Author's posts
Aug 25 2009
War & Peace: A Prelude
cross-posted from ProgressiveBlue.com
(and no, not about the book though I am thinking of rereading it.)
Beginning in September, look for the launch of a new weekly column at Progressive Blue called “War & Peace.”
When I first thought about coming back with a regular column, I realized there are so many issues I care about, want to write about, that it was hard to narrow it down. While my personal passions are human rights and civil rights, international development and education, these aren’t always what get me revved up. So how to pull together all the many different topics I want to write about into a focused, coherent vein? War and Peace.
Some things fit neatly into the War theme: they are destructive, negative, usually deliberate and always get my blood boiling. Others fit into the Peace theme: positive, compassionate, progressive, and always get me to smile even in difficult subjects.
I’m still figuring out exactly which day of the week I’ll publish “War & Peace”, probably Tuesdays — do feel free to chime in. And let me know what areas you’re interested in exploring: I have a list but it’s definitely not exhaustive so pile on.
May 20 2009
Promote Dialogue on Healthcare Reform, Now
based on a diary at ProgressiveBlue.com
I have to admit to being more than a little disconnected since January; life, a new and hectic job, and so many people putting words and expectations into and onto the new Administration without looking at what was actually said or not during the campaign. The life and job are all good; for an old political dog like myself, the politics have been a little too deja vu. After 4 months of increased disinterest, I’m starting to think maybe it’s time to come out of this funk.
So, when Darcy Burner took the Executive Director position at the newly renamed ProgressiveCongress.org, I thought “it’s only a matter of time before she starts connecting people to the folks on the Hill.” And sure enough, that’s exactly what she has planned. Follow me below to find out how and when, and why I think this could be the start of something really good.
Apr 12 2008
5 Years in the Life of a Child – Global Day for Darfur Sunday 4/13
This Sunday, April 13, from 12 noon to 4 pm on the National Mall in Washington, DC, Americans will have the opportunity to learn first hand what the past 5 years have been like for the children of the Darfur region of Sudan.
Sponsored by Amnesty International, STAND: A Student Anti-Genocide Coalition, the Genocide Intervention Network, and the Save Darfur Coalition, this is a unique opportunity for people to gain an understanding of the complex yet devastating nature of the conflict giving rise to the ongoing genocide in Darfur.
When Anna Schmitt of Waging Peace traveled to eastern Chad bordering Darfur in 2007 to conduct research on the humanitarian, human rights, and security situation in the region, she was told “If you really want to know the truth, speak to the children.” She collected over 500 drawings by children in the camps. You can see some of them at the Save Darfur Coalition website here, or read more about them at the Darfur section of the Waging Peace website. These drawings can break your heart.
For a million Darfuri children, they have lived their entire lives now running from the janjaweed, traveling from camp to camp, never knowing the meaning of the words “safe” or “home” — these are concepts they have never experienced. Five years is a lifetime to a child.
Apr 07 2008
EENR For Progress: Stand with Our Military Families and Our Veterans
[cross-posted from EENR blog]
“I believe in a sacred contract between our country and America’s veterans and military families. We must stand by those who stand by us. When our service men and women sacrifice so much to defend our freedom and secure peace around the world, we have a moral obligation to take care of them and their families.” – John Edwards
Yes, I know, John Edwards is not in the race for president any longer. But that does not diminish the power of his efforts to ensure that we treat our military with the respect they deserve — the active military and their families and the veterans.
Mar 14 2008
McCain – No Moderate Maverick There
While we Democrats may still have a primary race on our hands, the Republicans have settled on their candidate. Now, thanks to our labor friends at the AFL-CIO, we can start studying up on John “W” McCain, and start getting in his and their faces early and often!
Introducing … … …