Reply #38: Just a note to Tansy on Margaret Mead and a quick word on Haiti for now

[bread_and_roses]

Tansy, I've always thought that Mead got it half right...about that small group of people. Because the only thing I ever see changing the world - in the sociological(for lack of a better word right now) realm, at least - is very large groups of people in concerted action. But - it is usually a small group of committed people who start that ball rolling. The quote has always bothered me, because while honoring the small group it dismisses mass action. But - maybe it amounts to the same thing as what I am saying in the end.

And on Haiti - have those here been listening to Democracy Now reporting from Haiti (Amy Goodman)? Their reporting, and other news bits I've seen (I stay away from TV reportage, can't bear it) have left me in a state of stunned disbelief. NO ONE has been to the epicenter with relief. NO ONE. And all over, including capital, people still are not getting water. Two weeks later. Or analgesics. Or food. Or tents. Or or or or or or or....

Do you mean to tell me that the US military, that boasts of its prowess in killing people (mostly civilians) thousands and thousands away from the trigger - that same military - can't get WATER to the PEOPLE OF HAITI only just off our shores compared to AfPak?

Haiti, in addition to a tragedy of the most horrific proportions, may be a metaphor for us all.

I just finished reading through today's SMW - too much to read it all, just scanning. I might bookmark the thread for the comments about the general state of things, for which Haiti is our dark poster child, I think...

And too much here to digest tonight, even again just scanning and reading first paragraphs - I'll try to get back, it's been a hellish week - the work just keeps piling on National on top of State on top of Local issues (all of which impact even my very low-level organizing type job) I fear for my Labor family, for my own family, for my Brothers and Sisters in Haiti and around the globe, for all of us. I told my husband I was ready to start stockpiling canned goods, so we could feed our g'daughter at least....

But someone said something to the effect that real resolution is to keep on in the face of no hope, and I intend to do so. I just need a rest right now.

peace and solidarity, bread_and_roses.

edit for misplaced parenthesis