Category: Commentary

Opinion Articles on Social Justice topics

Pablo DeJesús on the Shutdown “Pause” – Notes for Justice Seekers

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The shutdown is over — for now — perhaps better stated, it’s on pause, certainly so on the political front, as the new February deadline looms.  But the economic and social costs have yet to be fully tallied or analyzed. Early work suggests pervasive effects and consequences will be felt. And, deeply divisive legislative and … Continue reading Pablo DeJesús on the Shutdown “Pause” – Notes for Justice Seekers

Alicia Sanchez Gill Freemyn on The Politics of Inherent Worth & Dignity — Our Continuing Journey

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As the nights become longer, and our days become colder, I feel my body slowing down, craving warmth and demanding in no uncertain terms: rest. I have spent the last 24 months, not unlike many of you, protesting almost daily, working in overdrive and drinking too much coffee. And I know I am not alone. … Continue reading Alicia Sanchez Gill Freemyn on The Politics of Inherent Worth & Dignity — Our Continuing Journey

Eleanor Piez on the Federal Policy of Separating Families

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The federal policy of separating families – children from parents, income-earners from dependents – is not new. In June, it jumped into bold relief with the U.S. Department of Justice’s action to criminalize people for exercising their right to seek asylum, then incarcerate them without tracking where they and their children were sent. But detention, … Continue reading Eleanor Piez on the Federal Policy of Separating Families

Elisabeth Geschiere on “Why I Believe Nonviolent Direct Action* is Imperative”

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I was listening to a 2015 speech by former California congress member and former Oakland mayor Ron Dellums, who died recently of cancer, called “Vietnam: The Power of Protest.” He shared how young people have asked him about the difference between his generation–the generation of the Black Civil Rights movement and the Vietnam War protests–and … Continue reading Elisabeth Geschiere on “Why I Believe Nonviolent Direct Action* is Imperative”

Rev. Tanner on “I Was A Wearied Kind of Ready: Lessons from Poor People’s Campaign”

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Sitting in the hot tent I could feel the damp air rising from the ground while I held my two-week old baby.  I found myself in an unintentional sauna in DC. Just two hours before, 25,000 people gathered across the National Mall for the Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival (PPC: NCMR). … Continue reading Rev. Tanner on “I Was A Wearied Kind of Ready: Lessons from Poor People’s Campaign”

Rev. Koteen on “Discovering the Roots of Injustice: How Political and Economic Inequity Are Foundational to All Oppressions”

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There are many versions of the Grail legend. In one of them, Percival, the original Grail knight, sees the Grail when he is an adolescent. However, he fails to ask the critical question: Who does the Grail serve? He does not ask because his parents have taught him that it is impolite to ask questions. … Continue reading Rev. Koteen on “Discovering the Roots of Injustice: How Political and Economic Inequity Are Foundational to All Oppressions”