Josh Steiber went to Iraq in the US Army and returned as a conscientious objector. This is the story of his new mission in life. To spread Love instead of waging war. See the YouTube video and spread the word. It will help all of us build a more peaceful planet.
I just received this message from a friend. You MUST pay attention to this. (Emphasis is mine)
Two weeks ago outside Philadelphia, sixty-five children from a summer camp tried to go swimming at a club their camp had a contract to use. Evidently, the club didn't know the kids were largely Black.
Kids booted from pool for being black
When the campers entered the pool, White parents took their kids out of the water, and the swimming club's staff asked the campers to leave. The next day, the club told the summer camp that their membership would be canceled and that they would refund their money. When asked why, the club's leader said the "kids would change the complexion ... and the atmosphere of the club."1
A "Whites only" pool in 2009 should not be tolerated. The club's actions appear to be a violation of section 1981 of the Civil Rights Act.2 Whether or not any laws were violated, a "Whites only" pool should be something every American condemns.
We're working with our friends at ColorofChange.org3 to do exactly that-condemn the club's discrimination. Your signature will also be used to call on the Department of Justice to evaluate suing the facility under federal law. It takes just a moment: http://www.keystoneprogress.org/page/s/pawhitesonly
After you've taken this simple step, please email your friends and family and invite them to do the same.
Obama is President but that doesn't mean that suddenly all is fine when it comes to race in America. This is a vivid reminder of what we know still lies beneath the surface.
We all know stories like this one -- similar incidents play out quietly every day in different communities across the country. The difference in this case is that folks got caught and there was a contract in place that makes for a potentially illegal act.
Standing up now isn't just about making things right for these kids in Philadelphia or bringing consequences to this swim club (called the Valley Swim Club). It's about creating a climate of accountability everywhere. If we can publicly shame the Valley Swim Club and hold them accountable for this incident, it will make others think twice before engaging in this kind of discrimination.
Please join us in condemning the Valley Swim Club's blatant discrimination and calling on the Justice Department to investigate whether they violated civil rights laws. And please ask your friends and family to do the same. http://www.keystoneprogress.org/page/s/pawhitesonly
1. "'Pool Boots Kids Who Might "Change the Complexion,'" NBC Philadelphia, 07-08-09 http://bit.ly/90Zyr 2. "Section 1981 Summary," Employment Law Information Network http://www.elinfonet.com/1981sum.php 3. http://www.colorofchange.org
More Resources:
"60 Black Kids Booted from Philly Pool For Being Black -- Speak Out," Jill Tubman at Jack and Jill Politics, 07-08-09 http://bit.ly/GkJTs VIDEO: "Please Don't Change the Complexion of our Pool," This Week in Blackness, 07-08-09 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=saTCMJVYljU "Swim Club Accused of Discrimination," FOX 29 Philadelphia, 07-08-09 http://bit.ly/7EKGy "Valley Swim Club: Day Two," Adam B at Daily Kos, 07-08-09 http://bit.ly/qbpSA
As much as this news irritates, aggravates, saddens and appalls me, I could almost believe it happening in Alabama -- Where I see racism in action everyday.
But PENNSYLVANIA? Come On!
I learned at Gettysburg College in 1970 that
"if you are not part of the solution ... you are part of the problem."
I spent a month in public schools in Wilmington Delaware learning HOW to be part of the SOLUTION because by my very skin color I am expected to be a part of the PROBLEM.... the privileged white skin. NO I am not the victim here. These children are. AND the children of all races all across the United States. (true worldwide too)
Spread the word. Do something positive to IMPROVE race relations in YOUR Neighborhood Support rights of these campers to have their contract honored. Let the children at this camp go swimming in the "whites only" swimming pool.
Never Doubt That a Small Group of People Can Change the World. It is the Only Thing That Ever Has. Margaret Mead
With that thought in mind, I learned about the World March for Peace from a friend of mine who is also a member of theErie Benedictines for Peace.
The World March starts in New Zealand on October 2, 2009, the anniversary of Gandhi’s birth, declared the “International Day of Nonviolence” by the United Nations.
I would like to take this march. I shall surely do so in spirit and online. I began training this week.
It will conclude in the Andes Mountains (Punta de Vacas, Aconcagua, Argentina) on January 2, 2010. The March will last 90 days, after three long months of travel. It will pass through all climates and seasons, from the hot summer of the tropics and the deserts, to the winter of Siberia. The American and Asian stages will be the longest, both almost a month.
Because a “world without wars” is an image that opens the future and seeks to become reality in every corner of the planet, as violence gives way to dialogue.
The moment has come for the voiceless to be heard! Out of agonizing and urgent need, millions of human beings are crying out for an end to wars and violence.
Mother's Day is for Peace. It started in America as a protest against sending their sons to war. Julia Ward Howe had some poetry within her proclamation documents:
"We, the women of one country,
Will be too tender of those of another country
To allow our sons to be trained to injure theirs."
--Julia Ward Howe, 1870 Mother's Peace Day Proclamation
Though it took until 1914 for the US to legislate Mother's Day it was indeed intended to be in memory of the sons lost in war by these Mothers.
Mother’s Day is:
A time for the women and children
to come together
to speak for those things
that make for peace.
--Julia Ward Howe
Honor your mother with the gift of peace. And give her your love. And maybe flowers and chocolates.
And I give special appreciation for my own Mother who is the matriarch of 5 generations and well loved and appreciated by us all.
THANK YOU AMERICA for thinking outside the box and for standing up for the values set forth by our founding fathers. Let us all give President Barack Obama the prayerful support he continues to need in order to lead. Our nation's system has checks and balances. At least in theory. If indeed we seek change and new directions each one of us must look around to see what we can do differently because Barack Obama is from a DIFFERENT School. . .
We owe it to ourselves and our children to trust the checks and balances will help keep our country on a positive track.. And not just blindly trust, but pay attention to ensure non-violence and justice in our actions.
Creative thinkers are not often appreciated at high levels of government. And my prayer is for the safety and guidance needed by all of our colleagues in leadership roles around the world. Let us learn to appreciate our diversity in all of its forms.
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