[PAA-Discuss] Weighing in

[Amy Branham]

My friends,

I have seen the same thing happening on other groups as has been happening here this week, the attacks, the barrage of emails that are angry, etc.  I think that activists, as a whole, have become very frustrated with what we see as a lack of progress in the peace and political fronts.

But, do not forget that we have accomplished so much during the last couple of years.  When I first found this group in 2005 very few people in this country would speak out against Bush or his buddies.  Very few people in this country dared to speak out against the war or question the reasons for going to war.  It was a frightening, frustrating and even, for some, hazardous time.  I was a newbie and you all took me in with open, loving arms and welcomed me to your "family".  

Impeachment is now widely spoken about and several states are trying to get impeachment on their official books...

Alberto Gonzales is testifying in the Senate....

The Democrats, however spineless they may sometimes be, are in power and ARE questioning Bush's authority right and left.  Maybe not the way we would like, but it's happening.

The motives for the war in Iraq are being questioned and attempts are being made to stop the war -- not as quickly or in the way some of us would like, but there is progress in that direction.

We are questioning torture and Gitmo...

We have come a long way, baby.  And it's only because of people like us who did not give up, who kept pushing and coming up with creative ways to get our ideas across that this has happened.  Please do not let the events of the last week become a further diversion from what we are trying to accomplish.  

I think that we can challenge one another without being rude, insensitive or even crude.  We can question, but not attack and accomplish what we wish to accomplish much more quickly and effectively.  I do not see this as a male/female issue.  This issue is about being courteous and kind to one another.  We all do what we can in the way that we see best or are best at.  One might question my activity because I do not go to protests nor do I go to meetings.  However, there are things I do behind the scenes that you would not necessarily see or be aware of and the same is true of other members of this group.  Do not be too quick to cast judgement.

I'm heading out of town for the weekend.  I hope you all have a safe, happy, relaxing weekend.  Step back, take a breath and just let some things go.  Some things just don't matter in the long run...

Peace,
Amy

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