Today, we pause to remember the brave men and women who sacrificed for our freedom. Their courage and dedication echo through the halls of history, a constant reminder of the price paid for the liberties we hold dear. Let their memory inspire us to be better citizens, cherish the peace they fought for, and never take our blessings for granted.
#MemorialDay#memorialdayweekend#MemorialDay2024#explorepage#memorialweekend
Time to address the elephant in the room, because change is here, whether some want it or not. As Barbara F. Walter highlighted in her TED Talk, "The people who tend to start civil wars, especially ethnically-based civil wars, are the groups that had once been politically dominant but are in decline." This insight strikes a deep chord when we look at the current landscape of the U.S.
In the U.S., the rise of militias, primarily driven by white men who see America's changing identity as a direct threat to their status, is alarming. These were the same individuals who marched on the Capitol on January 6. Their tactics to preserve dominance are insidious and multifaceted, in attempts to manipulate the system using institutions like the Supreme Court to do their dirty work by:
** Taking Away Reproductive Rights: The assault on women's reproductive rights is a blatant effort to control and subjugate women.
** Attempting To Make Interracial Marriages: There are even attempts to roll back progress by challenging the legality of interracial marriages.
** Installing Minority Puppet Leaders: Installing minority leaders who will act as pawns to keep their communities in check is another insidious tactic.
So, why is this happening now? As Walter puts it, "It's happening now because of demographic change." The shifting demographics of the country are seen as a threat by those who once held unchallenged power.
To address this potential slide into anocracy, Walter suggests, "We have to improve the rule of law. We have to ensure equal access to every citizen to the vote. We have to reduce corruption and we have to improve the quality of government services." However, reforming a government is a monumental task. It takes time and often seems impossible. This is exactly where the U.S finds itself today, almost paralyzed.
Change is coming, and while it may be met with resistance, it is ultimately for the betterment of all. I see this as a pivotal moment.
What are your thoughts?
WHAT IS AN ANOCRACY GOVERNMENT?
Anocracy, or semi-democracy, is a form of government that is loosely defined as part democracy and part dictatorship, or as a "regime that mixes democratic with autocratic features."
https://lnkd.in/eMAw46P6
STATEMENT OF CONDEMNATION!
Violence for political gain or any other reason is unequivocally condemned by Voices of Muslims. Nonviolence is an important part of our faith and values, and we must practice and promote it everywhere in the world.
Despite political differences, violence has no place in our society and should be absent from all forms of discourse. We must prioritize inclusiveness, diversity, and unity to build a stronger United States, the country we all love. The prompt response by law enforcement to protect the former president, Donald Trump, is commendable. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family, and we wish him a quick recovery.
Together, through our collective activism and engagement, we will strive to create a future where justice and equality prevail for all.
United We Stand, United We Rise!
#VoicesOfMuslims#VOMS2024#SolidarityStatement#UnitedWeStand#UnitedWeRise#HumanityFirst#ProJustice#Democracy#Nonviolence#DonaldTrump#UnitedStates#President
Tisha B'Av, also known as the 9th of Av, will be observed on August 13 with a day of fasting and reflection. This day commemorates the trials faced by the Jewish people throughout history, from the destruction of the Temple to the Pogroms, Holocaust, and, most recently we have added the events of October 7.
It offers us a moment to reflect on our current world and consider how we can contribute to positive change, especially as we confront rising antisemitism and general incivility.
This solemn occasion highlights the importance of empathy, urging us to foster safe and supportive environments where discrimination is actively challenged. The resilience demonstrated throughout history inspires us to promote adaptability and strength, supporting one another through adversity.
Additionally, Tisha B'Av underscores the value of community and solidarity, reinforcing the need for a culture of inclusivity and respect.
By embracing these lessons, we can work toward a more empathetic, resilient, and respectful society.
"Who's on top?" is a political issue. The SUPREME COURT, CONSTITUTIONALLY, LEAVES POLITICS TO THE LEGISLATIVE AND THE EXECUTIVE branches. But not this, our own Supreme Court. That majority's views--all the majority Justices are or were Christian Fundamentalists--track exactly, like a carbon copy, the agenda of the farthest-right Fundamentalists and Evangelicals. Three of these were named by Trump to please those voters. Alito on abortion rights, Thomas on guns (and vice versa) complete the five-person majority, with the ambitious Chief Justice sometimes being the sixth vote for the right-wing and sometimes not--he saved Obamacare more than once.
What follows is to look at how a majority can become tyrannical and politically popular among extreme and extremist groups. Read de Tocqueville's classic, "Democracy in America" (1835 and 1840) in which he predicts the likelihood of majorities commanding minorities, regardless of what kind. Americans today, but especially minorities and women, are under the tyranny of the Supreme Court majority.
#TripartiteGovt#LackofEthics#OathofOffice
Two important narratives out now by "Towards Our Liberation," a global feminist storytelling initiative dedicated to shifting narratives by documenting a true recount of history grounded in the role of girls’ resistance across social movements and geographies.
"Girls resist and dream. Dream of a new future grounded in freedom and liberation. A future in which they will no longer have to fight, no longer experience trauma and pain, and no longer fear they will be arrested or killed on a daily basis. A future they can be, live, and dream, and where resistance will no longer be a prerequisite for daily existence."
https://lnkd.in/gVygpPsk#ceasefirenow
Pini/Tjupan - Traditional Owner Darlot Country| Public Service Medal | Cultural Consultant | Social Impact & Justice Specialist | Aboriginal Engagement Plans & RAP’s | Aboriginal Business Procurement | Cultural Training
Allies: I thank you, we need you - However!!
I understand the anger and frustration many allies feel towards No voters. But you must avoid aggression and name-calling - it will not help the cause.
When you retaliate with attacks, it only harms Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples further. The bullets of racism do not selectively target.
Instead, your role as allies is to engage in difficult conversations respectfully. We must educate, not denigrate. Appeal to people's humanity, not hostility.
The referendum result was disheartening. But shaming and shouting achieves little. We need open hearts and minds to change them.
Many No voters are not "lost causes" - they simply live disconnected from Indigenous experiences. We must build bridges to close these gaps in understanding.
Progress takes patience and persistence. We won't eliminate entrenched racism overnight. But step by step, lunch room by lunch room, bbq by bbq, we can get there.
Stay strong in spirit, but soft in approach, my allies. Our movement is fueled by compassion, not fuel for the fire.
#untiy#allies#sharedunderstanding#antiracism
Our latest historian blog shares the history of the Girl Scout Citizen Badge. Go to the link below to discover how this badge of civic responsibility has evolved over the years, shaping Girl Scouts into confident model citizens.
https://bit.ly/3rXilVp#GCNWI#GirlScouts#HistorianBlogPost#CitizenBadge
