I would really like to see people from the various social and environmental justice movements working along more of a unified front.

The root causes of environmental degradation and ecological unsustainability; imperialism and wars of aggression; exploitative labor practices; societal oppression; and poverty and any other social injustice are the same.

I would like to see a broad based, inclusive and supportive movement - a movement that is accessible to everyone regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, ability, creed, and/or any other distinguishing feature - in order to effectively and successfully challenge the status quo: a status quo which is currently doing so much harm to all people.

Please imagine a movement to challenge the current establishment's enablement of a degrading and dehumanizing status quo of economic instability, ecological unsustainability, and social injustice...

Further thoughts and avenues for consideration on this topic include, but are not limited to, potential solutions and responses such as 1) permaculture: a resilient, sustainable and independent local/regional economic infrastructure, 2) socio-economic egalitarianism, 3) making health care a central and foundational economic feature ...and etc....

[larger image: first they ignore you, then then laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win]

Quote by Gandhi
Photo from Pacific Ocean Beach at Ocean Shores, December 2009

Washington State Presidents' Day Progressive Rally and Lobby Day is an opportunity for progressives to gather and rally for justice and fairness in government. The lobby day is two weeks from tomorrow, on Monday the 15th. If you want to rally for progressive causes like expanding basic health care to meet the needs of all 900,000 uninsured Washingtonians, as well as other matters of social and environmental justice, and if you can be available on Monday the 15th, then please consider signing up by following the links below.

The Fuse organization has more information and an opportunity to sign up in order to meet your legislators. Lobby to Protect Our Future! Feb. 15, 2010: Rebuilding Our Economic Future

The Presidents' Day Rally is also sponsored by a number of other organizations throughout the state, including the Sisters Organizing for Survival, the Washington State Labor Council, and the Washington Federation of State Employees. (If you're a union member, make sure to register for the event with your union.)

Sisters Organizing for Survival, a campaign of Radical Women, was at it again on Friday, agitating for justice and for changes to the way the state treats the poor and economically disadvantaged. Speakers at the rally celebrated women's rights relating to the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision, which guarantees women certain access to reproductive health care regarding abortive measures, that is, for the termination of unwanted pregnancies.

During an open mic segment, one participant addressed the assembled crowd by pointing out that abortion has always been available to the wealthy (regardless of Roe v. Wade,) so that attacks on Roe v. Wade essentially amount to attacks on the economically disadvantaged.

Participants also called for an expansion of basic health services. In a time of revenue shortfall, it was suggested that the best way to cover the costs of basic health care for all would be through progressive taxation of income and wealth, and corporate profits.

[update here is an article from The News Tribune: Roe v. Wade rally attracts supporters to Capitol, there was also TV coverage by KOMO 4 and KING 5.]

Monday, January 18, 2010 — Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Concerned citizen activists rallied at the Washington State Capitol to call for racial and economic justice, and for solutions to the State Revenue Shortfall that will not target, and unfairly prey upon, those who are already vulnerable and disadvantaged by the system.

Racial justice report cards were delivered to legislators.

Some of the messages of the day included:

• Yes to racial and economic justice!

• No to exploitative and abusive economic policies and practices!

• In a time of economic hardship, it makes sense to take care of all people in society. Poor people do not deserve to suffer, and social supports ought to be not only maintained, but increased, in order to help people get out of poverty.

• End the war on the poor - fight poverty and not poor people! End Poverty once and for all!

There were a lot of other journalists there, including two or three TV news cameras at the rally. So keep on the look out for other reports.

UPDATE: video from Elliot Stoller: March on Olympia, and Martin Luther King Day

Here's a list of some sponsoring organizations, followed by photos:

I think that people and society need a strong (and loving) dose of truth in order to do away with the lies that the structure of this society is built on. So I say: Down with the myth of meritocracy. Tear it down. Until we confront, and demand an end to, the abusive and unscrupulous behaviors - the downright harmful and violent behaviors - that many, if not all, of those with the most wealth have participated in, our society will not change.

People complain about entitlement for the poor. Well - how about entitlement for the rich considering privileged access to, and preferential treatment by, the government, and by financial and other institutions of power (church etc.).

I think the myth of meritocracy ought to be taken up by its roots and given a strong dose of air and sunlight. I think what makes sense is to work for and to demand the transition to a society that serves life - a society that serves the common interests of all people - rather than the interests of profit and accumulating wealth, the interests of which favor the unscrupulous, whom are sick in their depravity and willingness to oppress, and to abuse others, and to violate the sanctity of life.

Until we stop acting as if it is somehow acceptable to "reward" people for the most unscrupulous behavior, then society will continue its degradation.

However, I think that it will be possible to change, to stop the empire, and to someday see a society that works for everyone.

In Peace, and with Love and Hope,
Berd

I received this great slideshow today from my Mom. Thanks Mom! Check it out:

Weyerhauser employs a lot of people. I think that's good. And it's a solid argument for the present existence of the company. But despite the present day economic value of Weyerhauser's business, do we have a full accounting for all of the costs of Weyerhauser's business activities? Do we know about the full extent of environmental degradation, loss of habitat and threatened species that result from industrial logging practices? Do we know and understand the financial practices of the company, and the disparity in wealth and income between the various strata of people who are employed at, and/or who own, the company?

There will be a health care rally tomorrow at Sylvester Park. I have word that Representative Brendan Williams will be speaking. I hope to see a lot of people there.

More info: Health Care for the Holidays Rally at Sylvester Park THIS SATURDAY

Here's a note I sent to the White House via Facebook on November 14, 2009. It includes a photo of me sign-holding at Percival Landing: