Peace Radio Interim Blog: July 19, 2020 Edition
A few court wins for Native Americans and the Environment! And of course bummer news. Always with the bummer news.
Before we even begin. The Dali Lama recorded a birthday message. He has turned 85:
Welcome to yet another interim edition of the Peace Radio Blog! Who knew this would go on so long? OK...most of us but we didn't want to know so we repressed it. Or at least I did.
Music to get you started with your reading. Please follow links when you don't see a video thumbnail as many youtube things are not embeddable.
Still happy to be here and doing this and soldiering on because that's what one does.
I used to say "life sucks" to my gramma and her response was "the alternative isn't better." Touché Abbie.
Per usual, this is aggregated and typed up by Jill W with submissions by DJ Sally P and Jill M. Sherry Dodson sent some excellent info, though I edited out the potty talk commentary (now now Sherry!), and Miriam phoned in the last section which will be great for families and kids. Fun things to do and good snacks to make.
All the error's are Jill W's. The good stuff is probably everyone else's.
Thanks to my cousin Aja for some music recommendations. Keep them coming please. I get in some major ruts!
Aja recommended Vulfpeck so let's set you up with that as you read on:
From Jill M in the wilds of eastern South Dakota where we hope she and the Mr are doing well amongst the 'rona:
Protest News
87 Face Felony Charges for Kentucky Sit-In for Breonna Taylor
Trump Condemned for Authoritarian 'Abuse of Power' as Secret Federal Police Snatch Protesters Off Portland Streets
Over 200 National DNC Delegates Call for Withholding of US Military Aid to Israel if Further Annexation Goes Forward
Music to run behind Jill M's next section:
Environmental News
Thousands Join Greta Thunberg in Letter Telling Global Leaders It's Time to #FaceTheClimateEmergency
Big Win for Our Climate and for Communities' as Federal Panel Rejects Attack on Rooftop Solar in US
'Resounding' Win for Public Health and Climate as Judge Blocks Trump Attempt to Gut Methane Restrictions
A bit more music because there is too much good music in the world not to share it:
Other
U.S. immigration officials spread coronavirus with detainee transfers
UBI: Is recession pushing the US towards permanent cash payments?
Some background for DJ Sally P's section:
From DJ Sally P
Sally got input from Palouse Peace Coalition members and in particular, Ronnie Hatley and Frank Rodriquez
Frank Rodriquez sends this via Sally:
We need a process of Truth, Reconciliation, Reparations and Healing.
It would be the greatest thing this country has ever done. A priceless gift to itself and the world.
It would also quite possibly save the nation from splintering and becoming ungovernable.The Movement for Black Lives, assisted by the eye of the camera has exposed all to see one after another horrific examples of ‘white rage’ murders of black and brown citizens by militarized police.It has ignited good people of conscience to re-examine their roles as complicit supporters of a brutal racist system of injustice. A welcome and necessary ‘step in the right direction.’But as we now finally must acknowledge, this is more than an individual problem. We are all, black, brown, white products of a culture built and maintained on the unexamined idea of ‘the rightness of whiteness’.The lie of white superiority.As a nation we must come to grips with this if we are to survive and thrive. Denial is no longer an option.This means an honest, and painful assessment of the historic damage it has done to people of color and repair it. It cannot wait. It will not wait.It is time to remove and dismantle all structural barriers to racial socio-economic justice and equality.It means the real end of white supremacist control and power over our social, cultural and economic institutions.It also importantly means a radical transformation of corporate racist predatory capitalism:•the end of the military police state who’s primary function is to serve white power and protect white wealth by oppressive brute force when called on;• the end of an economic system that by design creates vast disparities of wealth and impoverishment of much of its minority race citizens;• the end of a greedy health insurance system that profits from sickness and largely excludes the poor and people of color, who face shockingly disproportionate numbers of routine illnesses and deaths, especially in this pandemic.• the end of the private prison industry that profits from mass incarceration of the poor and people of color as a means of social control and handy cheap labor;• the end of the ‘war on drugs’ which conveniently feeds the need for ever more prisons and unjust and overly harsh sentences;• the end of grossly unaffordable housing which creates de facto racial and class apartheid, slums and vast numbers of near and homeless;• the end of wage slavery that maintains class and racial poverty and drives families into economic desperation, forcing them into unsafe and abusive working conditions with little or no alternatives;• the end of glorification of war and violence, imposing systems of economic oppression and dominance, brutally exploiting indigenous and native peoples;• the end of world-wide systemic destruction of our environment most directly and devastatingly affecting poor people of color.It means the end of the world as we know it, even if we’re feeling fine.We need a new beginning.Peace,Love, Justice.
Sally also sends us the following links:
The Radical Resistance of John Lewis, by the editorial board of the NYT
And he continued his peaceful resistance to the end of his life.
In June, reporter Jonathan Capehart asked Representative Lewis “what he would say to people who feel as though they have already been giving it their all but nothing seems to change.” Lewis answered: “You must be able and prepared to give until you cannot give any more. We must use our time and our space on this little planet that we call Earth to make a lasting contribution, to leave it a little better than we found it, and now that need is greater than ever before.”
Here's one of his last tweets.
“Do not get lost in a sea of despair. Do not become bitter or hostile. Be hopeful, be optimistic. Never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble. We will find a way to make a way out of no way.”
Back to DJ Sally P who adds to the discussion on Portland and the police:
Paramilitary in Portland, Oregon to combat.....graffiti?..
Music to help with the next bit:
Below are 3 articles that Ronnie sent to the members of the peace group; his comments
preface them.
preface them.
Three articles with ideas to add to Frank's ideas about ...
"a process of Truth, Reconciliation, Reparations and Healing":
"a process of Truth, Reconciliation, Reparations and Healing":
We could use some input from others' experiences and thoughts instead of relying on our
exceptional genius in overcoming our ineptitudes in dealing with the covid-19 pandemic
(and our current attempts regarding our endemic centuries old racism, among other things):
exceptional genius in overcoming our ineptitudes in dealing with the covid-19 pandemic
(and our current attempts regarding our endemic centuries old racism, among other things):
We can learn from others. (We do it all the time: On Friday my sister just had a Reverse
Shoulder Replacement at Gritman, a procedure invented in France 20 years ago, and
which has been used in US for the last 3 or so years, which will enable her to lift her hand
above her shoulder ....)
Shoulder Replacement at Gritman, a procedure invented in France 20 years ago, and
which has been used in US for the last 3 or so years, which will enable her to lift her hand
above her shoulder ....)
Regarding the School reopenings ... article below: Since every country in the world
(and every school in the US too) is trying to figure this out now, we can learn from their
experiences as to what has worked and might in the given case. Leaders and experts may
be helpful; maybe not. Following Der Fuhrer's orders is nonsense. When Gov Inslee was
asked what as Leader of WA should be done yesterday, he replied. "Everyone is a leader.
The parent asking their 19 year-old son not to go out partying during the pandemic is a leader.
The 19 year-old son who tells his friends he would better not go out partying is a leader."
We need to stop our exceptional extremist individualism and start working this one another.
Society is the answer.
(and every school in the US too) is trying to figure this out now, we can learn from their
experiences as to what has worked and might in the given case. Leaders and experts may
be helpful; maybe not. Following Der Fuhrer's orders is nonsense. When Gov Inslee was
asked what as Leader of WA should be done yesterday, he replied. "Everyone is a leader.
The parent asking their 19 year-old son not to go out partying during the pandemic is a leader.
The 19 year-old son who tells his friends he would better not go out partying is a leader."
We need to stop our exceptional extremist individualism and start working this one another.
Society is the answer.
Regarding the Naomi Klein interview (see link below): Thankfully we have some wise women
in our society who see and speak clearly about what is to be done. Learning to do better than
what we have been is existential. And definitely more fun! Naomi, AOC, Greta: please keep
interrupting.
in our society who see and speak clearly about what is to be done. Learning to do better than
what we have been is existential. And definitely more fun! Naomi, AOC, Greta: please keep
interrupting.
Regarding Pompeo's blather (see below): Private property and Religious freedom/extremism,
Private appropriation and Religious fanaticism are not foremost human rights, but rather have
been two of the most serious inhuman and unjust violations of humaneness and social justice
throughout human history. Our far right extremist is the worst example of American
individualistic exceptionalism. Overcoming capitalism and bigotry are necessary for peace,
justice and survival.
Private appropriation and Religious fanaticism are not foremost human rights, but rather have
been two of the most serious inhuman and unjust violations of humaneness and social justice
throughout human history. Our far right extremist is the worst example of American
individualistic exceptionalism. Overcoming capitalism and bigotry are necessary for peace,
justice and survival.
Thanks to Ronnie, Frank, Kathleen, Bill, Bob, Linda and others who have resumed our weekly
meetings. We are continuing the 20-year tradition of peace, justice, human rights discussions,
at this point in lieu of resuming the peace vigils. But our thoughts as always “bend toward
justice”. Peace be with you.
meetings. We are continuing the 20-year tradition of peace, justice, human rights discussions,
at this point in lieu of resuming the peace vigils. But our thoughts as always “bend toward
justice”. Peace be with you.
Music to start of Jill W's section:
https://youtu.be/QdeHUrL1FEM
From Jill W
DAPL!!!! What the heck? How did this court with these judges rule that the USACE must to an EIS and how did they get the ruling that the pipeline MUST be emptied??? However it was..YAY!!
https://earthjustice.org/news/press/2020/standing-rock-sioux-tribe-prevails-as-federal-judge-strikes-down-dapl-permits
Let Trevor Noah step you through the background on this long long fight (which isn't over)
https://youtu.be/uugjk2J9tXs
Responses from the people most affected. Please click on the links. The words of those who have fought for this are so important.
Amy Goodman on Democracy Now interviews Lakota elders and legal experts with a wonderful and complete report:
https://youtu.be/M3wq7wkgvYY
The Lakota People's Law Review provides responses from Lakota Leaders:
https://youtu.be/m4sMqKlvN4w
Including Tokata Iron Eyes who started protesting at 11 years old and at 16 speaks with a gravitas I will never have.
Keystone XL is also losing ground:
https://www.nrdc.org/court-battles/keystone-xl-pipeline
Nice to have a couple of things NOT under the covid-bus right now!!!
\
I think Queen summarized the fate of the Atlantic Coast Pipeline which the applicant canceled
On July 5, 2020, this appeared at atlanticcoastpipeline.com:
Dominion Energy and Duke Energy Cancel the Atlantic Coast Pipeline
Today we announced that we are no longer moving forward with the Atlantic Coast Pipeline (ACP).
This was a necessary decision given the legal uncertainties facing the project, and we deeply regret that we were unable to complete this project. The ACP was developed to meet the needs of communities across our region and to support the transition to cleaner energy.
While the need for new infrastructure in our region remains, there is too much legal uncertainty to continue moving forward with this project.
This decision does not diminish the dedication and support of so many across the region who have worked tirelessly to make this project a reality.
Over the last six years, tens of thousands of people across West Virginia, Virginia and North Carolina have contributed to the development of this project. To the ACP team members, partners, contractors and supporters, we thank you. You have worked day and night, on weekends and on holidays to build a brighter economic and environmental future for our region. You have shown tremendous care for the communities we serve and the environment we share. You represent the very best of our industry, and you should be proud of the role of you have played in this transformational project.
Thomas F. Farrell, II, Dominion Energy chairman, president, and chief executive officer, and Lynn J. Good, Duke Energy chair, president, and chief executive officer, said:
“We regret that we will be unable to complete the Atlantic Coast Pipeline. For almost six years we have worked diligently and invested billions of dollars to complete the project and deliver the much-needed infrastructure to our customers and communities. Throughout we have engaged extensively with and incorporated feedback from local communities, labor and industrial leaders, government and permitting agencies, environmental interests and social justice organizations. We express sincere appreciation for the tireless efforts and important contributions made by all who were involved in this essential project. This announcement reflects the increasing legal uncertainty that overhangs large-scale energy and industrial infrastructure development in the United States. Until these issues are resolved, the ability to satisfy the country’s energy needs will be significantly challenged.”
Here is a bit of background on this pipeline:
If you want to in depth on indigenous impacts (80 minutes) and watershed impacts. This is great. Long. And great.
Books and Movies!
Jill W here:
I am re-reading "Wild Fermentation" by Sandor Katz because I LOVE fermenting stuff. Even if my godson accuses me of having hobbies that always result on something rotting on the counter. This week I fermented an over abundance of radishes and they are delicious. My colleagues at work think I have digestive issues every time I open the jar but like stinky cheese (also a ferment), jar ferments smell rank and taste great. Read the book. I used to get annoyed at his "cultural fermentation" chapters but they seem very apt at the moment.
Movies. I WATCHED ONE!!! A new one I hadn't seen before and it was wonderful. Thank goodness the library is open again so I could get it!
All Is True 2018
Directed by Kenneth Branagh
Written by Bill Elton
Starring Kenneth Branagh and Judy Dench.
I mean really...how could it be anything but exquisite?
This is a fictionalized account of the last 3 years of Shakespeare's life. His theater in London burns down and he returns to his family...Judy plays the Mrs...who have lived without him for 20 years including the time when his son died. Some facts are known, but Ken and Bill go from there. It is gorgeously shot and acted. And really fun to think about what might have happened when this man recognized as a genius throughout the empire and beyond, goes back to the town he grew up in. The one where his father was a thief, they remember his wedding to a knocked up older woman, and no one cares much about his purchased coat of arms and knighthood. No one is a hero in their home town.
Watch it!
Remember that the Main Street Video Co-op is sadly no more but the inventory is being sold one genre at a time through the Kenworthy Theater website. I've been purchasing some titles and hope to pick them up this coming week.
ART NEWS!!!!!
Sherry Dodson shared this with me (Jill W) and it had more of an impact than I think she knew.
National Gallery of Art Acquires Its First Painting by a Native American Artist
Jaune Quick-to-See Smith’s work addresses questions of identity and appropriation
The article includes this interview with her from 2012:
Now, why the HELL is it 2020 and NOW just NOW the national gallery of art is acquiring its FIRST EVER piece by a Native American Artists? Cripes. They have that place packed with white dude representations of indigenous people. Late to the party much?
Anyway...welcome to the party and good start. Keep it up. Acquire some more. Get with the program and maybe take a break on art by dead white dudes. Just a thought.
Ok...enough. Time for Miriam
Awesome fusion Indigenous arctic music to get you ready for Miriam's Stuff
youtube.com/watch?v=P8TxvqvC_ro
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
MIRIAM'S STUFF
At 5:30am, in bed, as the light arrives...it came to me...the theme today is Eggs.
Enjoy!
Family Time:
Travel the World
If you could travel to anywhere in the world, where would you go?
All family members could participate.
This might encourage future travel, as a family or as individuals.
Have "breakfast dinner"
Everyone does their own (helping youngers as needed).
[MK note: my step kids loved it and I got the night off from cooking!]
Also on the theme of eggs: make a collective list of how many different and new ways we could cook eggs
Have a discussion on which did come first...the chicken or the egg?
What a conundrum!
[MK note: Remember the look it up club?]
HOME LEARNING:
Eggy Ideas!
Art-Egg Carton Rainbows-learn about color mixing.
[MK notes: All ages can do this!]
Supplies:
styrofoam or clear plastic egg carton (NOT cardboard)
box of food coloring (red blue and yellow bottles)
small pitcher of H2O
try or old towel for inevitable messes
eye dropper (pharmacies have them)
Method:
cut off lid from egg carton
adult fills each egg cup about 1/2 with water
adult carefully puts 3 drops of red, blue and yellow in 3 separate egg cups on the left end
now the kids use their eye dropper to mix the colored water with the clear water cups
Hints:
At first, all will likely become muddy green brown, no worries
Just dump rinse and start again!
Have a plan of where to dump the colored water.
Kit can be rinsed, dried and saved in a zip bag for a rainy day
Craft:
Egg Carton Caterpillar
(see poetry section)
Supplies:
1/2 of 1 cardboard egg carton per caterpillar
Paint/ Markers/ Stickers
pipe cleaner or twisty ties for antennae
wiggly eyes or small buttons
elmers glue (for the obvious)
Method:
For the egg carton:
Cut off lid
Cut through the center humps end to end
Stick pipe cleaner/twisty ties through cardboard, might need to make a hole first.
decorate with paint/markers/stickers and eyes/buttons
SCIENCE:
Hard boiled vs raw egg experiment
Find a flat surface. Spin the eggs on it, 1 boiled and 1 raw.
What will happen?
A The hard boiled egg will spin and the raw egg will not
B The raw egg will spin and the hard boiled egg will not
C Both will sort of spin
D 1 will break
Hypothesize the outcome; then do the experiment.
GEOGRAPHY:
Research that place you want to visit (see Family Time), and share with everyone (stories, food, music, animals, culture, etc).
POETRY:
The Caterpillar
by Ogden NashI find among the poems of SchillerNo mention of the caterpillar.
Nor can I find one anywhere
In Petrarch or in Baudelaire,
So here I sit in extra session
To give my personal impression.
The caterpillar, as it’s called,
Is often hairy, seldom bald;
It looks as if it never shaves;
When as it walks, it walks in waves;
And from the cradle to the chrysalis
It’s utterly speechless, songless, whistleless.
The Tickle Rhyme, Ian Serraillier
“Who’s that tickling my back?” said the wall.
“Me,” said a small
Caterpillar.
“I’m learning
To crawl.”
[MK adds: This poem is EGG-cellent!]
The Caterpillar by Christina Rossetti
Brown and furry
Caterpillar in a hurry,
Take your walk
To the shady leaf, or stalk,
Or what not,
Which may be the chosen spot.
No toad spy you,
Hovering bird of prey pass by you;
Spin and die,
To live again a butterfly.
Caterpillar in a hurry,
Take your walk
To the shady leaf, or stalk,
Or what not,
Which may be the chosen spot.
No toad spy you,
Hovering bird of prey pass by you;
Spin and die,
To live again a butterfly.
HUMOR:
Frosty jokes:
Q: Why does everyone like Frosty the Snowman?
A: Because he's so cool.
Q: How does Frosty the Snowman get around?
A: By Icicle
Q: Which parties does Frosty the Snowman go to?
A: Snow Balls.
Q: Where does Frosty the Snowman keep his $$?
A: In a Snow Bank!
[MK adds: WHy snow jokes when it's 90degrees where I am? Because Frosty's not the only one who's cool!]
MK PICKS:
Books:
For youngers: Green Eggs and Ham, by Dr. Suess.
For olders: Fresh Eggs, by Rob Levandoski
[MK: a surreal tale of greed and chicken love]
Song:
My Mom Was A Hippie by Bob Blue
https://youtu.be/dQDxQ8G6wRw
Person:
Pete Seeger. He is a folk musician and lifelong activist.
[MK: at a live concert, back in the 70's, he had us all singing about garbage!]
A Note on Commemorative Stamps:
Both Pete Seeger and Dr. Seuss are honored with commemorative stamps. And Mr. Rogers too.
Pick your own memorable person. If they are not on a stamp already, design your own.
Old Movie:
Ocean Heaven.
https://youtu.be/E34L54sJW5A
Public Radio:
Circle Round
https://www.npr.org/podcasts/532788972/circle-round
Company:
Music for Little People
MK's most loved resource for quality and diversity.
Even their catalog is a delight, great for gift ideas.
https://www.facebook.com/Music.For.Little.People.Records/
Snacks:
Egg in a Hole
Bite out middle of bread.
Fry the rest in a buttered pan.
Carefully crack egg into hole.
Cook til egg is done.
[MK adds: learned at summer camp with grill but no frypan]
Egglets [a JoJo original]
Cut up bread ends and/or crusts into little cubes [a butter knife will do]
Crack and beat eggs in a bowl
Add bread cubes to beaten eggs and mix.
Preheat frypan
Melt butter
Fry eggs and bread mixture
Add ketchup or salt.
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