Dec 29
Guest post: reply to my Avaaz request by James Bonser
Thank you for the heads up but I have already committed my own and Ingrid’s name, not only to this particular crisis, but to almost everything since you first sent out an email, bringing my attention to the Avaaz Organisation.
I’ve always seen myself as non-political, so it has come as a bit of a shock to see just how political I am. I have, in the past, sat back, with a “don’t care, can’t change anything” attitude. And then I thought back to the Six Day War in Israel and came to the conclusion that the reason for being in the Middle East in 1967 was, as I thought, out of loyalty. However, eventually, I realized that not to be the truth. It was a political decision. I disagreed with another man’s point of view and took that disagreement as far as I could under the circumstances. I was never a person that stood outside the American or the Russian Embassy, protesting about the outbreak of a Nuclear war, or some other protest; being, as I saw it, nothing more than a sheer waste of time. That so called big picture is still within me, and tells me that no matter what is protested about, the outcome will always remain the outcome.
But, just of late, I have realized that there must also be a small picture, and that is where I have found this political James. He is not interested in saving the world for whatever reason. However, he does somehow like to have a stage from which he can express the disagreements that emote him. And as far as he can tell, he has found no better way than joining the thousands of voices from around the world, and from all walks of life, that simply say to certain people: “We don’t agree with you.”
And, if that simple act can change something for the better, then I’ve no alternative than to except that I am – for better or worse……………. Political.
January 1st, 2012 at 4:30 pm
Me too, dear James. I also have never thought of myself as a politically minded person. And yes, I am . . . This website is my ‘speaking platform’ if you like. Although certainly not overtly a policitical website – politics are so woven into our every day lives they are difficult to escape. The small picture you write of describes my feelings on the matter. Despite my commune years (so-called away from it al), these days I do feel passionately about almost anything that is happening ‘out there’ in the world. Animal, vegetable or mineral . . .all can touch me and pose deep questioning within me. I agree, this is not about ‘saving the world’ . . . .rather, it feels like small steps in response to distress, in whatever form that may appear. And, inevitably these steps often have to include – politics!
January 4th, 2012 at 7:06 am
I have also found Avaaz, and here in Australia we have a local grass roots organisation called GetUp, provide me with a platform to say “no not in my name” or “no I don’t agree” and even sometimes to provide support to politicians who need to know there are people out there backing their stand. I don’t always agree or add my voice but I am surprised how often I do. I find that they stand for justice and compassion and can not help but be touched.