Alliance for Sustainable Communities
Lehigh Valley PA
posted by Peter Crownfield
You would think all police departments would have a heightened awareness of their actions. If they are not moved by the imperative to do what is morally right, you'd think they would at least avoid horrible publicity. This morning's news has even more examples of tragic actions by police, and it's not all racist — some is simply the result of violent police tactics. Here … [Read more...] about Why?
posted by Peter Crownfield
Former Texas Longhorn and NFL player Emmanuel Acho has a strong message for white people what they can do to help. In what he says is the first video in a series titled, “Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man,” the Austin resident addresses many questions he’s been asked by white people. I recommend this as a good thing to show your friends who still don't get … [Read more...] about ‘Dear White People…’
posted by Peter Crownfield
Today, many newspeople & elected officials are complaining about looting & destruction of property. Why have they been silent about ongoing oppression and racist, structural violence? Did they forget what we learned as children: that one of the foundational acts of this country was the ‘Boston Tea Party’, an often-glorified case of property destruction used to … [Read more...] about Violence, looting, destruction of property
posted by Peter Crownfield
Here are several articles that look at food, the pandemic, and other topics from a more holistic point of view than we usually see, showing the need for re-thinking in these areas. From the current issue of Yes! Magazine — the 'Community Power issue'. What’s in a Social Justice Diet?The Light at the EndWhat Indian Country Remembers About SurvivalWe Had … [Read more...] about A few good reads for the week
posted by pkc
Excellent New Yorker article by Bill McKibben, titled 'What will it take to cool the planet'. Covers the Climate Interactive website that let's you see the effects of playing with different variables, a dive into the Gwich’in fight against plans for oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, and the need for more descriptive visioning for the future. (All in all, a … [Read more...] about What will it take?
posted by pkc
Once again, Greta Thunberg speaks out to government 'leaders' who are guilty of failing to act on global warming and climate change. Read her April 23 address to Parliament. Their failure to act parallels the failure of politicians in most 'developed' countries. (Just look at the idiotic responses to the 'Green New Deal' proposal in the US!) I am impressed by the … [Read more...] about Thanks again, Greta
posted by Peter Crownfield
I think we all owe a debt of thanks to Greta Thunberg, a 15-year-old from Sweden, for her speech calling out 'leaders' for their failure to lead! Some excerpts from her remarks (at COP-24 in Katowice, Poland): We can no longer save the world by playing by the rules, because the rules have to be changed.So we have not come here to beg the world leaders to care for … [Read more...] about Thank you, Greta!
posted by mwb
Three recent newsletters discuss their organization's perspectives on how to bring about change. One talks about nonviolent direct action, another about securing rights via home rule charters and constitutions, and the third about achieving change goals via the development of organizational strength and resilience. But you don't have to worry about which strategy is right -- … [Read more...] about Strategies for Change
posted by mwb
I attended the memorial service of a dear friend recently, a friend who had been very active during the Civil Rights Movement in the 60s. A college friend of his spoke at the service about attending protests and marches together, and about how one day his friend had looked at him and asked, “Do you consider yourself to be a radical?” They decided to look up the root of … [Read more...] about Noël Jones: ‘The Importance of Being Radical’
posted by mwb
For the moment, the Allentown Waste-To-Energy menace has been stopped. Please thank the three no voters on City Council for doing the right thing for the people of Allentown: Jeanette Eichenwald - 610.349.6470; Ray O’Connell - 484.866.0988; and Cynthia Mota - 484.225.9969 Al Wurth sent out this email about the City Council vote that stopped the proposed waste combustion … [Read more...] about Martin’s blog: “Allentown’s Waste-To-Energy Menace Stopped”