Non-Violent Revolution

This was a really inspiring interview that we watched last night with Brian Willson, a non-violent activist who has spent his life learning the costs of opposing the brutal actions of the United States government. Brian lost both legs during a peaceful sit-in that opposed the transportation of weapons to Central America:

"Today we spend the hour with a man who put his life on the line twice: once when he served in the Vietnam War and again when he came back. On September 1, 1987, Brian Willson took part in a nonviolent political action outside the Concord Naval Weapons Station in California. He sat down on the train tracks along with two other veterans to try to stop a U.S. government munitions train sending weapons to Central America during the time of the Contra wars. The train didn’t stop. Willson suffered 19 broken bones, a fractured skull and lost both of his legs."

A very eye-opening testimonial that comes at a time when peaceful demonstrations across the country are meeting brutal crackdowns by local police units. It leads one to question the "democracy" and "freedom" that the US espouses to stand for.

Occupy Wall Street!

thousands came out to protest as others assembled in cities all over the country

police brutality has been heavily documented on non-voilent protesters

big names help draw much lacking media coverage: Michael Moore, Tim Robbins

people recognizing the wide-spread effects of the Wall Street greed and corruption

arrests are rampant! 700 people arrested in one day on the Brooklyn bridge

the theme that has moved thousands and resonates with millions

genius; at the ready to document the revolution

Wow! Amazing things are happening all over the country in a unified voice of anger, disgust, and, as one 87 year old woman so aptly put it, a "mad as hell" attitude. This movement of solidarity is growing, gaining steam with the addition of a number of unions, and I believe this is just the beginning. As the people take to the streets to express their frustration, they are striking cords in the hearts of the "99%" living in this great nation who are suffering under the oppression of the 1% who own so much, have more than they could ever need, are the root cause of the economic crisis, and then turn around expecting the rest, who are already stretched thin or are crumbling, to pay the price. It's an unbelievable time we are witnessing; a time where feet are put to the fire and true character is, and will, be demonstrated by those in authority. It's a make or break moment in politics and our country. The movement of the 99% has begun and where it leads is unknown, but the path is exciting. The sleeping giant has awoken...!

To check out the most in-depth coverage of the protest (that you WILL NOT see on any corporate news station) watch Democracy Now. Amy Goodman is a champion of free speech media and gives voice to the voiceless. While you're there, listen to the interview today with Naomi Klein, an incredibly intelligent author and journalist. Also, you can see the movement that is growing in our beautiful San Francisco; a video of Occupy SF that my sweetheart shot from the roof!

This. Is. INSPIRATION!

A Grave Injustice

"Breaking News: U.S. Supreme Court rejects last-ditch appeal from Georgia death row inmate Troy Davis."


I wept as I listened to the decision made by the U.S. Supreme Court refusing the stay of execution for Troy Anthony Davis. "To Much Doubt" moved nearly one million people to petition the Georgia Board of Petitions; protests took place not only all over our country, but throughout the world. Prominent people from every political ideology (supporters and opposes of the death penalty, democrats, republicans) came out in support for a stay on tonight's execution recognizing not only the absence of physical evidence, but 7 of the 9 eyewitnesses that have recanted their stories; a complete eyewitness testimony conviction. All the efforts we not enough on Troy's case, but he recognized that the problems with the death penalty were bigger than his case and hoped that this movement in support for him would lead to ultimately ending this cruel, barbaric practice of the state killing it's own citizens. Two-thirds of all nations in the world do not practice capital punishment. Ninety percent of all executions take place by just five countries: China, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and the United States. This is the company we keep. 


Such a tragedy. Very heartbreaking. I pray that Troy's struggle for justice will move people to question who we are as a country, where we want to go from here, and how we want our future nation to look for our children and subsequent generations.


"We should be a beckon of light for human rights in the world... we have to move forward in the spirit of Troy Davis." -Ben Jealous


See more coverage on Democracy Now.

Hello Weekend, Goodbye USPS!?

Dear Friend,

It seems too unreal to be true, but alas, the U.S. Postal Service is running out of money and on the verge of declaring bankruptcy. The initial actions may be to reduce delivery services, cutting both Saturday and overnight delivery, but, such actions may not be enough to save this beloved (and necessary!?) service.

I admit to not writing as many letters as I could/should. Growing up, I was the worst pen pal (sorry Sissy!) and was horrible about dropping letters in the mail. Yes, the simple act of mailing. However, I have kept nearly every letter that was written to me and treasure them dearly, especially from people who are no longer around to share their beautiful thoughts through a hand-written note, card, or letter. Over the years, I have become a much better student in the Art of Letter Writing, but am nowhere near the prestigious (Wo)Man of Letters title that I covet. I thought, foolishly, that I would have a lifetime to perfect this art. I may have been mistaken. SO... in a last-ditch effort to save (really?!) the beautiful service of hand-written letter delivery and to connect with friends and family, I am going to spend the weekend writing letters. Ok, I will commit to sending at least one, hopefully more. I will commit to sending at least one letter every week for as long as I am able. Will you join me?

Oh, and don't be surprised if you find a letter in that magical little box of yours with this hilarious stamp. Stephen Colbert, literally (for you, Jill), cracks me up. You can purchase these ridiculous, over-the-top stamps here. You can watch his insanely funny show here or here (they have a better media player).

I hope you have a wonderful weekend filled with cards, letters, pens, inkwells, and stamps.

Yours Truly,

Stephanie

p.s. This electronic letter to you does not count as a true letter... only snail-mail commitments here!

p.p.s. Here is a cute blog devoted to letters.

letter image via {here} and stamp image found {here}

Remembering



Reflecting Pool at the World Trade Center Memorial


Yesterday marked the 10th anniversary of 9/11. Yesterday we remembered not only the innocent people who were killed in that awful attack, but the innocent who have, since then, been killed in response. I listened to a moving story from two women this morning: the first lost a brother in the attack on U.S. soil, and the second lost 19 family members in the U.S. retaliation in Afghanistan. It is important to remember that the same horror we experienced on our shores has also become a reality for tens of thousands of innocent people across the world. I hope you listen to this interview. It's incredible to hear people who have suffered the most take the highest interest in reducing violence and revenge.
image via {here}

Bill Moyers

This was a really interesting interview I listened to yesterday with Bill Moyers on Democracy Now (my regular morning investigative news journal). He has a new book out, Bill Moyers Journal: The Conversation Continues, which is an extension of his PBS show. I love hearing in-depth interviews with fascinating people, learning about who they are, where they come from, the experiences that make them who they are today. Plus, I just like the way Bill speaks and his perspective/emphasis on great journalism. This interview comes at a time when public broadcasting is in great fear of losing federal funding, leaving the public with nothing but empty corporate media... SAVE PUBLIC BROADCASTING!!