Thoughts on September 11

By Brenda Hammond

As we prepare this newsletter, we find that we must in some way respond to the events of Sept. 11, a date that is now indelibly etched in our collective consciousness. Even though no words are truly adequate, we must try to reach out and we must begin to speak in order to heal our hearts.

There is sadness-unfathomable sadness-for the loss of so many husbands, wives, mothers, fathers, children, brothers, sisters and friends, for the immense loss of human potential, for the vaporization of so many futures.

Despite the rhetoric we hear about, "getting on with our lives," and the urge to return to some semblance of "normalcy," it seems imperative that we be willing to experience grief and sadness. We must look for strength within ourselves and in our loved ones, and begin the process of grieving this great loss to humanity.

Isn't the alternative to submit to fear and anger, to give in to the urge for revenge and retaliation? What we need now is to hold our world together, and we can do that only through love. Any decision that would bring about the loss of more lives is not an acceptable solution.

If we contemplate our sadness, then reach out with love to cherish those around us, perhaps we can begin to ask some of the difficult questions that the Sept. 11 event provokes. We must ask to understand the source of such intense hatred, a hatred that would motivate other humans to deem their own lives expendable in insane acts of violence against a perceived enemy. But we must also be careful not to be drawn in by this same hatred, to be propelled to even more insane acts of retaliation.

As we contemplate an appropriate response to this deplorable act, if we discover we can justify-in any way-the loss of life in acts of violence against the perpetrators, do we not become part of the insanity?

The sages and thinkers who have inspired our civilization to greatness have admonished us to return good for evil, to replace fear with love, and to embrace all people as sisters and brothers. The challenge of how to apply those teachings today is a daunting one; nevertheless, the wisdom of our ancestors must be utilized.

Let us pray that the leaders of our world will also look to those teachings that can move us toward peace instead of war. Let us seek shelter from the tornado-like influence of violence that threatens to suck us all into a spiral of destruction.

If we cannot find peace within our hearts, we shall never find it in the world.

Conference Wrap-Up

By Hal H. Hargreaves

Conferences are usually easy to „wrap-up,‰ that is, tie into memory and recollection in ways to make us feel it was worthwhile to spend time that way. At the last Task Force board meeting, I was asked to write a wrap-up of our August conference. I had no idea that the occasion would tax anyone's capacities to the maximum. There are no articles, speeches, comments, or buzz-words that can capture the meaning of Tuesday, September 11, 2001, especially as it relates to human rights. It is the week after as I write. Obviously, the acts of the terrorists were an enormous violation of human rights, but to leave it there is to have a headline without an article.

Loretta Ross's words about what brought her to advocate human rights after working in civil rights and women's rights for years are relevant to our crisis. Human rights are for everyone, regardless of cultural heritage, race, religion, economic power, or any other social factor. Human rights is the ultimate leveler in the ways we relate to each other. With a focus like this, the conference spent the better part of three days searching and probing how this could be lived out in our communities. Economics plays a huge role in human rights: as I understand it, we can't talk equality to those who are constantly hungry. Solutions to hunger are not just a prelude to human rights; they are blocks in its foundation. Fighting poverty in our own country is a vivid example of a project yet unfinished.

The aftermath of the events Tuesday present us with staggering challenges. Efforts to heal the losses for the victims' surviving families seem next to impossible. We need time to grieve and silent moments to reflect on loss that cannot be reversed. Extending the hand of help is our natural inclination, yet we know it will not restore old conditions. It may create new patterns, and healing will happen. The conference put flesh and blood into this, as we ate, talked and danced together. Individual stories were shared and appreciated. Such sharing is a powerful model for action in the wake of Tuesday the Eleventh.

Horizons are opened by focusing on human rights in this time of recovery. It is so very easy to lose sight of Ross's insight. I think of one woman who spoke on NPR. Born in the US, of Iranian descent, she expressed her apprehensions about being singled out as dangerous because of her heritage and faith. Any grasp of the human rights story includes suspension of judgment about other faiths and cultures. We learn more by listening than by striking out. Action, if to be truly effective in the move for human rights, has to be circumspect without totally losing spontaneity. US initiatives, especially, require such consideration. A nation cannot expect to balance books in the cause of justice by military reprisal alone. I realize this issue is controversial, but it is crucial and needs to be articulated in detail. When held up to the mirror of human rights, we cannot avoid due process for the offenders. If we do, we default on the principle we seek to uphold.

We are on notice that the world is a dangerous place, and it is imperative we do not lose out commitment to our common rights and the stronger impulse to come together in times of crisis. This larger picture is beyond a wrap-up, but it is ours to live.

Beyond Bigotry: The Future of Human Rights

NWC Conference

By Gretchen Albrecht-Hellar

On Friday, October 26th through Sunday, October 28th at the Doubletree Hotel in Spokane, Washington, the Northwest Coalition for Human Dignity is holding its 15th annual conference. Given recent events it is extremely timely to reflect on the importance of human rights and human dignity as a moral shield against hatred and all it breeds.

Many of the workshop topics are so important in the struggle to make sense out of what has happened and to ensure that whatever response we take in based on the value of every individual's basic human rights. Some of the workshop topics include: Faith and Human Rights, Can Human Rights be Mediated, Positive Youth: How Music Culture Responds to Bigotry, A Real Look at Immigration, and many other topics dealing with a humanitarian framework so necessary to build a better world.

Keynote speakers include:

Raymond Reyes, who will speak on "Building a Multicultural Democracy" (Friday at 7:00PM)

Loretta Ross, who will discuss "Beyond Bigotry: The Future of Human Rights" (Saturday at 8:30AM)

Tammie Schnitzer, who is and was a community leader in Billings, Montana, will speak on the now famous "Not in Our Town"; response implemented in Billings when it was faced with violent anti-Semitism (Saturday at noon)

Tim Wise, who will discuss "Little White Lies: The Truth about White Nationalism" (Friday at 8:30PM).

I encourage everyone who can to attend this event not only for the educational and informational value included but also because during these times we need to share concerns, strengths, and reinforce our networks.

For more information, visit www.nwchd.org on the Web. Registration is $75, which includes access to all conference presentations, two continental breakfasts, two lunches, the reception Friday evening, and the Saturday evening banquet.

In addition, the annual Campus Summit, with training and workshops geared specifically towards high school and college students, will take place on Friday, October 26.

Conference Videotapes Available

By Donna Parrish

Videotapes of the major presentations at this year's "Making a Difference" conference are available for purchase. Individual tapes are $25 including shipping and handling. The complete set of five tapes is $80. These tapes are professionally produced by videographer Chuck Smith. A portion of the purchase proceeds will go to the Bonner Country Human Rights Task Force.

The available tapes are:

Loretta Ross, Executive Director of the National Center for Human Rights Education, keynote address, "Bringing Human Rights Home"

Judy Brown, Director of the Idaho Center of Budget and Tax Policy, "The Growing Divide"

Ann Perkins, Chair of the Psychology Department of Carroll College, "The Biological Basis of Homosexuality"

Kathy McGinnes, Executive Director of the Institute for Peace and Justice, "Privilege, Reality and Responsibility"

Thomas Warfield, Artistic Director of Peace Art International, "Building Unity Through Movement" workshop

Conference Highlights, selections from the above five presentations.

You can place your order by contacting Chuck Smith below. Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery.

Chuck Smith Productions
164 Hornby Creek Road
Sandpoint, ID 83864
Phone: 209-263-7171

Statement by the National Network for Immigrant and Refugee Rights

We join the international community in expressing our condolences to the families and friends of all the victims in Tuesday's attacks. There can be no justification for these violent actions that have caused the loss of lives to so many unsuspecting and innocent people from all walks of life.

A number of us in the immigrant rights community in the U.S. have just returned from South Africa, from the United Nations conference against racism and xenophobia. We were able to witness first hand, and participate in discussions and debates on complex, complicated issues of international concern, and can reaffirm the importance of dialogue and respect among peoples and nations.

In past years, various acts of international aggression have provoked indiscriminate blame, sometimes resulting in retaliatory violence that has harmed innocent civilians, or which has particularly targeted immigrants and others based on their racial or ethnic backgrounds. We understand that the shock and anger produced by the unthinkable events of this past week also hold that awful potential - and in fact, certain groups, particularly in the Arab and Muslim communities, are already experiencing incidents of harassment or violence. Such retaliatory activity is clearly wrong and should not be tolerated. In light of the terrible loss that many have already suffered this past week, it is all the more distressful that more innocent people should be unnecessarily blamed and victimized.

We support the calls being made in this country and around the world, for a period of reflection and dialogue, for respect for innocent lives and for international law. In the difficult period ahead, we encourage all to join in these activities and more, to recommit ourselves to protecting our democratic principles, and to building a society where we can all live in dignity and peace.

From the Finance Committee

By Marian Breckenridge

We did it! We did it! We did it! We celebrated the first of many Human Rights conferences right here in Sandpoint, and it was wonderful beyond our expectations. Your support, your interest, your input, and your commitment made it happen.

With the conference behind us, I am asking for your support once again. You have all paid one dollar for a lifetime membership to the Bonner County Human Rights Task Force. But not much is bought with one dollar. So, I'm writing today to ask you to reaffirm your commitment with an additional financial contribution now, as we begin our budget planning for the coming year. The board has shown that it is fiscally responsible and creative, and you can be sure that your contributions are well spent.

Secondly, you may support the Task Force by attending our annual fall fund-raiser on Tuesday, October 23rd, from 7-9 PM. This will be a multi-ethnic hors d'oeuvres reception, with entertainment and time to visit with each other in a relaxing atmosphere (location and details to come.) SAVE THE DATE and watch for your invitation in the mail! And thanks again for your support.

PFLAG Report

By Barbara Hansen

PFLAG Sandpoint applauds and appreciates the Task Force for presenting an outstanding educational conference. It was our pleasure to be a part of "Making a Difference".

PFLAG hosted a SOULFORCE Seminar on Thursday, September 20th. SoulForce, Inc. presented a message of love and dignity for all people, based on the teachings of Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr.

SoulForce is an interfaith movement founded by Rev. Dr. Mel White, author of "Stranger at the Gate - To Be Gay and Christian in America‰. Rev. White was once the ghostwriter for Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson. He has come out of the closet of silence to issue a clarion call for justice and freedom. Jeaneane Hill, SoulForce NW Coordinator came from Seattle to present a lively multimedia seminal on nonviolent resistance effecting social change.

PFLAG invites all to join in the Adopt-a-Road clean up on Pine Street on Saturday, September 22nd. Call Hansens at 255-1213 for info.

Support group meetings are held the second Sunday of each month at the Methodist Church at 2:00pm. And all are invited to a pot luck Birthday/Holiday Bash at the Hansens on Sunday, December 9th at 3:30pm.

We appreciate the efforts of Dick Wolff of radio station KSPT 1400AM for airing the recent broadcast of "the PFLAG Story.‰ We hope you were able to catch that program.

Free Speech TV

Something You Might Want to Take a Look At

By Jenny Campbell

Subscribers to Dish Networks might want to check out channel 9415 FSTV (free speech television) This channel features excellent films and documentaries in a vast range of subjects, including environmental, human rights, and political issues, also artistic interpretation of subjects. It's entertaining and thought provoking, definitely worth a look.

Meeting with Senator Crapo

By Brenda Hammond

Representatives of the Task Force Board were recently asked by Senator Crapo's office to meet with him for the purpose of helping to create a public service announcement regarding human rights. The Senator participated with the Task Force members in reading our mission statement, and then discussed with them some human rights issues that might be addressed through legislation. Dick Wolf, who hosts a local radio show served as moderator.

Reggae Concert

Brenda Hammond

We want to thank the local businesses that sponsored the Burning Spear reggae concert on Labor Day and donated a portion of the proceeds to the Human Rights Task Force. The event was a huge success and the Panida was sold out! Thank you to the folks at Alpine Designs, Eichardt's, the Beach House and Accu-Print. It is so heartening to feel the support of the community!

Summertime Activities

Donna Parrish

Two summertime activities once again occurred thanks to Task Force volunteers. About 60 people marched with the Task Force in the Independence Day Parade. And the Task Force once again participated in the Bonner County Fair. Thanks to all the volunteers who helped with either activity. Special thanks goes to Jennie Campbell, who worked hard at both.