Let's Make Peace

About dialogue, part 2

2011-11-06T09:20:00.000-08:00

With continued thanks to the International Association for Public Participation, whose excellent material I'm sharing and expounding on.

In dialogue, we seek to find common ground, not to 'win.'. The problem about winning is that it means someone else has lost. In common ground, we share. And from that common ground we can build greater understanding and find yet more common ground.

In dialogue, we listen to understand, not to find flaws. When someone is understood, they are more open and willing to work with you. When you find flaws, the other often closes, becomes defensive, and cannot be open to you or your ideas.

I deeply wish American political parties would seek common ground and to listen to understand.

Peace, y'all

Molly

Dialog vs debate

2011-11-02T13:43:00.000-07:00

Here's an excerpt from some excellent training I just attended

Dialogue: a technique based on the art of thinking together--listening and thinking beyond one's position. The primary purpose is to reveal meaning and create an opportunity for learning, shared meaning, and aligned actions.

This resonates with me so much my head hums. I realize this technique can be applied to other challenges than peacemaking-even to antithetical purposes. Yet these techniques call to me.
1. Assume others have pieces of the answer.

Duh! The notion that there's one right answer is scary-wrong. It nay work for debate, and for other situations with winners and losers. But not for the path to a better tomorrow, in which there are just winners.

More to follow.

Peace, y'all

Molly

Trying to make the world a better place

2011-10-30T12:46:00.000-07:00

Here's what I'm up to.
Selling paper beads from Uganda--bead for life, check it out. Beadforlife.org. My good friend Kathy is having a party featuring my beads.

Tonight I serve dinner to a very close friend and an old friend of my husband's who is back in our life.

Friday I'm bringing dinner to the gay kids at out local center for the LBGTQ youth.

I have signed one petition today, to fight slavery. I signed and mailed an old-fashioned letter to my congressman.

I will help my husband find ways to pursue his own list of causes (Especially the ones I agree with).

It is not a huge list of peacemaking steps but it's a start. Any suggestions?

Peace y'all

Molly

How to make peace on a Saturday afternoon

2011-10-29T12:54:00.000-07:00

Taking a break from a chore I dislike and wondering 'what can I do today that has the greatest impact?" the followon question is then 'to what end?'. Since this is my peace blog, I suppose I should consider my peacemaking goals. Hmmm. As I write this I'm exercising one of ny wonderful First Amendment rights. I think I'll exercise them more today. Sign some petitions, write Congress, write legislators. And make a nice vegetarian meal.

Any other suggestions for peacemaking on a Saturday afternoon?

Peace, y'all

Molly

Occupying our town --weekend warriors

2011-10-28T11:42:00.000-07:00

It's Friday, so the work week is ending. In my community this means the town square occupiers will soon assemble. That's because our occupiers are blessed with jobs--good jobs for many of them. So they rally on the weekends. We have outrage, though, and are glad to be part of a wider movement. Let others laugh. We vote with our feet and our wallets.

Better times will come, but we have to work for them.

Peace, y'all

Molly

Homelessness

2011-10-24T18:36:00.000-07:00

Today I'm in the big city and walked by a park where homeless people camp. It makes me uncomfortable. Knowing that bad luck, drugs and mental illness cause people tinkled their homes,jobs and family is bad. Seeing it is worse. That I live in a society that tolerates this is intolerable.

Our nation has a huge disparity between it's richest and poorest citizens. CITIZENS. What rights can homeless people practically exercise?

Something for me to think about.

Peace, y'all

Molly

On occupy Wall Street

2011-10-19T19:22:00.000-07:00

I support Occupy Wall Street. Though I am financially secure, I'm only one medical disaster from becoming a have-not. Also I feel outrage that the financiers who wrecked our economy were bailed out--by American taxpayers--while those same taxpayers saw their jobs disappear and their mortgages implode.

Things are a mess. I'm thankful I have a home, a job, and a full tummy. Wish everyone else did too.

Peace y'all

Molly

On community

2011-10-16T16:07:00.000-07:00

A sense of community is so important. I feel blessed by friends and neighbors, kindred spirits, people I like and people I love.

Talk about an antidote to mainstream poison!

I shared breakfast with a neighbor. Eggs from my backyard, peaches from his, and coffee fresh from the roasting plant he maintains. So pleasant!

Later on we got a visit from the little girl living on one side of my home, and a visit with the woman on the other side a little later. Also had a call from my closest friend and will host two other close friends for dinner. Yes, today I've seen and heard from many people close to me. And I glow with contentment.

Community? Sort of. There's also the Facebook community. And office community. Etc. This web of human connections supports and nutures me. I'm grateful.

Peace, y'all

Molly

These poisonous times we're in

2011-10-15T11:39:00.000-07:00

My emails are full of partisan messages that the other party is ruining our nation, so give some money by midnight. I get several each day. I usually glance to be sure it's just a request for $$ and not a petition or request that I use my voice somehow.

My Facebook newsfeed has lots of funny or pointed messages to illustrate the same basic thing--what's wrong in the world and particularly our nation.

I feel poisoned.

There is a lot wrong in the world but there is a lot that's right. For a while I will focus on the good and the right, because this poison makes me feel bad. Hope I haven't poisoned you too.

Peace, y'all

Molly

On slavery in the 21st century

2011-10-14T15:34:00.000-07:00

In the 21st century we call slavery 'human trafficking.' oh please. What's wrong with calling it something we all recognize? Slavery slavery slavery!

There was quite an outcry some yeas ago when it was revealed that some designer's clothing was made in overseas sweatshops. Where is the outcry over the abuse of children in cocoa production? How can one eat chocolate knowing it has cost some innocent child his freedom, safety, family, peace, and hope?

Something else I wonder about, is why don't descendants of American slaves speak out against 21st century slavery.

Slavery is hidden because it's wrong and evil. Today, we have all kinds of ways to shed light in dark corners. Let's reveal abuses wherever and whenever we can.

Peace, y'all

Molly

The true cost of our occupation of Afghanistan

2011-10-10T16:40:00.000-07:00

This blog entry won't convey the full costs of our role in Afghanistan these past 10 years. A full accounting is probably impossible.

Direct costs in last 10 years in Iraq and Afghanistan are$1.3 trillion. True dollar costs are 3 or 4 times higher.

While we've spent trillions in so-called nation building (which entails killing, terrorizing, and maiming people 'over there'), we've been neglecting the building of our own nation here. Was it worth it? Is Afghanistan better now? Are we?

I cannot quantify the loss of human life, the wounding, both physically and mentally. Money is something we all use and deal with.

The $4 Trillion or so we've spent on these wars comes to about $13,000 for EVERY man, woman and child in the US. Of course, that's money we grownups don't have to pay, because we borrowed it! While Congress enacted 3 tax cuts for the wealthy, and Obama followed suit, we pass this bill off for our children and their children.

The $122 billion for our war in Afghanistan in 2011 could have paid for

62.5 million children receiving low-income healthcare for one year OR
1.8 million elementary school teachers OR
2 million firefighters OR
22 million students getting Pell Grants of $5550 for college.

It's wrong, wrong, Wrong to continue this war. Or to have ever undertaken it in the first place.

Peace, y'all

10 years, $1.5trillion in Afghanistan

2011-10-08T16:29:00.000-07:00

Yesterday marked the 10th anniversary of America's invasion and occupation of Afghanistan.
Stupid
Evil
Wrong
Immoral
Devastating
Irresponsible

No longer proud to be American. Maybe still lucky, but not proud.

Peace, y'all

Molly

More on synergy and slave chocolate

2011-10-05T15:33:00.000-07:00

More divine synergy. Last night inboards a small party to sell beads made in Uganda. Our conversation turned to slavery in chocolate. One guest sells fair trade chocolate at her church, and last night I learned she does not eat slave chocolate either. Kindred spirit, this one!

More synergy. Another friend of mine who knows about my chocolate abstinence and concern about slavery forward to me an email about a meeting next week in my city about slavery in chocolate! There will be a documentary called The Dark Side of Chocolate, from 2010. I am so glad to get an update on the implementation of the Harkin-Engel protocol. Documentaries don't always have long shelflives, so it's great to see a fairly new program.

Synergy. If you ask, it may come. By sharing my concern, others pick it up and amplify it.

My chocolate-abstaining guest also shares my concern about immigration reform. And living greenly. We even went to the same college!

More on slave chocolate later.

Peace, y'all

Molly

Cat Lovers Against the Bomb

2011-10-04T07:17:00.000-07:00

Yesterday a coworker admired my calendar's October calendar cat, and ended up looking through the whole calendar. She was looking for the entries such as "Fluffy, age 12, returned home to Des Moines after stowing away to Denver, in just 3weeks in 1988."

While seeking entries like that, we both saw many other anniversaries related to peace and justice.

Through love of cats I reached someone I would not expect to have much in common with.

Thank you, Nebraskans for Peace, for this fine calendar, and maybe you'll thank me when this coworker buys the 2012 calendar!

Speaking of buying, tonight I hold a bead for life party and I sure hope I sell lots of beads--and raise more Ugandans out of poverty,

Peace y'all

Molly

2011-10-02T17:26:00.000-07:00

Converging thoughts:

We have temporal lives and spiritual lives.

We have physical health and beauty and spiritual beauty and health.

We make the world better when we focus on our and other's spiritual health and beauty and life.

Peace, y'all

Molly

I'm a role model!!

2011-09-30T15:33:00.000-07:00

A short visit with an old friend today has me in a happy and contented orbit. She told me she is taking a page from my book and starting a retail abstinence to save some money.

Purrr....

This so surprised and pleased me. That to someone who I admire, I have something to share, and

I'm a role model!!!

It's also a good day because I sold (so far)$30 in beads today, and I found out the source of chocolate our favorite bakery uses. Guittard. Looks fairly fair trade, though the more I learn about chocolate production, the more slippery that concept becomes.

I see myself as a peacemaker and when my behavior influences another's, I'm really glad.

Peace, y'all

Molly

Hello reader(s) in Indonesia!

2011-09-27T14:13:00.000-07:00

A year ago, blogspot started offering "stats" so bloggers can see where readers are from, which blog entries get read, how readers come to the site, and the like.

It thrills me to know my modest thoughts about peacemaking are read across the globe.

For several days someone or ones from Indonesia have been reading, so I want to say hello, and thank you! Will you tell me via comments what resonates, and what ideas my writing leads you to?

Readers in USA, Canada, Australia, Belarus, China, France, ANYWHERE--thanks and Hi to you too. What ideas have I inspired? What has resonated? What did you disagree with? What have I missed?

Peace, Y'all

Molly

Peacemaking priorities

2011-09-26T14:36:00.000-07:00

This weekend I listed my peacemaking priorities. These are the areas I care about most deeply and where I want to put my efforts (and money). There are so many worthy causes, some related to peace and some not.

Human rights, fighting slavery and torture and supporting the work of Amnesty International.

Climat change- cutting carbon personally, urging and helping others, and changing laws and rules.

Immigration reform

Clean water for all

Opposition to war--the bloated military budget, landmines, and obsolete and overpriced weapons. Justice for veterans.

Prison reform, mitigating the new Jim Crow, harsh sentencing, and supporting marijuana decriminalization.

Repairing the impacts of racism and colonialism.

Protecting abortion rights

Help prevent abortions and unwanted pregnancy through family planning

Justice

Mercy

Health care reform.

This list helped me say no to a fundraising appeal that came to me this weekend.

What's on your list, friends?

Peace,y'all

Molly

Moving planet day is tomorrow

2011-09-23T09:37:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow's the big day for 350.org's big event, Moving Planet. In dozens of countries, hundreds of communities.

I will not drive that day. Not because I'm using an alternative means, just because I'll be at a camp for the weekend.

Last few days I have not driven. When I do drive, it's in a hybrid. So I have some room for improvement, probably other areas will be more fruitful in my personal quest to lower carbon levels.

How about you?

Peace, y'all

Molly

On homelessness.

2011-09-21T19:02:00.000-07:00

Home. Home is where the heart is. The ultimate aim of all ambition is to be happy at home, so said someone long ago.

II love my home. It's comfortable and pretty, and every part of it reflects the tastes and efforts of my husband and me. There is no other home I like so well, though I do suffer some kitchen envy when I visit a few friends.

Today, visiting the big city, I saw homeless people. I tried to truly see them, not to stare but not to ignore either. I am so grateful for my lovely safe home. How I wish everyone were so blessed.

The book Nickeled and Dimed revealed to me the surprising number of employed people who are homeless, and how difficult it is to find a decent place to live when you live check to check.

The USA's poverty rate is determined based on what it costs to feed someone or a family. Yet food prices in the US are low, artificially and inappropriately so. So you can have a full belly but no place to set it down to rest?

Income polarization is a bad thing.

What are your thoughts on affordable housing and homelessness?

Peace, y'all

Molly

A Quaker Query opposing war

2011-09-20T22:07:00.000-07:00

I found this query on my computer this evening, and am ever so glad I did.

Do you live in the life and power which takes away the occasion for all wars? Do you refuse to participate in or cooperate with all military effort? Do you work actively for peace and the removal of the causes of wars? Do you endeavor to cultivate good will, mutual understanding, and equal opportunities for all races, creeds and nations? Have you examined your lifestyle and possessions to make sure that the seeds of war are not found in them?

Hmmmm. Seeds of war? Like driving a car that runs on gasoline? Like buying clothes made by exploited workers? Or chocolate grown by child slaves?

It isn't comfortable to think of how my life and possessions hold seeds of war.

Even less comfortable is the question about cooperating with military effort. I do pay income taxes, so I directly subsidize my nation's greedy military. Maybe one day I'll have so little income that don't. That day is not yet here.

I do endeavor to cultivate goodwill. The Bead sale is one clear and recent example.

I guess I answer the query with Yes, Not Really, Yes, I Really Try, and Yes--but no.

Peace, Y'all

Molly

Using less energy

2011-09-19T18:33:00.000-07:00

I want to buy a Nissan Leaf. I want to drive a car with zero emissions. Well, near zero. It runs on electricity, and where I live, 5% of thevpower comes from coal. So when I charge the battery, the electricity will come from somewhere. Some nukes, some hydro, some coal, a dab of wind and solar and a few other things.

Taking the first step will be my contribution to the Moving Planet event sponsored by 350.org.

Peace, y'all

Molly

On God letters

2011-09-18T11:17:00.000-07:00

In my own shorthand, for my perpetual lists, that's what I called my letters to leaders on subjects I felt called to write about to promote peace and justice. I used to write regularly to my representatives in Congress, the President, the heads of state Amnesty International asked me to write to, and my representatives in the state legislature.
Replies were predictable and rarely satisfying.

Still, especially in these days of email and online petitions (which I sign frequently), a single letter has value. Even if the response is rote, the decision makers tally the letters. More than 5 letters (of the non-formletter type, the truly personal ones) constitute grassroots clamour, a true groundswell.

So I should keep on with the God letters, even though it's a chore. And so should you!

Last Christmas I derived great pleasure from writing big checks to charity.   I wonder if I could also derive pleasure from writing God letters?   I wonder which has great impact, my voice or my money?

Money is finite. Voice, like love, is infinite.   I guess I should use the gift of language for good, and exercise those marvelous First Amendment rights more vigorously.

And so should you. Let's clamour for peace and justice! Let's make a groundswell of public support!

Peace, y'all

Molly

Racial justice websites

2011-09-17T09:00:00.000-07:00

Cribbed from the Quarterly publication of the Southeastern Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends:

Http://www.redroom.com/blog/Tim-wise
Http://www.nymbp.org/reference/WhitePrivelege.pdf
Http://www.euroamerican.org
Http://www.dismantlingracism.org/index.HTML

Now to translate the source of this list. Quaker group from SE USA quarterly publication.

Peace, y'all

Molly

An integrated life

2011-09-16T16:59:00.000-07:00

So many things relate to peace for me. Helping others. Speaking out for justice. Living more simply. Fighting to protect the environment. Advocating for gay kids and immigration reform.

I find these good deeds also promote sustainability.

A more sustainable world will have a better standard of life for the world's have-nots. There will be more justice, more mercy, better health for children, adults, animals and ecosystems.

I see continuity and integration. When I encourage my colleagues to act more sustainable, that helps make the world better.

I put a lot of effort toward sustainability. I don't think it diverges from peacemaking. I think it converges, complements, and contributes to my very nonlinear path to peacemaking.

2011-09-14T12:11:00.000-07:00

Here I go again. I'm leading another Eco-team. Last time was really disappointing, yet here I go!

I somehow caught wind of an Internet-based initiative from Portland called the 2011 Eco-Challenge. It's pretty straightforward. Change one behavior for 2 weeks.

Visit www.ecochallenge.org. Sign up. Form a team, or join one. Then get ready to change a habit to make it greener!

By lowering my carbon footprint I will make the world a little better. By eating more simply I'll increase my understanding of people who have so much less than I.

Wish me luck!!!

Peace, y'all

Molly

On Truth

2011-09-13T15:28:00.000-07:00

Quakers are more formally known as the Religious Society of Friends. What are we friends of?

Truth.

Truth is Godly. Total truth is amazing and hard to behold. It's hard to achieve. Yet as with peace, we must continue to try.

I like to believe I live in truth and integrity but if I look at myself more honestly, I realize truth is more than not lying.

Watching the Republicans' so-called debate (an inaccurate description, more like a group interview) refreshes my awareness of how cavalierly truth is abused.

I will strive for a deeper level of honesty. I wonder where it will lead?

Peace, y'all

Molly

On terrorism

2011-09-12T08:48:00.000-07:00

On the Interfaith Peace Walk Saturday, I walked for a while with a nonreligious Jew, who is a good friend of mine. He suggested, and I agree, that terrorism has filled America's 'enemy' role that Communism held for so long. Yes, the shoe fits.

And perhaps our nation's heavy-handed response is the 21st century version of McCarthyism from 60 years ago.

If so, I have cautious optimism that the fervor will cool down and we can get on with our lives with the threat in the background.

Peace, y'all

Molly

On 9/11

2011-09-11T13:29:00.000-07:00

The memories of 9/11 are inescapable. So here are my own reflections.   Maybe I can contribute something new to the morass.

I am so sorry our nation squandered the good will offered to us by other people in other nations. That our response was military is very sadly predictable.

The boy scouts in my town had a project to put up 2900 or so flags to commemorate each life lost in the tragedy ten years ago. The flags line a long road and it's quite impressive. The little boys don't remember a life before the tragedy, and that is a really sad thing.

Our nation has become nastier since 9/11/01. Embroiled in 2 wars of choice, partisan politics making government completely dysfunctional.   The far right and far left are getting further apart. This is scary.   The planet's hot, the rhetoric hotter. Gas prices are high but not high enough to get us to give up our gas hogs.

The price of higher education is in the stratosphere.   In 2006 or 2007 I bought share in my state's 529 plan at $70/share.   Today those shares cost $163.

10 years ago I got the news while at the gym. Maybe I'll revisit that gym and see if all my parts still work.

We are no longer #1, except in military might, per capita waste, per capital wealth, and medical technology. Our people are not healthier, our children are not the most successful in school, and our reputation is in shatters.

I'm so sorry.

How do we get better?   Well, we must think globally and act locally. Do no harm.

Peace, y'all

Molly

On slavery, chocolate, underwear and abstinence

2011-09-10T18:48:00.001-07:00

Clothing shopping abstinence ended in August and I ackowledged it with a trip to buy new underwear. It was high time too, because during my 12 months of clothing shopping abstinence, most of my underwear got pretty ratty. Every morning when I don a new pair, I so appreciate my ability to buy new things! Now I'm abstaining from chocolate. It has been just over two weeks and it hasn't been that hard. Why chocolate? A curious combination of events.1. I finished reading Chocolate Wars, which ended with Kraft's takeover of Cadbury.2. I looked, but couldn't find Cadbury's chocolate in my usual store.3. Alarmed, I checked in another store.4. I found the Cadbury chocolate! But it was made in USA by Hershey under license by Cadbury.5. Same day, I read Cadbury's Dairy Milk bars are now Fair Trade (but what I read was written before the Kraft takeover).6. Also on same day, I got an email askingvmevto sign a petition to protest against Hershey using forced labor from immigrants. I sent inquiries to Cadbury and Kraft to ask if the chocolate I buy in the US is slavery free. I don't have answers yet. So -- no chocolate till I find out. I'm pretty sure fair trade, organic chocolate is slavery free. But what about the chocolate in chocolate chips? Ice cream? Mocha drinks? Oreos? Peace Y'allMolly

Globalization comes home

2011-06-27T10:52:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I took my daughter shopping for shorts. While she deliberated, I looked at labels. Vietnam. Indonesia. India. Pakistan. Bangladesh. Mexico. Guatemala. Haiti. Dominican Republic. China China China. Is it possible to find new clothes made by union workers rather than nearly certainly exploited young women?

I am in the tenth month of my yearlong moratorium from clothing shopping (for me). What a great respite it has been from temptation, yearning, time-wasting and closet cluttering!

For clothes to be so cheap after being transported literally across the planet means those workers can't be earning much. This bothers me.

When my year of abstinence ends I will still practice extreme restraint.

Peace, y'all

Molly

On Memorial Day

2011-05-26T18:38:00.000-07:00

Another Military holiday. This one to honor those who died in military service to the US. Coming at the end of May, it also serves as the unofficial start of summer. I hope the summer brings more peace in the world, but I doubt it.

Peace y'all

Molly

Can people really listen?

2011-05-11T13:27:00.000-07:00

An old saying is that God gave us two ears and one mouth. So we should listen twice as much as we speak. Yet we are so quick to speak, and to share our own views, what we think, what we've experienced. I like silence. I like to listen for the birds. I like the freedom and space that silence gives us.

Asci write this I realize I should be listening. I'm going to take my own advice and listen carefully.

Peace, y'all

Molly

On the murder of Osama Bin Laden

2011-05-02T11:25:00.000-07:00

I can't feel joy about this. I recognize the closure many Americans feel, and am glad for the closure. But not the death. Proverbs 24.17 advises "do not gloat when your enemy falls;when they stumble, do not rejoice."

I felt embarrassed seeing the gloating crowds outside the White House last night.

I hope my nation can heal. That we can focus on helping each other, on forming a more perfect union, rather than on vengeance.

Hope this chapter passes quickly

Peace, y'all

Molly

On simplicity

2011-04-28T13:52:00.000-07:00

My work to declutter my study continue, and I'm nearly done with the paper part. Next, cleaning, restoring, painting.

Decluttering is to simplicity as...registering to vote is to justice?

I realize the path I'm on leads to a simpler condition. The path is dirty and dusty, filled with emotional and sentimental obstacles. Some I cast into the recycle bin with cathartic satisfaction. Some went into the bin with a fond farewell. The material remains in my heart, but not my drawers. Some obstacles I keep to be someone else's issue some other day.

I like my study now. It is not yet pretty, but it's airy and open, a huge change. In a few days it will be much prettier, because I will clean this weekend and order new windowblinds.

Simplicity....thus freed from clutter, my heart is lighter and I feel the promise of possibilities. I will be a better person soon. Perhaps I am already?

Peace, Y'all

Molly

Immigration Reform in the US-- where do we start?

2011-04-25T14:12:00.000-07:00

My continuing concern about the plight of the fired dairy workers from RubyRidge Dairy in SE Washington brings me to the immigration debate. Comprehensive immigration reform will shine the light of justice into America's darker corners. It is the workers' undocumented status that lets owners to exploit their workers.

Here is a website that shatters a few myths about immigrants in the US. Www.tinyurl.com/imm-myths.

Please share this, especially readers in the USA.

Peace, y'all

Molly

A nice evening

2011-04-10T20:15:00.001-07:00

I hosted two of my best friends for dinner tonight. What a pleasant evening. Living the good life...

Peace y'all

Molly

Climate deniers

2011-04-05T14:52:00.000-07:00

A coworker sent me a link to Sunday's New York Times editorial by Paul Krugman. It is titled "The truth, still inconvenient."

You can google it by the title. Since I'm writing this via my iPhone I can't hyperlink, sorry.

Climate deniers set up a technical study to refute climate change. The deck was stacked, yet the guy they picked changed his mind in the luligjtvof the overwhelming evidence.

I'm ashamed of my country. There are many good people, but the climate deniers will paralyze us. And if the US fails to take action, we are sealing our doom.

No peace if we keep wrecking our planet

Peace y'all

Molly

The 47 nationalities of workers who I met

2011-03-30T14:26:00.000-07:00

Here they are, in no particular order

Croatia
South Africa
Philippines
India
St. Vincent
Jamaica
Romania
Indonesia
Serbia
Mauritius
Brazil
Bosnia
Costa Rica
Wales
Peru
USA
Mexico
Panama
Australia
Poland
Hungary
Haiti
Montenegro
Ireland
England
Sweden
Macedonia
Belarus
Russia
Guyana
Nicaragua
Turkey
Tunisia
Colombia
Ukraine
Bulgaria
China
Portugal
Nepal
Germany
Chile
Trinidad
Canada
Zimbabwe
Argentina
South Korea
Singapore

Just writing this list down helps me remember the wonderful people and hold them in the light

Peace, y'all

Molly

A troubling question

2011-03-28T11:00:00.000-07:00

I watched a silly poolside contest on my recent vacation. The swimsuit-clad contestants had to answer this question: suppose you became president of the United States. What would you do to advance the cause of world peace?

What indeed? What can I do right now, right here?

Living right and simply is not enough.

Suggestions, anyone?

Peace y'all

Molly

I feel connected to the world

2011-03-23T11:19:00.000-07:00

I just came back from a visit to five Carribean cities. I saw faces and tried new languages, left my money behind here and there. Also I went bird watching and it was wonderful.

I was on a cruise. I really wondered how to work for peace on a ship dedicated to luxury and pleasure. The answer surprised me.

First, the ship's environmental officer spoke to my group and revealed all the ways the ship protects the environment. That was a comforting revelation.

Also, I challenged myself to find as many of the 62 nationalities of ship employees as I could. I found 47!!

It was fun. And it had the surprising dividend of helping me see faces, learn stories, and relate to these workers much more sincerely and deeply. I already miss my new friends.

Seeing faces and learning stories are two paths to peace. Even in the lap of luxury!!

Next post (or soon, anyway) I'll list those nationalities. If I had the skill I'd post an illustrated world map, too.

Peace, y'all

Molly

On civil disobedience

2011-02-27T16:04:00.000-08:00

Dissent is democratic and civil disobedience is a courageous version of it. It has given women the vote, ended legal racial discrimination, toppled colonial rule and recently, autocratic oppression.

It won't work without the press though. We need the press to share the news, show the courage of dissenters and cruelty of power. Hooray for the press.

I get a lot of my news through friends on Facebook. So I don't use mainstream media the way I used to. Still I cherish my local paper, though I ignore a lot of it.

I see things coming to a head. I am asking myself for what issues am I willing to be arrested. I don't have an answer yet but there is a lot of value in asking.

The first thing thatccomes to me is gratitude, for the press, for my FirstvAmendment rights, and that I have enough years and money to be able to contemplate earning a criminal record without fearing it much

Peace, y'all

Molly

Income distribution in the US -- an ugly truth

2011-02-26T11:18:00.000-08:00

-I'm pretty sure this will link to the article that concerns me today.

http://m.motherjones.com/politics/2011/02/income-inequality-in-america-chart-graph

Peace, y'all

Molly

Stop the world, I want to get off!

2011-02-26T11:02:00.000-08:00

That's an expression my mother taught me. I know we lack the ability to leave this world. Gravity ensures this. I thought of this expression because so very much is going on, I'd like to slow things down and deal with them one at a time.

Democracy is breaking out in Africa and breaking down in the US -- or so it seems as the rich get richer and try taking still more from the environment and the working people.

Mother Jones magazine posted a very graphic article on Feb 7 that clearly shows how the wealthy in our nation are getting more. I'm blogging from my phone so I can't link to it now. But I will.

The uneven distribution of wealth undermines peace and justice. I wish the wealthy could see the impacts of their wealth.

Peace, y'all

Molly

Peacemaking - my day job

2011-02-24T07:55:00.000-08:00

To further the pursuit of peace today I will strive to hold the spirit of recent meetings for worship. Peace in my daily rounds. Grace for everyone. Peace y'all

Molly

First Amendment Rights in Action at Quaker Lobby Day

2011-02-22T12:16:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I flexed most of my first amendment rights. I prayed. I assembled. I spoke. I petitioned the govt.

I am glad I went to Olympia and lobbied. Yet--I am so aware that those who lobby more than I do, who can give our elected officials golf trips and the like, are so much more successful and effective than I.

I really liked seeing so much democracy in one place. Lots of union folks, lots of kids, signs to save our kids, save our schools, protect state workers.

I guess I see democracy around me all the time, but not the baring of the stark reality of the competition of values. It was there, in the state Capitol, where people travel to plead their case.

I am glad to be home, yet I want to remain engaged. The measures I care about help to make the world better. Must keep trying.

Peace, y'all

Molly

More on Micah's words

2011-02-20T20:13:00.000-08:00

Months ago these words started germinating in me. "what does the Lord require but that we love mercy, act justly and walk with our God?". Today I thought hard on these words. In English, mercy and justice are sort of opposites. And love is more than sentiment, it's action, an active verb. So it's clear to me what it means to walk with God. (though it is hard to do). But nurturing both justicevand mercy is still a puzzle.

Then a serendipitous thing happened. Tomorrow is Quaker Lobby Day in my state Capitol, and 'the issues we'll lobby on are criminal justice!! Talk about justice and mercy.

Quakers in my state place priority on efforts to repair the harm suffered by victims over soohong punishments to offenders.

We want to enable offenders to redeem themselves and reintegrate in society.

We wantto replace costly incarceration through diversion, drug treatment, job training, and education.

We want to redress racial inequity of the current criminal justice system.

Tomorrow I will lobby with Micah's guidance. I don't think God requires this. I think God prepared me for tomorrow some how.

Peace, y'a, and act justly, love mercy, and walk with God!

Molly

democracy, freedom, and the Middle East

2011-02-19T10:58:00.000-08:00

Such exciting times these are. Tunisia, Egypt, now citizens across the Middle East are stirring. The U.S. must rethink its position in Middle East--supporting autocrats if they sell us oil and don't make war on Israel. Advocating democracy is very close to the heart and soul of American policy. Yet when the Palestinians held an election and chose Hamas, the US turned away. As if the US has never used terror as a tool!

The pro-Israel lobby is very powerful in Congress. Will it hang the US out to dry? Will it keep our nation in a 20th century paradigm?

Yes, things are a-changing. I am watching. I'm wondering. I'm eager to see what the future looks like.

Peace, y'all

Molly

Revealing myself

2011-02-12T15:41:00.000-08:00

The de-cluttering continues. I have found some stuff from the 1980s that is now on its way to scanning, shredding, and recycling. Most of the detritus is paper. I realized last night that the clutter has obscured from me a clear sense of self, and what I've found helps me know myself. I like the me I have found, and I'm ready to say goodbye to the parts that bury me in their 'shoulds.'

I think I've already noticed I'm more effective in doing what I think I should do.

Enough about me. How goes the stroll through life for thee?

Peace, y'all

Molly

What do I fear?

2011-02-06T12:55:00.000-08:00

Thinking today about what makes people believe as they do. Is our nation on a path to ruin? Is the planet in peril from climate change? Will the US lose its comprtitive edge? What will happen when white people are the minority in this country? Are we becoming a socialist country? Will the US go broke?

These are not my own fears, except the first two, and the last one. I wonder if exploring fears is a way to determine what really matters to people, and what information they are getting, or not getting.

I have a fear related to global warming. I fear the collapse of Australia's Great Barrier Reef. I would like to see it before it disappears.

Beloved readers, what do you fear?

Peace, y'all

Molly

Clean my room, clean up my life

2011-02-05T12:32:00.000-08:00

In the few weeks I have been purging my cluttered study, I have discovered a lot of things. First, the rest of my home deserves the same treatment. Second, I am ready to let goof far more than I ever imagined. Third, I am who I am, and have been for some time. Things I wrote or collected years ago still resonate. Fourth, this clutter has been far more limiting and crippling than I ever realized.

Part of project has me talking to folks with same kind of house as I live in. One is a retired pastor who enlightened me. She has helped many people close the home of someone who has died. The deceased's treasures become thrift store fodder. How much of this stuff do I want to take into the next chapter of my life?

It is a big question. So this de-cluttering is leading me to evaluate what matters to me, and what I want to leave for my daughter to deal with when I die.

Peace, y'all

Molly

Seek first to understand

2011-01-31T14:31:00.000-08:00

On a recent drive I held a conversation with an imaginary companion who was scornful of liberals. I explained my position. Then I realized I had failed to observe the third habit of Highly Effective People - Seek first to understand-- and I really should listen to the other person. Since that person was imaginary, that's as far as it went.

Not really.

I realized that my articulating my views, I was seeking first to understand--to understand myself. Have you asked yourself why you believe what you believe? That's what I did, and below I share.

WHY I'M LIBERAL

Thank you, planet! Thanks, nation, society, and community!

I didn't ask to be born, nor did I really choose it. Yet, here I am. I KNOW I have taken more from the planet (and my community and etc) than I have given back. I eat food and return mere compost. I use far more resources than most other living things on the planet, because I am human. And since I'm American (again, not by choice but by fate), I use far more resources than most of the planet's other people.

The planet and society benefit and nurture me. So--I owe. To say thank you, I must give back.

Government must stick up for the little guy -- and girl.

Unless a higher power intervenes, the big will prevail over the little, the strong over the weak, the rich over the poor. Predators eat prey that is smaller than they are. Bullies are the big kids. Sports teams choose the biggest players. In many sports, we match contestants for size because it's such an obvious advantage. A bigger army usually vanquishes the smaller. Etc.

It's why the U.S. has a Senate, where a Senator from a tiny state has the same power as a Senator from a big state.

Now our government is of the people, for the people, and by the people. The government's role is to protect ALL the people, weak and strong, big and little, rich and poor. To do this the government must make sure the strong don't prevail over the weak.

That's the basis of labor laws. Employers, you must pay workers. You cannot work them too many hours. You cannot use slaves. You cannot use children. You must provide a safe workplace. Etc.

Could a business make more money if it didn't have to follow these rules? Certainly!

Children are weak, small, and powerless. So our government makes laws and regulations to protect them.

Our environment and the living things that live --but don't vote, or contribute to electoral campaigns--are weak too. They cannot fight back if some pollutes or abuses. Government must protect these too.

Absolute power corrupts absolutely.

We all want to live in a safe community with clean air and water, pretty open spaces, plenty of beauty. Unbridled industry doesn't create these. A government protecting the common good does.

These thoughts are not fully refined, But what I did on that trip was seek first to understand--myself. Now I'd like to hear from conservatives and understand what underlies their beliefs.

Peace, y'all

On what goes around...

2011-01-27T15:05:00.000-08:00

Last two weeks, I have undertaken a huge and overdue effort, clearing the clutter in my home study. What a process! It's dirty. There's dust and fur (my cats like this room and have contributed to its chaos by knocking things off surfaces). There is evidence of worse cat behavior, too.

Amid the boxes of stuff that is mostly going to be recycled, each day I have found a treasure. Things I have despaired of ever finding, genealogical treasures, various coins, cards and such that are worth real money, photos I had forgotten about.

Also this effort takes me back in time to the year the clutter settled in there.

I have found a leaders guide for Simplicity Circles. Environmental guides. Climate chain info from 18 years ago (alsojournal articles from that era on the need to reform health care in this country).

It helps me realize I've been working on same thing a long time, and that though thevissues persist, they change. So I recycled facts about consumer waste from 1994.

Maybe instead of recycling all this, I'll get it shredded so it can have further use as bedding or cage liners....

The boxes and boxes of STUFF I am ready, even eager to pitch (responsibly). It's daunting, sobering really.

I hope I never again create chaotic clutter like this.

Peace, Y'all

Molly

On the verge of something....

2011-01-23T12:09:00.000-08:00

I feel I'm on the brink of something. I've had strange dreams and I'm getting my home in order. Like a bird gestating inside the shell...soon I think I will break through with some new blaze of epiphany, inspiration, or activity. Beloved readers, what are you doing this winter to make the world a better place?

Peace, y'all

Molly

True confession - what I want in my obituary

2011-01-18T15:04:00.000-08:00

Today I did an exercise in visualizing my memorial service, and what would I want others to say about me. This put me in touch with my most deeply held values and revealed the contrast between what I strive for and and what I really do.

What I want to show for my life is this: the planet's highest honor, the Nobel Peace Prize.

Yup, that's what I want. Now I realize I must work on my pride issues. I also will write to the 2009 winner and urge him to live up to the faith placed on him with this award.

Peace, y'all

Molly

2011-01-11T16:59:00.001-08:00

On promoting peace in 2010 and 2011

2010-12-31T08:59:00.000-08:00

In 2010 I did several new things to promote peace. I hope in 2011 I'll find new qays and do still more. Can I make a difference in my home? Sure. Among my friends? Sure. In my town? I hope so. In my nation? I doubt it, but I'll try. Across our beautiful planet? Yes. Micro- loans can directly help families in other parts of the world.

Sometimes I'm so focused on myself and on finding personal peace and harmony that I lose sight of my broader objectives. I hope I'll do better and do more in the new year.

Happy new year, beloved readers!

Peace, y'all

Molly

My Christmas gifts

2010-12-25T11:18:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas, planet. For those who do not choose to celebrate the birth of Jesus, I send warm greetings and my intense wish for peace and good will. Part of my celebration today will be to open my checkbook wide and give give give to those who help people and parts of the planet that need my money way more than I do.

Peace, y'all!

Molly

Another fallen soldier in our senseless, immoral war

2010-12-21T09:09:00.000-08:00

Since I work for a state agency I know that another child of a mother in my state had died in our senseless and immoral war in Afghanistan. The email tells me he died in Kandahar Province from unjuries caused by an IED.

No. What killed him was our government's wrong-headed policies that send our people into harm's way.

America has the largest military budget on the planet. Bigger than the militaries of the next several countries, combined.

When all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail. So America sends our hi-tech tools and our young men and women into harm's way. This does NOT make anyone safer.

When you see state and federal flags at half mast, it means someone has died. In my state it's a silent symbol that the State-sanctioned terror had claimed another mother's child.

Family of US Army Cpl Sean M Collins, Ian so sorry for your loss.

Peace, y'all. NOW

Molly

Would I be a spy?

2010-12-13T08:00:00.000-08:00

Recently I've thought about my country's wars. I oppose them with my heart and voice, but I don't march in the streets and I still pay my taxes. And I still, on occasion, pledge allegiance to the flag....

(do other countries have a rite like our pledge of allegiance?)

I hate what my country is doing in Iraq and Afghanistan. When I see anti-American words or actions, I want to say "not me, I'm don't support USA's actions.". But do I have a leg to stand on?

Millions of Americans oppose the wars. We are all painted by the same brush.

My country is tarnishing my name.

Like the hikers.

Peace y'all

Molly

Another do no harm day

2010-11-29T08:04:00.000-08:00

Darn this funk. I awoke wishing I hadn't. Today I'll do the rights things and perhaps the right feelings will follow.

M Scot Peck wrote that to feel love one must actively love. Maybe to feel good one must actively do good.There is lots of good to do. I am feeling better already.

Peace, Y'all

Molly

Thanksgiving blessings

2010-11-24T20:21:00.000-08:00

I have so much to be thankful for. Today I tried to count my blessings and gave up after 50 or so. I have a good life, and I'm grateful. In my last big prayer I asked to to an instrument of peace. I work for peace in many ways. I hope to find many more.

Peace, y'all

Molly

Daily gratitude and an answered prayer

2010-11-23T19:16:00.000-08:00

My funk lifted, and the world is a better place.
It started to lift after that big prayer on Saturday, which I mentioned in the last post.

The prayer starts with adoration. Next comes contrition, then (my favorite part)thanksgiving. Last comes supplication. All I asked for Saturday was to lift me out of my blues.

Now I'm wondering if God answered my prayer, or if the things I did last weekend lifted me.

On Facebook,I have posted daily something I'm grateful for. I got this idea from a Quaker friend who is on FB a lot. Others picked up the idea too, and it creates a lovely sense of gratitude and abundance.

There is so much to be grateful for.

Peace, y'all

Molly

Do no harm

2010-11-20T17:19:00.000-08:00

I have been depressed. It sucks. I have not posted lately, or done much of anything. I am taking my antidepressant, getting sleep, using light therapy. Still the funk continues. Today I engaged in protracted prayer, and I feel a lot better. I am also much more constructive around the house.

First things first. Peacemaking must start right here in my own murky psyche. Till the funk lifts, I will go by the motto of 'do no harm.'

Peace y'all

Molly

Peacemaking on Halloween

2010-11-12T16:26:00.000-08:00

Here's what we gave out this Halloweeen. We also gave the kids (except the under three crowd) a whistle. We had a pile of them left ovr from a Halloween many years ago. Oh how I hope my concern reaches not just the eyes but the heart of at least a few of the parents whose little ones came to our door on Halloween. With more holidays approaching, there's lots more chocolate to buy or to bake, and most of it is tainted with child slavery. If we know slavery is wrong and have banished it in our country, how is it OK to eat chocolate we KNOW has come from children who are starved, beaten, and denied what we all think childeren deserve?

Peace, y'all

Molly

German anniversaries today - good and bad

2010-11-09T11:02:00.000-08:00

Cat Lovers Against the Bomb calendar tells me, and I share with you, today is the anniversary of two key events that rocked the world. Both in Germany, interestingly.

On this day in 1938 was Kristallnacht. Literally, the night of broken glass. That's the night Nazis and citizens ransacked Jewish synagogues, cemetaries, homes and businesses throughout Germany and Austria. This tragic event, which was widely reported across the globe, marked the beginning of the Holocaust.

What is the right way to commemorate this dark milestone? Answer hate with love, I guess.

The second anniversary today is the 1989 fall of the Bein Wall. This is way happier.

But the pain of the pogroms continues.

Must stop the hate, stop the demonizing. Just as there is that of God and good in each of t
Us, there is also something of evil in us, which we must suppress.

Peace y'all

Molly

Micah 6:8 and where it leads me

2010-11-04T11:42:00.000-07:00

Recent readings have synergized in me, a divine convergence of ideas. I don't know exactly where this goes. When I find out I'll probably share it here.

Sarah Vowell's recent and charming book about puritans--The Wordy Shipmates--reminded me of the sweet words of Micah-

And what does the lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

Then I read a journal article about the lack of, and need to, incorporate ethics in the study and pursuit of sustainability. Yes! Duh!

Isn't that what underlies the saying,

Live simply so that others may simply live.

This last has resonated with me for a long time. I've agreed with it but haven't really seen how to implement it. That is, how does it help the poor and hungry on other continents when I recycle, ride the bus, and refrain from shallow materialism?

The positive incorporation of ethics in sustainability will help.

I'm no scholar. I'm a citizen and a seeker. So--how do I use my skills and resources (aka gifts from God) to live simply so that others may simply live, act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God?

That's what is incubating in me this week.

Peace, y'all

Molly

International Buy Nothing Day approaches!

2010-10-29T17:51:00.000-07:00

I like planning and in my head Halloween is already over. My head hopped ahead to the end of the month and my next opportunity to spread the word on simplicity and sustainability. I had a great idea.

I want to host a big party for International Buy Nothing Day!

The message of IBNDay is a negative one -- to NOT do something (to NOT join the mobs engaging in the post-Thanksgiving retail frenzy).

Rather, I want to have a party to enjoy and have fun with friends, maybe even make it a left-overs potluck.

Play games, share ideas on ways to celebrate sustainable and sensibly, popping popcorn,maybe making something for someone more needy--with companionship and fun.

Sound good? Steal my idea! Only it isn't stealing if I give it to you.

Hope you accept this gift, observe IBNDay, and share the occasion with others in a fun way.

Peace, y'all

Molly

Saving the ta-ta's

2010-10-28T19:37:00.000-07:00

This a first for me, blogging with a beer and blaring music. Some women I know-- strong partying smart gals-- are throwing a big party to raise $$$ for the Susan G Komen foundation to conquer breast cancer. There are SO many ways to spend $$, and all raise $$ for the cause. I am not feeling very itchy in a retail way so my contribution is to buy a beer (part of the cost goes to the cause).

Well I am not a huge party girl. Breast cancer has afflicted my family. My sister survived. So dis my cousins Susie and Jannie. Not so my cousin Winnie.

Cancer also took my mom, and my mother-in-law. And cancer has laid a siege on my step-daughter and step-son as I write this.

Cancer kills 1 in 4 in the US. Some reason that's because we don't die from other things. Yep, that's it.

Contributing to a charity is a good thing, and if we can have fun at the same time, why not?

Cancer, bad. Charity, good. Fun, good. So this fin may help some woman fight off Demon Cancer.

Peace, y'all

Molly

Unplug 'the Christmas Machine

2010-10-28T18:02:00.000-07:00

Six coworkers signed up my my workshop, but I needed 8-10. So I sadly canceled it. Yep, sadly. Better luck next year.

I so hoped to reduce the stress in my workplace. Perhaps I will find another way.

Peace y'all

Molly

Hooray for the stats

2010-10-26T22:15:00.000-07:00

I am thrilled to learn I have readers from other parts of the planet. Hooray for the stats that let me know this! For months I wrote without knowing if anyone (besides Tom) read my words. Now I have some idea and it is soooooo wonderful!

I am motivated to write more, and through that find more ways to peace -- for me and perhaps you too, wherever and whoever you are.

Peace y'all

Molly

Atomic bombs. Bad, bad, bad

2010-10-26T12:53:00.000-07:00

A coworker recently shared with me a powerful portrayal of nuclear testing we have subjected our planet to. Check it out: http://www.ctbto.org/specials/1945-1998-by-isao-hashimoto/

Two things impress me days later.

First, the USA has the dubious distinction of having detonated the most nukes -- half of the 2053 bomb tests between 1945 and 1998.

Second, most tests are in remote areas. The US used the South Pacific, then remote parts of the US--Nevada. The UK used Australia. France used the South Pacific.

In one way this makes a lot of sense. Why would you do something dangerous and harmful in populated areas?

But the remote areas are populated too. And not just by humans. How many ocean creatures died in those tests?

Last thought, and the hardest. Did these tests make the world a better place?

I usually focus on things within my own control. But I was glad to see the bomb test show. Good to think about the big picture sometimes.

Peace, y'all

Molly

A good obituary

2010-10-25T13:10:00.000-07:00

Sounds a little silly, but I do hope my life will add up to enough good to merit an obituary in the Friends Journal. I like reading them, admiring what other Quakers have done with their lives.

I don't yet measure up. But I still have several years, perhaps decades, to improve my life record.

Better get busy.

Peace, y'all

Molly

Never mind Christmas -- let's make a list for Congress

2010-10-21T09:45:00.000-07:00

Just 2 more weeks of attack ads, campaign letters to the editor, and emails asking for money. Nothing is happening besides campaigning right now. But in a short while our elected leaders will get back to work. But on what?

Time to flex those first amendment rights and petition the government. I am going to make a list of issues I know need attention. Then I'll identify where the solutions come from, and how to petition the decisionmakers.

For example, immigration. The fix is clearly at the federal level. And we need comprehensive reform. What can we do locally? Petition, assemble, speak out.

We can see our representatives' voting record.

What else? That's the work of the listmaking.

Prayer will help me find inspiration. Will make this idea more robust and useful.

Peace, y'all

Molly

Drat it

2010-10-18T21:45:00.000-07:00

Just wrote the passionate blog entry ever, and somehow lost it. Darn and double darn. The gist is this: peacemaking is never finished, the world isn't perfect, so I want to make it a better place and want you to also. With a bit of dialogue (IOW, Comment!!) we can help each other on this path.

There, much more concise this time.

Peace, y'all

Molly

Please comment

2010-10-18T21:12:00.001-07:00

Besides Tom in Ohio, I have 'no' idea who reads this, nor what readers think of it. Before last week I had 'no' idea IF anyone read this blog. I truly thought, each time I started to write, that once more I was peeing in the dark. That's what I thought.

Last week I realized Blogger now offers 'stats.' It felt like an answer to my prayers! Yes! People ARE reading! I am still thrilled. And grateful.

And motivated. I want to build peace pretty much all the time. And I would like others to do it too. Peace is a process. Its sisters are justice, harmony, love, brotherhood. We reach these sweet spots in special moments. Sometimes we have a general sense we are in thw right place--especially if we have a full belly and a warm, dry place to sleep.

Yet when we are in a good place, maybe giving a prayer of thanks for our meal as we gather with our loved ones, we know the world is not perfect.

'Perfect' means complete, finished. The world is not perfect. In dozens of places on the planet, armed conflict is ripping apart civil society, lives, and the environment. Somewhere right now millions do not have enough to eat. Or a warm, dry place to sleep. Or justice. Or freedom.

That's why peacemaking must continue. In our hearts, in our words, in our actions.

As I meander through life my temporal path is straight. My peacemaking path is anything but. I reach for peace every day, when I smile at strangers, when I seek some kind thing to say to every one I encounter, when I become a sponge and absorb the words that provoke me and extinguish them with love, when I strive to cut my carbon, to help the immigrants and gay kids, when I cook some of God's bounty to nourish the bodies and souls of others (and me), when I open my checkbook wide, when I pray, and when I write in this blog.

I want readers to walk this path with me. Sometimes I will lead, sometimes you will. We will add to the level of goodness in the universe either way.

Peace, y'all

Molly

Love thy neighbor

2010-10-18T13:25:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I read Anthony Manousos's fine blog essay on ending torture. I reflected more on the evil of ongoing slavery. And the rancor of partisan politics in these final and vicious days of the campaign season is impossible to ignore. There is much evil in the world.

What if, what if peace prevailed in every heart? Roots of evil, I believe, are human vices. Greed, gluttony, fear. If we abstain from vice, the worst we might do is err, or act wrong due to oblivion.

My thinking went a little further and simplified it. Love thy neighbor. Treat him and her the way you want to be treated.

So simple, so profound. Could we overcome the evil, pain and suffering on our planet by simply loving our neighbors and practicing the golden rule?

Peace, y'all

Molly

Break your addiction to oil

2010-10-17T15:42:00.000-07:00

Beloved readers, this was a note some time ago in a message in the Grist, a wonderful environmental newsletter, in an entry about what we can do about the oil tragedy in the Gulf of Mexico.

The immediacy of that crisis seems to have faded, but the message persists.
Under this topic were four suggestions:
1. take stock of your own carbon footprint
2. get out of your car
3. Support sustainable energy sources
4. Promote smarter transportation systems.

I'm in good shape for the first two, and hope you are too. My carbon footprint is a huge and scary thing, but I'm working on it. And in June I got serious about commuting via bus, and have used the car for work I think 3 times since then.

#3 and #4 are more challenging, at least for me. Any suggestions? Looks like a good way to flex those First Amendment rights of petitioning the government.

I would embrace suggestions.

Peace, y'all

Molly

Peacemaking on Halloween

2010-10-16T08:16:00.000-07:00

I have a sweet idea for Halloween. I am in the phase of life of having little trick or treaters visit my home, not escorting one of those little duffers. I wince over the trash this holiday creates and the escalating decoration, plus the tragic waste of food--pumpkin is a food after all.

I learned recently about "reverse trick or treating." That's when kids give adults a small piece of fair trade chocolate taped to a card with the hard facts of child slavery in cocoa-growing areas.

I am going to order little pieces of fair trade chocolate and make my own card. It will say something like

Hey, parents! Did you know that most of the chocolate you child collects tonight was grown in tropical areas by slaves who are children just a few years older than your own precious child? Mainstream chocolate companies don't want to tell you that. Using disposable slaves keeps costs down and profits up. This little bit of chocolate was made by adult workers who have decent conditions and get a fair wage. Enjoy this morsel

Visit www. I'll find the websites .

How does that sound?

Voting today

2010-10-15T10:59:00.000-07:00

Today from the comfort of my home I'll exercise one of my most valuable rights. I will vote. Not just once--there is so much confusion on this. This ballot has 32 separate races or issues for me to vote on. When I cast my vote for Patty Murray, it will be the 8th time, I think. The first time was in 1992. when I realize how many votes I really have, I feel very blessed--and empowered.

I also feel awe for the people who have suffered and died for the right to vote. I am grateful for those who have protected my right. I am grateful for the integrity of the electoral process. I doubt it's flawless, but it's pretty good.

I am grateful for the League of Women Voters. I am pleased I am one of them.

I am thrilled to realize that today, some of the brand new US citizens I registered to vote after the Naturalization ceremony may be casting their votes alongside me today.

Hmmm. The government is by the people, of the people, and for the people. Since I love other people and recognize that of God in each of them, I guess I indirectly love the government. And that which we love, we nurture. So I will renew my birthday pledge to the USA and exercise my rights--and duties.

Peace, y'all

Molly

Riding in the palm of God's hand

2010-10-14T16:30:00.000-07:00

The sense of grace and gratitude remains. I have more to do and miles to go...Today I learned how easy it is to get info and support through my city's web site. I can do some good this way.

I have been keeping my promise, my gift to our country on its birthday on July 4. I pledged to use my First Amendment rights.

Am I flexing my First Amendment right to freedom of the press when I write this blog entry?

I petitioned government today via email. I prayed and spoke my mind, and will assemble with coworkers in a few. So, today I'm 5 for 5!

But it is not enough. Miles to go before I rest

Global Warming Cafe was yesterday

2010-10-11T12:04:00.000-07:00

10/10/10 was yesterday, and what a day it was. More than 7000 events around the planet, and I did one right here in Richland. With a lot of help from Lora Rathbone and Lyle, Kathy C, Kathy W, and Susie O, we had a room full of people who want to cut their carbon. Many have already cut it a lot.

But I thought I was pretty green, and I have found ways to cut 10500 pounds, which is 12% of our family's total. Last year's anyway. I expect we'll fly a bit less this year, which will make our total lower than the very scarey 79000 pounds we dumped last year.

I'm filled with hope, and gratitude. This looks to be a wonderful fall season.

Peace, y'all

Molly

Peace prayers

2010-09-12T12:26:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I attended a local peace event. It was 9/11 and was in response, sort of, to the Florida pastor who shook the world with his aborted and misguided plans to burd Qurans. Our gathering had messages of peace from representatives or leaders from Baha'i, Buddhist, Christian, Sikh, Jewish, Mormon, Muslim, Religiouss Science, Unaffiliated, and Unitarian faiths. Also singing, gospel readings, and poetry.

It was a lovely event. I left feeling (besides sad that I was leaving)very close to many people I don't know.

I am grateful for the people who shared prayers from their faith, and to the organizers of this event, for bringing so many together in peace, right here in my little town.

I was impressed also that we were exercising most of our First Amendment rights--speech, religion, assembly, press (a TV crew was there). All we lacked was petitioning the government. A fine event for the exercise of our First Amendment rights to promote peace right here where we live.

Peace, y'all

Molly

Carbon diet update

2010-08-22T11:45:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I bought more CFL bulbs and replaced two incandescents. Next I will buy some surge protectors and shut things down at night. The clothesline we ordered should arrive any time now, too. I am planning to check my kWh use this month vs one year ago. I expect I'll see a reduction.

Found a great way to curb my appetite for chocolate goodies. I read online about the child slavery so common in cocoa production in the Ivory Coast.

So the path to peacemaking is very personal today. Hope the carbon team makes a bit of headway.

Peace y'all

Molly

On cutting carbon

2010-08-18T09:02:00.000-07:00

my office eco-team is not doing well and I don't know what I can do about it. My default communication tool is email, and maybe that's the wrong tool. Anyway, I will keep plugging away. So much to share, but --- when? more to come

Peace, y'all

more on the federal budget

2010-07-26T19:39:00.001-07:00

Wow I didn't realized I haven't posted in so long. I'm back. For now anyway.

The feds sure spend money on war. We used to call it that--The Department of War. This changed last century to the Department of Defense. How Orwellian.

Well, here is a look at the 2011 budget. Billions of dollars (did you know the lowest number starting with "b" is "billion?) and the biggest slice is for war. 30% is for current military spending. 18% is for past military, including veteran's benefits, and (ominously) interest on the national debt from previous military spending. $1398 Billion. That's $1.3 TRILLION. Any way you slice it, that's real money. And obscene amounts of it.

Non military spending -- that is, every other thing the feds do, is more than this. This is right. We should spend most of our money on nonmilitary things, like international relatons, foreign aid, justice, environmental protection and (my favorites) National Parks.

I agree that national defense is a federal function, but our military is a cancer on the federal government. It consumes it. Its product? Wealth to military contractors, and death and destruction for "others." For the womend and children and poor in other places. It's wrong in so many ways.

Oh yes, that military largess also paid for the F-15 and F-16 in the air show I saw yesterday. Was the entertainment value worth what that bird and its well-trained pilot cost us? No way.

I would like the military to hold bake sales and give billions to schools. What about you?

Peace, y'all

Molly

Stuffed and Starved

2010-07-06T10:21:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I finished reading Raj Patel's "Stuffed and Starved." Enlightening, showing how all the dots connect to food, poverty, and power on our planet. Raj is not American, and I truly valued the perspective of America's role in the world. Sobering.

The fear of the restless masses destabilizing governments and threatening the bottom line for businesses has made the poor poorer and the rich richer. The poor grow our food, the rich profit from their labors. On the receiving end, the poor cannot afford good healthy food. Instead they are subjected to subsidized, processed crap, cheap carbs, high fructose corn syrup, soy, etc. So as this unhealthy diet spreads, so does diabetes and heart disease.

There are so many things wrong with this picture it would, and did, fill a book. Raj Patel's to be precise.

His prescription is a blend of what I'm starting to do already (locavorism, eating lower on the food chain, CSA, fair trade...), which are personal actions, and the group actions that are so much more challenging-- using those wonderful rights in the USA's First Amendment

Speech
Press
Religion
Assembly
Petitioning the government.

My birthday gift to USA is to flex these rights. That which we exercise gets stronger.

Peace, y'all

Molly

Is the Federal budget a reflection of our country's moral values?

2010-07-05T07:36:00.000-07:00

So claims the Friends Committee for National Legislation, a fine Quaker lobbying group. So also claims Matthew in the Gospel: For where your treasure is, they will your heart be also (Matthew 6:21

But the cynic in me (small but still present) says them who have the gold make the rules, and that fits our budget picture more clearly.

For each dollar of federal income tax we paid in 2009, our government spent
33 cents on Pentagon spending for current and past wars (3 cents on veterans, 6 cents on interest on debts, 24 cents on Pentagon and related spending.
27 cents supporting the economy -- recovery and bailouts, 26 cents, other jobs, education and social programs, 1cent.
17 cents on health care, mainl Medicare, I suppose
11 cents responding to poverty
9 cents for general government
2 cents for energy, science, and the environment
1 cent for diplomacy, development, and war prevention

FCNL says if these expenditures don't reflect your values, talk to Congress. Good idea. Also talk to your family and friends, your neighbors, your Facebook community, anyone you can.

FCNL makes it easy to reach your reps in Congress. Visit www.fcnl.org, follow the "contact Congress" link, and there you go!

Honest to goodness, it is so much cheaper to prevent a war than to wage one and pay one off decades later. But there's profit in war and not so much for working on making lives better for the multitudes of poor and disenfranchised.

Okay, I'm going to silence the cynic, who is rarely constructive, and bring back cheerier outlook.

Peace, y'all

Molly

Where I am right now

2010-07-04T17:18:00.000-07:00

Just reminded myself to start wherever I am, which is at this moment, in my dining room. So I am going to turn up the thermostat a few degrees, because just as we do outdoors, we should use clothing to regulate our comfort rather than electricity.

Now I want to share the preamble to the platform of the state Democratic platform. It resonates with me and I hope you too.

We are Democrats, the party of the people. We believe in teh values of community, dignity, equality, opportunity, fairness, tolerance, respect, and the common good of the world we share. gthese values provide the basis for our ideas, supported by our Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

Now here's the preamble for the state Republican party platform:

PREAMBLE

The Washington State Republican Party is dedicated to preserving a constitutional republic. We believe that active participation by citizens is absolutely necessary to protect and preserve conservative values which include preserving a free society, free markets, free trade, the sanctity of human life, limited government, low taxes, a minimal bureaucracy, a strong national defense, private property rights, and the concept that government should do for individuals only those things they cannot do for themselves.

Washington State Republicans believe that good government is based on respect for, and trust in, the ability of individuals to chart the course of their own lives. We believe that respect for each person’s ability, dignity, and liberty is the foundation for a free and prosperous civic body politic. Good citizenship begins with protected rights and ends with accompanying responsibilities.

We believe individuals are more enlightened than governments, that markets are more efficient than bureaucracies, and that the citizen is more visionary than the collective. To this end, we reaffirm the words in the Declaration of Independence, “That all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness -That to secure these Rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just Powers from the Consent of the Governed.”

To each generation falls the responsibility to uphold the values that have made the United States the most free, wealthy, compassionate and successful civilization in history. As we confront security threats from international terrorism, economic threats from ever-increasing state intervention, and social threats from liberal cultural elites, we must also see these times as an opportunity to move society in the right direction. We are committed to ensuring that the two-centuries-old experiment that is America never fails.

It has been over two centuries since our Founders established the American creed — government under God and accountable to the people. We believe their vision is best preserved by supporting the policies outlined below.

Well! I wish I could embrace just the parts I like. There are some parts I like. If less government really mean less government, it might be OKAY. But when less government means turning folks loose to profit from exploiting people and the environment, I flinch.

There it is--I believe government's role is to help those who cannot help themselves. This means the environment, animals and fish, children, disenfranchised, the weak, and the poor.

That's where I am right now,

Peace, y'all

Molly

P.S. Happy Birthday USA! My gift to you will to be a more engaged citizen, to exercise my rights, and keep working to make this country a better place.

M

A funny sort of trouble

2010-06-30T21:48:00.000-07:00

Today at work I was researching the Vancouver Peace And Justice Fair, thinking my agency might do some outreach there. I printed something from the website but didn't retrieve it right away. My boss summoned me to his office and chided me for the printout, reminding me of our ethics rules and the ban on personal printing. Imagine his surprise when I told him it was for work! He asked if it were approved. No, said I, we are planning.
This amused me. But probably it shouldn't. Maybe the boss has it in for me, or has polarly opposed views.(yeah, who could oppose peace, love, and justice?)

So you think you know about sustainability?

2010-06-29T15:27:00.000-07:00

Rude awakening for thine truly. I just found a survey from the International Society of Sustainability Professionals --the ISSP Sustainability Knowledge Competency Study. Thinking I was fairly knowledgable, I clicked to take the survey. Hoo boy.

Here are a bunch of events. I have some familiarity with some of them...
Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal
Bruntland Commission/Our Common Future
Commission on Sustainable Development
Convention on Biological Diversity
Intergovernmental Forum on Forests
Kyoto Protocol
Limits to Growth/Club of Rome
Millennium Development Goals 2000
Montreal Protocol
Silent Spring/Rachel Carson

How are you doing so far?
Keep going....
UN Environment Programme
UN Forum on Forests
Vienna Convention for Protection of the Ozone Layer

Now, some organizations
AccountAbility
Business for Social Responsibility (BSR)
Carbon Disclosure Project
Earth Policy Institute
Environmental Protection Agency
GEO-4
Global Environmental Management Initiative (GEMI)
Hadley Centre for Climate Change
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
International Society of Sustainability Professionals
Millennium Ecosystem Assessment
World Business Council on Sustainable Development
World Resources Institute

Not through yet with humbling myself
Now for sustainability frameworks
Herman Daly's Triangle
Triple Bottom Line

Now for some principles
Adaptive management
Agenda 21
Caux Roundtable for Business
Ceres
Cradle to cradle
Earth Charter
Equator Principles
Hannover Pronciples
Melbourne Principles
Precautionary Principle
Talloires Declaration
UN Global Compact

Had enough? But wait! There's more!!
Practices and Protocols
AA1000
Closed loop recycling
Dematerialization
Design for environment
Ecological footprint
Environmental/Sustainability Management System/ISO14001
General Reporting Protocol
Global Reporting Initiative
Green Chemistry
Greenhouse gas protocol
Industrial ecology
Life Cycle Assessment
Life Cycle costing
New urbanism
Permaculture
Product stewardship/EPR (extended producer/product responsibility)
SA8000
Smart growth
Socially responsible investing

My humbling is not over but I am tired of tapping. So I'll continue layer with more stuff I think I should already know about.

Peace, y'all

Molly (the humbled)

If It Was My Home - Visualizing the BP Oil Spill

2010-06-29T13:34:00.000-07:00

If It Was My Home - Visualizing the BP Oil Spill

Start wherever you are

2010-06-27T16:37:00.001-07:00

That is one of the key messages I got at the low carbon diet training.

Climate change has begun. We must address it!

It will take at least 10 years to scale up renewable energies and new technologies. Conservation is available today. It's the low-hanging fruit. And when we are in a conservation mind frame, we are more inclined to embrace the new technologies that come along.

US citizens are 5% of the planet's population and use 25% of its resources. And we waste up to 75% of it through inefficiency and ignorance. Americans are a huge part of the problem--so we also can - and n
must - be big part of the solution.

We like to think we are the world's most innovative. Fine. (and no let hago and tend the garden).

Join me in reducing my carbonfootprint. I'll start where I am. Thee do likewise.

Peace, y'all

Molly

On reducing our carbon footprint

2010-06-26T13:43:00.000-07:00

I said I would blog about it when I registered for the teletraining for the low carbon diet, so here goes.

I'm always looking for ways to build peace in the world, to make the world a better place, to form a more perfect union. A new way has opened. When one Seeks one can find. And I did.

A sweet convergence. I am my program's sustainability chair. By default, but nonetheless. The state legislature passed a law in 2008 or 2009 with specific goals for state agencies to reduce carbon and our governor charged my agency with showing other agencies how to go about it.

For Earth Day my agency rolled out a program they call 'Carbon Smart.' It has two parts -- greening our office by what we do there and how we get there. The other part is to reduce carbon at home. This hits us, so to speak, where we live.

I have a leading to lead carbon reduction teams.

More about this soon.

Read grist!!

2010-06-22T14:38:00.001-07:00

Today I have been reading articles from the Daily Grist. Great stuff. Several times today I've thought "this is good, I should share it on my blog!"

Grist has several newsletters. Today I'm reading the weekly assortment. You should too.

Carbon reduction

2010-06-21T13:25:00.000-07:00

I am on the verge of kicking off a low-carbon diet team at my office. Wish me luck!

Sustainability starts with me - phase 1

2010-06-21T09:42:00.000-07:00

Sustainability is my present focus. At work I am the default, de facto lead for the team that is supposed to to some good with no impact on staff time. At home I am always looking for ways to walk more gently.

This leads me to right here. At home we bought a new, energy-efficient fridge. So new and clean, my husband doesn't want all those magnets and flyers to go on the new fridge. What to do with those things? One of these is a small poster from the E3 conference 2 years ago. E3 stands for economy, education, and environment. It illustrates the interconnectedness of what we do.

I quote:
it all comes down to personal choices--at work, school, or church, people must choose sustainable behavior. Imagine e3 as a wheel and the spokes carry messages (goals) out from the center (individual behavior). People may learn at school, work, or club, and bring that behavior home, changing their own behavior.

I am seeing this interconnectedness very clearly. Hope to harness it to amplify my peacemaking.

One day at a time

2010-06-20T07:20:00.001-07:00

I seek to build peace all the time, nearly. I hope that each week I can point tosomething I have done and say "that builds peace in our [world] [town] [home]. Friday we made and served dinner for the Vista Youth Center.

Yesterday...hmmm...well, during the ton of shopping, we only collected one bag? That is something. And we patronized a small local business or two. Not a Red Letter Day for peacemaking, but I like to think I have ordered my life to be gentler and kinder to the planet. Sometimes big steps, sometimes smaller ones.

I hope to take some stronger strides soon. I'll need to call on my Inner Light to heed the call -- leading carbon reduction teams not just at work, but with my friends, family, neighbors, and--who knows?

Wherever you go, there you are

2010-06-10T05:50:00.000-07:00

Deep down I feel like an Easterner, though I love my home in the West and am happy to live there. Yet when I am East I feel settled. Even though I don't know my way around, don't have all the connections. Something deeper. Why? Maybe it's sentimentality, since I grew up there (here). (the same way I scoff at my friend who has lived in my town for 35 years but still calls Kansas "home.") Or it is because I so miss having a meeting, and the East is teeming with them.

I don't have to make any decision today.

No matter where you go, there you are. So I will do what I can, where and when I can.

Peace, y'all

Molly

On guilt, graciousness and God

2010-06-09T09:00:00.000-07:00

My password, one of my dozens, has the word Miracle in it and whenever I type it I wonder if one will become evident to me. I think I experienced a wee one two days ago. My mood was very fragile. After a weekend of mostly depression I was intensely hoping for some joy. Then I prayed the formal, thorough way I learned of in "the year of living biblically." The acronym ACTS stands for adoration, contrition, thanksgiving (my favorite part), and supplication. My prevailing supplication was to find joy and lose the funk. And a little while layer, I did!

About guilt--should I feel guilt over the carbon price of this trip to Pa and NJ? I don't think guilt is needed but mindfulness is. Thinking of how to mitigate our carbon for this trip, and think I'll find a few ways.
And the coworker who was challenging me over the carbon from this trip--that's my business, not hers.

I don't need toxic tips from people close to me.

Peace on a few levels. Peace in my heartthrough a funk- lifting prayer, peace in my soul by seeking and doing what I can to mitigate this trip, and peace in my house by keeping toxic people at arm's length.

Peace y'all, wherever you need it

Molly