Endurance

Celebrating life, not death, is what distinguishes the indigenous nations from the national security states.

When new vessels are first launched, they go on what is termed a shakedown cruise, to find out if any fastenings are loose. The new administration of the United States doesn't need one of these excursions, however, to tell what is unhinged.

The new occupants of Congress, the White House, and the Supreme Court are so enmeshed in militarism, that to be anti-war is considered un-American. In an earlier era, I'd have said the sanest solution would have been to burn their houses down and run them out of town on a rail.

But today, these corrupt institutions merely reflect a thoroughly corrupted society, and correcting this situation requires a more comprehensive transformation. Transforming consciousness to the point where the most corrupt and ruthless are imprisoned rather than handed the reins of power, however, might very well induce a national nervous breakdown. Still, with the very survival of humankind in the balance, perhaps better sooner than later.

Our friend Dr. Mona El Farra, a physician with the Palestinian Red Crescent, writes a daily account of what it's like trying to treat the wounded and malnourished day in and day out under apartheid, siege, and occupation. With the invasion of Gaza today, human casualties and health crises will inevitably mount. Mona suggests contacting Middle East Children's Alliance for information on how to help the sick and wounded in Gaza.