Happy Wednesday, dear friends. Today, we are expecting another Nor’easter here on Paumanok, on the day before Thanksgiving. After Hurricane Sandy, storms create deep-seated survival panic here. When you top that with holiday preparations, the grocery stores are packed to the rafters.
I had to go to the store to pick up a few things for my mom, who is cooking the holiday meal this year, and so I played a game to brighten up the experience. I flowed love and joy down every aisle, singing out loud and pushing my cart. Some people continued past me, immersed in their own world, but many stopped and smiled and even giggled. I simply said, “Happy Thanksgiving,” and went on my merry way.
We get to choose how we feel about any given thing. We can choose to participate in the group energy being projected onto us, or we can opt out and find a different way. This is what I did today, and it brought me great joy, as well as brightened up other people’s lives for a moment. We all get to choose.
Today we focus on demonstration and protest internationally, as many events are coming to a head and citizens cannot hold their voices back any longer. We move on from there, so let’s get moving.
Grand Jury will not indict Ferguson, Missouri police officer, and protests erupt across the US.
Yesterday, a grand jury decided not to indict police officer, Darren Wilson, in the August 9, 2014 shooting death of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri. The initial incident sparked police brutality demonstrations in the city that have gone on for months. Racial tensions exploded as well, because the officer was white and the victim was African-American.
The grand jury met for 6-weeks and heard testimony from over 60 witnesses. When they announced the decision, Michael Brown’s parents called for calm among the protestors. They have been vocal in their desire for justice in the case and also to promote on-body police surveillance cameras as a deterrent against the use of excessive force and mortal violence.
Most of the demonstrations held across the nation last night in response to the grand jury decision were peaceful. In Ferguson, violence erupted sporadically throughout the night and one man was found shot to death.
Here is another article with more information on the case that sparked police brutality protests across the US.
Mexican students protest governmental involvement in gang-related mass murder.
Mexico has been reeling in response to the disappearance of 43 students over two months ago. Evidence indicates that these students were murdered, and their bodies burned, after they opposed a local politician with ties to crime, gangs, and corrupt police.
Last Thursday, 11 students were arrested and charged with terrorism, homicidal intent, and organized crime, during a massive demonstration in Mexico City. Human rights activists say the charges are overblown, and the students are being held without proper legal defense.
Another massive demonstration was planned for Tuesday, calling for the release of the prisoners. Students and citizens are also asking the government to find the bodies of the missing students, and address the many social issues within the crime-torn nation.
Ivory Coast citizens protest government ban on plastic bags.
The government of Ivory Coast, recently banned plastic bags, used to carry water, in an effort to curb pollution. Clean water is a scarcity in this African nation, and it is often sold in small plastic bags which are discarded after the water is finished. The government wanted to address the excessive plastic waste situation and create a greener economy.
They failed to realize that the ban would affect the survival of families that depend on water supplied in this fashion, as well as those who sell the water. The water sellers’ union is asking the government to find an alternative solution to the issue. The union called for a protest against the ban, outside the prime minister’s offices in Abidjan. The demonstration was disbursed by police using tear gas and batons.
Ivory Coast protest over plastic bag ban on BBC News Africa
Moving on…
Forget all the reasons you can’t start something new, and simply start small.
No. It’s a word we too often hear in our own heads when we begin to think of ways to change the world. The minute a new idea pops into consciousness, the brain begins to give reasons why the idea is not feasible.
That is the old paradigm, and if we are going to build a world that works for everyone, new paradigm thinking, and doing, must replace the old ways.
This wonderful article, about starting small and making a big impact, was submitted by a dear reader. Reverend Andrew K. Barnett is director of Environmental Studies and Food Justice in the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles, CA. He shares his experience with a new project, called Seeds of Hope, that serves up home-grown produce to poor communities in the area.
He believes simply starting small and acting locally will change the world. The success of Seeds of Hope certainly proves his point, and is an inspiration for others to begin moving forward in small ways that matter.
Small Enough to Manage, Big Enough to Matter by Andrew K. Barnett for Yale University Reflections
And finally…
Grandma gets to march in the Thanksgiving Day parade for her birthday.
Grandma Boop loves the Thanksgiving Day parade held in New York City. She loves the floats, the giant balloons and the marching bands. She has always wanted to be in the parade.
For her 83rd birthday, her kids arranged for her to participate in the parade as a clown. This lovely video, showing her reaction to the news, is priceless!
That’s the news for today. Have a day filled with blessings! I hope to see you back here tomorrow for more news!
Be Well. Be Joy. Be Love!
Alex