Ever since I came to the United States, I have always been puzzled with a certain attitude in this country. Why do so many ordinary, god-fearing Republicans in this country oppose measures such as free healthcare for all? What do they mean when they say they are ‘against Obama as a matter principle’?… [Read more]
There’s a Lot to Say About Betty
At 90 years young she’s still a lovely, funny and charming dame. Her spirit, animal rights activism, and ability to call it like she sees it (remember this clip?) makes her a forever favourite. There’s so much that can be said about Betty White…but, for now, we’ll just say “We Love You!” — and after making her support of President Obama public, ‘smart’ has been added to the many adjectives that describe why we do. … [Read more]
Passing Blame: On Doubt and Being an Activist
Recently I’ve had a lot of conversations with other activists where we’ve voiced our experiences in persistent doubt, especially when it comes to our judgement of others. It seems that many of us have a (metaphorical) voice in our heads constantly asking ‘Are you sure?’ ‘What if you’re wrong?’ etc. etc.
Needless to say, while constant questioning has its merits, doubting yourself in the middle of a meeting with a high-ranking official can be a little problematic.… [Read more]
Free Speech?
We’ve all heard, and probably said more than a time or two, “Talk is cheap!” or “Actions speak louder than words!” Goodness knows on any given day in America you can hear someone crying “Free speech!” in defense of something better left unsaid, as they vigorously exercise their First Amendment right.
Yet despite the many channels we have through which our voices can be heard, speech is not literally free. … [Read more]
Reason FTW
An interesting thing happened in Utah over the last few weeks. The general populace overcame their religious stranglehold, engaged in productive political activism and forced a rational and logical outcome. It was truly a sight to behold.
80% of the Utah’s state legislators are Mormon, and as a result wear the self-appointed titles of “Purveyors of All Things Moral.” They mostly run uncontested in their districts (meaning they don’t often have to fight off challengers in their own party; running as a Republican in Utah against a Democrat basically means “uncontested”).… [Read more]
Women: If You’re Not Angry, You’re Not Paying Attention
On Friday I went to a viewing of the documentary, Miss Representation. Many of the quotes that were splashed across the screen were ones I already knew and repeated even. Still, it did not make them any less impactful to see. I was aware of much of the content that the film explored, but sometimes it is nice to be reminded.… [Read more]
Mountaintop Removal: A Dirty History Repeats Itself
The monster of mountaintop removal* is once again rearing its ugly head. The aptly named Arch Coal may be about to blow the top off of historic Blair Mountain – the 1921 site of the largest civil uprising after the Civil War, a battle between coal miners and coal operators. Needless to say, there are a lot of people upset.… [Read more]
Holdin’ It Down With Occupy
The papers were saying that the Park Police, after crying wolf for months, were finally going to evict Occupy DC. Then I saw the headline that 11 people were arrested while resisting. I’d been meaning to pay McPherson Square another visit, but suddenly I felt a new sense of urgency. I didn’t want to wait until it was too late.… [Read more]
What If President Obama IS Just Like Saul Alinsky?
You say that as if it’s a bad thing!
Is President Obama the second coming of Saul Alinsky? Lately, with so many comparative references between the two, Newt Gingrich might have you think so. In my best Jewish mother’s voice I say: “Meh! You say that as if it’s a bad thing!” I wish that President Obama could fully channel Alinsky’s revolutionary style, but alas, he’s a Democratic President.… [Read more]
Tyranny of the Majority: Correcting the Narrative
Know why diversity’s so important? It’s about more than just adding another feminine, Black, or gay face at the table, you know.
There are those proverbs that talk about the victor having the spoils, and about history being the victor’s nonobjective story — HIStory. And there was an African proverb I ran across yesterday that read: Until the lion has a chance to tell its story, the hunter will be glorified.… [Read more]