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Plugging
In People in the Friendly Street neighborhood got together at their local community center for the third time Jan. 18 to eat cookies, socialize, strum guitar strings, and make anti-war lawn signs. Will these 40 to 50 families stop a multi-billion-dollar war machine? Maybe, maybe not. But they say they will have done something at a critical crossroads in American history — and at the same time, served as good role models for their children and gotten to know their neighbors a little better. "My neighborhood is helping me find a voice and providing the support that enables me to take action," says sign painter and mother Barbara Sklar of the Friendly Street Neighbors. Making posters and lawn signs, she says, is "very beautiful. People are receptive and want to do something. What we'd love is for other neighborhoods to do this, and take on other issues as well. How do we bring community back into our lives? It's as easy as people talking to each other. Now that we're doing these activities, I feel hopeful." Sklar and other neighborhood mothers Kara Steffenson, Dawn Balzano Peebles and Claudia Ventura, are going door to door organizing the sign-making parties, handing out fliers and buttons at Wild Oats and other activities, often with kids in tow. "We're inventing this as we go along," says Steffenson. Seattle author and activist Paul Rogat Loeb, in town for the Peace Festival Jan. 25, says that spirit of getting involved on a small scale is a powerful force for change. "We need to teach the lesson that you don't have to know everything before you begin — just learn as you go," he says. Loeb says many Americans have serious reservations about war with Iraq, but are hesitant to speak out or take action. But action can be as simple as reading a book and talking about it with friends, or baking cookies for a peace gathering. Loeb quotes a 102-year-old peace activist named Hazel saying, "You just do what you can, and then do a little more, and you can do that all your life." When we do act, says Loeb, "We find out what it really means to stand for something that matters — what it means to be a human being on this planet." But any political action beyond baking cookies involves work, commitment, and some level of risk. Those who speak out can be ridiculed publicly or privately. Peace marchers can be spat upon or tear-gassed. "Action is implied in the very term activism," says seasoned local activist Vip Short. "And more often than we would desire, perhaps, the kinds of actions we take entail various levels of personal risk."
Short quotes abolitionist Frederick Douglass: "Those who profess to favor freedom and yet deprecate agitation are people who want crops without plowing the ground; they want rain without thunder and lightning; they want the ocean without the roar of its many waters. The struggle may be a moral one, or it may be a physical one, or it may be both. But it must be a struggle. Power concedes nothing without a demand; it never has and it never will." "My history goes back to the early days of the anti-Vietnam war movement," says noted journalist and author Reese Erlich, also in town for the Peace Festival. "Compared at this same point in time, the anti-war movement is much broader and much deeper." Erlich says the first teach-ins took place five years after the Vietnam war had begun, and massive demonstrations followed two or three years later. "We've already had hundreds of thousands now, and not only in big cities," says Erlich. "So I think people are getting off their duffs, and I think it's important to recognize that if there is an invasion, the Bush administration will try to portray protesters as unpatriotic and the right-wing media will be clamoring for treason trials against protesters. It's all that more important under those circumstances that large numbers of people take to the streets in peaceful protests." Until that time comes, local folks are getting educated and getting involved. Informal groups are gathering for conversations at Lingo's and Fool's Paradise, vigils are taking place rain or shine Wednesday afternoons at the Federal Building, neighbors are gathering for potlucks and video showings, lantern walks are being planned in neighborhoods, protesters are waving signs along busy freeway interchanges, students and faculty are organizing and pressuring reluctant administrations to take stands, computer listerves are linking people, non-violence trainings are being planned, transportation is being arranged to big city demonstrations, and new voices are joining the Eugene Peace Choir. "As I walk through my neighborhood I find myself stopping to talk with strangers more," says Barbara Sklar. "Conversations vary, but I always leave feeling more connected and grateful that my home is in Eugene."
Speak
Back The state of the Union, according to the tiny television in the crowded room, is strong. The state of the room is, shall we say, skeptical. This nation is leading the world in confronting and defeating the man-made evil of international terrorism, says the talking, televised head of President Bush. His State of the Union Address reverberates throughout the Campbell Club, a student housing cooperative at 1670 Alder St. The war goes on, and we are winning. "Oh, man," mutters one of the approximately 50 viewers. Hands cover faces, momentarily shielding the bluish light that fills the front room. There will be no standing ovation here, in contrast with the interior of the Capitol dome, which is thundering mass approval. Indeed, the speech appears to have the opposite effect on those who have gathered at the co-op; it's as if gravity itself becomes stronger as the TV blares on. Throughout the evening, jaws drop, eyes roll, groans and titters abound. Slumping and staring is also popular. Imagine a busload of Jehovah's Witnesses being herded into a room to watch a pornographic movie: the mixture of incredulousness and revulsion, the grimacing and rib-nudging, the Can-you-BELIEVE-this-nonsense reaction that pervades and unites an entire audience. The room is filled with a thick, intricately layered atmosphere of disgust. Most of those watching are UO students; many of them are members of Students For Peace, a campus organization opposed to military action in Iraq. They have gathered, tonight, to watch the president speak —– but more often, they gather to speak back, deciding how their one voice should sound. Like many activist groups, they feel the stakes have been raised, and will continue to rise, as long as war dominates the national debate. And, like many activist groups, they are getting louder.
Organizations of all political stripes (some stripes brighter and more visible than others) abound in Eugene, their agendas and methods as varied as the people composing them. Students For Peace has existed in its current inception since the beginning of the 2003 school year, in late September. It currently boasts 30-50 active members, and has been growing steadily since the first meeting. "It's really been an exercise of working together, having different people come with their own ideas and trying to make something happen as a group," says Marya Lusky, an SFP member and UO student. "It gives me a sense of power, and focus ... rather than sitting, steaming in my room." A burst of steam — the standing, outside variety — occurs later in the same week of Bush's Tuesday-night speech. On Sat., Feb.1, an estimated 200 people gather at the UO campus for an anti-war march to the Federal Building. Students For Peace is well-represented; a few members take on extra duties, handing out signs, bullhorning slogans. Tiny, polite raindrops cover everything. Many of the marchers are at least a generation older than the SFP members, but a strong sense of unity fills the crowd, and spirits are high as it leaves campus and crosses Alder St., heading down 13th. George Bush/ We know you/ Your daddy was a killer too, chants the group, more or less in unison. This does not sit well with one of the patio-dwellers at Taylor's Bar and Grill, who leaps to his feet in full heckling mode. "You all need to — " he yells, but a bullhorn-toting marcher points the chant his way, drowning out the rest of his words. This, also, does not sit well. Suddenly, Van Peterson, who spent three years on active duty in the U.S. Army and now belongs to Students For Peace, crosses the street. He has heard the heckler yell something about being in the military, and Peterson wants to tell him — as a disabled veteran — that soldiers can wish for peace too. It's a dramatic moment in a relatively tame protest. The patio guy (who, it turns out, has re-enlisted in the military) keeps yelling about "standing with the president," and turning much of his ire on Peterson, who is unfazed. Eventually, he re-joins the march, having failed to get through to the heckler, who has failed to get through to the marchers. "He had his mind made up," says Peterson, who spent three years at Ft. Hood in Texas as a member of the 1st Cavalry Division. "I think that's a really good example of how any dissent or alternative viewpoints are just ostracized and ignored." Groups like Students For Peace hope to gain a broader membership — and louder voice — as military action in the Middle East builds. But for many activists, the immediate geopolitical impact of their efforts is less significant than the personal rewards that come with speaking out. "Instead of just complaining ... I have more of an avenue to make change," says SFP member Charly Robinson. "Collectively, there's a lot of people out there who want change to happen."
Finding a Local Group Below is a list of some of the local organizations and coalitions actively involved in peace and justice work. The list is far from comprehensive and does not include the many school, neighborhood, labor, church, environmental, land use, veterans and other groups that have taken steps large and small to support the growing opposition to American foreign policy. For lack of space, we have also not included the many active organizations in Florence, Corvallis, Albany, Cottage Grove, Junction City and Springfield. We urge everyone to find a place to plug in. Beyond War 2003 (gaylelandt@attnet, 485-0911) A citizen-based, nonprofit, nonpartisan organization whose mission is to change the way "we the people" think then to change how our country resolves conflicts. Director is Gayle Landt. Buddhists for Peace A student organization at the UO, LCC and OSU focusing on the Buddhist perspective on the current war crisis based on our fundamental stance opposing all war and violent conflict. The next meeting will be at 7 pm Feb. 20 in the EMU Ballroom. Regular meetings 7 pm Thursdays at the Eugene Buddhist Community Center. Committee for Counter Military Recruitment (countermilitary@yahoo.com, 485-1755, 458 Blair, Phil Weaver/ Carol Van Houten) Because youth of color and rural low-income youth are specifically targeted by military recruiters, this committee offers more accurate information about military service, and works to inform parents about the required release of identifying information by schools to military recruiters unless parents or students provide written refusal to their school. Draft, Registration & Military Counseling Project (485-1755, 458 Blair) Formed during the draft years, this project is available for people wanting to establish a conscientious objector status as they make a decision on whether or not to register for the draft, or for people already in the military. Counseling available in English or Spanish. Eugene Children's Peace Academy (www.eugenepeaceacademy.org,2765 Lincoln, Wendy Strgar) This proposed charter school, to open in September 2003, seeks to transform the educational system to reflect a true understanding of global problems, skills in non-violent conflict resolution, appreciation of cultural diversity and respect. Eugene Middle East Peace Group (www.mideastpeace.net,thaddeus@thaddeuskonar.com, 345-2682) An informal coalition of Muslims, Jews, Christians, Israelis and Palestinians who share a concern about the conflict between Israel and Palestine and believe in a two-state solution for the two peoples. Monthly potlucks and a Middle East film festival on Saturdays in February. Eugene PeaceWorks (www.efn.org/~eugpeace/,eugpeace@efn.org, 343-8548, 454 Willamette) Since 1979, provides office space and community organizing resources to individuals and organizations, promotes nonviolent strategies for direct action, and campaigns against militarism. Aligned with Oregon PeaceWorks. Justice Not War Coalition (www.efn.org/~eugpeace/justice.html,jnotwar@efn.org) A coalition of 12 groups organizing and promoting community action for global peace and justice, resist suppression of liberty in the name of security, speak out and act against policies and actions that target people for their racial, ethnic, cultural, and/or religious identity. Sponsors and organizes marches, rallies, teach-ins, conferences, planning meetings and peace vigils. Faith in Action (kokomojo@castleisp.com, 484-6671, Jen Knowlton) Focus on peace causes and persuading the U.S. government to set aside its military response. Keeps vigil every Wednesday from 4:30 to 5:30 pm at the Federal Building at 7th and Pearl. Regular meetings at noon, last Monday of the month at Eugene Friends Meeting House at 2274 Onyx. Lane County Bill of Rights Defense Committee (www.efn.org/~lcbordc/or lcbordc@efn.org) Works to urge local governments to pass resolutions in opposition of the USA PATRIOT Act. Lane County Pacific Green Party (weston@efn.org or natalie@yahoo.com, www.lcgreens.org,684-3927) Local chapter of Pacific Green party, active in peace and justice issues and coalitions, elections, education. Meets at 7 pm second Tuesdays, 454 Willamette. Physicians for Social Responsibility (www.oregonpsr.org,info@oregonpsr.org) Eugene chapter of PSR is reactivating as war with Iraq approaches. Provides education and testimony on peace and environmental issues. Progressive Responses (progressiveresponses.org, vanhoute@onlink.net, 485-1755, Carol Van Houten, 458 Blair) Part of Community Alliance of Lane County, provides critical analysis of the root causes of terrorism and proposes alternatives and opportunities for direct action. Sponsors weekly peace vigils at the Federal Building from 4:30 to 5:30 Wednesdays, rallies and town hall forums. Students for Peace (movementofthestudents@yahoo.com) Organizing protests, actions, teach-ins, arranging transportation to national events in Washington D.C. and San Francisco. Meetings at 6 pm Tuesdays at the Campbell Club (1670 Alder), free film series at 7 pm Thursdays at 100 Willamette. UO Concerned Faculty (dapope@oregon.uoregon.edu) Faculty group with focus on peace and justice issues as they pertain to the university and faculty. Worked with the students on KUGN hate radio, sponsored two teach-ins since 9/11. War Resisters League (www.warresisters.org)Local chapter hosted WRL's National Conference and National Committee Meeting; shaped national budget, policy and program planning. One initiative is the War Tax Resistance movement. Women's Action for New Directions (janicezagorin@aol.com, 344-6443, Janice Zagorin) WAND empowers women to act politically to eliminate the testing, production, sale and use of weapons of mass destruction; and end the culture of violence against women. Meetings the second Thursday of the month at McNail-Riley House, 601 W. 13th. — John Husby EDITOR'S NOTE: Also not included in this list is a new coalition, Common Ground Peace Network of Lane County, which is seeking a small storefront space (300-500 sq. ft.) in or near downtown Eugene. Contact Henry at 343-3702.
Align
Online Act Now to Stop War & End Racism (ANSWER) www.internationalanswer.orgANSWER is an anti-war coalition that has organized major international rallies against war and racism. In the U.S., there was a national march and rally in Washington, D.C. in front of the White House on Sept. 29, 2001 and protests on the West Coast and around the world. At the end of January and beginning of February 2002, ANSWER was a major organizer of teach-ins and demonstrations during the World Economic Forum meetings in New York City. ANSWER also coordinated the Jan. 18 joint rally in Washington, D.C., and San Francisco. Americans Against War with Iraq www.aawi.org A group of concerned citizens who, in mid-August, formed a non-partisan, non-profit to educate the public on the perils of going to war. American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) www.afs.org AFSC is a Quaker organization that includes people of various faiths who are committed to social justice, peace, and humanitarian service. Its work is based on the Religious Society of Friends (Quaker) belief in the worth of every person, and faith in the power of love to overcome violence and injustice. Coalition for World Peace www.coalitionforworldpeace.org Los Angeles-based anti-war coalition. Site includes multimedia and educational resources. Iraq Peace Team www.iraqpeaceteam.org In the face of recent threats against Iraq, Voices in the Wilderness has initiated an "Iraq Peace Team" plan. Since September 2002, seasoned nonviolent activists have been on the ground in Iraq standing in solidarity with the people of Iraq while at the same time working to prevent a U.S. attack. National Council of Churches www.nccusa.org NCC, founded in 1950, is the leading force for ecumenical cooperation among Christians in the U.S. The NCC's 36 Protestant, Anglican and Orthodox member denominations include more than 50 million persons in 140,000 local congregations in communities across the nation. No Blood for Oil www.nobloodforoil.org Adamantly opposed to the Bush administration's plans to wage unilateral war against Iraq to increase economic, political and military influence over the Middle East and its oil resources. Not in Our Name www.notinourname.net The Not in Our Name Project was initiated at a meeting in New York City March 23, 2002. The meeting was called to strengthen and expand resistance to the U.S. government's course in the wake of 9/11. United for Peace & Justice www.unitedforpeace.org A new national campaign that brings together a broad range of organizations to help coordinate work against a U.S. war on Iraq. Veterans for Peace, Inc. (VFP) www.veteransforpeace.org
VFP is a nonprofit educational and humanitarian organization
dedicated to the abolishment of war. VFP was founded in 1985 by
EDITOR'S NOTE: Several local websites also serve the peace and justice movement by listing community events. They include www.planeteugene.comand www.heliosnetwork.org,which maintains a list of local organizations.
Letter
from Java "Hello Missus! Where are you from!?" I hear this phrase several times a day, yelled at me by teenage boys hanging out, trying to show off for their friends. I tend to tune it out. It's harder to ignore the staring. One day, in an effort to become less noticeable, I decided to dye my light brown hair a nice dark auburn. People still stare at me, in spite of an emergency re-dye operation to cover the flaming red mess that was my head. I live in Jogjakarta, a city in Central Java, Indonesia. I have lived here for the past six months and plan on staying for another year and a half, even though the program that was supporting me terminated my fellowship and asked me to return home after the Bali bombing on Oct. 12, 2002. In trying to understand their decision, I try to think of what Indonesia must seem like from America. Bombs, separatist movements, campaigns for Islamic law, part of the "worldwide terrorist network" — yes, all of these may be found in Indonesia, but they have little effect on my daily life. Indonesia is a disjointed nation, and its problems are localized. The city I live in is a normal city, with mosques and malls and universities, and no bomb threats. The decision to terminate my fellowship and the organization's belief that I was in danger due to my nationality brought my Americanness to the forefront of my consciousness here. I really shouldn't be surprised. My identity as an American is part of my job. I teach English, and I got the job based on my native command of the language and insider understanding of American culture, not based on any real teaching skills I may or may not possess. As an unofficial representative of the American tribe, I often feel it is my responsibility to disagree with my president, and to do so loudly, so people here realize that not all Americans believe what he believes. By not returning home although encouraged to by the U.S. Embassy, I also feel that I am demonstrating something of American pluralism. Most people who first meet me assume that I should be afraid to live here. They ask, wasn't I supposed to go home? When I tell them I am not afraid, they are glad, but a little surprised. Aren't all Americans afraid of Indonesia? In this city I live in a mesh of conflicting ideas about America. The people I meet tend to love and hate America. Avid consumers of Hollywood movies and pop music, Indonesians also tend to blame America for the deterioration of their traditional values, which they see in growing individualism, consumerism and liberal morals. I know that if most of my students were to know the real me, a single 24-year-old woman with no immediate plans for marriage and children, who comes home alone later than 9 pm, who is not religious, and who occasionally drinks alcohol, they would disapprove to the point where it would be hard for them to talk to me, much less learn from me. Beyond disapproval, they would simply not understand. My life would be too foreign. In class, I tiptoe between giving my full opinion and alienating my students, but I believe that each conversation adds to the next, and eventually my students will, if not fully understand, at least accept and respect my beliefs, as I try to understand and appreciate theirs. Terrorism and the American militaristic response to it inhibit the small things normal, insignificant people do every day that increase our understanding and tolerance of foreign peoples and cultures. My job as a teacher of language and explainer of American culture is made more difficult by a "war on terrorism" that creates ill will toward America, especially because the American response lacks any effort to address the underlying causes of terrorism. It would be a lot easier for people to accept me and welcome me into their homes, faiths, and cultures if they did not immediately think of all the things that separate us first. I am just an English teacher, and if by the end of my class my students can hold their own in a conversation in English, I have done my job. But my job is more than that. If at the end of my course, one of my students knows something about the plurality of cultures in America, or thinks that cultural differences are valuable and worth understanding, I will truly feel that I have done my job. In the face of a unilateral and militaristic foreign policy, this job gets harder every day. Kate Skillman grew up in Eugene and graduated from South Eugene High School and Oberlin College before moving to Indonesia with a Shansi fellowship to teach college-level English.
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