Hello my darlings!
The general strike in Oakland and other cities is tomorrow and there are two marches which call for the participation of children.
I have received many phone calls and emails from parents wanting to discuss these actions – and the question raised is. Is it safe?
I have given the matter so much though the past few days and while I have discussed this – I have searched my own emotions and here’s is what’s coming up for me.
We are planning to exercise our rights to peaceably assembly in out city and protest – this is one of the foundational rights given to us in out Constitution. Isn’t is beyond sad that it is even part of our consciousness that we have to ask if we will be safe while doing so?
Isn’t is beyond sad that it is even a concern for us to consider that harm might befall out children while walking beside us?
Am I the only one with a head ache thinking about this? I am sure not!
And at the end of the day, each and everyone of us has instincts – It is my belief that these instincts are there to guide us as raise our children and that these instincts are specific to the needs and personalities of parents and their child.
Every parent must listen to their own inner voice – do not attend the events tomorrow because you are afraid not to appear supportive to a cause – you child is more important than any cause!
And along the lines of safety i must ask you – how safe is your child right now living in a world where corporations and banks control every aspect of their being? Where corporations decide what your child will wear and where that garment is produced – whether or not you have access to organic foods – or traditional medicines and caregivers, such as midwives and acupuncturists. How secure is your child’s ability to attend a school that will meets his/her need and value your child as as special and complex individual? How safe is your child from predatory loans and ridiculous student loan debt? How safe is your child from the daily stress your family is subjected to as you and your partner struggle to provide for that child?
It is for the reasons about we are striking tomorrow – to actually work to achieve a true sense of safety in this very unsafe world. Nothing fancy, just the basic possibility for our children to live happy and productive lives with the ability not just to be a corporate drone or checkers at Wall-Mart- but to follow their bliss and be of service to themselves their fellow beings.
We are also marching for our plant and every creature who swims crawls or slithers upon the earth – they too have rights – the right to live undisturbed and grace us with their energy.
So when I am asked should children participate in tomorrows activities – my answer is a resounding . – Yes!
And I also say this – that we should all as parents of the City of Oakland – call the Mayor and every member of our city government and DEMAND that the police force act with wisdom and respect for citizens and their children as they participate in a historic event and walk under the protection guaranteed them by right of citizenship…
I will be there tomorrow at noon at the main public library for the Children’s Brigade March – I hope to see many of your there.
I acknowledge and respect any decision a parents makes in the best interest of their child – always.
Much love !