Well I'll tell ya Pilgrim

I have a picture on my Facebook page where my wife and I are dressed up like Pilgrims. We live in AZ and obviously immigration is all over our local headlines. Unfortunately Sheriff Joe Arpaio is the patron saint of racists in our state and we get to see him all over the news. We decided a couple of years ago to be Pilgrims for Halloween and place signs around our necks that read, "Original Illegal Aliens." We got a little bit of attention that night and a tad more when I placed it as my profile picture the last two Thanksgivings. Recently the picture gained the attention of radical feminist Nikki Craft. She liked it enough to take the image and add her own artistic flare to it. I have been fortunate enough to have some small email exchanges with her. She is amazing and her work and activism speak for themselves. I have been reading some pieces she suggested (after I inquired) and I'm being challenged daily about how I view the world. I have met some amazing people recently via the Internet and I look forward to the journey of exploring new thoughts and ideas. Here is a link to the picture if you're interested.

www.nikkicraft.com/genocide/index.html

Talkin' Privilege

A couple of weeks ago I presented a workshop for Maricopa County employees. It was for a diversity conference and it included a nice range of social justice topics. My workshop was titled "The Disease of Whiteness." I did a morning and an afternoon session and had about 30 participants in each session. I received many compliments and it was nice to finally have white men give me some props. I have been asked to present again by another department within the county so it seems maybe the message of justice is beginning to reach some people.

A few friends of mine presented as well and one group of friends made a very positive impression. Truality is the name of their group and they bring a fresh approach to many issues. You can see their work at Truality.org and please look for their social network site soon at Mytruality.com.

Obama

Well fellow citizens we did it. I am in shock...really. I feel happiness for the first time in a long time. I actually felt some American (US0f A) pride. We have chosen a man who can inspire and lead but we all must act. The hatred and ignorance still exist as they did yesterday. The long road finally has a map to follow. My god we finally woke up for at least a second or two.

My LGBT friends have taken a blow this week. Several states still believe bigotry is justified under the name of god. History will ultimately show them their ugliness. I need to be more vocal on this front.

I wonder what the McCainites feel like today? I guess in some ways I don't really care. All I know is that this country has kept me involved a little longer. I guess I identify with more people than I really thought possible.

My black brothers and sisters have waited lifetimes for this moment. I can't even fathom what they must feel. It is time for a new day and I am ready to listen to those who have had no voice. I am ready to be a better ally.