tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8278037490270853122024-03-28T20:28:42.953-07:00Infinite Poweris not a zero sum game. Janet Vickershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01064735501871939254noreply@blogger.comBlogger1065125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827803749027085312.post-12978017632839700852024-03-27T12:50:00.000-07:002024-03-27T12:50:34.361-07:00What's Happening Here<p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaPg57GGVL0rrtk7coWWgkg8-1LKRG3vE8PeCMZbYd-MQNMJVSJ63DJTIysTHnDxKOp2a4PSt_Zg1MlbOmy5S5LRjmQ95x7EepunhfAx0DiHT8sU30hYeVe50KVGkL-5FH2t6mKGpVfI12vvSolfrw9UENNLeaolm6Pg-OTAayeaTxbxg0cnrekFBwvUIy/s360/gabriolatrails6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="270" data-original-width="360" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaPg57GGVL0rrtk7coWWgkg8-1LKRG3vE8PeCMZbYd-MQNMJVSJ63DJTIysTHnDxKOp2a4PSt_Zg1MlbOmy5S5LRjmQ95x7EepunhfAx0DiHT8sU30hYeVe50KVGkL-5FH2t6mKGpVfI12vvSolfrw9UENNLeaolm6Pg-OTAayeaTxbxg0cnrekFBwvUIy/s320/gabriolatrails6.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br />Apart from a war that kills innocent children, my nervous system feels as though this is another war against life and living. This has been going on and off since humanity consolidated itself centuries ago.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Life and living takes up a lot of room in media, politics, religion and business. Yes I know this is not a newfound idea, this is not woke material. But there are things that puzzle me.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Facebook. On my feed is a selection of images supposedly uploaded by different "friends". One of them is called Dawn French Fan Club where an image of flesh pierced with blackheads and pimples shows up every time I sign on to Facebook.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Who is the target of this image? Is it Dawn French who has way more intelligence that posting this image continually, would imply? Is it left wing feminist ideas? I have not found a way to delete this "fan club" posting?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">If it's Dawn French who is a successful comedian, what would the reason be?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Misogyny is showing up a lot in comments sections responding to women columnists. Does the Patriarchy feel their power is under attack by humans who develop integrity and work towards social justice and peace? Is White Supremacy a movement to keep the public afraid of the "other". Christianity has slipped in some of its teachings by focusing on the flaws of women like Eve. Making the feminine gender a servant to masculine warmongering. Raising boys to be silent about their feelings has been very successful. Ridiculing men who are not winning all the time?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The trouble with religion is that it requires integrity to maintain its power. There is much wisdom in the bible which is overlooked for the entertainment of the outrageous.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Whatever seems so stupid is published in society over and over again but only if it benefits those who are fearful of peace, justice and sustainability. That is those who fear losing the privilege of being at the top.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Generally we speak of racism, fascism, equality and wealth, as ways of preserving status quo. But this might be a threat to those who have built their success on fear, cruelty and violence. Authoritarian class systems only benefit those at the top who nonetheless feel they are at risk from the masses.</span></p>Janet Vickershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01064735501871939254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827803749027085312.post-84948185920537523902024-03-16T11:23:00.000-07:002024-03-19T18:16:14.088-07:00A second chance for humanity<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaH07AJ61_31IoYDItpdSHJiLT7UPIPfGi6ZLXfrT1dpIi3ESvh3kEsYRhuL8-BgCZHPuzRLtYZMSeOupT9FUgTL4i3jIqm0K2PpT2h2fYVIWq-Hda_LU5kdQGaI00wkSbTuxyO_ebM1mFaGbErO5VlkIRJkMd_WvDpY-0B0s2UeEFlK46160xrATCnIi5/s4000/06daffodils.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaH07AJ61_31IoYDItpdSHJiLT7UPIPfGi6ZLXfrT1dpIi3ESvh3kEsYRhuL8-BgCZHPuzRLtYZMSeOupT9FUgTL4i3jIqm0K2PpT2h2fYVIWq-Hda_LU5kdQGaI00wkSbTuxyO_ebM1mFaGbErO5VlkIRJkMd_WvDpY-0B0s2UeEFlK46160xrATCnIi5/s320/06daffodils.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> <span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The Biblical story of Adam and Eve has been used to support male dominance over female. Eve is the temptress who is curious even though "God" warns her against eating fruit from the tree. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Whatever the message in the first chapter of the bible, Misogyny has devoured our world through the worship of power. This is an easy way to keep women and men under the thumb of the status quo. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Climate change theories are ridiculed because it is men who run the politics of our relationship to the planet and those who speak up about pollution, the life that suffers because of the habit to care only for the creatures linked to human benefit. The idea that all are related has mostly been relegated to religion and science. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Today in current news papers and magazines many women are blamed for the problems we face, while we are led to believe, the natural way is to compete for the top.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">It's easy to fall into "suck it up buttercup" as a response to failure in social justice. Men who have feelings are trained to believe that business requires them to overcome their personal feelings about corporate and public issues. The subject of fixing stuff falls into who is to blame and who should pay. Stories that may offer different ideas on why there is so much suffering and violence to the extent that we have not saved our world at all. In fact threats to the planet are laughed off in spite of scientific studies and proof.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Right now there is a steady flow of bad news regarding survival of life on this planet. And people who are aware we do not have time to argue. We live in a world dominated by bully narratives. Bombs and Guns, Rape and Pillage, as if we haven't learned anything since the Roman Empire.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">There are many who are teaching us to do better, to plan for the greater good because competing for the most of what each of us want is devisive and isolating. </span><br /></p>Janet Vickershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01064735501871939254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827803749027085312.post-49085449611950060972024-03-11T14:22:00.000-07:002024-03-11T14:22:51.604-07:00When Weapons Blow Up Your World<p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDESbMtmil_YqJVLTXwMl-9TOONeCSpIXYSLrfBMCRbMKRehFS3AqR1j-Bzp3DzeD89ACy9qnZG1Pw9TUrHh4ul6IgQtgKrM0fsbnK5pa80-1LoNih8c0IrrbzoLvXyzoAipBmqfimHWZp4rdQbgIfXFDTjHpnaG_LwW2P19sJ1ApUay_585UK0JzlhrfU/s661/BlowingInTheWind.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="424" data-original-width="661" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDESbMtmil_YqJVLTXwMl-9TOONeCSpIXYSLrfBMCRbMKRehFS3AqR1j-Bzp3DzeD89ACy9qnZG1Pw9TUrHh4ul6IgQtgKrM0fsbnK5pa80-1LoNih8c0IrrbzoLvXyzoAipBmqfimHWZp4rdQbgIfXFDTjHpnaG_LwW2P19sJ1ApUay_585UK0JzlhrfU/s320/BlowingInTheWind.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br />Shooter killed 18 People suffered a brain injury. </span><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The analysis of "his" brain showed degeneration in the nerve fibres that allow for communication between different areas of the brain, inflammation and small blood vessel injury, according to Dr. Ann McKee of Boston University’s Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) Center </span><a href="https://www.theglobeandmail.com/world/article-evidence-of-traumatic-brain-injury-in-shooter-who-killed-18-in/" style="font-family: georgia;">https://www.theglobeandmail.com/world/article-evidence-of-traumatic-brain-injury-in-shooter-who-killed-18-in/</a><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">I am hearing a lot of news these days. Starvation in Gaza. Bombs killing children. Guns shooting children in school. Women murdered. Arguments from politicians who are trained and skilled at sound bites on morality but whose parties would rather serve petro states. Men denying women safe abortions yet supporting wars where women and children are gunned down or blown up.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">I am hearing about corporations who starve their workers while giving billions to the CEO.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Apparently this is simply the way it is and we can't afford social justice, can't afford to care about the homeless, the drug addicts, the victims of rape and child abuse.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">This is a poor understanding of the way things are. Nothing comes of nothing. There is a pecking order where those who want to "succeed" must pay attention to.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">No point in blaming anyone for the way things are. Ultimately it will be those on the lowest level of the pecking order. We are no better than crows.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">To think about morality and our duty to the greater good is a waste of time and energy. Soon we shall be worms slithering in the mud. Then we shall be sorry.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Of course this is the spiral of self-talk when you feel powerless and in pain. This is the late stage of life when your loved ones do everything for you and you know in your bones you have nothing left to give the world.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Soon it will pass and you will write letters to newspapers and publishers you know will not be published. You are living on gratitude for all you have been given in terms of love and support. You even told yourself you will not become a self-defeated spirit but you can't get out of bed and walk to the room where a fire has been lit.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The weapon I am preaching from is the "be realistic" one. "Know your place in the scheme of things". All that you do have is because of others who care about you.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Those who care about justice and social conditions and the morality of truth.</span></p><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Janet Vickershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01064735501871939254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827803749027085312.post-12849085508886169752024-03-08T11:08:00.000-08:002024-03-08T11:08:31.258-08:00Happy International Women's Day<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgynWFeeXrfd2j9g-iM9ddKk1oF-lk9PXI7SoXmZiXro3CjhKuZfu4OPP7eWUnUeEltNABMF1B78nAoYa-rDnRjX9voxXKiBkSlXovzefT-aFvhLOdujYUPrO6xuqOf-yL0wy2OYbg1G1duQPsjwqxHjsrMCwfei-zi5lYT3zn6O3bFckK4nLd_7dEV0qPF/s807/03froginrose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="608" data-original-width="807" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgynWFeeXrfd2j9g-iM9ddKk1oF-lk9PXI7SoXmZiXro3CjhKuZfu4OPP7eWUnUeEltNABMF1B78nAoYa-rDnRjX9voxXKiBkSlXovzefT-aFvhLOdujYUPrO6xuqOf-yL0wy2OYbg1G1duQPsjwqxHjsrMCwfei-zi5lYT3zn6O3bFckK4nLd_7dEV0qPF/s320/03froginrose.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">THIS BODY</span><p></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">has known the hunger of a gentle touch</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">has watched the heavy breast get heavier</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">stroked the bulging stomach</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">the hunger then red river of death</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">this body also watched life grow</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">in its outer shape</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">a balloon so hungry</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">determined to suck up all nutrients</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">and sugars that enter</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">and finally the pain</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">pushing out its contents</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">a coiled he or she</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">kicking for more space</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">its song no-one can hear</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">pushed stopped</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">pushed again</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">relaxed again</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">pushed and pushing</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">and pushing until</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">its parcel slips out</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">with fluid red and pink</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">a colour I have no name for</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">like a burst pipe freeing</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">its contents so the newborn</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">can be free</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">a screeching squaling</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">newcomer flailing</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">with all its might</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">empties its own body</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">ready for the next meal</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">in the heavy aching breast</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">full of warm sweet love.</span></p>Janet Vickershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01064735501871939254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827803749027085312.post-64160882679561229552024-03-05T23:01:00.000-08:002024-03-06T17:35:13.324-08:00Thoughts on Israel, Palestine, Jews, Christians, Muslims and Americans<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixooZVov5OgpmvRBO0dF4OWMHs0nWB_9UNW0sKxwSQoNJn9XpS43SqOty91WRfp4Npc1uY4xvqXlqc95DQ0UnI-gqhRk0BdygXtc5HEuazhKT9Xygj-UxIDzC3ej2vr8Pg7wwowWQNNB8WraiLqGiHVYEDRI-A1v0BsK-lKSzJIbKU7mfiCpuXK_cAEh4-/s4000/07DrumbegHeron.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixooZVov5OgpmvRBO0dF4OWMHs0nWB_9UNW0sKxwSQoNJn9XpS43SqOty91WRfp4Npc1uY4xvqXlqc95DQ0UnI-gqhRk0BdygXtc5HEuazhKT9Xygj-UxIDzC3ej2vr8Pg7wwowWQNNB8WraiLqGiHVYEDRI-A1v0BsK-lKSzJIbKU7mfiCpuXK_cAEh4-/s320/07DrumbegHeron.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Here is a </span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> conversation between Chris Hedges and Rabbi Shaul Magid. Two educated people who are articulate and aware of their humanity. </span><a href="https://chrishedges.substack.com/p/the-chris-hedges-report-with-rabbi?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=email-half-post&r=pwb38">https://chrishedges.substack.com/p/the-chris-hedges-report-with-rabbi?</a> </div><div><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">But this issue around the depravity of war and violence is not so much about Jews and Palestinians as it is about an opportunity for other humans to spout their beliefs and their thoughts.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">We (humans) should not try and defend our past or blame others. The othering habit is powerful. I have done it for more than 70 years and I understand how convenient it is in this post colonial world. I have used the labelling of people for different reasons quite religiously even though it gets us into trouble. So all the opinions and articles I've read are piercing their way through my mind and stomach. The problem is I still love people. I am dependent upon them. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">My preference is for humans to be present when expressing thoughts but right at this moment there is only one in this room where I have read numerous ideas on Facebook and listened to programs on the radio. But I still come back to this: what is the point of my opinion at this time? What does it matter to the children dying in Gaza or the people who have to get along with others in Israel?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Then I am reminded I was born in England where colonial rule was devastating to all the people with brown complexion and black curls surrounding their beautiful faces. So I suspect my readers think I am being too soft and should just put this computer down and get on with my own little life.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">However my own life bumps up against other lives. And others are suffering beyond endurance. Politically I have a part to play representing the conscience of humanity floating like a cloud in the sky, as if that cloud can carry on without us. And I am not a hero.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Somewhere on this earth I must reach out to humanity. Not to say there there. Comfort is not what I have. I do have experience living here and I am totally against the violence while acknowledging the courage of individuals who have, for the sake of providing a home and food to their family entered the force. They are told what to do. They signed up to defend their side but have little control over the orders given. For me to sit in my living room making judgements only pushes the anxiety further into the battle ground.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">What I hear is how cruel we have become. How will that help the future?</span></p></div>Janet Vickershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01064735501871939254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827803749027085312.post-72544429939194484802024-03-03T15:47:00.000-08:002024-03-03T15:48:27.626-08:00What Is The Purpose of War?<p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5yJ9P53v8sGll-Odqnc6UHJ6mtRFdtgm1r7gXsl1kIGqUkkLqUVFNufQqS8t7No3cKQGNVahq2SaykxAc8vQBStz3Om_S8FF1fV1Okc9WfUwn66JpNA9Zv4xDFBiw9i2ySixMUvOcPBFNqQXzoVyEepTHQb-_EMttXNTPZWZ72DT6xPrWzqB3VKy7bdbv/s356/hope.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="335" data-original-width="356" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5yJ9P53v8sGll-Odqnc6UHJ6mtRFdtgm1r7gXsl1kIGqUkkLqUVFNufQqS8t7No3cKQGNVahq2SaykxAc8vQBStz3Om_S8FF1fV1Okc9WfUwn66JpNA9Zv4xDFBiw9i2ySixMUvOcPBFNqQXzoVyEepTHQb-_EMttXNTPZWZ72DT6xPrWzqB3VKy7bdbv/s320/hope.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br />1. </span> <span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Is it to kill as many people as possible? </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">2. To gain land for more wealth? </span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">3. To remind society that men are more important than women? </span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">4. To garner interest from news media? </span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">5. To gain votes from a sleepy public? </span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">6. To take the place of sports programs where two sides battle and only one side wins because they had more money to invest in their players? </span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">7. To keep humanity stuck in win/lose narratives so as we don't focus on survival which requires faith in social justice and well being?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">8. To wake us up to the fragility that is life so we get back to caring for the world we live in and the people we love?</span></p>Janet Vickershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01064735501871939254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827803749027085312.post-20698568737542109522024-03-02T14:47:00.000-08:002024-03-02T14:50:48.645-08:00Sunshine starts in the hearts and minds of good people<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif5g7tLYNw9emgGzQVCBTY9RQajNZlFcBHp9nHlkH8_hxRHRqXiOZJVbQLjCphSVIEY-Amcwh5s_z-6Aa7jBW9dXcNSn1n_nPxGj9oOxxLP6rSH0MqDfote2tbEY6bz5VJfiFbRZilR5f8IVxUtfeChjodnlP5_lXlbIuN6Tkjwz_NNQQ7oKlalAVdCZPv/s550/sunswirl.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="490" data-original-width="550" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif5g7tLYNw9emgGzQVCBTY9RQajNZlFcBHp9nHlkH8_hxRHRqXiOZJVbQLjCphSVIEY-Amcwh5s_z-6Aa7jBW9dXcNSn1n_nPxGj9oOxxLP6rSH0MqDfote2tbEY6bz5VJfiFbRZilR5f8IVxUtfeChjodnlP5_lXlbIuN6Tkjwz_NNQQ7oKlalAVdCZPv/s320/sunswirl.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium; text-align: left;">Really good people read the news, read the books, listen to friends and family, play guitar or flute, learn how to sing and how to listen to others.</span></div><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Reading the work of <a href="https://stitchingforsocialchange.ca/couches-get-lonely-too/"><b>Sima Elizabeth Shefrin</b>,</a> her stories of humans getting along peacefully, and the art that appears to comfort us as if we can get through anything as long as we have respect and compassion.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Their goodness doesn't need awards or medals, but their spirit needs to be acknowledged. Media seeks drama, but goodness needs reality for it to prosper. People need nutritious food, shelter, friends and purpose. Which also means access to health care and education.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">We are at risk of losing what we have become accustomed to. Trinkets and entertainment enable us to amuse ourselves to death. We urgently need to recognize depth in society.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">It has taken centuries to learn how to thrive and this helps us survive. To say I love you to those we love, to bake cookies or prepare a nutritious meal, is worth much more than being a politician, yet we glamourize and ooze over Prime Ministers. Yes we need people who will fulfill roles in maintaining integrity in leadership. We don't need tricksters who turn society upside down by promoting leadership as a form of entertainment, or entertainment as leadership.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">A wealth of possessions does not make a better person if that's all they are interested in. That's a fairy tale. Unfortunately corporate media upholds wealth as an extraordinary accomplishment and we should lick their boots.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">To criticize the obvious is not much better. We might see trends as threatening our future but let's not shower morally ill narcissists with adoration for starving humanity of self respect. Lets not annoint heroes with our worship when their power brings suffering to others.</span></p>Janet Vickershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01064735501871939254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827803749027085312.post-42624874400528448872024-02-29T09:00:00.000-08:002024-03-01T15:01:13.978-08:00Everything is up for grabs <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5flKyZ0nkZH9aOwTFoXj4r3D7JKEicK4-K9ypseDLxtMWz3tP56vUZFpe2lfmRHqf6-qa-97WeCn453YnZwJ-VwYGEVWEOz8DAtScMqi3O7huhm50lxQwKoMWLL0noCEp-gjPg2yDyvmc6HrEZAFJUhvF7K7AL1YnPcW_jGXvhzZXhYtFq-Thyphenhyphen4hXJ2Bs/s386/bullocracy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="236" data-original-width="386" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5flKyZ0nkZH9aOwTFoXj4r3D7JKEicK4-K9ypseDLxtMWz3tP56vUZFpe2lfmRHqf6-qa-97WeCn453YnZwJ-VwYGEVWEOz8DAtScMqi3O7huhm50lxQwKoMWLL0noCEp-gjPg2yDyvmc6HrEZAFJUhvF7K7AL1YnPcW_jGXvhzZXhYtFq-Thyphenhyphen4hXJ2Bs/s320/bullocracy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Not long ago a politician suggested you grab'er by the pussy. In his mind she is no longer a human. She is just a thing to be used. So let me take that sentiment a step further.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Women are good for cleaning house, cooking supper and having children. This has long been the assumption, even now after in vitro fertilization and abortion. <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/in-vitro-fertilization/about/pac-20384716">https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/in-vitro-fertilization/about/pac-20384716</a>. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Evan after feminism was born and reported and women have been a force in the workplace as something more than a sex object. LGBTQ voices awakening that gender is not the only thing that separates one from the other. Movements for honouring our differences shows us just how the pecking order is more than poor, middle or upper class designations. Humanity has many gifts and challenges and it pays us to respect truth where ever we find it. When we are not fighting wars, the unknown is less perilous. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">However, USA, Israel, Palestine, Russia and Ukraine are suffering uncertainty as is Sudan and other nations.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Aaron Bushnell decided to set himself on fire to protest the war in Gaza https://open.substack.com/pub/chrishedges</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">While politics focuses on power and dismisses the beauty and pain of life, we, as a species don't seem to be fixing our problems.</span></p><p><br /></p>Janet Vickershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01064735501871939254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827803749027085312.post-25086158952342268682024-02-20T01:00:00.000-08:002024-02-20T16:27:01.370-08:00Free The World for Humanity and Other Living Creatures<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLKfspvL7pnSNPjzZDuTl5qaWzmOZvBwFOXucBZ-ryr1UGu7nxyKUrrFhCF9XTEK1p674ypxT8rMwtgv8eguPCgje7hni8KwPX4vynHSsLkO5kYc2NFNKjlBUd6OgNHcWn_4WUsoRUZlWM-tVaO8ZDv7GQBTou63Dqqar-2aHCmXN5hk7xd99nAobECORy/s481/happyhome.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="298" data-original-width="481" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLKfspvL7pnSNPjzZDuTl5qaWzmOZvBwFOXucBZ-ryr1UGu7nxyKUrrFhCF9XTEK1p674ypxT8rMwtgv8eguPCgje7hni8KwPX4vynHSsLkO5kYc2NFNKjlBUd6OgNHcWn_4WUsoRUZlWM-tVaO8ZDv7GQBTou63Dqqar-2aHCmXN5hk7xd99nAobECORy/s320/happyhome.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p> <span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Rules of engagement and good manners are traditions that have lasted for centuries. But I see a need to examine some and create new "rules". However I am one of those people who does not have a "position" where I am expected to live by the rules. But I do have some of my own that have helped me.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">1. Be concerned about injustice you hear about or witness. Injustice anywhere, said Martin Luther King Jr., is a threat to justice everywhere. We (humanity) lost him too early just as we have lost Alexai Navalny. This is a loss for all now and in the future. Now none of us can sit back and hope the brave will be saving us.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">2. Leadership is not about scaring everyone who knows your position. It's about sustaining places where humanity can learn who or what is ruling it and this earth. If we are not comfortable with authoritarian leaders we should not sit back and assume someone is taking care of this. Leadership is not about killing people unless we worship cruelty for its ability to shut everybody up. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Wherever we see cruelty we must name it. I say must because it is the first stage of dysfunction. Punishment is not for those who have the power to use it. There are clear reasons for using punishment to discourage harmful behaviour in the home and the commons.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">3. Weapons are designed to hurt and kill. A good leader knows not to use punishment too soon. Even spanking and humiliating others registers as violence to the sensitive mind. Thankfully most of us have lost the appetite to watch someone being whipped or shamed in public. Watching someone being beaten up by a gang you don't know is not entertainment. It's a sign that something in our minds and hearts has gone wrong.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">4. Corporal punishment is only okay if we don't know the people involved. Adults who divide the world into good guys and bad guys have used TV dramas as their civic education. Punishment hurts those who are punished and those in denial of the trauma that hardened their feelings into denial.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">5. A society that believes punishment makes men strong is one that keeps most of its people in a state of ignorance where its "shameful" to express ones thoughts and feelings, where you'll be criticized for "thinking too much".</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">6. An organization that doesn't encourage its members to think, is one where all the power rests with the "leader". It might pay the CEO "</span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36); color: #202124;">246 times the average worker's pay in Canada, up from 241 times in 2021, when the average was $14.3 million". </span><a href="https://globalnews.ca/news/10191926/top-ceo-pay-canada-2024/#:~:text=The%20report%20found%20that%20the,the%20average%20was%20%2414.3%20million.">https://globalnews.ca/news/10191926/top-ceo-pay-canada-2024</a> Such organizations do not want their staff to think too much. Mainstream media does not want more information here so shut your mouth and mind and do as you're told.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">7. The future is not likely to be kind to humans if this is the goal. In fact it will celebrate humiliation for those at the bottom and vanity for those at the top. Wherever there is privilege there is anger, disappointment and cruelty regardless of whether we admit it or not. White supremacy knows this. It fears being treated the way it had treated people of colour, the poor, the homeless and women.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">8. Because humans have minds and language we are the biggest threat to the egos who simply want to control others. Because rising to the top is an obsession to those who fear being vulnerable some powerful people feel they must be protected from the masses.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">9. An obsession becomes harmful to everyone, relationships become fragile and dysfunctional, and all who are related suffer in some way. Worst of all humans shut down the best part of their intelligence. Kindness, sensitivity, creativity and courage are seen as opposite. Kindness becomes weakness, sensitivity becomes weakness, creativity becomes idleness, and weakness becomes ignorance. Competing for the most of what each of us wants breaks down social strengths, makes society mad. Displays of power over use childish skills and shut down communication.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">10. to identify with our position in this world is to deny our humanity and human instincts.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">11. Violence becomes the means to destroy life by any other name.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> </span></p>Janet Vickershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01064735501871939254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827803749027085312.post-23767975759065907362024-02-17T14:04:00.000-08:002024-02-17T14:23:20.728-08:00Begin Again In Love, Humility and Integrity<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_zI0NZDdAPKmvefqTKOilHjtQ0fWkxxzhGHmrIItFvyk0KCAw6zYLw2tPgsTMaRNXxu4_te-UGLYFvq-09rKhxOO7qi4UDExl2raSD2TNWuYmyAXaKchN1NPySe1I5h5Aioii0F-KzusexgLBPLKbnl0L5eNGrmPNNOs7SxC-s72Aa0PYJF6ipcLOvY_v/s4000/06daffodils.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_zI0NZDdAPKmvefqTKOilHjtQ0fWkxxzhGHmrIItFvyk0KCAw6zYLw2tPgsTMaRNXxu4_te-UGLYFvq-09rKhxOO7qi4UDExl2raSD2TNWuYmyAXaKchN1NPySe1I5h5Aioii0F-KzusexgLBPLKbnl0L5eNGrmPNNOs7SxC-s72Aa0PYJF6ipcLOvY_v/s320/06daffodils.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Our political systems are broken. We talk as though politics requires a sophisticated awareness of how things work. The problem is THE PECKING ORDER and its habits.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">You may think that sophisticated conversation requires a lot of education. I know I used to but recently I have been overwhelmed with a get real heartache. When leaders in business are no longer interested in what is good for the people the ruling habit seems to be cynicism (</span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(77, 81, 86);">a school of thought in ancient Greek philosophy, originating in the Classical period and extending into the Hellenistic and Roman Imperial periods.</span><span style="caret-color: rgb(77, 81, 86);"> <a class="ruhjFe NJLBac fl" data-jsarwt="1" data-usg="AOvVaw2TmSh6fkVozWF4JEZGJ545" data-ved="2ahUKEwianPunrLOEAxVLFTQIHVloDfIQmhN6BAguEAI" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cynicism_(philosophy)" style="outline: 0px; text-decoration: none; white-space: nowrap;">Wikipedia</a>). </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(77, 81, 86);">Idealism does not have the kind of power to back it up because power is in itself the thing we seem to be awed by. Famous people, billionaires, educational institutions, beauty, sexuality, and all things shiny and new.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(77, 81, 86);">This means that ordinary is not enough anymore. But this is mostly a corporate thing. Corporations demand a CEO who almost has magical powers to shut up the common man and the strong woman, while raking in profit.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(77, 81, 86);">It's the Wizard of Oz effect. The magician. The trickster. But in reality it is destructive. It makes us feel worthless, frustrated, angry and afraid. Between America, Russia and Israel we are doomed. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(77, 81, 86);">So I say be yourself. Your sensitive, caring, vulnerable self who relies on kindness. Because we all want a civil society that we can engage in, unless you have been traumatized to swallow the power pill that demands you must always win.</span></span></p>Janet Vickershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01064735501871939254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827803749027085312.post-67020627550242215882024-02-15T17:07:00.000-08:002024-02-17T09:52:26.350-08:00Rick Salutin calls Gideon Levy more prophet --- case in point his article <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicsgKVZKPhTJ0dV_vzD7yHnheCnEf73WfCBdhsjxUDf3ApThWJe-ouSaWieVOL5Uytk1gx7ahvqVXNVkKv3SC5cy73xxLfDOEmFoLMvo26BnxQ0AYkEXNOi-z2OUhB_9FCMsKumwP943vXboHIziN8svnJrJPyTt1pv_E4hyphenhyphenB-w0qbj7mcdRhBxFRZ-7G5/s403/FlameInAction.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="357" data-original-width="403" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicsgKVZKPhTJ0dV_vzD7yHnheCnEf73WfCBdhsjxUDf3ApThWJe-ouSaWieVOL5Uytk1gx7ahvqVXNVkKv3SC5cy73xxLfDOEmFoLMvo26BnxQ0AYkEXNOi-z2OUhB_9FCMsKumwP943vXboHIziN8svnJrJPyTt1pv_E4hyphenhyphenB-w0qbj7mcdRhBxFRZ-7G5/s320/FlameInAction.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span face="system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;">They have been destined to pay the cruel price for what Hamas did. Alongside our joy, one cannot help but think of them and their fate. An operation cannot be perfect if that is its price. </span></span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/bobbossin/posts/pfbid0obAX7TWjF5tZ2LfhJorGQzCKYChBigJVBA1DkNcdGyW4BG4wSkXjPk8P75cugZpzl?from_close_friend=1&notif_id=1708037245072446&notif_t=close_friend_activity&ref=notif">https://www.facebook.com/bobbossin/posts/pfbid0obAX7TWjF5tZ2LfhJorGQzCKYChBigJVBA1DkNcdGyW4BG4wSkXjPk8P75cugZ</a><p></p><p><br /></p>Janet Vickershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01064735501871939254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827803749027085312.post-83627317047611336552024-02-12T09:47:00.000-08:002024-02-12T09:47:57.398-08:00Chris Hedges on revenge<p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp_Moz9kRfj9b6pQmU2CiCbsZWdsytN1zeS5H8fdsbHwVe8IKI1oAP3hN8wQtzjvJCENA0HY5yAx3Zs5lpVMhHWT-U8PKHVvEuAcmnPONZ1ICwEJjF1qrjY9Dm_pQlD5qXrcTJdjhk8uB6PPK1qsmBsXQ3Tis_iGFwwaw-G13t19v9EAbfVtny0vRNfb7i/s670/PlanetEarth2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="508" data-original-width="670" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp_Moz9kRfj9b6pQmU2CiCbsZWdsytN1zeS5H8fdsbHwVe8IKI1oAP3hN8wQtzjvJCENA0HY5yAx3Zs5lpVMhHWT-U8PKHVvEuAcmnPONZ1ICwEJjF1qrjY9Dm_pQlD5qXrcTJdjhk8uB6PPK1qsmBsXQ3Tis_iGFwwaw-G13t19v9EAbfVtny0vRNfb7i/s320/PlanetEarth2.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br />" <span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(64, 64, 64); color: #404040;">There will be scholars and historians who ... will hold academic conferences. They will say “Never again!” They will praise themselves for being more humane and civilized. But when it comes time to speak out with each new genocide, fearful of losing their status or academic positions, they will scurry like rats into their holes. Human history is one long atrocity for the world’s poor and vulnerable. Gaza is another chapter." </span><a href="https://chrishedges.substack.com/p/let-them-eat-dirt-read-by-eunice?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=778851&post_id=141537047&utm_campaign=email-post-title&isFreemail=false&r=pwb38&utm_medium=email">https://chrishedges.substack.com/p/let-them-eat-dirt-read-by-eunice?utm</a></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">So we wait for another 90 years until the next chapter. We cease to worry about freedom, music, arts, love, health, society. The only thing that matters is power, ultimately through violence, fear, torture and death. The ones who kill the most are the winners. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Or, we let the fossil fuel industry kill off life before then?</span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">To ban abortions, to target POC or LGBTQ people, to blame women and the poor, and to carry on adorning ourselves with large homes while others are homeless, to outlaw the poor and the immigrants, as this earth slowly and painfully watch the innocent die a long slow death, until AI has found a way to do all the tasks that workers used to do then claim the survivors won.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Or, it occurs to us that power must include respect for life and nurture that instead of trying to control it. Or face up to our responsibility to do no harm, to reach the heart and soul of the nurturer, to dry the tears of the battered and bruised, to build a future on the feminine and masculine working together.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Janet Vickershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01064735501871939254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827803749027085312.post-86089208533565267402024-02-08T15:10:00.000-08:002024-02-08T17:34:32.883-08:00Sharing our thoughts, feeding the mind that seeks peace<p> There a few of us who met two Sundays ago thought it would be good for us to have a discussion group. Those who would like to have a group that expresses or listens to our innermost anxieties during this time when there are several crises playing out. If you would like to chat, I can gather a few on zoom to meet after the service, to mention points that impressed us and points that distress. </p><p>I am thinking of informal conversations based on current tensions. For sure, we are living in a time when it seems there are dangers coming from many corners. </p><p>Please tell me if you are interested in the idea, interested to join, I care what you think. </p><p>Email me at janetvickers@shaw.ca</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyP4KLM7HDPL4x9J89G712YtpO7L9k03CnIdPo0dPE2kyPJVyDaR2EQ_lXyn_zyMa2f7cKhlQbCS7VuSIqmXLmd9qM_xJMUP1Y2c1j6zrXhaKrkcCzZESHlgY68CXJN9O63Fafx6lAk8joVXXhoCndiVJw1qupJkA-tmCN8qoM1cniCfPw-Ju3ty8ETJh9/s529/happy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="529" data-original-width="397" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyP4KLM7HDPL4x9J89G712YtpO7L9k03CnIdPo0dPE2kyPJVyDaR2EQ_lXyn_zyMa2f7cKhlQbCS7VuSIqmXLmd9qM_xJMUP1Y2c1j6zrXhaKrkcCzZESHlgY68CXJN9O63Fafx6lAk8joVXXhoCndiVJw1qupJkA-tmCN8qoM1cniCfPw-Ju3ty8ETJh9/s320/happy.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Janet Vickershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01064735501871939254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827803749027085312.post-50100247150099467772024-02-07T14:35:00.000-08:002024-02-07T14:35:34.482-08:00When You Learn<p> </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHyx2y4W6Ml9JFRYJRzVrB7lG2iC1DbHYqTnfhG4_JhTQK3k1ojWJOipGGo1BKi_zBqIr55q-VDSNBlVscehbU_74ljBkucmNHzrQ5hwJuRdb8uEzIk38JkvEmv-G74TEyiCHGNlPJ4UwKnvKR6TkctztkLgYosD6zvyVTNdc7qkvwNYhAEZIbI892ysYo/s1600/17purpleredfuchsia.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1284" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHyx2y4W6Ml9JFRYJRzVrB7lG2iC1DbHYqTnfhG4_JhTQK3k1ojWJOipGGo1BKi_zBqIr55q-VDSNBlVscehbU_74ljBkucmNHzrQ5hwJuRdb8uEzIk38JkvEmv-G74TEyiCHGNlPJ4UwKnvKR6TkctztkLgYosD6zvyVTNdc7qkvwNYhAEZIbI892ysYo/s320/17purpleredfuchsia.JPG" width="257" /></a></div><br /><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Everything you touch dies</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">no matter how much you love them </span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">or need them</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">and the accute pain</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">at the time seems</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">like a bad joke gone wrong</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">and there is nothing you can do</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">unless</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">you find a way to kill death itself</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">without killing the thing you love</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">and now you understand</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">how painful it would be</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">to be God.</span></p><div><br /></div>Janet Vickershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01064735501871939254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827803749027085312.post-29757464869547363312024-02-02T15:57:00.000-08:002024-02-02T17:02:04.091-08:00How To Feel Superior Even When You Are Not<p></p><div class="page" title="Page 5"><div class="layoutArea"><div class="column"><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYfbmMyqj3IsmijfUzVpAHa6I3nXAwgIPnb0YmRuZiFhLHHk_CaMwCUAlRhMAOmtbsl11DidbE0gIlfYtVDojhGeeqBXt6KmXgMhN7kNz8XUT27um5yCnyENztYOgdysYbXcBsM3DOddPHYg7cqNmSs87KvCPysZ0IytNHWtRaizpIBMTtiTSESBEysZMO/s873/powerunit.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="873" height="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYfbmMyqj3IsmijfUzVpAHa6I3nXAwgIPnb0YmRuZiFhLHHk_CaMwCUAlRhMAOmtbsl11DidbE0gIlfYtVDojhGeeqBXt6KmXgMhN7kNz8XUT27um5yCnyENztYOgdysYbXcBsM3DOddPHYg7cqNmSs87KvCPysZ0IytNHWtRaizpIBMTtiTSESBEysZMO/s320/powerunit.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br />"It is increasingly evident that resistance to action on these challenges <b>will only be overcome through engagement with the cultural values that underpin this resistance. </b>It also seems clear that, in trying to meet these challenges, civil society organisations must champion some long-held (but insufficiently esteemed) values, while seeking to diminish the primacy of many values which are now prominent – at least in Western industrialised society."</span><p></p><p><a href="https://assets.wwf.org.uk/downloads/common_cause_report.pdf">https://assets.wwf.org.uk/downloads/common_cause_report.pdf</a> </p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Of course feeling superior is not relevant and never was.</span> Take the tardigrade for instance. <span style="font-family: georgia;"> It has been around for a long time but never set up talent contests or military events to announce their presence. I never knew they existed at all until I was in my 70's.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Today we have the remnants of the White Supremacy club. Whiteness has been around for centuries. Today I am ashamed to say colonialism, war, <a href="https://thehill.com/changing-america/respect/equality/502277-black-people-5-times-more-likely-to-be-arrested-than-whites/" target="_blank">racism</a> and sexism is still marching out in the world and otherwise instilling movements that arrest and imprison people who do not have white skin more than the people who colonized them.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Societies create pecking orders. Ruling classes down to middle and at the bottom working classes. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">What brought out the white supremacists? Social studies. Feminism. Books. Movies.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Generally there is the feeling that white people feel bad because of all the talk and focus on injustices towards the poor, people of colour, excluding certain "types" based on how they look.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">A great deal of media coverage talks about body shaming, skin colour, hair, weight.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Most of this is to promote products. Sneering advertising suggests what you must and must not do if you want to fit in. You have to buy the product promoted in the clip. What it's really saying is you have to look and feel like you are perfect in face, hair, body and clothes.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">It's a little different today than fifty years ago when media programming hi lighted the perfect look for those who were "keeping up appearances".</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The rules are changing all the time and no matter just how good you are at your job the company has ways of "gaslighting" you so you seem to them you are ten pounds overweight and have wrinkles.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Humanity, the natural man or woman, is not good enough unless he or she is on top. Vagaries really help to keep us confused, on edge, nervous, angry, sexist and racist.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">War shows us how the big rulers who have access to the best or worst bombs, guns and military might must be superhuman not ordinary, special not common. Artificial intelligence is the beginning of the end of humanity.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Climate change is the final strategy. If we don't yet own a private jet to escape to the next planet, we are just soap operas suffering from anxiety.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The big lie is capitalism. We are worth more than we own because we don't own anything forever and all we have is our breath and the moral obligation to take care of everyone we love. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Honour your feelings and your self for all the struggles and trials you have been through. Honour those who love and support you. Superiority is a big lie. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><div><br /></div><div class="page" title="Page 5"><div class="layoutArea"><div class="column"><p></p></div></div></div></div></div></div>Janet Vickershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01064735501871939254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827803749027085312.post-34163550143473356062024-02-01T10:02:00.000-08:002024-02-01T10:02:05.647-08:00Nailed it! Not me but George Monbiot<p><a href="https://www.monbiot.com/2024/01/31/king-of-the-extrinsics/"></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAXnnCsaeGqAmvcSAVPvvs__Szf3F5tewMMN4OcAXyY-7R8FU8Kd6Fh3rqyzHnE3gFXYkfGBgIF4mHuvAjLnO-rWvGcU_PTnewM6QTPnJ8ao7e8W4kr8xJfOEjR8ThVKOXbT0jHvsoMdawGmRtBSoJsS7-Xz8wUOaVIsGl4_XvlJPFW7-jm6WndRpZcXOT/s356/anthrohyena2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="335" data-original-width="356" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAXnnCsaeGqAmvcSAVPvvs__Szf3F5tewMMN4OcAXyY-7R8FU8Kd6Fh3rqyzHnE3gFXYkfGBgIF4mHuvAjLnO-rWvGcU_PTnewM6QTPnJ8ao7e8W4kr8xJfOEjR8ThVKOXbT0jHvsoMdawGmRtBSoJsS7-Xz8wUOaVIsGl4_XvlJPFW7-jm6WndRpZcXOT/s320/anthrohyena2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />https://www.monbiot.com/2024/01/31/king-of-the-extrinsics/<p></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(38, 38, 38); color: #262626; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 17px;">"Some psychologists believe our values tend to cluster around certain poles, described as “intrinsic” and “extrinsic”. People with a strong set of intrinsic values are </span><a href="https://assets.wwf.org.uk/downloads/common_cause_report.pdf" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #0066cc; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: none;">inclined towards empathy</a><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(38, 38, 38); color: #262626; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 17px;">, intimacy and self-acceptance. They tend to be open to challenge and change, interested in universal rights and equality, and protective of other people and the living world."</span> George Monbiot. King of the Extrinsics.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Janet Vickershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01064735501871939254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827803749027085312.post-74607405964428461812024-01-29T10:19:00.000-08:002024-02-02T17:26:00.001-08:00Weaving The World - 2 long poems from Rupert Raj<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_kLaL-6N_41hkcH1mvhhWQRYy7bZVB7WSob08eUTKjs-f4vSdzO3dWySqHkF3bhscw5Ug4zQSzsiUo_j4tPb-BGJdw59VKAgzg7Npcdg8SUIcF4OLJGzItnOlx5jerWM2NtOsKh8ZWwcFRhhgC8HNCeKtm0e0rIVCL1AdIfUazh-RwwK85mx89Fmndu7U/s403/FlameInAction.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="357" data-original-width="403" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_kLaL-6N_41hkcH1mvhhWQRYy7bZVB7WSob08eUTKjs-f4vSdzO3dWySqHkF3bhscw5Ug4zQSzsiUo_j4tPb-BGJdw59VKAgzg7Npcdg8SUIcF4OLJGzItnOlx5jerWM2NtOsKh8ZWwcFRhhgC8HNCeKtm0e0rIVCL1AdIfUazh-RwwK85mx89Fmndu7U/w218-h193/FlameInAction.jpg" width="218" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; text-decoration: underline;">WEAVING THE WORLD</span><p></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: large;">On the loom of life, </span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">we are the weavers of the world---</span></p>
<p style="color: #0000cc; font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">diverse people</span></i></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">interweaving divergent tapestry threads </span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">into complex converging patterns</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">of life and death and new life,</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">of existential despair and hope,</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">of vulnerability and resilience.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We are the weavers of the world---</span></p>
<p style="color: #0000cc; font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">elders</span></i></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">weaving patterns</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">of ancient folkways surviving modernism,</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">of honourable values rather than selfish vices,</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">of wise teachings for our young.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We are the weavers of the world---</span></p>
<p style="color: #0000cc; font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">youth</span></i></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">weaving patterns</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">of rebellion against child control,</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">of innovation against anachronisms,</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">of hopes and dreams for our future.</span></p>
<p style="color: #009900; font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We are the weavers of the world---</span></p>
<p style="color: #0000cc; font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>girls and women</i> </span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">weaving patterns</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">of anti-sexism against misogyny,</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">of feminism and gender equality,</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">of collaboration with our feminist allies.</span></p>
<p style="color: #009900; font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We are the weavers of the world---</span></p>
<p style="color: #0000cc; font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>boys and men</i> </span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">weaving patterns</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">of anti-sexism against misandry,</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">of philandry and gender equality,</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">of collaboration with our philandrous and feminist allies.</span></p>
<p style="color: #009900; font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We are the weavers of the world---</span></p>
<p style="color: #0000cc; font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">intersex, trans, hijra and two-spirit people</span></i></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">weaving patterns</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">of celebratory gender diversity combatting genderphobia, </span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">of collaboration with our cisgender allies,</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">of a synergy of sexuality and spirituality.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We are the weavers of the world---</span></p>
<p style="color: #0000cc; font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">lesbian, gay, bi and pansexual people</span></i></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">weaving patterns</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">of celebratory sexual diversity combatting heterosexism, </span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">of collaboration with our straight allies,</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">of a synergy of sexuality and spirituality.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We are the weavers of the world---</span></p>
<p style="color: #0000cc; font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Indigenous peoples </span></i></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">weaving patterns</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">of colonialist genocide trauma and post-colonialist reconciliation,</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">of native spirituality in place of coercive Christianity,</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">of Earth medicine and a home on Turtle Island.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We are the weavers of the world---</span></p>
<p style="color: #0000cc; font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">people of colour </span></i></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">weaving patterns</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">of anti-racist work to fight White racism,</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">of different dialects instead of enforced Anglicisms, </span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">of peppery spices and soul songs.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We are the weavers of the world---</span></p>
<p style="color: #0000cc; font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>labour unionists</i> </span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">weaving patterns</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">of labour and management negotiation,</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">of bargaining in good faith against bad,</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">of compromise and collective agreements.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: right;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We are the weavers of the world---</span></p>
<p style="color: #0000cc; font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">social democrats and democratic socialists</span></i></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">weaving patterns</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">of differing left-wing economic and political policies,</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">both committed to social justice, and universal healthcare and education.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We are the weavers of the world---</span></p>
<p style="color: #0000cc; font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">artists and artisans </span></i></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">weaving patterns</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">of artistic integrity and homemade crafts</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">against mass production of tacky artifacts,</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">of art expressing emotional, sexual, cultural and political messages.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We are the weavers of the world---</span></p>
<p style="color: #0000cc; font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">counterculture rebels</span></i></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">weaving patterns</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">of peace protests against war,</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">of urban ghettos and hippie communes,</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">of coffee houses, beatniks and bongo drums. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We are the weavers of the world---</span></p>
<p style="color: #0000cc; font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">warriors and freedom fighters</span></i></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">weaving patterns</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">of social justice against injustice,</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">of civil disobedience despite punitive policing,</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">of creative passive resistance.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We are the weavers of the world---</span></p>
<p style="color: #0000cc; font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">visionaries and truth-seekers</span></i></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">weaving patterns</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">of cerebral and visceral knowing,</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">of critical thinking and gut feeling,</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">of direct sensory experience.</span></p><p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">We are the weavers of the world---</span></p><p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i style="color: #0000cc;">teachers </i><span style="font-size: large;">weaving patterns</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">of physics and metaphysics,</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">of empiricism and mysticism,</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">of book-learning and street smarts.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We are the weavers of the world---</span></p>
<p style="color: #0000cc; font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">(wounded) healers </span></i></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">weaving patterns</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">of emotional wellness over psychopathology,</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">of trauma recovery therapy,</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">of holistic healing of the body, mind, heart and soul.</span></p>
<p style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre;"> </span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We are the weavers of the world---</span></p>
<p style="color: #0000cc; font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">eco-activists, animal liberationists, Earth scientists and green politicians </span></i></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">weaving patterns </span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">of reducing our ecological footprint on Earth,</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">of responsible stewardship of our planet,</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">of liberation of tortured and enslaved animals.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We are the weavers of the world---</span></p>
<p style="color: #0000cc; font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Buddhists </span></i></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">weaving patterns </span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">of compassion, wisdom and Mindfulness, </span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">based on Buddha's teachings,</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">and of loving kindness for all Mother Earth's children.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We are the weavers of the world---</span></p>
<p style="color: #0000cc; font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">theistic humanists and secular humanists</span></i></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">weaving patterns </span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">of compassion, <span style="font-kerning: none;">reason and free thought,</span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none; font-size: medium;">respectively based on faith and science, and philosophy and science,</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none; font-size: medium;">and of solidarity with our human family</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: right;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We are the weavers of the world---</span></p>
<p style="color: #0000cc; font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Unitarian Universalists </span></i></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">weaving patterns </span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">of critical inquiry and spiritual growth,</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">of social and environmental justice,</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">and of a universal fellowship based on our eight principles.</span></p>
<p style="color: #0066ff; font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We are the weavers of the world---</span></p>
<p style="color: #0000cc; font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>social change agents</i> </span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">weaving patterns </span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">of conscience over complacency,</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">of creative action over academic discussion, </span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">of committment to positive change on our planet.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">As our living tapestry wears over time,</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">new threads come together</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">in a creative tension of warp and woof,</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">interweaving dialectical designs anew</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">on our dynamic fabric of life.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We are the weavers of the world---</span></p>
<p style="color: #0000cc; font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">diverse people</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">throughout time and space</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">weaving the collective human condition</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">and the changing connections of our lives...</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">© </span>2024 Rupert Raj</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium; text-align: left; text-decoration: underline;">OUR INTERCONNECTED EARTH COMMUNITY</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><i>Maawnjidwin</i></span>---</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">let us come together</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">across all countries, cultures, colours and creeds,</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">across all races, ethnicities, classes and faiths,</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">across all species on our Earth.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="color: #006600; font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Like the many waves in a vast ocean,</span></p>
<p style="color: #006600; font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">we are all interconnected:</span></p>
<p style="color: #006600; font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">red, black, brown, yellow, white and mixed race,</span></p>
<p style="color: #006600; font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">rich and poor, believers and non-believers.</span></p>
<p style="color: #006600; font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Let us break bread together</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">with people of all ages,</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">of all abilities and disabilities, </span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">of all sexes and genders, </span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">of all sexual preferences and gender expressions.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="color: #006600; font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Like the varied colours of the rainbow,</span></p>
<p style="color: #006600; font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">we are all interconnected:</span></p>
<p style="color: #006600; font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">straight, queer, pansexual, cisgender, </span></p>
<p style="color: #006600; font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">transgender, intersex, two-spirit and hijra.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">A culture of acceptance, not rejection,</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">of radical inclusivity, not exclusivity,</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">shall be our guiding light.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Let us acknowledge our essential intersections</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">and fight against religious and political oppression.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="color: #006600; font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Like the points of a shining star,</span></p>
<p style="color: #006600; font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">we are all interconnected:</span></p>
<p style="color: #006600; font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">atheist, theist and agnostic,</span></p>
<p style="color: #006600; font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">democrats, socialists and communists.</span></p><p style="color: #006600; font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Cooperation, not competition,</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">loving kindness, not cruelty,</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">peaceful co-existence, not polarized conflict,</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">forgiveness, not revenge, <br />
shall be our guiding lights.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Let us join hands in a circle of friendship.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: right;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="color: #006600; font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Like the many nodes of a spider's web,</span></p>
<p style="color: #006600; font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">we are all interconnected:</span></p>
<p style="color: #006600; font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Africans, Asians, South Sea Islanders, </span></p>
<p style="color: #006600; font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Europeans, Caribbeans, North and South Americans.</span></p>
<p style="color: #006600; font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Compromise, not dissension,</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">fairness, not inequity,</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">shall be our guiding lights.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Let us come to the bargaining table </span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">in express good faith,</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">making concessions as needed.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="color: #006600; font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Like the roots and branches of a tree,</span></p>
<p style="color: #006600; font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">we are all interconnected:</span></p>
<p style="color: #006600; font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">employers, trade unionists and negotiators.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Commitment, not complacency,</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">active caring, not indifference,</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">shall be our guiding lights.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Let us be stewards of our troubled planet, </span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">expanding our circle of care</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">to embrace all species.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="color: #006600; font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">As Mother Earth's children,</span></p>
<p style="color: #006600; font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">we are all interconnected:</span></p>
<p style="color: #006600; font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">humans, animals and plants,</span></p>
<p style="color: #006600; font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">and the oceans, mountains and skies.</span></p><p style="color: #006600; font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Children are our future hope---</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">their education, protection and nurturance</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">shall be our guiding lights.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Let us teach them well,</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">inspiring them by our example </span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">to carry on our good works.</span></p>
<p style="color: #0000cc; font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="color: #006600; font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">As elder visionary torchbearers,</span></p>
<p style="color: #006600; font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">we are passing on the torch to our youth,</span></p>
<p style="color: #006600; font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">to keep the flames of love and hope burning bright</span></p>
<p style="color: #006600; font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">for future generations to come.</span></p>
<p style="color: #006600; font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Courage, not cowardice,</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">pride not shame,</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">meaningful amends, not useless guilt,</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">shall be our guiding lights.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Let us summon the courage of our convictions</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">to carry out our good intentions as good actions.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="color: #006600; font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">As self-conscious creatures, </span></p>
<p style="color: #006600; font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">we experience existential angst,</span></p>
<p style="color: #006600; font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">dancing between despair and hope,</span></p>
<p style="color: #006600; font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">vulnerability and resilience.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Complex human beings,</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">our three “minds”---</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">reasonable mind, emotional mind and wise mind</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">(left brain, right brain and the“third eye”)---</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">shall be our guiding lights.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Let us use all three in our meaningful connections. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="color: #006600; font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">As diverse life sojourners,</span></p>
<p style="color: #006600; font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">we are all interconnected:</span></p>
<p style="color: #006600; font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">scientists, artists and mystics.</span></p><p style="color: #006600; font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Creative passive resistance, not violent means,</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">righteous indignation, not immoral<span style="color: #990000;"><b> </b></span>aggression,</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">constructive conflict resolution, not grudge wars,</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">shall be our guiding lights.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Let us fight social injustice and economic disparity</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">to redress the balance of power and privilege.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="color: #006600; font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">As social justice activists,</span></p>
<p style="color: #006600; font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">we are creating coalitions </span></p>
<p style="color: #006600; font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">with other freedom fighters</span></p>
<p style="color: #006600; font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">of all races, classes and genders.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Eco-conscientious, not eco-unprincipled, </span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">shall be our guiding lights.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">With warm hearts and wise minds,</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">let our transformative vision</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">become the changes we wish to see on Earth.</span></p>
<p style="color: #0000cc; font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="color: #006600; font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">As ecological activists, </span></p>
<p style="color: #006600; font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">we are working together </span></p>
<p style="color: #006600; font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">with eco-feminists, animal liberationists, green politicians,</span></p>
<p style="color: #006600; font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Earth scientists and environmental engineers.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Across our vast global village, </span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">we shall meet in the middle,</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">transcending our differences</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">and celebrating our commonalities.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Let us become an intentional community,</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">coming together in love and peace.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="color: #006600; font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Like interweaving threads of a living tapestry</span></p>
<p style="color: #006600; font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">on the loom of life,</span></p>
<p style="color: #006600; font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">we all co-create our interconnected Earth community---</span></p>
<p style="color: #006600; font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Namaste.</span></i></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">© </span>2024 Rupert Raj</span></p><div><br /></div>Janet Vickershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01064735501871939254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827803749027085312.post-29088289131180661682024-01-23T11:09:00.000-08:002024-01-23T11:22:13.719-08:00The Death of Humanity and The Rise of Artificial Morality<a href="https://chrishedges.substack.com/p/the-death-of-israel-a-talk-given"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://chrishedges.substack.com/p/the-death-of-israel-a-talk-given"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjT70pLjo9c6BJI68f__S5sXDFupQmqVoDgS3zCvO6TZ6fB-tPhZWzL0kKlG6yDPB3pgVTqQgdBjtQjezwNf99EXdPiLTwryS1QOw3iyH7HWQJXshAb4xLF_U6jt4SLsLeFkDt8uKxMAYBkZOnmqKU7eWrWdVBdtLrmy4qsNLVy7O4AHyo6ttx6Cnv3C2K/s4000/13daisycarpet.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjT70pLjo9c6BJI68f__S5sXDFupQmqVoDgS3zCvO6TZ6fB-tPhZWzL0kKlG6yDPB3pgVTqQgdBjtQjezwNf99EXdPiLTwryS1QOw3iyH7HWQJXshAb4xLF_U6jt4SLsLeFkDt8uKxMAYBkZOnmqKU7eWrWdVBdtLrmy4qsNLVy7O4AHyo6ttx6Cnv3C2K/s320/13daisycarpet.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><span style="font-family: Arial Unicode MS; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial Unicode MS; font-size: medium;">For some reason that might be easy to guess, knowing that guesses only inspire further learning, I see a pattern that indicates the death of humanity as power becomes the greatest addiction.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial Unicode MS; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial Unicode MS; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://chrishedges.substack.com/p/the-death-of-israel-a-talk-given">Chris Hedges</a> has warned of our inability to fully support life over power rather than power over life. Moral outrage has been silenced and replaced with everlasting war against "the other". </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial Unicode MS; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial Unicode MS; font-size: medium;">Toxic masculinity has invaded the public spaces like schools and business. When artificial intelligence becomes big business and billionaires develop a cocky response to questions of doing the right thing for the greater good.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial Unicode MS; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial Unicode MS; font-size: medium;">We have become alienated from our own best interests, such as survival for all, not just the fittest. We have swallowed so many slogans in our enthusiasm for worldliness, being "well informed". </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial Unicode MS; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial Unicode MS; font-size: medium;">How can we stop the endless slaughter of innocents during war? Will the future be endless war imposed on innocents until we no longer notice? Over the centuries of variously labelled wars and struggles for peace, we leave, escape, find new lands to live, rename ourselves, start new religions and buy new things.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial Unicode MS; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial Unicode MS; font-size: medium;">Where is this headed? Full worship of things and fear of whatever we can't control?</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial Unicode MS; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial Unicode MS; font-size: medium;">The end of birth giving feminine? Education and medicine is out of reach for many. Death of intelligence, art, love, music, dance? In countries where women are not allowed in public unless they are covered head to foot, not allowed to be seen or heard, is more than reminiscent of the days when children should be seen and not heard, while women who speak in public are locked in stocks.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial Unicode MS; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial Unicode MS; font-size: medium;">Men create society with money, literature, sport, law and entertainment, while the men who thumb their nose as trends and manners, become "great" in the public eye.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial Unicode MS; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial Unicode MS; font-size: medium;">Now the voice of bipoc and women is acknowledged, there is white supremacy, racism and misogyny threatening our peace. A nervous reaction to reason that makes violence predictable.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial Unicode MS; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial Unicode MS; font-size: medium;">Where is this headed? Will the feminine gender be herded naked into cold sheds without heat and food, until they die and a brave new world (Huxley) is created?</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial Unicode MS; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial Unicode MS; font-size: medium;">For our own mental health we need to be aware that new movements start and they are not always in our best interests. Men questioning their personal greatness, creating worlds where everything is overlooked except their own importance. A world where children are tortured, starved and murdered, where education and social integrity is dismissed for fast cars and rockets?</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial Unicode MS; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial Unicode MS; font-size: medium;">Is this ridiculous? If so what is holding our society in place?</span></div><div><div><span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; font-size: 18px;"> </span><br style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; font-size: 18px;" /><p> </p></div></div>Janet Vickershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01064735501871939254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827803749027085312.post-46035226984520689342024-01-20T11:08:00.000-08:002024-01-22T17:24:24.365-08:00Imagining a Hundred Years in the Future<p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih3qAXwtXnAY2Fth-qXD0Q5jYdPY_Ve64LnAfUnUeT9rLFB5YDyYfqUPS-_Y5dcVALct7E1xbUzT1WXhikit42JeQGQNRNqAJUxBJUBM83V9fb6i3OPfR33rZX71x7gYpeVwdpQPiHqSDp40tOx_jnq_T_np988r_VGub2IpqYmyI0_MBBGncqxwtkWb2Y/s386/bullocracy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="236" data-original-width="386" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih3qAXwtXnAY2Fth-qXD0Q5jYdPY_Ve64LnAfUnUeT9rLFB5YDyYfqUPS-_Y5dcVALct7E1xbUzT1WXhikit42JeQGQNRNqAJUxBJUBM83V9fb6i3OPfR33rZX71x7gYpeVwdpQPiHqSDp40tOx_jnq_T_np988r_VGub2IpqYmyI0_MBBGncqxwtkWb2Y/s320/bullocracy.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br />Based on the politics today - we hear of wars, using children as enemy targets, the re-establishment of misogyny, racism and fascism - the end of democracy and civilization. </span><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The centuries of witch hunts silenced feminine wisdom making it the servant of white male power. Capitalism created the working class used in factories and religious beliefs that preached poverty as laziness. </span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Very useful for right wing politics.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Where is this trend heading? Cruelty as threat to community. Family and friends competing for status. Political parties who make a woman's body the property of the nation. Holding up the law as the means to deliver justice but not if you're female. A new slave trade. In China female infants sold or drowned.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Schools train children to serve factories (or offices if the're lucky). Training to make them useful in factories and offices. The High Street to sell off your wares, to install consumerism in the town. Shopping centres to display the things you need to buy.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">New fashions to show off your dedication to modernity. Reshuffling the class system through media and education. Praise for those who had the money to buy it.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">WWI and WWII to threaten the peace and turn notions of morality into courage to fight on battlefields designed by people you'd never meet. Public calls to annihilate newly identified minorities. New minorities to exploit while claiming to offer a home to those displaced by war.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Television in everyones home to watch shows where everyone competes and only one or two win. Desperate struggles to win the top prize. Showing off young children to old folks, singing in front of moving cameras, promising fame and wealth. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Will this end? If so how will it end? </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">There are powers that seek absolute control. A future designed by clever minds to further centralize power.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">How can we promise a future for all life on this planet? Will we </span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">recognize ourselves in a hundred years? </span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">As long as we humans create systems that benefit a few while looking for scapegoats our future is not utopian. </span></p>Janet Vickershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01064735501871939254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827803749027085312.post-18492816921154414162024-01-17T12:52:00.000-08:002024-01-17T12:52:56.479-08:00PASS IT ALONG - Transatlantic Session<iframe width="480" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/nNj7LyHqwFE?si=ZNWgbR6-kIYfEXjX" frameborder="0"></iframe>Janet Vickershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01064735501871939254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827803749027085312.post-72028941970638020512024-01-15T13:14:00.000-08:002024-01-15T13:14:27.528-08:00Dear Flowers<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEoiyTp8PVHnmB9apVF6SigtFYu0fNAKW7cf3kfH2A8IgKLaWVO0B8oGvPtMFxPz4MosH2MBnGLz62pIx-uSgdVEPjZVp2Ah_CUsbL-plC6UWQ5zygK8OzkKj4lijcn25vvDEcVT3r9lbcSUmWZh_K4pjxTBpDneHtvawEl17z6iyiJUQuhBk2paJMEl5V/s4000/0FADE8F3-6F1C-4015-9155-4DB586F771BF.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEoiyTp8PVHnmB9apVF6SigtFYu0fNAKW7cf3kfH2A8IgKLaWVO0B8oGvPtMFxPz4MosH2MBnGLz62pIx-uSgdVEPjZVp2Ah_CUsbL-plC6UWQ5zygK8OzkKj4lijcn25vvDEcVT3r9lbcSUmWZh_K4pjxTBpDneHtvawEl17z6iyiJUQuhBk2paJMEl5V/w532-h400/0FADE8F3-6F1C-4015-9155-4DB586F771BF.jpeg" width="532" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Dear Flowers</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">You brighten and humble us humans with your constant beauty and humility. You speak volumes and say nothing. You never complain that people are destroying your home or that weather makes you wet and cold. Your reds are bright, your greens are uplifting, your seeds are staunch and tiny, your perfume is welcoming and gentle. Now I know some flowers are not light in scent but you have a job to do and must do it for the sake of bees and insects and interdependent web of life which we are all a part.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">In appreciation,</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Janet</span></p>Janet Vickershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01064735501871939254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827803749027085312.post-14741063048519898672024-01-09T14:51:00.000-08:002024-01-10T12:49:28.732-08:00The Eighth Principle (Canadian Unitarian Council of Canada)<p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: 36px;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDNbhAVtCUOOBqwUYpKH8GLBgUTeC3VJ553hBXkN7_kfL3Vx0gcibM4MdglObu13KK1Euj3SLHWPbItQxr5mgT-BI_TBnlK81QYRbzhf41sP40KZCJ7wKDZCda3F3IFOB5M3QA29UCQHAKXmK8U1zrBRd5LE4mBX9fcWk2OErdfVdYJqCGCJJq6kLFJxKc/s356/hope.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="335" data-original-width="356" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDNbhAVtCUOOBqwUYpKH8GLBgUTeC3VJ553hBXkN7_kfL3Vx0gcibM4MdglObu13KK1Euj3SLHWPbItQxr5mgT-BI_TBnlK81QYRbzhf41sP40KZCJ7wKDZCda3F3IFOB5M3QA29UCQHAKXmK8U1zrBRd5LE4mBX9fcWk2OErdfVdYJqCGCJJq6kLFJxKc/s320/hope.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br />The <span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><i>8th</i></b></span><span style="font-size: 36px;"> Principle</span></span><p></p><p style="border: 0px; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 21px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> <span style="text-align: center;">“We, the member congregations of the Canadian Unitarian Council, covenant to affirm and promote: </span><span style="text-align: center;">Individual and communal action that accountably dismantles racism and systemic barriers to full inclusion in ourselves and our institutions.” </span>https://youtu.be/1aWVP15y17s</span></p><p style="border: 0px; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 21px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">But how do we fight racism, antisemitism, class, genders and all other labels that place people in categories for the sake of exclusion?</span></span></p><p style="border: 0px; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 21px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The reason that people have been labeled is to keep the lord of the manor comfortable, so he can keep his house clean and tidy by employing servants to deal with the domestic issues. Then his servants want what he has so the lord must invent some new categories.</span></span></p><p style="border: 0px; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 21px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Keeping a society running smoothly never happens without some conflict but when that conflict involves force and violence, the cause is forgotten and new problems arise.</span></span></p><p style="border: 0px; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 21px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The first thing the mind seeks is to believe it's not my fault. (a) I am a good person, I am innocent, I am not comfortable learning about how others, especially if it gives me unearned privilege. </span></span></p><p style="border: 0px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I naturally want to believe I have earned my status, my position, my wealth. So whenever a </span></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">privileged person is accused of having privilege they often deny it. Unless of course they are "woke".</span></span></span></p><p style="border: 0px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36); color: #202124;">"Woke is an adjective derived from African-American Vernacular English (AAVE) meaning "alert to racial prejudice and discrimination". Beginning in the 2010s, it came to encompass a broader awareness of social inequalities such as racial injustice, sexism, and denial of LGBT rights." </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woke#:~:text=Woke%20is%20an%20adjective%20derived,and%20denial%20of%20LGBT%20rights.">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woke#:~:text</a></span></p><p style="border: 0px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">But although there are more diverse conversations they include holding onto privilege by calling it something else and using more pressure (racism) towards those who are not in the privileged group.</span></p><p style="border: 0px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">This all seems quite easy and reasonable, however the pushback means that the privileged are willing to invent "reasons" for their status. The easiest way is to make fun of "woke" people.</span></p><p style="border: 0px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Conversations indicate generally we have not understood how our socializing history has been about creating classes of privilege, breaking them down, rebuilding with new prejudices.</span></p><p style="border: 0px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">No doubt the status quo relies on using media to sustain their privilege by calling it something else. Class, talent, intelligence, organization, quality, rationality, communication and justice.</span></p><p style="border: 0px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">All of our labels have been soiled by self interest. It started in the Garden of Eden before Abraham was born. And dear reader you might be asking how would I know that? Well of course I wouldn't.</span></p><p style="border: 0px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Everything humanity has invented was based on desire more than knowledge. Everything we have learned, written, sung, spoken is born by desire first then establishment. Until we learned the hard way that knowledge was more than words.</span></p><p style="border: 0px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">For centuries we lived in caves and if not centuries then years. We survived storms, famine, war and struggle. We created stories to explain how we got here, and weapons to kill our food and other tribes who wanted to eat too.</span></p><p style="border: 0px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Then we created bigger stories to sustain our beliefs which include labels for different DNA's like skin colour, brain size, strengths and weakness, family origins, and ownership.</span></p><p style="border: 0px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Yes I know this is simplistic and beyond this is the larger universe. </span></p><p style="border: 0px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Our planet has been beautiful but we are destroying it now, believing we must survive. What is the final cause? How do we get the whole world to agree on who is destroying the world and how to take responsibility for it.</span></p><p style="border: 0px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The loudest arguments are organized by powerful interests ... corporations who have established boards, laws, preferences, languages. And still we deny our own parts in what we describe as problems.</span></p><p style="border: 0px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Still we are annoyed by 'the experts on what others do wrong'. Still we shut up that which we do not want to hear.</span></p><p style="border: 0px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">And still there are millions of people who sign up to spend millions on how to save lives. How to solve the problems we face. </span></p>Janet Vickershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01064735501871939254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827803749027085312.post-64041096470326290882024-01-08T01:00:00.000-08:002024-02-28T15:20:44.805-08:00George Yancy On The Horrors of This Age<p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxOn9gPHYZxLGh_qDykNqfYAk3xrn5tJYqJh2itgV1LkhXLq4SwggVtkUe8hvmB5JgTfDqmMf0GTIJM-tpW9Rjqdkx_eN4QYkpIa21diVywkt9lKSbTK6mEcI0uK0WerjLk-P3pgvRDLnHV89jC1Ph_7g_YtLbkteFCtUHUIK1MQJnWJcDAJHMFWAmj4kM/s521/treeoflife.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="419" data-original-width="521" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxOn9gPHYZxLGh_qDykNqfYAk3xrn5tJYqJh2itgV1LkhXLq4SwggVtkUe8hvmB5JgTfDqmMf0GTIJM-tpW9Rjqdkx_eN4QYkpIa21diVywkt9lKSbTK6mEcI0uK0WerjLk-P3pgvRDLnHV89jC1Ph_7g_YtLbkteFCtUHUIK1MQJnWJcDAJHMFWAmj4kM/s320/treeoflife.jpeg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br />George Yancy: "As a philosopher, I find myself struggling to find the words to communicate moments like these, moments when the world is filled with so much violence, suffering, dread and injustice. As philosophers, we are taught to think with clarity, to reason, to be philosophical — that is, to remain calm in the face of great difficulty. I’m not always convinced that the academic study of philosophy has what it takes to tarry with the burden of human suffering, to face it, to describe its horror..."</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">"Think of the horrors that are encircling us: wars, genocide, xenophobia, femicide, anti-Black racism, mass incarceration, the rise of unabashed white nationalism within the U.S. and the spread of far right populism globally, the breakdown of democracy, climate crisis. Add to this the killing of over 1,200 people in Israel and the over 22,000 Palestinians killed in Gaza. Over 5,000 Palestinian children have been wiped from the face of the Earth by Israel’s continued genocidal war."</span> <a href="https://truthout.org/articles/how-can-philosophy-speak-to-a-world-in-crisis-the-answer-may-lie-in-our-bodies/?utm_source=Truthout&utm_campaign=be70a0a56d-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2023_11_16_08_07_COPY_02&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-046450dcb0-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D">https://truthout.org/articles/how-can-philosophy-speak-to-a-world-in-crisis-the-answer-may-lie-in-our-bodies/?utm</a></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">I am not trained as a psychologist or sociologist but I have thoughts about how to respond. That's all I have. I have read news articles, listened to radio programs on current events, thought about them at church.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">So here is this old nobody an old nobody tackling this thought and the first response I expect is -- there's nothing you can do so just get on with your own life. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">My life is filled with family and friends who care about what happens to me and others. We are humbled because evil is so easy and morality is so hard.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Today at Church we were given permission to take this weight from our minds and our bones. But this doesn't mean we do nothing. This doesn't mean forget it. It means finding a way to connect to our humanity. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">To believe we are isolated units with no connection to the world we live in is a lie, and I suspect it is a lie on purpose.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">What is the purpose? What can the purpose be? It's nurturing, taking care of the world, much like housecleaning, repairing. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The world is not just roads and buildings. It is our relationship to it. Would I be on the right path to say we have been raised to believe we don't have the power, we have been lead to believe through media and finance, we should let the big boys deal with it and just get on with our lives, then every four years go out an vote?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Worrying thoughts that come from those who are not famous don't count.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Thousands of writers, scientists, poets and doctors have written about this yet the world is still in danger. But don't give up yet, don't sell yourself short. There are clues in our questions even as our friends and family no longer invite us to dinner parties because we annoy everyone who simply want to get together to enjoy a meal.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">But here are questions that need, that bleed for our attention, our tears, our sleepless nights until we can agree on changing course.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">1. Liberal Capitalism favours power over integrity. If money has a louder voice than your grandmother settle for a society where a few have power over the majority. Power that's unexamined dismisses life as a means to an end but not a reason for survival.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">2. Those who give birth, care and feed humanity are required to fit in, not create sustainable practices. The market is to serve the life it protects and engages, not the other way around. The economy must serve the world it lives in.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">3. Being tough includes accepting truths that make us uncomfortable, not dismissing them. Truth is truth whether we accept it or not.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">4. Violence never settles differences, it attempts to squash those who try to reach out to settle.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">5. War gives up on life. War says death is good, life is unmanageable. Death creates a scorched earth without flags or flowers. War supports the arms industry not women, men, dogs and cats. War destroys houses, schools and shopping malls.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">6. When people decide to fight we must fight injustice, hate and violence.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">7. Yes there are people who do not care about life, they care about winning, which never lasts for long if the party that lost must starve, freeze, be enslaved and tortured. We cannot kill them all without putting ourselves in the conflict.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">8. Societies have found ways to elevate themselves by promoting hate, but their solution only lasts as long as the defeated are imprisoned.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">9. Hearts that don't bleed are dead. Bodies with dead hearts are dead within a few minutes.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">10. Life and its survival is based on feminine and masculine principles. The reason we are in so much trouble is because hierarchies rarely valued both genders equally. This is a teachable moment.</span></p>Janet Vickershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01064735501871939254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827803749027085312.post-34549978673367453062024-01-05T13:36:00.000-08:002024-01-05T13:36:40.198-08:00Why Do I Write These Posts?<p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6FthyScOQoBie7r8ZhphZJY-oWtNI2ruMKSEFkcxX-K6aAQxpDNggsU6WthxTD60JbF7Nsaf2IpZH0gauY215YOdl-Zgil2j1i15M4Pifc_oWuvf-JAoLvUxYJNlarIJ8Qm8djSDC4WzajlZ2LB1ENjI_TZGWlnSC_YUhyrTPJSG72QCtn4mZ55i2xAXw/s873/powerunit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="873" height="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6FthyScOQoBie7r8ZhphZJY-oWtNI2ruMKSEFkcxX-K6aAQxpDNggsU6WthxTD60JbF7Nsaf2IpZH0gauY215YOdl-Zgil2j1i15M4Pifc_oWuvf-JAoLvUxYJNlarIJ8Qm8djSDC4WzajlZ2LB1ENjI_TZGWlnSC_YUhyrTPJSG72QCtn4mZ55i2xAXw/s320/powerunit.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br />Because news and media articles can write about action to change or defend laws, but does not allow media to talk about why the laws are there, why there is outrage for some and not for others. Mainly because (I suspect) writing on feelings does not produce proof.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">For example there is much coverage on public outrage or support. The back rooms and town halls that initiate or stop action, the NIMBY acts, the Anti-Abortion movement, the Anti-immigrant protests, and anti-tax protests. My mind rolls over and over thinking about the why's.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The danger is spreading my own unexamined prejudices. It's easy for me to think, no more generalizations from this blog or mouth. Write only what you know. But I fail to stick to that.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">In my head there exists a lot of noise, a lot of questions, then a lot of suspicion. It's an Orwellian disease. Even the author of 1984 used a pen name. Why?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">But I refuse to keep my laptop unplugged when so much injustice has been done to so many. I refuse to fall asleep straight away when I climb into bed.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Back to the anti-abortion movement as it evolves in the states where life only has value if it creates profit. The night time is where my emotions rule.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">There is a belief that emotion should not govern politics and yet it shows up in acts of racist and misogynist habits.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">For example, the recent cases of women being charged with murder after miscarrying. The women who have no money for food or housing being criminalized for getting pregnant while the men who provided the womb with the seed never even face accusation without a costly legal trial.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">I am way past believing the anti-abortion movement is about the right to life when men organize wars and women who have the money to pay for medical care, go unchallenged in their right for health.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">For centuries, only women who were part of a moneyed family could press charges against rape or get an education. The poor were called trash then and we treat them like trash today, but disguised in a moral gloss of self-control. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Capitalism has enabled us to spout opinions without demanding any cost or responsibility from us. Socially there is a cost but we don't seem to talk about it enough. The homeless, the poor, the hungry, are problems. But pollution and climate change are "issues" separate from our own moral obligations.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">What emerges in so-called conservative ridings are ways to ensure the people of colour, the women and children are locked into road blocks. A woman trying to escape a violent partner is given a death sentence when she gets pregnant. It sounds extreme but that is the reality.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Children born into a family of domestic abuse, suffer during their most vulnerable years and become adults with no self-esteem without tireless inner work on themselves.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Men lauded as heroes receive admiration starting wars, corporations that create bombs and guns, yet are ridiculed for acknowledging feelings of regret. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Most of our injustices begin inside our heads where we give up space or rights or voice without trying. Believing we have no power is the first gate to overcome. Next is attempting to control others (what they think and say).</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Today I am not going to apologize for talking about the politics that matters to me.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>Janet Vickershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01064735501871939254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827803749027085312.post-3153719463069966182023-12-31T09:53:00.000-08:002024-01-03T10:44:50.839-08:00Ask the difficult questions without expecting easy answers<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf4xTcnXB2bMirY-MV094XH0a96S5IfWdnRXeDCqK-AUrAMJeUJ-r7_MV43qo24ayp42mxSanZHItN_yDky7LqovAIvSrz7xvAwWfwEM8k7fU-wi0pudtxN8Hf9PgbOhVSk-pPcNV3GSMDA2GwbL9WBGwLN97zVFh__s9vXf93H6Ot0P_Hg4uRB3JXfF3G/s4000/07DrumbegHeron.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf4xTcnXB2bMirY-MV094XH0a96S5IfWdnRXeDCqK-AUrAMJeUJ-r7_MV43qo24ayp42mxSanZHItN_yDky7LqovAIvSrz7xvAwWfwEM8k7fU-wi0pudtxN8Hf9PgbOhVSk-pPcNV3GSMDA2GwbL9WBGwLN97zVFh__s9vXf93H6Ot0P_Hg4uRB3JXfF3G/s320/07DrumbegHeron.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Where did I put the calendars I purchased from Elizabeth? Why can't I stand up and look through the cupboards to find lost things? And why can't I remember things when my balance is poor?</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">What will it take for the majority of kind, caring and considerate people to influence the isolated lonely souls who seek only to rule the world? It's past time for us to understand that war and violence harms us all even if we gain wealth from it, it's only fleeting small things like trinkets and fame? </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The billionaires who stash wealth away from sight for fear of being taxed too much, who put locks on their doors and keep guns in their night table, send their kids to private schools and only wear clothes no-one else can afford - that is to design a lifestyle where they their positions are undisputed, where they have proved to the world they are number one, must be really stressed out. They must need our sympathy not jealousy. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Life is given mysteriously beyond the sperm and the egg. We have no control which one will enter the waiting egg. No control over the quality of that union, egg or sperm. The anti-abortion movement fears what? When does my power become someone else's responsibility?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">When does life begin? </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">When does my responsibility begin?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">What can I do to support a world where we have empathy before judgement? How can I be a responsible citizen where the majority of us weigh the burdens of our needs without knowing everything that happens?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Our minds and knowledge and education can liberate us to a degree, but we cannot control everything unless we kill everything we hear or see? Currently we have some souls who dedicate their working lives to kill thousands or millions and some who may be planning to kill everything else but how can we talk to them, listen to their fears?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">There are so many who are needy of shelter, food, companionship and self-respect, because we have been raised in worlds that profess to value only the top.</span></p><p><br /></p>Janet Vickershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01064735501871939254noreply@blogger.com0