Monday, October 08, 2007

Tomorrow, on John Lennon's birthday, Yoko Ono is unveiling the Imagine Peace Tower, a column of light powered by geothermal energy, on Videy Island in Reykjavik, Iceland. You can send your own wishes for peace to the tower through the link above. Maybe I'll visit the Peace Tower on Mt Rubidoux tomorrow in solidarity. It's just down the street from my house, but I don't walk there nearly often enough. I helped edit the second website I linked to, and learned a lot about Riverside in the process, especially its history as a center for peace. I want to do what I can to bring that legacy forward.

2 comments:

Rachel said...

Interesting to know more and more about Riverside, thanks to you.

The media portrays Riverside and Inland Empire as a hotbed of reactionary activities, and much of that reputation is well-deserved. After all, the suburbs of Southern California, including Inland Empire, Orange County, and much of Los Angeles County, started the Prop 13 tax revolt, and brought "Peace Through Superior Firepower" Ronald Reagan to the nation.

Nevertheless, I was very happy to hear about the Gandhi statue in Riverside (and the mayor's support) through you, and now the Peace Tower. Of course, there is you, as the voice of CodePink. This is the kind of stuff that keeps my head above the water in this reactionary region, where W '04 ovals are still everywhere.

I won't be moving out of my folks' place as scheduled, that will happen mid-year next year, after my credit score goes up (my credit tanked in early 2001 due to rampant discrimination). But when that happens, I will look forward to working with you more closely, as we try to turn Southern California around and spread the energy of peace.

Thanks as always.

Rach

gayle said...

Hi Rach!

Yes, Riverside has surprisingly progressive corners (and a surprisingly progressive history!) It still remains mostly Republican, but I see enough liberal activity to keep me happy and hopeful.

It doesn't make me happy to hear your news, though--I'm so sorry that you won't be able to move out as quickly as you had hoped. But yes, it will be great to work together more to bring peace to our region (and beyond!)

xo
gayle