Thanks for the opportunity to clarify my last post.
If you'll read back a few days, you'll find me urging those Pagans who feel they can be active in the political arena to do so....whether they are Democrats, Republicans, Greens, or independents. Further, those who feel they would rather not be active in a partisan way were urged to become active in an organization whose focus (environmental, civil liberties, and the like) matched their own viewpoint. I even urged Pagans attending the Republican National Convention to comment on their experiences, as I have commented on mine.
By their very nature blogs are personal stories. I can only tell my own and urge others to do the same. My point and purpose is that Pagans are very much affected by those in political power. Laws and court decisions affect us, as they affect people of every faith. My own personal belief is that those of us who can spare an hour or two once in a while for political action ought to do so. It will take more than slapping on a bumpersticker; it will take a strong effort to become known (and even relied upon) by those in power.
I've heard people say that we Pagans represent the next civil rights movement, and that may well be so. For us to succeed we must come out of the shadows and start stuffing envelopes.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Thursday, August 28, 2008
The Gods Are Invoked....
By the time you read this you will all have seen the news coverage of the last event of the Democratic National Convention. First we heard from Al Gore, Joe Biden and other great speakers, and there was some wonderful music.
Barack Obama, the first African-American nominated by a major political party in US history and speaking on the anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's famous "I have a dream" speech, was even more inspiring that usual. But our Pagan delegates will long remember the opportunity we had to invoke the Gods at an official convention event, thus making history of a different sort.
Let me explain, because you may not have caught the final item on the agenda (CNN, at least, went to a commercial instead of airing it).
At the end of a wonderful, joyful night, complete with fireworks and confetti (including a cascade of white stars), came an invocation. Until the last, there was no hint of how it would close, but then it came: the minister said he would pause before the end of the prayer and encouraged everyone in Invesco Field to finish it as they would in their own faith tradition.
And so the Gods came to that venue, as I completed the invocation with "by the Gods of my people, so mote it be!"
Friends, Barack Obama continues to amaze me. In being welcoming to Pagans, he appears to be counting on our assistance, hoping that the help we will give him might balance the harm this could cause him among evangelicals. I, for one, intend to pay off on that gamble.
If he's this Pagan-friendly, if we continue to be given a place at the table, it bodes well for us all.
Barack Obama, the first African-American nominated by a major political party in US history and speaking on the anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's famous "I have a dream" speech, was even more inspiring that usual. But our Pagan delegates will long remember the opportunity we had to invoke the Gods at an official convention event, thus making history of a different sort.
Let me explain, because you may not have caught the final item on the agenda (CNN, at least, went to a commercial instead of airing it).
At the end of a wonderful, joyful night, complete with fireworks and confetti (including a cascade of white stars), came an invocation. Until the last, there was no hint of how it would close, but then it came: the minister said he would pause before the end of the prayer and encouraged everyone in Invesco Field to finish it as they would in their own faith tradition.
And so the Gods came to that venue, as I completed the invocation with "by the Gods of my people, so mote it be!"
Friends, Barack Obama continues to amaze me. In being welcoming to Pagans, he appears to be counting on our assistance, hoping that the help we will give him might balance the harm this could cause him among evangelicals. I, for one, intend to pay off on that gamble.
If he's this Pagan-friendly, if we continue to be given a place at the table, it bodes well for us all.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Inclusive....You Bet!
I was inspired by the great comments from my last post; thanks to all who read it, and, like me, felt themselves a welcome part of the effort to elect Barack Obama and of the Democratic Party.
The Maine GOP, as represented by conservative blog As Maine Goes, felt differently. No surprise. For the entire list of comments (mostly addressed at my co-blogger, Ed Lachowicz), follow this link:
http://www
If you don't have time to go through all the muck, here are some examples:
And...
And finally...
The Maine GOP, as represented by conservative blog As Maine Goes, felt differently. No surprise. For the entire list of comments (mostly addressed at my co-blogger, Ed Lachowicz), follow this link:
http://www.asmainegoes.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=57940
If you don't have time to go through all the muck, here are some examples:
I hope more Democrat pagans come out of the closet in Denver. I hope they all come out for the country to see.
Reading "The Case Against Barack Obama" recently, I learned that Saul Alinsky's "Rules for Radicals," which seems to have been both Barack's and Hillary's bible in their youth, was dedicated to Lucifer by the author. In subsequent editions, that dedication was removed
And...
For shame! Wasting his time in Denver when he could be exorcising the evil spirits from the Pentagon!
And finally...
Does he talk to satan and does satan talk back?
How many satan worshiping moonpies can you fit
into a Democratic National Convention?
all of them.
the change we need.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Interfaith? Yes, interfaith...really!
I approached today's interfaith service with a grain of salt. OK, let's be truthful...a bucket of salt would be closer to the way I was feeling. Knowing that several folks in Pagan leadership had sent e-mails to the Obama "people of faith"outreach, and that none of us had received a response, I was prepared for disappointment.
Joyfully that's not what I got.
First of all, religious symbols, always powerful in the way they show the mindset of event organizers, were all but invisible.
There was a globe, a mandala, and some stars. No cross, no Star of David, no calligraphic verses from the Koran. All these images which might have indicated the supremacy of "People of the Book" were nowhere to be seen.
Clergy with significant parts of the service included Christian, Jewish, Muslim, and Buddhist (they're pantheist, right?), but nowhere was there the sort of heavily trodden path of "we're Christian and everyone else had best keep out of our way" that is often seen in so-called interfaith observances.
Led by convention CEO Rev. Leah Daughtry, who is pastor of a church in Washington, DC, the service stressed equality, peace, social justice, and free speech (with one of the speakers plainly disagreeing with the Democratic Party platform plank on a woman's right to choose).
The high point for me, where Rev. Daughtry proved how inclusive she had planned the service to be, came when she stated, "We are created in the image of our Creator, whatever we call Him or Her." Acknowledgment of the feminine divine truly demonstrated how inclusive the Democratic Party is, and made me proud to be a Democrat.
As Rev. Daughtry said, "The Democratic Party may not be perfect, but it's perfect for me."
Joyfully that's not what I got.
First of all, religious symbols, always powerful in the way they show the mindset of event organizers, were all but invisible.
There was a globe, a mandala, and some stars. No cross, no Star of David, no calligraphic verses from the Koran. All these images which might have indicated the supremacy of "People of the Book" were nowhere to be seen.
Clergy with significant parts of the service included Christian, Jewish, Muslim, and Buddhist (they're pantheist, right?), but nowhere was there the sort of heavily trodden path of "we're Christian and everyone else had best keep out of our way" that is often seen in so-called interfaith observances.
Led by convention CEO Rev. Leah Daughtry, who is pastor of a church in Washington, DC, the service stressed equality, peace, social justice, and free speech (with one of the speakers plainly disagreeing with the Democratic Party platform plank on a woman's right to choose).
The high point for me, where Rev. Daughtry proved how inclusive she had planned the service to be, came when she stated, "We are created in the image of our Creator, whatever we call Him or Her." Acknowledgment of the feminine divine truly demonstrated how inclusive the Democratic Party is, and made me proud to be a Democrat.
As Rev. Daughtry said, "The Democratic Party may not be perfect, but it's perfect for me."
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Circle for Peace
This evening, after a great supper at the Mercury Cafe (witchy, hippy hangout, great food, well worth visiting when you're next in Denver), I had the privilege of attended a Circle for Peace in Downtown Denver.
As someone far more used to holding ritual surrounded by trees, I'll admit I had a few misgivings. How could we create the same feeling of closeness to Nature in a downtown parking lot? No problem. If the people involved truly believe in Peace, and in each other....if those in the circle connect with Nature as it exists in that parking lot, the circle just might work.
And so it did.
We were about twenty, young and old, men and women, and we joyfully joined minds and hearts in our hopes that peace and unity would come out of this convention.
We made and decorated prayer flags which will hang from a building for the duration of the convention, and enjoyed each other's company. Thanks for the hospitality, and the ride back to the hotel!
Tomorrow is the official convention interfaith circle. As far as I know there will be no Pagans with "speaking parts" but there certainly will be Pagans in that room. We will stand together, and represent ourselves and others who could not attend.
Wish us luck. Someone tonight said we Pagans just might represent the next big Civil Rights movement.
Speaking for myself (and, after all, I can truly do no more than that) I would be honored to carry that wand into the future.
As someone far more used to holding ritual surrounded by trees, I'll admit I had a few misgivings. How could we create the same feeling of closeness to Nature in a downtown parking lot? No problem. If the people involved truly believe in Peace, and in each other....if those in the circle connect with Nature as it exists in that parking lot, the circle just might work.
And so it did.
We were about twenty, young and old, men and women, and we joyfully joined minds and hearts in our hopes that peace and unity would come out of this convention.
We made and decorated prayer flags which will hang from a building for the duration of the convention, and enjoyed each other's company. Thanks for the hospitality, and the ride back to the hotel!
Tomorrow is the official convention interfaith circle. As far as I know there will be no Pagans with "speaking parts" but there certainly will be Pagans in that room. We will stand together, and represent ourselves and others who could not attend.
Wish us luck. Someone tonight said we Pagans just might represent the next big Civil Rights movement.
Speaking for myself (and, after all, I can truly do no more than that) I would be honored to carry that wand into the future.
Friday, August 22, 2008
A nation of discontent
(Cross-posted at Turn Maine Blue)
Almost eight years have passed since the (s)election of our president. Through those years, we have seen the trust America puts in herself dismantled. What isn't often spoken of is the fact that the percentage of people who support George W. Bush are in direct correlation to those of us who trust our country, and in particular, our government. The remainder, for the most part, have lost faith in government.
This is not to say that we do not love our country. On the contrary, the fact that we distrust, the fact that we are angry about the state of our union, is because we are so deeply patriotic. We care so strongly about the fall from grace which our country has suffered through that it enrages us.
I am angry not because I have anger issues, but because when I hear about another person who dies because they don't have health care, or because they froze to death without oil to heat their home, I take that personally. I'm a Wiccan, and I take my vow to do my very best to harm none seriously. Every time this happens to a person in America, it is a failure of her government. And Democrats are complicit in this failure.
Since Democrats took power in 2006, we have seen the fourth amendment trampled. We have seen the funding for the Iraq War consistently renewed. And this is only the beginning. And now, it's offshore drilling that's next. Every principle, we piss away without much of a fight.
Every time that that petulant son of a bitch up in the Maison Blanche (petulance is best expressed in French, according to the Republican Party) stamps His Mighty Feet, Democrats scramble for the quickest way to insert their heads as far up their asses as they can physically manage. The Republicans, meanwhile, manage that which we cannot- unity.
It is utterly pathetic that we speak of needing massive supermajorities in each house, because otherwise we can't hold enough of us together to accomplish the people's will. The people want the war over, they want universal health care, they favor almost every position that we represent. All we have to do is stand up for our principles, and the average American citizen will support us. Instead, Congress rests firmly at a 10% approval rating.
***
I come to the Democratic National Convention as a converted Democrat, with only four years in the party. But I come as a Democrat who is committed to his party. I come demanding that it stand up for its own values. A platform will be introduced and passed at this gathering- one which should be thrown down onto the desks of every Democratic Congressman, every Democratic Senator, and our future President.
That platform is a document which delineates our true beliefs. Not those which head to the hallowed halls of Congress to be watered down and distilled until universal health care means "for those under 18". Not those where "alternative energy" means "ethanol for Iowan farmers". Not those where "we don't torture" means "except for those types that don't kill you".
I come to this convention with this deep seated, yet likely twisted hope that if we can just elect this nominee of ours president, that our problems will begin to end. That the tide will turn, that the ice caps will cease melting. That when we fight a war, it will be again because we have the moral high ground. That people can keep their homes, and no longer face foreclosure levels not seen since the Depression.
This is our time. We come to this convention not just to nominate a candidate, but to cast the die which will set a chain of events into motion that will change our nation forever. That a black man could fight a woman for the nomination of our party, and then ascend to the most powerful office in the world is truly, as Bill Clinton put it, a "fairy tale".
But while he spoke those words as hurtful things, I speak them for the opposite reason- for I believe in the tales of fae, and I believe in miracles, and I believe that we mortals hold in our hands much greater power than we take credit for. And while I do not find Barack Obama to be a messianic figure, I find his message to be one which could unite a nation once again. That finally, we could again pursue something greater than ourselves.
That I will be there to watch the first step of this journey makes me feel richer than John McCain ever could. In less than a week, we will witness the true beginning of a new era in American politics. And I for one cannot wait for him to say those magical words: "I accept the nomination."
And then I will be there to hold him accountable, and to refuse to allow him to make his campaign promises only promises. And I hope you will all be there with me... because this is where it begins, but we have a long way to go together.
"Discontent is the first step in the progress of a man or a nation." -Today's fortune cookie. No joke.
Almost eight years have passed since the (s)election of our president. Through those years, we have seen the trust America puts in herself dismantled. What isn't often spoken of is the fact that the percentage of people who support George W. Bush are in direct correlation to those of us who trust our country, and in particular, our government. The remainder, for the most part, have lost faith in government.
This is not to say that we do not love our country. On the contrary, the fact that we distrust, the fact that we are angry about the state of our union, is because we are so deeply patriotic. We care so strongly about the fall from grace which our country has suffered through that it enrages us.
I am angry not because I have anger issues, but because when I hear about another person who dies because they don't have health care, or because they froze to death without oil to heat their home, I take that personally. I'm a Wiccan, and I take my vow to do my very best to harm none seriously. Every time this happens to a person in America, it is a failure of her government. And Democrats are complicit in this failure.
Since Democrats took power in 2006, we have seen the fourth amendment trampled. We have seen the funding for the Iraq War consistently renewed. And this is only the beginning. And now, it's offshore drilling that's next. Every principle, we piss away without much of a fight.
Every time that that petulant son of a bitch up in the Maison Blanche (petulance is best expressed in French, according to the Republican Party) stamps His Mighty Feet, Democrats scramble for the quickest way to insert their heads as far up their asses as they can physically manage. The Republicans, meanwhile, manage that which we cannot- unity.
It is utterly pathetic that we speak of needing massive supermajorities in each house, because otherwise we can't hold enough of us together to accomplish the people's will. The people want the war over, they want universal health care, they favor almost every position that we represent. All we have to do is stand up for our principles, and the average American citizen will support us. Instead, Congress rests firmly at a 10% approval rating.
***
I come to the Democratic National Convention as a converted Democrat, with only four years in the party. But I come as a Democrat who is committed to his party. I come demanding that it stand up for its own values. A platform will be introduced and passed at this gathering- one which should be thrown down onto the desks of every Democratic Congressman, every Democratic Senator, and our future President.
That platform is a document which delineates our true beliefs. Not those which head to the hallowed halls of Congress to be watered down and distilled until universal health care means "for those under 18". Not those where "alternative energy" means "ethanol for Iowan farmers". Not those where "we don't torture" means "except for those types that don't kill you".
I come to this convention with this deep seated, yet likely twisted hope that if we can just elect this nominee of ours president, that our problems will begin to end. That the tide will turn, that the ice caps will cease melting. That when we fight a war, it will be again because we have the moral high ground. That people can keep their homes, and no longer face foreclosure levels not seen since the Depression.
This is our time. We come to this convention not just to nominate a candidate, but to cast the die which will set a chain of events into motion that will change our nation forever. That a black man could fight a woman for the nomination of our party, and then ascend to the most powerful office in the world is truly, as Bill Clinton put it, a "fairy tale".
But while he spoke those words as hurtful things, I speak them for the opposite reason- for I believe in the tales of fae, and I believe in miracles, and I believe that we mortals hold in our hands much greater power than we take credit for. And while I do not find Barack Obama to be a messianic figure, I find his message to be one which could unite a nation once again. That finally, we could again pursue something greater than ourselves.
That I will be there to watch the first step of this journey makes me feel richer than John McCain ever could. In less than a week, we will witness the true beginning of a new era in American politics. And I for one cannot wait for him to say those magical words: "I accept the nomination."
And then I will be there to hold him accountable, and to refuse to allow him to make his campaign promises only promises. And I hope you will all be there with me... because this is where it begins, but we have a long way to go together.
We're on our way...
Not the greatest picture, but hey, it's what we have, okay? From Wells, Maine, where we were hanging out with a couple of wonderful Pagans. We'll be staying here for the night, then it's up at 4 AM, and off to Boston.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
It's a Go! There Will Be a Convention Circle!
Thanks to the wonderful Reclaiming group in Denver, there will be at least one Pagan circle during the convention.
The open ritual will be in the middle of Downtown Denver, where just about all the convention activity has been scheduled. It will take place in Civic Center Park on Wednesday, August 27th at 2 p.m. The intention will be to raise and direct energy toward keeping the Earth safe from pollution. Go if you're close by; pass this info on to anyone you know who might be able to attend. Let's show everyone how many Pagans can gather when we want to.
Unfortunately the actual convention delegates and alternates won't be there, since the Democratic National Convention Committee has changed the event schedule ("gavel down" at 3 p.m. now). Please no grumbling; there's no plot here, just lots of important stuff on our agenda.
And so...I'm still hoping to get together with some Denver Pagans, as well as Pagans from other parts of the county, during the convention. Saturday afternoon or early evening is looking good for this. Please pass this info (and subsequent info I will post on time and place) to any Pagans you know who will be in Denver for the convention, OK? Let's see just how powerful the Internet really is!
One more thing...thanks for all the thoughtful, insightful comments to my posts. It's been great to read them.
The open ritual will be in the middle of Downtown Denver, where just about all the convention activity has been scheduled. It will take place in Civic Center Park on Wednesday, August 27th at 2 p.m. The intention will be to raise and direct energy toward keeping the Earth safe from pollution. Go if you're close by; pass this info on to anyone you know who might be able to attend. Let's show everyone how many Pagans can gather when we want to.
Unfortunately the actual convention delegates and alternates won't be there, since the Democratic National Convention Committee has changed the event schedule ("gavel down" at 3 p.m. now). Please no grumbling; there's no plot here, just lots of important stuff on our agenda.
And so...I'm still hoping to get together with some Denver Pagans, as well as Pagans from other parts of the county, during the convention. Saturday afternoon or early evening is looking good for this. Please pass this info (and subsequent info I will post on time and place) to any Pagans you know who will be in Denver for the convention, OK? Let's see just how powerful the Internet really is!
One more thing...thanks for all the thoughtful, insightful comments to my posts. It's been great to read them.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Anyone Else Going to Denver or St. Paul?
There has been lots of traffic to this blog, and some good comments (thanks!).
When I originally started posting I had hoped to hear from other Pagans who would be at the Democratic National Convention, and also from Pagans who might be planning to organize a meet-up at the Republican National Convention the week after.
So far I haven't heard from either...add some comments or contact me directly if you're out there reading this. If you're not a delegate but know a Pagan who is, have them contact me as well.
When I originally started posting I had hoped to hear from other Pagans who would be at the Democratic National Convention, and also from Pagans who might be planning to organize a meet-up at the Republican National Convention the week after.
So far I haven't heard from either...add some comments or contact me directly if you're out there reading this. If you're not a delegate but know a Pagan who is, have them contact me as well.
Are We Included? Will We Ever Be Included?
OK, I have tried one last message the folks in the Obama campaign tasked with dealing with various faith communities. Unless things change, it looks as though Pagans will be shut out of the interfaith event on Sunday of the Democratic National Convention.
Before you turn off your computers and rush out to register as Republicans, take a minute to think and read further. Unless you truly believe that John McCain and those he will being with him mirror your beliefs and would create a more Pagan-friendly America, feel angry, but make a rational decision on what to do about it.
As a leader in the Democratic Party who believes this country will be better if Obama is elected and worse, far worse, if he is not, I can see why the campaign wouldn't welcome endorsements from Pagan leadership. There's already enough "swift boating" going on, and this would only add to it. Let's face it, folks, most mainstream Christians don't understand us very well, and our overt support might well push center and right Christians squarely in the McCain camp. I get it, really.
However, let's remember a few things. First, we're considered the fastest growing religion in the country. Second, according to the Pew Religious Forum, there are already more Pagans than Muslims, Friends (Quakers), Jehovah's Witnesses, Greek and Russian Orthodox members combined, Congregationalists, and many other smaller Protestant faith communities. Third, the Democratic performance (percentage who say they vote Democratic on polls) of Pagans is higher than Catholics and mainline Protestants.
Add it up. There are more of us than you think, Democratic Party leadership, and most of us vote for your candidates. Truth be told, we probably also work hard to help your candidates win elections. I know many Pagans here in Maine doing just that.
Here's my question (actually two questions, since I've got your attention): first, why are we overlooked by the liberal-leaning candidates we support; second, what should we do about it.
I can tell you my answers.
I believe we're overlooked because most of us want (or have) to be. We are so often misunderstood--or worse, that we have learned to be very quiet about our beliefs.
The second question is more difficult. What I did, as you know, is devote lots of time and energy to getting good Democratic candidates elected. I've done this as an openly Pagan person, and have found subtle ways of reminding leadership of this (Happy Solstice, governor!). While I'll admit to a passing fantasy about organizing a demonstration outside the interfaith service in Denver, I most certainly will not. I will, however, participate in Reclaiming's circle to be held later that week (more details as they become available).
So....the questions still stand. What are your answers?
Before you turn off your computers and rush out to register as Republicans, take a minute to think and read further. Unless you truly believe that John McCain and those he will being with him mirror your beliefs and would create a more Pagan-friendly America, feel angry, but make a rational decision on what to do about it.
As a leader in the Democratic Party who believes this country will be better if Obama is elected and worse, far worse, if he is not, I can see why the campaign wouldn't welcome endorsements from Pagan leadership. There's already enough "swift boating" going on, and this would only add to it. Let's face it, folks, most mainstream Christians don't understand us very well, and our overt support might well push center and right Christians squarely in the McCain camp. I get it, really.
However, let's remember a few things. First, we're considered the fastest growing religion in the country. Second, according to the Pew Religious Forum, there are already more Pagans than Muslims, Friends (Quakers), Jehovah's Witnesses, Greek and Russian Orthodox members combined, Congregationalists, and many other smaller Protestant faith communities. Third, the Democratic performance (percentage who say they vote Democratic on polls) of Pagans is higher than Catholics and mainline Protestants.
Add it up. There are more of us than you think, Democratic Party leadership, and most of us vote for your candidates. Truth be told, we probably also work hard to help your candidates win elections. I know many Pagans here in Maine doing just that.
Here's my question (actually two questions, since I've got your attention): first, why are we overlooked by the liberal-leaning candidates we support; second, what should we do about it.
I can tell you my answers.
I believe we're overlooked because most of us want (or have) to be. We are so often misunderstood--or worse, that we have learned to be very quiet about our beliefs.
The second question is more difficult. What I did, as you know, is devote lots of time and energy to getting good Democratic candidates elected. I've done this as an openly Pagan person, and have found subtle ways of reminding leadership of this (Happy Solstice, governor!). While I'll admit to a passing fantasy about organizing a demonstration outside the interfaith service in Denver, I most certainly will not. I will, however, participate in Reclaiming's circle to be held later that week (more details as they become available).
So....the questions still stand. What are your answers?
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Those Who Show Up
It's wonderful to be a part of this great work, that of getting a candidate elected who has experienced the sort of misunderstanding (and worse) that we Pagans share.
Last night there was a conference call for Maine's delegates and alternates. We discussed credentials issues, Senator Obama's Thursday night acceptance speech, and upcoming activist trainings. We were asked to continue in our leadership positions after the convention, and help organize for Obama. No problem here.
As much as I feel strongly that we need a clear, respectful presence at the convention, I think it is even more critical that we as Pagans join the many thousands of activists who are working on this campaign. Register voters in your community. Match the wonderful event held in California where Pagans came together and raised money for the campaign. I firmly believe that, if we Pagans stake out our political space, instead of just slapping an "I'm Pagan and I Vote" sticker on the back bumper, those in a position of power will come to understand and respect us. To quote leadership expert Robert Johnson, "The world is run by those who show up," and show up we must. We represent the fastest growing religion in the country, after all.
And yes, if you're a Green, a Republican, a Libertarian, or support candidates of any other party you are included in this. Staying in the dark denies our political power.
Last night there was a conference call for Maine's delegates and alternates. We discussed credentials issues, Senator Obama's Thursday night acceptance speech, and upcoming activist trainings. We were asked to continue in our leadership positions after the convention, and help organize for Obama. No problem here.
As much as I feel strongly that we need a clear, respectful presence at the convention, I think it is even more critical that we as Pagans join the many thousands of activists who are working on this campaign. Register voters in your community. Match the wonderful event held in California where Pagans came together and raised money for the campaign. I firmly believe that, if we Pagans stake out our political space, instead of just slapping an "I'm Pagan and I Vote" sticker on the back bumper, those in a position of power will come to understand and respect us. To quote leadership expert Robert Johnson, "The world is run by those who show up," and show up we must. We represent the fastest growing religion in the country, after all.
And yes, if you're a Green, a Republican, a Libertarian, or support candidates of any other party you are included in this. Staying in the dark denies our political power.
Monday, August 4, 2008
Honoring the Land Spirits
It's coming together, I think. Or beginning to. Three Pagans attending the Democratic National Convention have started putting their collective heads together and planning an open circle.
Oh sure, I can hear you saying: "Get three or more Pagans in one place, and they'll find some way to circle together."
The difference here, of course, is that this particular circle will be part of a larger event that will make history. In effect, we members of a minority faith will honor the nomination of a candidate himself a member of a minority group by creating a bridge between the natural and political worlds.
It's important to get the word out into the wide, wide world. As you read this, if you know anyone who is Pagan, Pagan-friendly, or Pagan-curious, tell them to stay tuned. Once we figure out a time and place, it will be posted here, and, I hope, cross-posted to the Pagan community at large.
Oh sure, I can hear you saying: "Get three or more Pagans in one place, and they'll find some way to circle together."
The difference here, of course, is that this particular circle will be part of a larger event that will make history. In effect, we members of a minority faith will honor the nomination of a candidate himself a member of a minority group by creating a bridge between the natural and political worlds.
It's important to get the word out into the wide, wide world. As you read this, if you know anyone who is Pagan, Pagan-friendly, or Pagan-curious, tell them to stay tuned. Once we figure out a time and place, it will be posted here, and, I hope, cross-posted to the Pagan community at large.
Friday, August 1, 2008
Fundraising for Delegates
Our delegates are a pretty diverse group, from teenagers to senior citizens, and from one end of the socio-economic scale to the other. There have been some interesting discussions among the various delegates about fundraising. While we all understood that we'd be responsible for our convention expenses, airfare and rooms at the official convention hotel (the Hilton Garden Inn for those of us from Maine) don't come cheap.
Some local or county Democratic groups have held events to help individual delegates raise money. Many of us have PayPal accounts (mine is under dncwoman@gmail.com) and have been receiving donations for several weeks now. Those who know us believe that we will represent them thoughtfully and well, and want to show their support.
Delegates are not permitted to work too closely together on this, however. If they collaborate and raise more than $1000 to be divided among members of their group, they are classified as a committee and would have to file with the Federal Elections Commission, a daunting task.
This makes raising money more complicated, but we're still working on it!
Some local or county Democratic groups have held events to help individual delegates raise money. Many of us have PayPal accounts (mine is under dncwoman@gmail.com) and have been receiving donations for several weeks now. Those who know us believe that we will represent them thoughtfully and well, and want to show their support.
Delegates are not permitted to work too closely together on this, however. If they collaborate and raise more than $1000 to be divided among members of their group, they are classified as a committee and would have to file with the Federal Elections Commission, a daunting task.
This makes raising money more complicated, but we're still working on it!
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