occupy dc

  • |

    Of Moment

    ByElizabeth

    The “occupy” movement has all but disappeared from consciousness. Other stories have grabbed the short attention spans of the press, hungry to be the one to be telling the nowest thing. Most of the occupations have long since been evacuated by the powers that be (in charge). The buzz words remain part of advertising and political sound bites, but not much else remains. Being of the moment is so very different from truly living in and for the moment.

    Peace and light, E — Posted with WordPress for BlackBerry.

  • | |

    Occupy DC–The Morning After

    ByElizabeth

    When I was on my way to do volunteer work this morning, I rode the bus past the dregs of Occupy DC-McPherson Square.  The police presence was thick.  I wasn’t sure why the heavy construction equipment was necessary.  It is hard to know what will happen to the movement when it loses its physical location.  It is clear that the idea of “occupy” has already entered popular culture, and the idea of the 99% will be part of this year’s Federal elections.

    As things are created and dissolved, it is always hard to know what will stay and what will disappear from the fabric of our lives.  Part of it depends on the strength of the ideas.  Part depends on the commitment of those involved to transform and evolve to keep what is good moving forward even when beset with challenge and upheaval.  As for the last photograph, which was taken just down the street (the cop cars were clearly related to those in the Square)–I couldn’t tell you what god or whose country; could you?

  • | |

    Occupy India?

    ByElizabeth

    I was not witness to the most abject poverty in India (both because of where I went and because of how I was guided).  These makeshift, but semi-permanent shelters seen from the window of the bus made me think of the Occupy movement.  They are nothing like those of Occupy and much of what Occupy is trying to warn against forgetting to care.  And, oh yeah, McPherson Square is still occupied, though more and more uneasily.

     

  • |

    Occupy (Occ-u-pie) DC–Saturday

    ByElizabeth

    I will be leading my gentle/therapeutics class at Willow Street, Takoma Park (All Restoratives in honor of Suzie Hurley’s tradition of ending each session with restorative poses and hope to see many of you–drop-ins and make-ups welcome), but for those of you looking for something more outdoors and downtown and active, my friend and fellow DC contact improv jammer has sent the following invite:

    Join us at McPherson Square, 12-2pm.
    Bring a pie, if you like:-) Or winter clothing to donate, or just yourself. A great excuse to visit Occupy DC!
    All the best,
    Amy

    occupydccircus .jpg

    xoxo
    Micael

     

     

  • | | | |

    “They’re Still Here”

    ByElizabeth

    “They’re still here,” said the evidently conservative (by other things he said and his dress) and cynical young man sitting on the seat in front of me on the bus, as we drove past the “Occupy DC” group. The bus moved forward, and the running commentary on what was outside the window moved to derogatory statements about the homeless. I thought about the discussion a group of us had after meeting for worship this morning about seeking to live witnessing and honoring the sacred in every being. This includes, of course, recognizing the universal spirit worthy of love in those who proudly do not do so nor feel the need to try. Easier said than done, but that is true of most of the profoundly deep practices.

    Peace and light, E — Posted with WordPress for BlackBerry.

  • | |

    Signs Around Town (On Sufferance for How Long?)

    ByElizabeth

    How long will they be allowed to stay without repercussion?  I am holding all who are brave enough to be “occupying” in the light.  I walked past McPherson Square on my way to a routine doctor’s appointment covered by health insurance.  Shouldn’t everyone be able to get medical care for only a modest co-payment?

    Below:  photos of “Occupy DC” at McPherson Square on 10/27.

  • | |

    Want to Know More About the “Occupy” Movement? (Potluck and Discussion at Wm Penn House)

    ByElizabeth

    This just in from William Penn House’s Executive Director:

    You are invited to attend a potluck and Quaker dialogue at 6:30 PM on Sunday November 6, 2011

    Our Program this First Day is presented by Ann Wilcox  &  Micah Bales

    “Occupy…”

    The outcry against the political influence of financial institutions that has swept the country in recent weeks has crossed many boundaries, including class, gender and age. “Occupy” events are growing in cities and towns throughout the world. Here in DC, there are two groups occupying different parks. The movement has energy, and is gaining attention. But how much do we know about what is driving this? Are there certain issues and an agenda? Is this a culmination of many issues of our society coming together, or is it something completely different? Is ignoring the movement a good idea? Is presuming to know what is going on too presumptive? These are among the questions we will be exploring and discussing.

    Ann Wilcox will be leading the discussion. She is an attorney in Washington, DC, practicing for more than 20 years. She is active with the National Lawyers Guild, which provides legal representation and works on issues of social justice and economic equality. She provides Demonstration Support for many activists who come to DC to advocate for peace, the environment and other issues. She is currently providing legal support for the October 2011/Stop the Machine andOccupy DC groups, and can speak about issues related to the occupations. Ann has attended Friends Meeting of Washington and is currently active at Foundry United Methodist Church.Micah Bales is coordinator of Young Adult Engagement for Earlham School of Religion and lives in Washington, DC.

    Micah has been an active presence with Occupy DC since its inception. Micah, a graduate of ESR, is a member of Rockingham Friends Meeting of Ohio Yearly Meeting Conservative.

    Bring a dish to share; family members, neighbors and friends are always welcome.  Note: William Penn House is an alcohol and tobacco free facility.

    For more information, see www.WilliamPennHouse.org