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peacenik action no.1

autopilot disengaged

23:38 / 18.09.01

i should be in bed. i barely have time to get horizontal before i'm due in work. but...

i've been following this stuff pretty closely (if you don't believe me check out the chomsky thread - how's that for obsessive?) - but i'm starting to feel too much like a bystander, not enough like a citizen of the real world.

i want to suggest that there are things we can do.

the first thing i am going to do is write to every person in my email list, referring them to decent primary sources of non-compromised information. i may post a page of links, in the form of FAQs up here somewhere - have it as a portal.

i'm hoping that, when directed to a friend, from a friend, in a personalized, informal way - i can maybe begin to interest my friends who won't already be aware of alternative perspectives.

not a conspiracy spam, not propaganda - not even a news story. just one person to another person they know, trying to turn them onto something. what do people think about this? is it viable? creepy? does it make me come across like some kind of patronising revolution pimp?

if the answers to the preceding questions are (yes) (no) and (no), would anyone else do it to their friends? if not, why not?

i just thought maybe it might be something...for starters at least. i'll let you know about 'peacenik action no.2' tomorrow.

so: feedback required: but now...sleeeeep.

STOATIE LIEKS CHOCOLATE MILK

23:50 / 18.09.01

For what it's worth- yeah, sounds like a plan. Tell 'em (tho' I guess you know this) Indymedia- was indispensible during G8.
Hope it acheives something.

01:12 / 19.09.01

Peacenik Action #2. From another thread: quote:Originally posted by Jack Fear:
I wrote two letters the other day--one to the Sikh ashram in my town, the other to the local Islamic Community Center--expressing solidarity and support for them in what I imagine must be a terrifying time. I hope it make somebody besides me feel a little better.
quote:Originally posted by grantb:
Wouldja mind posting them here?So, by request, my letters to my brothers in faith.

Same letter to both, basically—boilerplate opening... quote:To the members of the <<Muslim/Sikh>> Community:

I am writing to express my sympathies and solidarity with the <<Muslims/Sikhs>> of America in this time of national crisis.

In the wake of the events of last Tuesday—at a time when all of us should be pulling together—I am appalled to hear that <<Muslims/Sikhs>> have been singled out for suspicion and even violence.Different body texts for the two: first the Sikh letter... quote:Although I am a Christian, and do not fully understand the Sikh religion beyond the “five Ks,” I do know that your people hold as a central tenet an opposition to injustice in all its forms. How horribly ironic, then, that some Sikhs have been scapegoated by those in the grip of ignorance and hysteria.Now the Muslim letter... quote:Know that this hysteria, this ignorance, does not represent the thinking of all Americans: as a Christian, I understand that I am a brother to all Muslims, as “people of the book”—that together we trace our faith back to Abraham—and that together we must stand against hatred and fear: that our God is a God of compassion and mercy, and that those who might twist His message to justify violence—be they Muslims or Christians—have turned their backs on the true faith.Boilerplate closing...
quote:Stay strong. The thoughts and prayers of good people of all faiths are with you in this time of trouble. We pray for courage, for wisdom, for understanding—and for forgiveness.

May God be with you all, now and always.

Yours in faith, etc.
Not the most elegant or eloquent thing I’ve ever written, but what the hell. Ideological freeware. Use at will.

07:44 / 19.09.01

Cheers for that.

Autopilot, I'd find it useful if you could post up your list of links of impartial news sources.

One thing in particular which I'm looking for is a list of addresses of relevant people to write letters to (politicians, embasseys and the like) demanding a rational and humanitarian resolution to this global situation. I'm going to do some research this afternoon and try and track down this sort of information, but if anyone already has it to hand or can suggest places to look then I'd be most grateful.

I've also started a thread in the magick that can be used to brainstorm ideas for possible co-ordinated stuff we could do on that level:
http://www.barbelith.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=8&t=000214

Jamieon

08:43 / 19.09.01

Jack, that was a fucking decent thing to do.

You good bloke, yes.

18:10 / 20.09.01

A few peacenik things I'm doing:

Spend at least a few minutes several times throughout the day meditating for peace . Peace for those families searching for loved ones and peace for those souls who are lost.

That peace is on the forefront of the minds who are making these decisions for us - W, the Taliban, NATO, those believe jihad against the U.S. is the only answer - that those making decisions that affect us remember that peace and understanding are solutions.

And finally for peace for all of us, and our world.

I know we're not alone - yesterday I saw the most awesome picture. It was scene of an anti-US mob in Islamabad. Hundreds of angry men shouting, and one man looking straight at the camera, making the peace sign. And I KNEW. He is fighting the same fight in Islamabad that I fight in Chicago.

Another thing I suggest is listening to songs about love and peace and if you have the nerve, sing them on the block, or sing them for money. "What's So Funny 'Bout Peace Love & Understanding" sure beats the hell out of "God Bless America," if you ask me..

Finally - and I know this idea is going to be controversial - but I suggest those with significant others kiss, cuddle and fuck them as often as possible. Those who are single should do all of the above as often as possible with as many people as possible/feasible. Let's take "Make Love, Not War" seriously!!

I realize the above's a bit goofy, but "it seems so crazy it just might work..."

[ 20-09-2001: Message edited by: Cherry Bomb ]

18:20 / 20.09.01

quote:Originally posted by Cherry Bomb:
Those who are single should do all of the above as often as possible. Let's take "Make Love, Not War" seriously!!

Easier said than done, my sister in metal. With the exception of my cats and dog I haven't had one hug since this whole debacle started. I can't wait to see my family again.

18:24 / 20.09.01

I posted this in the "freak-out" thread over in Conversation, but it belongs here too.

LET'S EAT!!!!!!!!!

I'm hungry.

19:10 / 20.09.01

quote:Originally posted by moriarty:

Easier said than done, my sister in metal. With the exception of my cats and dog I haven't had one hug since this whole debacle started. I can't wait to see my family again.

If you were within my reach, I would've given you a hug...

ps: Try HARDER, moriarty!

"Reach out and TOUCH
Somebody's HAND
Make this world a better place
If ya CAN..."

/sappy crap

20:55 / 20.09.01

quote: by autopilot disengaged not a conspiracy spam, not propaganda - not even a news story. just one person to another person they know, trying to turn them onto something. what do people think about this? is it viable? creepy? does it make me come across like some kind of patronising revolution pimp?

Every new person reaches more than one and they reach others and on and on and on…
The biggest Revolutions of the people by the people started all out like this, it only needs 1 person to start the ball rolling. This one person is considered the seed that made it grow. It’s the same reason why ‘they ’always go for the leaders of peoples movements. What these leaders did was to have an idea and tell it to one person.

Viable? Yes! Creepy? NO! Patronizing revolution pimp? WOW! Patron of the New Revolution to come.Yes.

Thoughts are heard in the spirit world and if you feel compassion, if you think you know what could change things for the good, if its your hearts desire to do good without thinking twice, your thoughts will be heard. If its meant as service to others and not to yourself, you will be heard.
I will follow your idea, which only can be born in great minds.
Sincerely.

autopilot disengaged

20:59 / 20.09.01

ok: let's do it.

09:25 / 21.09.01

quote: letter Jack fearour God is a God of compassion and mercy, and that those who might twist His message to justify violence—be they Muslims or Christians—have turned their backs on the true faith.

Your understanding of faith is complete.

quote:We pray for courage, for wisdom, for understanding—and for forgiveness.

Your understanding of compassion is ABSOLUT!

quote:Together we must stand against hatred and fear:

In togetherness there is no hatred, in togetherness one does not fear.

quote:Not the most elegant or eloquent thing I’ve ever written

But with the most sincere feelings.

09:25 / 21.09.01

quote:Originally posted by Cherry Bomb:
If you were within my reach, I would've given you a hug...

I know.

Sorry I came off as kind of pathetic. I'm just out here in the middle of nowhere and I don't see my friends, or much of anybody, all that often anymore. I'm going to make an effort and trek downtown tonight.

Besides, I just tore up the weeds that were keeping my dog from moving freely in the backyard and she looked up at me with so much love. Who needs people?