Protest Trial Update

Wednesday 1 June 2011
Information about trespassing trial, pleaded guilty today. News here: olyblog.net/protest-trial-tomorrow

[The following are thoughts I had the day after:

It's Thursday morning. I woke up with the feeling that I had been railroaded by the prosecution into a guilty plea. I was led to believe that I wouldn't be afforded a public defender because the prosecution was not seeking jail time. However, the judge made it apparent that if we were to pursue a plea of not guilty then, based on financial need, a public defense might be possible.

Now it seems that I have a federal criminal record...but I think most people will understand that my actions were based in altruism, and my actions and those of my co-defendants were also very respectful of humanity and all life on this planet.

Thursday afternoon: The actions of my government leave me feeling depressed. I know this is a simplified way of looking at the situation, because the problem is much deeper and bigger than "the government." The problem is actually socio-cultural. And it is about the political-economic that is built on that socio-cultural phenomenon.

I have thought (many times, and for many years previous to now) of suing the government for inflicting emotional and psychological harm.

As someone who cares about humanity and all life on the planet, the actions and policies of my government leave me feeling depressed.]

Include Everyone

Why not include everyone!?

For heavens sakes, wouldn't it only be right to include everyone?

The following is a letter I just sent to President Obama, attached to this photograph:

Dear President Obama and Administration,

Mr. President, my best deduction leads me to believe that you have your hands tied by this unjust system we live in. I can understand how it could be possible that you're held hostage, much like the rest of us, in the bondage of this harmful system which is exploitative and degrading toward both people and the planet...

However, I want to take time and energy to send you a special note of encouragement. I want to encourage you to stand up against the establishment. Please. Stand up against the status quo.

I believe that all people deserve to be treated well. And so does this marvelous planet.

I encourage you to make every effort that you possibly can, without endangering your own welfare and that of your family, in order make it so we can live to see a day on this planet when ALL people will be treated well.

Mr. President, I believe that peace really is possible. A peace that includes everyone.

Sincerely,

Berd

Thanks very much to the kind stranger who did this photograph.

also see: olyblog.net/photos-2132010

Incluyende Todos!

Health Care for ALL

Another concrete step that President Obama and the Executive Administration, and Congress, could take is to provide health care for all.

Health Care for ALL