July 30, 2009
A few days ago, after I spoke to the World Affairs Council of Sonoma County, a journalist with a video camera asked me: “What one message would you say you have for the younger generation?”
My response is online — posted at www.normansolomon.com — along with some recent columns about Iran, the escalation in Afghanistan and ominous dynamics between the White House and Congress.
Of course we need to keep striving to understand, but we also need to take action. Martin Luther King Jr. was making a crucial point when he warned against “the paralysis of analysis” and spoke about “the fierce urgency of now.”
That’s why I’m particularly excited about being part of a U.S. delegation that’s preparing to travel to Afghanistan. It’s a project that could help develop real alternatives to more war. Here’s information on how you can help.
Also, if you’re going to be in the Bay Area on the evening of Wednesday, July 15, I hope you’ll join Daniel Ellsberg and me at a special event in support of that civic delegation to Afghanistan. We’ll be gathering at City Hall in San Rafael (1400 Fifth Ave.) for a 6 p.m. reception and 7 p.m. program. More details are posted on this Facebook event page, as well as on my new home on Facebook.
Before the end of the summer, I’ll send you an update on the trip to Afghanistan. And, close to home, I’ll keep you posted as the Green New Deal for the North Bay schedules a round of public hearings this fall in Marin and Sonoma counties.
I’m glad to be co-chair of the Commission on a Green New Deal as this long-term project moves toward drafting a grassroots progressive program to combine green sustainability with economic equity and social justice. We can overcome green-washing and undue corporate influence to find practical solutions in the North Bay and beyond.
Hopefully, near and far, with the combined efforts of many generations, the best is yet to come…
Best wishes,
Norman
