Posts tagged civic engagement

So, how could I best honor generations of lives lost on this Memorial Day 2018? Not having served in the military, how can I personally relate to this kind of service? Days removed from Memorial Monday, I realize that I must continue to fight for "liberty and justice for all." I must stay on "Active Duty" against forces that can destroy the United States from within. Bigotry, cruelty, greed, and self-serving ignorance are powerful foes. Unfortunately, every day offers opportunities to combat them.

Blog: From the Philoso...mariettaJune 1, 2018Memorial Day, military service, civic engagement Comment

Happy Birthday to The Bright Light That Is Malala

Malala demonstrates that it’s possible to chip away at seemingly insurmountable problems. She embodies the empowerment that comes with forgiveness. She breaks entrenched stereotypes as a Muslim feminist. She refutes complacency through personal commitment and action. And she is one person.

Blog: From the Philoso...mariettaJuly 12, 2017civic engagement, education for girls, feminist, Malala, Malala Day, Muslim, optimismComment

A Timeless Inauguration Poem

In her riveting voice, Angelou’s cadence captures this promise: “History, despite its wrenching pain / Cannot be unlived, but if faced / With courage, need not be lived again.” There we have it—the powerful motivation of the massive peaceful protests that inspired our country on January 21 and reverberated worldwide. “On the Pulse of Morning” once again serves as a summons to action, each of us newly wise to what can’t be undone but can be corrected.

Blog: From the Philoso...mariettaJanuary 23, 2017" Women's March on Washington, "On the Pulse of Morning, 2017 inauguration, Billy Collins, civic engagement, Mary Oliver, Maya Angelou Comments

2016 Election Tests Democracy, Me, and You

I’m putting the campaign behind me, hopefully with at least a tincture of the grace and love of country shown by Secretary Clinton and President Obama in their speeches this morning. If she, the winner of the popular vote, asks us to do as she is and “accept the result and look to the future,” then I’m with her. If she believes on this of all mornings that “fighting for what’s right is always worth it,” then game on for me, too. I know she’s right—and that I can work harder for those marginalized by poverty, bigotry, and injustice. If her love of country and commitment to its improvement remain steadfast, who am I to give up and dream of Canadian sunsets? She's also correct that her loss is painful and will be for a long time. But heartsick and staying active and positive can co-exist.

Blog: From the Philoso...mariettaNovember 9, 2016civic engagement, democracy, Donald Trump, election 2016, Hillary Clinton concession speech, how to respond to election results, John Stuart Mill, President Obama Comments

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