“Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.” ― J.M. Barry
Over 100 years ago, President Theodore Roosevelt gave us, “Speak softly and carry a big stick,” to explain his foreign policy.
Hate creates hate. Kindness makes everyone happy. Kindness is easy and contagious, and sometimes magical things happen. Be kind to yourself, your friends, and strangers. If there is someone you don’t like, be extra kind. Use words wisely. Body language says more than you think. If in doubt, smile.
The Big Stick theory, of course, is not a natural law, it is just an idea that may have made sense in 1900. The problem is with the sticks. There is a lot of money wasted building and stockpiling sticks, and training people to use them. Everyone wants a new stick. Sticks are useless today to protect people from the threats of extreme weather and the unexpected consequences for life on Earth.
Peace is a better alternative
War seems inevitable. Most of us cannot remember a time when our country was not at war, let alone the world. When we talk of a world without wars, we are considered naïve, something no one would dream about. But “World Beyond War” proclaims wars can be ended. In the last 150 years, revolutionary new knowledge and methods of nonviolent conflict management have been developing. It is time to end warfare by mobilizing millions around a global effort. This inspiring vision is detailed in the monograph, “A Global Security System: An Alternative to War.” Dr. Donnal Walter, a very kind and wise friend, is leading a discussion group on Facebook in anticipation of the “No War 2016 Conference” in Washington, D.C. Sept. 23-25.
Oil, Water, and Fracking
We need clean water to survive, we can’t waste a single drop. We need to protect our water and stop pollution. There is a surplus of fossil fuels in storage no one can burn. When you take oil out of the ground you need a place to store it and pipelines to move it. Pipelines were used to bring oil to our cities; now pipelines are used to export oil.
Wars were fought to secure a supply of oil for the U.S. economy. Hydraulic fracturing using millions of gallons of clean water is used to extract oil. Fracking produces millions of gallons of wastewater, disposed of by injecting wastewater into disposal wells creating earthquakes. There are many sources of energy, but we can’t survive without water.
Pipeline wars
The violence by hired goons with attack dogs and mace against peaceful, brave, proud indigenous people protecting their sacred land taken by the South Dakota Access pipeline was unbearable. According to NBC, Sept. 3, “Morton County Sheriff’s Office said four private security guards and two guard dogs were injured after several hundred protesters confronted construction crews Saturday afternoon at the site just outside the Standing Rock Sioux reservation. One of the security officers was taken to a Bismarck hospital. The two guard dogs were taken to a veterinary clinic. Tribe spokesman Steve Sitting Bear said six people had been bitten by security dogs, including a young child. At least 30 people were pepper-sprayed, he said. Law enforcement authorities had no reports of protesters being injured.”
National news cares more about the “security officers” and attack dogs, instead of the men, women, and children protecting their heritage and water. Environmental racism is unacceptable. Peaceful demonstrations by people who care for Mother Earth are an inspiration for all.
Arkansas Diamond Pipeline
In 2015 a corroded pipeline spilled 142,800 gallons of crude oil into the Pacific Ocean at Refugio State Beach, Calif. The owner, Plains All-American Pipeline LLP, has the worst safety record. To hide oil spills, the company changed its name to Diamond Pipeline LLC (DP).
Last week, DP pipeline got the final permit to bisect Arkansas. Taking easements prior to an approved route is a violation of private property rights. This project is not a done deal. We need to work together and stop land grabs.
What are Lakota going to do to protect their Sacred Land? They are preparing schools and housing to stay at Standing Rock for as long as necessary. They are not going away, and people all over the country are sending supplies and funds to help Lakota. No sticks, just their courage and determination. Their words are kind and they find strength in their traditions and knowledge.
On September 3, 1863, the U.S. Army massacred more than 300 members of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe in what became known as the Whitestone massacre. We will NOT let this happen again.
Sometimes you need to raise hell to be heard. Leave the sticks at home.
Sometimes is very difficult to be kind. Be kinder than necessary is a paradox, it sounds good, but does it mean you should be kind all the time?
Lakota and other brave tribes, protecting sacred land and clean water, know how to care. They are not going away, they know they are where they need to be.
Yes, we need to be kind but strong and stand up with courage. If you can’t join the Sacred Stone Camp, find a way to help. Local communities are sending food and clothing to our Lakota brothers – they need all the help we can give. Thank you.