Rasing Occupy

Don't toss the baby
 with the bathwater!

Just as new life begins in childbirth every day, the occupy wall street movement and  affinity groups are being born and nurtured the U.S. and the rest of the world.  The Occupy movement itself is the new kid in town. The baby of the family who initially restores hope and inspiration. The baby coos and she cries and she is awfully cute...the family mascot.
  But then something else begins to happen. We are exhausted. This new baby won't sleep through the night and we must wake with her. Her crying grows louder and more demanding as our baby begins to figure out what she wants from us. Some people begin to offer unsolicited advice, "Maybe you should let that baby cry so she learns to sleep through the night" or "Just give her a bottle, she's too dependent on the breast".  Everyone's got an answer, but few lend a hand.  These experts are the strangers on the bus or the distant relative who is never around when help is needed.
   Meanwhile the older kids aren't  getting enough attention, so they dutifully fall into their well rehearsed family roles in an attempt to restore some sense of harmony, or least an illusion of control. The oldest might coddle the baby, take over some of Moms chores, reassure everyone that it's ok, I got this. A middle child might become sulky, acting out, being "naughty" all the while muttering that things were going just fine until baby came along. And their will be other family members who will attempt to function the way they always have, incorporating the new baby into their family slowly and invisibly, hoping to forge ahead on the path they have already cleared  for themselves.
So now that OWS has been moved out of the parents bedroom (Zuccotti park) and is beginning to settle into a more concrete sense of self (individuation) it seems only natural the the standard human patterns of behavior will follow. And a society that coined the term "terrible twos" will find that they are not quite sure how to handle this entire out of control toddler situation.
It is in these early years of identity formation that we have the best opportunity as parents and siblings to either nurture our child's strengths or, pardon my frankness, really fuck them up.  I see those of us who have been around a while, who have seen social activism cycle through several incarnations with different focus, as the big sisters, aunties and mothers. I think it's fair to ask ourselves how we feel about this charming but disruptive new addition to the family? How has she changed our perception of where we fit in the birth order? And finally, what can we do as elders and mentors to nurture and guide this child through a healthy development process while finding her place in the family.



© 2010-2011 Nanakoosa’s Place, authored by Jennifer Hazard

We are the Messengers

By now most of us have become aware that conditions in our world are rapidly changing. Not only in politics and economics but in the Earth herself. We have seen an increase in severe weather patterns, earthquakes, and other phenomenon. The events are most likely due to our ongoing abuse and manipulation of the planet and her resources. Politically  there are uprisings around the globe, in response to the abuse and manipulation of human beings as resources. Here in the US there have been rallies, demonstrations, recall efforts and occupations of  government buildings by citizens who demand fair and proper representation.The nation is now more than ever at the mercy of the abusers and manipulators, many who appear to be blind to the needs of the rest of us. Even in the face of public outcry, many of those who wield the power and control appear unfazed by objections to their myopic policies.

Sometimes it feels like it’s all too much to take in. While I follow events closely on a daily basis mostly via non commercial sources like blogs, twitter, independent news sources and the WisEye* legislative coverage I find myself needing, and deserving, an information holiday from time to time. As much as I advocate for an informed community I also realize that keeping track of events is hard work and I encourage others to take occasional breaks as well. As with any other job our productivity is increased when we are given the opportunity to rest, play and manage self care. And like any vacation, sometimes it can be difficult to return to the real world of work. But we do because we know our work is essential, meaningful and necessary.

We do not check in. punch a time clock or report to a supervisor. We do not accrue benefits or bring home a paycheck or gain promotions; we work for a greater goal than money or security we work for the survival of humanity, for Justice and for Freedom. There are two kinds  of freedom, freedom to and freedom from, this is an important distinction. Many are content to say that we here in America are granted certain freedoms based on our constitution and cultural precedent. We must remain aware of the freedom from. Freedom from censorship, freedom from an oppressive government, freedom from invasions of our privacy and civil rights. The Patriot act, heralded by its creators as policy that would provide freedom from the evil forces of other nations is in reality an open door allowing our own government to restrict our own freedoms, both to and from. Now as the hearings addressing whistle blowing, namely Bradley Manning, are beginning we are at a dangerous juncture where all our freedoms of expression are at risk. If it is decided that speaking the truth about wrongdoings and immoral behavior is a form of treason, what is the next step? I know there is a difference between military information and other forms of public information, but I also know that we are headed down a slippery slope on the path to censorship.

If you need more relevant here and now examples I can tell you that two reporters were arrested at the capitol in Madison during the budget hearings this week (see link for story). This is only one of hundreds of similar cases where attempts to document the reality of the injustices that are taking place have been repressed. These people, the documenters, the messengers, are essential to public awareness of the wrongs that are being committed by our government. As writers and bloggers we also take on the role of messengers, keepers of the history, educators and mobilizers. We have an unprecedented access to collect, document and disseminate information and we need to ensure that we maintain the right to do so.

I don’t care what it is that people chose to blog about, any real life story is an important strand in the fabric of humanity; and it is by maintaining a shared consciousness of humanity that we will remain strong, educated and compassionate as we stand together against oppression and tyranny.

*WisEye

Reporters arrested in Madison

© 2010-2011 Nanakoosa’s Place, authored by Jennifer Hazard

Tuesdays Tribute-Starhawk; A commitment to Permaculture

Greetings Gypsies and Rebels,

For any of you who aren't familiar with Starhawk, she is an author and activist who has spent most of her life dedicated to Goddess spirituality, environmental sustainability and Non-Violent Protest. She frequently conducts workshops in many parts of the world with the goal of helping communities acquire the skills needed to create a sustainable and cooperative community: a Permaculture. There is no better Woman that I can think of to follow yesterdays thoughts on sustainable living. Starhawk truly walks her talk and not only lives a sustainable, lifestyle but isn't afraid to get her hands dirty, figuratively and literally. There are many authors and teachers who write passionately about social change and many who are dynamic, motivating public speakers; but there are very few who will stand hand in hand with fellow activists as they face armed soldiers.
As I reflect on the changes and insanity that we see happening every day in the news, I spend time daily in discussion with others. We ask questions, we share information, we sift through information panning for the glittering flakes of gold that contains the Truth. There is often consensus as well as disagreement. The most troublesome roadblock is born of those individuals who have invested themselves entirely to one cause at the cost of any others. Now let me say devotion to a cause in itself is not the problem; rather we need people with areas of expertise and the passion that accompanies that dedication. But what we truly need to accomplish real social, environmental and economic sustainability is cooperation. The foundation of Permaculture lies in cooperation and in the understanding of the threads that connect all parts of our existence. I see Starhawk as a Woman who truly embodies, lives and shares that ideal.

For more information on Starhawk and her work see the following links:

For some excellent information about Permaculture, Starhawk and colleague Donna Read have recently released a film titled "Permaculture:The Growing Edge"
The film is available for order on DVD and dowload now—for more information on the permaculture and the film including a promo/trailer visit the Belili Productions site at www.belili.org.

Earth Activist Training
http://www.earthactivisttraining.org/

or visit her website

http://www.starhawk.org

© 2010-2011 Nanakoosa’s Place, authored by Jennifer Hazard

Tuesdays Tribute-Susan B Anthony

• The older I get, the greater power I seem to have to help the world; I am like a snowball -- the further I am rolled the more I gain.~Susan B. Anthony



Today is election day in Wisconsin, an election that has drawn significantly more attention and voter turnout than is typical for municipal or mid-term elections. now matter how controversial, emotionally charged or well publicized, I never go to the polls without mentally thinking of, and thanking, the women who demanded and won the right to vote and run for office.
There were many women who contributed to this cause, perhpas one of the most commonly known is Susan B. Anthony. Although I typically focus on lesser known heroines it is also important to recognize the women who inspire and organize.
Susan B Anthony was born on February 15, 1820 and like most Aquarius, had always been a progressive thinker.
Her parents were Quakers and advocated equal rights and justice, when Susan's teacher refused to teach her long division because of her gender. her parents
removed her from the school and enrolled in a quaker homeschool. Susan went on to become a educator herself and an activist, dedicating much of her life to the anti-slavery and equal rights. movements. in 1872 she was fined 100 dollars for voting, over 50 years before the ratification of the 19th amendment. It is said she never paid the fine.. joined with her friend and fellow activist Elizabeth Cady Stanton, she helped draft the declaration of sentiments in 1848 which was presented 3 days later at the first women's rights convention in Seneca falls new York. the declaration read: We hold these truths to be self-evident; that all men and women are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; that to secure these rights governments are instituted, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.
the declaration, obviously patterned from the declaration of independence, is complete in it's simplicity. it speaks volumes to the power of words, a few well chosen changes creates a document that is inclusive, as well as secular, using the word "creator" instead of 'God" which is often assumed to be the Christian male God.
it took several decades for women to gain the right to vote, the wheels of change turn slowly it seems, but they do turn. during her lifetime Susan must have witnessed enormous strides in social justice. now over 150 years later we still have a long way to go; and there are people who, it appears, would like to have some of that progress reversed thereby maintaining power exclusively in the hands of rich white men.
as we go to the polls today and cast votes for candidates who are women, who are black, latino or working class, we must never forget that the rights were hard won and the result of tireless dedication, education and acts of civil disobedience. complacency breeds stagnation and stagnation leaves us vulnerable to oppression by those who would seek to take advantage of an immobile society. so if you ever feel powerless or insignificant, think back to these women who dared to speak out and to take action in a society where women were literally considered property and please take a moment to thank them for their courage.
peace,
jenny

For more information on suffrage, Susan B and other topics I highly recommend the women's history project
http://www.nwhp.org/aboutnwhp/index.php

© 2011 Nanakoosa’s Place, authored by Jennifer Hazard

Budget deficit? Or attention Deficit?

It's happening all over the country, elected officials are forgetting that they work for us, not the other way around. Some people will argue that these politicians were elected and therefore earned the right to make certain decisions which is true,to a point. It seems however that some of these newly elected representatives are so excited about their new status that they have forgotten a few details. Apparently those pesky checks and balances, those open hearings and other time tested procedures that must be adhered to when creating policy and/or law. are far too troublesome and time consuming. Supporters of these attention deficit stricken Politicians may have forgotten that we do operate with a two party system; the other party having also been elected by and for citizens who also deserve representation. These people have been flooding the streets, stationing themselves in State Capitols, campus Administration buildings and local government offices for over a month now. We have taken to the streets in thousands, in crappy cold weather to insist that we be heard. As I write thin there are events scheduled as far into the future as late summer.
It's not only the "big" events that are propelling the winds of change; there are daily updates on social networking sites with accompanying discussions. There are conversations happening just about everywhere you look. There are small acts of rebellion, a spray painted message on the sidewalk here, and impeach Walker sticker there. Bit by bit the concepts are becoming embedded in our cultural consciousness, and the more firmly entrenched, the less likely they are to be undermined.
No matter what issue ignites a passion within you that demands Justice, there are actions you can take that will make a difference. If you are interested in becoming involved, please feel free to leave a comment or send an email and I can provide you with a list of resources, contact people and tips on ways you can make a difference. I offer the same, eve if your passion project is not related to the many current political issues at hand (although they seem to be covering all the bases if you look closely enough!) Whatever it is that calls your Heart to action...you do have the power to make a difference!
© 2011 Nanakoosa’s Place, authored by Jennifer Hazard

Today's Quote from Emma Goldman

Thursdays Thoughts

  “Idealists...foolish enough to throw caution to the winds...have advanced mankind and have enriched the world.”

 Emma Goldman quote

               Idealism has been both cherished and reviled at different points in history; I suspect the change in sentiment can often be traced to political and economic conditions and the role Idealism may play in either serving, or upsetting, the status quo. When it all boils down to the gravy, I agree with Ms Goldman that it is Idealism that plants the seeds of change and progressive movement in any culture. The key is in the statement ..."foolish enough to throw caution to the winds..."

Idealism requires Action, in order to create change. I think that at this moment in history we are witnessing the manifestation of Idealism that has simmering in the kettle  for several years now. There are Revolutions in Libya and Egypt, and all over America people are uniting and organizing to prevent a few politicians from stripping us of our hard earned Labor rights, environmental protections, social safety nets and Public Education.
Idealism, the power to imagine a better world, to visualize systems of cooperation and equality is what enables us to speak up when our rights are being violated. Without Idealism and creative thought we would be like sheep, content to focus on our t.v. shows, celebrity addictions and other nonsense.  Idealism, whether in vogue or not, is without a doubt a necessary ingredient in the recipe for creating a meal that can sustain us all.
Any thoughts? Agree? Disagree? I always love to hear others thoughts!
Peace,
Jenny


© 2011 Nanakoosa’s Place, authored by Jennifer Hazard