“Oh, to realize space! The plenteousness of all, that there are no bounds. To emerge and be of the sky, of the sun, the moon and flying clouds as one with them.” — A Song of Joys by Walt Whitman You can find me where the forested land ends and where the Great Plains begin. … read more
Democracy is expanding like the universe itself: not as something finished, but as a sacred invitation that asks each of us to make democracy personal and meet society’s struggles with indomitable spirit. In dark times look for the light. Heavy torrents of greed, injustice, fear and corruption cannot rip away democracy’s roots and its promise … read more
Les Fernandez, called “Coach” (by just about everyone) became my mentor when I was 18. Strolling around White Plains NY during my first year in college, I saw a sign “The Cage Teen Center.” It pointed to steep steps leading to a basement under a Woolworths store. I saw a canteen, ping pong tables, hang … read more
Democracy is something we live from the inside out. The Aha! is that when we live it this way, a personal, inner democracy can be politically transformational as well. Usually, people jump into a discussion about democracy with reactions to what they hear in the news, dismay, fear of perceived threats, feelings and opinions, fiery … read more
We face deep division in the U.S. about how to be a citizen. Core democratic values are being fought over. In the midst of heartbreak, chaos and fear over the threat to democracy in the U.S., the imperative to improve civics education cries for attention. We want to tell our story to inspire this generation … read more
In my favorite scene from the movie, Strictly Ballroom, the grandmother, master of flamenco, places her hand on the heart of the young ballroom dancer as he begins to dance the paso doble. The elder instructs him, “listen to the rhythm, don’t be scared.” Like the young dancer yearning to dance new steps, we, the … read more
The work begins. January 6, 2021 and its aftermath is a vivid demonstration of the threat to foundational principles of democracy in the United States. The reality of this threat feels too frightening to believe. We can respond by turning attention elsewhere, re-posting well-researched articles about democracy’s demise, donating to favorite candidates, talking with friends … read more
September 11, 2021 marks the 20th anniversary of 911. For over a week, U. S. media has overflowed with remembrances of the events of 911. Where were we? What happened to the families who lost loved ones? How did people react? What feelings were aroused? What did we learn as a nation? What changed? … read more
This 4th of July, I’m struck by the words…”sweet land of liberty to thee we sing”, adapted from the popular patriotic song “America, My Country Tis of Thee”, written by Samuel Francis Smith in 1831. On April 5, 1939, Marian Anderson opened her historic concert at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. with this song. … read more
When the WHAT and the WHO of democracy break our hearts and seem to be twisted beyond recognition and repair, we must ask a new question, WHERE does democracy come from? I accompanied my grandsons to a community Martin Luther King rally a few years ago. The five year old carried a sign that said, … read more