Home is where the heart is free

"Only in solidarity do we have it in our power to begin the world again." Tom Paine

Hello, this is a new blog with the intent of being clear re. issues in desperate need of collective heart and action--in more depth and behind the scenes than often found in one place--yet hopefully without clutter or an overload of issues. The goal here is also less wasted argument and unnecessary polarizing of people one against another. Eventually, we'll find a way together to converse freely. Please bear with me while I take a few weeks getting started and putting up a profile about me and some also about a few other writers/activists in human rights and related fields with whom I will consult.

My mission statement will also evolve yet the name of this blog encompasses the basic idea--that we can be one of heart in seeking justice, freedom, compassion and peace for one another whatever our country, background, age, spirituality/religion or lack thereof. Since I have a proclivity toward spiritual transformation inner/outer and toward community, expect that I will be bringing items of inspiration and challenge from the same from time-to-time but of course you are free to ignore these if you are more interested in the other material and vice versa.

My intuition and passion for peace tell me not to wait until I have all the technical expertise I will eventually need nor all the decisions/details worked out but rather to start right in -- tonight-- with the choice of THREE vital issues which need addressing right away:

I) The Imprisoned World-Wide, beginning with those under US auspices.

The detainee dilemma around the world calls on all of us as a global community of peace to so our best to keep our hearts free as well as to help free the captive. Of course, as we are discovering daily with just one horrific situation, that of Guantanamo, there are many levels of concerns and addressing this dilemma also must be addressed on a number of levels--ie:

What is the truth?
Who are the people who are detaining?
What else are they doing?
How extensive is the reported torturing and what kind and level?
Who is suffering? Who are the people behind this outcry?
Are they in need of restraint?

Where will they go when free? Will they be as dangerous as the US military, some of the US justices and the administration claim? What reports are to be trusted?

What about the ones who don't go free anytime soon? Will they be in danger to themselves? Will their habitat change?

How has the imprisoned experience in detainment changed them?
How does this one situation relate to others around the world?
How can we, one connected to other common folk around the world do?

Who already cares? Of course there is Amnesty International and AIUSA, Human Rights Watch, International Red Cross/Red Crescent, Doctors Without Borders, Reporters Without Borders. And many more which we will bring into this blog as deemed helpful.

Why do they care?
Why would you and I want to care?
Where are the best resources for information and connection?

WATCH in the coming week for more on this topic.

II) The 2nd ISSUE I am raising right away is the saber-rattling going on between the US administration and the Iranian Leadership. Watch here soon for several model letters and petitions that we as citizens of the planet can use to send to leaders right away. I will also post articles that offer reasoned suggestions, educated opinions where they may offer creative angles, people that are involved in peace-making efforts and more. Of course on this topic, items which relate to the complex and painful issues confronting the Israelis and Palestinians and the various US attempts to support either or both and/or offer peace plans have a strong bearing on US relations with Iran. So I will bring some of these items into the picture this week as well if not continuously. Although I haven't yet figured out how to explain the sense that abandonment and unhealed grief are at the heart of many of our most apparently unsolvable challenges today, notice the three photos above and see what they may evoke in you. Together, let's see if understanding abandonment and the need to address the healing of grief will help us get some clarity on some areas where we experience the most powerlessness. I would love to have any insight you may have from your own experience or from some story, article, movement or person who touched you related to this topic.

III) Finally, for now the only other ISSUE I bring up here is the US Expanded FISA
Bill which is expected to raise some deep debate in the US Senate this coming week.
There are crucial concerns which involve many of us in the US as well as those who visit the US from time-to-time and even those who communicate with Americans by phone, email and in other ways. How free is US freedom of speech now? How free will we be should this expanded FISA bill be voted in as law? Come back soon for more. In the meantime, follow Senator Russell Feingold on FISA. He has done the most work. His background needs to be heeded. Suggest to your legislators that they follow his lead. I understand he may well be asking Senators to filibuster this proposed FISA and to see that it is significantly amended.

For ongoing news items of interest and report which relate to ISSUES I and III above, check often if not daily at the Bill of Rights Defense Committee News.

If you have something you find which is not easily "out" or easy for the un-initiated to find in the human rights venues and circles, please send any items related to the above three issues to me, Connie L. Nash newlease7@yahoo.com

Thanks for Tuning In!
Connie