PeaceRipples

Preserving the Bounty

2010-08-21T21:45:00.003-04:00

What does food preservation have to do with peace? At least two things. First, I have long believed that one of the most important steps towards peace is to eliminate hunger. Hungry people are not peaceful (as those who have seen me when I need to eat can attest). Also, although my behavior this morning during the canning process was not peaceful (see note about hungry people) I do find that spending time looking for recipe ideas and, on rare occasions, preparing something special, helps to increase my inner peace.

Last night our neighbour Rachel gave me an armful of zucchini from her garden. I had been looking at a recipe for Prize Winning Zucchini Relish so I decided this was the perfect use for them. Sherry had brought home some onions from her sister Barbie’s garden, and we had a red pepper left over from last week’s market purchases. A trip to Sobey’s to pick up the canned green chilies and canning salt, and then a phone call to Janet, our spice supplier, for some turmeric, and we had all the ingredients ready to go. Charles did most of the chopping, with some help from me, and we finished off the canning this morning after market. We wound up with six bottles of relish and a delightful smelling kitchen.

Tonight I pickled some mushrooms using suggestions from The Nourished Kitchen’s Preserve the Bounty Challenge:

To Preserve in Vinegar:

Clean your vegetables, herbs or fruits thoroughly and pat them dry.
Pack the vegetables, fruits or herbs in a quart-sized jar.
Bring vinegar and spices of your choice to a boil, pour this mixture over vegetables or fruits (but not herbs), cap and store.
If preserving herbs, simply pack the clean herbs in a jar, cover with vinegar, cap and store.

I used fresh herbs from our garden (chives, rosemary, red basil, and oregano) plus 2 cloves of garlic. I filled 3 small jars with mushrooms, although after pouring in the vinegar, the mushrooms floated to the top and made it appear that they would have fit into 2 small jars, but as I was packing them in there didn’t seem to be that much space. I guess the heated vinegar made them shrink a bit. Right now I’m enjoying the smell of the herbs on my hands.

Tomorrow, I’d like to harvest a jar’s worth of chives and put them in vinegar, too. It would make a nice addition to my bean salad later on in the year.

Right now, though, I have a kitchen in need of cleaning.

Profits Over People

2010-06-04T14:18:00.002-04:00

We live in a society that seems to be built on putting profits over people. Companies are always so worried about their bottom line, and keeping their share prices up, and being able to pay dividends to shareholders, but they lose sight of the needs of the people working for them. What is a company without employees? But they take their employees for granted. They say that sales are down, so the employees will have to have their hours cut. But then they turn around and report to their shareholders that sales are up, and they are paying out dividends. How many employees had to cut back a little, here and there, so that those shareholders could get their dividends? How much extra pressure are those employees under, trying to do the same amount of work in less time, or with fewer people, so that those shareholders could get their dividends?

When is the revolution coming? It seems like we've been waiting a long time for it, but the have's just keep getting stronger while the have-not's fight amongst themselves.

World Gratitude - Wave 8 Begins Today

2010-03-15T22:38:00.003-04:00

Image by jmtimages via Flickr

A friend on Facebook (yes, I know, I called it an evil website just a few days ago) sent me an invite to a group there called World Gratitude. I quickly became a "fan", and then went exploring to see what exactly was going on. The main website, World Gratitude, asks, "What Will *Your* Life Be Like, 42 Days from now, after Enlightening the World with our Gifts of Gratitude and Connecting with our Growing Family of Gratitude?" If you sign up, as I did, for this 42 day program, you'll get an email message each day to guide you through this experiment. (It isn't necessary to start on March 15, you can join anytime.)

There was also a link, on the Facebook page, to a Blog titled Inner Space. I'm not entirely clear yet on how it ties in (I thought it was supposed to be where they're posting each day's entries, but there's nothing posted today, so I may be wrong about that) - regardless, there's some worthwhile articles there. On January 1, 2009, they posted Day 1 - Wake to Dream - enjoy!

It was a wonderful bit of synchronicity for me, hearing about this website and program today. Just last week I decided I needed to take up my gratitude journal again. Every night before I go to bed, I write out a list of 10 things I'm grateful for. As soon as I'd made the decision to start this, my heart felt lighter. Another time, I'll share a sample here. For now, I encourage you to check out World Gratitude.

Come Alive!

2010-03-12T23:29:00.003-05:00

Image by tricky ™ via Flickr

A quote I'd like to share with you today:

Don't ask so much what the world needs. Go out and do what makes you come alive, because what the world needs most are people who have come alive

Howard Thurman, American philosopher, 1899-1981

Facebook is Evil!

2010-03-11T22:20:00.003-05:00

That *may* be overstating it somewhat, but Facebook has become my favourite stress reliever. And this semester has been very, very stressful. I'm taking Poverty in Canada, which I was quite excited to be taking, at first. You thought you knew how bad poverty is in Canada? Me, too. But reading statistic after statistic, all saying, in their own way, "this is bad," gets very depressing after awhile. So, I'd study until I got overwhelmed, and then go beat up teddy bears on Facebook. (Yes, there's an app, called Teddy's Turf, where everyone is a bear, beating up other bears. It's fun, in a mindless sort of way. Not exactly peaceful, though.)

And then last night I realized, "Hey, when was the last time I posted to my blog?" Over two months ago, it turns out. Almost three. So, I'm going on a Facebook diet. No more beating up teddy bears for fun and relaxation. (There's Save The Planet for that. In moderation, of course.) I joined Facebook to connect with people. I started this blog for basically the same reason. I need to keep both connections going.

I'm back! Please, post a comment if you have a moment. I could use some encouragement. One of the reasons I haven't been writing here is that it's gotten quite lonely. I need to hear from you!

Today's Daily Thought

2009-12-14T09:54:00.004-05:00

Image by L’Enfant Terrible via Flickr

I subscribe to "Your Daily Thought", a newsletter that sends me a quote every day, along with a poem once a week. Most of the quotes I've posted here came from it. I keep a file of the ones I like best.

Today's quote is from Deepak Chopra:

Our most important task is to transform our consciousness so that violence is no longer an option for us in our personal lives, that understanding that a world of peace is possible only if we relate to each other as peaceful beings, one individual at a time.

Wise words. Huge challenge. Are you up for it? Remember the last phrase: "one individual at a time." Repeat often.

"I'm thinking of you"

2009-12-02T22:07:00.002-05:00

Image by -l.i.l.l.i.a.n- via Flickr

Today at work, a customer came up to the cash wanting my opinion on a card she had picked out. A friend of hers had a grandchild, 3 years old, who had recently suffered a brain injury and wasn't expected to recover. The card she had chosen was simple, and while I can't remember the exact text, the message was basically "I'm thinking of you". Fighting back tears, I told her I thought it was perfect.

It seems as if the more people you know, the more often you find yourself in a position such as this. A friend is in pain of some sort, and you want to reach out to them but you don't know what to say. I'm not advising that you should go out and buy them a card, unless that is what you want to do, but in whatever way works for you, a heartfelt "I'm thinking of you" goes a long way. It may not relieve their pain, but it will remind them that they are not alone and that there are friends who care about them.

And the wall came tumbling down

2009-11-04T18:59:00.002-05:00

Image via Wikipedia

I read this article in yesterday's Globe and Mail, which I would like to share. It made me feel all warm and tingly, and re-affirmed my faith in humanity.

From the article:

[Bella Arpad's] split-second decision in August of 1989 transformed this once-impervious barrier stretching from the Adriatic to the Baltic into something more like a bead curtain, and likely precipitated the events that caused the Berlin Wall to be opened on Nov. 9, 1989.

Monday's Berlin Wall anniversary will be celebrated around the world, but the real end of the Iron Curtain took place on Aug. 19, 1989, when hundreds and then thousands of East Germans were permitted to pour across the mined, fenced and fortified barrier at the Hungarian-Austrian crossing – in large part because Mr. Arpad decided not to obey his rules of engagement.

---

“We had very clear instructions to fire warning shots first, and to shoot individuals who tried to challenge us,” [Arpad] said. “I knew I would be in very serious trouble if I disobeyed. But if I fired, it would create a panic and a rush, and then we would have to use even more violence to deal with that, and a lot of people would be killed.”

Many factors came together on that day, such as political changes in the USSR, Poland, and Hungary, and of course the daring of the 150 East German people who decided to test the border, but it was the courage of one man who stood up for what he believed to be right that made the difference. The politicians were ready and willing for the border to be crossed, but no one had thought to tell the soldiers. Even so, this soldier chose to risk his career rather than obey a bad order, and that decision contributed to the fall of the Berlin Wall not long after.

And "they" say that one person can't change the world!

Quotes from my Collection

2009-08-16T21:59:00.002-04:00

Image via Wikipedia

Mankind must remember that peace is not God's gift to his creatures;
peace is our gift to each other.
(Elie Wiesel, 1986 Nobel Peace Prize, born 1928)

Peace cannot be achieved through violence,
it can only be attained through understanding.
(Albert Einstein, Nobel Prize winning physicist, 1879-1955)

If you judge people, you don't have the time to love them.
(Mother Teresa, 1979 Nobel Peace Prize, 1910-1997)

Until he extends the circle of his compassion to all living things,
man will not himself find peace.
(Albert Schweitzer, French theologian and missionary, 1952 Nobel Peace Prize,1875-1965)

More House Arrest for Aung San Suu Kyi

2009-08-11T18:33:00.002-04:00

Image via Wikipedia

In my last post I said that I wanted to focus more on good news, although I also stated that I would continue to post about things that had me upset. Today, I want to combine these two approaches into one post. I'd like to briefly profile a woman who is known for her dedication to the ideals of democracy, peace, and nonviolence, and to ask you to take action on her behalf.

Aung San Suu Kyi has been a hero of mine since I first heard about her, back in the early 90's. To quickly sum up her biography, she is the duly elected leader of the Burmese people (Burma is also known as Myanmar), a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, author of "Freedom From Fear" and other books, and has been under house arrest for 14 of the past 20 years.

Her house arrest has just been extended for another 18 months. This is widely viewed as a ploy by the ruling military junta to prevent her from winning the upcoming elections to be held next year - the first election since she won a huge majority back in 1990.

Some background from the BBC (this was written before the verdict was announced):
The choices facing Burma's military

News report of the verdict:
Burma court finds Suu Kyi guilty

Amnesty International (USA):
Online Petition

Avaaz.Org
Online Petition

Aung San Suu Kyi on non-violence:
Watch the video

I wanted to close with a quote from Aung San Suu Kyi, but it's hard to pick out just one, so I chose three instead. I recommend reading here for more of her words.

"The quintessential revolution is that of the spirit, born of an intellectual conviction of the need for change in those mental attitudes and values which shape the course of a nation's development. A revolution which aims merely at changing official policies and institutions with a view to an improvement in material conditions has little chance of genuine success. Without a revolution of the spirit, the forces which produced the iniquities of the old order would continue to be operative, posing a constant threat to the process of reform and regeneration. It is not enough merely to call for freedom, democracy and human rights. There has to be a united determination to persevere in the struggle, to make sacrifices in the name of enduring truths, to resist the corrupting influences of desire, ill will, ignorance and fear."

"Those of us who decided to work for democracy in Burma made our choice in the conviction that the danger of standing up for basic human rights in a repressive society was preferable to the safety of a quiescent life in servitude. Ours is a nonviolent movement that depends on faith in the human predilection for fair play and compassion.
Some would insist that man is primarily an economic animal interested only in his material well-being. This is too narrow a view of a species which has produced numberless brave men and women who are prepared to undergo relentless persecution to uphold deeply held beliefs and principles. It is my pride and inspiration that such men and women exist in my country today."

"Fearlessness may be a gift but perhaps more precious is the courage acquired through endeavour, courage that comes from cultivating the habit of refusing to let fear dictate one's actions, courage that could be described as 'grace under pressure' — grace which is renewed repeatedly in the face of harsh, unremitting pressure."

What the world needs now is more good news

2009-08-06T20:00:00.002-04:00

Image by Denis Collette...!!! via Flickr

Tomorrow is my final exam for PACS 201: Roots of Conflict, Violence and Peace, so I’ve been busily reviewing as much of the course material as I can. (No, I didn’t just start studying today! But I’ve been trying to do a quick final run-through before the big day.) A couple of the readings got me thinking about ideas I wanted to post, and I really liked the way one thing led to another.

People successfully resolve conflict in a peaceful manner everyday, all over the world. It’s not news. In this light, perhaps it is a good thing that it’s mostly only “bad news” that gets all the media attention. After all, if what’s being reported is what’s uncommon, I’d rather it was bad stuff that was uncommon, wouldn’t you? The downside to this, however, is that what is reported starts to seem like it must be more common than it is, since it’s all we hear about, and this can become a self-fulfilling prophecy.

I am perhaps as guilty of this as the evening news. While I have sometimes posted about positive things that are being done in the world, it has been too easy much of the time to use this blog to write about the latest bit of bad news that’s got me upset. Which I’ll still continue to do. BUT. I want to balance the bad news with as much good as I can find to share with you, and I invite you to help me out by pointing me in the direction of good news items you’ve come across.

One of the people I learned about in this course is Elise Boulding. I’ll quote wikipedia to give you a quick bio:

Elise M. Boulding is a Quaker sociologist, and author credited as a major contributor to creating the academic discipline of Peace and Conflict Studies. Her holistic, multidimensional approach to peace research sets her apart as an important scholar and activist in multiple fields. Her written works span several decades and range from discussion of family as a foundation for peace, to Quaker spirituality to reinventing the international “global culture”. Particularly of note is her emphasis on women and family in the peace process.

She is considered to be one of the most influential peace researchers and activists of the 20th century.

I also found an interview with her on the Spirit of Ma’at website which I hope you will take the time to read. In it she talks about the vast numbers of people who are, right now, working for peace, and she says that if only more people realized how much peace work was already being done, it would “change world consciousness.” She wants us to be aware, and to share our awareness, of the good work that is being done and who is doing it.

I had already come up with my “let’s share some good news here” idea before reading this interview, so I read this as a call to action. Elise Boulding is just one of the people I’d like to bring your attention to. There will be many more. If you know of anyone you’d like to see mentioned in PeaceRipples, leave a comment here, or email me. We could all use a little more good news.

Types of Peace

2009-08-03T22:23:00.002-04:00

Image by ginnerobot via Flickr

Peace can be described using a few different classifications. These definitions come from my Roots of Conflict, Violence and Peace course.

Direct or "Negative" Peace: This is the absence of direct violence, but doesn't mean that there isn't any conflict. An example of direct violence would be war, or any sort of armed conflict. The absence of such violence doesn't mean that people are content, though. A situation where people are oppressed but not rising up against their oppression (yet) could be seen as an example of direct peace.

Structural or "Positive" Peace: The absence of structural violence and the presence of conditions which favour human well being. Structural violence is unseen, institutionalized violence where you can't necessarily point a finger at who's responsible for it. Conditions which favour human well being include social justice, human rights, and ecological balance.

Cultural Peace: Comes from the transcendence of cultural violence, and often includes a spiritual dimension.

Comprehensive or Holistic Peace: Includes all aspects of peace - Direct, Structural, and Cultural.

Justicia for Migrant Workers

2009-07-22T22:32:00.010-04:00

I recently completed a reflection paper for one of my courses, in which I focused on issues affecting migrant workers, particularly agricultural workers. In my research I came across this organization based in Toronto, Justicia for Migrant Workers. I wanted to bring it to the attention of anyone who might have an interest in issues of this nature. I found their website very helpful in my research.

Global Zero declaration for a world free of nuclear weapons

2009-07-03T21:07:00.002-04:00

I have just signed a petition supporting the Global Zero declaration for a world free of nuclear weapons.

The risk of military or terrorist nuclear attacks is escalating daily.

But, at the same time, one of the best chances to rid the world of nuclear weapons is happening. A group of influential figures called Global Zero is beginning to persuade the nuclear powers that the only answer to this global security crisis is the elimination of all nuclear weapons.

Please read the email below and sign up by clicking here

Thanks!

----------

Dear friends,

Whether in the Korean peninsula, in unstable Pakistan, or in the volatile Middle East, the risk of military or terrorist nuclear attacks is escalating daily. Yet one of the most real chances to rid the world of nuclear weapons is happening and will be won or lost far from the headlines.

Next week in Moscow, Presidents Medvedev and Obama could make history by agreeing to reduce their nuclear arsenals and set the world´s course towards a nuclear-free world. A group of highly influential figures (1) called Global Zero has presented a four-step plan to achieve that goal and, though it seems incredible, they are successfully persuading the nuclear powers that the world is more secure without nukes.

What's needed now is a massive surge of people power urging the US and Russia to take bold these steps to achieve global zero. Click below to sign the petition and help deliver a deafening call to action. Global Zero leaders will hand it over to Presidents Obama and Medvedev:

http://www.avaaz.org/en/time_to_global_zero

For decades the disarmament movement has sought to rid the planet of nuclear weapons. During the Cold War, the efforts of citizens across the world played a key role in curbing the nuclear arms race, helping prevent nuclear war. But all too often their goal has been regarded as utopian and improbable.

Now, an alliance of the sound advice of security experts and the democratic force of citizens worldwide has a realistic possibility of achieving this goal.

Last April, Obama and Medvedev said they were committed to a world free of nuclear weapons. But it will require a massive concerted effort to press them to turn rhetoric into action.

In the face of a deepening crisis, the summit next week is a tremendous opportunity for human progress. Let's pile on the pressure to seize it.

http://www.avaaz.org/en/time_to_global_zero

With hope,

Luis, Alice, Ricken, Pascal, Paula, Graziela, Paul, Brett, Milena, Ben, Margaret, Raluca, Alice W, Raj and the whole Avaaz team.

(1) Global Zero includes former heads of state, such as Jimmy Carter and Mikhail Gorbachev, former foreign and defence ministers, national security advisors, and former top military commanders. More information at: http://www.globalzero.org/en/about-campaign

Sources:

IAEA Chief Warns Of Possible New Wave Of Nuclear Proliferation
http://www.avaaz.org/nuclear_proliferation

Global Zero offers plan to eliminate nukes by 2030, AP, 29 June 2009:
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gSWX9EdJu8HH4xpD5AdAlSCkR_ewD994J2Q00

Putin Talks of Giving Up Nukes, The Moscow Times, 11 june 2009: http://www.themoscowtimes.com/article/1010/42/378483.htm

Alert level raised on North Korea, BBC News
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8071175.stm

Scrapping nuclear arms is now realpolitik. Six security experts urge America and Russia to act today
http://www.avaaz.org/the_times_nukes

Full Global Zero Action Plan available at:
http://www.globalzero.org/en/global-zero-press-release-june-29

Free Euna Lee and Laura Ling

2009-07-02T11:10:00.002-04:00

I received this petition from Care2's ThePetitionSite the other day and would like to bring it to your attention. Here's the letter they sent me:

Do you know about Euna Lee and Laura Ling? The two journalists were investigating human rights abuses of North Korean women when they were arrested by North Korean authorities. The two were recently sentenced to 12 years hard labor for "illegal entry" and "hostile acts."

Their sentence is much harsher than expected, which is why we believe that the regime in Pyongyang is using them as pawns in a dangerous game of escalating tensions with the international community.

Getting Pyongyang to listen is a challenge, but China is the major provider of energy/ food and may be able to use its influence to help free the journalists.

Please urge President Hu Jintao to act on behelf of Euna Lee and Laura Ling.

Thanks for taking action!

Samer
ThePetitionSite

Gene Sharp and the Albert Einstein Institution

2009-06-29T22:44:00.004-04:00

So I'm currently taking a Peace and Conflict Studies course titled "Roots of Conflict, Violence, and Peace" by distance education and learning all sorts of interesting information. The materials for the current module I'm working on include a link to this site: The Albert Einstein Institution which is "a nonprofit organization advancing the study and use of strategic nonviolent action in conflicts throughout the world." I haven't looked around it too much yet, aside from the publications tab where you can download for free various books and information on the subject of nonviolence.

Today I was reading through last weekend's local newspaper and came across this article about Gene Sharp, the founder of this organization. He wrote a book, 85 pages long, titled From Dictatorship to Peace (I'm linking to the English version, not the Farsi version mentioned in the article) and it seems this book is a very hot title in Iran these days. I downloaded it tonight, although I'm not sure when I'm going to find the time to read it. I hope it helps change things over there. Apparently it helped them in Eastern Europe not so long ago.

Don't you just love synchronicity?

It's about time

2009-06-26T23:27:00.002-04:00

Hello everyone! It's been over a year since I last posted. It's rather ironic - I went back to school part-time to pursue a degree in Peace and Conflict Studies, and somehow lost all motivation to continue posting here. Finally, the motivation has returned, and I hope to build some momentum here.

I was doing some reiki work tonight, and decided to send some of the energy in the direction of North Korea. There is so much happening in the world, as I suppose there always seems to be. Anyone reading this who is a healer, I invite you to join me in sending healing energy to any and all who need it, particularly in areas such as North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Myanmar, Afghanistan, Sudan, the list goes on.

I'll be back with more posts, and I promise it won't take me months this time. There is too much work to be done. Time to get the ripples flowing.

Bloggers Unite For Human Rights

2008-05-15T22:08:00.002-04:00

May 15 is the day that Bloggers Unite has designated "Bloggers Unite for Human Rights", and I almost missed it! I've been busy with school and various life events, and almost forgot about it. Thankfully they emailed me a reminder.

When I first heard about this day I had in mind an article I wanted to write, but I don't have time to do it justice today, so it will wait for another day. Instead, I thought I'd talk about Amnesty International.

I first learned about Amnesty International when I was in high school, and my English teacher started up a group in the school. Later, I joined a local group and have been involved off and on for many years. I have had the opportunity to meet many inspirational people as a result of this involvement, including people who have been helped by Amnesty's work. The idea that one person writing a letter (or signing a petition) can make a difference has been proven - because with the help of an organization like Amnesty, one person's efforts are joined by the efforts of many others, and the weight of all those letters can and does get the attention of those we write to. If you would like to write a letter, or to see some recent calls for action, click here. If you need help with letter writing, here are some letter writing tips. They also just released a press release about the worsening situation in Zimbabwe.

In some countries, I could be thrown in jail for writing this blog. I write it for those who don't have that luxury. And I thank Amnesty International for inspiring me to educate myself about events happening around the world as well as in my own backyard, and for giving me the belief that yes, one person CAN make a difference.

Pangea Day Update

2008-05-10T21:32:00.002-04:00

They just put up a 1-hour highlight compilation. A couple of hours after I finished posting, I'm still saying "wow" - this was a powerful broadcast. I highly recommend visiting PangeaDay.org and checking out all the inspirational films and information that is there. Many of the profiles contain multiple links for further investigation.

Pangea Day

2008-05-10T18:20:00.002-04:00

Today was/is Pangea Day. Pangea Day is the brainchild of filmmaker Jehane Noujaim, who won the 2006 TED Prize, which included the granting of a wish to change the world. As a result of her wish, the world came together today to watch 24 short films from filmmakers around the world, as well as to listen to inspirational speakers and musical performances. It was broadcast in 7 languages to millions of people around the world through the internet, television, and mobile phones.

I missed the first hour and a half, but was enthralled by what I was privileged to witness. Rwandan singer-songwriter Jean Paul Samputu, who lost several family members to the genocide, spoke about forgiveness. "Forgiveness is a weapon against violence." He encouraged us to build an arsenal of it.

The film Encounter Point tells the story of the Middle East from a different point of view than is shown on the nightly news. It ends with a quote from an Israeli father. "If we who have lost what is most precious can talk to each other, and look forward to a better future, then everyone else must do so, too." (Tzivka Shahak) After watching the film, Robi Damelin, an Israeli woman whose son was killed by a Palestinian sniper, read a letter she wrote to the sniper's mother, calling for reconciliation. She is active in an organization called Bereaved Families Forum which unites Israeli and Palestinian families who have lost loved ones to the conflict. Another member of this organization, Ali Abu Awwad, a Palestinian peace activist, appeared on stage with her and also spoke.

Ishmael Beah was a child soldier in Sierra Leone until he was rescued by UNICEF. In his words: "We have a responsibility to expose ourselves to our world, to see our common humanity, to learn about other people -- not only in times of war, but in times of peace."

Laughter Club is a film, directed by Neil Davenport, about a phenomena which began in India, created by Dr. Madan Kataria whose goal is to have 1,000,000 laughter clubs around the world. It is already in 60 countries, although he didn't say how many clubs there are so far. After the film was shown, Dr. Kataria got his global audience (including myself, watching it at home over the internet) to stand up and "laugh for world peace."

An Iranian film, Sili (The Slap) directed by Ehsan Amani, tells this story: "A soldier, a young woman, a colonel, and an old woman board a train. Nobody, save one of them, can explain what happens next." I hope they put the film up for this one (as I type this, they haven't yet) because the ending was hilarious.

Scholar and writer Karen Armstrong spoke about compassion. "Every single one of the world's major faiths believes that it is not sufficient to just extend your compassion to those in your own group; you must take it to out to others as well." She said something else which I tried to note down quickly and I apologize if I didn't get it quite right, but this was her elaboration on The Golden Rule: "Look inside yourself and see what it is that causes you pain, then absolutely refuse, under any circumstances, to cause that pain to someone else." If anyone captured this quote more accurately, please feel free to post it in the comments here.

These were just a few of the highlights. If you missed it, don't despair. Visit the website. Many of the films are available for viewing, and you can read tons of comments that people have posted. If you click on the side link "Act: Make a Difference" there are links to many participating organizations who have posted calls to action. I feel so blessed that I heard about this event just in time to take part in it. It was phenomenal!

Humanitarian Crisis in Burma

2008-05-08T08:59:00.002-04:00

With the death toll in the tens of thousands and expected to hit 100,000, the situation in Burma is devastating. But the problems go beyond those killed in the cyclone itself or its immediate aftermath. This article in today's Globe and Mail spells it out: the rice crop is gone along with the seedlings they need to plant a new rice crop; the water supply is contaminated across the region, which will lead to outbreaks of diseases; 1.5 million people have been left homeless; 24 million people are without electricity and running water; hospitals are overrun and schools are destroyed; many areas are only accessible by boat.

This article in the NY Times discusses some of the challenges faced by aid agencies, which include the problems of accessing remote locations as well as having to deal with a military government which hasn't been fully cooperative with their efforts, although there are signs indicating that this may be changing. There are also concerns that the aid will be siphoned off by the military and won't reach those who need it most. A sidebar in this article also includes a list of American organizations accepting donations.

Avaaz sent me an email about this crisis. They are collecting money for the International Burmese Monks Organization (for an article about the formation of this group click here). The money will be distributed by this organization directly to the monasteries in Burma, through their own grassroots network. Unfortunately this morning as I type this, none of the links to the Avaaz site are working, so I cannot check them, but I will post them in the hopes that later on in the day they will be back up:

To donate: https://secure.avaaz.org/en/burma_cyclone/3.php?cl=86139302

For information about the work Avaaz has been doing for Burma:
http://www.avaaz.org/en/burma_report_back/

One More Reason Not to Buy "Made in China"

2008-05-03T19:03:00.003-04:00

A short news item in my local paper sent me on a web search. The caption on the photo read "Child labour probe" and the photo showed a couple of young girls who had just been rescued from a factory in China. There's plenty of news articles covering this issue out there - do a search for "China Child Labour Probe" and you'll find them. Most of them quote allegations of over 1,000 children having been sold to factories over the past five years. The first article I read was this one, which is from China's official English language newspaper. One comment that gave me pause:

The Dongguan government had investigated more than 3,600 companies that employ 450,000 people between Monday and Wednesday, but found that only a few small companies and workshops had hired children, a local government official said.

Now, it doesn't say how many inspectors were sent out, but they investigated more than 3,600 companies in only 3 days? No wonder they didn't find much.

This is the article I thought offered the best range of coverage, with a good bit of background to balance out the latest news. It puts the number of children rescued in these raids at 167.

Keep The Promise China

2008-05-02T19:10:00.004-04:00

Amnesty International (Canada) has put together a blog for the countdown to the Beijing Olympics. This is a good place to look for:

- information regarding Amnesty's human rights concerns in China
- action opportunities
- information about what other activists are doing
- background documents and activism support materials

The blog is titled Keep The Promise China, so-named because of the promise China made when it was granted the 2008 Olympics Games:

“By allowing Beijing to host the Games you will help the development of human rights”
- Liu Jingmin, Beijing 2008 Olympics Games Bid Committee

There's a sidelink to subscribe for email updates. This is an excellent resource which I highly recommend that you visit often.

James Orbinski

2008-04-29T18:06:00.003-04:00

Since hearing Romeo Dallaire speak a couple of months ago, and reading his book, I've been wanting to learn more about the Rwandan genocide. Yesterday's Globe and Mail had an interesting interview with Dr. James Orbinski, former president of Medicins Sans Frontieres (Doctors without Borders), who worked alongside Dallaire during the genocide. He had the following to say about how he dealt with the Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) he suffered:

In contemporary Western culture and, most particularly, in North American culture, there's a deep tendency to medicalize what are, in fact, political and existential questions. Which is not to say that there aren't medical dimensions to the traumatic experience. … But the real question is what do you do with what you now know, and for me, the choice was very clear: that I will do everything I can to confront a political system that allows for a genocide to take place.

The article further quotes him as saying:

This thin veneer of civility that allows for relative peace and prosperity here, is kept alive by people who … constantly challenge and reassert the very basic ideas – that you respect people, that even your enemies you will not torture, that you have a duty as a human being to ensure that civilians who are suffering as a consequence of a war that you are engaged in have basic humanitarian rights.

He is currently promoting his book An Imperfect Offering: Humanitarian Action in the 21st Century and will be speaking on the following dates:

- May 1, Toronto, Church of the Holy Trinity (presented by Pages Books and Magazines), 10 Trinity Square, 416-598-1447.

- May 4, Vancouver, Capilano College Performing Arts Theatre, 2055 Purcell Way, 604-990-7810.

- May 13, Waterloo, Ont., Knox Presbyterian Church (presented by Words Worth Books), 50 Erb St. W., 519- 884-2665.

I'm kicking myself that I can't make it to see him in Waterloo (or even Toronto) but if you get the chance, please consider going. I'm sure it will be an informative evening for anyone interested in humanitarian work.

South African Dock Workers Refuse to Unload Arms

2008-04-23T08:06:00.002-04:00

In South Africa, dock workers refused to unload a Chinese shipment of arms headed for Zimbabwe. They were joined in these efforts by church leaders and other organizations. The ship is now expected to head for Angola in an attempt to unload the shipment and have it flown to Zimbabwe. Levy Mwanawasa, the president of Zambia, has spoken out and encouraged countries in the region not to allow the ship to dock. China has said it may have the ship return to China. (News story)

Avaaz has put together a petition which will be launched at a press conference in Johannesburg later this week. This is the text of the petition:

Petition to SADC leaders and governments throughout Africa and the world: We, the undersigned, call for your support preventing any weapons shipments from reaching Zimbabwe until the crisis is resolved. We believe that, if delivered, these weapons would likely be used to violate the human rights of Zimbabweans, and we support the efforts of ordinary citizens and African trade unionists to prevent their transit through neighbouring countries. This shipment highlights the urgent need for a strong international arms trade treaty, and the continuing violence demands that all regional and global leaders act to protect human rights.

The dock workers have given Zimbabwe a ray of hope. All it takes for you is a click to show your support. While I was writing this, the number of signatures doubled, from around 76,000 to 156,147. Please sign the petition now.