Next First Friday

Hijacking America

Since the devastating events of September 11, 2001, American society has undergone dramatic revisions, re-shaped to meet the definitions of a new global reality. But many of us are profoundly disturbed by those definitions and the resulting changes. There are difficult questions we must ask as we come to terms with who we are, and who we might be becoming.

• What has happened to civil liberties and the Constitutional protections of our Bill of Rights? Is this justified, and acceptable? What does it mean for a free society?
• Have the social programs that provide real domestic security and stability been sacrificed to pay the for escalated militarism and foreign wars? What are the choices that will make us safer and more secure as a society?
• Has our collective sense of identity, dignity, and well-being been affected? How?
• What are the impacts of the current intense focus on terrorism to our sense of common purpose, our hope for the future?
• Are there parallels between the Cold War against communism and the current "war on terrorism"?
• Who benefits from current economic, social, and military policies? Can that change?
• Are we capable of using the crises of this time to create positive, meaningful change toward a more just, more peaceful future?

Beyond those broad issues, we also see intensified partisanship and increased danger of the manipulation of election results in the November presidential election. Are there pro-active possibilities for ensuring clean election results? What are the actions and ideas being shaped now to respond in the event of a hijacked election?

The social and political realities of American society at this point in time are ripe with danger, contradiction, challenge, and opportunity. In our work for change, for justice, and for a future of beauty and hope, obstacles can seem insurmountable, conflict inevitable, and success only possible in dreams.

Coming together in community is vital, to hear each other's concerns and perspectives, face our greatest fears, and think creatively about appropriate, skillful responses to the crises of our time —responses that can produce a fundamental cultural shift toward justice, equality, environmental integrity, and peace.

Our after–dinner community conversation on September 3 will be a time to explore these questions, and an opportunity to consider how we bring the deepest values of our hearts into powerful work for change.

Everyone is welcome at First Friday. Bring a vegetarian or vegan dish to share and join the conversation. There is no charge, but donations are appreciated.