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!

Conviction is a Gift

I listened to Jane Goodall speak about her latest Book of Hope. I enjoyed how she navigated the interviewer’s questions and stated that all of her books are about hope. I loved how she handily dispensed claims that animals are not sentient beings with the kindness of one who understands that empathy is a strength of being human. I appreciate her unrelenting ability to share her life’s experiences in hopes of awakening another’s aspirations.  And I am grateful that she never gives up.

As long as breath is given we have the responsibility to be fully alive.  Luckily there are many around us who take that responsibility seriously. They can see the precipice on which we stand but are unwilling to succumb to negativity and hopelessness. They cut a path that makes it easier for each of us to be our better self. To these people every season is the season of giving. Every day is a day to rejoice. Every being a welcomed teacher; every moment can be full of discovery.

Another great inspiration of our time is Prem Rawat. He is known as the Ambassador of Peace after a lifetime encouraging people towards self-knowledge. Like Goodall, Prem’s message comes from experience as he champions our humanity. His newly released book, Hear Yourself, touches hearts with clarity, courage and simplicity. 

Conviction born of knowing is a gift. It would be foolish to believe that it is meant for only a few. We all have the ability to tap into the great wonders of being alive. We all have a responsibility to be fully human. What an amazing transformation awaits humanity as we each come closer to knowing our full potential. Take time for this, friends. We are worthy.

In memory of bell hooks…thank you for cutting trails…

The Sovereign Ruler

The development of robotic killing machines is underway. One step beyond drone systems, these robots will take killing entirely out of human hands. Artificial intelligence, sensors and algorithms will determine the victims and the kill. This is not science fiction. About thirty countries are banning this new warfare before it becomes widely available and they’re asking others to do the same.

But we live in the United States, the country with the most to protect: our interference in other countries’ governments, our sale of arms to friends and foe, our willingness to keep the Pentagon and its secrets as top priority. There’s no surprise that the United States is rejecting the request to ban this warfare and is instead asking for rules of engagement and “codes of conduct”.  We are taking the lead in researching killer robots along with Russia, Israel, South Korea and India. Good luck managing death with “codes of conduct”.

The callousness of our ability to kill, to make excuses for the killing and to look away with ease has crept into every aspect of our society. Fear of other, vigilante self-defense and the need for power is crippling us. 

Not surprisingly, we’re being warned to take care of our mental health and while that is a good and worthy sentiment, it’s hard to live in such a desperate world and remain sane.

But we can and we must. There’s nothing normal in this lust for power and the willingness to kill. There is nothing human in spending billions on the Pentagon while people go hungry and homeless.

Someone recently asked me, “How can you know these things and not despair?” The answer is simple: the human heart remains my sovereign ruler and peace needs only to be given a chance. We can do this.

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“The Heart is the emperor, the supreme controller. The Heart is the fire at the center of our being, from which the spirit radiates.” 
-Neijing Suwen (Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine)

The Huangdi Neijing (given the title The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Medicine in one of the latest translations) is an ancient treatise on health and disease said to have been written by the famous Chinese emperor Huangdi around 2600 BC.

Decolonize

There’s a lot of talk these days about decolonizing. Decolonize our food, decolonize our wardrobe, decolonize our minds and on. We are learning what colonization meant and means to indigenous people the world over and it is a hideous legacy. 

And I keep coming back to this: We were all indigenous once. We all came from people who lived on the land, wherever that land might have been. Some of us are closer to it, but to many it’s no longer a living memory. I think there is a tremendous loss in this disconnect from the land, from the smells, the tastes, and the community. I would venture that the root of the violence we witness, the persistence of the patriarchy and the rise of greed all stem from the loss of our indigenous nature. 

I was a fortunate one. I can remember my grandmother’s garden. I can remember the sweetness of the fruit and the smell of baking bread.

Those memories continue to guide my choices. I want to decolonize. I want the freedom that comes from not fearing dirt. I want the vibrant health that comes from good clean food. I want to protect my water because I know that it is life giving. And most of all I want that for all of us.

I long for community that does not promote “the divide”. I want to be human first. The rest will take care of itself.  

To decolonize means to take back our humanity. Let’s relinquish our belief that power is dominant and a necessary evil. It doesn’t have to be.

Being human is the greatest power.

We can rekindle our relationship to the earth and one another. It’s not too late to call back the memories. Let this be our time.

Contemplation

Tis the season of giving and the season of gratitude, light gives way to dusk, dusk to darkness and if we are not trying to escape, it’s a perfect time for contemplation.  Contemplation is not worry. It is a pause from the ordinary to reclaim the extraordinary. It’s a gift we give to ourselves in answer to a call that comes from deep within. And if we are fortunate contemplation is more feeling than words.

There is a silence within us that welcomes us home. 

Gratitude wells up there. It arises when we take full stock of all the Good that has come to us and through us. And it arises for no reason at all.

Often the whirlwind of circumstance carries us away but then sometimes by chance and sometimes by purpose we are reminded.

Life is a gift.

It is worthy of our recognition, worthy of our gratitude and worthy of our attention.

We offer up days to celebrate and give thanks. We invite loved ones and strangers into these moments and we hold these times as special and sacred. I have always had a hard time with that – the designation of a day or an hour for celebrating life. 

It has always seemed to me that everyday should hold that celebration, that accountability towards all we dearly love. 

What a difference could be made in this too often cruel world, if more of us would take the time…extend this time of thanks  – even just a bit more.

Be well friends. Seek Gratitude. Share Love and take time for Contemplation