CODEPINK
art+craft=craftivism had a blog entry about donating knitted squares for the codepink's mother's day banner for peace. It is an issue close to my heart because as a mother of a veteran (marines), and as strongly as I supported our military I did something that was unpopular, I was against the war in Iraq.
“freedom means nothing without dissent”
Many paid lip service to that and went after those who questioned the merits of such a war with accusations of being anti american, supporting terrorists, being against our troops. Peace groups became the targets of unwanted attention (government spying), bullying, verbal abuse, accusations, death threats, hatred, etc.
Today I share my voice of dissent with the simple act of knitting a square
“freedom means nothing without dissent”
Many paid lip service to that and went after those who questioned the merits of such a war with accusations of being anti american, supporting terrorists, being against our troops. Peace groups became the targets of unwanted attention (government spying), bullying, verbal abuse, accusations, death threats, hatred, etc.
Today I share my voice of dissent with the simple act of knitting a square
using stips of cloth from my son's cammies, and my favourite pink fluflly yarn.
May our children be safe from the machinations and ambitions of those who choose war
and from those who are blinded by fear to follow them.
"Naturally the common people don't want war; neither in Russia, nor in England, nor in America, nor in Germany. That is understood. But after all, it is the leaders of the country who determine policy, and it is always a simple matter to drag the people along, whether it is a democracy, or a fascist dictatorship, or a parliament, or a communist dictatorship. Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is to tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same in any country."
Herman Goering
"Leading member of the Nazi Party, convicted and sentenced to death for war crimes"
May our children be safe from the machinations and ambitions of those who choose war
and from those who are blinded by fear to follow them.
"Naturally the common people don't want war; neither in Russia, nor in England, nor in America, nor in Germany. That is understood. But after all, it is the leaders of the country who determine policy, and it is always a simple matter to drag the people along, whether it is a democracy, or a fascist dictatorship, or a parliament, or a communist dictatorship. Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is to tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same in any country."
Herman Goering
"Leading member of the Nazi Party, convicted and sentenced to death for war crimes"
Comments
thanks undaunted.
Another image is also stamped in my memory. A simple sculpture stand. Atop a baby bottle with nipple lid. And protruding outward from the nipple were needles. A cluster of 6 or more. Simple. But powerful.
I was a volunteer in the U.S. Army, joining at age 17 and serving 3 years in Germany - during the height of the Cold War, after Korea, but luckily before Vietnam. I identify with those who serve. And honor them. Who I do not honor are those as you mention - the leaders and politicians who are not willing to risk their own political/power positions, but are quickly willing to send our young into harm's way - where life itself can be - and to often is - paid.
Thank you for your work. You gave a good day.
I guess can just try and do the best we can.
Brilliant work and brilliant article!
"All We Need Is Love" - for real. No more testosterone loaded hunter gatherers please.
Thank you and thanks to your son and everyone who volunteers to serve.
I remember on sept 11 my emotions were a mixture of horror and personal fear for my son, it rolled across my belly in a ache I cannot describe. That horror and fear got worse as our foreign policy descended into the depths of deceit.
I think that as people who have connections to the military its important that we speak out against the foreign policy part. It's a hard line b/w supporting the soldiers but not the war and hard to do!
It's hard to remember sometimes that life it's always so black and white, we're good they're bad dichotomy.
Well done for speaking out, making art and for tackling all the thoughts that come with it.
xo
thanks Maria, and I am glad to hear your family and friends are okay in Italy.
Deb, thank you for post. It is hard for others to imagine when they are not on the receiving end or actually witness persecution. It sure is ugly.
thank YOUR husband for his service, I have nothing but admiration for our military and would have loved to have seen REAL support for them other than the cheap yellow magnetic ribbons made in china (excuse my sarcasm-but I am guessing you know what I mean).