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.

Lessons in Hypocrisy

One can hope that the Democratic Party establishment has recognized the powerful statement of those who refused the photo op in Atlanta. After months of silence, in a “Hail Mary” pitch, the president declared that the Voter Rights Act(s) must pass. He even showed his earnestness by pushing the end of the filibuster, if needed. If that wasn’t painful enough Senator Schumer evoked Martin Luther King Day to be the showdown on the filibuster and the vote.

Some people are swayed by rhetoric. I’m not one of them. Our history is full of promises and unfulfilled hope. The facts tell the tale of our so-called democracy.

The original Constitution did not define voting rights and it wasn’t until 1870 that white men were given the right to vote. Technically black men could vote as well, but state laws made it nearly impossible for them. It was not until the Voting Rights Act of 1965 that all citizens were granted the right to vote.

One would hope we believe in the equality we preach. One would hope we value the democracy we tout. But the nineteen states enacting laws in 2021 that hinder marginalized peoples’ ability to vote are lessons in hypocrisy.

And that brings me to the other party incapable of stopping the runaway train of destruction. The Republicans. Who wins when the voices of the people are muted? Clearly, it is not the marginalized. Clearly it is not Nature. Elitists win. Slick salesmen win. Division wins. 

You have to wonder how long before people who claim Republican status challenge their establishment as some worthy Democrats just did. It’s not easy to acknowledge you’ve been tricked, but the consequences will be dire if we continue to follow the two party path of division.  

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When asked why he refused to endorse a political party, Martin Luther King said, “I feel someone must remain in the position of nonalignment, so that he can look objectively at both parties and be the conscience of both – not the servant or master of either.

Ubuntu

If the past few years have shown us anything it’s this: it’s time for us to rediscover the meaning of the Zulu word Ubuntu, “I am because we are.” I say rediscover because I have a firm belief that Ubuntu is rooted in every human being. It’s just that some of us have forgotten.

A society that has lost its ability to care for one another – that holds individual freedom, wealth and ownership as top priority  – has lost its way. And while we may be top heavy in wealth we are lopsided in humanity.

A society that does not support the welfare and goodwill of all will fall short of its dreams of equality. A people who refuse to acknowledge the sins of our forbearers and do not act to correct them will remain divided. A house divided will surely fall.

People boast of patriotism. Flags are waved. The Pledge is affirmed. The checklist is checked and then we go on our individual way. But the celebration of individuality is a curse unless it’s rooted in the understanding of oneness.

People demand freedom. We have fought wars with “freedom” being the carrot that drove our youth to their graves – not to mention the blood of countless innocents.

The word freedom should not be used lightly. It demands a reawakening to Ubuntu, and the resurgence of our collective humanity and our strength as individuals.

That reawakening is internal. It cannot be taught; it must be felt. It cannot be found in useless debates of right and wrong. It won’t be felt in the endless game of judgment. 

But there it is. Waiting. Tied to our compassion and our empathy. We are worthy of this reawakening and we are capable.

For a look at Ubuntu as inclusion.

Inherit the Wind

For those not paying attention: The earth is undergoing traumatic change. Debates can rage, but facts are undeniable. We’re having one of our driest years. A few years back the waters raged. These are the fluctuations predicted for us. Our terrain gives way to a downward flow but history has informed us trees and grasses play a significant role in slowing the floodwaters when they do arrive.

Wood is at a premium right now. And taking down mature forests make sense to the pocketbook, but little sense when we consider trees’ advantages.

Trees give us oxygen and improve the air we breathe. They sequester carbon, preserve soil, conserve water and support wildlife. Not to mention the joy of a swing and other childhood memories they provide. 

I’m not a gambler, but taking into account climate swings, odds are pretty good that we will have some heavy rains and flooding in the not too distant future. People living in valleys are particularly aware of the dangers of fast moving run-off.  

If you’ve driven around lately, you can see that short-term gain is winning and old growth trees are coming down. The mills are loaded and “useless” treetops are an ugly sight on our hillsides. While I understand the need to survive financially, I must wonder why we cannot find better ways.

I know I’ll hear, “I can do what I want with my land.” Unfortunately that is true. No one can make anyone care about consequences to wildlife or to the future of our grandchildren’s children and what they will inherit. But we can try.

Every January Vernon County’s Land and Water Conservation offers a sapling sale. Plant a few. It’s not a solution to the destruction but may lessen the loss of desperately needed trees. 

The concept of “Inherit the Wind” is from Proverbs chapter 11, verse 9 “He that troubles his own house shall inherit the wind…”

It is also a great 1960 movie, Inherit the Wind, depicting the 1920’s school teacher, Bertram Cates who is put on trial for teaching evolution instead of creationism. 

The Grinch is a Centrist

Just in time for the holiday The Grinch has returned. Senator Joe Manchin has said “No” to the Build Back Better Act. The bill would have continued to offer relief to 35 million struggling families through the child tax credit ending this month. Veteran coal miners suffering black lung disease will lose a four-year extension of funding. Medicaid expansions including hearing benefits, lower drug costs and funding to increase home health care are now tabled, as may be some much needed immigration reform. 

Free pre-kindergarten and lower childcare costs and incentives to combat climate change are potentially lost. And equitable tax reforms won’t be considered any time soon.

And while Manchin uses rising inflation as his concern, the Pentagon saw an increased funding of $780 billion, $24 billion more than the White House requested. Good ole Joe signed on to that.

As significantly, Manchin’s refusal to reform the filibuster makes it unlikely the Freedom to Vote Act will pass.  The bill currently in the Senate would solidify voter protections.  It would include early voting, mail in ballots and make Election Day a holiday. A national standard for voter identification would ensure election integrity.  Without these federal safeguards big money will continue to rule our political landscape.

But it would be unwise to pin the Grinch label on ole Joe exclusively. The truth is everyone who believes that change should come incrementally is a card carrying Grinch club member. The status quo works well for centrists of both parties. And the media plays on centrist fears. 

A country more invested in war than people will surely suffer. 

Here’s hoping Christmas “Goodwill” lasts longer than a day. 

It’s possible.

The photo is the original cover of the Dr. Seuss book, How the Grinch Stole Christmas!