THINKING....
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From: Bruce S.
Date: Friday, February 27, 2009, 2:19 PM
Subject: thinking....
Reply to: 267311
ID: 267312

Dear Sharon -- thanks for your thoughtful comments...

I think what I would like to do -- is respond in the form of a "dialogue" -- a kind of email format that some of us began to explore in the early 1990's, and which I have found very useful.

It is too often true that in email conversations, people don't really listen to each other. Instead of responding to what the other persons says, there is a tendency to blast off one's opinions or judgments. This "dialogue" format helps prevent that.

And I will say -- that I appreciate the care and listening that you are doing. Yes, you are right -- some of us here have known each other for a long time. I learned much of what I know about "circles" and "resonance" from Jeanie and Bonnie and Lucky. So yes, we do have a momentum.

But these days, we are widely separated -- Lucky is in Baltimore, Jeanie in Hawaii. So, we have to practice "resonance at a distance". Let me see how I can respond to your comments....

*****

Sharon: I have been with many of my own inner thoughts and staying in a listening space to the conversations. I feel that I have dropped into the middle of a previously created process that is continuing to move circles into broader circles of conversations of spoken wisdom.

Bruce: Well -- there is a long-standing momentum here, yes. But we have not actually agreed to do anything, or that these ideas emerging here are somehow a contact we have all signed. This is a living co-creative process, that we are working out as we speak.

Sharon: I am going to assume that we all have a clear commitment to the idea of a collaborative process whereby it is critical to have those who do not agree at the table.

Bruce: Yes, very much so. This is an important point -- more than important: it's essential (therre is a lot to say about this, but "creative diversity" is critical to the vitality of any society).

Sharon: I have agree that circles are needed.

Bruce: Good, thanks.

Sharon: What I do not agree with is the concept that taking action in situations where human rights are in danger and families are being separated in violent ways is the "old paradigm". Just the label serves to distance. I am sure that such a view would keep our sisters within other cultures who are experiencing this very real trauma from feeling safe or even joining in the conversation. There is time for conversation and time for action.

Bruce: Well, ok -- this might be so, and I appreciate your passion and concern -- but there might be a real issue here -- and that issue is: not everybody agrees with you -- at least as regards this immediate question of law-enforcement in the USA (conditions might be very different elsewhere).

That's just a fact. So -- what do we do about that? My point would be -- that a difficult issue like this -- may not always have a simple and obvious moral-high-ground answer.

So, on that point -- we might disagree. I believe that there are real issues regarding "immigration". I think these issues have to be addressed and solved within an inclusive/holistic context. It may be that in some particular cases, there are clear abuses. No doubt that is true. But in general -- immigration is a very tough issue, and I think we need a careful holistic "all-sided" approach -- that considers that perhaps it is not appropriate for people to enter the USA without some kind of proper legal clearance. I am very sympathetic to immigrants, but I also see that this is a tough issue. I'd like to see this issue considered in a "circle-like" way. Maybe we need a "survey on immigration" that looks at all these issues, and considers the best way to approach them.

Sharon: The same is true with what I have sometimes seen as the extreme bias against any hint of "top down" leadership. That view separates also. There are times for circle and times for an organizational structure.

Bruce: Yes -- this is an important point. I think I should go back to the survey I just created, and add this point. It's true, just as you say -- some people tend to see "circle vs. hierarchy" in an "either/or" way -- which tends to become exclusivist and destructive. We need both, just as you suggest.

Sharon: What I am being drawn toward is less discussion, less talk, less decisions about what is sensitive or politically correct to a neutral system of information flow. As I said to Bruce, I like the model that Lois Herman works within with reports about women and children from the U.N. I get maybe 10 daily and can keep informed on situations throughout the world and can act as I choice. Also, the website, www.usatogether.org which makes specific requests possible and allows visitors to contribute as they choice.

Bruce: Sounds good to me.

I think my own larger vision -- is of a kind of consultative process -- that embraces all points of view -- and does not presume that "the other guys are evil" -- though, in some cases, they probably are, and need to be stopped. I am not going to convene a circle to discuss whether we should let terrorists blow up our cities. But I do think we need very careful and all-sided consultation on issues of immigration -- though I would certainly agree that brutality is never acceptable, and must be stopped.

Sharon: While I freshened the sisterspace.net site, I realized that I have already started and laid the groundwork for what may be my next step. I am going to poll my listeners and visitors to get a sense of their interest in this weaving.

Bruce: Good. We would love to help you with that. And, of course you realize that you could do this through your SisterSpace group on LightPages....

Sharon: Also, I am reaching out to other organizations to poll my ethnic diverse sisters. I have talked to many women in leadership positions throughout the country and will continue that process also.

Bruce: Also good, glad to hear it. I appreciate the activist spirit -- we definitely need that.

Sharon: I will check out the new questions that you have put up Bruce.

Blessings as we move forward.

Bruce: Thanks. Let's keep listening, let's keep growing.