Here is some information about a 35 page paper I just recently completed.
In this post, I have included the “preface” and the Table of Contents of that paper (see below).
Stefan Pasti, Founder and Outreach Coordinator
The Interfaith Peacebuilding and Community Revitalization (IPCR) Initiative
[Below is the “preface” and Table of Contents of the paper “The Twilight of One Era, and the Dawning of Another”.]
Brief Description ("Preface")
There are countless number of “things people can do in the everyday circumstances of their lives” which will contribute to peacebuilding, community revitalization, and ecological sustainability in their own communities and regions—and in other parts of the world. Unfortunately, many of these “things”—in the forms of actions and initiatives (solution-oriented activity)—are not quite “coming through the mist as much as they should be”. This paper—“The Twilight of One Era, and the Dawning of Another”—provides both an introduction to the potential of Community Visioning Initiatives, and an introduction to the potential of The Interfaith Peacebuilding and Community Revitalization (IPCR) Initiative. These two approaches can inspire, support, and integrate many different initiatives at the same time, and thus create “constellations” of initiatives which can bring many of the countless numbers of “things” mentioned above “through the mist” and into the light.
This paper has been written, and is being shared, at a time when more and more people are coming to the conclusion that there is a need for problem solving on a scale most of us have never known before. Even if much disagreement remains about the nature of the challenges ahead, the potential described in this paper—associated with Community Visioning Initiatives, and The IPCR Initiative—can be actualized to such a degree that significant gains can be made in many fields of activity. Thus, while we—collectively—may not know for sure what era is coming to an end, and what era is dawning, for some time yet to come, this writer believes that there are ideas and resources enough for such a dawning to occur—and this paper is an effort to provide evidence in support of that belief. Stefan PastiLeesburg, Virginia (USA)October 25, 2009
Table of Contents
IntroductionNeeded: Problem Solving on a Scale Most of Us Have Never Known BeforeThe “1000Communities2” ProposalCommunity Visioning Initiatives—maximizing “citizen participation in identifying challenges, and in solution-oriented activity”“Community Teaching and Learning Centers”—A Special Form of Community Education“Sister Community” Relationships—“… common ground associated with increasing compassion for our fellow human beings….”Education Systems in Times of CrisesCommunity Visioning Initiatives, Job Fairs, and the “Just Transition” to More Solution-Oriented EmploymentProblems That May Arise (in preparing for, and implementing, Community Visioning Initiatives)On the Importance of Preliminary SurveysThe Treasured Wisdom of Religious, Spiritual, and Moral Traditions—is it in the “tool box”?The IPCR Initiative—Creating a Multiplier Effect of a Positive NatureOpportunities for Local Newspapers to Contribute Valuable Community ServicesConcluding Comments Notes and Source References [End of Post]
This is an interview with San Diego Assistant District Attorney, Steve Walter from the local Public Broadcasting Service's local station.
(A link to the original source, which includes an audio version can be found after the full text.)
MAUREEN CAVANAUGH (Host): Now what constitutes the difference between a drug dealer and a legitimate provider of medical marijuana?
WALTER: It’s a very difficult question. The law itself, when I say the law I’m talking about Prop 215, SB-420, and the AG’s guidelines, as well as the case law. In essence, you have to be either a user or a qualified patient or a caregiver for such a patient.
Wow. So according to the San Diego District Attorney's Office, "a user" is "a legitimate provider of medical marijuana." That's really disturbing as I have obtained/do obtain all of my medical cannabis from Medical Cannabis Caregivers/ Legal Patients. These are the ones that Walter himself oversaw the aggressive arrests of. I guess going on the above quote, he believes that any one ELSE, just so long as they 'use marijuana' is a responsible, law abiding, trustworthy source for the medication I use for my healthcare. Great.
Organizing for America,
While the President was expressing the need for our nation to reform its' inhumane Health Care system, some of San Diego, California's most vulnerable, suffering citizens were subjected to organized terrororism inflicted upon them by their own City and Federal Law Enforcement Agencies.
I am referring to San Diego District Attorney, Bonnie Dumanis' continued persecution (not a mis-spelling) of those who benefit from legal medical cannabis. Lies are being told about the Collectives operating for profit and not being caregivers to its' members.
Please Mr. Stewart and OFA, we're already victims of our ailments, diseases, handicaps and inflictions. Members of these particular Collectives, at least one that I know, is an amputee U.S. Soldier. Isn't the pain he brought back from the war enough punishment and sacrifice for his country? Does he really need to suffer through prescription opiates that are highly addictive and less effective than medical cannabis? These voices need to be heard. Please look into the facts of this. People's lives are at stake.
PEACE AND COMPASSIONAnyone who knows me is aware that "Peace" could be my middle name. Peace, love, and joy show up together in three of my songs. Love or peace show up in several others. When, I sign off on my letters or e-mails, one of more of these words are usually there. I've sent out "peace quotes" by the hundreds. When my album, “Among Friends” came out, a local paper did a story on me and titled it “Peaceful Breeze.” I think most would say I'm a peaceful person, who promotes peace within and world peace. So recently, when two young women arrived to look at an apartment for rent, I was delighted to see one of them carrying a handbag with a peace symbol and wearing a sweatshirt with the word 'peace ' on the sleeve, peace symbols front and back, and also the words "LOVE ROCKS." Obviously, we had something in common, but there was one other thing.. We shared the same nickname—Nikki. That was mine for forty years until I adopted "Breeze" as the one that seemed a better fit. Nikki was the name given to me by an Austrian skier, who introduced me to the sport of skiing, and still is the name on forty-five of forty-six publications. "Nikki" will always be a part of my history. It's still in some classrooms around this country and a few others. It's even archived on the Internet along with my maiden name of Bryson and my married name of Schreiner.Nikki and I discussed the reasons why peace and justice were so important to us and how our parents, teachers, and friends might have influenced us. We noted some experiences in our growing up years that also had their effect on our world view. We agreed that peace first needs to be in our own hearts before we can bring it to others. Then, Nikki pointed to her friend, Sophie, and said, "SHE only wants to change the world!"Sophie is an enthusiastic young woman, who, like me and many others, wants to change the world. She is one who has compassion for those who hurt and wonders why everyone doesn't have it, tool I guess you could say she and I also have some things in common. She, too, is a skier, as I was at her age, now coming down from ski territory to live near the beach.I saw myself again when I was first discovering the world outside my sheltered childhood in Los Angeles County, back up on the mountain making friends with skiers from South America and Europe, and getting a larger vision of how much we all truly are "one."There was passion, commitment, and optimism in the room as we shared our visions about the way things ought to be. I could not help but attribute both their hopefulness and mine to the fact that we now have a president who also wants to change the world. He, too, is committed to peace, love, justice and all that's good. He helps us feel that, given time and effort, all things are possible.It will be a joy to have these new friends as neighbors.Breeze BrysonMay 20, 2009
I join my hands, beseeching the enlightened onesWho wish to pass beyond the bonds of sorrow:Do not leave us in ignorance;remain among us for unnumbered ages!And through these actions now performed,By all the virtues I have just amassed May all the pain of every living beingBe wholly scattered and destroyed!For all those ailing in the world,Until their every sickness has been healed,May I myself become for them The doctor, nurse, the medicine itself.
Raining down a flood of food and drinkMay i dispel the ills of thirst and famine.And in the ages marked by scarcity and want, May i myself appear as drink and sustenance.For sentient beings, poor and destitute, May i become a treasure ever plentiful, And lie before them closely in their reachA varied source of all that they might need.My body, this and all my goods besides,And all my merits gained and to be gained,I give them all away withholding nothingTo bring about the benefit of beings.Nirvana is attained by giving all,Nirvana the object of my strivingEverything therefore must be abandoned,And it is best to give it all to others.-Shantideva-
Yes, that word is "centrist". In many ways, I'm told, I have somewhat "conservative" views: I believe in hard work, in "being all you can be" to be a bit hokey. In my view, we are all created equal, but we are not equivalent, meaning, we are not all identical. We have different abilities, and different levels of abilities. Some of us are extremely gifted in one or more ways; others of us have "only" the gift of strong hands, or for some, the ability to endure crushing labor for the sake of a dream, a hope for a better future, if not for ourselves, than for our children.
Now, for the sake of honesty, I need to note that, no, I was not blessed with children. But that does not preclude my understanding the love, and the dreams, that people have for, invest in, their children.
I mention that to make a specific point, that being: compassion. Or, more specifically, the fact that one person does not have to be "exactly like" another in order to have compassion for that other.
To be honest, I despise labels and pidgeonholes. I have no idea what "liberal" or "conservative" really mean, what constitutes their substance. The definitions seem to be largely a matter of viewpoint, which therefore also means, ratehr arbitrary. At what point does "conservative" come to mean "recidivist", "back to the days of the robber barons"? At what point does "liberal" come to mean "everyone has a right to your efforts but you"?
I don't know the answers to those philosophical questions. What I do know - or at least *think* I know - is that, although I do have the right of ownership of the fruits of my labors, I also realize that a necessary component of survival is *compassion*. Setting aside the moral and philosophical aspects of this issue, if we have no compassion for the downtrodden, for the hungry, they will eventually fulfill their needs by force - the history of revolutions has shown time and time again that, if the well-off sit on high and drone "if they've no bread, let them eat cake", said drones are likely to find themselves becoming well-acquainted with the business end of a pitchfork, symbolically speaking - or perhaps in actuality.
I hear people *say* they "feel sorry" for others, but in order for the human race to survive its own exploding population, compassion must, to at least some degree, be reified, translated into action, given substance. It doesn't do to punish the lackadaisical mother, by allowing her children to be abused and hungry, and eventually driven into the hard arms of violent gangs.
Hope lies in the reification of compassion. Not is us each building bunkers and collecting weaponry and canned goods, but in building bridges, building a different futrue, both on this earth and in space. Hagar the Horrible politics ("I got MINE!") might feel satisfying for the moment, but it is destructive in the long run, if only because we'll run out of space (if we already haven't) to build that many mini-fortresses, and if they begin to overrun farmland and pastureland and watersheds, it will all become moot, because that desruction will destroy ALL of us. And possibly most other species as well.
And so, this somewhat-misanthropic, somewhat-crotchety introvert sits here and cites compassion. Not because it's the warm-fuzzy, cute, naively-idealistic thing to do, but because, in the end, it's necessary to the survival of our species. And mroe to the point, I sit HERE, practicing my samizdat in this space, because the politics of fear and selfishness cannot open its eyes widely enough to see that fact.
National Prayer Breakfast
"We will also reach out to leaders and scholars around the world to foster a more productive and peaceful dialogue on faith. I don’t expect divisions to disappear overnight, nor do I believe that long-held views and conflicts will suddenly vanish. But I do believe that if we can talk to one another openly and honestly, then perhaps old rifts will start to mend and new partnerships will begin to emerge. In a world that grows smaller by the day, perhaps we can begin to crowd out the destructive forces of zealotry and make room for the healing power of understanding." -- President Obama, 2/5/09 (White House photo 2/5/09 by Pete Souza)
Source: THE WHITE HOUSE BLOG
http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog_post/this_is_my_prayer/
The Golden Rule:
"Religious groups, as well as non-theistic ethical systems, differ greatly in their beliefs and practices. There is, however, a common thread that runs through them all. Each of these systems of belief has some example of the Ethic of Reciprocity in their teachings." The most common version of this is known as:The Golden Rule"Do onto others as you would have them do onto you."Copyright Humanity Healing 15 August 2008
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Ci613QcC5E
...I have yet to see a single politician muster the courage to do the right thing and to 'tell the "TRUTH" like it is' - they've chosen to silently side with the 'spin' and let the status-quo be - either they're afraid of consequences to their political careers, or they're simply corrupt, or they're just plain stupid - or all of the above (and beyond) - whatever the reason, while I'm not shocked or surprised at the behavior of the puppet morons in politics, I'm disgusted at their complete lack of integrity and conscience...and to not have a SINGLE one of them telling the 'real' story behind this attack on humanity is just ticking me off...
I’ve also posted this blog entry on my blog: http://www.theparadigmshiftshere.com
I'm sure you're all familiar with the sensational 'war' declared by the wealthy and the mighty on the pirates (mostly) from 'Somalia'...if you're not, view THIS article for the big 'spin' served to you courtesy of massive sponsorship by some very wealthy 'special-interest' groups...
Now for 'a' truth about the matter...
...we all need to dig much deeper - in unity, compassion, tolerance, forbearance, understanding, generosity, and respect - to first understand one another and then to realize and accept that we are essentially from the same 'mold' - if we are divided today, it isn't because of anything other than our own ignorance and choosing...
...it's very easy to point fingers and lay blame, but extremely difficult to take ownership...
...I am very tempted to rant on this in my trademark 'tongue-in-cheek' style, but in re-reading Barack Obama's 'Audacity of Hope', I'm beginning to resonate with his wise choice of speaking the language of inclusion, of conversation rather than confrontation...so, here's my humble attempt...
...as The Aga Khan eloquently pointed out in an interview: "...Rather than shouting at each other, we should be learning to listen to each other..."
Faraway you set out in being depends on your organisms affectionate amid the infantile, kindhearted with the ripened, compassionate with the determined and lenient of the feeble and strapping. For the reason that soon in life, you will have been each one of these (Laconic, Dr. Clarence Rucker, Jr. PhD)
In the President Elect's Speech, his community work is evident in his words. In the community you work with the children, adhering to their cries, laughter, hurts,...etc. The poor, the hungry. The bills unpaid, living in an alley, seeing tears of a man....Tears of a man...Tears of a man...
In the community you learn to be kind to those that are old. You learn compassion for those who are weak and those who are bulking with strength and power. In Us Is His Words of what he has seen and each one of us have to walk in each of them. I was a child. Now I am old. I was strong and I was weak. Obama walked where some have forgotten. When was the last time the men in power walked through a decaying community. Never, they are afraid unless guards are with them. That is loosing sight of who you serve. Thank you Obama for returning us from whence we came.
The Pickens Plan: For those who would like to become an active participant in a solution for our nations energy needs I urge you to join with T.Boone Pickens in his quest for a cleaner planet through alternative energy.
Also see Green Wave Energy: Green Wave was founded by Mark Holmes and was formulated for viable alternative energy solutions. Green Wave Energy is promoting state-of-the-art energy-saving products and services throughout the country.
Green Wave Energy understands alternative energy technology will become “main stream” when
Call 949.645.1701 for information on how Green Wave Energy can help you save the planet.
Alternative EnergySource: David Apperson
url: http://veterans.barackobama.com/page/community/tag/alternative-energy
The People of the State of Michigan enact: the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act.With the recent passage of Michigan's LEGISLATION, the relative state department must Promulgate Rules by which to function effectively. While there is now hope where there was none, these rules will either assist or be a hindrance to the patient.While this Law allows the patient or a "primary caregiver" to grow and provide the Marijuana for the patient, this dictates the patient or caregiver have the necessary skills, equipment, space, finances and time to dedicate to this task full time.Under Michigan Law, a designated caregiver can assist up to 5 patients. This would serve to pool the resources together more efficiently, providing one space, shared equipment cost and presumably a designated "primary caregiver" who is a professional grower.Today in California, of which the Michigan legislation was designed has had a set back handed down by their State Supreme Court which may affect the Promulgation of our Rules moving forward.California Supreme Court Ruling Limits Medical Marijuana DistributionNovember 24th, 2008 In an important legal case decided today that cannabis reform advocates have been waiting on for nearly two years, the California Supreme Court ruled that criminal defendants are not entitled to a defense as Proposition 215 (Prop 215) caregivers if their primary role is only to supply marijuana to patients.
"The Mentch decision highlights the inadequacy of California's current medical marijuana supply system," California NORML coordinator Dale Gieringer told the Indy Bay News . "The law needs to allow for professional licensed growers, as with other medicinal herbs."Full text of the People vs. Mentch is found here~@~The problem with this decision as well as the system set up to provide a "primary caregiver" status is that now the California Supreme Court is mandating these caregivers be relatives, personal friends and attendants, nurses. There are two problems with this finding, first those designated are not qualified to grow Marijuana and the second issue is that of the allowance for a "primary caregiver" to assist up to 5 patients. How many of your relatives and personal friends know 5 people who are legally allowed by state law to use marijuana for medical purposes ? Now expand that criteria throughout the entire state and apply it to the individual families of patients.Wanted: Full Time professional licensed growersWhile I am confident that I shall be approved under the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act, as it is currently being developed I am afraid it will be of no use to me.My individual circumstance is such that I live alone, in a one bedroom apartment on a fixed income which is under the level of poverty. Therefore I am unable to afford the cost of the equipment needed to grow marijuana indoors. I am unable to afford the cost of the energy needed to run a lighting system 24/7 for 90 days straight.I have one friend who has served as a primary caregiver for me when I needed assistance yet, he knows absolutely nothing about growing marijuana. Plus, he barely has time due to his working two jobs just to support himself.As this law stands today, passed by the people of Michigan, while I qualify for coverage under the law I am unable to take advantage of this program due to the stringent requirements related to growing the plants.The Michigan Medical Marihuana Act rules have not been written as yet.I wish to ask everyone to assist me by writing The Bureau of Health Professions (BHP) within the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) and lend your voice on this issue with my concerns in mind.http://www.michigan.gov/mdchI believe the best way forward, under the conditions spelled out in this legislation is for patients to organize under cooperatives and collectives with Full Time professional licensed growers.My preference would be to grow my marijuana in the soil, under the sun. That option is not allowed under this law because it calls for the marijuana to be grown in a locked, enclosed room.Thank you for your time and consideration on this matter.
How is our human compassion attending to hunger in the world?
Weeks ago, while walking on my usual old path, I looked up at the waxing Gibbous moon, stunned by its quiet lingering in an indigo sky, mixing in clouds with salmon colors after sunset. I have imagined this old path I use to walk my dog to be an old Roman path in ages past. Many have walked upon this small path of mine. It is a path born from the human ages, like the moon is born from ages past. It has a history. The hunger of poverty also has a history and she gazes at me, like the gibbous moon, waxing in need. Cars passed by, but all that related to me was the path, my old dog beside me, my thoughts and the moon.
Our earth is abundant and yet people are dying of starvation. Such extreme poverty is all too often due to selfish actions or inaction of mankind, greed and jealousy, which, if unchecked, become negative forces. Poverty can be based upon a condition of deprivation as well as fear. Extreme poverty is also when the necessities to sustain life are not available or provided. Humans require food and water, shelter from harsh elements and clothing for protection. These are only basic and common needs. Furthermore, poverty mirrors a lack of generosity in mankind, based on prejudice or an absence of understanding that we are all connected on earth. In the same way, the “survival of the fittest” attitude in self-centered part of the human ego- is partly responsible for the lack of caring for others’ suffering on earth.
Poverty on earth can be transformed into well being, if those in need are also empowered to create for themselves. This requires human giving, as well as perspective. It requires the gathering of nations to create hope and well being for all -not just a limited group of individuals or a single nation. It is not just when a person is alone- or in a collective- in a state of poverty, but it is also the reflection of how individuals and nations lead impoverished lives, lacking vision to reach out with constructive care to help end poverty to enable change and growth worldwide. To empower others, one must be empowered- with a perspective to empower, realizing that we are all connected on earth.
There are many practical methods and ways to help implement change, e.g. through micro loans and direct assistance at a level that is too small for commercial banks or major donor organizations such as the United Nations or the World Bank. Small loans and grants of often only a few hundred dollars or euros can be used by individuals to invest in sewing machines, drills, saws and other basic machines and agricultural tools to start their own small self-sustaining enterprises. Similarly, inexpensive computers, musical instruments, and school utensils are needed in local communities. Such basic tools could be provided to those who can use them for a livelihood. More schools can be built, teaching mothers and fathers, teaching children, teaching the arts, core therapies, sports, eco-friendly technology, and recycling (to name a few ideas). Wind power, water power and solar power can be used more widely. In many countries, more hospitals, beds, ambulances and basic tools and medicines are also needed. Wells need to be drilled, toilets, basic plumbing and buildings. More than anything, vision and hope are needed in a world where falling stock markets will most ultimately hurt those who already suffer in extreme poverty.
We look up when the full moon fills the night sky. Today the gibbous wanes geocentric. Mankind’s nightmare is a lack of vision and a fear that there is not enough on earth to share. Yet, the opposite is true. There is enough bounty on earth to feed the world. People have grown in individuality and lead deeply solitary lives often disconnected even from their own family. This breeds a further lack of faith in the fact that mankind is a human family at large.
Rebekah Alsterberg
People around the world said "Yes we can" on Tuesday, November 4, 2008. Yet, the work has only begun. While I am really delighted that Barack Obama is the President-Elect of the United States, I see my journey towards change in a more personal way. It is about who I help.
As with any leader, if the people do what the leader does change will come about. Otherwise, it was just hype. What President-Elect Obama has done so far is serve. And he's also opened himself up for major criticism. But at least he has done something and is willing, despite the criticism, to do more.
How many of us ordinary folk have gone to neighborhoods unlike our own to talk to people about the things they can do to make change? How many of us ordinary folk have the courage to put ourselves on the front lines in order to inspire others?
Barack and Michelle Obama have taken on a great task. They are the face of the service and of course they will get the most criticism. But what does it mean for me? It means volunteering in my community. It means being active in changing the things that negatively affect people who are not like me. It is a great undertaking and I am scared to death. But doing something is better than doing nothing. That is what Barack Obama has inspired me to do. Something.
While I may not change the entire world (who can?) I can change the part of the world that I live in. And that is what November 4, 2008 meant to me.
