What: Student Walkout
When: Friday, Nov. 14

10:00 AM: Meet at SPSCC campus, between buildings 22 and 26.
11:00 AM: March to Sate Capital Building.
12:00 PM: Rally at the State Capital Building.
For more information: walkout2008.blogspot.com/

On September 9, The Olympia City Council voted, and passed on first reading, to ordain the repeal of the city's 2005 Nuclear Free Zone Act. A decision was also made to pass a noise ordinance for downtown Olympia. Higher quality video is available at the city website (www.ci.olympia.wa.us). This video has some audio/video synchronization issues, but it works especially well for purposes of leaving it to play in the background.

Here's the video as posted to the Google Video:

I posted a couple of comments on Peter Alden Stroble's OLY 2012's Final Position Paper Endorsing the Urban Waterfront Rezone post (about the Isthmus rezone.) I want to separate them and post them here. The first comment is in response to my effort to deepen the discussion about OLY 2012's advocacy of Smart Growth in regard to the furtherance of sustainability. Can "Smart Growth" further the goal of "sustainability?":

Deepening the Discussion

Yes, I would like to deepen the discussion. It's not easy for me. This is really difficult. I don't want this to get personal, because I know there are good people on both sides of this issue, and most people on both sides are honest and genuine when they think their way is the best way.

I would love to respond to every point in your paper. I would love to respond to every point in your above statement. I just don't think that I have it in me. I don't right now. I might not anytime soon. Maybe it will be easier for me to approach these points one by one after Tuesday's Council Meeting.

I just looked up Smart Growth today. I don't know all the details. I just know what it said on wikipedia - my understanding of which is that Smart Growth basically is a meme that seeks sustainability through dense urban living. That sounds great to me. And I am glad that we don't have any disagreement here.

The Aligning of the Souls gathering was great. Many stories, prayers - and jokes - were shared amongst the participants. The gathering kicked off last night (Wednesday night) with a potluck meal and the sharing of prayers and stories relating to the topic of healing and peace in the wake of the horrible events of September 11, 2001. Some people sang songs or read poems, some people told stories and shared wisdom, everyone listened.

This morning the gathering continued at dawn (Thursday morning, September 11, 2008) with the commencement of a day long continuous heart beat drum rhythm. We prayed for peace and healing as the cool and foggy air and mist of dawn gradually gave way to a brilliantly blue sunny and cloudless September Eleventh day. A ceremonial fire was lit in a very special outdoor fire place. The fire burned throughout the day, carefully observed, attended and listened to.

I just sent this letter off to the City Council, and I wanted to share it with you too!

From:

Robert F W Whitlock
[address redacted]

To:

Olympia City Council Members,
City of Olympia Staff,
Residents of the City of Olympia

Saturday, September 6th, 2008

Dear Members of the Olympia City Council, City Staff and Residents of Olympia:

All are invited to our community Iftar at Masjid al-Nur, Olympia Assalamualaikum brothers and Sisters in Islam, FREE Dinner and Ramadan Fast-breaking, with peace circles, prayers, meditation, reflection etc. We, the Islamic Center of Olympia will be putting together a big fundraising Iftar, Thursday September 11. Come one, come all, come hungry for a very delicious special ethnic food. It is well known in the Puget Sound area... ((smile!)) If you stay to hear Sheikh Joban's inspiring speech... alhamdulillah! May Allah reward you. If you decide to come just for Iftar... alhamdulillah, May Allah reward us for feeding those who fast. In any case, all are welcome... see you then Insha Allah Agenda Iftar (breaking fast) 7:31 Maghrib prayers Dinner Imam Joban: words of wisdom Venue:

Islamic Center of Olympia,
Masjid Al-Nur 4324 20th Ln NE
Olympia, WA 98516
Tel: (360) 491-5760
Email: info@IslamicCenterOfOlympia.org
Web: www.IslamicCenterOfOlympia.org

Call the President of the masjid - ISA ABDUL GHANI - Timberland HighSchool Alumni (and SPSCC too !) at (360) 491-5760 FREE Dinner and Ramadan Fast-breaking, with peace circles, prayers, meditation, reflection etc. To know what Ramadan is all about and why muslims fast, please see: www.whyislam.org

The Olympia-Rafah Mural Project is happening. Stop by the corner of Capitol Way and State Avenue to see for yourself.

by dreamsjung

I also posted some pictures from a brief visit to the mural. I even saw mural making (preparation) in action. link here

Check out the official project web-page. Break the Silence: The Olympia-Rafah Mural Project

You're invited to a potluck gathering to welcome the Peace Walkers as they travel through Olympia toward their final destination at Ground Zero, Bangor Kitsap Naval Submarine Base.

Gather Thursday, August 7th, 2008 at 6 pm at Tibor's. To get to Tibor's house, head out on Mud Bay Road and turn left on Delphi. Follow Delphi to 40th St and turn right. Tibor's house is the second house on the left, with an earth flag in the yard. If you have trouble finding it, call Gilberto and Senji's cell phone - (206) 356-4362.

It's a potluck, and Peace Walkers are usually pretty hungry, so bring enough to share. [But don't let a lack of bringing food stop you from going. I am sure there will be enough if everyone who can bring something does.]

Come on out, whether you're a long time supporter, or if you're just curious and you want to learn more about the problem of nuclear weapons or peace walking in general. I have word that one of the peace walkers will give a talk. If you're nice you might even be able to ask a question.

peace, maybe I'll see you there.

p.s. sorry for the short notice

No one wears masks or hoods or black.

The police are welcomed and families feel safe and welcome.

People chant about building things rather than tearing them down.

Protestors are always courteous to their neighbors.

Participants sing appropriate songs but don't yell or scream.

Everybody smiles.

Members self police and guide those who are straying from the rules.

No one destroys property or harms others.

Someone hires a PIO to put a good face on the protest. (Peace needs good PR)

Those that choose civil disobedience should peacefully allow themselves to be arrested and removed.

The police should arrest those who practice civil disobedience instead of escalating things with pepper spray etc.

...you may say I'm a dreamer but I'm not the only one.

Anyone else care to imagine? 

The 5th annual Community Meditation and Prayer for Global Peace will take place from noon, August 2 to noon, August 3 at the Tivoli Fountain on the Capitol Campus. Come for all or part of the 24 hours.

A Walking Meditation for Peace will precede the Meditation and Prayer, beginning at 11:15 am on Saturday, August 2 at Marathon Park and proceeding to the Capitol Campus.

Whatever your religion or spiritual practice, Interfaith Works invites you to participate in one or both of these events.

http://www.interfaith-works.org/