When our editorial staff discussed Activism as a theme for this issue of the Journal, I was struck by the differing concepts we each held as to what activism was for each of us. For some, it was very personal and inward, and while its effects first appear to be primarily in the home, the impacts were potentially far ranging. Examples were: doing the best you can in loving and raising your children, being open and caring with your friends and families, and giving yourself some time for introspection, relaxation, renewal and re-creation. Some of this sounds simple, but I know from personal experience that I have to lobby hard against (or just ignore or side-step) my personal inner gremlins just to get some of these things done or even started. Inner and close-to-home activism doesn’t get the press it deserves, and the resultant perceived changes may not be immediately obvious, but the impact is often powerful and persistent. For others, activism is immediately outward, seeking political or cultural change.

For myself, this past year I have been stunned and stung by the corporate disclosures of economic thefts by Enron, WorldCom and others; the demonizing, pro-war comments from our President, White House staff and cabinet; and the abdication of legislative war powers by our Congress. The combination of hubris, fear-mongering, spin-doctoring and misinformation which currently defines the developing public personality of our country, I believe, requires a series of strong mid-course corrections to place us back in the direction of the ideals which have inspired generations of Americans and others: Openness, Personal Freedoms, Justice and Opportunity. There is no doubt in my mind that these principles are as important (and necessary) to realize in our own personal and immediate lives as they are on a national scale, and that if we are able to put them into effect locally, they would spread globally.

And why haven’t more of our representatives and members of the media examined and commented on our corporate and imperious national character? I think they and we are waiting for the other person to stand up first or to shout out the truth about the Emperor’s New Clothes. Well, look around; I think the others are you and us.

I have received tremendous inspiration and encouragement from the women and men featured in this issue. People like Julia Butterfly Hill who, by living in a giant redwood for two years, saved an ancient and noble being, and changed the consciousness of many. And Scott Ritter, who defines patriotism and citizenship as active, personal involvement in your neighborhood, city and nation. Danielle Patterson Shenandoah models for us true community as she rallies friends and neighbors in an effort to save her home on the traditional Oneida land.  Pete Seeger is still going strong speaking the truth about personal honor and the acts of individuals making a difference in all of our lives. Yes, there’s a lot of work (and play) to do out there, and whether it’s getting the right school board member or senator elected, or making sure your kids know that they’re loved and why it’s important to play fair and play smart, it’s all worth doing. And you meet some great people along the way.

Larry Becker