18th September 2001
In our grief and our anger about the recent terrorist attacks on America, each of us is making choices about how we will respond. Feelings of powerlessness and rage can be like a sedative – lulling us into thinking there’s nothing to be done but more violence. For me, the challenge is to stay awake. My heart aches for so many lost and for their families and friends left with a sudden blunt stillness. As much as I want to turn away from all the news coverage, some part of me knows that I must keep looking.
It means something deep and hopeful that each of us is not alone in this horrific experience. I must keep focusing on the reality that the terror that was visited on New York, Washington DC and Pennsylvania has been occurring around the world for years and years. This is just the latest chapter. I am a part of this one world where people who have mourned before are mourning with all of us who are mourning now.
It is my hope that the sadness and grief I feel may be transformed by activism into strong thread. I wish to weave my experience as a woman-loving woman into the international fabric being sewn by all who have been impacted by violence, whether personal, terrorist or state-sponsored. Let this fabric be a bright flag to be waved as we wage peace not violent retaliation.
Not In My Name!
The US government’s response to these recent acts of terrorism has caused me great distress and anxiety. Here are actions I am taking in resistence to the intense pressure to demonize individuals and communities while civil liberties are being threatened and media coverage is being corrupted.
- Rep. Barbara Lee was the lone dissenting voice in the September 14 House of Representatives resolution giving George W. Bush extended war powers. She was concerned that, with only five hours of debate, Congress was surrendering its role as a representative of the people’s right to discuss and debate this awesome act making war. Click here to read Rep. Lee’s explanation, “Why I voted against war.” I have written to support her courageous stand at barbara.lee@mail.house.gov. I urge you to do the same.
- The corporate-controlled news media has consistently narrowed the scope of discussion and analysis of the terrorist attacks to include only military solutions. I am seeking out independent, alternative sources of news and commentary at websites like Common Dreams, Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting, a media watch group and People for the American Way, an anti-censorship organization. I listen to KPFA-FM, Berkeley’s Pacifica station. I read The Nation magazine, also on-line at The Nation.
- Civil liberties – As the conversation about civil liberties vs. national security is reaching a fever pitch, I am deeply concerned that my rights of privacy, free speech and free movement will be negotiated away by our representatives for a phoney guarantee of increased personal safety. The progressive media sites I have listed above are talking about these issues. Also check out Electronic Frontier Foundation and the American Civil Liberties Union, organizations which are tracking proposed legislation effecting civil liberties which is being debated in congress.
10% Is A Good Start!
KPFA and other progressive radio stations are likely to have the most up-to-date information on community actions (teach-ins, peace rallies, etc.) taking place near you. I hope you will join me in seeking out public events where we can be counted among those who believe that, as feminists, we must insist on discussion and debate even as we support alternatives to violent retaliation.
The polls say 90% of Americans support the U.S. government’s decision to go to war. Join me in adding to the 10% who understand violence is not the answer.