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TechnoratiLet Us Now Praise an Infamous Woman -- and Our Own Possibilities
The problem with letting history judge is that so many officials get away with murder in the meantime -- while precious few choose to face protracted vilification for pursuing truth and peace.A grand total of two people in the entire Congress were able to resist a blood-drenched blank check for the Vietnam War. Standing alone on Aug. 7, 1964, senators Ernest Gruening and Wayne Morse voted against the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution.
Forty-three years later, we don't need to go back decades to find a lopsided instance of a lone voice on Capitol Hill standing against war hysteria and the expediency of violent fear. Days after 9/11, at the launch of the so-called "war on terrorism," just one lawmaker -- out of 535 -- cast a vote against the gathering madness.
"However difficult this vote may be, some of us must urge the use of restraint," she said on the floor of the House of Representatives. The date was Sept. 14, 2001.
She went on: "Our country is in a state of mourning. Some of us must say, Let's step back for a moment, let's just pause just for a minute, and think through the implications of our actions today so that this does not spiral out of control."
And, she said: "As we act, let us not become the evil that we deplore."
With all that has happened since then -- with all that has spun out of control, with all the ways that the U.S. government has mimicked the evil it deplores -- it's stunning to watch and hear, for a single minute, what this brave Congresswoman had to say.
After speaking those words, Rep. Barbara Lee voted no. And the fevered slanders began immediately. She was called a traitor. Pundits went crazy. Death threats came.
Barbara Lee kept on keeping on. And nearly six years later, she's a key leader of antiwar forces inside and outside Congress. In her own way, she is a political descendent of Sen. Morse, whose denunciations of the Vietnam War are equally inspiring to watch today.
The pretexts for starting the wars on Vietnam and Iraq preceded the pretexts for continuing them. While antiwar activism took hold and public opinion shifted against the war effort, the Congress lagged way behind. Today, the need for a cutoff of war funding remains unfulfilled. To watch rarely seen footage of Wayne Morse and Barbara Lee is to see a standard of decency that few of our purported representatives in Congress are meeting.
There's no point in waiting for members of Congress to be heroic. When we're blessed with the living examples of a few genuine visionaries in office, they should inspire us to realize our own possibilities. Ultimately, our own actions -- and inaction -- are at issue.
"Incontestably, alas," James Baldwin wrote a few years after the killing of Martin Luther King Jr., while the war in Vietnam still raged, "most people are not, in action, worth very much; and yet, every human being is an unprecedented miracle. One tries to treat them as the miracles they are, while trying to protect oneself against the disasters they've become. This is not very different from the act of faith demanded by all those marches and petitions while Martin was still alive. One could scarcely be deluded by Americans anymore, one scarcely dared expect anything from the great, vast, blank generality; and yet one was compelled to demand of Americans -- and for their sakes, after all -- a generosity, a clarity, and a nobility which they did not dream of demanding of themselves.... Perhaps, however, the moral of the story (and the hope of the world) lies in what one demands, not of others, but of oneself."
Archival footage of Barbara Lee and Wayne Morse appears in the new documentary film "War Made Easy: How Presidents and Pundits Keep Spinning Us to Death" is based on Norman Solomon's book of the same title. For information about the full-length movie, narrated by SeanPenn and produced by the Media Education Foundation, go to: www.WarMadeEasyTheMovie.org
22 Comments so far
Show AllWords of wisdom are nice to read, but I have to disagree with the Sage in that sometimes EVIL must be fought. There will always be greedy, power hungry people who are bent on destroying all who get in their way. Sure, one can turn the other cheek and end up being oppressed, enslaved, and impoverished. The question now is how to fight back, how to preserve democratic principles, how to impeach this corrupt government that is bent on dissoving our Constitution. We fought with all our might to rid the world of Hitler, and we won. Now we have another Hitler type who is bent on destroying countless millions. Evil never goes away on its own, but just grows stronger. It has to be harnessed.
richM ... considering what the Dems have accomplished over a long period of history, I would rather be a Democrat "Dem bot" ... then a republican can/ass
Possibly you think you are helping history in some way ?? Prove it ... tell me about your activist lifestyle. Tell me about the human rights movements you have helped over the years ... including any recent marches/activism ... Tell me about your history of creating positive changes/ progress .. instead of what sounds like ongoing dissention and nonsense..
I seem to recall a couple of bush vetos of bills regarding Iraq passed by the Dems in this last six month period . Maybe you should just go ahead and override bush's veto ...
Trying to sound high and mighty and making remarks about Dems and "treason" etc ..(give me an example of that loud mouth!!) Easy for you to blame everything on the seven month Dems instead of the seven year pubs ...
Stop trying to lead the lemmings into wasting their vote by voting for a third party just so your repub party can get in ...again!
Norman asks us to consider our own possibilities, our responsibility, for the body politic. He asks us to act. He didn't suggest we argue amongst ourselves or divine the latest in Guru-speak. We're amerikans who are, once again, at war with people who have done us no harm. Regardless of what our politicians say or do, we need to end this war, now. We need to rally. I ask that we begin to suggest action that gets media attention, that might get you arrested, and that will divide those who some much hold fear over our heads. If I have angered anyone, they need to look at what has gotten us all this hopping mad and it ain't any of us writing today. So, let us focus on the enemy . . . the current establishment. Thank you.
John Thomas Ellis
To the laughable Dem-bot 'gabi' who writes (August 8th, 1:54 am): Also… in case you forgot...the pubs were in the majority .. big time at the time !!
Actually, when the Dems got on their knees to Bush to pass the IWR in October 2002, the Dems had a majority in the Senate. And 27 Dem senators (more than half) voted "Aye" to invade Iraq -- including ALL the presidential candidates & big names, including Clinton, Kerry, & Edwards.
The Dems protect Bush-Cheney from impeachment, and fund the Iraq War!! Over the weekend, they provided critical support for annulling the 4th Amendment. Instead of standing up to defend the Constitution, they rolled over on their backs, & ran home for August vacation! Even when confronted with evidence that Bush & Gonzales were using the US Attorney system to steal elections from them, the Dems turned around this weekend -- and gave Gonzales enhanced authority to eavesdrop on citizens! // They "took back Congress" 8 months ago, and have done NOTHING to restore habeas corpus, to revoke the PATRIOT Act, to stop the torture & CIA renderings.
Please, gabi, with your loud mouth, why don't you give us some specific examples of where the Dems have "stood up to oppose" Bush & Cheney?
The Democrats are the party of collaboration & treason -- working arm in arm with Republicans to dismantle the US Constitution, betray their own voters, & to ratify a de facto program of endless war.
Thank you KERNEL and ST. JOHN. I remember during my studies realizing that psychology only went so far. What could one do with a degree in philosophy in a world orienting itself increasingly towards materialism? In any case, the pursuit of truth led me to study the mystics of MANY sects. There is great wisdom about human nature built into the Tarot, an understanding of patterns of human mass destiny built into the I ching, and of course, the Divine relationship between the individual and cosmos writ into the Logos (astrological blueprint). For "seekers" there are easy oracles that enable you to get an intuitive sense of where you are in time, Ralph Blum's version of the RUNES are an excellent EASY guide system, and I love The Medicine Cards, wisdom taken from Indian animal totems.
I published an article years ago called "The Macbeth Syndrome and Prophecy" and it speaks to the problem of the human ego. Each of us has our own set agenda, we unconciously (or consciously) ask the oracle to reflect back what we most wish to hear. It's the metaphyiscal equivalent of the wicked queen wanting the mirror to make her look beautiful in the story of Snow White. It takes great humility and wisdom to truly place ego aside and listen for what the oracle is offering.
Given that the old religions have led us to redundant conflict, part of the new phase mankind is laboring to give birth to asks us to look to new paradigms. Much in life begins with belief, so I try to catalyze new thought IN this forum. I am glad some people respond affirmatively.
Supermundane I, 174. Urusvati knows how certain sayings are misinterpreted. It is well known that the words about turning the other cheek have led to many errors. Indeed, if this saying is interpreted simply in the physical sense it results in absurdity, because this was spiritual instruction and was intended to mean that when there is inner balance, the attempts of evil can do no harm. The Great Pilgrim valued human dignity and knew from the Teachings of India that nothing and no one can harm the balanced human spirit.
We greatly appreciate the ability to maintain equilibrium, whether in success or in failure, and the ability to continue to strive toward the chosen goal whatever the difficulties. But first one must have a goal and realize that without it there can be no advance. From such an attitude comes the possibility of great achievement. Achievement is demanded of everyone, and the idea of great achievements should inspire, not frighten.
The Great Pilgrim also taught about the quality of achievement and said, "Whoever improves the quality of his labor is already performing a good deed. Even if he acts only for his own sake, he contributes to the benefit of others. One's labor has a special effect on others and everyone benefits from it. Not only on Earth are great deeds appreciated; the Subtle World, too, watches beautiful labor attentively."
He also said, "You judge the coming day by the sunrise, paying attention to whether the atmosphere is cloudy or clear, and whether the sun is bright red or obscured. In life, too, it is possible from early childhood to foretell the development of human character. One can observe those possibilities in a small child that eventually will be manifested. He who loves work in childhood will remain a toiler all his life."
A laboring or idle nature is formed in one's previous lives. Many do not learn to rejoice in labor during their stay in the subtle spheres. I affirm that the quality of labor builds the future ascent. It is wrong to think that only kings ascend and peasants descend, for the quality of labor can be improved in all circumstances.
The Great Pilgrim also taught the advantage of knowledge over ignorance. "Knowledge is achieved as the result of great labor. People will never succeed unless they strive to learn. Few are those who are qualified to help others to learn. Glory to such enlightened teachers! Each of them teaches what has already been written, but also includes a drop of his own knowledge. Such a drop is a gift from Infinity."
http://www.agniyoga.org/search_result.html?supm1=on&supm2=on&supm3=on&supm4=on&search_string=Great+Pil...
RichM ....You add nothing to this site ... blasting away at all Dems no matter who/ what they do/ have done... Please find yourself a republican outlet for your nonsense!
The Iraq war is/was totally a bush/cheney/ rove creation... and anyone who tries to SELL it any differently either hasn't been paying attention or is a dyed in the wool bushie!! Also... in case you forgot, as you usually do, the pubs were in the majority .. big time at the time !!
I'm so tired of the lame examples of re- written history that I read here ... and very recent history to boot!
This is a well deserved tribute to Barbara Lee ...go bash someone who deserves it ... like bush/ cheney/ rove etc
Thank you, Siouxrose, and others offering tranformative Wisdom for alternative conflict resolution. I would like to add a few other resources. Beginning this week, on PBS, Dr. Wayne Dyer is presenting his latest PBS Special, a manual on the art of living, his interpretation of the Tao Te Ching. I have seen a couple of the segments and highly recommend it. For those interested in a counter-point to the radical fundamentalist religionists of any stripe, whether Christian, Muslim, Jewish or Atheist, read some of the work of Neale Donald Walsch: Conversations with God, What God Wants, The New Revelations and Friendship with God. Don't be thrown off by the word God in these titles: this is a fresh approach to resolving the insanity of separatism by recognzing our Oneness. I would venture that even the most secular nontheist will gain valuable insight into what is happening in our global society, including environmental issues, from these books. These are about solutions and they address all the major issues of our time from a pragmatic and heatfelt space of compassion and Love, not hate and divisiveness.
Peace,
st john
SIOUXROSE, keep those astrology lessons of yours coming as they offer some hope that there is a way out of this evil mess we find ourselves in. I believe some of the old philosophers may have kmown things that modern thinking has missed. They may have had more opportunity to meditate than our stressed out people on today`s treadmill do. It is good to stretch your mind occasionally and realize there are many ways to look at a problem.
USERMAN: I try! Many thanks...
right on Siouxrose-----you speak with much wisdom.
Many thanks POET, EZEYFLYER and BOBBI. I've read Starhawk's novel. I'm glad you can relate to wisdom taken from an ancient oracle. If only modern statesmen read the I ching, for it speaks of cycles and how there are times when INFERIOR MEN are in ASCENDANCY; and how we must stand like the willow that bends, but does not break with the storm winds. Human nature truly alters little; therefore studying what wise individuals came to recognize on the basis of astute study and observation in an era when there was no incessant media driving peoples' thought processes 24/7 (often on subliminal levels) equals the path to enlightened realizations.
Slight but important correction of first comment. Today we have a socialist Senator, Bernie Sanders, who on a great many issues goes further against the insanity than even Morse and Gruening did.
But I agree. Morse was an awesome speaker for speechless Americans in the face of massively deceptive propaganda.
Let all progressives and pass his name around for attention.
"In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act." George Orwell
"The world is a dangerous place to live; not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don't do anything about it." Albert Einstein
"All you have to do is tell the people they are being attacked, and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same in any country." Hermann Goering,
"Fascism should rightly be called corporatism as it is a merge of state and corporate power." Benito Mussolini
"War is just a racket. A racket is best described, I believe, as something that is not what it seems to the majority of people. Only a small inside group knows what it is about. It is conducted for the benefit of the very few at the expense of the masses." Major General Smedley Butler, USMC
Don't let Barbara Lee and Bernie Sanders go unsupported.
as they address the insanity,
jay janson
The handful of politicians who have not been bought are a positive force for democracy and good government EVEN when they are wrong. They can learn from their mistakes and they discuss ideas.
Debate might even return to government if we didn't have the best politicians money can buy.
Health care would be a good place to have a knock down drag out debate.
Siouxrose,
Thank you for making this crucial point. It reminds me of the wisdom in one of my favorite utopian novels, Starhawk's The Fifth Sacred Thing. Armageddon or something like it has come and gone, and in relative isolation the people of the San Francisco Bay Area have built for themselves a peaceful, egalitarian and environmentally responsible society. As the novel unfolds, the peace of SF is threatened by the machinery of war. Wisely, the city decides on a strategy of nonviolent resistance, realizing that the choice being held before them is to fight the enemy on its own terms -- thus becoming more like their enemy themselves -- or to resist on their own terms, forcing the enemy to become more like them. The watchword, flying in the face of all conventional wisdom, is this: What happens to the enemy who is invited to a place at the table? Does he (or she) not transform?
I would like to believe it is possible.
Great posts Siouxrose and Poet.
And why not Barbara Lee? She's a dem, but we won't hold it against her!
Siouxrose makes an interesting point--
On evil the I ching advises that a direct battle with evil can NEVER be won, for to take up evil means one must adapt evil's own ends thus becoming embroiled in a struggle that can never be won because evil constantly devises new ends. How then to handle evil?
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Hugo Chavez has been practicing this principle by offering discounted heating oil to poor folks in the NE and Midwest US in order to allow them to afford to heat their homes and eat too.
Fidel offered to send teams of Dr's especially trained in disaster relief medicine to help in Katrina relief.
The criticisms of both leaders for doing such by teh US government (along with the total lack of anyone else even trying to match their efforts in the US) spoke volumes more about who is "good" and who is "evil" than all the propaganda posturing ever could.
There is a wise body of wisdom from Ancient China known as the I ching. In kua/hexagram # 43 (there are 64 "wisdom units" in total) the subject of evil is addressed. Mind you sages from several millennia ago studied the issue of evil and their conclusions are timeless and thus contemporary.
(It's interesting to me the evident synchronicity in that Bush by fate has bcome the 43rd president.) On evil the I ching advises that a direct battle with evil can NEVER be won, for to take up evil means one must adapt evil's own ends thus becoming embroiled in a struggle that can never be won because evil constantly devises new ends. How then to handle evil? The answer mirrors the teachings of Christ when he uttered, "Turn the other cheek," and/or "Cast thy nets to the other side." Taken metaphysically, these actions call for a departure from a direct attack on evil. They represent what metaphysical teacher Emmet Fox termed, "building new mental equivalents" or "investing in the good." As an example, the drug war (which has only succeeded in creating more addicts and playing a substantial role in the incarceration rate of 2 million US citizens presently) is ONE approach to dealing with teens who have nothing to do with their time (especially if on account of inner city economics, combined with racism, added to some of these individuals already having "records" their job options significantly reduced) another is merely to LIGHT basketball courts at night so the teens have a place to go to work off stress positively.
We might have fed starving Iraqis rather than bombed them if the intention was to win hearts, not steal oil or sell weapons to an increasingly fear-based world with so-called terrorism (often a response to US aggression) out of control. ATTACKING a problem (even "the war on poverty" or the "war on illiteracy") never works. We can only turn our collective cheeks and BUILD/INVEST in alternatives that turn lives and priorities around. It was true 3000 years ago and is still true, but is yet to be put into practice!
Not as astute as Solomon often is. Barbara Lee is my congresswoman; I've often seen her in action at Town Halls, etc. Though a likeable person & one of the few Democrats who deserve any respect at all, she is nonetheless very much a creature of her party. Several times at the Iraq Town Halls last year, she was asked by her constituents "What can we do, to help end the war?" She unfailingly answered along the lines of "Let's all work to get Democrats elected in November." Needless to say, that advice was disingenuous & misleading.
Similarly, the day after the Dems caved on war funding last spring, she came to Oakland to another Town Hall, and portrayed the Iraq War as solely Bush's creation. To listen to her, Bush & his minions created this evil, while the Dems were engaged in "valiant opposition." She also refused to criticize Pelosi, even though it was widely reported that Pelosi had twisted her arm, to prevent her from offering a serious amendment for troop withdrawal that would have had some teeth in it.
Lee deserves credit for some principled positions. She knows the Iraq War is a monstrous crime. But she plays along with the Dem leadership, when push comes to shove.
I'm with poet - Draft Barbara Lee for POTUS!
I had the honor of hearing Wayne Morse speak in '65 or '66.
He has always to me been the model of what a U.S. Senator should be. Unfortunately, there are none like him today.
It is sad but even among many activists their response is "Wayne who?" when his name is mentioned.
It will be the same for Rep Lee. Down the memory hole.
It is truly amazing to me how much time, money and talent are expended in this country either trying to keep things the way they are or making them worse. Bill O'Reilly is certainly better known than Barbara Lee.
Why do we need Hillary and Baracko when we have Barbara Lee--She is African-American, a woman, and (unlike the other two) a peson of principle and conviction who believes in the American people's right to decide through democratic input our nation's agenda.