BS: Human Rights Day

Subject: RE: BS: Human Rights Day
From: NicoleC
Date: 12 Dec 02 - 12:56 PM

I can sympathize, Guest. I am slowly converting everyone I know from giving useless gifts to giving to charity or giving time to a good cause. Mostly because the only thing anyone gets from me anymore is a piece of paper inside their Christmas card saying, "A donation has been made in your name to..."

Subject: RE: BS: Human Rights Day
From: GUEST,daylia
Date: 12 Dec 02 - 11:10 AM

Right on, Bobert!

I just re-read GUEST'S post above (2:13 pm) re the women's peace initiative in Palestine/Israel, and it's giving me goosebumps. Why? At the risk of sounding 'flaky', here goes ...

Several years ago I had a dream that I often still wonder about. In the dream I was in the old city of Jerusalem, a tourist walking those narrow streets. I came upon a booth where a few veiled women were working. There was a map on the wall showing the city divided into QUARTERS (shiver, shiver). The women were working towards uniting the four QUARTERS of the city - they had been divided and warring for so long. I thought this was a most worthy cause, and saying one of the few Hebrew words I know - "shalom!" - I dug deep into my pockets for some money to donate.

But all I could find was a loonie. Disappointed I couldn't give more, I handed it to the women. I was so surprised when they all began exclaiming happily over my gift! They mustn't understand Canadian currency, I thought - this is only a dollar! But then, in spite of my protests they began filling my hands with beautiful gold coins, until my hands were overflowing...

I know it was 'only a dream', but I think it was showing me what Bobert was saying - "Doesn't matter if it's one a year that works for you - do it!" Whatever we can do, whatever we are able to give to the cause of peace, will be returned to us MULTIPLIED. The 'gold' is the healing of our lives, a world free of terror and hatred and violence.

So, JUST DO IT!

Peace

daylia

Subject: RE: BS: Human Rights Day
From: GUEST
Date: 12 Dec 02 - 10:25 AM

Right you are Bobert. And also, it isn't about just showing up for marches, rallies, and demonstrations. Everyone has to choose what to focus their energy on. But I've been less active (on my scale) than usual for about 4 years now, due to life demands with aging parents and work. But that has nearly sorted itself out, and now, rather than just having time to go to demonstrations and do the occassional research project, I'm looking at going to work for a specific organization again.

I'm preparing for a new start in the new year. I'm looking to get involved in different ways than ever before, with an organization I've never worked with before, doing something I haven't done in the past. The world has changed pretty dramatically in some ways (especially related to technology) in the past 10-20 years, and I'm looking to change my way of interacting with it too. Which means a new sort of activism for me, even though I'm not sure where it will lead yet.

I get so much out of doing this sort of work, I don't see it as a burden or a duty or anything. It is fascinating, really. You meet such interesting people doing social justice activism, and learn so much, I can't see myself ever not doing it. But like anything else in life, there is an ebb and flow to it.

I apologize if my remarks about shopping were misconstrued and interpreted as being about Mudcat folk. My remark was really a result of a phone call I had had with a certain family member over Christmas plans, and how they want to do "gift giving" this year. I hate it. We have 24 people, they want to do 3 gifts per person, which is a total of 72 gifts. I know that isn't even the worst people have ever heard of, and that some families go much, much further with the gift binging. I refuse to be part of it. My way of coping with my family's insistence upon doing gifts is to donate to a worthy organization in the family's name. Really pisses certain more middle class capitalist leaning members of my family. They are appalled that I have such a "scrooge mentality" as they call it.

Bah humbug, I say.

Subject: RE: BS: Human Rights Day
From: Bobert
Date: 11 Dec 02 - 10:38 PM

Hey, we do can what we can. It ain't no "scavenger hunt", no rolls taken... Ya' don't have to be at every demonstration but you do have to be as some. Lots are planned around weekends. Ya' just have to pick you spots to stand up and be counted....

I really wanted to be in D.C this past weekend but....

Like I said, pick your battles... but pick 'em. Doesn't matter if it's one a year that works for you, do it!

Peace

Bobert

Subject: RE: BS: Human Rights Day
From: GUEST,daylia
Date: 11 Dec 02 - 10:15 PM

Thank-you for posting the information about the women peace activists in Palestine and Israel, GUEST. I'll check out their websites.

daylia

Subject: RE: BS: Human Rights Day
From: GUEST,daylia
Date: 11 Dec 02 - 09:58 PM

Subject: RE: BS: Human Rights Day
From: NicoleC
Date: 11 Dec 02 - 04:53 PM

I agree that the movement is diverse -- I would have been there myself, but when a demonstration is in the middle of the day on a Tuesday, it's a tad bit unrealistic to expect many folks to show up except those that don't work. It has nothing to do with people being selfish and being at the mall, and everything to do with concepts like "eating" and "paying the mortgage" and "bankrolling organizations that need money to organize demonstrations."

Subject: RE: BS: Human Rights Day
From: GUEST
Date: 11 Dec 02 - 03:21 PM

No disrespect intended to you either NicoleC, but your "mostly grandmothers and graying veterans" sounds kind of disparaging. I'm very thankful to anyone who is willing to take themselves out of their comfortable or not so comfortable everyday lives, to speak out against government policy.

Most anti-war demonstrations today are most certainly not limited to the "gray haired". They are gray hairs standing shoulder to shoulder with the spiked pink haired and many other hair types, in fact.

Our local demo was during rush hour, as many are during the work week. The demos run usually from 4-6PM, and many people come join when they get off work. Most large scale demos though, are either planned far in advance, or held on weekends, when more people can attend.

daylia-I'm with you all the way. But I am always concerned when it seems as if people don't have a realistic understanding of just how hard it is to get people to work together. The example I give above from the Peace Women project I've done some work on illustrates how important it is to be able to sit down with those who are different from us. We don't have to agree on most things, but we do need to come to agreement on the things that are causing the problems. That can't be done when we paper over or ignore serious differences, as is the case between Israelis and Palestinians. "Can't we all just get along" sentiments are not what the peace movement should be aiming for. There is very serious conflict resolution work that must precede peace, and much of it is in the area of bringing justice to areas where there has been nothing more than lawlessness and violence. That is why Peace Women (and others doing this work at international levels) recognize the need to address and work through the conflict resolution process in stages.

Subject: RE: BS: Human Rights Day
From: GUEST,daylia
Date: 11 Dec 02 - 02:17 PM

GUEST you're absolutely right, of course, that it is naive to hope for a peace movement - or any movement - that is free from internal division and dissenting viewpoints. That is human nature, and it IS healthy is face and overcome challenges.

But it is still my hope that ALL people who want to work for peace, human rights, environmental protection and economic/political freedom will put their differences aside and work together, because we are all facing a very powerful and greedy 'monster' whose goals are exactly the opposite. And I don't think we've 'won', yet. I can hear that old song in my head right now -

                "United we stand - divided we fall
                And if our backs should ever be against the wall
                We'll be together - together, you and I".

I believe that's what United for Peace is all about. They've had their backs against the wall many times over. As Starhawk has.

Oh, and BTW I didn't mention Starhawk's new-age affiliations because I thought they were off-topic. I was trying to stay focused on human rights. Also, a lot of people out there would discredit her because of her 'religious' beliefs, and I didn't want their minds closed right off the bat.

Here's to creating a 'brave new world' that affirms LIFE.

:-)

daylia

Subject: RE: BS: Human Rights Day
From: GUEST
Date: 11 Dec 02 - 02:13 PM

As a member of WILPF, I've been giving support to the Peace Women (www.peacewomen.org) who are doing this sort of work:

ISRAELI & PALESTINIAN WOMEN CALL ON THE "QUARTET" TO CREATE AN INTERNATIONAL COMMISSION OF WOMEN PEACE ACTIVISTS

Equality Now FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Alia Levine, Equality Now Campaign Director [phone], [e-mail]

NEW YORK, August 22 - This week, Palestinian Maha Abu-Dayyeh Shamas and Israeli Terry Greenblatt, on behalf of Israeli and Palestinan women's peace organizations, wrote to members of the so-called "Quartet," calling on them to recognize the vital role of women in the resolution of the current conflict in the Middle East. Their letter, forwarded to the Quartet by Equality Now, proposed that a commission of women peace activists from Palestine, Israel, and the international community be created to make recommendations on the peace process. The letter also called for the establishment of an international protective presence in the area. The letter to the Quartet follows a meeting held in May with the United Nations Security Council, initiated by Equality Now. Ms. Abu-Dayyeh Shamas and Ms. Greenblatt jointly addressed the Security Council, calling for the integration of women and civil society into the peace process and urging the immediate deployment of an international peacekeeping force to the region.

This was the first opportunity the Security Council had had to hear the views of women from the region. Equality Now has forwarded a copy of Ms. Abu-Dayehh Shamas' and Ms. Greenblatt's letter to all members of the Security Council, as well as the foreign ministers of the European Union. Equality Now, along with Ms. Abu-Dayyeh Shamas and Ms. Greenblatt, is urging the Quartet to rise to the challenge of creating a means through which women can contribute formally and integrally to the Middle East conflict resolution efforts underway in the international community. Equality Now believes that these women can help create a new path towards an effective resolution of the crisis in the Middle East and will continue to work to get the voices of Palestinian and Israeli women heard.

This initiative is part of an ongoing effort to bring meaning to Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women and Peace and Security, adopted in October 2000. Resolution 1325 affirms the importance of equal participation and the full involvement of women in all efforts in the maintenance of peace. "In the face of the high cost to life, and the concern of even worse scenarios of blood letting and destruction, we cannot afford to waste any more time, or any more lives. The absence of political will has kept the Middle East lingering too long in a situation of perpetual fear and conflict. - Maha Abu-Dayyeh Shamas "You need us because we women are willing to sit together on the same side of the table and together look at our complex joint history. We keep authentic and productive dialogue moving forward, even as the violence escalates and both sides continue to terrorize one another." -Terry Greenblatt Maha Abu-Dayyeh Shamas is the director of Women's Centre for Legal Aid and Counseling, a Palestinian organization in East Jerusalem. She is also on the Board of The Jerusalem Center for Women. Terry Greenblatt is the director of Bat Shalom, an Israeli women's peace organization. Bat Shalom, together with The Jerusalem Center for Women, a Palestinian women's peace organization, comprise The Jerusalem Link, an organization of Israeli and Palestinian women working for peace.

Subject: RE: BS: Human Rights Day
From: GUEST
Date: 11 Dec 02 - 12:25 PM

daylia, please don't misunderstand what I am talking about. I just was making the suggestion you be honest about the New Age side of her agenda. I'm not suggesting she shouldn't be listened to and admired for her work.

As to your hope that there should be no divisions in the peace movement, I find that to be pretty naive. If we have no division of opinion, we aren't working hard enough. There are always divisions and disagreement between people, and to expect otherwise is too dangerous. Then it becomes easy for our enemies to play the divide and conquer game they are so masterful at.

No, give me division, disagreement, and dissenting views everytime. If we aren't having our opinions and ideas constantly tested and challenged, we've failed the movement, and more importantly the cause, big time.

Subject: RE: BS: Human Rights Day
From: GUEST,daylia
Date: 11 Dec 02 - 12:14 PM

Well, GUEST, I do admire Starhawk's dedication and courage, and her pagan ways don't scare me at all. I believe it was her group "Reclaiming" that started the annual "Take Back the Night" demonstrations to raise awareness of violence against women. As a woman, I appreciate her efforts. "Take Back the Night" is an annual event even in my small Canadian hometown now.

I guess everyone has to make a living, and Starhawk is a gifted writer. That is when she's not in jail for her activism or preoccupied dodging the 'bombs' thrown at her.

It's not very encouraging to see divisions even in the peace movement. It would be a mistake not to work together on this one.

Blessed Be

daylia

Subject: RE: BS: Human Rights Day
From: GUEST
Date: 11 Dec 02 - 12:13 PM

You are right in the strictest sense Bagpuss. I may have read too much into daylia's post. I just think it is best to be honest about the agendas people are working with, especially in cases like Starhawk's activism. It has not been without controversy in the anti-war and eco-feminist movements, ESPECIALLY among feminists.

I have no problem with Starhawk myself, just as I don't have problems with Catholic nuns and priests, or Lutheran pastors, or Jewish rabbis involved in the movements for social justice. But when religion is one of the agendas activists are either working from and/or towards, they are usually up front and honest about it. Just as there are people who DO have difficulty working with activists pursuing a Catholic or Jewish agenda, for instance, there are also some activists who have difficulty working activists pursuing a New Age agenda. That is all I was trying to get at.

Subject: RE: BS: Human Rights Day
From: NicoleC
Date: 11 Dec 02 - 12:11 PM

"People are too busy with their annual consumer feeding frenzy to be bothered. Folks got credit card debt they gotta hurry and max out fer chrissake! "

Or, some of us might have been at work, like we usually are on a Tuesday. Even the local newspaper reported that the crowd in Sacramento was "mostly grandmothers and graying veterans."

Protests timed to coincide with the work day are bound to have a poor turnout.

Subject: RE: BS: Human Rights Day
From: Bagpuss
Date: 11 Dec 02 - 12:04 PM

Guest, I didnt see anyone suggest that she was one of the leaders of the anti-war movement. I think you imagined that bit.

Surely being wiccan, new age, feminist or anything similar does not detract from what works she does in this area. And neither does making a living for yourself.

Subject: RE: BS: Human Rights Day
From: GUEST
Date: 11 Dec 02 - 12:00 PM

Aw c'mon now, daylia. When you recommend someone like Starhawk as a reputable, genuine political activist, you need to let everybody know she is also a self-proclaimed witch in the New Age pagan tradition.

Is she committed to activism and her causes? Absolutely. She seems to walk her talk, too. But to suggest that she is one of the leaders of the anti-war movement would be a bit of a stretch. She is certainly a leader of the feminist wiccan fringe of the anti-war movement. Maybe. But mostly she is known for her business savvy selling her New Age books and speaking circuit gigs (VERY lucrative industry, and good work if you can get it too, I suppose).

Subject: RE: BS: Human Rights Day
From: GUEST,daylia
Date: 11 Dec 02 - 11:45 AM

Bobert, you might be interested in checking out Starhawk's website at www.starhawk.com. She's a very brave lady who works with "United for Peace" organizing demonstrations all over the world, not only for human rights but for ecological/political ones as well. Trying to release the planet from the grip of the megalomaniac multinational corporations and groups like the G8 summit people.

She spent a few months living with a Palestinian family in the occupied territories last summer writing and working for United for Peace. Her report is a real eye-opener. Arm yourself with Kleenex if you partake.

She has some very practical guidelines for organizing and conducting non-violent demonstrations. I believe she's currently working in the U.S. to prevent war with Iraq.

The world needs more people like her.

Peace

daylia

Subject: RE: BS: Human Rights Day
From: GUEST
Date: 11 Dec 02 - 11:16 AM

Bobert, I'm guessing there weren't too many Mudcatters who attended the United for Peace Coalition's Human Rights Day demonstrations in their areas either. Ours here was only attended by a couple hundred people, but there were much more visible ones in other cities.

People are too busy with their annual consumer feeding frenzy to be bothered. Folks got credit card debt they gotta hurry and max out fer chrissake!

Subject: RE: BS: Human Rights Day
From: GUEST,daylia
Date: 10 Dec 02 - 09:23 PM

"Human Wrongs Day" might have got more attention ...

Beam me up, Scotty ;-)

daylia

Subject: RE: BS: Human Rights Day
From: Bobert
Date: 10 Dec 02 - 09:08 PM

Hmmmmmmmmmm?

Sad that "How many oinks make a doink" thread gets 50 hits and "Human rights", hardly any....

Go figure, or at least until it's your rights! Right?

Bobert

Subject: RE: BS: Human Rights Day
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 10 Dec 02 - 03:35 PM

" limit all human rights violations to one week a year"

*something for the Star Trek geeks out there*

FESTIVAL!!!!!!! FESTIVAL!!!!!!!!!!

:-)

Subject: RE: BS: Human Rights Day
From: GUEST
Date: 10 Dec 02 - 03:33 PM

Some years ago, I was asked to be one of the speakers on a panel for Human Rights Week. My response was like Clinton--except I said I thought it would be good if we could limit all human rights violations to one week a year. :)

Subject: RE: BS: Human Rights Day
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 10 Dec 02 - 03:33 PM

"I think a lot of the rest of the world"

So it's a THEY not US thing eh?

Interesting...

Subject: RE: BS: Human Rights Day
From: katlaughing
Date: 10 Dec 02 - 03:25 PM

Good point, Clinton, but I think a lot of the rest of the world needs a reminder once in awhile!

Thanks, Bobert, that's a great site!

Subject: RE: BS: Human Rights Day
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 10 Dec 02 - 01:44 PM

Shouldn't every day be human rights day?

:-)

Subject: BS: Human Rights Day
From: Bobert
Date: 10 Dec 02 - 01:42 PM

Today is Human Rights Day and rather than get into a shopping list of violators, including the US, I'll just add a website for folks to see what is happening close to them.

www.unitedforpeace.org

Maybe one of you more pudder-leterate folks can make this into a blue clicky thing. Great site.

Peace

Bobert