Zoe Lowry It is extremely challenging to detach ourselves from the views of others and to recognize and live true to our own passions, gifts, and purpose. However, gaining this deep understanding of self is the only way to achieve unconditional happiness and sustainability--in the sense of meeting our personal needs (emotional, spiritual, and tangible ones) in harmony with … [Read more...] about Awaken
activism
Notes from the Editor
Global capitalism’s race to the bottom (and for the bottom line) is not only generating runaway economic inequalities, social unrest, and political dysfunctionality, but also a race off the ecological cliff in the near future. A study that looked at average temperature and precipitation changes only, excluding the most extreme impacts, found that At least 85% of the world’s … [Read more...] about Notes from the Editor
A Runaway Inequality Problem
One of the great unexamined questions of our times is why there is so much suffering, despair, misery and rage in the midst of unimaginable wealth. Naturally, pundits and politicians wish to avoid this question because an open public discussion of the widening wealth gap can impart critical insights into the nature and logic of the capitalist system they’ve worked so hard to … [Read more...] about A Runaway Inequality Problem
A Reflection on Recent Events in Palmerton
by Maison Allen On July 18, in the small town of Palmerton, Pennsylvania, a non-violent protest in support of Black Lives Matter turned aggressive and dangerous as protesters were confronted by armed and hostile counter-protesters. My good friend, Sierra Hahn and I, both Palmerton natives, organized the original protest to raise awareness and help people understand racism … [Read more...] about A Reflection on Recent Events in Palmerton
What did you do when you knew?
it's 3:23 in the morningand I'm awakebecause my great great grandchildrenwon't let me sleepmy great great grandchildrenask me in dreamswhat did you do while the Planet was plundered?what did you do when the Earth was unravelling? surely you did somethingwhen the seasons started failing? as the mammals, reptiles, birds were all dying?…. did you fill the streets with … [Read more...] about What did you do when you knew?
The Environment, the Beauty Industry, and the Responsibility of Women
by Sakura Shinjo We generally understand today that we need to cut our consumption of fossil fuels: we must end the use of plastics in our foods; we should try to make more responsible decisions in transportation; however, some of these issues are more easily tackled than others. Millions live in food deserts where the question of healthy foods cannot yet be asked. And … [Read more...] about The Environment, the Beauty Industry, and the Responsibility of Women
Remembering Martin Boksenbaum
Nancy Tate Martin Boksenbaum, a LEPOCO supporter since the 1980s and a Lehigh Valley leader on much work for the environment and in building community, died on August 7. His work and his dedication to that work is missed by so many including LEPOCO. Martin Boksenbaum and Janet Goloub came to the Lehigh Valley in 1980. They first lived in Allentown and then in … [Read more...] about Remembering Martin Boksenbaum
A Prophetic Poor People’s Movement Led by the Poor People
Keith Collins The role of the prophet in the ancient Hebrew scriptures was to confront, correct and transform society when it has lost its moral compass. As ancient empires emerged fortified by the thirst for conquest and dominion the foundation for a class, race and, gender-based caste system was established, and remains with us till this day. If we are to posit that … [Read more...] about A Prophetic Poor People’s Movement Led by the Poor People
Occupy Wall Street: A Post-Mortem Examination
Lenny Flank In September 2011, a small group of demonstrators sat down and occupied Zuccotti Park in New York City, near Wall Street, as a protest against the lopsided distribution of wealth in the US and the domination of the political process by the wealthy elite. Within weeks, similar occupations spread across the United States from coast to coast, and Occupy Wall Street … [Read more...] about Occupy Wall Street: A Post-Mortem Examination
Whither the Poor People’s Campaign?
by Gary Olson Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn me ‘roundTurn me ‘roundAin’t gonna let nobody Turn me aroundI’m gonna keep on walkin’ Keep on talkin’ Marching into freedom land I joined the Poor People’s Campaign because I sensed that it has more transformative potential than anything that’s come along in over five decades. In a previous post/article I praised the PPC for its … [Read more...] about Whither the Poor People’s Campaign?