Two Years ago this week, Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast. After watching it grow in the Bahamas and head west, I had a feeling this one would be different. It became a category 3 by the time it passed Florida. And it had grown to the size of entire Gulf of Mexico, becoming a category 5—the largest and strongest rating of a hurricane. Katrina slammed into Biloxi, Bridgeport, and New Orleans with 175 mph winds and massive storm surges. As trees, power lines and buildings were torn from their foundations, it was evident that a lot of damage was done. But reports got worse.
Reports came out that many in urban areas could not be evacuated on time. Thousands of people were forced to wait out the storm. But as the storm passed, we found the worst was not yet over. The shear force of the storm surges had caused the New Orleans Levees to crumble, flooding many low level areas including the notoriously under franchised 9th ward. Many scrambled for shelter. Thousands were put up in emergency housing in the Super Dome. Gas lines burst, causing the polluted waters of the Mississippi River to erupt into flames. People hit the flooded streets looking for whatever supplies they could find.
All the while, President Bush and his key advisers continued their vacation in Crawford, Texas. The National Guard began to react and FEMA moved in. Emergency rations were air dropped. Bodies began to surface in the waters. People, stranded on flooded houses were rescued by helicopters. Reports that National Guard Members were being shot at were given, then denied, then confirmed, then denied. No body knew what was going on. Then reports came out that public buses had been in storage during the evacuation procedures. Literally hundreds of thousands of citizens could have been rescued before the event if the appropriate actions could have been made.
The conditions in the Super Dome had been reduced to squalor only seen in war torn third world nations. Panic in the streets of New Orleans. Rescue crews had to fight fires in filthy, polluted water. Survivors were collecting the dead—over 1700 in all. It took President Bush and his advisers a week to finally get to the Gulf Coast—first to console Sen. Trent Lott on the loss of his historic plantation house, and then to the deadly waters of New Orleans.
Less then a month later, just as the waters began to drop, the unthinkable happened. Another category 5 hurricane--Rita—followed the almost exact route as Katrina, once again slamming into the gulf coast. I will never forget the sight of the entire 9th ward, once again flooded by the waters of the Mississippi. Original evacuees who had returned were forced to evacuate. Those living in the Super Dome and other emergency facilities were forced to ride the storm again.
I have been to the Gulf Coast since then. As have thousands of others. Many are working with little to no experience on how to rebuild a city. Millions of volunteer hours have been put into the reconstruction of the area. But it is slow and awkward. In Biloxi-Bridgeport, the storm ravaged coast line is still a ghost town, except for a bustling downtown of casinos. Casinos and no infrastructure. Trees still slant at an awkward 45 degree angle. Empty concrete slabs lie dormant with neon signs missing logos but still recognizable. That one was a Waffle House. That one was a Taco Bell. That one, a Texaco.
As for New Orleans, I have no doubt that it is the most visible and tangible recognition of race and class difference in the United States. The down town infrastructure has been completely on the mend. The lightly hit French Quarter—predominantly white and upper class-- is back to 100%. But the predominantly poor Upper and Lower Ninth Wards are still abandoned. Homes have been stripped to the studs. And volunteers work daily to tend empty plots of land. High grasses are prime spots for snakes, parasites and disease carrying vermin. Workers often don’t last more than a couple of weeks due to burnout and exhaustion. And the poisonous mold spores left over after the floods cause chronic coughing and fatigue. Homes still have the tell-tale graffiti left by the National Guard Search and Rescue crews. This house had poisonous water in it and was never searched. This one had an abandoned dog in it. This one had two bodies in it. This one burned down.
Two years later and recovery is still slow. People have been forced out of their homes and communities and have been scattered across the country. A Diaspora of Gulf Coast natives and a government slow to act.
In other news, did you see that Alberto Gonzales resigned on Friday? And it isn’t even my birthday.
Monday, August 27, 2007
Monday, August 20, 2007
Conflict at ConCentric
Last week, there was no Monday Blog post. This was because I was in beautiful Honeywood, Ontario, Canada for the annual UU Young Adult Network (UUYAN) business meeting, ConCentric. This year’s event was relaxing and enjoyable; full of good people, amazing workshops, and lots of hard work. I enjoyed meeting such wonderful people who are so devoted to the cause of Unitarian Universalism, young adults, peace and justice.
However, it was not all smooth sailing. The UUYAN steering committee, with the blessings of the Young Adult/Campus Ministry Office, decided that UUYAN needed to take a year long hiatus from planning conferences so that the movement could reassess the goals and tactics for the Young Adult UU community. Therefore, the 2008 ConCentric and the spiritual retreat, OPUS, would be cancelled. As the initial shock wore off, tempers flared. While many agreed with the spirit of the announcement, the process of the decision was brought into question. What began as an agonizing, night long discussion and debate on behalf of the Steering Committee, soon became a “clandestine attempt of a few to usurp the deciding power of the community.”
Discussion was long and difficult. At times, it was extremely frustrating and painful. While some wanted to talk about oversight and accountability, others wanted to brainstorm how to foster grassroots organizing of Young Adult communities. Venting of emotions happened on both sides and constructive criticism was shared. But, it was often challenging. But, emotions never got out of hand.
Every evening, over dinner and worship, we were able to come together as a group. Given this healing time, the community gathered to look at the bigger picture. After one particularly moving worship service, an impromptu chant and spiral dance occurred. As the members of the community wrapped around each other, camps and divisions melted away. We realized that the passion that came out during the day was due to our love for the community we shared. This love fostered trust and understanding. And while the conflict did not disappear, we were able to learn, grow and stretch with each other.
And as we continued the business for the week, amazing new strategies, tactics and techniques were brought to the forefront. Goals and dreams had room to grow and flourish. And exciting new possibilities were formed. And while many were still scared about the future of OPUS and ConCentric, the excitement of bold new futures fostered our drive to continue.
This is why I feel so completely blessed and lucky to be working on peace with my faith community. When discussion gets heated and tense, there is always time for prayer and reflection. When one needs a sympathetic ear, there are chaplains, ministers, and lay listeners. And when goals shift, there are still core principles and values that we share. And love for our community leads us to finding more room for trust, understanding and growth. I couldn’t imagine being happier anywhere else right now. Once again, I am reminded of a quote from the Unitarian Minister, Ralph Waldo Emerson, “Peace cannot be achieved through violence, it can only be attained through understanding.”
However, it was not all smooth sailing. The UUYAN steering committee, with the blessings of the Young Adult/Campus Ministry Office, decided that UUYAN needed to take a year long hiatus from planning conferences so that the movement could reassess the goals and tactics for the Young Adult UU community. Therefore, the 2008 ConCentric and the spiritual retreat, OPUS, would be cancelled. As the initial shock wore off, tempers flared. While many agreed with the spirit of the announcement, the process of the decision was brought into question. What began as an agonizing, night long discussion and debate on behalf of the Steering Committee, soon became a “clandestine attempt of a few to usurp the deciding power of the community.”
Discussion was long and difficult. At times, it was extremely frustrating and painful. While some wanted to talk about oversight and accountability, others wanted to brainstorm how to foster grassroots organizing of Young Adult communities. Venting of emotions happened on both sides and constructive criticism was shared. But, it was often challenging. But, emotions never got out of hand.
Every evening, over dinner and worship, we were able to come together as a group. Given this healing time, the community gathered to look at the bigger picture. After one particularly moving worship service, an impromptu chant and spiral dance occurred. As the members of the community wrapped around each other, camps and divisions melted away. We realized that the passion that came out during the day was due to our love for the community we shared. This love fostered trust and understanding. And while the conflict did not disappear, we were able to learn, grow and stretch with each other.
And as we continued the business for the week, amazing new strategies, tactics and techniques were brought to the forefront. Goals and dreams had room to grow and flourish. And exciting new possibilities were formed. And while many were still scared about the future of OPUS and ConCentric, the excitement of bold new futures fostered our drive to continue.
This is why I feel so completely blessed and lucky to be working on peace with my faith community. When discussion gets heated and tense, there is always time for prayer and reflection. When one needs a sympathetic ear, there are chaplains, ministers, and lay listeners. And when goals shift, there are still core principles and values that we share. And love for our community leads us to finding more room for trust, understanding and growth. I couldn’t imagine being happier anywhere else right now. Once again, I am reminded of a quote from the Unitarian Minister, Ralph Waldo Emerson, “Peace cannot be achieved through violence, it can only be attained through understanding.”
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Candidate Tracker
With the primary season starting in just a mere four months, you might still be confused on whom to vote for.
Here is a fun survey that takes less than five minutes to help you narrow down your choices.
http://www.dehp.net/candidate/index.php
I found it rather accurate.
And if you are having a hard time on knowing exactly where candidates stand, check out Project Vote Smart.
Here is where the candidates fill out a very in depth survey on key points for the average American Voter.
Here is a fun survey that takes less than five minutes to help you narrow down your choices.
http://www.dehp.net/candidate/index.php
I found it rather accurate.
And if you are having a hard time on knowing exactly where candidates stand, check out Project Vote Smart.
Here is where the candidates fill out a very in depth survey on key points for the average American Voter.
Monday, August 6, 2007
Meredith's Top 10 and a Goodbye
After 2 years as the Clara Barton Intern for Women's Issues, my term is up! I'm preparing to start a new job with Advocates for Youth after I take a much needed vacation out of hot, humid DC. The transition process has been interesting for me as I've been evaluating my life, what I've learned and experienced while working for the UUA and how I want to be and live in the future.
Here's my Top 10 list (in no particular order) from my past 2 years at the UUA:
1. Working with organizations and people with progressive visions for social change
2. Staying grounded through weekly theological reflections
3. Training and supporting young advocates as they lobby for comprehensive sex education
4. Being a part of the UUA and knowing that I've contributed to the visibility, growth and strength of our denomination
5. Being able, and encouraged to openly discuss identities and anti-racism/anti-oppression
6. Having supportive, passionate and fun coworkers
7. Seeing how small groups of UUs have organized to make change in their churches, communities and country
8. Interfaith organizing and dialogue!
9. Meeting Members of Congress
10. Talking about Our Whole Lives knowing that it's one of the best curriculums available
This internship provided me with an incredible opportunity to engage and challenge my faith, my UU community and the larger world. I've learned so much and I hope that I've passed on some of my knowledge and passion along the way.
I'm pleased to welcome Grace Garner as the 3rd Clara Barton Intern. She has a strong foundation to work from and I'm excited to see where her vision will take UUA justice and advocacy work on women's issues.
Here's my Top 10 list (in no particular order) from my past 2 years at the UUA:
1. Working with organizations and people with progressive visions for social change
2. Staying grounded through weekly theological reflections
3. Training and supporting young advocates as they lobby for comprehensive sex education
4. Being a part of the UUA and knowing that I've contributed to the visibility, growth and strength of our denomination
5. Being able, and encouraged to openly discuss identities and anti-racism/anti-oppression
6. Having supportive, passionate and fun coworkers
7. Seeing how small groups of UUs have organized to make change in their churches, communities and country
8. Interfaith organizing and dialogue!
9. Meeting Members of Congress
10. Talking about Our Whole Lives knowing that it's one of the best curriculums available
This internship provided me with an incredible opportunity to engage and challenge my faith, my UU community and the larger world. I've learned so much and I hope that I've passed on some of my knowledge and passion along the way.
I'm pleased to welcome Grace Garner as the 3rd Clara Barton Intern. She has a strong foundation to work from and I'm excited to see where her vision will take UUA justice and advocacy work on women's issues.
Top/Down, Bottom/Up
Top/Down, Bottom/Up—
A while ago, I was challenged to name my peace heroes. This particular professor of mine in Northern Ireland asked us, “in a world so full of war heroes, who are your peace heroes?” There was only one stipulation; we could not name the usual suspects. No Gandhi, no King, no Parks. Immediately, one name came to my mind: Sharp.
As far as mainstream advocates for non-violence go, Gene Sharp is not extremely popular. He has never led a non-violent revolution. He has never toppled a dictator with words. He has never led millions to their destinies. At least not directly. In 1973, Sharp wroteThe Politics of Non-Violent Struggle. This 800 page, three part series lays out the historical and philosophical underpinnings of non-violent protest. It is arguable that every non-violent revolution since the early 1970’s has had Gene Sharp to thank. Otpur; the non-violent, youth led revolution that toppled Slobodan Milosevic’s government was directly trained by Sharp and his colleagues.
And while I am
reserving the theories of non-violence for a later topic, I want to bring out one of Sharp’s theories. It is something I have been struggling with myself recently: the location of power and authority.
Sharp sees the modern power structure as a hierarchy. At the top, we have political elites, corporate executives, etc. In the middle, we see the bureaucrats, police officers and managers. And at the bottom are the citizen masses. You have your average voters and folks just trying to make a buck from day to day. (Graph 1)
In the traditional world-view of government structures, we see th
e power flowing down from the top to the bottom. Political and economic elites have made it to the top through some sort of merit. Their status at the top gives them the power to rule those at the bottom. (Graph 2)
However, Sharp turns it around. He knows that those at the top are there under the consent of those at the bottom—at least in a democratic society. He has turned power from a top/down relationship to a bottom/up. This is the basis of the American Revolution. Our Founding Fathers knew that government was a social contract between the governors and the governed. And when the needs of the people were not being met by the work of the governing elite, the
governors were to be changed. (Graph 3)
This is my challenge to you. Stop waiting for your leadership. You are the leadership. Let our peacemaking be our own. And let the leadership for it be bottom/up rather than top/down. I am encouraging and empowering you to live your passions for peace.
"Heroes are not giant statues framed against a red sky. They are people who say: This is my community, and it is my responsibility to make it better. Interweave all these communities and you really have an America that is back on its feet again. I really think we are gonna have to reassess what constitutes a 'hero'."
-- Studs Terkel
A while ago, I was challenged to name my peace heroes. This particular professor of mine in Northern Ireland asked us, “in a world so full of war heroes, who are your peace heroes?” There was only one stipulation; we could not name the usual suspects. No Gandhi, no King, no Parks. Immediately, one name came to my mind: Sharp.
As far as mainstream advocates for non-violence go, Gene Sharp is not extremely popular. He has never led a non-violent revolution. He has never toppled a dictator with words. He has never led millions to their destinies. At least not directly. In 1973, Sharp wroteThe Politics of Non-Violent Struggle. This 800 page, three part series lays out the historical and philosophical underpinnings of non-violent protest. It is arguable that every non-violent revolution since the early 1970’s has had Gene Sharp to thank. Otpur; the non-violent, youth led revolution that toppled Slobodan Milosevic’s government was directly trained by Sharp and his colleagues.
And while I am
reserving the theories of non-violence for a later topic, I want to bring out one of Sharp’s theories. It is something I have been struggling with myself recently: the location of power and authority.Sharp sees the modern power structure as a hierarchy. At the top, we have political elites, corporate executives, etc. In the middle, we see the bureaucrats, police officers and managers. And at the bottom are the citizen masses. You have your average voters and folks just trying to make a buck from day to day. (Graph 1)
In the traditional world-view of government structures, we see th
e power flowing down from the top to the bottom. Political and economic elites have made it to the top through some sort of merit. Their status at the top gives them the power to rule those at the bottom. (Graph 2)However, Sharp turns it around. He knows that those at the top are there under the consent of those at the bottom—at least in a democratic society. He has turned power from a top/down relationship to a bottom/up. This is the basis of the American Revolution. Our Founding Fathers knew that government was a social contract between the governors and the governed. And when the needs of the people were not being met by the work of the governing elite, the
governors were to be changed. (Graph 3)This is my challenge to you. Stop waiting for your leadership. You are the leadership. Let our peacemaking be our own. And let the leadership for it be bottom/up rather than top/down. I am encouraging and empowering you to live your passions for peace.
"Heroes are not giant statues framed against a red sky. They are people who say: This is my community, and it is my responsibility to make it better. Interweave all these communities and you really have an America that is back on its feet again. I really think we are gonna have to reassess what constitutes a 'hero'."
-- Studs Terkel
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