Maggi Martin talked about the evolution of IVAW and the work they are doing with a project called the "Ft. Hood Report", a research study and outreach project focused on active duty and their families and the culture of the military and its' effects on the family such as secondary PTS and suicide (22 vets a day, but realize that family members commit suicide as well; distraught mothers etc.).
Hart Viges delivered a very important and passionate speech about his work in the schools and on the streets. His main idea is to cut off the supply line to the military, namely our children. War toys marketed to kids ("ages 4 and up") it's true, right, you know the USMC and the Army have their own toy lines in Walmarts...( I noticed that a couple months ago) and the military spends 4 BILLION dollars on PR?
Jason Hurd. What can I say? I LOVE this guy. He speaks from his heart, and his message is so pure, and positive, his story so powerful, his work so relevant...I was crying part of the time, it was like he was channelling messages from the Earth. So yeah. He's awesome. He's an environmental guy, all about the Regreening. As a matter of fact it is very encouraging to me to know that others feel the same as I do, it was like this panel addressed different chapters from my book, so I must be on the right path!
Camillo did a great job tying all these disparate issue into a single vision for peace, and Ross turned our attention to making reparations to those we have hurt both on a national policy level and in our personal lives, as well as the need for solidarity with the victims of war (all of us). He brought up veterans' priveledge, and what that looks like, and what it means, what it is, actually.
Camped with IVAW lasr night, good times,good times. Well the day is young; I am off to another workshop: PTSD: Natural Remedies and Alternative Approaches to Healing. (conducted by Jason)
Peace!