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What can I do????
Maliha
04/11/03 at 11:25:03
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Yesterday I outlined different things people can do within their communities to help out with the anti war efforts (maliha.blogspot.com). I thought it will be cool to share them here:

When Peace is Caged Like A Wounded Dove:
[i]The wails of humanity have been drowned by roaring sounds of bombs, tanks, and flashy skies...The voices of consciousness have not stopped rising against the tide of inhumanity that we are witnessing today. There are many people who feel helpless, frustrated, and angry. What should we do? What can we do? Our brothers and sisters are being slaugthered all across the world, and the majority of people are teteering on the brink of depression or downright apathy..because of this manufactured feeling of powerlessness. Do not despair! Our voices are the best weapon we have, living in the blissful confines of the West, gives us even more of a responsiblity to stand up for Justice and demand an end to this evil re manifestation of neo colonization and occupation. A lot of people seem scared to be involved, lest they lose their jobs...or something "bad" happens to them.
Don't be. If you are a person of Faith then you should know that nothing bad or good can happen to you Save by the Will of God. Michael Moore wrote a beautiful statement talking about how his experience of speaking out for Truth has earned him a lot of accolades even while other people are spewing hate mail and rhetoric on him..check it out at http://www.michaelmoore.com. He Rocks!
Everyone should do something no matter how small, to voice their opposition, to open eyes, and hearts to the reality of this war and aggression on thousands of innocent lives. Now you must be thinking..but what can *I*, puny little *I*, do?
Well there's a LOT!
So here's a couple ideas:

a)Join a Peace Coalition:
Every major city has some sort of peace coalition, that's working on a grassroots level to increase the wider public's attention to this tragedy of life. People from all walks of life are getting together, churches, synagogues, Masajids, Labor Unionists, Anarchists, etc. Its really powerful and inspiring to be amongst such a league. If you don't have one, start one in your area today! You can discuss long term strategies for ensuring peace at home and abroad, organize workshops, poetry slams, print flyers, etc etc. For ideas on how to do that, email me. I can put you in touch with some veteran folks who will give you some advice on that.

b) March/Rally/ Shout/ Picket etc.:
Okay don't roll your eyes on me! You are probably saying "Those things don't work...". Trust me they do! The masses need to voice their concerns and opposition. The media will have you believe that a "majority" of Americans are against the war. I totally don't buy it! Almost every person of conscience I know, is vehemently opposed to this madness. That is why its imperative to show the true face of humanity and its imperative for our voices to be heard! Don't let the systemic way of news coverage (*ie showing only the negative sides of marches, tear gas, riots etc) dissuade you. I have been to many rallies where its totally energetic and peaceful until the very end (long after most people leave) and they'll have some skirmishes between the cops and a little lingering group....that's when the media jumps in, and excitedly start reporting this "sensationalistic" outburst of civil disobedience. Get online and find out when the next march is. Join the movement Today. Washington DC is calling for a big March on April 12th, so are other big cities around the world. GO!
Once you are at the march connect with others and build bridges. Get email addresses, get on other people's mailing lists to know what is going on around you.



c)Create your News! :
Don't wait for others to report on what's going on for you. Write letters to the editor, start a blog, website, leaflet, pamphlet, newletter, mailing list, etc. Do something. On the night they declared war, a bunch of us printed out flyers of little Iraqi children suffering from the Depleted Uranium used in the first Gulf war. We wrote across the flyers things like "WHY?", "FACES OF YOUR ENEMIES?" etc. and pasted them all over the city. It might not make much of a difference on a global scale, but if it changes one heart it's all worth it!


d) Talk! :
All of us are surrounding by ignorance. Learn your facts and set yourself on a "mission" to educate others. Even if its your co workers, classmates, etc. Talk to them, explain what's going on, share articles etc. Successful movements are built through awareness and education.


e)Charity:
For those of you who can afford it, and even those who can't. Sacrifice, even a $20 to a good organization that will help those victims of war.Stay home one weekend, forfeit a couple of movies, do whatever it takes, and pinch yourself to help those who are suffering. There are lots of organizations out there sincerely needing any sort of funds/help/etc to keep them going. Do your part!


f)Learn!:
It's imperative that you keep yourself informed with *real* news. Turn off the TV, stay away from CNN, and other manufactured media. Explore alternative sites, and educate yourself on what's really going on. In order to make a difference you should be well informed.


g)Pray!
For all people of faith. Make sincere supplication, repentance, and strive to do your best personally. If you change your self for the better, you have changed humanity! We can not underestimate our field of influence. All those people around you, everyone that has touched your life in some way, and you theirs. The repercussions of what we do resound all the way to eternity. So let what we do be the best reflections of ourselves. We can't even get close to goodness without completely humbling ourselves to the Absolute Perfect Manifestation of All Sources of Goodness and that is God.


I will stop here with a prayer for Peace, within and without. May Allah guide us all, May He protect the Souls of the Innocent, May He help us in our striving towards Justice for all. (Amin).


Sis,
Maliha.





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