Today, January 25, and the 25th of each month, is an Orange Day – a day to witness and work for an end to violence against women and girls.
On this day, I:
Work remains. Much work remains.
See you along the Trail.
The U.S. House of Representatives – primarily the Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives – failed to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act. The Senate approved reauthorization in a bipartisan vote. The House – the Republicans in the House – let the law expire. Apparently the new version is too supportive of immigrants, the LGBT community, and Native Americans.
For the first time since 1994, the Violence Against Women Act is no more. And state and local governments will receive far fewer resources to address sexual and domestic violence.
It can sometimes be said that laws are not renewed because they are no longer needed. That does not work here.
An effort to revive the Violence Against Women Act can begin in the new Congress. Anyone who loves, or who has ever loved, a woman needs to be part of that effort.
See you along the Trail.
Filed under Current Events, Human Rights
Several hours ago, New York television stations reported that people have already begun to gather in Times Square to welcome the New Year.
As the New Year approached 150 years ago, people across the United States prepared to welcome a moment of immense significance.
President Lincoln had issued the Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation on September 22, 1862. It provided that if the states in rebellion against the United States did not cease fighting and rejoin the Union by January 1, 1863, all slaves in those states or parts of those states would be declared free from that date forward.
The fighting did not cease. On December 31, 1862, the nation waited. African-Americans gathered for Watch Night Services awaiting the word. And the word came.
The Emancipation Proclamation did not end slavery outright. It did not immediately free anyone as the Union could not enforce the proclamation in the rebellious states. It did not address the issue of slavery in the so-called border states. It did not recognize that many people held in slavery had taken matters into their own hand and had freed themselves.
But the Emancipation Proclamation sent a message of hope to African-Americans. It sent a message of support to all who worked for freedom. It sent a message of intention to the nation and the nations. The war to preserve the Union became a war for human liberation as well.
The Emancipation Proclamation provided a measure of protection to the African-Americans who had freed themselves or who had been freed either by the efforts of the Union army or abolitionists. It paved the way for further steps such as the acceptance of African-Americans into the U.S. military and the eventual abolition of slavery.
This 150th anniversary affords an opportunity to remember the events of the past and to remember the people, our ancestors, who gave of themselves that all people might know freedom, justice, and equality.
This 150th anniversary affords an opportunity to repent, acknowledging that, while great strides have been made, the journey to racial justice remains long and challenging. We have work to do.
And so this 150th anniversary affords ourselves an opportunity, in the words of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., “to rededicate ourselves to the long and bitter, but beautiful, struggle for a new world. This is the calling of the [children] of God, and our [sisters and brothers] wait eagerly for our response.”
May it be so.
See you along the Trail.
Filed under Antiracism, Current Events, Human Rights
December 29, 1890 – the massacre at Wounded Knee. The band of Chief Big Foot was attacked by the 7th Cavalry. Reports indicate that between 150 and 300 Lakota were killed – many of them women and children. The shooting began either as or after the Lakota were disarmed.
December 26, 1862 – in the largest mass execution in U.S. history, 38 Dakota were hanged in Mankato, Minnesota. The U.S.-Dakota war, as it is named, began in August 1862 fueled by hunger and broken promises. When the fighting ended, the Dakota people were driven from Minnesota. 392 Dakota were tried, 303 were sentenced to death, and 16 were given prison terms. President Lincoln reviewed the transcripts and reduced the number of death sentences to 39. One man received a reprieve at the last minute.
Remember.
See you along the Trail.
Filed under Human Rights
Pastor and hymnwriter Carolyn Winfrey Gillette writes new words to old hymns. Over the years she has written several hymns for peace and justice ministries of which I have been and am a part.
You Made Us in Your Image is a hymn Carolyn wrote for Human Rights Day at the request of the Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations.
Here’s a sample of the lyrics:
You made us to be equal; you made us to be free —
To speak the truth with courage, to change society,
To follow our own conscience, to choose the words we pray.
O God, may all your children enjoy these gifts each day.
Check out the full hymn – use it for personal devotions or in a worship service:
You Have Made Us in Your Image (pdf)
You Have Made Us in Your Image (text)
See you along the Trail.
Today’s flowers are orange. They serve as a reminder that November 25 is an Orange Day – it is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. In fact, the UN Secretary-General’s UNiTE to End Violence against Women campaign has designated the 25th of every month is an Orange Day to end violence against women and girls.
On November 25 and the 25th of each month, orange your day: wear orange and act for a world free of violence against women and girls.
See you along the Trail.
With thanks for the courage and witness of the Rev. Marcia Mount Shoop, An Open Letter to Politicians about Rape, Jessica Valenti, Ending Rape Illiteracy, Soraya Chemaly, 50 Actual Facts About Rape, Julie Bishop Craig, What Men Don’t Know About Rape, and others, some reflections:
rape is
rape
rape is
control
domination
violation
exploitation
rape is
assault
crime
violence
abuse
rape is
denial of
personhood
humanity
God’s image
rape is
never legitimate
never deserved
never gray
never, never, never
rape is
rape
rape is
to be stopped
because
rape is
rape
Shire on the Hudson
27 October 2012
Filed under Current Events, Human Rights, Poem
Today – and the 25th of every month – my tie is orange. I wear it to state my commitment to ending violence against women and girls. It reminds me to take actions toward that goal as well.
The 25th of every month is an Orange Day to end violence against women and girls. 25 October is the fourth Orange Day.
On the 25th of each month, join the UN Secretary-General’s UNiTE to End Violence against Women campaign and orange your day! Check out the Facebook album to see how others took action last month. Here are some things you can do on Orange Day.
Pray
Advocate
Act
Tweet
Post on Facebook
Imagine
Of course working to end violence against women and girls is not a task for one day a month. Orange Days provide a reminder that, in Christ, we are called and freed to love one another and to pursue justice for all – each day and every day.
We met once.
We did not speak.
But for a few moments, we walked together.
On April 4, 1994, the Cleveland baseball team opened a new stadium.
My friends and colleagues among the indigenous peoples and the antiracism activists of Cleveland have a simple message. People are people. Not mascots. The name and logo of the Cleveland baseball team need to go.
The Committee of 500 Years of Dignity and Resistance organized an educational event for the stadium opening. The event included a public witness/demonstration at the new stadium. I attended.
As the stadium opened, we gathered in its shadow. Words were said. Prayers prayed. And then we walked in silence around the stadium.
Russell Means attended the event as one of the speakers. He walked with us. And for a few moments, we walked side-by-side. We made eye contact. We smiled. But no words passed our lips.
Russell, who journeyed to the spirit world early this morning, was a big man. And I walk slowly. I did not keep up for long. But those few moments, I remember, for they were a gift, an honor.
Russell lived a life of courage – working tirelessly and faithfully for the well-being of his people – of all indigenous peoples – of all oppressed peoples – of us all.
I give thanks for his life, his work, and his witness. I give thanks that, for a few moments on one April day in Cleveland, we walked together. I give thanks for all who in any way carry on the struggle for human dignity.
The National Museum of the American Indian will present a symposium: Racist Stereotypes and Cultural Appropriation in American Sports on Thursday, November 1, 2012, 10 AM – 5:45 PM in Washington, D.C. I will not be there, but the event will be Webcast. As my friend Molly suggests, watching – and then taking action – would be an appropriate way to honor Russell Means.
People are people. Not mascots.
See you along the Trail.
Filed under Antiracism, Current Events, Human Rights
Too long has passed since I have written about death penalty cases. I grieve the executions I have missed and give thanks for those who have raised their voices against the them.
The State of Texas is scheduled to execute Cleve Foster on Tuesday for his role in the abduction and slaying of Nyaneur Pal a decade ago near Fort Worth. Twice before his execution has come close. Each time he received a reprieve. He maintains his innocence.
Foster and a companion, Sheldon Ward, were convicted of fatally shooting Pal. She seen talking with Foster and Ward at a Fort Worth bar. Evidence indicated that she had been raped and shot in the head.
“Foster and Ward were implicated but never tried in her slaying.”
Foster blames Pal’s death on Ward. At his trial, Prosecutors argued that “evidence showed Foster actively participated in the woman’s killing, offered no credible explanations, lied and gave contradictory stories about his sexual activities with Pal.”
I grieve for Nyaneur Pal and for her family and friends. Her death is a tragedy – an obscenity – as is the death of Rachel Urnosky. Their deaths diminish us all.
However, executing Cleve Foster will not bring Nyaneur back. It will be act of vengeance; it will preclude possible reconciliation. It may even prevent the truth from coming out.
Executions do not reverse horrible crimes. Violence begets violence. We have alternatives.
See you along the Trail.
Filed under Capital Punishment, Death Penalty, Human Rights
Along the Graybeard Trail 