How many of us lay in bed at night and ask ourselves this question?
My next question would be: Are we wondering it about THEM or US? In other words, do we think, what are we (the United States) doing, in an antagonistic, he's not my president sort of way, or is it, what are we (the Peace and Justice community) doing?
When I first began to wake up, I constantly asked the former. I was angry, I felt betrayed, and I absolutely hated that these people in power committed atrocious crimes in my name.
But as the years have passed, I've come more and more to ponder the latter question.
We espouse Peace, Justice, Love and Acceptance. And yet, we have a very difficult time practicing these principles with our so-called enemies.
I've come to believe that even Mr. Bush is, after all, a human being, and in my belief system, that means he has a soul and is capable of love, even if he's buried those things under layers of ego, selfishness and prejudice.
So, one of my goals for the new year is to begin SUPPORTING people who are doing positive things in the community, rather that PROTESTING people who are destructive to communities. This could be as simple as beginning to buy my produce at the downtown Farmer's Market or volunteering for an organization that provides real services to real people that need them. (I used to volunteer for a women's crisis center in college, and this is something I would be interested in pursuing again.)
Now, no doubt, there are many unjust things happening in this town, state, nation and world. I do not propose that we just ditch the good fight. But let's divy up our energy so that we can make a positive contribution where people are already making a difference.
Also, I would like to see us diversify our tactics. Personally, I'm all about direct action, but let's face it - not everybody feels comfortable, or is able to, take to the streets on a moment's notice. We are alienating an entire faction of our community by not pursuing "in the system" reform in addition to "outside the system" action.
One plan I have for this coming spring is to begin a door-to-door petition drive and postcard campaign to close down Hutto, the immigration prison for kids. This would allow a team of activists to work closely together, creating relationships. It would also allow us to interact with the larger public community, educating them about the issue and introducing them to our faces, the people who do this kind of work.
How can we interact with the public on a more regular basis? Door-to-door petitions, letter writing campaigns and phone drives are a few of the tactics I've engaged with in other organizations throughout the years. I've never really noticed the opportunity to do so with the Dallas Peace Center. This certainly doesn't mean it hasn't existed - I just haven't been aware.
So what are your thoughts? Are we too antagonistic and angry for a bunch of peaceniks? Do we need to engage in the system in more diverse ways? Have you felt left out on a particular campaign before?
Now's the time to say so - and change the way we do business. Come to the Dallas Peace Center Stake Holders Retreat tomorrow from 9 to 4 to make an impact on how the Dallas Peace Center does business. Visit the home page and click on the button to the right to register now.
If you don't - well - my opinion's the same as if you don't vote - you don't really have the right to complain unless you get involved. Do it now. Please.
