Thursday, July 05, 2007

War: Enough Already

This is my Independence Day post. The fourth itself was a very glum, solitary day for me and I wasn't up to posting, so consider this my way of prolonging the spirit of the occasion.

There used to be a custom in American families that on the fourth of July, the Declaration of Independence would be read aloud to remind everyone present of the ideals upon which the nation was founded. This has fallen sadly out of fashion; perhaps in the age of the sound bite we could at least read this bit to our children, before it winds up on the scrap heap:
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. [The rest of it is here.]
You know I seldom get political in here, but you know I also do not support (and never have) the present war in Iraq. Of course, there is only so much one can do about it. I'm not over there fighting in it, and I keep voting for people who say they're going to try to end it.

My opposition goes well beyond that particular war to encompass all wars, everywhere. I'll still pray for peace in Iraq even after the Americans leave, although I think our leaders have done their best to ensure that the ruins will smolder for generations.

There's a protest being staged in Chicago, and I plan to be there. I like the format because it's not the usual march-and-shout affair. If anything, the descriptions of the planned action suggest it will raise no more than a murmur, and that on the shore of Lake Michigan well north of the center of the city.

It's called "Prostrations for Peace," and a blog of sorts has been established for it here, with details about where and when and how. I heard about it through a message the Buddhist Peace Fellowship sent to the Zen center where I practice. In spite of the name, the action isn't only for practitioners of Yoga or Buddhism, which makes me like it all the more.

My participation will be 108 prostrations, each with the intention I've made every morning since I became a Buddhist: May all beings attain enlightenment. Enlightened beings, you see, do not blow one another to smithereens in the name of religion, patriotism, or cheaper gasoline. It sounds to me like a pleasant change from the present arrangement.

How is touching my forehead to the ground 108 times in a public park going to help stop war? I don't know. I just have to believe it will. I can't sit here and do nothing. And as we still have 500 or so days left to go before our august warlord scampers back to his ranch (he should only stay there) there's precious little else I can do.

By the way, I know there are a lot of new readers in here lately, and I'm glad you're here. If you find this post disconcerting, please understand that along with Franklin the knitter and Franklin the cartoonist and Franklin the gay dude with the talking sock yarn, every so often you get Franklin the tree-hugging peacenik.

Tomorrow, back to knitting. Specifically, the mathematics involved in working a lace shawl. Hotcha!

114 comments:

Anonymous said...

No comments??? I'll comment. Freakin' A, I'll comment. TREE HUGGING PEACENIKS UNITE!

To quote (or almost quote) the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King--

"Until we learn to live together as brothers, we must perish together as fools."

Good post, Franklin.

Anonymous said...

In the spirit of the beginning of your post, you might like this from an American now living in Canada. She doesn't knit so I'm guessing you don't read her already.

http://farmschoolathome.blogspot.com/2007/07/words-to-remember-words-to-live-by.html

Unknown said...

My local NPR station had various on-air personalities read portions of the Declaration of Independence yesterday. I was quite moved.

When I have children, we will definitely read this every year.

Lynn said...

I'll take Franklin no matter what he (you) write about. Clearly, you are an intelligent, funny, caring being and for those reasons alone, I'll happily read you. Besides, we agree on everything.

Anonymous said...

FYI - I was reading older posts and it looks like comments on page http://the-panopticon.blogspot.com/2007/06/observations-upon-reaching-lace.html was hijacked to post "Women's track & field throw teams" - pages and pages of teams (keep a scrollin'!)
~Linda

danielle said...

Know that in so many ways - you will also represent me that day. I cannot believe that this war is not making more people angry about it - and that we are allowing the politicians NOT to publish photos that would get more attention... what happened to the passion of those who lived thru the VietNam War era? Obviously those passions have been watered down...there is my rant..we are loosing too many of our younger generation to this...I even listened to an ex-Marine, who ws involved in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam, rale against this war when he was interviewed at a parade yesterday...if those who know whereof they speak are not listened to...what is the future for this apathetic country and generation?

Anonymous said...

Prayer for Peace:
May all beings find happiness and the causes of happiness. May all beings be free of suffering and the causes of suffering. May they never be separated from the sacred joy that is beyond suffering. May they rest in equanimity free of grasping, hatred, and ignorance. May they be aware of the equality of all that lives.

May your prayers and prostrations be of benefit to all beings!

Peace,
takawolffie

Anonymous said...

Franklin,
State the date and time, there will be dozens with you in spirit.

First they ignore you, then they ridicule you, then they fight you, then you win.” ~Mahatma Gandhi

Anonymous said...

This is the eight post I've read over the span of ... seven months (because I'm forgetful, but hooray now for Bloglines!), so I'm still quite new.

The 4th was very glum for me yesterday. I am having a hard time being a proud American these days. I wish I still lived at home in Chicago so that I could be there with you.

Anonymous said...

"I'll still pray for peace in Iraq even after the Americans leave, although I think our leaders have done their best to ensure that the ruins will smolder for generations."

Not just your leaders. Look, when you manage to corral Bush, you want to take Blair too? I know he's not the leader any more but there are plans to send him out as a Middle East peace envoy. Yup - like that is a great idea!

Will the protest and your prostrations change anything? Why not? Faith, any faith, can move mountains - why should yours be any less effective than anyone else's?

Cara said...

It's a great idea, thank you for reminding us about something beyond yarn.

Ditzy Cadet said...

I love all the Franklins!!!

Anonymous said...

What a lovely post. Yesterday was a sad day for me as well, compounded by the scores of morons setting off fireworks at 3pm (in daylight, people) who, I'm sure, visited my husband at his job in the ER later in the evening. What a sorry little joke this holiday has become.

I am mostly saddened by this new feeling that anything anti-government is automatically un-patriotic, and that speaking out against the Bush administration means you hate America. Sigh.

My favorite bumper sticker:

Last time anyone listened to a bush folks wandered in the desert for forty years.

Indeed.

Anonymous said...

says cyrano"...you bursting with holiness, and yet you never preach! Astonishing i call it...(with burlesque ferocity) ah-now i'll astonish you- i am goin to- (with the air of seeking for a good joke and finding it) -let you pray for me tonight, at vespers!"
and the good Sister replies;
"i did not wait for you to say i might"

pray for 'em Franklin.

Bevin said...

I think it is really awesome that you are prostrating for peace. I, also, prefer creative activism. My drag king character, Dick Carrier, has done a lot of funny things in the name of creating political change through humor.

I am a fan of all Franklins.

Gina Black said...

I like Franklin the tree-hugging peacenik.

Anonymous said...

For what it's worth, were I in the area, I'd be one of the people joining in that protest. I'm very strongly against the war, have been since the beginning, but there's nothing I can do about it but wait and hope that it'll be over soon. I continue to offer my mental and spiritual support to those who need it.

I'm not American, but I believe in what it says in the Declaration of Independence, that all are created equal. I just wish more Americans believed in the same thing.

Anonymous said...

I like ALL the Franklins. And I applaud you for putting actions to your beliefs. (I'm also anxious to see the shawl!)

Julie McC. said...

It's the ever-present, underlying humanity that I come back for, no matter in which guise it appears.

Well, that and I learned to avoid the Fashion Show at Stitches.

Anonymous said...

Thank you.

Pickyknitter said...

I too like all the Franklins. Thank you so much for sharing them with us. Namaste.

Anonymous said...

Well said, my friend . Thank you.

Anonymous said...

Lovely post, lovely plan. Thank you.

Anonymous said...

This is your blog and you should feel free to say what you want to. I think that most people feel the same way you do. I enjoy reading your blog. You make me think.

Anonymous said...

Three cheers for the peaceniks! As I thoroughly enjoy (and agree with)about 99% of what you write, there's not much for me to add, except that maybe to sick Dolores on ol' dubya might be effective, and certainly amusing...! I despair that, similar to how things seem to work in our dear neighbour to the south, politicians say what they think we, the people, want to hear and then do what they want anyway. It boggles my mind that we, the people, don't seem to have the gumption to take them to task and eject them from office because of their self-serving duplicity. Argh.

Thanks for the pro-peace post. Your prostrations have already done something - the comments are proof enough, and every positive, faith-filled thought sends ripples.

Grumpy said...

Amen, brother, and thank you for what you not only say but do.

I'm sure you know this quote, but it bears repeating:

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. -- Margaret Mead

Helen said...

Wonderful post and plan, Franklin. I think we should all take stock of the appropriate line from America the Beautiful:

America! America! God mend thine every flaw.

Now will she?

Carol said...

Touching your forehead to the ground 108 times in public will show the world that there is/are many who want the violence to stop! I find this kind of protest more to the point than the march and shout ones that often devolve into violence. People, the idea is to STOP the violence! BTW, just as an aside, how do you pla to keep count of the 108 times? Will everybody be doing it 108 times so there is someone in charge counting? If not, are you worried you might lose count?

Anonymous said...

I think all the Franklins are witty, insightful, compassionate and caring, with nothing objectionable about them.

Wouldn't it be nice, if just one generation of Americans could make it through life, without having to go to a war?

I'll be with you in spirit, Franklin.

Jeanne said...

How will it help stop war, you ask? Simple. You'll be practicing the Law of Attraction. By prostrating the intent "May all beings attain enlightenment", you'll be sending out wave after wave of positive peace-bringing energy to the world. And that's an awesome thing.

becky c. said...

As someone who has been on the Franklin bandwagon awhile, let me say I love all your personalities. Peace! (Please?)

ccr in MA said...

I for one like all the Franklins I've seen so far.

Most of the Doloreses scare me at least a little, to be honest. But the Franklins? Bring them on.

Carol said...

You rock! I look forward to hearing more about this!

Anonymous said...

Hello, I'm a new reader, who enjoys the occasional political rant. I also really like the lace, and ALL he Franklins. As to the war, well, we all can only do what we can do.

Michelle said...

I love Franklin the tree-hugging peacenik. Along with all the other Franklins.

Your protest sounds wonderful.

Anonymous said...

Perhaps I am utterly, shatteringly naive, but I somehow think that 108 thoughts about peace will be of some help to someone, somewhere.

Anonymous said...

I loved this post! I still read the Declaration of Independence to my kids every year on the 4th. This year, we had the opportunity to hear it read on the courthouse steps in Colonial Williamsburg - it was an incredible experience!
My husband is deployed to Iraq right now, and I really appreciate that you (and the others involved in the peace action you describe) choose to speak out against the war in a respectful way. My husband and I are a 'mixed marriage' - he's a Republican, I'm a Democrat - and I have heard some incredibly negative judgments made against those who still choose to serve in the military from "peacenik" friends. Thanks for being true to yourself without being unkind!

Suze said...

I, for one, appreciate the tree-hugging peacenik posts as much as all the others, and not just because I agree with you on all of it, but because you're being completely honest with who you are and what you're concerned about in the world and what you're doing about it. Write on!

Anonymous said...

Franklin, thank you for being you.

Carson said...

yeah, you've got to do something whatever it is...or you'd go mad I reckon.
-fellow peacknik (takin' orders from Rainbow Pinko Coalition)

Anonymous said...

Amen.

Beth said...

New York abstains, courteously.

Flea-Bites said...

Good on you, Franklin. We have an election coming up soon in Australia and I can't wait - by then we should be living in our Prime Minister's electorate and I am going to vote early - if only I could vote OFTEN - and hope that he gets a big shove right out of parliament. I don't have words to express my horror at the tragedy that Iraq has become. How can anyone IMPOSE democracy - it's an oxymoron (but then it's morons who are trying to do it).

Peace and love to the world.

marisa said...

I'm a new face, and pretty new to blogs in general, but I wanted to "de-lurk" and let you know that I appreciate thoughtful politics just as much as thoughtful knitting. So I'm glad to have found your blog. May all beings attain enlightenment.

Anonymous said...

Tree Hugging Peacenik... I like that. Much better than the Tree Hugging *&$^*&^ Hippy that my family calls me (I'm shocked and amazed we share genes).

I've always wanted to live (or visit) somewhere where they read the Declaration of Independence on the 4th.

"All men created equal..." still waiting for that myself...

cara
www.dorkybestfriend.typepad.com

Anonymous said...

Yes. I don't know if 108 prostrations will help bring about peace but why not try? I'm with you in spirit. (My bad back wouldn't let me do more than one prostration, so my spirit will have to suffice.)

Anonymous said...

My son is in Iraq for his second tour of duty. I don't like it...but must support the USA and the fact that our young men and women are over there. They are doing their job...and we have freedoms we would never have if it wasn't for our military. I don't agree with the war in Iraq...but I do believe we need to stand as Americans against the terrorist and support our troops where they are.

Tania said...

When reading the text of the declaration that you had in your post, I was disturbed to see reference to a "Creator". It was my understanding that the founding fathers were more secular than current politicians purport to be. I thought to myself- no way Jefferson wrote that. After a little googlin' I found that the addition of "Creator" was done by someone other than Jefferson (ie it wasn't in his rough draft). It does seem that Jefferson spoke of "nature's god" though, which I take to be more of a deist interpretation of the supernatural.

Seriously though, every time that I've heard the declaration quoted I don't think I've ever heard that part.

Anyway, I thought I would share that. I don't meant to upset anyone who believes in a creator, however I just thought it was interesting. I'm thinking that Jefferson's original version may have been more apropos though, as it also spoke out against slavery (maybe that was props to his lady friend?).

Unknown said...

Franklin the tree-hugging peacenik is my favourite.

CatBookMom said...

Pray for peace, people, every day.

I can't find the source of this quote; it seems like John Lennon. But we all need to do this, not only for the "war" in the Middle East, but for the other conflicts that fill our lives and those of others around the world.

Thank you, Franklin.

Dodi Raz said...

Thank you for bringing up such an important issue, I think all of us should do it more often and not keep our politics to ourselves, maybe then something will change here in the next election, Amen!

dale-harriet said...

To all before me: YEAH! I love all the Franklins too. Do tell us when your protest is; if we all join you in spirit in our own ways (I'll be burning sweetgrass and tobacco, myself) it can only be all to the good. I am as averse to this whole war thing as all of us - but I certainly support our folks, willing or otherwise, who are there engaged in the conflict. What a world, what a world....is it really still 500 days of dubyah left? *sigh*

5elementknitr said...

I agree with you about the F'ed up situation our government has created over there. Not to mention the bullshit bait and switch they pulled on the public and particularly on our troops ("Al Qaeda, Al Qaeda, Al Qaeda...." *poof* we're in Iraq. WTF??).

I was in the Army for 5 years (ten years ago) and I have a lot of friends who are still in. I worry about them every day. I'm doing a helmet liner drive contest for them and people they are stationed with.

I'll be bowing with you.
Peace for all.

muoriska said...

It's ok to be you, the whole you and nothing else. You have your rights to your opinions and yes me as a quest, I have to respect them. ( and yes in my blog I have the right to my opinions).

Nice to know you :)

Laurel said...

Franklin, thank you. Articulate, well-reasoned, and right.

Anonymous said...

From one who saw the mess of Vietnam as a kid too young to do anything like protest, and whose first thought about Iraq was, "Oh god, not again...the idiots!"...

Right on.

Mama Llama said...

I like Uncle Franklin the best. I think it's time for more baby pics. Surely pictures of sweet babies will bring about world peace.

Anonymous said...

Here's to all the Franklins! Thanks for an always interesting blog :)

Anonymous said...

Franklin the tree-hugging peacenik is good! You putting out good energy towards the world is always good. Keep it up.

Heard a lovely report on a local radio morning show. It was about people going to Hartsfield airport here to show support for the troops coming through. No political leanings, just thanking the troops for risking their lives for our country. I personally do not support the war but do support the soldiers that are there.

Sneaksleep said...

Thank you for this post, Franklin. I think I will join you in your prostrations, from a distance (though I don't know at what time you'll be doing them). I need to do something to add to the energy, so it's either prostrations or chanting a kanzeon chant 108 times.

(I was just trying to figure out how I would count them, since I don't have prayer beads, and the first thing that occurred to me was to use my stitch counter...)

Susan said...

Thanks Franklin. You always say things so well.

P.S. I loved the drag post! I'm currently working (I do set design) on our theatre guild's production of La Cage aux Folles. I heard that our local little paper was fishing hard to get a confirmation that the unmarried gentleman playing Albin was gay, because in a small town, apparently a gay man playing a gay man is a story. Or something. It really would muddy the waters for people around here, who probably already think that if he is gay, he must have a closet full of dresses and heels. Cretins.

cbarnwolf said...

"along with Franklin the knitter and Franklin the cartoonist and Franklin the gay dude with the talking sock yarn, every so often you get Franklin the tree-hugging peacenik" nothing wrong with that.

That's what is great about this country, everyone has a right to their own opinion.

I've always thought that most people want basically the same things, they just have different opinions on how to get there.

Here is hoping that your 108 makes a difference. I think we all want peace.

Leslie said...

Thank you for your post, Franklin, and for your prostrations. This bushit war of invasion is tearing our world apart and it will take a number of generations to restore our Country to a place of honor in the world (imo).

Bless you and all who strive for peace.

Anonymous said...

You'll be heartened to know my grandchildren are being raised with the 4th of July tradition you mentioned. The 5 year old will soon be able to take a small part, herself.

Good post, Franklin. Good to know you!

Berry Gal said...

You just embodied being a true American... Kudos

Unknown said...

Thank you!

Anonymous said...

It's not only our right, but our duty to try and remove this administration for their immoral and flagrant indifference to the laws of the land. I'm over 50 and considering becoming an outrageous anarchst in my later years.

Anonymous said...

Delurking to say I hear you, brother. Have we learned nothing from the past? It seems not at present.

Anonymous said...

Wonderful post Franklin.

Steve in CA

Anonymous said...

That's ok, I'll forgive you the political post (but only for the talking sock yarn ;-)
If you need something positive, look at it this way. I work with international college students. The ones who can't go back to their homes because they're religious minorities from countries in the Middle East? They are really rooting for us to win over there - because it would mean they could go home...

cedar said...

From drag to dharma one small step..cedar

Anonymous said...

Thanks, Franklin. 108 will be a challenge for me but I'm going to do it. I'll be in St Paul, but given that I'm a Chicagoan who went to Mundelein College, then Loyola's neighbor, I'll have no problem visualizing the beach.

We will shift the energy, even as your post, as the event planning, has already done.

Keep all the Franklins coming! Lose one and we lose it all.

I need to know how to plan a lace border to turn a corner, so I'll look forward to the return of Knitter Habit, hoping for a mention of corners.

Gerrie in MN

SolSionnach said...

Thank you, Franklin, for your 108 prostrations.

Sravana, budding Buddhist

Karen said...

I'm one of your newer readers....

...thank you for all of the Franklins.

Kristen said...

Thank you.

Anonymous said...

It's got to help, somehow. There are days I can't feel anything but despair about this war, because we invaded a country that wasn't doing so hot, but was relatively stable, and screwed it up even worse. Perhaps the troops had/have good intentions, but you know about those. And I just don't believe our august leaders ever had any intentions that weren't self-serving and egotistical.

As so many others have said, I love all the Franklins, and I'm awfully glad you decided, for whatever reason, to share yourself with is through your blog. It's somehow comforting to me just to know you are out there, doing your thing.

dpaste said...

Franklin, the tree-hugging peacnik. If I recall, the song mentions something amusing about your nose.

I'll send you some pics from my 4th that will hopefully cheer you up a bit. They relate to your previous post.

Anonymous said...

This is why I love you, Franklin.

Anonymous said...

I love all the Franklins also, and I hope with all of your new readers you continue to share all of them with us!
Paige

Ann said...

Thank you.

Thorny said...

*clap clap clap clap*

Well said! And what a fabulous means of protest.

Catherine said...

Applause from another tree-hugging peacenik.

Anonymous said...

If Franklin the peacenik isn't allowed to speak his mind then where would integrity be? I find it impossible to imagine how things could end well in this war.

FiberQat said...

Don't forget the buff, ex-boyfriend-dissing Franklin. ;)

The energy rising from the gathering will be wonderful. Thank you for adding the blog that explains the meaning of 108. It is indeed an amazing number.

kemtee said...

Franklin, honey -- you say whatever you wish. You've said it well, with your usual class and intelligence shining through.

(and this from someone who sits opposite you politically, but respects your POV immensely.)

Cindy G said...

Yes, the Declaration, and the Bill of Rights, and the Gettysburg Address...

Not long before the bombs started falling on Baghdad, I was in Madison holding a sign that said "Another Knitter for Peace." A reporter asked if I thought it would make any difference. I said I didn't know, but I had to bear witness.

"Without a vision, the people perish."

Bear witness to your vision. Our country needs it now more than ever.

Animal said...

Well-spoken, Franklin. Thanks for the Constitutional reminder, and for your peace prayers. They are shared by many.

Wannabe said...

Can I also bring up that the "reason" we went to war was to fight Al Quada who blew up the Trade Center...and we still haven't found Osama Bin Laden. But now we are involved in a war in a different country. I call it war hopping.

RogueTess said...

Hey fellow peacenik! I teach American Lit in HS and one of my resources is an ancient medley by the Fifth Dimension from the Portrait album that is the Preamble set to music. I play it several times over several days and ultimately we can all at least speak-sing together with Marilyn McCoo about the truths that we hold self-evident. Keep on preaching! (singsurfknit.wordpress.com)

RogueTess said...

Ooops -- I meant the Declaration not the Preamble. Darn SEND button!

Cheri said...

Our July 4th was spent small town style (walking into town and laying on a blanket by the railroad tracks and watching fireworks shot over the lake). I wish everyone could have had such a peaceful time.

I like all of the Franklins and think the world would be a much better place if more people were like you.

Lauren Dorsee Dillon said...

I am incredibly unhappy with the direction our country has taken and how we squandered away the world goodwill that we garnered after 9/11. Imperial Hubris indeed. Every day I watch the fallen young people with wasted futures highlighted at the end of the Lehrer Report and cry. I do not call them soldiers because many are not behind the neocon cause and many more were reservists or National Guard willing to fight for our country in emergencies, not for monetary or commodities gains. I am heart sick; I am tired; I am ashamed. Please know how many people feel like you do. We have committed a great sin, unwillingly done in the name of patriotism. King George has ruined us all.

Anonymous said...

What do you want to bet that there's some place in Bush's America where reading the Declaration of Independence aloud or wearing it on a t-shirt in public will get you arrested for subversion?

Powerful ideas in that there document. Thank you--as always--for reminding us.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for using your blog (and your bod with 108 prostrations) to promote peace. You reach a lot of people with your words and actions.

IrreverendAmy said...

Love Peacenik!Franklin. And the prostrations.

If you want to know what else to do, press to impeach Cheney. There's a bill in Congress, with a shamefully low cosponsor count of 12. If there's enough pressure to get rid of Mr. Bomb Iran we might at least avoid being involved in THREE futile, murderous Asian land wars at once.

Dana S. Whitney said...

Bravo. Carpe Enlightenment.

Anonymous said...

Hey - have you seen the movie The Fountain? As one of the only practicing Buddhists I know (how sad is that?) I thought of you when I watched it. Interesting movie. Oh, and thanks for leaving me a comment over at LT (I'm the one with 4 copies of Anna Karenina :)

ColorJoy LynnH said...

I'm with you. My personal wish or intent is that all human beings find happiness. Happy people do not cause trouble for others.

And sometimes I cause trouble myself, often *to* myself... creating discontent in the middle of abundance. Therefore, I will start here in my own life and work on being grateful for what I have. Which is more than enough.

Thanks for the thought-provoking post.

Unknown said...

Thank you for the insightful post, and for the welcome to the new readers, of which i am one.
I enjoy reading your blog Because you are complex, thought provoking and humorous. Thank you for bringing intelligence to the web.

Anonymous said...

Good on you, Franklin. And peace to you. Just reading your post raised my level of faith.

Spinning Dervish said...

Great post, well said as usual.

I thought you'd appreciate the latest "Withering Glance" piece in the Minneapolis Star Tribune. It's a tribute to gay uncles and so very true! Here's the link:
http://www.startribune.com/389/story/1287930.html

And of course, I have to say that lesbian aunties are pretty cool too!

Anonymous said...

We live near many Amish and Mennonite people who are peace people. They too have the idea of war right--pray for peace. Frankly I rather do that than bang my head on the ground but whatever it takes will be worth it. Thanks Franklin. Knitter Nancy

Tomme said...

Thank you, Franklin. Namaste.

Jackie said...

What a beautiful way to show your opposition to the insanity called war.

Shirra said...

I have listened to you on Cast On, always trying to avoid driving at the same time because I laugh too hard to drive safely, and I have finally started reading your blog. I love this post, and the protest sounds wonderful. In my new yoga class, I can't wait until our teacher has us do what she calls "Peaceful Warrior' (I think it's Warrior 3). I always send out a little prayer with that one, that one day soon all warriors will be peaceful. Thank you for this post and I will be reading the Declaration to my kids on the 4th from now on. I want them to understand that our government now is not what this country was meant to be and what it can hopefully stand for again.

Anonymous said...

Hey, anything to stop this insanity...

Nana Sadie said...

Bravo.
I hope your Fourth was peaceful.
(((hugs)))

Lucia said...

I'm late as usual, but I am so with you on this.

caitlin said...

thanks, franklin! i feel the same way you do, but i haven't found a way to DO anything yet. something else a faith journey would be useful for.

and thanks for the welcome! i was excited enough to hear of another chicago knitter, but really, it was your witty repartee that won me over.

ok, so blogging isn't really repartee. it's still witty.

Karin said...

More power to you, Franklin. Thanks for that post.

Filambulle said...

Franklin the tree-hugging peacenik, my love to you.
:)

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