Be Like Spring

Spring is very clear in its agenda. New buds, new sprouts, new life must emerge past the old, the tired, and the dead. And in its exuberance, Spring is irresistible. The April rains, while a bit pounding this year, have already washed away much to be discarded. It is always exciting to see what has survived and what is being born again. 
And this is as it should be in our lives and in our communities. There are well worn paths that bring us sweet memories and comfort us and there are paths that do not deserve our footsteps. 

These are age old and simple truths: Give way to the new; fears and clinging to the past make us tired and weary.
Be like Spring. Be like the animals and birds shaking off the winter. Enjoy the nourishment that is meant to be savored and is especially gifted to us. 

And how do we know what must be discarded? Beliefs that tie us to separation are not worthy to be kept. Beliefs that cause harm to ourselves and to others should not be entertained.

It’s really very simple to ask, “How does this make me feel?” Anger and hatred consume our essence. The Nature of Spring has no time for this nonsense. It is buoyant with life for the living; and this is how we can be.

If the seasons teach us anything, we know renewal is welcomed. Too many of us, whatever our ages, are missing out on that possibility. Nature is a wonderful teacher. And recognizing we are not separate from her is a worthy first step. 

We live in an amazing area, the Driftless, with boundless springs and streams, forests and fields that wait for our appreciative footsteps to wonder. Let us feel it. Be like Spring.

Waking From a Bad Dream

When the evils of humanity come so close that you can feel the stench of their breath on your neck, you know you better wake from the nightmare. We can no longer wait for the right moment to counter the ignorance that has swept this country. Manipulated from the pulpit and driven by greed, perhaps enough of us have now understood that the “American Dream” has been the world’s worst nightmare, and we are prepared to change the narrative. As the president scores points with gamers on the oil market and the rest of us hold on for dear life, this roller coaster ride of destruction has seemed endless.

But the truth is we can wake from this bad dream. It will not be one action, one march or one election that will stop the tide of delusion. It will require that enough of us, wake to find that we are still here. That our hopes for ourselves and our children are still here. That our aspirations of peace and equity are alive and well. That our love of the Earth is defiantly refusing to allow the continued raping of our Mother. When enough of us realize there are choices that do not include “drill baby drill” or distance ourselves from the threats of annihilation that keep us in fear, we will change course.

We must find strength in our mutual history from those who have defied the lawless laws of corruption and have encouraged us to never give up. The fearless ones, who could see that the nightmare has an end – and worked tirelessly to show us the way. Not any one of us have the solution, but together we are the solution.

Most recently Minnesotans taught the power of “we the people”. May we realign with our humanity however we can. 

Ten years after her murder, indigenous leader Berta Cáceres remains a beacon of hope in Honduras

“She Didn’t Die, She Multiplied.”The words and vision of slain human rights activist, Berta Caceres, reverberate throughout this podcast on Changing the Narrative. Bryan Rogers shares his passion for the environment and humanity in his role as Environmental Justice Director for The Webb at Milwaukee’s Walnut Way. The overwhelming number of data centers springing up in Wisconsin require a statewide and organized resistance to protect our water, our communities and our health.

Stand Up

Social media was abuzz prior to the nationwide March 28th rallies. There were legitimate concerns over allegiance with Democratic leadership that still refuses to accept that the vast majority of people want the US to stop funding Israel’s war machine – and to admit we are complicit in genocide. I understand those critiques and agree. In deciding my attendance at the rally, I weighed heavily the pros and cons. Being invited to emcee the Madison No Kings Rally, made my decision for me. I could have my say. And I was impressed with the speakers also invited for that day. The event challenged every nay sayer, in a good way. I am very glad I said “yes”and proud to be among everyone who attended.

Some people have asked to hear my opening – so here it goes. And you can find the full hour of amazing speakers below.

“When our humanity is under attack, what do we do? Stand up fight back.

When our dignity is under attack, what do we do? Stand up, fight back.

When our love is under attack, what do we do? Stand up, fight back.

First, I want you to look around and take in the tapestry that we are. Feel the courage and the kindness that we share. There is an attack on our humanity occurring daily. It manifests through ICE raids and separating families; it happens through the incessant war industry that’s always searching for targets instead of working towards peace. 

And it is in the destruction of our home, the earth, with unnecessary pipelines, and data centers destroying our health and our communities. 

Both parties have created this moment and it is incumbent upon us, “we the people”, to restore human dignity, compassion and trust.

You’re not sheep. I have sheep. I know the difference. Sheep are wonderful, but we share something that sheep don’t have. We have the ability to choose. By being here, you are choosing hope over despair, empathy over disregard, and action over ineptitude.

We are the ones refusing to let ignorance win. You and others who couldn’t be here or are gathering in over 100 locations in Wisconsin, are stepping up to be frontline.

We’re the defenders of our mutual humanity, regardless of our differences. We are here together to show each other how powerful peace can be, and I, for one, love you and thank you for your efforts. 

There are 50 grassroots groups, non-profits and pro-democracy organizations participating in this event. Find some that resonate with you and get active. You are needed. 

Speakers and speeches from March 28 in Madison.

They include: Paul Smith, United Turtle Clan, Oneida Nation; Sinceree Dixon, League of Women Voters; Ajak Johnson, Badger Collective; and Rev. Judge Everett Mitchell, Solid Rock Baptist Church

Photos from NO Kings Madison

Over 10000 in Madison on March 28. Over 70,000 throughout Wisconsin.

Embracing Life

Sometimes it takes great courage to get out of bed in the morning. The weight of circumstance has shifted the balance of life. But this is not a time to cower and hide. This is the time to embrace life. 

Spring is gradually replacing winter. That is its nature. And it is our nature to appreciate the warmth and to be amazed at the green sprouting up. My sheep devoured dry hay all winter, now go in search of the moist green shoots and I am happy for them. They are wise. They understand time.

Memories come. Some harsh, some sweet. But can I let go of the bitter, can I accept its teaching and move on? Can I trust that the lesson taught was valuable and that it deepened my capacity to live more fully, or simply regret?

Because true living is not automatic. We are not robots. We have choice. There is nuance. We have the opportunity to discover something new and miraculous with every moment. 

We can bear witness to the power of life, but even more satisfying, we can co-create with it. We can enjoy the dance and allow it to be unique to us. 

I know the weight of circumstance has brought despair. I know it has brought doubt. We are being led by people who have forgotten the preciousness of life. And there are far too many in influential places who echo the insanity of the ignorant. The voice of humanity is being suffocated, but only if we let it. This is where courage comes in. This is where remembrance comes in. Hold those moments close, when you witnessed life’s kindness and beauty. They live within you still.  

We have choice. That is where freedom lives.  Embrace Life and walk away from fear. 

Meet Thelma and Louise. They were the first sheep at Echo Valley Farm. They lived for eighteen years. When I bought them and they went into the back of my SUV, I said “You must be Thelma and Louise – and this is your last ride.” We all lived up to that. Sweet memories.

Just One Drop

The robins have returned unaware of the snow dump and deep freeze that would welcome them back to Wisconsin. I watched one perched high on a tree. It seemed he was trying to catch a bit of sun that was beginning to break the darkness. Feathers puffed, I wondered if we shared the same bewilderment of a world gone mad. I took birdseed and water to their haunts, hoping to help them ward off the bitterness, and realizing I was helping myself as well. 

What can be done when leaders and echo chambers continually batter us with ignorance and beat the drums of war? What can be done? One drop of kindness in whatever way means a lot.

The doubt maker is busy spinning dark thoughts and doom. But the sun has already begun to warm the air and the birds are flocking to grab whatever nourishment they can, as they sing… Yes, they still sing in spite of it all. 

Vermonters are picking up where Minnesotans left off as the resistance to the inhumanity of ICE is growing. A video of a person solo dancing in front of a line of ICE showed the dancer testing ICE’s inability to join in or at least to laugh. They couldn’t do either. Whatever you do, do not surrender your ability to be joyful. 

Grateful for the good news that the majority of people are opposing the grotesque display of military might and loss of life extending from Palestine and now into Lebanon and Iran. 

Every awakening is cause to celebrate. It is in those drops of clarity that the river of kindness will again flow into peace. 

The sun will warm us once again and while we still breathe, we have choice. 

check out definacedispatch.substack.com for weekly “Content to Amplify”

Becoming Human

In honor of International Women’s Day celebrated yearly on March 8th, and although it should be celebrated every day until inequity ceases, I want to harken back to Eleanor Roosevelt and her defiant resistance to wars of aggression and inhumanity. I want us to realize the wisdom of the UN Declaration of Human Rights that powerfully called every world leader to acknowledge their responsibility to each and every human being on the face of the earth. I want us all to reckon with the way we were entrusted with the accountability of promoting, establishing and maintaining peace. The understandings so eloquently put forth in that document should not be lost or minimized as ruthless men attempt to divert humankind to its ugliest nature. 

We have two natures. It’s time we reclaim our nature of peace. Today there are women’s voices that against tremendous odds are upholding the best in us. 

Keep focused on Francesca Albanese, the first woman to head the UN Special Rapporteur on the Palestinian territories. She has repeatedly called out Israel’s ethnic cleansing and apartheid and has been sanctioned by the United States, but continues speaking truth to power.

Another important voice is Agnes Callamard, the Secretary General of Amnesty International who recently spoke about the assassination of Iraqi human rights defender and feminist Yanar Mohammed. There are brilliant and, I will say, holy women, who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in order that humanity might rise. 

I have been fortunate to walk in the company of powerful women who refused to be sidelined. Their words continue to guide.

Wake up sisters, including my trans sisters and all gender challenging people. It’s ours to win and the time is now. Don’t be afraid. Reclaim our humanity. The ancestors and those yet to be born are counting on us to finally get it right.

It isn’t enough to talk about peace. One must believe in it. and it isn’t enough to believe in it. One must work at it. Eleanor Roosevelt

Be uplifted with these AP photos Photos showing Women marking International Women’s Day

I will probably add to this post from time to time, but I must surely mention here the vision and wisdom of Grace Lee Boggs. Not to be missed.

The photo is in loving remembrance of Annie Kahn and all she shared of Dine (Navajo) culture and the power of being human.

We Carry On

We’ve really done it this time, haven’t we? It doesn’t seem to matter how many innocents are lost. We’ve been tallying the death and dismemberment of children in Gaza for years, what’s another 181 Iranian girls going to matter? We’ve allowed racism disguised as good Christian values to rip families apart and while the polls show the majority are not in favor of these draconian acts, we carry on. 

We carry on. The cheers of “USA, USA” drown out the realities of the horrors we support and keep us tied to the tribalism that forgets our humanity. The Epstein files throw light on the belief of eugenics and flagrantly flaunt White male superiority, and we carry on. 

Our military boasts of its killing capabilities and many of us get paid handsomely in stocks when weapons of mass destruction are deployed. The earth is ravaged, water and air polluted, making simple living impossible. But we carry on. Mars is waiting for us, right?

Legacy media is absolutely corrupt. But we’re addicted to the play by play and most of us stopped thinking critically long ago. Who needs to think? We have pundits and AI chats now.

But most importantly, we believe. We believe in heaven and hell. We believe in White dominance and that the United States can do no wrong. We believe in Santa Claus and all the lies embedded in our history and so we carry on.

Sons and daughters go to war and we are told not all will make it home, as if that makes it better somehow. It’s honest at least.

I have always hated hypocrisy. If god is love, why can’t love be our choice? Why can’t saving humanity be our rallying cry?  Please leave your beliefs behind, get to your knowing and let us carry on.

Let us climb out of the ashes and create a better day. Because we can.

An anonymous author from 1583 depicts the immortal phoenix rising from the flames. In is in our DNA to rise again and again. And our time to rise is now.

It’s OK to Change Your Mind

15,000 people sang (this) to ICE at the conclusion of the “Be Human” Brandi Carlile concert last week in Minneapolis. The concert was livestreamed and raised $600,000 for immigrant families. It was a powerful statement of loving resistance and the words keep echoing in my mind and heart. They sang, and I found myself singing too, “It’s OK to change your mind, and you can join us, join us anytime.”

Singing Resistance is growing across the country. As Minneapolis faced immense pain, rage, and grief, they found the courage to “fight back with love”. Calling upon the conscience of these mercenaries of hate, Minneapolis dared to invite ICE agents to walk away from the path of violence. and to “take accountability for harm they’ve caused”. There are now 95 chapters of Singing Resistance calling for Saturday, February 28 and Sunday, March 1 to be nationwide singing actions. They will be coordinated in locations such as Dilley Detention Center in Texas, or in corporate locations that have contracts with ICE.

The Minneapolis Singing Resistance Instagram, posted that they were inspired by Otpor the Serbian Civil Resistance movement who overthrew dictator Slobodan Milosevic in 2000. Regularly arrested and beaten by police, the protestors would then show up to police stations and officers’ houses chanting “You may not join us today, but you can join us tomorrow”. In the final hours of their revolution, hundreds of thousands of people marched on Belgrade. Milosevic ordered the police and military to fire on the massive crowds. They refused. They were done being on the wrong side of history.” 

There are singing resistance groups springing up throughout the Driftless region. And whether you are able to join a group sing or not, there is no doubt that song has always been used to help us overcome hardships and oppression. Find your voice, give it your love and resist inhumanity.

photo from Michael Tisserand, Facebook

We’ve Had Enough

The $tate of the Union is scheduled for Tuesday, February 24. Groundswells of people, including Congressional members, will be tuning it out. What better way to steal the thunder of one who feasts on false accolades than to ignore him? Media will be paid to record, regurgitate and correct or bolster every line, saving us our precious time. After the speech we will be force fed false stories of grandiose exceptionalism as they desperately try to have us not look behind the curtain of illusion. Bets could and should be made on how many times the Epstein files are mentioned. Odds are not at all. And there will unlikely be no mention of our “peace” president’s blockade on Cuba that is crippling that sovereign nation. Nor will we learn any more clarity on the possibility of going to war with Iran and what role Israel plays in our ongoing militarism. 

And this administration has refused to reel in the inhuman acts of the mercenaries called ICE, paid for by the “big beautiful bill” with Congressional approval. Our tax dollars are funding Department of Homeland Security detention centers that are essentially prisons, and one must wonder, if criminal deportation is the point, why are so many prisons necessary?

We live in an imperialist and racist nation. One that hid the truth of Native American genocide and the anguishes of slavery. We’ve allowed the myths of grandeur to cloud our vision and to promote this grotesque new normal we are living in. 

But as the realities of child rape and sex trafficking through the elite world cabal comes to light, surely, we are ready to say, “We’ve had enough”. 

It’s time for a revolution of kindness. Kindness to ourselves, to our children and to the children and people throughout the world harmed by imperialism, environmental extraction and debauchery. 

It’s time for a worldwide human revolution. Let’s stop letting ignorance lead. Do something meaningful during the $tate of the Union that will help bring power to its knees. Not listening to there $tate of the Union is a start. Create a new narrative of love, community, diversity and joy. Because we can.

Lead With Love. Not Compromise.

It’s almost done. We’ve normalized lying. We’ve normalized bullies. We’ve normalized child abuse. We’ve normalized genocide. We have done so cloaked in the United States flag and sanctioned by the Bible.  

The Israeli war criminal visits Washington to ensure the United States plays hardball with Iran. Another ship is blown up in the Pacific, killing two and leaving one survivor for the coast guard. No word on his condition or if he was indeed rescued. That’s 126 people killed. No mention of wrongful death lawsuits filed by families of fishermen. Murders continue unabated.

The Epstein files are wreaking havoc in Europe and Great Britain, but we’re quite willing to allow pedophiles and crypto maniacs run our show. And ICE is not even close to being abolished, let alone reigned in as Bondi’s DOJ hearings made mockery of truth, justice and humanity. 

Yet there was Bad Bunny, reminding us we are all America. Reminding that Love is greater. Demonstrating truth to power in the most celebratory ways. Viva the Puerto Rican independent spirit – may we all learn from it.  There was Brandy Carlile with a powerful and almost mournful America the Beautiful. 

It’s Black History Month. I am grateful that my social media connections are filled with remembrances championing the strength and clarity of those who walked before us. The ones who faced hatred but did not flinch. They held to their humanity – as we must now, too. James Baldwin, Audre Lorde, Maya Angelou, Langston Hughes, Frederick Douglas and countless more. Read them. Drink in their wisdom and stop cowering in White fear.  

Look to those supporting our mutual hope for humanity, that we may still win.

Lead with love and fight like hell.