As Friends we have for many years been granted privileged status within the draft system. This has often blinded us to the evil of the draft itself, and the treatment of those not so privileged. We are grateful for all those who by resolutely resisting the draft have quickened our conscience. We are called into the community of all who suffer for their refusal to perform unconscionable acts.
Category: war
The Economic Draft
As I've been exploring the ideas of the NewCO (new conscientious objector) I've been led to see that the systems of oppression and injustice we are living in, the Christian, colonial, capitalist violence, can be more clearly viewed as an 'Economic Draft.' Framing it this way makes it more clear what the NewCO is consciously objecting to.
Need new peace movement now
We can't allow our focus to be hijacked into dwelling on this atrocity. We must not only continue our peace efforts, but look around for others who share our beliefs that we haven't, for whatever reason, connected with, yet. Build a new peace movement, built on years of work we have already done. But now look more globally for peacemakers to join us, for us to join them, at this horrible time.
Peace
Reading Charles Eisenstein's recent post 'Peace' this morning has caused me to re-examine my life's work for peace.
The center cannot hold
At the collective level, a loss of sensemaking erodes shared cultural and value structures and renders us incapable of generating the collective wisdom necessary to solve complex societal problems like those described above. When that happens the centre cannot hold. James Allen
Israel Iran 6.14.2025
It is difficult to keep up with the myriad developments stemming from Israel's attack on Iran. Included is a new feature called the AI Advisor that allows you to ask questions about the war.
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.
Madleen update 6.8.2025
"We are seeing a systematic starvation of 2 million people. The world cannot be silent bystanders, Every single one of us has a moral obligation to do everything we can to fight for a free Palestine." --Greta Thunberg aboard the Madleen
Palestine Infographic
The complexity of the Middle East is often used as an excuse to avoid even thinking about it. Or teaching about it. And especially avoid doing anything about it. And now there are significant risks for any Palestinian support.
unflinching June 2025
The concept of being unflinching refers to having the resolve, determination, and courage to remain steady and unchanged, especially in the face of adversity or challenge. This quality is about inner strength and steadfastness, it speaks to an individual’s ability to stand firm, unwavering, particularly in situations that may be daunting or challenging.