| Temp Topic (to be edited later or hidden to all but us) [message #157] |
Sat, 04 April 2009 19:08  |
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 miker
Messages: 53
Registered: December 2008 |
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Hi Folks ---
I'll start by copying Jude's email here:
| Quote: |
Sent: Saturday, April 04, 2009 6:59 AM
Subject: save the date
[Jim writes] Folks,
Below and attached is a save the date notice for the Afghan event. Please spread the word and go for sponsorships from groups to which you belong or which you know. I will bring copies of this to the Vigil this morning.
Thanks,
Jim
PLEASE SAVE THE DATE: 29 APRIL 2009
AND SPREAD THE WORD
FOR A PUBLIC DISCUSSION ON AFGHANISTAN AND PAKISTAN
DRAFT OF THE ANNOUNCEMENT:
The Afghanistan/Pakistan Puzzle
A Public Discussion
led by
Shelagh Foreman
Program Director
Massachusetts Peace Action
United for Justice with Peace
Afghanistan Working Group
Wednesday, 29 April 2009
7:00 - 8:30 PM
Morse Pond School Auditorium
Shelagh Foreman, Program Director at Massachusetts Peace Action, will begin with a presentation of background information on Afghanistan and Pakistan.
[Jude writes] I don't necessarily see why Shelagh should be the one to present this information. I am sure that she has good information. But i haven't seen it so I don't really know ! It would be nice to get a fact sheet (a la mine) before the event. I have spent 20 hours on this and also have good information - that doesn't concentrate solely on the last 20-30 years of "politics and warts" in this region. As I recall it was over three weeks ago that I volunteered to research background information... And so I did.
A brief video presentation will provide common ground for discussion.
What is title and content of video presentation. Who produced this? And how - exactly - will this provide "common ground"? A little revelation would also be good here.
The plan of the Obama administration for Afghanistan and Pakistan will be described,
Who will describe the Obama plan and from what perspective? As I recall I volunteered to do this also over three weeks ago. First I was considered to be to "biased" and "in-credible" because of my membership in falmouthpeace. Then I am considered to be biased because of my moderate stance - accurately reflecting the Obama position. This has been seen as a serious move to the right by some. And thus not "balanced". I point out - for about the fourth time -that my 13 points, My Thoughts and My Options do not necessarily support increased military presence in Af-Pak (as we are now calling it). In fact over half present a pretty strong case for not wading in any further. I am a member in good standing with falmouthpeace but my hard word has been sorta shunted aside I think? Thus I sense a minor "diss". I'll get over it. But this certainly discourages me to work this hard on falmouthpeace initiatives in the future.
along with alternative proposals which stress regional cooperation, conflict resolution and humanitarian assistance rather than increased dependence on military intervention. A brief review of Congressional responses to the problem will be included. Approximately half the time will be reserved for questions and further discussion in the manner of a public forum.
Again I say this public "forum" has to follow that of a structured public meeting. If it is not going to turn into something else - less desirable. As our first public forum did. No Chair, No control. There is a reason why they give the Chair a gavel!! Have you ever seen the British House of Lords in Action? I believe that I have the most experience in these matters having controlled dozens of public hearings as Chair of the Planning Board. Every one of them successfully. Every one of them using the gavel. Many of these had the potential to be far more contentious than the Af-Pak event - private property and equity theft via zoning changes bring out the worst in everyone). Let it be made clear that I am not necessarily asking for: 1) the Fact Sheet; 2) the Obama position; or 3) Chairmanship. I AM seeking - through these suggestion to make this a FAIR event. The presentation is to be wholly controlled by the Program Director; Massachusetts Peace Action; United for Justice with Peace; Afghanistan Working Group - sans program content. This seems how? to set the stage for "common ground" discussion. Just my humble, consistent opinion. One I think deserves some sort of answer...
In Peace and Some Frustration (jess a little) - Jude
The formal program will be followed by refreshments and informal conversation.
Presented by Falmouth Peace
www.falmouthpeace.org)
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Verily I say unto you, as ye have done unto the least of these my brethren, so ye have done unto me.
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| Re: Temp Topic (to be edited later or hidden to all but us) [message #158 is a reply to message #157 ] |
Sat, 04 April 2009 22:26  |
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miker
Messages: 53
Registered: December 2008 |
Member |
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Hey Jude ---
The upcoming "forum" on the Puzzle of Afghanistan is likely to come and go causing only the merest ripple in the fabric of space-time, with the wavelets soon receding into undetectability. But, it seems to me, anticipation of the event is generating a veritable tsunami.
As the audience convenes, the US will be involved in whatever it is attempting to accomplish in Afghanistan. As they exit, same thing. And the next day? Life (and death) will go on.
There is a great temptation to take ourselves too seriously. It is natural enough to defy the feelings of impotency, to hope that somehow with sufficient passion and study that we can arrive at the perfect solution to this infernal puzzle, crack the cosmic code, and set the world aright.
But all our solutions amount to guesses, both educated and not.
I am sure that you could do a superb job of conducting the meeting, and I don't take your recent study lightly, but think about the genesis of this whole thing:
1. Shelagh was to give a presentation on Afghanistan.
2. Some of us (me included) were looking forward to this presentation.
3. The selection of the library as venue required (we thought) that an alternative position be allowed in fairness.
4. Some of us suggested that we NOT use the library.
5. We indeed agreed to hold the event elsewhere.
Which brings us full circle. Shelagh was to give a presentation. And I would like to hear what she and her colleagues think about this puzzle. I didn't and don't want a debate. I think slowly and deliberately. That's my style. I am a poor multitasker. And I want to hear Shelagh's take on the topic. Preferably hers alone.
Putting this a little differently, if I were to give a talk on say, the early compositions of John Fahey, I would likewise prefer to just give a talk. Not be countered by some other authority. Just give a talk. People get bored, think its bullshit, they take off. Simple.
And that's what I would recommend for Shelagh's presentation.
In friendship --- Mike
Verily I say unto you, as ye have done unto the least of these my brethren, so ye have done unto me.
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