Back in September of 2005 I wrote a short diary (included here instead of linked) on what happens when political stands are taken.
I’ve also read some very powerful diaries by Ghostdancer’s way and Infidel Pig among others…that are still in my hotlist…and I consider them part of my required reading every month. If you haven’t read them in a while (or never read them) you might want to take a little time to remind yourself about them.
We are not Indians, We are the Human Beings
Over the years I’ve taken some pretty polarizing positions on issues compared to the mainstream. These issues include domestic violence, reproductive rights, social services, and medical care for all.
I’ve belonged to many political groups and organizations and discussion groups. What is noticeable over the years is that there are specific types of people in each group. These groups are predictable in every group.
-Hardcore single issue folks – the one’s that the blogosphere is currently ranting about. This group is probably about 10% of any organization.
-Motivated political activists that know who to call, how to get the information out, and to organize any event….or get people to organize an event. Some of these are front and center as leaders and others are behind the scenes seeing to details. This group is about 15% of any organization.
-Participants at selected events and about half of the meetings that are held. This group is active if the issue interests them. This group is resistant confrontation and needs to be really sold in order to make changes. This group is about 70% of the total.
-Naysayers those who will take the negative position on every topic….usually because their position within the structure is threatened. This group is about 5% of any political total.
Well, if my math is any good this morning that’s the structure of any political activist group.
So the reason for my query this morning: when participating in political events over the years we meet lots of people. Some of them we keep in contact with for years at a time. Some of them we seem to have an instant compatibility at the outset with but little personal contact outside of the organization. Some we call friends.
What happens to these relationships when issues surface and we take a stronger stand?
What happens when we move from ‘participant’ to ‘motivated’?
Over the years I’ve had very good, personal friends move on…marriage or divorce or families or something else changed the dynamics. These friends are still there and I can reach out with a call or card or letter.
-What is unique about political acquaintances and friends?
-What is threatening when we change?
-What is uncomfortable when we share with our political friends as to what is going on?So….it is time to move on…from Participant in some areas to Motivated instead. I am sorry that I will lose friendly contacts from this change. It is painful to let go of what was…it is more painful to know that sitting and doing nothing will hurt more in the future.
It is interesting in the scheme of things to look back over my own diaries. I don’t consider myself much of a writer or particularly coherent. What was distrubing is that there were a number of diaries, by lots of people at BooTrib about being marginalized, discriminated against, and why the Big Tent is not terribly friendly.
Diaries were written beginning back in September and during the recent weeks we have seen some painful, and in a lot of cases, increased stridency in the comments and diaries. It is also interesting to see how many strong voices here have quietly slipped out the back door. They come back when they feel the need to say something but do not stand at the forefront any longer.
I walked away from DailyKos for the better part of 6 months or more. I found that after I had been away – the pain was not as great and the ‘wounds’ were covered with scar tissue. I put the arguments and infighting into perspective. It was also interesting to find new friends and acquaintances where I had previously lost some.
This is not a GBCW diary – this is an “I need to take a break and look at what is being posted here” from an objective perspective diary. I need to take a month or so to evaluate what is real here and what really is a perception. I need to go be what I am….
- I am an activist.
- I am going to stand and be very vocal.
- I am at a point of wanting to hurt others with words, and this is contrary to my belief system.
- I am not angry – but am very close.
- I am not hurt – yet.
- I hurt for others – and don’t know how to help heal it.
- I am disappointed. Now I need to evaluate what disappoints me with the discourse here.
May we all walk in peace while we ponder where out paths lead us.
Blessed Be
For a few that will be curious – yes I will be in San Diego the end of March….that is about more than diaries and a single blog. It is about the love and caring of people from many places…with common interests.
SallyCat, Yours has been a strong, steady voice here. You will be missed. Take what time you need and then come back to us. Be well.
Keep your voice strong on your site…I’ll stop by and see you there…
I don’t really have anything to add to what I’ve already said to you except that I’ll hope for the occasional visit from cats and dragons in the cafe.
And no matter what — see you at the Grand Canyon (always in spirit).
Virtually, as well as physically, we sometimes need to cross great chasms of nature’s and man’s making.
The blue dot may climb the cliffs and I will take the river…and yet we will get to the same place.
I can sure relate to hte need to step back and take a long look at anything that is causing considerable stress or confusion in my life. It usually means, for me anyway, that I’ve become invested emotionally to the point where that "static" can begin to distort things, leaving me less able to operate with the kind of objectivity and clarity I am more comfortable with. It’s amazing sometimes how different things look once I’ve gotten clear again.
Thank you for the respect I see in letting us know what’s going on for you, rather than just walking away. Yours certainly is a valued voice here, and I selfishly hope the conclusions you come to will allow you to keep sharing here.
Just two additional thoughts to offer. There is no perfect place online, or off. Any gathering of human beings anywhere, is a work in process, rather than a finished piece.
And there’s this old thing my great granny loved to say: "Never put all your eggs in one basket" . No matter how beautiful the basket, the bottom could fall out, and then what would happen to all your poor eggs!)
Over at Village Blue we took one of those right/left brain tests…and I am almost equally balanced…most of the time.
You and I must have had the same granny….and baskets are really quite resilient…but yes I think this one for me is overloaded.
Time for a little reinforcement of the bottom…
“participant” category — I’m not that comfortable taking a leadership role, because I worry that I’ll just screw stuff up. But I’m there to help where/when I can.
And us “participants” serve a need too — someone has to be there to set up the chairs, make sure the coffee’s ready and there’s enough creamer, make the signs for the next protest, or figure out transit schedules so no one gets a parking ticket.
We’re the folks behind the scenes — we might get some recognition when the credits go rolling by at the end of the show (unless they get bounced by a commercial), but we’re there working anyway. We’re not there because we want fame or fortune, but because we care about the issue(s) and want to be involved.
Maybe because I’ve never taken a really leading role (I have written a few diaries, but they mostly disappear into the Ethernet) is why I’ve never felt “marginalized”. If just one or two people read what I write, and it gets them to think, that’s okay. Maybe it’s the Breck Shampoo theory of blogging — three people will read what I write, and they’ll tell three friends, and they’ll tell three friends, and so on, and so on… (Referring to Breck Shampoo probably dates me right there.)
We all have a role here at the Pond — even those who anger us, for it is that anger than can help us evaluate our own beliefs, our own political stands. And the few trolls that wander in also give us a chance to evaluate the strength of our committment and to defend our position. That’s why I’m not fond of the idea of “banning” anyone, except for severe personal abuse or threats that carry beyond the blogosphere.
I understand about taking a step back, Sally dear — perhaps later in the year I’ll find a cause or candidate worthy of my time, talent and treasure, and I’ll need to step back for a time to fight for what I see as right. I do look forward to seeing you end of this month…and I hope you and your dragons will peek in once in a while…
Well said.
We are of a similar age and yes, telling 3 friends that tell 3 friends, is the best way to change to world.
I’ve been with you setting up those chairs and putting out cookies and stuffing envelopes. Along the way strong role models mentored and encouraged me to do just a little more and then a little more.
Being a known voice is very new to me…and is the scariest role I’ve ever stepped into so far in my life. I’m not sure how to deal with the emotions swirling through me at this point..
There is special love in my heart for so many blogging women: SusanHu, Catnip, Spiderleaf, NYCEve, and so many more…all that encouraged and supported me when I first stepped forward.
I’m looking forward to seeing you in San Diego…virtual hugs until the real ones…
Enjoy your time of re-centering, my friend. I’m looking forward to meeting you in four weeks and two days! 🙂 🙂 🙂
You have touched my heart in ways I can not find words for….just know that you are my brother always…
I know where to find you on this web that introduced us…and am looking forward to meeting you in San Diego.
Hugs…always
If you make human rights your hardcore single issue, you will cover most, if not all of the others.
I will ponder this a lot….it is the umbrella that covers all the critical issues.
The harder part is that I am not a natural speaker or writer…perhaps because it is important that I put the topics into a personal level for those I’m speaking with. Many here would say that is hard for me as a white woman, now living in privilege, to address the issues of human rights. Yet I find I am driven to fight and speak for those that do not have the voice or audience. Now I must find the words and ways to take that fight to the next step.
You have so many wise words D.F. Your blogspot has been a source of many things to ponder over the past many months. Peace be with you…and soon our paths will be as one again.
impeccable credibility and qualifications to speak on the subject of human rights, as they constitute the single largest group of victims of lack of them worldwide, and throughout history.
Thank you for the compliments, it will motivate me to update it, but I want to be sure everyone has time to read that immigration thing, which may take even speed readers several more days.
I can speak to women’s issues – and now as I speak as a grandmother – but there is so much more to touch on. It has also been a painful lesson from the pie wars as to how to talk about women in the larger perspective without it being a ‘woman’s issue’.
Currently I feel as though I have giant puzzle of issues and words before me…and don’t know how to put them all together. Soon though the pattern will fall together and I can put them coherently.
Do not rush to update your blogspot…the immigration is one that touches us all more than we might admit. As a Californian it is an ongoing battle to do have the government do what is right and not what is politically expedient. The humanity needed regarding immigration is one of those topics swirling in my mind and one that I don’t know how to speak to yet.
Hugs and peace my friend…
Subjugation of women must end because it is too oppressive to men.
Why should we men be obliged to spend our valuable time subjugating women when we have much more important things to do.
If women want to be subjugated, let them do it themselves if they have any spare time leftover after they are done with their duties of running the world, another dirty chore that has been unfairly heaped onto men.
It is time for men to stand up and demand an end to this unfairness. We have chess to play, and ball games to watch, and weighty matters to discuss while we sit cross-legged on the grass. Now leave us alone!
You made me laugh out loud – you little stinker!
I hope you find the peace and perspective you’re looking for SallyCat. Let me add my voice to those that say that we will miss you while you’re gone.
One thought I had about women’s issues is perhaps something you have already considered. But I’ll share it just in case.
After 9/11 I spent about a year reading mostly books by and about women in the Middle East. I’m not sure why that was my response – but there it is. Most of this was extremely difficult reading. Whether it was women in Afganistan, Jordon, Saudi Arabia, Palestine, or others, their lives were more difficult than I could even imagine. And for those that bore the brunt of incredible misoginy, I had a thought. Perhaps when men are taught that half of the human race are chattel for their pleasure, the next step to hatred and violence of other groups is not such a big one to take. This can apply to men/women anywhere in the world. I began to wonder if the treatment of women in a culture was not a barometer of some kind for the trouble in our world.
So you see, I think DTF is right – and the issue of women’s rights is the perfect ground to stand on.
This may be a good way to go – and I have strong support network of women from around the world.
My strongest support is a young woman from Pakistan that is part of my extended family. I have been blessed to be a ‘grandmother’ to her beautiful daughter – by both my friend and her mother.
They have taught me so much and I think I have so much more to learn. She will be home from visiting family soon and it may be time for me to snuggle with a baby AND hear how this government’s policies are destroying family’s home life.
I will return to BT I am sure – not sure when. Your thoughts will go with me…
you are a woman puts you in an ideal spot to speak for those without a voice…for there are many places in this world, and people within our own country, that would take away your voice, and my voice, and the voices of all women…and they dare to call themselves “Christian”…
The fights that were fought in the ’60s and ’70s are being fought again. Some of us are battle scarred but some battles we will still fight.
In the past few years I’ve really begun to understand that women’s rights were just a frontage road battleground. There are so many battles – but control of our bodies will always be part of my fight – as a woman…for you, for me, for sisters and daughters, and for all the little girls everywhere in the world.
SallyCat,
I enjoyed our confluence of interests in our 2 back to back diaries a month or so ago, and I always get something valuable from your comments here.
I want to pass on something a very wise friend once said to me, and which has stayed with me as a guiding light ever since.
He said, “When you ‘go for what you know’, [that is, when you speak and act according to the highest principles you hold dear], then you will always be doing your utmost to celebrate humanity as you experience it”.
You are a natural speaker and writer when you speak and write about those things you value and when your motives are sprung from the inviolable principles at the core of your humanity. When we “go for what we know”, this is the real strength of the human character; this is how we are empowered when we love and respect our fellow man; this is how our gratitude for the pleasure of each other’s existence can sustain us when times are difficult.
Defending human values transcends all divisions. There is not a single meaningful human value that requires a religious or political or ethnic or racial or nationalistic context to accord it legitimacy. So whatever path your hiatus from here might be taking, having the sense that all human values are worth advocating for regardless of the context in which they’re being defended, then you’ll be able to articulate from the heart and spirit quite well.
Good fortune to you, whatever you do. I hope you’ll not stay away long without at least popping in here from time to time.
(I read this over and I seem a bit disorganized as far as coherence goes. My last few days have been a bit tricky and taxing on the brain. In any case I hope this all makes sense and that you don’t get a sense of me being preachy, as this is not my intent. I just get carried away with things sometimes.)
Being in those diaries – and the ones that went before – about what we stand for as Democrats were perhaps the major turning point for me.
In seeking to explain, in seeking consensus, and in seeking leadership, I found we were all floundering.
What I found was that despite my fears, I wanted to ride to the forefront on my favorite dragon – with a sword and be that leader. Wanting to be a leader, from one who has shunned the spotlight (to the point of avoiding even photographs) is terrifying for me. I know I will never be a politician – but close friends are encouraging me to stand at the front of the room – as the activist that I am.
sbj – those diaries were a major turning point and I am proud that we shared them…I know we will share more.
I’m very happy those diary/threads had such an impact on you. I too was affected, but in a somewhat different way, since recent big health events have put me in a condition where I have neither the physical stamina nor the financial wherewithall to be an “activist” in the true political sense of the word. I can’t walk a precinct or fly to another venue to perform a task or attend a rally or protest.
I was affected though, in further solidifying in my own mind the idea that we need to restore a place in the public discourse where “philosophy” is once again regarded as a valuable form within which we can articulate ideas and formulate policies and strategies to advance and implement our perspectives in the world.
I don’t mean the academic, dry philosophical pontifications so common these days; I mean pragmatic yet universal understandings we can weave together into a worldview. Real philosophy is actually missing from the text of the political parties. In many cases philosophy as a key component of civilization has been usurped by the arbitrary, authoritarian moralistic thuggery of religiosity, or made a mockery of with the sorts of “faux philosophy” that typically accompany the grandiose rhetoric of nationalistic or religious or racial exceptionalism; all of which have led to disastrous consequences.
I don’t know if the Democratic party has any real philosophy that it’s representatives can espouse with a straight face and be deemed credible in doing so. But I think the absence of a philosophical foundation has really damaged not only the party but the country over these last several decades, and if a newly formed and articulated practical philosophy is not soon espoused by the Dems things will continue to worsen.
The Repub wingnut philosophy, to the extent that it exists, seems to be basically; “Winning is the only virtue, and nothing should stand in the way of achieving it”. If the Dems can’t counter this, even though the Repub agenda will self destruct under the weight of it’s own dysfunctionality, the damage caused will be incalculable.
So maybe the Dems will be able to embrace the philosophical tenent that “A rising tide lifts all boats”, and develop a public policy plan that will function based at least in part upon that simple premise. It would be a great first step toward developing a more unified set of principles around which we could begin to coalesce while remaining free of the afflictions of religious moralism, spiritual materialism, and fearful nationalism.
Maybe you’ll have some experiences in your newly re-energized “activist” dragon riding valkyrie role that will resonate with this idea of “philosophy” as being a key ingredient in any political process.
I wish I could say this all more clearly, but maybe I’m trying too hard and maybe the ideas are still not formed as well as I think they are. But Philosophy, Spirituality, and the manifested reality of life in the material word are three legs of the same stool, and our society has been missing the philosophy leg for a long time.
My dear SallyCat…the woman that encouraged me to write a diary when I first got here. I am all choked up with emtion as I write this comment. I have learned so much from you. There are radiant beings that light up the Universe with their presence. You, my friend are special. I understand the need to reflect. I have done that often and come back to where ever with a new perspective. Please be well and if you can come back here. We need your voice.
I am counting the days until I can give you a real hug. See you in Del Mar!
I wasn’t going to cry…but geez girl…you are very special and your words mean a lot to me.
So here’s the deal: I’ll bring the wine to Del Mar – but you might want to stock up on Kleenex!
Kleenex, toilet paper and paper towels should do it huh/ Bring all the wine you want. Just remember I am one of those sober ones but I make a hellava designated driver. see you soon..(((Sally)))
I know whereof you speak, I have had to do the reflecting time myself as I got too emotionally invested.
I, like aloha, cali and manee, look forward to us all meeting at the end of the month and I am getting very excited at the prospect, can you believe how fast the time is going. Next thing you know it will be the day of meetup and I plan on making a podcast of at least some part of the time.
Hugs and love to you my friend, soon we shall meet. Yahoo!!!!!
Love and hugs to everyone else as well!!!!
Oh by the way, super has now added his voice to my podcast page so check it out.
as if I had anything important to say :o)
Broadcast it to the whole tribe why don’t you. ;o)
Au contraire mon cherie, it doesn’t matter so much what you say but that we hear your voice and add another layered dimension to that which we know as supersoling. I love hearing all of your voices, it makes you more real.
The emotional investment of ourselves has the greatest rewards and the greatest risks. Right now I’m regrouping – taking a respite from the swirl of emotions and thoughts.
I’ve been stopping by and reading V.B. just not up to commenting. My emotional investment there is long term and the rewards are without measure. I know that you and Shirl and the others of the V.B. family are just a click and a comment away. That knowledge gives me strength and energy every day.
Hugs and love to you my dear Diane…I have my T-shirt already for Del Mar AND my Village Blue Coffee Mug.
– – – –
note to Booman: V.B.’s coffee mug is BIG – about 1/3 more coffee than yours! So – I use the VB mug for my first cup of caffeine….
You know I have not ordered a t shirt yet as I cannot decide which I want. Hope I still have time.
Glad you like the mug, Shirl did the whole thing, so she is responsible for the cup size.
I found this diary because I was searching through your diaries trying to find the one where I did some major soul writing about a major nightmare that many of us shared.
Gosh, we share so much here. You help me and others look within so we can share.
I don’t want to see you take a break. Cause I’m selfish and I love you and want you around every day : ) But… because I love and respect you I know you need a breather.
But.. damn… I wish you’d stay because so many of do love you and look to you for a hand so we can walk beside you.
I learn so much from you and you help me learn from myself.
I love you Sally.
Has it been only about a year since we crossed paths in this lifetime?
I know that there was so much more in a previous lifetime…because we are soul sisters since the beginning of time. Our words and our thoughts touched across the universe…and when we were face to face…I simply, but truly knew you.
Your family and mine are as one…with love to them all.
For us there is the internet or email or the telephone…or send energies and I’ll know. I’m still working on mid-June in central Oregon.
Hugs and smoochies – DJ – the mouthiest, raunchiest marshmallow I know!
Be well SallyCat, your voice has been a powerful influence, not just here, but everywhere you have chosen to participate.
Your thoughtfulness and insight have greatly assisted me in my attempts to clarify the goal(s) that I wish to commit my time, energy, and resources to, and hopefully, choosing the best path, personally, to achieving those goals.
In my case, I have realized that the primary motivation throughout my entire adult life has been Peace, the ending of war and violence in whatever form it manifests itself. I know full well that politics are an important part of any strategy that might achieve that goal, but I have reached the conclusion that I am not able to work in both venues simultaneously. I cannot be an active anti-war advocate and a political advocate at the same time. In that light, and with great hope and expectations, I will continue to support those who reflect, support and promote that desire for Peace, while focusing my energy to the effort most dear to me.
Perhaps this rambling is more than is appropriate, but I want you to know that you have had a profound influence upon this old hippie, anti-war protester, and helped me to attain a level of clarity and focus that, frankly, had been missing.
Our paths will surely cross again, until then,
Peace and blessings to you and yours.
Peace
So many have guided me and so many others are listening to my words…now I must seek the clarity of my focus. This will be a time of reflection but also I feel a time of growth to the next path that I will follow.
This old feminist is pleased to know the old hippie, anti-war protester!
Our paths are simply parallel at this time…I see you walking yours and soon they will cross again.
I shall miss you enormously, SallyCat, while you are away.
Your comments and diaries have always clarified issues for me, or made me feel less alone, or provided valuable insights, and I am saddened that you won’t be here for a while. But I understand the need to take stock (well thats what everybody here is saying, so I’ll just repeat that; I guess drumming my heels on the floor and holding my breath till I am blue in the face isn’t going to do much good) so, sigh, I wish you a speedy return.
Nah – neither one has been terribly productive for either of us! ;^)
If you want to share or just watch part of the journey I will be spending more time at my blogspot and my email is in my UID.
Peace be with you poco – until we meet again…
SC, all I ask is your return in the future. I will wait for your return and to hear those words of encourangement. Will miss you, but know your needs and your need to have them met. Just take good care and stay well and safe. HUGS,,,,see ya around the bend as one has already said, where hearts will mend.
This is a community where my emotional ties are strong. Currently they are swarming around me and I need to become centered and grounded again.
I’ve always thought of hearts as big hotels…lots of rooms for each special person…and a big place where they all merge to make us who we are. Sometimes we close off a room for remodeling – but it’s still part of the building. Kind of silly – but so encompassing.
We will meet around the bend…and the party is in the love that we share.
I’ll miss your thoughts here, SallyCat – you’ve made me think and reflect so often. This is a strange meeting place – we have so many facets to our lives, and we get to see only a little of each other. Yet you have shown us a lot, and shared your concerns, fears, worries, joys, and ordinary humanity so well.
And practically, you’ve been a great model for thinking, writing, and digging in, sifting what’s important from what’s not.
Thank you. And please, call out to us from the mountaintop. Help us keep our eyes on a better world for all people.
Your thoughts are encouraging…and I shall keep watching and sharing from the climb to the mountaintop.
We do touch each other in so many ways…the butterfly on the far side of the world does indeed change the energy that we feel here.
Peace