News from Love In 2001
"It's all so beautiful."
20 January 2001
Live in a country where everyone counts!
There are three steps to creating a love-in atmosphere.
How you can participate:
1. Protest social injustice, hypocrisy, inequality
2. Meditate & redirect your anger from politics into positive energy
3. Communicate with people about the issues
Love In things you can do over the next four years: click here.
20 January 2001
Love In Wrap-up
On inauguration day, Pray for Peace News reporter/editors went to downtown L.A.'s Pershing Square and the rally at the Federal Building. The atmosphere was determined: "We will not go back." The park was crowded with people who held picket signs and listened to two hours of speeches. At 1:30 the demonstrators marched to Los Angeles Street. Scenes from the march appeared on the local TV news Saturday night. The rally and speeches continued from a stage in front of the U.S. Federal Building, where the street was blocked off and a few police officers stood in formation on the sidewalks. Thespians put on a dramatic performance, singers sang protest songs, and speakers offered words of wisdom.
This is how we spent Inauguration Day in downtown L.A.
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Pray for Peace News Editorial The Onset of the Bush Years It's frustrating to see this president come into office after all the irregularities in Florida. So let's exercise our right to speak our minds and assemble in public. Instead of becoming afraid, as though we are about to be victimized, we must take heart that the next election is only a short time off. If you will reach the legal voting age (18) before the next presidential election, be sure to register. See you then. Visit the Pray for Peace News Activists' Workshop for more ideas: click here. |
Love-in Over Already?
23 January 2001
Our esteemed local paper, the Los Angeles Times, printed the following letter about George W. Bush's inauguration speech.
Imagine if Dubya were to say, "I knew most of you did not want me to be president. I ran on the promise of bipartisan government. I told you I trusted the people. I am going to prove I meant those promises by making this a truly inclusive, cohesive government."
Instead, the first items on the agenda are drilling in Alaska, reversal of environmental and abortion polices . . . the Cabinet is stacked with representatives of the far right. One would think he had won legitimately and by a landslide.
-L.F.M, Pasadena
12 Feb. 01
A Few Love-in Thoughts for Fellow Peace Activists
One of the worst things about the world is hypocrisy. Therefore, when a PeacNik pitches a fit, becoming angry and defensive about the issues, it may cause people to ask themselves: Is this "peaceful" person practicing what they preach? It's frustrating, but we must rise above the problems to work for the highest good.
Many TV shows, movies and documentaries explore this area of irony. One classic is "All in the Family," where Mike (aka Meathead, the supposedly hip son-in-law) acts just like a younger version of Archie Bunker. All of us have republican relatives and acquaintances. As we fight against them, so they will fight against us.
Let's wake up. Let's make it easy for other folks to identify with the culture peace process. To do this, we need to be more mature. There is a lot you can do for as little as the cost of a 34 cent stamp.
* Communicate with your elected officials and the media about issues you follow. When you call or write, remember to be firm, not fanatical; warm, not scalding.
* Congratulate the elected officials and others who stand up for things you value.
* Commend journalists for good investigative reports.
* Applaud a victory for our side in a letter to the editor.
* Send thank you notes and news clippings to columnists, comedians and talk show hosts you listen to.
* Make five kind phone calls or write five kind letters to a fellow liberal for every scathing one you write to someone you disagree with. Also, consider writing the scathing one and then throwing it away. Find a completely positive way to express what's weighing on your heart. Focused intention can move mountains! Your letter can make a difference! (Go to Activists' Workshop.)
Here are some things you can do if you're willing to make more of an investment:
* Get out to demonstrate. The demonstrations are sure to continue over the next four years as Bush continues his crusade for the extreme right.
* Donate to organizations that will protect the things you value: human rights, the environment, social justice, education and peace. Some suggestions are Nature Conservancy, Greenpeace, SaveBioGems, Rainforest Action Network, the Sierra Club, Amnesty International, Southern Poverty Law Center, MoveOn.org (see link page for more suggestions). Also, if you get your news from public TV or radio, or private online news organizations like TruthOut, support them too.
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