The Flower Child Elders

There are moments of realization when one feels that time has slipped by on silent feet drawing a curtain in its wake; a veil that separates Then from Now.The passing of time that seemed to flow seamlessly along the paths of our lives becomes an entity in itself...time invisible yet substantive, it is a force that calls attention to the raw fact that the world around us changes in ways we may never have predicted. And along with those changes the perception and interpretation of reality is also evolved, adapted and shaped.This process is slow and subtle we may not catch on until one day an event or topic of conversation draws us to a situation where we must decide if our own perceptions have failed to evolve with the rest of the world.

Suddenly we find ourselves perched cautiously at the precipice of the dreaded Generation Gap. Even that phrase is outmoded, but a hangover from my past. I'm sure there are other, more polite and politically correct terms for the phenomenon just as I am sure there are some that are less flattering. In any case regardless of what you call it there is an awkward moment when you find yourself clutching a belief with one hand while the other reaches out testing the feel of a different perspective. The fabric may seem familiar but the texture is not, something is amiss and unfamiliar. Then you search your heart and mind for the proper formula that will allow a transmutation of beliefs and values one that will create a blend of what we knew and what we have learned.

Or we could, if we choose, dismiss the unfamiliar, refusing to integrate the fruits of time and human experience desperately clinging to The Way It Always Has Been Back In My Day.

In other words, we can perpetuate the timeless classic stereotype of stubborn and cranky old people. (some things don't change!) To realize, and admit, that upon examination this new fabric has it's merits does not mean we must sacrifice out dearly held beliefs, unless of course, common sense and evidence tells us otherwise. Probably one of the most significant bits of wisdom that can develop with age is that many things can be true at once. In other words the world is a lot more grey than black and white.

If older folks long for a so called simpler time, it's not that the time itself was more simple or the problems less complex, it's that our place within the context was more easily navigated. We played by, or rebelled against, the rules of the time. We did this by using the skills and strategies we learned, within the context of the time. It wasn't always easy, but it was familiar. Now as we have gone from board games, to Pong, to myriad online role playing games the get out of jail free card isn't much help. But the lessons we learned about sharing, taking turns, trading properties (and maybe even stashing some bills under the board like my brother used to do) can translate to problem solving that can be used in other applications.

In this time of what the media loves to label a youth driven culture of activism, there may be moments where we feel out of step, but we need not fall behind. There are enduring characteristics and similarities between now and the 60's and any other era of social unrest and reform. Ideas and strategies that have proven to be universally effective have endured and others have fallen by the wayside...things change and things remain the same, both things are true at once. If we as elders can apply our understanding of that timeless truth, if we remain loyal to the values that endure while we integrate the unfamiliar, we will gracefully navigate the so called generation gap. Our footprints trace the journey from past to present and future. The path of the flower child didn't begin in the 1960's, nor will it end in the 21st century. The Flower Child is an archetype, the Young at Heart who will become elders, but never grow old.

Make Love, Not War,

Peace,

Jenny

A Declaration of levity

I've had it with activism. Really? you ask.

Look, things are really fucked up right now and most of us know it. Most of have a lot of nice ideas mostly concepts, few actual concrete plans, to make the world a better, cleaner, safer, more equal opportunity kind of place. This is great I love reading and listening to ideas, they give me hope. We also do a lot of complaining about the way things are. This has it's purpose too, it's what motivates us and others to action. It's one way we can help educate and inform people who also really care and want a better world but barely even know how fucked up it is (much less how it got that way)

I've been having a lot of flashbacky memories from the 60's lately, probably because there's something about this time-place that feels similar. Discontent, government and military secrets exposed, assassinations (although they have learned to pick less dramatic attention drawing targets now) groups of people organizing and protesting, demanding change of some sort or another. People are flocking to counter-culture groups (do they use that word anymore?) seeking a sense of community and belonging. So yeah we are replaying many of the old tunes, to use a turn of phrase.

If you read this blog regularly you know I've been wrestling with my own demons as to how to most effectively create change, hope and all those happy sunny Obama-isms (please do not confuse my use of Obama-isms with an endorsement of said President). I am tired of demon-wrestling. I am tired of thinking, strategics, meeting, protesting and petitioning. Most of all I am tired of debating with other people, who ultimately desire the same goals and outcomes, but fail to catch any tread because they are too busy talking. I'm glad they're talking, it's a good thing, but those of us who have been at this for a while have had those conversations, we don't need to rehash the same socio-political theories...we've seen how well they translate into real life (spoiler alert college students and young ones-don't waste too much time beyond gaining a general grasp, ok?)

From now on I'm going with my gut, I'm letting my intuition guide me, and goddamn it, if we're all going down in a blaze of glory, or conversely in a slow sucking journey into the depths of poverty and government control, I'm going out in style...my style. I'm gonna have fun. I'm gonna laugh and sing and dance and play in spite and defiance of the "Man" and in celebration of Myself and my Loved ones.

Let the revolution be a party!

Ageism, Racism and Fear-The Blockades to Progress

I'm gong to go on a  little rant, there are some things I need to get out of  my system. And there are some things that desperately need to be heard.
Here we are in the most exciting, frightening and emotionally charged social-political atmosphere since the 60's. There is so much potential right now at this moment in history for true empowerment and justice...you can feel it in the air. All over the world people are taking to the streets employing diverse strategies to send their message to the ruling elite that we are pissed and we are not going to take any more. Of all these groups there are many who also dare to take their message a step further and say we are hopeful, we are creating a new future for ourselves and the generations to come.
Now I'm not the most patient person in the world, never have been...but I've been around for a little over a half a century and that in itself forces one to accept the truth that change happens slowly. It probably should happen slowly. Decisions made in the heat of passion, anger or frustration are generally not well planned and are often doomed to fail, we all know that. But the changes we see happening now are not the result of some new trend...they've been simmering and brewing in the cauldron of discontent for decades. Now, before the whole thing boils over it's time to take a look at the recipe.
Anger, ok we've got plenty of that, along with discontent, these are after all essential ingredients for change given the nature of human beings. Let's stir it up a little more....I'm looking for some unity and hope....hmmm maybe a little floating around but that anger is so congealed it can't quite blend in. Stir with a whisk...frothy slimy mixture and damn that anger isn't dissolving. What is wrong with this potion? Let me look at the book...uh oh "anger, when not properly blended may congeal to a substance known as mistrust". Crap. Now what? and how did this happen? who was watching the kettle?
One can argue whether social change follows a distinct formula or not, but I do think I can say that there are some things we have learned from our past mistakes; things that I hope we do not repeat.
Number one is not learning from past mistakes. History repeats itself only because we, people, allow it to do so. We do this by failing to review the past. We refuse to listen to our Elders, thinking that our times are different and so are we.



We all have to take responsibility for educating ourselves, asking questions, listening and utilizing critical thinking to make our own informed choices....and I think we really need to encourage other people to do this. As we (people my age) become The Elders we have a responsibility and the honor to share our experience and wisdom, even if only to admit our mistakes and analyze what we may have done differently. The Youth have certain things to offer us Elders as well. Times have changed. This generation has been raised with a very different set of skills, both technological and interpersonal, than my generation. I don't see a lot of effort in our movement (locally) to bring people together in multi-generational forums where we can exchange our knowledge and talents.


To do this takes time and effort, yes, but taking the quick and easy way out has never produced real sustainable results.

 I see a lot of young people around here jumping on bandwagons without really "looking under the hood" to see what's driving the engine. I see a lot of us older people holding back, keeping our heads down and hoping for the best. We're driving our old classic bandwagons doggedly along ignoring the check engine light that's flashing before our eyes.  Once in a while we all get together and talk shop, but so far there hasn't been a lot of follow through, and the community remains unstable.

And then there's the racial/ethnic division. Milwaukee is one of  the most segregated cites in the country, and there is a lot of mistrust between all races. This has got to stop. We need to get past our overly sensitive political correctness and really get to know one another. This means open, honest and trusting dialogue. We can respect the effects of past injustice...hell worse than injustice, outright ethnic cleansing...without keeping a scorecard of who owes who or who suffered the worst. What we need to be asking is how do we prevent those kinds of atrocities from ever happening again. I think taking a look at the global community and seeing instances where this is still going on, usually well funded by US tax dollars might just be a unifying concept.

 My point is that our personal histories, biases, injuries and personalities will bleed through into our communal contribution. They will inevitably cause conflict. Someone might get offended, even if no offense was meant. We have to talk it though, look honestly at where those feelings of injury or insensitivity are rooted. Are we able to have conversations respectfully? I think we are.
What do we have to offer to our community if we ourselves are unwilling to stand by our own values..or if we think we know our values, but fail to implement them in everyday action. Collectivism is challenging because it respects individual voices while also minding the best interests of the community (and this includes the environment, the non human species, the voiceless and invisible members of society) and this is unfamiliar territory for Americans. We have been raised in a society that praises and rewards rugged individualism and self determination. I'm saying that respect for the individual and collectivism are not mutually exclusive...they can co-exist, it just takes work, commitment and very honest self examination. But on both the personal and collective levels there is a real need for education, including the tough task of self examination, soul searching and ego busting in order for us, collectively, to make well informed decisions and actions and implement them in a way that creates real and sustainable change.
Thoughts?

Wake Up! Wake Up! Time to Rise and Shine!

It has been nearly a month since my last post, written while I was still energized from the NATO protest in Chicago. As I re-read that post I remember feeling so hopeful that Occupy was heading in a positive direction. I believed that we were beginning to see beyond our own territories and boundaries into the lives of people who live thousands of miles away; people whose daily struggle is so much more difficult than our own. I was hoping that we in america were beginning to understand that, for those people, the consequences of corporate greed and corrupt politics are much more devastating than those we feel here at home.

Of course everything is relative and our losses, although seemingly benign in comparison, are still devastating.
Only 3 days after my last post we held a rally and street march here in Milwaukee on the heels of a recall attempt that failed leaving the infamous Scott Walker still in office, only now bolstered with and even more smug self assurance than before. All that aside, the rally was one of the most powerful I have attended. We refused to be set back by the electoral process (in which many of us have little faith to begin with)
We did not obtain a permit for this march and as we took to the streets we were immediately challenged by the police. On horseback, in cars, on foot and with motorcycles they attempted again and again to drive us back onto the sidewalk. And each time we resisted, ducking, dodging, running and back into the street. I and a few others carried a banner as we led the march. The banner became a symbol of the struggle for power and control of the street. As the police tried time and time again to wrestle it from our hands we pulled back in an ongoing game of tug o war that carried on throughout the march. I'm happy to say we arrived at our destination with the banner in hand, a little ripped and ragged from the battle but ours nevertheless.
The energy that day was electric, the sense of rebellion and determination as we marched was exhilarating and empowering. There were some who shouted obscenities at the police but for the most part we held no grudge, we were simply determined to do our job, just as they were to do theirs. It wasn't about the police, it was about our voices being heard. It was about visibility and making the statement that we are not going away, and it was about Civil Disobedience.
Unfortunately, there were some people present who either don't understand the definition of civil disobedience or they don't expect consequences for their actions. It was clear from the beginning of the march that those who chose not to be "disobedient" or risk arrest, could remain on the sidewalk where they were free to march without risk of arrest. The rest of us agreed we were willing to take that risk.
There were 5 arrests that day, not bad considering the number of people who chose to take the street. Those who were arrested, with one exception, were released the following day with municipal tickets for disorderly conduct. Par for the course, right?
I was astonished the following day to see demands for legal assistance for those who were thought to be "wrongfully arrested". And the complaints made by many that they were pushed, shoved or had a horse step on their foot; while the one person who was actually unjustly injured (by taking a baton to the eye for photographing an arrest) maintained quiet dignity.
Heated discussion ensued for the next several days, until finally some of the complainers began to see (I hope) some perspective and reason. But it was a long trying several days and I have struggled to understand how to react. Did we as a group drop the ball somewhere while organizing? Or were people not paying attention? Or did some people take for granted that our police department would remain standoffish as they have been for much of the past year. We chose to escalate and they matched our move, tit for tat. Although I was a bit surprised to see the increased numbers and intensity delivered by the police, I wouldn't say I was shocked. They know what we are up to even before we set out. They follow us on facebook, they probably even have "moles". This is how the game works.
Since that event and the numerous discussions that followed, it feels as if there has been a veil of silence cast over our group. Some people have clearly chosen "sides" in the arguments, some have moved on putting their energies into productive, but safer, projects. Our meetings have dwindled and there has been little or no talk of getting back into the streets.

I have asked around and it seems like I am the only one puzzled by this sudden downturn on momentum. We have always had our ebb and flow of energy and commitment, and I suppose we will regroup again; but I have to ask what does it take? We need to be proactive rather than waiting for the next hot issue to present itself so we can jump on the bandwagon. We did this on June 6th, determined that no matter the outcome of the recall election, we would be in the streets reinforcing our statements. It was this active and unconditional spirit that infused that day with energy and passion. The issues haven't changed, the problems haven't gone away, so why do we fail to remain vigilant in our assertion that we know what is wrong with this country and that we will not be silenced until real change is made.

As I predicted the upcoming election has diverted the attention of some Occupy affiliates. Whether they are applying their efforts to the electoral process, advocating for or against a candidate (or party) or by focusing on specific issues within the political context. I have no issue with individuals personal choice to participate in the electoral process, but

from it's inception Occupy clearly stated it's unwillingness to align itself with any party or candidate. This was one of the key elements that first drew me (and many others) to Occupy. We saw an opportunity to speak out as Human Beings, as the 99% as disconnected as we truly are from the Corporate plutocracy that our government has become. We have been more of a Social/cultural movement than a "political" movement. We have worked harder than most of us have ever worked before to ensure that our communication and structure is egalitarian, dynamic and unlike anything that has come before. Of course there have been problems but let's think a moment...this movement is less than a year old in practice, if we count from the day we hit the streets in September.

The effects on our national conversation and challenges to our entrenched worldview are staggering given the infant stage of this movement. Now is not the time to rest on our laurels as backslide to the old way of doing things, hoping that our "representative" democracy will indeed represent us or our best interests.


Finally, are we doing our part to create change? Even if some of us do decide to appeal to the "system" ( I like the old school title "The Man"), we can demand until we are blue in the face; but in our hearts we know our "demands" fall on deaf ears. These are powers so big they think they can shake us off like fleas. That is until they are reminded that their profits come from the sweat of our labor, from our entrusting our retirement funds to their gambling schemes, and from our dependence on their system. If we are not willing to get out in the streets and get a little roughed up, then it is time to take away our support of their profit driven machine. It's time to take our money out of the banks, to do some serious boycotting, to grow our own food, make our own products, stop shopping in their stores. We can meet our own community needs by creating co-ops and time shares, barter and trade our own goods and services; and let them know we are doing it and why.
We have been waking up, but slowly, and we too readily hit the snooze button and settle back into comfort for just a little longer. We can't afford to snooze, time is running out.

Is Occupy Anti-War?

My last post recounted my experience at the NATO protest in Chicago. For those of you who saw it I'm pretty sure it was evident that I am encouraged to see Occupy beginning to make the connection between the economic injustices that have always been at the forefront of our actions, and the War Machine, the never ending specter of Imperialism that is at it's very roots.
In the early days of Occupy most of our actions and talking points were directed at a few basic targets all falling under the category of economic justice. We were angry about the bank bailouts and failure of the governmental and judicial system to hold bankers accountable for their actions in nearly destroying our economy. We were appalled that not only were there no consequences for their actions, but instead they were bailed out and given tax breaks to boot. Then, rather than using that money to help out people with underwater mortgages or in other economic crises, they merely continued to live their champagne and caviar lifestyles giving their most wealthy executives huge bonuses. Why wouldn't they? If they face no consequences why change? Why give up the kind of lifestyle they are accustomed to living? I suppose we hoped in our own way to disrupt business enough, to educate enough people to share in our outrage that just maybe we would get their attention.
It seems we have gotten their attention, although to what degree or effect remains to be seen. What is certain is that Occupy is gaining momentum and shows no indication of surrendering. In fact as we gain momentum and numbers we become more focused on our mission. We educate one another and continue to build upon our strengths while weeding out that which has not been productive. As we continue to learn, to revisit history and follow the money trail to it's most corrupt roots we are increasingly aware of the role that war plays in the big game of money and power. War is essential to the system; violence and control are an inherent part of any criminal enterprise. This is not new information but maybe we initially felt was too big, too beyond our control...or maybe it just wasn't quite real enough.
That is beginning to change.Thanks to people like Bradley Manning, IVAW, journalists and survivors who have the courage and integrity to speak out and tell the true tales of the atrocities of war, we can no longer hide from that horrible reality. Now that it is embedded in our minds, the stories, the images and the horror, we can't go back. You can't push the toothpaste back into the tube, a wise woman once said, and it's true. We can't let out efforts be left behind in Chicago with the closing of the NATO summit. If we are to continue our struggle against injustice and economic inequality this has to be part of the package.
As Americans we have largely been shielded from the realities of war. Our media is very careful in it's reporting. Only well edited snippets are revealed and always in such a context that we are portrayed as "liberators" conducting helpful interventions and bringing democracy to oppressed areas. The biggest sales pitch of all was the notion that we have to save the women of Afghanistan and other Muslim countries from oppressive and sexist traditions. That one even got most liberals on board.
Nice thought, only it isn't happening. Our government is doing much to help women either home or abroad. And the documented number of rapes perpetrated by our own troops is staggering, and increasing. Imagine the number that go unreported.
We know too much to turn back now. We know things that we would rather not know, and that is distressing. Many people are in a state of cognitive dissonance, their minds reeling from the reality that is presented to them, so different from what we have been raised to believe. This state of mind is distressing, yes, but it can be a signal that now is the time to get serious about this anti-war stuff. I know there are a million issues closer to home that many of us feel better about. Probably because it's on a playing field where we feel that we actually have some influence. And that's okay, we need some sense of victory now and then to keep us motivated and moving forward. But I will encourage all Occupiers to also "think globally" to remember how fortunate we are to be able to sleep safely at night without the fear of home invasion by foreign troops. Without having to pass checkpoints to go to the grocery store. Without having to live in fear that are children may be randomly fired at from a helicopter while going to school. After all if we continue in our role as the bully of the playground, it's only a matter of time before we become the target of revenge. That happened to us 11 years ago, one single day that changed everything. And yet it was one day. Imagine living in fear of such an attack every single day. Is that what we want for our children and grandchildren? Is that what we want for anyone? It's time to act. It's time to say No More War.

Copyright 2012 Jennifer Hazard
Image courtesy of photobucket http://s563.photobucket.com/profile/swingingsixties2

NATO Part 2

I've had a few days to reflect on the events of Sunday and to take in the reactions of other observers. I've been browsing Facebook, you tube, newspapers and the mainstream media looking at pictures, videos and reading snippets of other peoples experiences at the NATO protest. I checked out the mainstream media interpretation not because I am a glutton for punishment, but because I tend to forget that large segments of the US population does not see the world through my Aquarian Flower Child eyes and that for many of those people the news is 'reality'. If I am to put myself in a position to challenge another persons beliefs about reality I have to understand the nature of that perception. Even if it pisses me off.
The most significant development of this event is that we have turned our focus on the the most heinous arm of the self perpetuating machine of economic injustice and false democracy that has been the target of our resistance since day one. We have finally taken on the Beast that is War.
The Occupy message has always targeted economic injustice including the misuse of money and power in destroying democracy. Our focus has been directed toward Wall street, banks, investment firms and the politicians who are beholden to them. But we have overlooked the connection between all these entities and the Military Industrial Complex, the machine of Imperialism.
In Chicago, we finally stood up to it, took it on, we called it out and (pardon the expression, bitch slapped it) We exposed it's most brutal and unthinkable atrocities, raw and uncensored in the light of day before an audience of thousands. I say we in a collective sense, but the real credit goes to the Soldiers, Marines, and other service men and women who courageously told their stories, opened their emotional wounds and apologized to the victims of the crimes committed in the name of "national security". I can't imagine the strength it took for these men and women to speak out and to reject the symbols of what was once, in their world, symbols of courage, honor and achievement. They now see those symbols for what they are; empty tokens meant to pacify those whose lives are being destroyed so that the ruling elite can maintain their false sense of security and superiority in the global community.
And then there were the Women. Afghan Women. Refugees, children of refugees, survivors of unimaginable acts of violence and terror. They stood on the same stage with the troops...and they forgave them. It was the most incredibly emotional, transcendent moment of restorative justice many of us will ever witness. It was living proof that the power of love and redemption is stronger than money, or weapons or hate.
And it was completely ignored by the majority of the media. Even the independent "liberal" media was more focused on the protesters and of course the clashes with the police. The sources that did cover this incredibly moving climax to the day long event recorded the troops, but the women were barely given mention.
Can you imagine having your home invaded in the middle of the night, your parents raped and beaten, children murdered and you surviving, carrying those memories with you for the rest of your life? Now imagine telling your story to thousands of strangers in the midst of the country that perpetrated those crimes, not ten feet away from men who had played a role in that kind of carnage...and forgiving them?
I beg you to please, step away from the computer a moment and picture this. Picture your family, yourself, if you can ( because how can we, really?) in these circumstances. Holding within you the horror that will never, ever leave you.
That is war. That is war every day. For over a decade that has been happening every day to people in Iraq and Afghanistan.
That is the real enemy. It is the sociopathic mentality that underlies every act of selfish greed that is perpetuated by everyone from lying bankers to cheating politicians. It is embedded in our culture.
 So what is the solution? How can there be any hope for a Nation so steeped in greed and arrogance?  I believe that what took place on that stage between the former oppressors and victims, contains the elements to a the solution, or at least the beginning. It is up to us to share these stories, second hand it's easier for us, but no less powerful. The Human Connection, the raw honesty of experience and emotion, even terror and rage, is the only chance we have for survival.
 Please, watch the videos. Read the stories. Listen to the experiences of Veterans and Survivors. Their truth is our truth. Their blood is on our hands for all the years we have remained complacent.
We must no longer choose silence. We must no longer allow crimes against humanity to be inflicted upon innocent civilians in our name. We owe it to those who have lost everything to honor their memory by telling their stories.
Here are a couple of links to get started. As always feedback, stories and links are welcome!
Peace,
Jenny

http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/51108
http://www.democracynow.org/2012/5/21/us_army_vets_join_with_afghans

NATO Part One~The Next Generation

It is 12:30 a.m., I am  physically exhausted after a day of marching, chanting, and singing in the heat and sunshine surrounded by the intense energy of the NATO protest in Chicago. My mind, however, is alight with images and thoughts as I have poured through the reports I've seen on the news and social networking sites. I feel the need to recount my experience while its fresh in my minds eye.
There are so many things I feel I need to say. There are powerful emotions and moments that evoked them that I must share.
Before I indulge in a point-counter-point dialogue in response to some of the rumors I've been hearing (including the "news" reports) I have to share one of the personal highlights of Flower Child Grandma's day out with my 11 year old granddaughter, Alita.
 Today was a rite of passage for Alita. Protests and rallies are familiar territory for  her and her sister Jenna. In the early days of the war in Iraq Alita was with us as we protested. In a baby carrier or stroller , like most of our family, she made her debut into the community of activists.
Last year while I joined thousands in Madison Wisconsin in the dead of winter, the girls stayed behind; not quite old enough to tolerate long hours of nasty weather miles away from home. But now, after nearly of year of cutting her teeth on smaller local Occupy events, the time seemed right and she accepted my invitation with enthusiasm. A visit to Chicago, other than school field trips, was a new opportunity for Alita. For me Chicago holds many childhood memories, my first experiences with a Big City and a place where I was treated to special trips with my own Grandmother. I was as excited about this trip as Alita was and looking forward to another generation of bonding in the Windy City. My bonding with Grandma took place over treats at Woolworths, in and out of shops and long walks down noisy, dusty streets and the wonder of buildings so tall they made me dizzy. Alita's was similar yet, let's say, a bit more edgy.
Today it became evident that Alita really 'gets it'; the spirit and technique of non-violent resistance and freedom of expression. When we passed a particularly icy row of  state troopers, clad in Robocop riot gear, batons in hand, she confidently raised her hand in a peace sign, shot a smile and chanted clearly "I don't see a riot here, why you wearing riot gear?". There was no contempt or defiance in her approach, only rational direct confrontation, with a touch of innocence. For a moment I tensed, ready to intervene. Was this bright and beautiful girl going to become the next poster child for callous authoritarian posturing? (like the screaming pepper spray victims of last fall). In the same way we we let go of that gentle support as a child finds their balance on their first two wheeler bike I stood by watching with pride as she balanced and coasted, testing her voice and finding her power. Another Flower Child blossoms.

I will be back with more of the NATO protest, but on that note I'm off to sweet dreams of a better world that may very well come to be.
Peace,
Jenny