August 25, 2014

right here with you, bigtree

i have never been to ferguson. but, i have faced 12 aimed and ready rifles held by sheriffs at 2 am one morning - in my robe, holding my 2 month old, my dog growling at the aggressive "officers". they were after a high school age young man - who had fled a fender bender at the local 7-11. he had parked his vehicle in the driveway to our home.

they threatened to shoot me and/or my baby if i moved! they threatened to shoot my beautiful eurasian dog 'moses' who was protective of me and the baby! it was crazy! for a fender bender?

the young man had fled on foot into the woods across he road. it was not until later we realized they thought the young man was my 16 year old brother. we are a brown and red mixed family. the sheriffs thought they were justified in pursuing the fender bender with loaded rifles aimed at anyone connected to their target? they would not have pursued a white suspect the same way. for a measly fender bender? no.

what is happening in ferguson is CHANGE. it has to change because the african americna people of ferguson and generations to come deserve to live in just community. until 2 weeks ago, only the citizens of ferguson were aware how ugly and offensive the hatred and dehumanization of african americans had insidiously permeated every aspect of the ferguson white community and government. it has been shocking to see the white hatred toward people of color still persist to such a putrid level.

it is going to take all of us who believe in humanity and justice supporting the african american community of ferguson. it must STOP.

we must never still our voices in our battle for justice. never.

August 1, 2014

What can we do today to oppose global atrocities and violence?

it isn't just the crisis in the middle east - horrible things are occurring all over the world!

to end my own nightmares of insignificance, i am committing to act against the atrocious genocides, bombing, maiming, raping, and pillaging of innocents going on around the world.

today i begin sending a ripple of compassion, dignity, respect for the victims of the ongoing terror and violence in the middle east and elsewhere. honestly, i am upset by ALL of it EVERYWHERE and on every continent - including the disrespect for all creation and the earth.

intent is everything when affecting change. ripples can become waves of nonviolence across the world. the intent of my action is to honor and respect the dignity and sanctity of those suffering in war torn areas. i see the whole picture. human actions of violence and hate have escalated and are perpetuating on many levels. it must stop now.

i commit to doing the following and anyone may also act as an individual who has similar concerns and who is willing to contribute a ripple of change ~ anytime:

# for one hour - one can observe an intentional silence and respect for the suffering and the dead on both sides of violence.

# for one day - one can abstain from purchasing items - other than those needed in cases of emergency or medical supplies.

# for one week - one can turn off the lights in the evening. one may interpret the significance of this action accordingly. for me, it symbolizes acknowledgment of those who are suffering for lack of common needs. and to bullies it says, nope, tonight you do not get my $$.

it seems too many leaders across the world have priorities far above preserving the sanctity and dignity of humanity on this planet. rather than act in the best interests of humanity or responsible utilization of the earth's "resources", they obfuscate, lie, and perpetuate violence on innocent people, animals of the land and sea, and the earth for money and to "prove a point". as symbols of obliteration, missiles, fracking, and gigantic mechanical earth movers come to mind.

perhaps a withholding of our dollars spent on electricity, fuel, and shopping may speak to them.

i do not understand the karma that is being played out ~ but, the unending attacks on innocent children, the disabled, and the elders - and all living things along with the withholding of water and basic human rights by bullies on every continent reflect the very behaviors that have destroyed civilizations.

anyone can join me to create a ripple of compassion and nonviolence - at least with intention and awareness.

peace, hopemountain

#one hour, one day, one week
#ripples

"never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." ~ margaret mead

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p.s. to those who are particular about grammar: i was taught no one thing is above another. everyone and everything has a part and those parts are all of equal value. we cannot have one without the other. thus, the lower case.