Protesting Policy: Time for Change

As we approach the beginning of the United State’s ninth year in Afghanistan, groups of activists from different perspectives converged on the White House, expressing everything from concern to disgust.

It is hard to believe that eight years have passed since former President Bush launched the Global War on Terror and Al Qaeda; yet after hundreds of billions of dollars and untold loss of life, what can we identify as “success?”

Perhaps we can say there has not been another attack in the United States. But have the extreme voices in the Middle East not been emboldened and empowered by the military actions which have devastated multiple countries?

Despite any grievances—right or wrong, valid or invalid—that have been expressed by these extreme voices, the United States has not made itself safer as a result of the multiple, simultaneous major theater wars it is now engaged in; rather, these wars have divided the country, indebted its people, and discredited its sound international reputation.

The United States has a long and tumultuous history in the Middle East: the 1953 overthrow of the democratically elected President of Iran, Mohammed Mosaddeq, support of Saddam Hussein and the Mujahedeen in the 1970s and 1980s, the Iran-Contra scandal in the 1970s, the 1991 Iraq War and over ten years of sanctions which followed, to the present campaigns, to name just a few instances. One cannot help but observe that after all this involvement, the United States seems less poised to have favorable relations with many of these governments than ever before.

This begs the question: if what the U.S. has done has not improved its standing, why, then, does it continue the same egregious and ignominious policies of years past?

Military actions in the name of “American Interests”—which seem to create hostility toward America—have only deteriorated U.S. standing in the Middle East, hence it is time for a policy change.

The protesters who came together at the White House yesterday understand this, though they all have different ways of expressing it. The way of the Friends Committee on National Legislation is to say, “War Is Not the Answer.” But FCNL doesn’t stop there. The next message is to engage Congress and tell them to change policy.

Civil disobedience is effective in its own way, but without pressure on the legislative branch, it is difficult to keep government accountable and responsive. Elected officials need to hear logical arguments—even if they do not agree with them—so that it is clear where their constituents stand. After all, it is the principle concern of a member of Congress, second only to making law, to get reelected, which would not be possible without the votes of valuable constituents.

Do not hesitate. Tell Congress enough is enough and it is time for a policy change in the Middle East. More troops will not translate into more stability in Afghanistan. There are ways to stabilize Afghanistan without increasing U.S. military presence there. Check out these points: FCNL's Afghanistan De-escalation Flyer.

Let us see then what diplomacy can do.

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In Memory of the Bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki

FCNL staff members light a candle for a moment of silence in memory of the bombing of Hiroshima on August 6th, 1945 and Nagasaki on August 9th. To see more pictures, check out Citizens for Global Solutions' Virtual Vigil.

These bombings killed over 200,000 people by the end of 1945. 64 years later, we are still standing in the shadow of nuclear weapons. Although Obama has committed to working toward a world free of nuclear weapons, we still need to work hard to ratify the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT).

What can you do? You can help by distributing this flyer, organizing in your community, and getting the attention of your elected officials through letters to the editor and op-eds in your local newspaper. Check out the July/August Contacts Newsletter to find out more you can do to ensure that by this time next year we are celebrating the ratification of the CTBT!

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Barack Obama makes me feel: a) very happy b) happy

There have been many many articles written about how ordinary Americans look up to the Obamas in a way that they haven't looked up to a first family in a long while. In my humble opinion they are perfect role models -- educated and successful, yet down to earth, healthy and fashionable, but not unattainably so.

Last week in the E-news FCNL asked that people take a survey reflecting the president's first 100 days in office. Overwhelmingly, people said that they were happy with the beginning to the presidency. I concur with that assesment! Why? Because I'm happy that our country has good role models to look up to, to consider as our neighbors and countrymen of course! This is is reiterated in a story about high school students in New York state who use the term "baracking" as a synonym for doing well. Now that's inspiring.

So, cheers to the first family -- may they continue to hold up under the strain of the most challenging moment to be in power we've seen in a while!!

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Obama makes a speech, Congress hires diplomats: Podcast

This week we present a very special hybrid podcast. We wanted to talk with deadly conflict prevention specialist Trevor Keck so much that we chucked half of our agenda and brought on his.

Enjoy as we share reactions on Pres. Obama's speech and get excited about more diplomats and other civilians sent abroad. Listen in!

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What are the interns thinking? The "Chat about Obama" Podcast

And we're back! After the inauguration hoopla, illness, and some icey days, Maggie and I have returned on the mic to chat with Stephen and Christine about the inauguration, Barack Obama, and torture. Enjoy!

Also - Here is my nomination for best op-ed of the month. It follows on the tails of my "ode to D.C." post.

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thoughts as I take my coffee break

As anyone who knows me knows, I love food. I love eating food, preparing food and serving food to others. Half of my past work and volunteer positions have in some way involved food. I love bonding over food with family, co-workers and my house mates. I particularly love the ways that the organic, local and slow food movements can be used to heal the earth and prevent world hunger.

So, imagine my excitement on the metro this morning when I read about the Japanese government's attempt to promote a local foods movement. It's great that some people in Japan realize that eating local foods can save on fuel, promote a healthier diet and help build the local economy!

And just in case you think that the local foods movement would never make such a big impact in this country: check out this petition to urge President-elect Obama to replant a vegetable garden on the First Lawn, with the harvest going to the White House kitchen and local food pantries. This would make the White House an example of environmentally friendly, economically savvy, healthful eating and would be a great way to support the hungry in DC!

And as my boyfriend (who woke up early on Saturday to do some mid-winter compost tending as I slept in) can attest, veggie gardens do great in DC!

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On the Dangers of a Quaker Education

I woke up yesterday to the news that the intern blog is the link between a giant Sidwell School/FCNL Quaker peace conspiracy. A blogger was concerned the about the "radical" Quaker indoctrination that the Obama girls may receive at the school, and he pointed to Caroline's post as a connection between Sidwell and the "hardcore peacenik" organization, FCNL.While I think that this blogger overstated FCNL's connection to Sidwell, the entry got me thinking about the values of a Quaker education. Like most of the FCNL interns I am not a Quaker, but like at least half of the interns I attended a Quaker school.

I attended public schools for my entire grade school career and both of my parents went to world-class public universities. So, for a long time I just assumed that I would take advantage of my home state's fantastic university system. However, when it was actually time for me to choose a college, I realized that I would feel lost in a larger university and needed a smaller school to address my needs. It was also important for me to be involved in communities that nurture my spiritual development, so I felt particularly drawn to faith-based schools. Being Catholic, I naturally began by looking at Catholic universities (I admit to still having a deep love of the Catholic educational system and I joke that I will give my future children only two choices in terms of colleges: Quaker or Jesuit). However, I eventually fell in love with a small Friends college in Richmond, Indiana.

At Earlham, I was able to participate in a learning environment that was grounded in community, while so many other colleges seem grounded in competition. At the time that I was at Earlham, I never once felt that there was an administrator, professor or fellow student who didn't genuinely want me to succeed. The Quaker value of equality permeated every aspect of the campus, encouraging students (and professors) to see beyond the many things that seem to divide us and encouraging us to get to know and love each other as people.

One of the first things that attracted me to Earlham was the Peace and Global Studies (PAGS) program. As a Peace and Global Studies major, I came to appreciate peace as an active discipline, and not merely the absence of war. My PAGS degree had an emphasis in Women and Social Change, and I studied how peace related to a variety of life experiences, academic fields and communities. I was taught that if structural violence exists on every level, structural peacemaking needs to exist on every level as well. What I respect most about the PAGS program was its ability to keep its moral center, while at the same time remaining self-critical and academically rigorous. That is a balance that I found to be true at every level of Earlham's education, and a balance that I appreciate about FCNL as well.

One of my favorite things about attending Earlham was it's ability to be deeply spiritual without being dogmatic in a way that would be alienating to others. I was able to go to classes on Quaker theology and attend College Meeting For Worship, while at the same time attend my own religious events and functions on campus. I hope Friends realize how much we non-Quakers appreciate going to a school that is based on such a beautiful spiritual tradition, while at the same time feeling that our own beliefs are honored and appreciated. The hospitality that Quaker colleges provide to students from other faith traditions is truly amazing.

When I think of what defines the Quaker approach to education, I always end up thinking of two Quaker theologians. One is George Fox and his value of following the truth wherever it may lead. The other is William Penn and his willingness to experiment with "what love can do to heal this broken world." This honest search for truth that is grounded in a sincere love for humanity and the earth has been at the heart of my experience with Quaker education.

I am thrilled for the Obama daughters that they will be given this educational and moral grounding while facing such incredible changes at their young ages. I cannot imagine a better community to support them through this monumental time.

And I am also thrilled for Quaker schools everywhere that they have proven themselves (once again) able to educate and nurture some of the best young minds in the world, whether they be in Ramallah, Atlanta, or the White House.

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