Dispatch from a T.G.I. Fridays in the Moscow Airport: Sadly, I am not leaving the Nobel Peace Summit with a Dalai Lama selfie, but I am leaving with something even better (what!?!)- a renewed sense of hope. Every day we are creating the future, whether we realize it or not. So why not build a tomorrow where equality, justice, and peace are realities? A world where people are not targeted for state violence because of the color of their skin. A world where women are valued as equal citizens. Where LGBTQIA people are not under the daily threat of violence and death for simply existing. A world where low prices is no longer an excuse for sweatshops and unlivable wages. Where the sovereignty of indigenous nations is respected. Where children have a universal right to education and healthcare. Where religious differences are valued. Where people are no longer hidden because of disability. Where millions of people no longer flee their homes because of violence. If we want this world we cant simply wish for it. We cant just hear about injustice and feel sad about it. We cant just donate to charities. We have to DO more. To paraphrase Leymah Gbowee, the 2011 Laureate from Liberia, We must find the injustices that keep us up at night- the ones that make us kick our feet in anger beneath the sheets- and we must take that righteous indignation and transform it into action. Action is the only thing that will transform this tiny little planet we share. So, lets all make a deal that well get out there and advocate for peace and justice: on the streets, in the voting booths, and in our daily interactions. Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, its the only thing that ever has. Lets Change The World!
Posted on: Mon, 15 Dec 2014 03:16:03 +0000