Category: Dignity

Juneteenth

Let’s celebrate that which is worthy of celebration!

Some things never took on me. As a teen I had a fierce reaction against the Vietnam war when most people were blindly in support, before the narratives changed and the body count rose. I remember at even younger years, I was not willing to mistreat or even speak poorly of children less advantaged. And I never understood the disregard and dehumanization of Black children who I counted as friends. I hated the stigmas on diversity or anything that smacked of difference issued by “God fearing, church goers”. Their hypocrisy was repugnant to me. It chased me from religion, but not from my Creator. 

A favored aunt tried to help me “see the plight of white people”, offering books that spoke of being outnumbered and more. I felt sorry for her. I didn’t realize at the time she was unwittingly warning me of what was yet to come. That those Sunday worshiping, people of God were about to unleash hatred so vile as to make me want to withdraw from society as a whole.

But that’s not my fate. I choose instead to champion the truly Good in all of us. And however desperate the times appear; I’m committed to fulfilling my life’s purpose: to be fully human, fully alive. I’ve lived a life of questioning and choosing. And my choices, while not easily executed, have allowed a love of humanity and of the earth that I cherish.

Baraboo, Wiscsonsin will be celebrating Juneteenth for the third year. It’s a community refusing to surrender to the racism that has haunted it. Haunted all of us. I’ll be there again. This is what we need. To celebrate our stories of victory, to revel in the colors of the rainbow and to delight in our diversity which is our strength.

It’s time for the silent to waken. The line is drawn. We are either human or we are not. There is no other choice. Time to dance.

Abolish ICE. End racism. Choose humanity. Celebrate Juneteenth.

250 Years

And we are still here…

As the swirl of BS continues and it seems harder to find hints of humanity, compassion and kindness, remember this: The United States was born as a republic led by an aristocracy of white men. Yet the Declaration of Independence offered some of the highest human ideals ever written: All men are created equal and the right to the pursuit of happiness – unless of course you were Indigenous, a Slave, or a Woman. For these lofty ideals to become true for all required that equality, equity and the pursuit of justice would become a relentless effort. Two hundred and fifty years of blood, sweat and tears from some of the most courageous and passionate people brought us tremendous victories.

This struggle made by (primarily) marginalized Peoples must be the pride of this nation, not its castaways. And while the arrogant attempt to erase our history and whitewash our struggles, it’s incumbent upon us to celebrate the 250 years of valiant courage and unbridled wisdom of those who resisted injustice.

The stories of persistent valor that are handed down, whether written or verbal, in song or in art, must be held as sacred and continue to be shared. Teach our children the legacy of which they can be proud. Remind them that our Native siblings are still here despite attempted genocide. Remind them of the resiliency of all who were brought here against their will to be enslaved. Help them understand that socialism, feared by the elites, gave us fire departments, the post office, public schools, unions, better working conditions and so much more. 

Let’s stop wasting time on the small minded, the greedy and the power hungry.  They have risen from time to time, but have never triumphed. We know their history intimately. We carry the scars. It is time to uplift and honor those who never allowed ignorance to win. However daunting the challenge, we cannot sacrifice the gains that humanity has made. We must persevere.

Let’s come together to celebrate the true victors. The ones who never surrendered their love or their humanity. Let’s begin again. And all that is now being done to destroy human dignity can be undone. Do not despair. We will rise stronger; our light will be brighter.

And let us acknowledge that this country was and remains imperfect, and rather, see it as a work of art, perhaps never to be finished but always available for our love and corrections. We are living in a time of correction. Your voice and your clarity are needed.

Find one another. Humanity is calling.

Fragility

Fragility is not always a weakness. It can be the direct result of living in an insane world.

Today began with another reminder of how fragile we are. The call came early; the voice was shaky and broken. I sat down. Another youth made the ultimate sacrifice. Another life lost in the crush of a society that refuses to walk away from inhumanity and senseless hatred. We’re living in a death wish that pretends to be civilization. And for some, suicide becomes the last resort and a final slap to the world that refuses to listen. 

This upside-down world filled with contradictions and dead ends are too much for many. They are the Ones whose empathy becomes the sword they fall on. The Ones whose question “Why?” is screamed into an abyss. The Ones we say “were not meant for this world”, instead of saying “we must repair the garden we have destroyed”. We carry on. We say prayers, raise money to cover burials and refuse to look deeper. Those closest to the departed will feel the sting of shame and the torment of guilt, but that should not be their burden, as we all have a hand in this human spider web. 

In a land where guns outnumber humans and children are taught their lives are political fodder, how could we expect anything else?

In a country steeped in empty faith with compromises and contradictions so great a camel could pass through the eye of that needle. We missed the boat of humanity. We prefer lies and excuses. We prefer beliefs of Santa Claus and heaven. We want sugar coated exceptionalism to reign. And the ugly truth is something we refuse to handle. Fear is and has always been the driver of this country, but today it’s on steroids.

But not for all of us. It has never been all of us. Some of us have always known better. And perhaps it is time for the fearless to lead.

For those unafraid of facing truth, let us recognize one another with dignity and compassion. Let us help one another. Love and peace are not only possible; they are our birthright. It requires a deeper dive and a willingness to accept and celebrate the incredible gift that is life. Help one another. We can do this.

LGBTQ+ Rights and Our Duty to Protect-2Download

Take a Dive in the Deeper End

If your media intake is limited to FOX, MSN, CNN and the like, you’re being lulled into aggression or passivity. Facts in these arenas are designed to distract and divide. I want to direct you to your humanity.

In my seventh decade, I’m still learning about the exploitations and manipulations of the United States throughout its history, but better late than never. A People’s History of the United States by Howard Zinn is a great primer.

If you’re among those holding your breath in hopes that some divine hand will reshape the current course of insanity, I would tell you to stop wasting your time. There’s no hero coming to save the day. The hope is that we, as individuals and collectively, will take the time to learn how we got here and find creative ways to revolutionize our communities, our nation and the world.

If the fire in your belly has been all but extinguished, I would suggest to you to find the fighters among us who have not given up. The clear eyed, passionate truth tellers. The marginalized who are no longer controlled by corporate money and the empire. Free your mind and your heart will thank you.

Because we’re not born to be enslaved. We’re born to enjoy the magnificence of this creation. We’re not born to enslave others or to control their uniqueness in any way. We’re not here to destroy the garden, but to co-create with it.

There are people challenging the status quo of hate and fear. I count myself among them. I seek out their wisdom. Not to follow or mimic, but to fuel my thirst for peace and justice, so I can carry on.

If you haven’t yet discovered Democracy Now, do it. And “Steal This Story, Please!” is an excellent documentary on the disciplined activism of Amy Goodman. 

Lastly, I have come to appreciate the independent journalists and creative minds on Substack. Many have been driven from corporate media of their outspoken criticism of inhumanity and injustice. Danielle Moodie, Wajahat Ali, Joy Reid, Jared Yates Sexton, Katie Phang, Trita Parsi and Alisa Valdes-Rodriquez are a few of my favorites.

Still other are artists and activists seeking community and the chance to be heard. Take time to catch the poetry, photography and heart of Mustava Santiago Ali and Justin Mott. You can find all of these and many more on my profile page at Substack. Discover and share the diversity of thought and will that is our right and our heritage as human beings.

When we know one another, when we see each other’s humanity, we will change course.

May 15 is the International Day of Contentious Objectors. You can listen to my podcast, Changing the Narrative with CO David Kopitske from the Vietnam War which aired on WDRT.

May 15 is also Nakba Day, which began 78 years of ethnic cleansing of Palestinian People. Let us help grow the movement of BDS to stop the genocide. You can learn more at Grow the Movement from Visualize Palestine.

The photo of Slave Narrative books was taken at Whitney Plantation.

To Bear Witness

Sometime during the course of the Wisconsin winter, I decided it was time to visit an old friend and to explore a bit of New Orleans. Amtrack is becoming my favorite mode of travel and it is a straight shot to the Big Easy from the Driftless. Nothing disappointed in the wonderings. Smiling faces, warm greetings, amazing food and vibrant colors told the stories of a city still finding its way after Katrina. The community spirit was deeply touching and the diversities of interwoven cultures and lifestyles were absolutely refreshing.

But it was on this day that the reckonings of the past brought the inhumanity of the present in sharp focus. We made the hour drive to Whitney Plantation. This is not your storybook wedding venue kind of place. This is, as our guide told us, a place to “become comfortable with the uncomfortable”. This is not a glorified walk through Antebellum South, where opulent displays of wealth hid the violent and cruel underbelly of slavery. This was a dignified accounting of the life of the enslaved, much of it told in their own words. And as I found myself drawn into the lives portrayed there, the parallels of modern kidnapping, detention centers and prisons became more relevant. The storylines of racism, sexual abuses, and of separated families, while enslavers continue to amass wealth, are far too familiar.

Yet what was most striking were the people who are keeping the stories alive. The caretakers of this place and of the memories. The ones who honor the names, the tears and the hardships and in doing so they offer us a chance to bear witness.

There is responsibility in witnessing inhumanity, should you accept it. It is to become human and then to find a way to be accountable.

That is our collective path to freedom. 

Photo by Elsa Hahne and found at Media – Whitney Plantation

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.

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.

America First is America Alone

We are desensitized to killing. Leadership no longer recognizes nor respects international law or the norms of human decency. The United States / Israeli partnership continues the genocide of Palestinians. Turning our backs on this slaughter has empowered it. We have forsaken the independence of Ukraine and the slaughter in Sudan. The United States Christmas bombing in Nigeria was useless propaganda that harmed innocent civilians. We’re still unclear about the nearly one hundred sailors and fishermen blown up in the Caribbean. And as we learn of eighty civilians and soldiers and thirty-two Cubans killed by our bombs in Venezuela, we are distracted by the desire to take over Greenland. No time to mourn. Threats of militarization and regime change have been made regarding Mexico, Iran, Columbia, Cuba and continue in Venezuela. 

America first is now America alone. Might is right has replaced our humanity. And who will stop the United States military, led by ruthless capitalists stealing land and oil and protecting their ultra rich crony pedophiles? 

A senseless murder in Minneapolis at the hands of ICE brings the ruthlessness back home. The lies and propaganda still work on a handful, but the streets are and will continue to be lined with human beings saying “No More”. No more disappearing our neighbors and friends. No more theft of our souls.

Project 2025, the authoritarian playbook disguised as a manual for the creation of a Christian nation, is afoot, and the ignorant are all for it.

If you’re still supporting this madness, it’s doubtful these words will touch you. I write for those who see the calamity before us and to encourage the silent fringe to wake up, that we may remove the bullies we have empowered and allow the possibility of peace to reign.

Reclaiming our humanity with courage and dignity will stop this death march.  

In our human belonging, we are never alone.

Vigil for Renee Good, brutally murdered by ICE in Minneapolis, 1/7/26