How change happens
in History

Today while I was cooking dinner the doorbell rang. I quickly went to the front door and found a smiling man wanting to take just a ‘few seconds’ of my time. He introduced himself as with a Citizen Action group collecting petitions against actions of Governor Walker. I knew he was seeking money for the organization and in the past would have listened to him and maybe even given some money. However, with food on the stove I told him I did not have time to listen to him. He then asked me to simply sign the petition. Normally I might have done that but tonight I said No, Thank you.

Recently I have been reflecting on the petitions to sign, the letters and emails to write, the phone calls to make and even voting. Most causes are worthwhile and I agree with the desired outcome. However, I am seeing all these type of activities as distractions, to make us think we are doing something and making a difference why the “powers that be” keep on doing more of the same.

Take for example the present wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. For over 10 years some in the peace community have been calling for in speeches, petitions and protest for an end to these wars. But the wars continue and now instead of two we are fighting five wars, with the addition of military efforts in Libya, Pakistan and Yemen. Our military budget and our aide to countries for war efforts grows while we sign more petitions hear more talks and vote.

I feel that I and our nation are suffering from TMI (Too Much Information) and TMT (Too Much Talking). History tells us that we need to take action, nonviolent actions like strikes and civil disobedience to make real social and political change. Talk and emails will not do it. Can we hear history?

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