Dena Eakles

“To Know the Pain of Too Much Tenderness”*

They say when a sheep goes down they are usually gone in a couple of days. That has not been my experience. My ewes are over ten years old now and I am letting them live out their lives on the farm. I have found that sheep, as with many ruminant animals, enjoy the company of their offspring and stay close together throughout their lives, if given the chance.

So it has been with Madonna and her lamb, MissTery who was born on the hillside one sunny spring day twelve years ago. The two were inseparable. So when Madonna, so named because of her singing voice, went down early in the winter, we made an area exclusively for them.

Through the bitter cold, they shared the space and hay and corn. Both ate ravenously. And while I knew Madonna’s legs would never hold her upright again, I made a promise to care for her to the end. Warm water with a bit of molasses was a special treat on frigid days. It took two of us to move her to cleaner hay and then as she grew lighter, only one.

Apparently she was waiting for spring to take her leave, confident that her offspring could carry on without her. I marveled at the wonder of being able to witness their closeness to one another. And I was grateful for my own compassion that grew as the days wore on. Tenderness and kindness are incredible human gifts and like all living things they grow stronger with use and care.

We always have a choice. What we will do in times of hardship. What we will do for others in need. We are being driven to be kind and to help one another, if we so choose. Choose love.

*The title of this piece comes from a line in Kahlil Gibran’s “On Love” from The Prophet

The Irony of Evil

Of all that I am and of all that I ever will be I am forever grateful to be a human being first and foremost. Living in a time strife with division, brutality and war, it may seem frivolous to call upon that which we all share in common – our humanity. But I have found no other way to navigate these times.

There are people obsessed with evil. They see it lurking everywhere and in their paranoia, they go to great lengths to protect themselves from it. Gun culture, military might, and quest for power are not signs of strength, they are signs of weakness.

The irony of evil is that we seldom see the seeds of it within our self. We’re always sure of its existence outside of us. All those people selling security systems love us for this.

And in this quest to be impervious to harm, we shield away our compassion. In this urgent need to be top dog we miss the tenderness of our humanity. We reject empathy and our hearts harden with uncertainty. In this bowing to fear, we give away the only power that can in fact help us – and that is love.

It is the love of country and countrymen that will let Ukraine survive and thrive again, not fear or hatred. It is the love of peace that will call upon the Wisdom of Solomon to find a way out of this insanity.

For all that I have seen and all that I know, I will never give up on us. For as mighty is the seed of evil, the seed of love is as powerful, it simply needs our willingness to try and our conviction to overcome.

We have deferred to ignorance for too long. Let’s give Peace a chance.

What Price, Peace?

“Hesitate and you’re lost”. Those were the words my father used when he taught me to drive. He was addressing the doubt that traps us if we’re not present in the moment.

And what a moment we’re in. We were warned to move out of fossil fuels since the 70’s, but we hesitated. Now we’re engaged in a contest of wills that has placed oil and gas as the battering rams of war. As the number one producer in the world, the United States can stop accepting Russian oil, but European allies are stepping back and admitting they are in fact dependent on Russia for their energy. And while the Republicans grew the financial aid package to Ukraine from $10 billion as suggested by the White House to nearly $14 billion, they’re quick to condemn the president for raising gasoline prices – which in fact, he cannot do.

I’d like to see the breakdown of military versus humanitarian aid – and see who will be the victors in this capitalist venture.

So much for the unity required to stop Putin’s death march. The truth is we’re compromised. We’re paralyzed by the fear of our precious lives being economically altered and crushed by the realization that just saying “peace” is not enough to make it so.

Once again whether by our government or that of another conquering empire, innocent lives are crushed. The tear in human consciousness is again ripped open. And whether we admit it or not, we are altered by the suffering being inflicted on Ukrainian people. We haven’t learned we’re all one. We haven’t learned this is still within our grasp to change.

Peace is possible, but because we have hesitated for so long to nurture and support it, it will come with a price. A price we must all shoulder: pacifists, war mongers, lovers and haters…the price is wanting peace more than anything else. It is a price we can all pay.

We must.

A sign reading “glory for Ukraine” at a rally to support Ukraine at Washington Square Park, in New York City. February 27, 2022

When Madmen Lead

Putin, end this nightmare. For the past week, the so-called “military exercise” has shown it is nothing of the sort. It is a march of destruction and death. There is no propaganda that can excuse the inhumanity that has become the fate of the people of Ukraine.

With diplomacy stalled or forgotten, and international sanctions weighing down upon the people of Russia, one could hope that the insanity would end. But we have seen this before. History has shown us far too many leaders willing to self-destruct – and take countless innocents with them.

We have seen the madmen lead and we have seen human beings follow. We have normalized this behavior while we pray for peace. We pray for peace, but we do not insist on peace. We want war to end, but we continue to allow militarism to dominate us.

Make no mistake, I believe Putin is wrong and I am not sure sanctions will stop him. I weep for the people who are becoming refugees and for those who are being killed. I fear for the Russian people as the economic squeeze tightens as well as the persecution they will face as they dissent. And I am convinced that the financial shock waves will surely hit Europe and the rest of the world, intensifying conflicts everywhere.

It seems humanity has reached its midnight hour. We can no longer hide behind despotic leadership and claim innocence. We must become thinking people who are not willing to sacrifice our humanity for the empire.

When I heard Trump call Putin’s aggression “genius” and heard no cries of fowl from his party, I was not surprised. Trump is not a friend of peace. Trump is a friend of greed and power. And his followers are devotees of the same.

Peace in Ukraine

I’m not an apologist for the United States government, nor am I an apologist for Putin. I am a human being and I fear for the people of Ukraine as they await their fate.

I wrote these words a few short hours before Putin unleashed a full-scale land, sea and air invasion on Ukraine.

The conflict began in 2014 with thousands of civilians killed and nearly one and a half million forced to leave their homes. Peace building then took second stage as weaponry poured into the region from the United States and the EU. NATO failed to grasp the urgency of diplomacy and no one believed Putin would launch such an inhuman assault.

Putin boldly lied referring to this new build up of nearly 200,000 troops on the Ukrainian border as a military exercise. And NATO, with the United States in the lead, miscalculated their ability to reel Putin in by sanctions, while arming the Ukrainians.

The people of the world are led by thinking that is steeped in power and financed by the military industrial complex. All sides weigh the financial risks and the political capital as they make their moves – using the same tactics and the same lies we have followed for decades. And it is women and children who pay the greatest price while profiteers gain.

It’s time we change course. We must become pro-peace. Our strategies must be life affirming. We must take the position that we are all human beings deserving the right to live in safety, with shelter, clean food and water and given the “elbow room” to be the unique individuals that we are. Our choices must be pro-human and pro-earth.

Peace is our only way forward. Each individual must assess the value of peace. Each must make way for it. May it prevail. May the Russian people demand it from their leader. May we all demand it.

map of Ukraine under attack – By Homoatrox – Own work, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=115503967

We Don’t Need No Haters*

I’m not a football fan. I respect the athleticism, but there are more negatives around the professional sport than I can tolerate, like the over $5 billion dollar SOFI stadium in LA.

SOFI is a student loan company. There’s something about putting that name on a stadium when scores of people are struggling to repay student debt that screams “out of touch”.

And then there was the nod finally given to Hip-Hop at this year’s Super Bowl. Since 2017 R&B / Hip-Hop has been dominant on billboard charts, but the NFL wasn’t ready to add more controversy to the storm already brewing until now.

I watched to see how the super star ensemble would handle the moment. I wasn’t let down. It was an energizing performance by all. I confess I need to read lyrics to catch some of the words, but the passion and the insights are well worth the time.

Mary J. Blige sang her hit from twenty years ago (Family Affair) and if you missed the line “We don’t need no haters” then you missed the point. Artists of every generation have been the ones to chronicle the suffering of people and call out – in their own way – hope and triumph. This is what the half time show gave us, if we could hear it.

Fifteen time Grammy winner, Eminem knelt for almost a minute during his song, “Lose Yourself”. It’s still a hot debate whether Eminem’s replay of Kaepernick’s protest against racism and police brutality was ok’d by the NFL ahead of time or censored and ignored. Either way, it was a telling moment and as I watched the replay of the half time performances, I found myself hoping he took the knee as an “ask” of forgiveness for white inhumanity through the years

“We Don’t Need No Haters” – from Mary J. Blige’s “Family Affair”.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., center, leads a group of civil rights workers and Selma black people in prayer on Feb. 1, 1965 in Selma, Alabama after they were arrested on charges of parading without a permit. More than 250 persons were arrested as they marched to the Dallas County courthouse as part of a voter registration drive. (AP Photo/BH)

Freedom

“It is hard for the old slaveholding spirit to die, but die it must.” — Sojourner Truth

As we witness the violence of racism creep steadily into our school boards, our libraries and into the discourse of our legislators, it’s important to galvanize behind ideals that are more powerful and more compelling.

I’ve never been interested in fighting ignorance; I think it’s far better to light a way out of it. And over the past few weeks I have found solace and kinship in the movement known as Abolition.

Building upon the efforts of Frederick Douglas, Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman and many more, the Abolitionist movement of today speaks to the heart of humankind. Like its forbearers it is unapologetic in its declaration for freedom and courageous in its truth-telling.

And despite the hardships and the cruelty that has been the legacy of colonialism and capitalism to all marginalized people, Abolition is a Phoenix and it’s on the rise.

Abolitionism today calls for creativity as we emerge from the darkness of separation. And perhaps in the most dignified of ways it calls for the celebration of humanity and insists on the importance of joy.

You will find Abolitionists in our schools, creating safe environments for all children. You will find them in the fight to replace penal punishment with compassion.

You will find them resurrecting communities through mutual aid and harm reduction.

You will not find them in discussions on reform. You see, Abolitionists understand the phrase “None of us are free until we are all free”*, and reform is an illusive coward that allows racism, sexism, and other unnatural qualities to continue.

So, if you are looking for a bit of fresh air, I suggest you get to know the Abolitionists of our time. Dr. Bettina Love’s book, “We Want To Do More Than Survive” is a good starting point.

This quote is attributed to Emma Lazarus, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Maya Angelou and perhaps others. It is a common understanding of compassionate human hearts.

The Bridge

I am of the era when the public school system was held in esteem and communities worked hard to ensure that all children were given a fair chance. I had the good fortune to grow up in a diverse community and while I will not pretend that racism did not exist, I can assure you it was held in check.

It was held in check by human beings who took on the responsibility to teach and to administer guidance, and strengthened by a community that refused to allow bigotry to rule. We enjoyed the company of people whose faith dictated the possibility of goodwill towards all.

I grew up as the war in Vietnam was coming to its bitter end. A time before flower power, peace and love became mocked ideals. To me the dissenters of war were no less patriotic than the ones who fought. I still hold this as true.

When I was young to be a Christian meant to love your neighbor as yourself, and service to humankind was a worthy aspiration. I wasn’t taught the prosperity gospel. Worshiping the almighty dollar had nothing to do with “In God We Trust”. Somewhere over the past decades our greed has taken a devilish turn.

I have had the good fortune to travel the world and this is what I know: we are more similar than not. We have the same needs and the same hopes. Our needs are basic: food, shelter, clean air, clean water, mutual respect and a little bit of elbow room to celebrate our uniqueness. Our hopes can be distilled to one: the desire for peace.

It’s time to rediscover our humanity and to fight to preserve it. That will be the bridge over the chasm of indifference and hatred that we have allowed.

**The photo is the bridge near the home of my childhood in western Pennsylvania.

The Spirit of the 60’s Lives

Well Toto, we aren’t in the 60’s anymore. Somewhere during the past decades we took a turn away from civil rights, voting rights, peace, love and ending war.

In the last few days the Wisconsin legislature passed a few bills that curled my toes. Without the help of Governor Evers’ veto pen, here is what we can look forward to: Eighteen year olds, who cannot legally purchase a gun, will be given permission to open carry – that includes to high school.

Another punch to the gut is a bill that takes aim at protesting. Stiff penalties for attending a protest that turns violent – whether you were peaceful or not – is sending a cold chill through the land of the free – and I’m not talking current temps. Having seen provocateurs at Standing Rock; I am inclined to keep praying for Governor Evers’ good health and penmanship.

And with the ultimate insult to minorities, the Wisconsin Republican majority passed an anti-CRT bill. Parents would have the right to seek censure of teachers who mention systemic racism if their children are offended by truth.

The federal government is poised to lead us back to war, selling weapons to Ukraine and rattling the saber of power. Yet most of us, who could change the course of things, are distracted and pleading for the return of “normal”. Whatever that is.

But the spirit of the 60’s is here for proponents of Black Lives Matter and for Indigenous led efforts to keep oil in the ground and protect the earth. It’s alive for those calling “No war with Russia” and demanding nuclear disarmament. And you can find it in the people leaving jobs or striking in numbers that are shaking the feudal lords.(Listen to a town hall with Bernie Sanders and workers.)

The question is: where are you in this tidal wave of change?

Photo Public Domain 1963 March on Washington

The Time is Right

On Monday we paused for a federal holiday to honor a man of faith and dignity; one who dared to dream of a more perfect union and worked to make it so. He galvanized people to demand that our forbearer’s promise of equality would be fulfilled. He summoned courage and awakened hope.

He did this in nonviolent ways.

For his efforts he was beaten, imprisoned and killed.

Now nearly sixty years later we must still defend the work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the people who rallied with him. We must still attempt to be a beacon of light in a society marred by division and hate. We must ensure, as he did, that the truth of our history, of slave owners, and attempted indigenous genocide be taught. We must fight to preserve the right to vote so that we can ensure that those who lead us are people of justice and goodwill.

It may be too late to help older people afflicted by the ills of racism, it may be too late to help them untangle the web of religious zealotry and power grabbing that seeks to dominate us. But it’s not too late to teach our children the truth. It’s not too late to ensure this great country lives up to its greatness.

Nineteen states have passed restrictive voting laws. Wisconsin is poised to continue with gerrymandering that allows for the dominance of a government with little regard for the needs of the people or the health of our land. But there is still time to get it right.

It is never too late to strive for the clarity to be human and for the decency to be kind. And the time is right to demand that from government. The blueprint was given to us. Let’s use it.

Wisconsin Network for Peace and Justice‘s zoom call Fair Maps with Frontline Leaders.

WDRT’s Conversation with Mary Kay Baum on activism and fair maps.

Author: Dena Eakles