2009 began as a year of hope amid fear. Many were hopeful that the incoming Obama administration would bring long needed change. On the other hand, the economic meltdown had many worried, very worried.
As the year has progressed, the economy is still hurting badly, but no longer is in free fall. On the other hand, much of what is coming out of Washington is frustrating, to say the least. The administration has been far too eager to embrace the center. All too ready to compromise before the negotiating begins. Too eager to please powerful corporate interests. Too ready to use escalated military force, especially in Afghanistan.
Peaceworks sees many issues on which the people of this country are way out in front of our elected officials. For example, recent polls show a majority believe the ongoing conflict in Afghanistan is not worth it. And twice as many want fewer troops deployed as support the administration's increased deployments.
It's not just the war on which the people are out in front. Last November Missourians voted by a two-to-one margin to require utilities to produce a small, but gradually increasing share of their power from renewable sources. Our legislature wouldn't pass such a law, so citizens had to collect more than 160,000 signatures to put the issue on the ballot. Then the voters spoke loud and clear in favor of clean energy.
The take-home lesson of all this is that it takes active citizenship to move our progressive concerns forward. We can't sit back and wait for Obama to do it, or for Congress to act, or for our Missouri General Assembly to make the needed changes.
Peaceworks is active on multiple fronts and offers many avenues for involvement. We encourage your participation. Please contact us at mail@midmopeaceworks.org or by calling us at 573-875-0539 if you'd like to discuss becoming more active. Or stop by the Peace Nook, our non-profit storefront HQ and visit with us. We also encourage you to check out our upcoming events at left and to attend any that interest you. There is much to be done and we welcome you to be an active part of our work.
