APRIL 5, 2006
The
number of persons willing to risk life and limb in pursuit of principle always amazes me. Whether it is Julia or John in a tree, Diane Wilson or Randy Hayes hanging banners, or the local activist fighting to preserve the last remaining wetlands in the area, each are doing something special on behalf of all of us, and for very little personal gain, if any at all. That is the act of the true patriot.
I admire those who speak truth to power in creative ways and activism today has become something of an art form. Historically, the prophets of the Old Testament were actively pursuing ways to shed light on the behavior of the people. In essence they developed a technique I call mirror bearing. That is they asked people and communities tribes and nations to look at themselves in the mirror. A prophet asked people to be accountable for their behavior. Amos, Hosea, Isaiah and Jeremiah are the best known from that era.
An activist, who goes to a town meeting, hangs a banner on the local chemical plant, or sits in a tree is simply bringing attention to an important issue in a creative manner. Their action basically says in picture form, in many cases, look what you are doing and please consider changing your behavior.
How can any one of us sit on our hands doing nothing when all around us we see where our voice could make a difference? Long critical of human apathy, the activist or prophet calls to attention a population that has fallen asleep, and when that activism is gaining notoriety then opportunity for change develops.
John Quigley sitting in Old Glory for 70 days saved the tree from being cut. Diane Wilson's hunger strike brought attention to the discharge of chemicals into her fishing community. Few of us many take such dramatic action, but if you are one who cares about his or her surroundings, i.e. an environment you will certainly discover an issue in your area that needs your voice.
--Peter