Crystal Waters sent this photograph to me. Apparently, Crystal discovered this on the garage outback a potential home purchase, in Vermont. My heart skipples, (a new word folks) that she thought it a good sign and that she also thought about me. YAY! Peace on Earth. And especially Peace for women who ride scooters and run websites. I’m gonna fashion one of these for my house-I’ll post the photo when it’s done! Brilliant!

***Update***
Daphne commented that this blog seemed to be more contentious than most of my posts. She asked about the “point two fingers, not one,” philosophy that I promote. Yea, well. Sometimes I walk that line-accountability is a tricky thing, especially when I can so clearly see we do have a system that perpetuates injustice. Pointing two fingers means-how can I change it??? And I think calling slime, slimy is fair place to start. Because otherwise I might just keep accepting the amount of injustice manufactured by our government. Anyhow, I think Daphne expressed this sentiment pretty well in one of her blogs. As follows:

“We live in a really amazing country, if you can separate the landscape from the turmoil…

And if you can’t, it may be because we’ve all been so fragmented by our differences in opinion, that we can’t manage to get it together enough to find out what we have in common.Think about why that may work in the favor of those with money and power.
And think about every little thing you can do to change it.
Okay. Now, go do it.”

 

Below is my dog, Marco Polo. That is his look of indignation for our political mess. He also suggests that leaving your definition of Peace will create feelings of joy and accomplishment.

Brief post for now, more on this later. For now I am reposting, with some COMMENTS OF MY OWN IN IT, a written article, from a news source where, unfortunately, a high percentage of people get the “scoop.” You can tell by its title, “Clinton/Obama clash over race issue” that its meant to create a reaction- it is PART OF AN AGENDA. For what, you ask? Here we go people, here come the race and sex cards for this years election. (and don’t get me started that even Hilary has said it’s a “gender” thing-sex is actually the correct term, not gender) Pretty impressive that we finally have BOTH a woman and a black man on the ticket. I remember talking about the ODDS of this back in 92, the first year I was eligible to vote. But how impressive is it if the candidates and media begin this superficial descent? I don’t think Clinton gives a damn about the color of his skin. I don’t think Obama gives a damn that she’s a woman. The end. I don’t give a damn about it either. George W. Bush, neither a woman or black man, has excelled only at being a shining Lonestar of bad foreign policy, hypocrisy, war mongering and nonchalant divider. Obviously sex and race don’t play into what makes a good President. So, why is the media beginning to serve up these two things as an issue? Because it’s still a hot button issue; because it takes a long time to eradicate oppression from our cultural psyche. 42 years ago, the KKK were beating the crap out of blacks who were simply marching for their Voting Rights and the police were right alongside them. The Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), intended to guarantee equal rights under the law for Americans regardless of gender, has failed to be passed since its introduction in 1923. What happens if we become captivated by the mudslinging? Hmmm, we forget that we actually need to ask these candidates some important questions-and that we need to hear them make some solid, viable proposals for our nation’s future.

Let’s not be distracted. Let’s look through this. Let’s not root for Obama or Clinton if they get one point for putting their opponent down. One way to start is by asking yourself, well, what do you want in a candidate?

My time is being wasted while the news and the candidates rehash the incident where Clinton said “It took a President to help MLK Jr. realize his dream.” Well, it’s true. That’s why MLK JR. marching to the Capitol of Montgomery-he knew that the LEGISLATION had to change. Can we move on?!!!! If Obama really wants to plant some seeds of hope, then do so by not beating the blood out of this one just to secure some black primary votes. The more this sticks in the news, the more I see MLK Jr.s name next to Obamas-and I fear some comparison is going to start. Barack Obama is NOT anywhere near the league of Martin Luther King Jr. It is SAD that our nation is so desperate for change that they cling to his pedestal, showering him with adoration and hope that he will be our nations savior. All the while he makes NO clear proposals for policy or strategy. Obama isn’t necessarily our hope for the future. We are. He’s not the only one planting seeds. We are. We’re just hungry waiting for them to grow and it seems like he’s got some meal tickets.

You know my take on it-KUCINICH is the one.

Reposted Article:

Clinton/Obama clash over race

By NEDRA PICKLER, Associated Press Writer

Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama have become embroiled in racially tinged disputes as large numbers of black voters (OH, COULD THIS BE OBAMA’S REASON IN DRAGGING IT OUT-IS HE PLAYING THE RACE CARD HIMSELF?) prepare to get their first say in the Democratic presidential campaign.

The candidates and their surrogates are heating up their rhetoric, (COULD THEY PLEASE HEAT UP THEIR LEADERSHIP VALUES? THAT WOULD BE SO MUCH MORE IMPRESSIVE) and it could prove to be combustible beyond South Carolina’s Jan. 26 primary.

Clinton, on defense over comments that she and her husband made regarding Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy and Obama’s fitness for the White House, tried to turn the tables on her top primary rival. She accused his campaign of looking to score political points by distorting their words. (DID SHE? OR IS THIS THE NEWS HELPING TO FIRE IT UP? LET’S SAY IT’S TRUE. WELL, HILARY, THANKS FOR BEING THE PRINCIPLED LEADER. ARE YOU GOING TO UTILIZE THESE HIGH SCHOOL TACTICS FOR INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS?)

Hillary Clinton had said King’s dream of racial equality was realized only when President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act of 1964, while Bill Clinton said Illinois Sen. Obama was telling a “fairy tale” about his opposition to the Iraq war. Black leaders have criticized their comments, and Obama said Sunday her comment about King was “ill-advised.” (ILL ADVISED, SURE. TRUE, YES. KINGS HAD A POWERFUL DREAM AND THAT WAS TO SEE THE SYSTEM ITSELF CHANGE. DO YOU SEE HOW THAT WORKS-CIVIL RIGHTS LEADER WANTS RIGHTS FOR CIVILIANS, SO HE TARGETS THE EXECUTIVE/LEGISLATIVE/JUDICIAL BRANCHES.)

“I think it offended some folks who felt that somehow diminished King’s role in bringing about the Civil Rights Act,” he told reporters on a conference call. “She is free to explain that, but the notion that somehow this is our doing is ludicrous.” (OH, AND THE PUBLIC-THIS IS WHAT THEY ARE OFFENDED BY? WHAT ABOUT, HMMM, EXPENSIVE HEALTHCARE, CORPORATE TAKE OVER OF OUR GOVERNMENT, LUDICROUS WAR BUDGET THAT CUTS THINGS LIKE ARTS AND EDUCATION, CRIME, POVERTY?)

As evidence the Obama campaign had pushed the story, Clinton advisers pointed to a memo written by an Obama staffer compiling examples of comments by Clinton and her surrogates that could be construed as racially insensitive. The memo later surfaced on some political Web sites.

“This is an unfortunate story line the Obama campaign has pushed very successfully,” the former first lady said Sunday on NBC’s “Meet the Press.” “I don’t think this campaign is about gender, and I sure hope it’s not about race.” (IT’S ALL A RACE ISN’T IT? A HORSE RACE. AND DON’T FORGET, SOMEONE IS CALLING OBAMA HIS HORSE) (WHAT IS THIS CAMPAIGN ABOUT?)

Clinton taped the show before appearances in South Carolina, where at least half the primary voters are expected to be black. On Monday, she planned to attend a union event honoring King’s legacy in New York City. (PHEW, GOOD TIMING)

But no sooner had Clinton said she hoped the campaign would not be about race than it got even more heated. A prominent black Clinton supporter, Black Entertainment Television founder Bob Johnson, criticized Obama and seemed to refer to his acknowledged teenage drug use while introducing Clinton at her next event.

“To me, as an African-American, I am frankly insulted the Obama campaign would imply that we are so stupid that we would think Hillary and Bill Clinton, who have been deeply and emotionally involved in black issues — when Barack Obama was doing something in the neighborhood; I won’t say what he was doing, but he said it in his book — when they have been involved,” Johnson said. (HMM, GOOD POINT THOUGH, AND DON’T FORGET, HILARY SEEMS MORE SUPPORTIVE OF HOMOSEXUALS THAN OBAMA-WHO HAD A GOSPEL SINGER SPEAK AT HIS RALLY-SAYING HOMOSEXUALITY IS SOMETHING GOD CAN CURE)

Obama wrote about his youthful drug use — marijuana, alcohol and sometimes cocaine — in his memoir, “Dreams from My Father.”

Johnson later said in a statement released by the Clinton campaign that his comments referred to Obama’s work as a community organizer in Chicago “and nothing else. Any other suggestion is simply irresponsible and incorrect.” (BUTT KISSER)

Another Clinton campaign official, Bill Shaheen, resigned last month after suggesting Democrats should be wary of nominating Obama because his past drug use could be used against him in the campaign.

Obama, campaigning in Las Vegas, declined to respond to Johnson. (LOVE THAT HE’S IN VEGAS AS THIS ONE HITS THE PRESS, LIKE A KID CAUGHT WITH HAND IN COOKIE JAR )

“I’m not going to spend all my time running down the other candidates, which seems to be what Senator Clinton has been obsessed with for the last month,” Obama said. (NO, HE WON’T. HE’LL PAY SOMEONE ELSE)

His strategist, however, didn’t spare Johnson or Clinton.

“I don’t see why this is so much different from what Billy Shaheen did in New Hampshire,” David Axelrod said. “Senator Clinton apologized for that. It’s bewildering why, since she was standing there, she had nothing to say about this.”

Clinton was not yet on stage when Johnson made his statements and she did not mention them when she emerged.

Meanwhile, in Atlanta, Obama’s wife rose to his defense over Bill Clinton’s “fairy tale” comment. Michelle Obama said some blacks might be skeptical that white America will elect her husband, but advised them to look to his win in Iowa.

“Ain’t no black people in Iowa,” (ENGLISH IS ALREADY ON THE DECLINE IN OUR COUNTRY-DOES SHE AS A POTENTIAL FIRST LADY NEED TO SPEAK LIKE THIS?)she said during a speech at the Trumpet Awards, an event celebrating black achievement. “Something big, something new is happening. Let’s build the future we all know is possible. Let’s show our kids that America is ready for Barack Obama right now.” (IS THIS HOW WE BUILD THE FUTURE? LET’S SHOW THE KIDS HOW TO ENGAGE IN SHALLOW, EXPLOSIVE POLITICS-YAY!)

John Edwards, a third candidate in the Democratic primary, waded into the dispute Sunday.

“I must say I was troubled recently to see a suggestion that real change came not through the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King but through a Washington politician. I fundamentally disagree with that,” Edwards told more than 200 people gathered at a predominantly black Baptist church in Sumter, S.C. (OH, THAT’S JUST DESPERADO, HE’S PROBABLY HOPING JUST TO GET ON AS OBAMA’S VP)

DONT FORGET-WE CAN REMAIN AS BLIND AS WE CHOOSE TO BE.

I checked out a book on Buddhism from the library. It’s an attempt to force myself into stillness and to expand my mind, and spiritual understanding. This next passage illuminates my sense of motivation for reaching out to thousands of people, enduring hardships with optimism, and experiencing the sense that we are always, as a species, so close. So close. So close and on our way to ‘getting it’. The author is Robert Thurman, and the book is called Inner Revolution.

” We can retrace for ourselves the steps the Buddha took by beginning where he began: with the reality of our own situation. We are highly organized socially, relatively well educated, have great technological power and industrial productivity. We have myriad forms of entertainment. the sun rises in the morning, the rains come, the water flows, the wind blows. We stay cool in summer, and warm in winter.

In the United States we live in the first country on earth with founding documents that formally guarantee the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Yet we are miserable. We may blame our malaise on circumstances-our jobs, our families-or see everything around us as the source of our unhappiness. But the question arises” Will we ever find happiness from within this frame of reference?” A good meal leaves us stuffed and uncomfortable. Attachment to a spouse leaves us worrying about being left alone. Pursuit of good health leads us only to the inevitability of dying. We’re chasing shadows, but we see them as real, as holding the keys to our happiness.

To take responsibility for facing our living condition, we must look at who we are and how we see the world. Everyday, we wake up in the morning and are hit by the biggest intuitive lie known to human consciousness. That lie goes like this: “It’s me, it’s me, I’m it, I’m the center of the universe. I come first. I hold it all together.” The bottom line is “me.” It is not just that we are selfish; it is deeper. We perceive the self as the one sure thing, the only thing, that we can count on. I am sure of my own ideas, my own dictates. I know without question what I want, what I hate, what I fear. I think; therefore I am

I worry about myself all the time-we all do. Am I happy enough? Can I get some more? Can I get ride of that concern? Is this good for me? Is she treating me right? I am self preoccupied, self-obsessed. Sometimes I am selfish in an obvious way; sometimes I am kind and selfless. But in either case there is no possibility of my not being self involved.

Such self-involvement is natural, given that we see ourselves as the most important thing in the universe. Moral condemnation of it is beside the point. But I question its accuracy. While we may wake up “knowing” that we’re the center of the universe, the minute we walk outside we will not encounter one single person that agrees with us. If we could hear everyone’s mind speaking out, we’d hear choruses of “It’s not you, it’s me! I’m the center.” We are thus in a state of constant disagreement, all in the grip of that little dictatior inside telling each person that he or she is the center of the universe.” Robert Thurman

 

The pure seed in the ride for Peace this summer was the idea that asking people to define peace with me would accomplish two things: 1)take our minds away from its daily preoccupations 2)empower themselves to envision a broad concept like Peace and in its revelation, recognize, that it must start within, but it is fiercely interdependent with the lives of others. And that this displacement from self preoccupation might catapult us into a “we” space-a space where we contemplate the effect of our actions, and thus deliberate more viable solutions than war. Oh, and offer compassion, for we recognize the role of we were playing in our head, that perpetuated suffering, and what that must feel like to others.

goodnight

Here are three different maps that illustrate the routes driven this summer. Perhaps they could be photoshopped into one?
Google maps gets overloaded when I try to do the whole thing consecutively, and most of it has to be done in little increments, or else Google creates a different route altogether. Anyhow, this is a start to compiling information; matching pictures with routes and labeling routes for their convenience, etc. Still need to do the gas tally for total cash spent. Grimace. But I rode a scooter-at least I know its only a quarter of what cage drivers would have spent on gas!

View Larger Map

View Larger Map

View Larger Map

Daphne, a.k.a Switch

“The first peace, which is the most important, is that which comes from within the souls of men when they realize their relationship, their oneness, with the universe and all its powers, and when they realize that at the center of the universe dwells the Sacred, and that this center is really everywhere, it is within each of us. This is the real peace, and the others are but reflections of this. The second peace is that which is made between two individuals, and the third is that which is made between two nations. But above all you should understand that there can never be peace between nations until there is first known that true peace which is within the souls of [people]“. – Black Elk

“Each step outside our everyday lives is a step into the everyday lives of others. These are the steps-one by one, which pave the way to Peace.
Community, Family, Peace.
Touch one life and you touch all the lives that life touches. It’s the kind of powerful force that makes strangers into friends and friends into family.”

I am also sharing this with Ashley, Mike, and Tom on the March for Peace site:

It is a wide, brave gap between knowing the right thing and doing the right thing. Sometimes, the bridge is there and all we do is walk across, but sometimes we must pave the way. -daphne comeau

ALL MY GRATITUDE TO YOU WHO PAVE THE WAY, AND DECIDE THAT NOTHING IS MORE IMPORTANT, BECAUSE NOTHING ELSE IS. THANK YOU!!!

Sometimes the photographs I put up here are people who were in my life momentarily and contributed to Speak YOUR Peace. I met Daphne, however, at the beginning of PEACE SCOOTER, and she’s gonna be in my life forever. Daphne was behind the scenes in PEACE SCOOTER. She has given me laugh wrinkles around my eyes; talked to me while I waited for storms to pass and keep scootin; driven 1,500 miles to be at the finish line in Texas; heard my frustrations; told me the final death toll the day I held a memorial in Nebraska; contacted Peace organizations and media; called motels to wrangle deals; and continues to tell people about Speak YOUR Peace-in a way that makes me look shy. Rock ON Switchboard! (1643)

Thank You.

A few weeks ago my roomate Wendy started a batch of home brew. Tonight I was her assistant bottling the batch. I got to thinking about my purchases in general and how to follow the trail to their origin. Often, its an elusive one to follow and often, by the time you get to the end of it, the origin is less than savory. I appreciated that over the past decade, since becoming an independent shopper, I assert a lot of effort to buy local and buy fresh. My tastebuds and health have totally changed. I’m hardly ever sick since I changed my dietary habits to eating fresh and free of preservatives as well as avoiding the spectrum of cancer, as I call it. Which means yellow, blue, red #2, 3, 5, etc. Anyhow, we will see how the brew tastes in about 10 days, but it was cool to expand my awareness of how easy and rewarding DIY stuff is.

Oh, and this picture is of my new spicy hat that came in the mail today. Crystal Waters has got me covered, from scoot to hoof. Check out the new, warm peace hat that came in the mail today-its from the same cloth of my scoot seat cover. I’m totally rocking it and its totally the best! Thanks Crystal-I like your masterpieces!

Happy New Year to all!

I spent New Year’s Eve day at work, asking customers:
“2007-was it a YES or NO?”
Mostly, No’s, or begrudging “okays.” So then I asked, well, did you learn anything that will make 2008 different?
People softened, responded, at least storing that question away for later contemplation. I am not fond of the hoopla that surrounds the New Year. If anything, it’s a time to look back, assess the mile markers, give thanks and realize your future intentions. Something I recommend doing as often as possible, no need to put it off. Unfortunately, many people stumble through the night, drink away their frustrations and wind up with lousy hangovers to greet the New Year. Oh, and the social pressure of hasty, superficial New Year’s resolutions, along with the performance anxiety to which people generally acquiesce by late January. Personally, I’ve discovered that it’s more effective to celebrate frequently through the year, play as often as I can and accept there are hardships in life which make me stronger. I can’t confront my own demons, or anyone else’s if I’m not participating in my own life with an active determination. This year I experienced what it really means to point two fingers, not one. Point two for accountability-how am I responsible? How can I generate change? Essentially, I removed myself from the detached role of passive onlooker, victim, or angry critic.

2007 was the best year of my life. It was the year where my philosophies were put into direct action. I experienced an inner peace that I have never known before, with this I have seen the dissolution of fear, programming, anger and judgement. There are so many diverse souls that came into my life this year, who interacted with me along the journey; helping, teaching, playing, loving and supporting. There is no way to express to each individual how amazing you are and the amount of appreciation I have for you. I can OM, I can pray, I can take care of myself, I can make snow angels, frolick, and I can keep working for peace and justice. A deep bow in gratitude. I wish you all the prosperity, both spiritually and mentally, that one needs to sustain themselves and our global community with happiness, progress, and joy.

Please, join the peace movement. It starts with you and then it spreads. Please, in 2008, discover the most joy and intelligence through living, that harms the least people, and Pass it On.

AN UNREASONABLE MAN: ” The reasonable man adapts himself to the conditions that surround him… The unreasonable man adapts surrounding conditions to himself… All progress depends on the unreasonable man.” -George Bernard Shaw

Today I watched Unreasonable Man, a documentary about Ralph Nader. It’s really about time I started studying this man. Honestly, I feel a bit behind the times. I was a political science student during his 2000 campaign and the institutional academia (at my conservative university *gasp*) trashed Nader, holding him responsible for every woe we have suffered during the Bush administration. Well, utilizing my “point two fingers, not one,” I’ve given this man a closer look. I’m walking away, twice now, from this documentary, feeling inspired, informed and a bit frustrated. A few quotes that jumped out were, “Do you want to be famous-or important?”; “Did you learn to believe today-or learn to think?”; “What we need are full time professional citizens.” I encourage you to watch this movie-especially with our horrendous upcoming political elections gathering more fuel. The good note-at least this is W’s last year. The bad note-our country still faces a lot of problems-now are we gonna be active or passive citizens?

Please watch these videos:
LONGER (more informative, but you might not be able to rush right over to facebook and fight ninjas)
SHORTER

“Peace is an inner experience. An awareness that, the I that is I, has no end. That that ‘I’ is connected to the whole universe. The uni-verse, one voice. Peace does not depend on events ‘out there.’ Peace depends on becoming conscious of my thoughts, then I can consciously choose creative thoughts of love instead of destructive thoughts of fear. Our thoughts truly become our reality.

As each one of us consciously change our thoughts, our collective consciousness of ‘one voice’ changes. The’I AM’ is crucial to peaceful coexistence. Then we KNOW that WE are crucial to the whole of existence. But only by being peace, not by dictating peace, or forcing peace, or demanding peace.
Be peace. Blessings.”

It is part of the Speak Your Peace project to pair photos with peace definitions. In tribute of my Crawford Host, meet Kay. She is a wise, wise woman. She has taught me a lot in the mere 3 times we have spoken. Actually, we’ve spoken more on the phone than we actually did in Craword, TX, with so many people and interviewers around. I want to thank her for maintaining a Peace House in the hostile waters of Crawford, and for understanding that it is important  people have a refuge to speak their truth. She has served her global community well with these efforts, dealing with us fired up activists and she continues to recognize the way to peace and justice is to BE THE WAY.

Now three months back from the 11,000 mile ride for Peace, I’ve been decompressing and processing the eye and heart opening experience. Today I came across the old daily heroes blog that had been running since April 2006. The last entry I made, before trip preparations took over my life, was Cindy Sheehan. I’ve avidly followed her for years, but what placed her on the heroes list was her Memorial day journal entry on dailykos. I had been planning P.E.A.C.E SCOOTER for just one week when she released the news to close Camp Casey in Crawford, TX. There were many reasons I had already chosen Crawford, TX as the final destination of the Peace ride. Her being one of them. I thought it was ironic that Camp Casey was closing, but in my optimism, especially after reading her journal entry, I felt we would have a chance to work together. I remember the inspiration of her words and my excitement that she seemed to be coming out of the beige fray of muddled political lines and anti-war activist egos. Her proclamation that, “… the issue of peace and people dying for no reason is not a matter of “right or left”, but “right and wrong,” had me on fire. Our insights about the prevalence of ego within the Peace movement seemed congruent. She writes, “It is hard to work for peace when the very movement that is named after it has so many divisions.” My own previous experience had made me bypass a big rally in D.C. for the start of the Peace ride, feeling as though it was time to take it out of D.C. and instead to the people all across America.

June 05, 2007, I would have been more likely to welcome a comparison to Cindy Sheehan. However, by August my opinion changed. After feeble, if any, responses from her and major Peace organizations/affiliates like Not in Our Name, ANSWER, Veterans Against the Iraq War, CODE PINK, and United for Peace and Justice, I sadly realized that those who rage against the machine often mimic it.

I have been uncomfortable with the media’s comparisons of me to Cindy Sheehan. The main reason is that at the root of the comparison is a classic, blatant media tactic that ultimately suppresses insights of the Peace movement. The media, acting as puppets to their corporate bosses instead of instruments of democracy, often paint Cindy Sheehan as a contentious woman. The general public, a rather large amount of people who need to be recruited into the Peace movement, know her as an angry woman. Of course, she has a global following, and these supporters both understand and appreciate her passion, insights and eloquence. At a mainstream level, this comparison to her implies that I, too, am angry or preaching the same message. However, the focus of my Peace tour was to ask one brief, yet important question and listen to the answer- without judgement, anger or preaching. As a result of this comparison, persons hearing of P.E.A.C.E SCOOTER are likely to feel as though they automatically understand my message. And likewise, to those “counter culture,” supporters of Sheehan, I simply become dismissed as someone attempting to follow in her footsteps. How frustrating, when I saw her as a hero, but our work and impetus were completely different. I still don’t even know sometimes what to call P.E.A.C.E SCOOTER, because it had so many complex messages intertwined into it. Without appropriate, thoughtful media coverage, these messages can be easily lost. It was a direct action to demonstrate that we need to put Peace on the map, that our nation needs to move forward as leaders to implement viable solutions; policy created through principles of non-violence and compassion, not conquest, death and imperialism. P.E.A.C.E SCOOTER was a direct action that acknowledged our general public are the opposite of asleep-they are awake without the necessary framework to recognize their own important role as catalysts in creating peace in everyday life. This is why, based on John Lennon’s quote, “If a billion people were thinking about Peace there would be Peace in our world,” I recognized a need for their empowerment-which could happen if they summoned up their personal definition of Peace. This movement is an attempt to create inner revolutions, whereas I see Cindy in her political forum as someone handling an external revolution. Which makes us quite dependent on another-for how can people rise up and be the proponents of a lasting external revolution without knowing what they are working towards? Our human liberation is beautifully, but precariously intertwined.

This immediate gut response to CNN’s (and other media sources) comparison to her was also heightened by Sheehan’s and other’s failure to respond to the numerous emails I sent asking for help in some fashion. She was pleasant and encouraging, but responded similarly to others like Not in Our Name-”that sounds awesome, have fun, love you.” Clearly, these people don’t understand that 11,000 miles is a LONG way even in a car, much less on 12 inch wheels. When I set out on the road, I was driven by our urgent need for Peace, driven by my heroes, driven by a belief that Peace makers would hear and reach out. I didn’t need a congenial thumbs up, I needed support. How about accepting my request to endorse or publicize the Peace ride, so that the national/global Peace family could participate and have the ability to offer resources-much needed food, fuel, housing and media coverage? This would have made P.E.A.C.E SCOOTER much more visible to the public. It is my belief that the intent of our Peace forces across the world is to stand up, be counted and help expand the message. The list servers and databases of major anti-war groups swells because the people are ready for change-and group leaders have a social responsibility. If our own counter culture media can’t jump to cover stories like mine and others, we won’t have any readily available sources other than the corporate media mafia. We need our leaders in the Peace movement to view our paradigm change with the principles of abundance-there are enough resources to go around. We can take care of one another-the Civil Rights Movement swelled because of its community and steadfast commitment to manage and volunteer resources to the cause. The more we splinter as a movement, segregate, judge and cling fast to sparse light the media occasionally grants us, the faster we will sputter out.

Sixty days deep into my trip preparations, I heard news that Cindy was walking from Crawford, TX to NYC, on a Journey for Humanity. The day I left on the peace ride, someone excitedly told me that there was a cross country March for Peace happening, and one week later I heard from a few people biking for Peace. My initial excitement that we would somehow all surge forward, unified in purpose, waned throughout the trip, as no meaningful responses were made to my inquiries for solidarity amongst all the groups. Imagine the ruckus we could have all made were there a concerted effort to promote the nation wide mobilizations occurring in unison. A ball was dropped by many activists this summer. It was obviously meant to be a summer of action. Just think about how strong in number and volition we could have been. When I think about the sheer number of miles clocked between all the different activists-I get chills. It’s almost like these anti-war groups support the conservative agenda by their failure to promote all the direct action that happened.

I ask Cindy Sheehan and the other organizers, “Where HAVE all the Giants gone?” Cindy, you were my heroine-I thought if anyone would show me what a Giant was it would be you.Ironically, right after my trip, Sheehan posted a bulletin calling for the solidarity of Peace organizations, commenting on the fragmented, protective nature of these organizations. A few weeks later she posted a bulletin in honor of John Lennon, in which she proclaimed the importance of defining Peace. I invite her, and you, to leave your definition over on www.peacescooter.com, seeing as I agree with her, and have been using the website to host 1 billion definitions of Peace. It will be up the rest of my life, but hopefully, there will be a unified movement long before some beautiful soul leaves that one billionth definition.
Thank you for reading. The song playing right now as I conclude this is off the 2007 compilation I just put together in time for the New Year.
“I ain’t gonna study War no More, I’m gonna join hands, the whole world round…ain’t gonna study War no More.”
I am thinking that applies just as aptly to our fractured counter culture Peace movement as it does our war mongering empire.

Peace,
Alix

p.s. If you want a copy of that 2007 compilation-its coming soon, I’m fighting with tech gadgets to make this happen-or you can cover the shipping and I will send it to you!

Congressman Dennis Kucinich will be visiting our town, a little blue city in a red state, on Friday. This post is a tribute to him. A couple of years ago I heard a speaker, Marianne Williamson, comment that in most countries there are fourteen political candidates to choose from and 2 choices of toothpaste. Yet, here in the land of democracy, it’s the exact opposite. In resistance to our diminishing democracy and trepidation that neither Hilary or Obama will offer anything other than empty rhetoric-I hereby pledge my vote to Kucinich. I’ve followed him for years and believe he is the best Democratic candidate. He has both the experience and ethos to lead our country towards a better future. I refuse to buy into the idea of “wasting a vote.” Its truly our democracy wasting away if the “little guy” with big ideas can’t get the spotlight, just because of money and popularity. I believe there should be a network mandate to offer Presidential candidates free air time as to avoid the war chest competition. Perhaps then we wouldn’t have to pay high prices to go hear our potential leaders speak.But either way, this Friday night, December 7th, from 7:15-8:45, I’ll shuck over the $20 to hear him speak. Maybe I’ll get the student discount. I’ve heard him speak for free a number of times when I lived in Oberlin, OH and he is an amazing orator. So is Barack Obama, but as much as I would love to see a black man win, I feel Barack makes empty promises. I snuck into a campaign speech by him in Portland, OR. There was a lot of contagious gusto, but then he said, “Within the first year of my administration-we will have Universal Health Care.” I lost interest after that bombastic statement, despite how badly I DO want universal health care. Our country has endured enough pompousness and arrogance. I know I want integrity, experience, commitment, peace and ethos.

What about you?

PJ Chmiel took some time to lend his graphic design prowess to the Kucinich campaign-which was surely lackluster before. Definitely take a looksee over at PJ’s webpage: http://pjchmiel.com/president_kucinich.html
Kudos to him for the volunteer work and snappy designs. I love them,want to get a shirt, make a yard poster-the money earned from his sales goes right to the Kucinich campagin coffers.
And that’s pretty darn swell. Speaking of swell, well, gee, you should check out this informative, witty video since you’ve got some more time to spare! For more information on the best person for the job, check out the official Kucinich page: http://www.dennis4president.com/home/

Don’t waste your vote! Don’t waste our future!

Peace!

Hey there.

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Recently, I’ve had a couple of interviews, via email correspondence. Thought you might want to read them. They have been a good way for me to stay centered with the Peace mission-staying close to my beliefs. I might finally be getting a grip on a 40 hrs work week again. I’ll be honest-it’s been hard to switch gears. I’m trying to keep my head up and earn some cash, without being drained and while still giving myself time to appropriately incubate all the past 3 month experiences. My friends Andy and Christy were staying here the past 4 days, and Andy set up an interview with me-on video. I froze a bit in front of the camera- choked up when trying to explain the trip. I know that these other interviews helped jumpstart me back into gear. Andy was interested in the “what now that its over”. More to come

Interview #1:
Questions by Nicholas Cole

How would you communicate or coordinate your efforts with other activists without the internet? Would you be more or less active without the internet?
Before the internet, my focus was much more local and regional. I subscribed to zines, newspapers, and relied on local chapters. My close proximity to Washington D.C. meant better access to activists groups and information.
Also, I, like many others, are coming of age, so to speak, with the internet intertwined into our lifestyle. So, its hard to address whether or not I would be more or less active without it. Prior to the internet, I was still a free thinker and mobilized to support social justice. Revolutions have been forged without the internet.

Does the internet make your efforts much easier?
The internet has definitely strengthened the grassroots community. Activists now have a faster avenue to share information, build contact lists, and attract participants. Information is now traveling much faster than ever before. But so do the organizations that they are mobilizing against. It’s also probably a lot safer for someone “riding the fence” to check out a website before attending a groups direct action demonstration. The internet has that comfort feature-which ultimately means more inclusivity. While some people might not come to an event or protest, the internet gives them a way to donate, comment, and relay messages. The internet is such a blessing that I fear there will be a eventual seizure of its public accessibility. One thing to remember though is that it is not truly a democratic experience. There are demographics who can’t get online-who don’t have the resources to connect.
It made my efforts much easier, and continues to, because I want to host One Billion definitions for Peace online. This means the website will be up for the rest of my life. This particular art/activist project would be impossible without the internet. You, the interviewer would not have heard of my project where it not for the internet. So many people were able to contact me-house and feed me, because they heard about the trip via the internet.

How would you have funded your trip without the donations given through your website?
Great question. What happened was the way it was supposed to happen. The quote, “Faith is taking the first step, even when you don’t see the rest of the staircase,” by Martin Luther King, JR. echoed in my head as I made plans to take the trip. In June, I decided to push ahead with P.E.A.C.E SCOOTER, no matter what obstacles where in my way. I was going to start walking if necessary. I had no money to even buy the necessities-riding jacket, good helmet, saddlebags, tent, and the like . I decided to take a small loan out, which disappeared early on. I now make monthly payments on it.
Perhaps I would have waited a year and applied for grants. There was always the promise of numerous sponsorship, but I didn’t want to convolute or restrict the message of the trip. Fortunately, Genuine Scooters offered full support. It was an honor to have such great people behind my cause. My belief is that there is more than enough to go around in this world., so I didn’t want to let lack of money stop me.

Do you think the internet has caused people to become lazier (in that they are not going out and protesting or participating in a unique way, as you did) or more active ( in that more people can speak out over the internet via message boards, blogs and online petitions)?

I believe that people are too preoccupied by the whole rat race to be conscious activists. I also think there are a lot of scare tactics, like Homeland Security, police abuse, FBI/CIA profiling that keep people from being visible activists.
At the very least, the internet makes people more politically informed.
Active? Well, there are different perspectives. Is the true definition of active being visible and taking direct action in a public sphere? I still think of activism as a social activity, one that requires the mobilization and engaging of actual people. I think the internet helps in connecting and educating people, but they still need to come out, be counted, and experience a palpable solidarity.

Short version: Do you think the internet has helped or hurt the anti-Iraq-war (or other anti-war) cause(s)?
There is no way that the internet is responsible for hurting the anti-Iraq war cause, nor has it been that helpful. Perhaps someone who organizes protests would think differently-I would ask them. My personal experience is that even with resources like the internet, many anti-war/ pro-peace groups are disconnected. I noticed a lack of solidarity among peace groups and activists while I was traveling. A divisive, competitive mentality will hurt the anti-war movement far more than the internet. Historically, except for the Civil Right Movement, a minority group (or activist group) will experience internal dissent which dilutes the group’s unity and focus. Whenever a group struggles for power against another who shares a similar message-the original altruistic notion become less important. The competition for recognition and resources becomes the focus-not the cause.

Going along with the question above…What would your definition of an activist be?
I believe there are many shades of activism. An artist, too, beliefs in direct action- in just the manifesting of their vision. Activism and activists can take many forms, but there are certain distinct principles to an activist. I don’t think an activist has to be confrontational, as usually perceived. Unfortunately, speaking your mind, proposing big questions and challenges is often seen as contentious.
Any persons who take direct action to support their beliefs, to cultivate a better world and to create common ground. An activist questions injustice and proposes viable solutions to build better futures. An activist faces challenges and disciplines themselves-working for a political or social goal. That type of willingness, selflessness and determination is rare. They view obstacles as landmarks, not roadblocks. Ironically, activism has a certain duality, it involves both opposition and support. Sometimes its hard to remember that someone shares as much conviction as you do towards a cause, but in opposition. I try to remember that and craft a dialogue from the differences, until we can find a common ground, or simply listen to one another with respect.

Interview #2:
Questions by Rebecca LaFlure

What was it that inspired you to travel 11,000 miles on a scooter in the shape of a peace sign?
The overall impetus was my love for America and my belief that we are all responsible for creating a better world. Earlier this year, I felt a consuming frustration with our Nation and it’s lack of deliberate, mainstream movement calling for Peace and Justice. I don’t believe that promoting Peace and Justice should be left to grassroots, alternative organizations. I think a Peace making mentality should be first and foremost in all our internal and international affairs- should saturate our culture. The initial catalyst for the trip was a quote I saw at the John Lennon Instant Karma art exhibit; “If a billion people were thinking about Peace, there would be Peace in our world.” The immediate thoughts that followed were, “Wow, that seems really easy. Why wouldn’t a billion people think about peace? Do people know what Peace means to them?.” I instantly realized that most people believe Peace is impossible and I wanted to know why.

How did you get the idea?
I spent the next week (after the art exhibit) perplexed that a majority of people in our world do not have a working definition of Peace. I was also sick of just holding up Peace banners at anti-war rallies. I wanted to make my route be the sign-it’s the idea that Peace is the Way. The idea quickly morphed and all components began to fall into place. I decided traveling the Peace sign route would give me a good representation of American ideology. I would be able to hear the perspectives from many demographics and see if they had a definition of Peace. If they already did-well good-either way I would have a chance to listen and learn.
I choose to ride the scooter because it “environmentally friendlier”- on the oil supply and the roads. And they are FUN. I think everyone who can should own a scooter. With an escalating environmental crisis and exorbitant fuel costs, scooters are a fun and logical mode of transportation. I also had little funding to complete the trip and I had to big obstacles-time and money. Riding a scooter meant I could cover more miles than biking or walking-therefore I could interview more people. My scooter was also a great conversation piece and icebreaker. “You rode that thing from Virginia?” gave me a way in-automatic credibility.

Were there any moments during the trip where you felt like giving up? Any bad weather?
Oh there were many challenges. But I never wanted to give up. It became a quest to transcend whatever fears or self-imposed limitations I had. Quickly I realized that the world out there is not as scary as the one projected onto our TV screens. I became comfortable traveling alone as a woman, taking the necessary precaution of course, but it took awhile to push past years of programming that woman aren’t safe when traveling alone.
I was also scared of lightning when I started this trip, and by the first night was riding in it, along with pouring rain and hail. I was stuck out in the Plains during amazing storms, with not a place to seek cover, lightning striking around me. Physically, riding on 12 inch wheels for 11,000 miles can be brutal. My butt never hurt, something I get asked frequently, but overall my body ached. Had I not tried to cover so many miles in a short time, it would have been fine. I rode in temperatures from 40-105, and I learned to turn those climate changes into metaphors for the cultural climates I went through. I learned to laugh through what could seemingly be tragic, some random mishaps with the scooter and I used this quote often: “Calm seas don’t make good sailors.”

Did you recieve any oppopsition during your travels or were people mostly supportive?
Oh, people were surprisingly supportive, even in very conservative climates. My approach, from the beginning, was to be inclusive. I didn’t tell anyone they were wrong or try to change people’s minds-and that makes a difference in the dialog. I simply asked, “What does Peace mean to you.” Of course, there were responses that I didn’t politically agree with, but my role was to facilitate a common ground, and steer us away from an often divisive political framework. I played a beautiful role of “midwiving” people’s thoughts about Peace. Often they were more personal with me, I believe, because there was no threat, no judgement, and because I was leaving the next day.
There is something liberating about sharing your personal stories with a passing stranger-you don’t get that uncomfortable “morning after” feeling.
Sometimes just holding a space to listen to people allows them to listen to themselves-and that will create a life change.
I found, unfortunately, that the hardest conversations were with people my age, whose apathy and mistrust have made them quite jaded. Although, they were often super excited and thought the trip was cool,but it was harder to delve into the deep conversations.
I never once felt that my life was in danger, by grace, I felt protected and welcomed almost every place I visited. Even in conservative areas people would stop me and offer donations and encouragement. A lot of conservatives also said they don’t approve of the war and although they voted for George W. Bush, they wouldn’t do it again .

What are some memorable places that you stopped to talk to people?
Wow, I have an incredible amount of memories that I am sorting through and processing. From Wayne, NE to Newton, KS, the many people I met made the landscape more memorable. Never before had Kansas seemed so interesting. I stopped in Newton, KS because of the Mennonite Church, whose doctrines explore the presence of God in peacekeeping.
The first one that comes to mind is the most recent-meeting Kay at the Crawford Peace House. I didn’t speak with her until two weeks before my arrival. Our phone conversations really offered me the support and clarity that I needed those last two weeks on the road. For three months I knew the Peace House was my final destination, but I tried hard not to forecast how it would end. Within my first ten minutes there, it was more than I ever could have envisioned. It felt like coming home, to have “Momma Peace,” (as we dubbed her-maybe others have too) greet me and to know, at every level, what I intended through this journey. It was really a refuge. We met and then walked through the Peace Labyrinth, sharing our thoughts about Peace, world change, politics and war. It was mythical, as though she was my Daedalus, a guide helping me find a way to process the many events of P.E.A.C.E SCOOTER.
Another memorable place was the International Peace Garden in North Dakota. Sadly, there were very few people there. It’s a lovely garden, created in 1932, by Theodore Roosevelt. It wasn’t a planned stop, but I asked why the North Dakota license plates say, “The Peace Garden State,” and discovered we share a Peace Garden with Manitoba.

What’s the overall message you want to give to the U.S.?
That for us to build a better future we must utilize a common ground and build from those similarities, instead of being polarized by our differences. Our daily lives need to be extensions of our beliefs. Justice and Peace are worth working for, even if you support the war. In fact, the war itself is meant to create a democracy, its being sold as a noble gesture to improve lives in the Middle East. We must always consider how to achieve more Peace, and to do so we must know what Peace means to us. I have received many answers to that question and I hope to receive many more. The website, www.peacescooter.com will be up and running the rest of my life, to collect one billion definitions of Peace. Every individual has a responsibility to help make a better world-to be the change they wish to see.
(extra)
I chose to travel in the shape of a peace sign for many reasons. First and foremost to indicate that Peace is the Way. Our country is often polarized into two camps; anti-war or pro-war. That classic division seems outdated to me. I believe there is a common ground deep under the surface of classical political and religious differences.
War itself in the “post war era” is a different cup of tea. Most military operations are now intended to do good for smaller countries, not harm. Let’s focus on the good that is intended-that’s a common ground, something we need to utilize more in conversation. Constantly seeking a common ground and utilizing non-violent priniciples are the only way we will foster a culture of Peace. We need to have the patience and interest to ask important questions like, “Is War really the way to Peace?”
Will there always be conflict? Yes. But how do we want to resolve it, and will our decisions be good for future generations?
Any plans for a future scooter tour?
You know, three weeks ago, I would have said No. I do entertain thoughts about doing the route again, maybe every 5 years, and schedule talks and rallies along the way. The hardest part, the ground work has been done. Now I know which roads to take, good stopping places and organizations located around the country.
I’m also very open to collaborating with interested parties in the future. I know that at least 4 different groups either walked, biked, or scooted for Peace this past summer. One of those parties has contacted me to mention combining resources and doing another cross country ride for Peace. I believe the Peace movement needs to channel its collective resources for any of us to really be effective. A massive mobilization can reach more people and be funded a lot better. I incurred some debt by plunging into this journey solo. Thankfully, the company, Genuine Scooters, donated the scooter and provided free routine maintenance. Genuine’s support also made the trip more visible and scooterists offered lodging around the country.
Otherwise, I just got my scooter back and I’m excited about taking small jaunts around my hometown. My happiness seems to be proportional to the amount of miles I ride in a day!

And finally… does your scooter have a name?
Audre, The Chrome Mistress. It seems a lot of the readers on www.peacescooter.com remembered her name- which is pretty cool. Often though, I was addressed as “Scooter girl.” I’ve noticed that a lot of women around the country get called Scooter Girl. Seems kind of funny to me-I can’t think of a single guy with the moniker,”Scooter Boy.” Her name came to me within our first 60 miles together. It’s kind of a rite of passage, naming the scooter. I decided to spell it without the “y” in honor of Audre Lorde, who said, “You can’t dismantle the master’s house, using the master’s tools.” That’s an ideology that I kept close with me this summer.

So excited to report that I took my first scooter ride today since October 14, almost 1 month later! Thanks to Urban Moto and Genuine, who shipped it. And to Scoot Richmond and Valerie, who stumbled upon a solution to get Audre home from Richmond, VA. She was dropped off at the front door thanks to Valerie, a wonderful local scooterist. This was my first day off, so we cruised around a little bit. She was shy to start, but woke up quickly after a few minutes on the road. Oh my, it was a good ride, although we didn’t cross any state lines. I did catch myself going 50 through the neighborhood and reluctantly leaned off the throttle. Happy to report that she sounds great and is performing well-even though she hasn’t appreciated the neglect! This weekend I plan on adventuring around the Blue Ridge Mountains. With a big smile and need for speed-I’m happy to say Audre is home!

Hey y’all, I’m starting to get caught up on the blogs-been working A LOT and getting the apartment in order.

Tonight I’ve been labeling all the photos from the Homeward Bound trip. Check ‘em out and look back soon for the blogs on OKC and the last mile in Crawford.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/alixbryan/sets/72157602569241551/

I’m going through my music, putting together a playlist for Jessica and Steven’s wedding, which I’m a Djing. It’s a time consuming, albeit FUN and nostalgic process. My music collection is deeply intertwined with my adventures, a thread into the Labyrinth of memories that I am sorting through these days. A lot of my music is also anonymous, simply labeled Track 01, Track 02-you get it. Anyhow, I also just finished reading Into the Wild, a non fiction account of Chris Mcandless travels around the country and into Alaska; an ultimate spiritual journey that resonates very deeply with me. The lyrics for this Air song, Universal Traveler, just heightened the moment so take a moment to share this moment with me.

“Universal Traveler”

So far, so far
So far away

A woman is like a tea bag – you never know how strong she is until she
gets into hot water – Eleanor Roosevelt

I came across this “quote” while reading a blog on the NY Times about Colbert’s standing in the national Presidential poll results. This is a comment left by a reader:

“Anything to avoid serious, adversarial journalism, which is so twentieth century.”
— Posted by Mason

NO doubt!

I had just been thinking that very same thing while perusing online articles. I was critiquing them for 1) content 2) objectivity and 3) vernacular. One particular blogspot article that bothered me was discussing a case where a prostitute was raped, by three men. The judge’s verdict was that “it was a theft of services” not a “rape.” Truly an outrage, yes. Also perplexing was the language that this blogger used when discussing the case. Here is an excerpt:

“Seriously. The implication of the decision is that prostitutes are offered less protection under the law than other women. We’re relieved to see that the bar association is on the case.”

Seriously? Like, fer sure, I am soooo glad that we can take this seriously now. The bar association is ALL over that case. And who is the “we,” she speaks of in “we are relieved?”

There is todays rant-the media is a never ending source of irritation for me. I just want my friends, family, and future children to know how to dissect this shoddy, corporate sponsored, bias news oligarchy, or olicorpocracy, if you will.  When something like 6 companies own ALL our media outlets, we will NOT get articulate, provoking, investigative journalism. Who needs a nation, of like, totally thinking people, when everything can just be a JOKE.  DUDE, I might be bad with my commas, but I try to be objective and concise-and I’m not paid for any of the stuff I write.

When concentration of media ownership occurs, the public suffers in numerous ways. The obvious being less diversity of opinion and voice, but also caliber of voice that is presented.

Peace OUT! (out of the Closet like Dumbeldore)

My absolute favorite holiday! I’m headed to work, maybe time to write later, maybe not. Almost finished with update from OK City. Last night I spent time with my roomie, first time since July, cooking some yummy veggies and nori rolls. The wasabi was so hot that I got a buzz from it. After rocking our sinus cavities off, we carved a pumpkin-only my fourth ever. My mom worked in home/business/marina insurance when I was a kid and she tended to always know the odds of disaster-keeping me away from sharp tools- hence no pumpkin carving. Here is the Peace Pumpkin:

Since Peace is soooooo scary in our world………….

Hey folks.

I am in the process of discovering how to make Peace a part of my daily life, now that I am adjusting (sort of) to being back at home and working. There is absolutely some culture shock present and coupled with bad news about my mom’s health, life is pretty raw right now. The past three months, Peace was, quite literally, my way. Now I am exploring the patience my local C-villians have towards the topic, integrating the message into my lifestyle and searching for a way to keep this Peace project going. I keep having a reoccurring dream about the number of definitions I want to collect on the website-1 billion-in which the zeros keep flipping over and over, always erasing the standing total. It was getting a bit daunting, especially with no recent definitions left since PEACE SCOOTER ended.

Until….I saw our national debt. http://www.brillig.com/debt_clock/

Now-a billion-well it seems pretty possible.

Spoiler: The number was at $9,064,930,753,793.74 when I peeked. Student loans? Psshaw!