I've been thinking a lot about a passage from Scot Miller's book, Gospel of the Absurd. He writes that intentional non-violent responses to specific situations are not usual "NOT because they are too difficult an ethic to maintain, but because we do not live in communities that seek out opportunities to embody such faith on a larger scale."
Category: peace
When Iran Diplomacy Worked
As a Quaker, a pacifist, and a human being, I am profoundly saddened by the Israeli attacks on Iran. This moment is deeply personal to me. In 2015, I worked closely with others to advocate for the successful approval of the Iran Nuclear Deal. I believe it is important to tell this story now, as a cautionary tale for future peace and justice work. To try to learn from history's mistakes, such as exiting the Iran nuclear deal. To consider this lesson in the future and deepen our commitment to work for peace.
Break the Cycle of Death
The Freedom Flotilla Madleen is now in Egypt as it attempts to break the Israeli maritime blockade to bring humanitarian aid to Gaza. As Israel escalates its genocidal violence by killing and starving Palestinians, and by driving them from their homes, it’s time to Block the Bombs! On June 5, Representatives Delia Ramirez, Sara Jacobs, Pramila Jayapal, and Mark Pocan, along with 18 colleagues, publicly announced the introduction of a historic bill in Congress to do just that.
Hunger Strikes
Hunger strike means to go without food in solidarity with those suffering from hunger, from famine. It also means that hunger has striken the children, the people in Gaza and the West Bank.
I condemn this genocide
I do not wish to speak only to my own politics today but to speak for all people of conscience and all people who feel the moral injury of this atrocity and I want to say that I condemn this genocide and complicity in this genocide. Logan Rozos
Scattergood Journal–Kent State Massacre
Then Monday, May 4, 1970, four students were killed by national guardsmen at Kent State. Wednesday, after attending the usual silent vigil downtown Iowa City, Bruce and I ate lunch near the Old Capitol on the campus, listening to speakers at a rally (2,000). The four scheduled speakers protested the Cambodian situation but urged students not to act, or react, violently. Thursday 150 students were arrested for ignoring a court injunction against disturbances and some for breaking into the Old Capitol.
Teach your children well
Who is teaching our children? What are they being taught? This is suddenly more important in these increasingly authoritarian times. When there are nearly daily escalations of serious consequences for speaking the truth. When there are massive efforts to suppress the truth and silence those speaking it.
Vietnam War 50 years later
I imagine the soldiers in the statue are looking out over the people at the Vietnam War Memorial, asking themselves why we never learn that war is never the answer.
CJNV and Tent of Nations
When Daoud was asked how Jews around the world could support his family, he replied: come replant the trees with us in a show of solidarity, to demonstrate that the Israeli Army’s bulldozers don’t represent your Jewish values.
Pope Francis prays for peace in Palestine
I appeal to the warring parties: call a ceasefire, release the hostages and come to the aid of a starving people that aspires to a future of peace