MESSAGE FROM OCCUPY FAITH NYC

 

OWS has asked us to help them. Their call for assistance is clear and strong…

“We need Occupy Faith’s spiritual presence especially now—it is an ingredient of the power OWS can rightfully claim on behalf of individual dignity.” –

~Lisa Fithian, OWS organizer

Since the first days of Occupy Wall Street one year ago, people of faith allied with the movement because of our frustration with an unjust society, our desire to speak truth to power, and our hope that a better world is possible. One year later we have learned many lessons, we have had to go back to the drawing board again and again, but underneath it all remains the knowledge that real change will not come through business as usual, but only when we learn how to stand together and make our common dreams a reality.

So this September 15th-17th, we ask for everyone who was inspired by the Occupy phenomenon not only to celebrate what happened, but to think forward 10 years, to consider what we would need to be doing now for the kind of real change we will want to see then. That is why here at Occupy Faith, we are calling for a truth commission: a way to pull back the veil of shame and get people talking about what their lives actually looks like under our broken economic system. We're calling it "A People's Investigation of Money, Debt, and Power," and in the days and weeks ahead we will be giving you more information about how you and your communities of faith can get involved. Because now is the time for all people of faith to have faith in all people, to remember the power of sharing our stories, and to know that the only antidote for the insanity and alienation of our culture is the cultivation of a Beloved Community in the here and now.

So join us this coming weekend - join us as we celebrate how far we've come (who would have believed a year ago that an escalation of tactics in Zuccotti Park would turn into a global movement?), and join us as we look ahead to the future. Year one is over, but year two is just getting started. See you in the streets.

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Occupy Faith actions on the #OWS anniversary
 

A People's Investigation
Saturday, September 15
12 pm - 4pm
Washington Square (possibily moved to Foley Square)
Occupy Faith will introduce the A People's Investigation experience. This approach to pursuing truth and justice consists of 3 phases: 1) Gathering stories of loss 2) Naming the themes and compiling recommendations and 3) pursuit of transformative advocacy. In this session, you will learn how to gather stories of pain and loss and contribute them to a website for the world to see. This will be our beta launch so let's work together and figure out the best methodology.

Interfaith Service
Sunday, September 16
10 am - 12:30 pm
Zuccotti Park

We will begin the service with the blowing of the Shofar by Apostle Leeds, as our call to interfaith worship, and each minister shall take turns in the presentation of prayers on behalf of the people present, of the city and state of New York, the Country, and the world. It shall be our mandate in the worship service to set forth the moral imperative of the OccupyMovement from a faith perspective and we'll speak to the heart of America, to the condition of our country, and the corruption and greed both in Wall Street and in our government. Service will include prayer, songs, hallowing of Zuccotti Park, sermon, blessing of the NYPD. 

Training after Music Concert
Sunday, September 16
6 pm
Foley Square
Civil disobedience training will immediately follow the concert's conclusion with a possibly of thematic break out activities

Procession
Sunday, September 16
7 pm
Occupy Faith reps will end the Foley Square concert with brief remarks and lead a procession to Zuccotti Park. Occupy Faith supporters will stand behind the speakers. Procession will continue until the Rosh Hashana service begins at 7:30 pm.

#S17 Morning Action
Monday, September 17
Meet 6:45 am, Direct Actions at 7 am
"Red Cube" across from Zuccotti Park
This location is one of thefour organizational zones OWS is using that ring the financial district for a 'people's arrest'. We will offer prayer and strengthen occupiers presence. We will then process to three other zones in support. Each zone has a security check point for access to the Stock Exchange. OWS emergency media contacts us for immediate presence at any zone needing special help and presence. For those participating in these actions, please send your cell # to George Packard, geopackard (at) gmail.com. It is critical to keep connected during this deployment as we may have to be nimble or loose in structure and potentially leave Occupy Faith members in each zone as we make the circuit. Click here to read more about #OWS' #S17 plans.

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Occupy Faith Draft Statement - 9/12/12

"Occupy Faith sets forth a moral and faith-based imperative for the Occupy movement.  We heed the voice crying in the American wilderness for justice; we have a heart for the poor, the powerless, the disenfranchised; we uphold the laborer of every class in the value and righteousness of her or his labor; and we summon the American conscience to stand up for equality and social and economic justice for all." [Read more.]
 

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Greensboro Declaration

Today the Council of Elders release their Greensboro Declaration. The Council of Elders encourages faith communities to unite on the weekend of September 30 and, in their own sacred spaces, use this declaration as a basis for faith discussion. Click here to read the full declaration. 

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Note from me - June Butler (aka Grandmère Mimi):
I thought seriously about going to NYC, but since I am a part-time mom to the children of my son, who is a single dad, I could not put the trip together.  Any of you who are in or near NYC, I urge you to be present if at all possible.

ROMNEY - BACK TO THE ECONOMY

Romney is back to campaigning on the economy, as well he should be, since he has revealed himself as lacking even minimum skills in handling a foreign affairs crisis.  The Republican candidate stepped in it when he ventured into pontificating on foreign policy.  I ask you: Would you want this man at the helm of the ship of state in the midst of a violent storm?

The economy shows signs of slow improvement as evidenced by the soaring stock market yesterday, which is still on the rise today.  Romney and the major players in his campaign contributions are richer, which should be some consolation for them, though not particularly good news for the campaign.  It's not easy to run against an improving economy.

Mitt Romney is promising to reduce taxes on middle-income Americans.

But how does he define "middle-income"? The Republican presidential nominee defined it Friday as income of $200,000 to $250,000 a year and less.

Really?  Folks I know with incomes at and above $200,000 appear pretty damned well-to-do to me. 

The picture shows Romney waving good-bye.  (I hope; I hope!) 

SAD BUT OFTEN TRUE

Click on the cartoon for the larger view.

"molly and sexual harassment" from nakedpastor.

INFATUATION VS. LOVE

Infatuation is when you think that he's as sexy as Robert Redford, as smart as Henry Kissinger, as noble as Ralph Nader, as funny as Woody Allen, and as athletic as Jimmy Connors.

Love is when you realize that he's as sexy as Woody Allen, as smart as Jimmy Connors, as funny as Ralph Nader, as athletic as Henry Kissinger, and nothing like Robert Redford - but you'll take him anyway.


Cheers,

Paul (A.)

A LONG LONG TIME

 

Incredible!  I'm grateful for our 51 years together.  When the milestones come, I often think, "Well I am still here, still around."  On the anniversary occasion, "Well, here we both are, still around."

I searched YouTube for a good version of a romantic song we slow-danced to back in the day, and I found The Platters, "If I Didn't Care,"  The Platters were greatly influenced by the earlier singing group, The Ink Spots, whose music I loved when I was growing up and who first recorded the song. 
 

 

If I Didn't Care

If I didn't care more than words can say
If I didn't care would I feel this way?
If this isn't love then why do I thrill?
And what makes my head go 'round and 'round
While my heart stands still?

If I didn't care would it be the same?
Would my ev'ry prayer begin and end with just your name?
And would I be sure that this is love beyond compare?
Would all this be true if I didn't care for you?

MONOLOGUE: If I didn't care honey child, mo' than words can say. If I didn't care baby, would I feel this way? Darlin' if this isn't love, then why do I thrill so much? What is it that makes my head go 'round and 'round while my heart just stands still so much?

If I didn't care would it be the same?
Would my ev'ry prayer begin and end with just your name?
And would I be sure that this is love beyond compare?
Would all this be true if I didn't care for you?

MITT ROMNEY FAILS THE 3:00 AM TEST

The 3 a.m. phone call is shorthand for the unforeseen emergency that requires both a quick reaction and the beginning of longer second- and third-stage responses. Often the most important immediate decision is not to react immediately. There are times when every minute counts, but not usually. The first impulse, the first wave of fragmentary information, the first set of available options -- these often turn out to be misleading.
....

In short, when faced with a 3 a.m. test, he reacted immediately, rather than having the instinct to wait. And after he waited, he mistook this as a moment for partisanship rather than for at least the appearance of statesmanlike national unity. The irony, of course, is that resisting the partisan impulse today would have been the greatest possible boost to his horse-race prospects two months from now.

Think of this temperament and these instincts in a command role, and with stakes much higher than they were today. 

Keep in mind that Romney made his first statement criticizing the president last night, even as the embassies were under attack and the situation was changing moment by moment.  Then today at his press conference, he stood by his statement of last night.

COMPARE AND CONTRAST

President Obama this morning.



Secretary of State Hilary Clinton's statement last night:

"Some have sought to justify this vicious behavior as a response to inflammatory material posted on the Internet. The United States deplores any intentional effort to denigrate the religious beliefs of others. Our commitment to religious tolerance goes back to the very beginning of our nation. But let me be clear: There is never any justification for violent acts of this kind.

In light of the events of today, the United States government is working with partner countries around the world to protect our personnel, our missions, and American citizens worldwide."

 Mitt Romney's statement last night, September 11, 2012:

“I’m outraged by the attacks on American diplomatic missions in Libya and Egypt and by the death of an American consulate worker in Benghazi. It’s disgraceful that the Obama administration’s first response was not to condemn attacks on our diplomatic missions, but to sympathize with those who waged the attacks.”

What provoked Mitt Romney's verbal attack on President Obama:

Earlier today, officials at the U.S. Embassy in Egypt issued a statement that “condemns the continuing efforts by misguided individuals to hurt the religious feelings of Muslims — as we condemn efforts to offend believers of all religions.” The embassy said the statement was drafted and released before the protests. But the succession of events drew widespread criticism in the United States after violence broke out for appearing weak in the face of threats. 

Tweet by the chairman of the Republican National Commttee.

What about Americans standing together in the face of tragic death of four embassy employees, including Ambassador Chris Stevens?  Statements by Mitch McConnell (R) and John Boehner (R) demonstrate that now is not the time for partisan attacks.

“Yesterday we commemorated the anniversary of the attacks of September the 11th, and today we are reminded that brave Americans serve us every day at the risk of their own lives,” Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) said in a statement. “We honor the Americans we lost in Libya and we will stand united in our response.”

Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) announced plans for a moment of silence in the House and ordered flags at half staff.

“We mourn for the families of our countrymen in Benghazi, and condemn this horrific attack,” he said in a statement. “Eleven years after September 11, this is a jolting reminder that freedom remains under siege by forces around the globe who relish violence over free expression, and terror over democracy — and that America and free people everywhere must remain vigilant in defense of our liberties.”

Had Romney taken the better part, he would have honored the Americans who died and their families by expressing his sympathy and pausing for a spell, rather than quickly attempting to use the tragedy to further his political advantage.

The attacks on the embassies were supposedly in response to an inflammatory anti-Muslim movie that was attributed to "Sam Bacile", who may not be a real person.  The 15 minute video trailer of the movie that was first believed to have set off the attacks is an amateurish, incoherent mish-mash.  Administration officials are now investigating whether the attacks may have been pre-planned. In the meantime, I will not comment further on the attacks until more information is available.

OH THIS IS RICH

Dick Cheney by Gage Skidmore

Former Vice President Dick Cheney took a shot at President Barack Obama late Monday night after it was reported that the president has attended fewer than half of his daily intelligence briefings.

“If President Obama were participating in his intelligence briefings on a regular basis then perhaps he would understand why people are so offended at his efforts to take sole credit for the killing of Osama bin Laden,” Cheney told The Daily Caller in an email through a spokeswoman.

“Those who deserve the credit are the men and women in our military and intelligence communities who worked for many years to track him down. They are the ones who deserve the thanks of a grateful nation.”

Hey Dick.  When did President Obama claim that he took out Osama Bin Laden single-handedly?   Poor Dick and the Neocons.  This really sticks in their craws.  Bush probably doesn't care, because he said to Fred Barnes about Bin Laden, “I truly am not that concerned about him.”   

What good purpose was served by Dick Cheney and George Bush participating in the intelligence briefings on a regular basis if the two did not do a damned thing in response to the warnings of his intelligence and national security staff that a terrorist attack in the US by Osama Bin Laden might be imminent?

Picture by Gage Skidmore from Wikimedia Commons. 

AUGUST 6, 2001 PDB "A HISTORICAL DOCUMENT"?

I watched Condoleezza Rice's appearance before the 9/11 Commission in growing amazement at her pathetic attempt to justify the inaction of the White House in the face of the President's Daily Briefing of August 6, 2001 titled "Bin Laden Determined to Strike in US".  Kirk Eichenwald, the author of an opinion column in yesterday's New York Times titled "The Deafness Before the Storm", allows that Rice's contention that the PDB was "a historical document" may have contained a kernal of truth, simply because for months the White House had been receiving warnings even more dire than the August 6 PDB.  Remember the the words of National Coordinator for Security, Infrastructure Protection, and Counter-terrorism,  Richard Clark?

Clarke wrote in Against All Enemies that in the summer of 2001, the intelligence community was convinced of an imminent attack by al Qaeda, but could not get the attention of the highest levels of the Bush administration, most famously writing that Director of the Central Intelligence Agency George Tenet was running around with his "hair on fire".

So yes.  In the sense that intelligence and security officials in the government had warned of an '"imminent attack" for months, and the Bush administration paid little heed, the August 6 PDB, the sole PDB declassified for the commission, could be labeled "a historical document". 

That is, unless it was read in conjunction with the daily briefs preceding Aug. 6, the ones the Bush administration would not release. While those documents are still not public, I have read excerpts from many of them, along with other recently declassified records, and come to an inescapable conclusion: the administration’s reaction to what Mr. Bush was told in the weeks before that infamous briefing reflected significantly more negligence than has been disclosed. In other words, the Aug. 6 document, for all of the controversy it provoked, is not nearly as shocking as the briefs that came before it. 

By May 1, the Central Intelligence Agency told the White House of a report that “a group presently in the United States” was planning a terrorist operation. Weeks later, on June 22, the daily brief reported that Qaeda strikes could be “imminent,” although intelligence suggested the time frame was flexible.

Neocons in the White House advised that Bin Laden was only pretending that he was planning an attack on the US, and Bush, Cheney, Rice, et al. chose to believe them rather than the intelligence and security experts.

Woulda, coulda, shoulda...what is point of the reminder on the anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and another intended target in Washington DC, which was prevented when passengers attacked the hijackers on the plane that went down in Pennsylvania, that the intelligence agencies warned the Bush administration for months prior to September 11, 2001, that Bin Laden was determined to strike in the US?  I'm not sure, except to point out once again the incompetence of the Bush administration in its response to intelligence information.  Could it be because the Neocons had an agenda before they reached the White House, and the intelligence had to be twisted to fit the agenda, the agenda being to launch an attack against Iraq?

Now the Neocons, along with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have another agenda.  They are beating the war drums for an attack on Iran, and, once again, the intelligence about Iran's nuclear capabilities is in dispute.  Obama will be more than cautious about an attack on Iran for a number of reasons, including the  possibility of destabilizing further the already unstable situation in the Middle East.

But what about Romney?  From his own website: "U.S. policy toward Iran must begin with an understanding on Iran’s part that a military option to deal with their nuclear program remains on the table. This message should not only be delivered through words, but through actions."

And what would be the effect of an attack on the price of oil?  Do the warmongers, with their macho chest-pounding, who clamor for or threaten a pre-emptive attack on Iran think through to the consequences of a rise in oil prices on the world economy or to any of the negative consequences at all of launching an attack?

I watched with dismay and disbelief as the administration began its inexorable procession to the invasion of Iraq to protect the US and the rest of the world against Saddam's fast-moving development of nuclear weapons and his vast store of chemical weapons, which he could loose on the world at any moment, both of which turned out to be non-existent.  The reason I write is that I don't want our government to undertake this sort of deadly experiment again on the basis of junk intelligence.  I realize that it's quite likely that what I write here will make no difference at all, except, at best, to perhaps remind a voter or two in a swing state about what a vote for Romney might mean with regard to future military actions by the US. 

SEPTEMBER 11 - 11TH ANNIVERSARY

National September 11 Memorial at the World Trade Center

Mission Statement

Remember and honor the thousands of innocent men, women, and children murdered by terrorists in the horrific attacks of February 26, 1993 and September 11, 2001.

Respect this place made sacred through tragic loss.

Recognize the endurance of those who survived, the courage of those who risked their lives to save others, and the compassion of all who supported us in our darkest hours.

May the lives remembered, the deeds recognized, and the spirit reawakened be eternal beacons, which reaffirm respect for life, strengthen our resolve to preserve freedom, and inspire an end to hatred, ignorance, and intolerance.

Above: Photo by Joe Woolhead.

Following are quotes from the first and final verses of T S Eliot's "East Coker":

In my beginning is my end. In succession
Houses rise and fall, crumble, are extended,
Are removed, destroyed, restored, or in their place
Is an open field, or a factory, or a by-pass.
Old stone to new building, old timber to new fires,
Old fires to ashes, and ashes to the earth
Which is already flesh, fur and faeces,
Bone of man and beast, cornstalk and leaf.
Houses live and die: there is a time for building
And a time for living and for generation
And a time for the wind to break the loosened pane
And to shake the wainscot where the field-mouse trots
And to shake the tattered arras woven with a silent motto.
....

Home is where one starts from. As we grow older
The world becomes stranger, the pattern more complicated
Of dead and living. Not the intense moment
Isolated, with no before and after,
But a lifetime burning in every moment
And not the lifetime of one man only
But of old stones that cannot be deciphered.
There is a time for the evening under starlight,
A time for the evening under lamplight
(The evening with the photograph album).
Love is most nearly itself
When here and now cease to matter.
Old men ought to be explorers
Here or there does not matter
We must be still and still moving
Into another intensity
For a further union, a deeper communion
Through the dark cold and the empty desolation,
The wave cry, the wind cry, the vast waters
Of the petrel and the porpoise. In my end is my beginning.