Tuesday, November 17, 2015

"Cette fois, c'est la paix" | One Citizen's Hope for Peace in the Light of Tragedy

On Friday, I will become an American citizen. At this ceremony, I will take an oath where I promise to “bear true faith and allegiance” to our constitution and government.  Written in the Declaration of Independence, the Founding Fathers explain that often times throughout history there comes a time in which people must dissolve their previous political alliances and assume the “powers of the earth.” They wrote that Natural Law is “self-evident” and that the right to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” is an inalienable right defined by God. 

Our Founding Fathers believed in a new possibility but at the very moment they wrote those words, our Founding Fathers also denied those inalienable rights to many. There is an enormous gap between what the Declaration of Independence says about the rights of man and how America has treated its people, and this is a tension that is still reflected in our current political discourse.

It is from this tension that I am writing today, because I believe that it is a citizen’s most important responsibility to speak truth to power when a person’s inalienable rights are threatened.

On Friday, there was a heinous attack on citizens in France by a few seeking to accomplish their vision of justice and faith.  Within moments, our world leaders came out swinging calling this act of violence deplorable.  President Obama called it “an attack on humanity and the universal values we share.”  French President Francoise Hollande called the attack a “horror.”  But in the same breath, both world leaders said they were planning on using military force, with Hollande saying “this time, this is war.”

Since the attack, the media has aided Obama and Hollande by choosing to divorce the events in Paris from a very complicated web of political and economic realities.  These political and economic realities include American and French intervention in global politics, Islamophobia, and a refugee crisis where 60 million worldwide are displaced from their home. 

I cannot pretend that I have the ability to determine effective policy, or that I could possibly be a world leader dealing with a national crisis – but as a citizen it is my responsibility to question whether or not our culture, which reduces stories like this to a sound bite on the nightly news, is acting in accordance with the rights we deem to be inalienable. As a result, Americans have been debating our responsibility to help those in crisis, and have been asking whether or not that responsibility comes at a cost to our safety and livelihoods.  I believe this to be a necessary debate, but the results that come from that discourse is an affront to justice that will only harm those who are already without protection.

Since the beginning of the crisis in Syria, our government has debated on how to intervene.  It has transformed from a regional crisis to an international crisis with over 9 million Syrians displaced.  There seems to be no “good guy” in this fight, but the United States still feels compelled to intervene. Often when we examine terms of intervention in global conflict we are blind to our own historical involvement.  As Ben Norton said while talking about our “double standards” on terrorism, “Western imperial policies of ravaging entire nations, propping up repressive dictators, and supporting extremist groups are conveniently forgotten [when awful attacks on citizens happen in our own countries].”

In a study led by Conflict Armament research for instance, the weapons used by ISIS to harm civilians are acquired through a “vast arms watershed, with tributaries extending to distant corners of the world.” The origins of these weapons read like a “roll call of arms-exporting nations” including the United States, Belgium, Russia, China, and France. In other words, terrorism does not exist in a vacuum and no matter our intention when sharing our weapons technology, these weapons do not solely end up in the hands of our allies.  With humanity’s “shared values” on the line, it becomes less morally comfortable to imagine our government and our allies handing anyone weapons, even if we only share weapons only with those who share our values.

When the news hit that one of the attackers potentially was a Syrian refugee, it has become fashionable for us to believe that we should then wash our hands of responsibility for this crisis, and that we should not open our doors to people impacted by the Syrian crisis. Interestingly enough, this plays into the values espoused by ISIS as it supports their assertion that there is a western war against Islam. In addition these refugees are also the people who “face the indiscriminate violence and cruel injustice in lands controlled by the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria.” 

If the refugees are running way from ISIS while ISIS uses the pain and suffering of the refugee for political gain, it no longer seems morally allowable to not house refugees in the name of American “protection.”  While we cannot guarantee that every individual refugee has benevolent intentions, the threat of terrorism exists for civilians in America (or France) whether or not refugees are allowed to immigrate. 

Additionally, our understanding of this devastating attack on innocent civilians is also divorced from the complex political and economic realities of life within our own countries. In France for instance, the National Front political party is posed to make political gain because of a growing anti-immigrant sentiment that has been adopted by many French citizens because of “record high numbers of jobless people and [a] fear of terrorism.” Taken from an article on Marine Le Pen, leader of the National Front party: “the hard line taken by the populist leader [is not unusual]: France’s Muslim immigrants are an alien force threatening French values.”

Unfortunately, a political party that uses anti-immigrant sentiment to win votes is only the tip of the iceberg. A little over fifty years ago, French police killed over 200 people who were protesting in support of Algerian independence, which at the time was a French colony. French police threw bodies into the Seine River, and it took over forty years for the French government to acknowledge the tragedy had occurred.  Today in Parisian suburbs (which culturally represents the same space as the American ghetto), reside both the literal and metaphorical descendants of these protesters.

While comprising about eight percent of the population, approximately 60 percent of people in French prisons are Muslim (exact figures are not known because it is illegal in France to survey citizens on race or religion). Lastly in 2004, French politicians also passed a law forbidding Islamic religious dress in public schools citing a commitment to secular values in public spaces. Essentially, as stated in the New Yorker's article "The Other France," both the average right-wing National Party supporter, and the radical Islamist are alienated in France today.

I am not saying these things to make the recent violence in France seem justified, in fact I want to say the opposite. Our understanding of global conflicts and terrorism is not nuanced enough to know when it is right to say “this time, this is war.”  Taking a different spin on a famous phrase from Dr. Martin Luther King, violence anywhere is a threat to peace everywhere.

I believe that the world can be a better place and I believe in the inalienable rights of man.  But mostly, I believe in the possibility of the world where these two things are not in conflict. To borrow from our Founding Fathers one last time, we have come to that very moment they spoke of in the Declaration of Independence.

This is the time where we must dissolve our political alliances so that we can all live according to the “powers of the earth.” The philosophical tension (and trauma) left behind by a group of Founding Fathers who proclaimed our rights “self-evident” while denying those very rights to many, is the same battle we fight today. But if we truly take their words seriously, we will be left with no choice but to question our leaders the next time they say “this time, this is war.”


Sunday, July 29, 2012

From the Mouth of Bulldogs

My mom has been known to yell at the television.  She has a strong distaste for the Kardashians, Republicans and, "What else? There's so many things I hate." She loves boring British television, this one cooking show where the lady is Canadian but pretends to be a Guido, and HGTV. Tonight, while watching the news, my mother told me she could sum up every major GOP politician quite simply, here's what she said:

- Sarah Palin - "Twit."
- John McCain - "Liar [re: the "renegade"]"
- Dick Cheney - "Fascist."
- George H.W. Bush - "Didn't do a damn thing in four years."
- Mitt Romney - "Idiot."
- John Boehner -  "OH! Asshole!"
- Mitch McConnell - "Words cannot even express, I just look at him and cringe."
- Rick Santorum - "What is he online? That oozing discharge after anal sex? That's about what he is."
- George W. Bush - "Oh, God. I think that's all I can say."

Even if you fall on the other side of the aisle from my mother, admit that there's nothing better than your own mother yelling at the T.V. and making herself laugh while thinking about all the things she hates.

Monday, July 23, 2012

After Walk Endorphins

Tonight I went on a lovely walk through a park here in Issaquah with my Mom after I got off of a long day at the daycare.  Ichiro was traded to the Yankees (one more reason to hate the Yankees?), and the plans for the road trip are finalized.  I have finished reading the book "How to Be a Woman" by Caitlin Moran - a funny (and frank) read about being a woman and being a feminist today.  Think, British Tina Fey combo with a bit about hating patriarchy.  It was a fast and comfortable read.   In a similar vein, I also finished reading Gloria Steinem's book "Outrageous Acts and Everyday Rebellions," seems as though I am on a bit of a feminist kick (as per usual), and Steinem was more inspiring while Moran was more like a gossip columnist.  Both of them were great, but for different reasons.

Since I have just finished two books, I have to say that I am continuing to read Naomi Klein's "The Shock Doctrine."  Of the three people who read this blog, if any of you possess an interest in economics, you should check it out.  Mind you, I feel as though when I usually read about economics I am drowning in quicksand, this book is fairly easy to read and mighty convincing.  Essentially, she builds a case that the Chicago School of Economics has been essentially destroying human rights through a forceful global conversion to their "scientific methods."  There's way more in a 500 page book than I can dare to even attempt to explain in a paragraph, but check it out.

Now, other than rambling about what I am reading, here is some interesting stuff I have found in my daily ritual of reading far too many news stories.





Could it be, my two favorite men in an interview?  Now, I know this interview is not brand, spanking new - but Louis CK brings it back, making women swoon by not only acknowledging the fear of rape, but telling us to essentially, shut the fuck up.  Love it.

Is a Computer Worm Causing Iranian Nuclear Facilities to Blast AC/DC’s ‘Thunderstruck’ At Night? by Adrian Chen  - basically just hilarious because I pictured an aging frat boy choosing to make Iranians listen to "Thunderstruck" while he relives his days of yore as a beer chugging, golf playing, national security specialist.

The Lethal Presidency by Tom Junod - I also know that this article is a few weeks old, but it is brilliant.  Addressing the "Lethal Presidency" of President Obama, the Esquire piece describes the story of the Al-Awlaki family and the death of their son (famed Al Qaeda of the Arabian Peninsula), and his son - two American citizens targeted with drones.  The article, while long discusses how even though the author believes that Obama is a man of principle who is not misusing his power, that perhaps his predecessor will not be as moral.  Now, I don't know how I feel about drone attacks - especially on American citizens, morally they seem quite questionable.  Basically, this article talks about these combatants and ends with a bang.  Enjoy!

Have a good night y'all, and I will now retreat to documentaries and bed.
xoxo
Berts

Saturday, July 14, 2012

Saturday Morning Coffee Binges

I love Saturday mornings.  It might just be my favorite time of the week because I can load up on caffeine and instead of using that energy to manically run around with children, I can use it to do whatever the heck I please.  Well, this morning I decided to drink two cups of the world's strongest coffee (brewed by yours truly) and jam out to some calypso with my Mom.  Below is a quick playlist that I drafted up on Grooveshark with a bunch of classics by the main man, the Mighty Sparrow.



Last night, I headed to a Mariners game with Kevin and the fam and had a good time, and ate my share of garlic fries and hardly paid attention to the game while enjoying a nice cold beer.  Also yesterday was my first foray into water Zumba.  I have been going to the water aerobics class, but I figured I would try something a little different with some zesty music.  Well, the only thing of note (other than my burning arm muscles) is a moment in which a man who my mom said was, "oh gosh, at least in his mid-seventies" did a nice little booty shake for the class of mainly women in their mid-seventies.  Hilarious, cute, telling and awkward all in one moment.

Hope everyone has a great Saturday, and I am about to kick some productive ass by reorganizing the record collection, cleaning, doing laundry and attempting to become a "big girl" with a real credit card.  Wish me luck, and have a great weekend!

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Naptime: Kids hate it, Adults wish it happened

For a person who works at a daycare, all of the children being awake during nap time can be a disaster.  In reality, we want the children to be able to relax their bodies (to prepare for rigorous afternoon play) and we need a break.  Today, during nap time however, I was glad the kids weren't sleeping.  Only because I think they were trying to butter me up so they could get off of their mats earlier.

Child 1: Roberta, did you know I love you?
Me: Oh, that's so sweet.  I love you too.
Child 1: I also really love your dress.  It has butterflies on it.
Me: Thank you, but you really do have to nap.
Child 2: Roberta, did you know that I love you and your dress more than "Child 1"?
Me: Well, I love you too and I'm sure that both of you love me the same, now go to sleep for a bit.

In moments of stress, and insanity working with a ton of children, it is hard to remember that moments like this happen.  It's moments where the kids tell you that you hugging them was their favorite part of their day, to a kid coming to you every day to get braids in her hair, to two little boys telling you that they love you that make this job worth it.

Links, Links and More Links (and maybe a paragraph about my life)

Above: Street Art in Poland

This morning, after leaving my house sitting assignment, I was able to have a few hours to myself and go to my favorite coffee shop in West Seattle, Freshy's.  I have been coming here for almost six years, and always love a cup of coffee with a piping hot bowl of soup.  Today's selection includes a vanilla latte and braised pork stew with hominy and chipotle!  Delicious.  Tonight I go back home, which I thought I would not look forward to but surprisingly, I miss my room and am excited to reunite with my record collection.  I am excited for my triumphant return to the Active Older Adults Water Aerobics class I have been attending (bahaha) and excited to hang out with my mom on the couch downstairs and ridicule her taste in dowdy British comedies that aren't really that funny.

Like always, here are a few things that have caught my attention recently in the news and the interwebs:

What Color Are You? A Pantone Driven Art Project - Here is a link to a project by the color company Pantone which in case you are not familiar are the people behind the "colors of the year" (or whatever they call it).  This project shows that variety in skin color doesn't get broken down into just "white" or "black."

We Need Progressive Religion by Sara Robinson - Pretty self-explanatory title. Check it out for an interesting perspective on progressive religion and social change.

Is Local Food Bad for the Economy? by Tamsin McMahon - Ever since I was in Chicago and studied Food Justice and the connection between access to healthy foods and poverty (among many other things), I have been fascinated and inspired to attempt to make a difference in my local food economy.  While I occasionally crave cheetos or another corn-based gnarly snack, I have been making more of an effort to eat locally grown produce.  This article, from the Canadian publication Maclean's talks about the debate between locovores (the term for people who only eat locally produced food) and the backers of the corporation-based economy.  When I came back from Chicago, I was hoping to start gardening - something that hasn't quite happened yet as we moved to a place without a yard, but I am hoping soon to start on the path to self-sustainability.

Thinking Kink: Does Female Submission Mean Oppression? by Catherine Scott - A reaction to many feminist thinkers feeling that the BDSM community promotes female oppression.  As an avid reader of Dan Savage for many years, I have always felt like the sexuality of an individual is their own prerogative and that people should go for what makes them happiest.  Also, as a "card carrying" feminist, I don't really know where the line begins (or ends) on female submission in sexual relationships.  

"I Suck": How Guys Use Self-Deprecation Against You by Hugo Schwyzer  - An article from Jezebel which argues that the "I'm so sorry, I'm an asshole. An ungrateful asshole." speech (which I am sure most women have heard a million times, as I sure have) is only a piece in the cycle of abuse.  Fascinating, and honestly - this article kind of made me ill.

Race, Class, and the Stigma of Riding the Bus in America by Amanda Hess - This piece is an article talking about the "types" of people who choose to ride public transportation, and how to encourage people of different income levels to use public transportation.  Most interesting is the usage of the phrase "gentrifying" the bus system, this leads me to ask the question, "If there are changes to public transportation systems nationwide, who are those changes for and who will it leave behind?"

Hope the five people who read this enjoy my ramblings, and link obsession.  Today is gearing up to be a beautiful day, and I hope everyone gets out an enjoys the sunshine (wherever they are)!

xoxo
berts