new start
What conversation offers us is an entirely new start. This is its thrill, for good or ill. We can escape history, become new persons, become a new one.
:- Doug.
Archive for November 3rd, 2006
communism/terrorism — “the Negro”/”the Immigrant”
This immigration issue is our times’ civil rights issue. In the 60s communism and “the Negro” confronted the white majority; in this new decade it is terrorism and “the Immigrant.” An enemy without and one within. One vague, the other flesh and blood. We are caught in a pincers—whoever we mean by we. We found then and find now that it is difficult to think rationally. Then and now we must make extra efforts to think—together. The road leads us through learning to simultaneously hold opposites—we and they—in our minds and hearts.
:- Doug.
Be moderate in what you offer
Be moderate in what you offer
How can I when I see
what is possible for you?
who you are?
when you live?
how many who need you?
:- Doug.
See a continuum
I see a continuum: on one end, we ask people to be informed and have their donations of time and money solicited. On the other end, their talents are not merely solicited but engaged: here the potential of the group opens out widely. On one end a focus; on the other fluid patterns. On one end control and predictability; on the other freedom and engagement. On one end a known result, similar to a hundred other meetings; on the other a wide range of results, many not thought of before. On one end more closed potential; on the other more open. On one end death of imagination and passion; on the other life. Choose. Choose life.
:- Doug.
