the many thoughts and feelings of those that participated. If you would like to read more of these, please travel to MoveOn.org.
While attending this observance people were asked, "What was the best moment" for you. They reflected and expressed what they thought the most meaningful experience of their evening.
Please share your own thoughts, feelings, and experience. I invite you to comment so that others might understand you, why you think as you do, practice as you believe is best, and are engaging as you are.
I have written much on the wars, the war on terrorism, the war in Afghanistan, and the war in Iraq. I spent much time protesting, signing petitions, writing letters, and building installations in homage. I have since Bush began bellowing.
I recognize that my voice is, as those of others, ignored. The words are as water; they roll off the President's back. King George II has said, and continues to say, dismissively, that he has heard the arguments of people such as myself. He has listened to the reasoned and rational thoughts of the millions. Yet, he has not.
Only today, while taking a break from his five-week long vacation, the fair-haired Commander in Chief stopped to speak with the press. The President stated his [supposed] intent was to speak "sympathetically" to the circumstances of Cindy Sheehan.
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