Many ways to increase the peace
Dear Friends,
All over the world, people are fighting for justice and for the earth; we are nurturing an intimate relationship with ourselves and each other and building community. Meanwhile, the Climate report by the UN is letting us know that we have to step up our awareness and action around the climate crisis, the Administration is more corrupt and dangerous than ever, and the illegitimate North Carolina General Assembly is at it again. It is true that the same people can't get arrested over and over again and expect to change the world, yet I am learning to respect that everyone has to follow their own inner direction. And everywhere I look on the planet, there are inspiring forms of protest.
Just two days ago, in Morrisville NC, several of you participated in the disciplined and very powerful action in support of Samuel Oliver-Bruno who was entrapped by ICE after living for a year in sanctuary in CityWell Church in Durham. While trying to protect him, 27 of the peaceful protesters were arrested. If you missed it check out this moving short video by Travis Long at the N&O. It is suggested that we flood the Morrisville Police and Morrisville Town Council with emails and calls telling them to stop collaborating with ICE. They did not have to collude with this entrapment or imprisonment, and they did not have to arrest the protesters. The Morrisville Police Chief is Patrice Andrews, 919-463-1601. pandrews@townofmorrisville.org, TownCouncil@townofmorrisville.org.
VERY IMPORTANT THIS WEEK November 27 is the "special session" of the North Carolina General Assembly, which will exist in its present form (a veto-proof majority of far right white men) only a short time longer. They are trying to do all the damage they can in the time they have left. We want to make sure they know we are watching, and in large numbers. This is so important that for the first time in 97 weeks, Tuesdays with TIllis will meet at 1 East Jones Street, Raleigh at "All Roads Lead to Raleigh: Moral Day of Action" and "Democracy accountability day of action" instead of our usual location. We are joining the Poor People's Campaign, Repairers of the Breach, NC NAACP, Democracy NC, NCVCE, and Progress NC to demand that this lame duck, illegally elected legislature pass only hurricane recovery funds and then go home. If you can possibly come, please do. See, "The next big battle in North Carolina is just days away" by Rob Schofield of NC Policy Center.
Schedule of Events:
- 10 am - Begin to assemble in the Bicentennial Mall
- 10:45am - Press Conference
- 11:20am - March into legislature two by two; march up to galleries.
- 12pm to 1pm - Silent Protest in the atrium
- 1pm - Lunch break
- 2pm - Support Just Florence Recovery partners at tent city
- 3pm-5pm - Possible evening protests
The following Tuesday, December 4, we will meet as usual at 11:30 am outside the Federal Building, 310 New Bern Avenue, Raleigh. We plan to celebrate our hundredth consecutive week of protest on December 18th.
Do not miss the new edition of the Indivisible Guide. The first one which came out two years ago got us very far. This one will help us as we lobby the new Congress and look toward the 2020 election.
The thing about protests is that they help us feel less alone. The epidemic of loneliness is directly related to the epidemic of overconsumption and violence.
This is a great time of year to remember that where we put our money can be a powerful form of protest. The NAACP, ACLU, Repairers of the Breach, Southern Environmental Law Center, Southern Poverty Law Center, Oxfam, CARE, NC Warn, and so many other organizations are doing truly transformative things. And supporting local organizations and businesses can really make a difference. This week I met some amazing people who are part of End Poverty Durham; they are planning a conference on March 7 on Racism and Child Poverty. The child poverty rate in Durham is 28%. How can we figure out ways to share wealth? I am increasingly committed to the idea of reparations.
This week may bring Senate votes on Yemen and on Thomas Farr. Please call Senators at the Capitol Switchboard to demand an end to this immoral undeclared war. Thomas Farr's nomination is completely obscene and unacceptable because of his history of racist voter suppression and, oh by the way, he lied under oath to the Judicary Committee. The Capitol Switchboard number is (202) 224-3121.
I hope the holiday has brought some comfort and joy into your life, and I hope you are taking good care of yourself. If you forward this to other people, they can read the archives or subscribe here.
love,
Karen
"The people of the world genuinely want peace. Some day the leaders of the world are going to have to give in and give it to them"
(Dwight D. Eisenhower)
"I have to cast my lot with those who,
age after age,
with no extraordinary power,
reconstitute the world."
(Adrienne Rich)