"I was a stranger, but you did not welcome me, and I was naked, but you
did not give me any clothes to wear.
I was sick and in jail, but you did not take care of me."-- Jesus Christ
I was sick and in jail, but you did not take care of me."-- Jesus Christ
"Congress
shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or
prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of
speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to
assemble,
and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."
and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."
-- The First Amendment to the U.S Constitution
For almost seven years now, through good weather and bad, sometimes through rain and snow, three of us have participated in #OMG!, a noon meditation vigil that emerged as the energy of #Occupy Wall Street! swept the nation. Although I’ve participated in many forms of organized political action over the years, it was my first formal act of Civil Disobedience.
It was an Act of Conscience.
As best as I can tell, we are called to love our neighbors, not threaten them with arrest for finding a safe place to sleep. When push comes to shove, I believe the City’s treatment of our Homeless Neighbors has been immoral. There is a Federal Circuit Court of Appeals ruling that says it is unconstitutional as well.
Sometimes you just have to take a stand – although, in my case I was Sitting in Silent Mediation before I was confronted and yanked to my feet by the two police officers, handcuffed, and put in the plastic shell that serves as a backseat in a police cruiser. I now know what it feels like to be shackled and led down a corridor to holding cell and back, to not know exactly what I would face from moment to moment.
Thankfully, almost all of the uniformed officers I encountered treated me with respect, patience and kindness. I am an old coot after all. I was a bit dazed and confused at times on a 95 degree day. I guess being in the Cooler was okay in that regard. LOL
I'm a relatively free man again today and intend to return to the Town Commons at noon for the #OMG! Noon Meditation Vigil. I'll probably "Sit this one out" -- outside the barriers and yellow tape -- while I talk this over with others and figure out the best way forward.
You're welcome to join me in Silence 12:00 -12:30.
(Ya don't have to Sit to Be Present!)
One Love,
Brother Lefty
1 comment:
Brother Lefty.... Is this for real? You were literally handcuffed and shackled for sitting on the grass of the Greenfield Town Commons? What the hell? Even if there’s a law against it (which is stupid in this case anyway) they thought you looked “dangerous “ enough to cuff?? and threatening rough to shackle you? If I’m understanding this correctly it’s obnoxiously NOT ok!! ��. Good Lord. What’s happened since that day?
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