[Dialogue] "One never know, do one?"

[Janice & Abe Ulangca]

Excellent food for thought.  Thanks, Bill.  Janice Ulangca
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Bill Schlesinger 
  To: 'Colleague Dialogue' 
  Sent: Monday, July 11, 2005 12:28 PM
  Subject: RE: [Dialogue] "One never know, do one?"


  Democracy isn't our defining focus.  Representative Democracy is the playing
  field in which we try to shape our common vision.  

  The basic thrust of pro-choice is that women need to be in control of their
  bodies, and not 'objects' for either sex or child bearing.  Sex and child
  bearing are decisions that they want to be able to make without social or
  legal restraint.

  The thrust of the gay, lesbian and bi-sexual movement is that the ability to
  make and sustain commitments, including partnering and child rearing, should
  not be restricted to one gender orientation.

  The thrust of those who are concerned about the poor and the underserved is
  that the commitment of the entire society -- not just the 'volunteers' -- is
  necessary for the care of all and the humane base for a society of growth
  and possibility.  That does not contradict the charge of 'welfare-ism' in
  the practice of many programs, but sustains it and asks that such care be
  done in ways that value people's potential and evoke more, not less,
  responsibility from all people.

  A similar issue underlies labor and immigration folk:  Social and economic
  designs are made for human beings to grow and develop, not to be objects of
  manipulation or a hypocritical use-and-throw-away approach.

  So:  
  Responsibility means choice; Choice means responsibility.  
  Laws to fit people, not people to fit laws.  
  Government is how we all make decisions for all of us.  
  Shape a future for all of us.  
  Choice means freedom; Freedom means choice.  
  Use things, love people or love things and use people.  
  (Reminds me of the old 'Want peace?  Work for Justice!" line)
  Every human being counts, and should.

  The place to start, I'm convinced, is local -- precincts, city and county,
  United Way and school board decisions. We need to figure out how to do it --
  health care, housing, education -- from the bottom up.  We need to use the
  models and the methods in the give and take of local decision-making to
  shape decisions about how taxes are used and federal dollars applied.  Then
  we need to move up the ladder with a base of demonstrated competence.  

  I don't think we're going to solve a divisive, polarized situation by
  pushing the vote on one candidate or another.  I appreciate those who've
  chosen this direction, respect them and work to support them.  But our
  skills lie in a different area, and we need a different -- dare I use the
  word -- paradigm or image that isn't filled with jargon but with concrete
  experience.

  FWIW.

   

  Bill Schlesinger
  Project Vida
  3607 Rivera Ave
  El Paso, TX 79905
  (915) 533-7057 x 207
  (915) 490-6148 mobile
  (915) 533-7158 fax
  pvida at sbcglobal.net


  -----Original Message-----
  From: Dialogue-bounces at wedgeblade.net
  [mailto:Dialogue-bounces at wedgeblade.net] On Behalf Of David & Lin Zahrt
  Sent: Monday, July 11, 2005 9:05 AM
  To: Colleague Dialogue
  Subject: RE: [Dialogue] "One never know, do one?"

  How many more 'slogans' that would be wake-up calls?

  Try Democracy, not Theocracy

  ..................