2008 Postcard

2008 P.E.A.C.E.TOUR
Postcard

2008 P.E.A.C.E Scooter Post Card

2008 Postcard Back

Many thanks to PJ Chmiel for his craftmanship and patience. I just ordered 2,000 of these cards to distribute all across our country; from border to border, coast to coast. To see the 2007 tour postcard, click here.

The seed of this trip has always been to discover how individuals and commmunities define, promote, and work towards Peace. The postcard is meant to invite the people I meet to join the dialogue, and to have them invite someone else by gifting them with the post card.

So, yes, its the gift that keeps giving, keeps circulating-because hopefully one card will get two people to the website. It will be interesting to watch where the cards wind up. If a person can’t think of anyone to send it to-well, they can send it to ME! Daphne kindly donated a P.O. Box. Now you can send me mail and she will help get it to me!

The address is:
P.E.A.C.E SCOOTER
P.O. Box 452
04212-0452

This year PJ chose pictures from my flickr account-to show the many incredible people, places and things that I experienced along the 11,000 mile journey. It was very hard to help him choose-I took more than 2,000 photos in 3 months. The ‘Dear Mom’ bit on the front is a tribute to my moms-for bringing me here. Of course in her mind I’m still 14 and so she’s trying to get behind me on this trip….

Now just one week until the cards come in! Four weeks before I am on the road!

His Holiness the Dali Llama

There is a worthwhile petition online that I hope you visit and sign. I want you to imagine a life where spirituality and education are your only pursuits, you do so only to better yourself and the world. You are completely selfless person, with few possessions, with no interest in acquisition of property nor need to colonize other states. You are a kind, gentle person who does not use a gun, a bomb, all you want is your declared land to remain independent so your nation can remain devoted to spiritual, educational pursuits.

And suddenly you are attacked, your leader exiled, your customs and schools censored and shut-down, members in your nonviolent community beaten and arrested. And then you watch as your oppressors become international players, their economy thrives, no one chastises them and the last straw-your oppressors flip the script on YOU. They say you are the rebel and you are trying to ruin them.

In a very general sense, this is happening in Tibet.
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I just signed an urgent petition calling on the Chinese government to respect human rights in Tibet and engage in meaningful dialogue with the Dalai Lama. This is really important, and I thought you might want to take action:

After nearly 50 years of Chinese rule, the Tibetans are sending out a global cry for change. But violence is spreading across Tibet and neighbouring regions, and the Chinese regime is right now considering a choice between increasing brutality or dialogue, that could determine the future of Tibet and China.

We can affect this historic choice. China does care about its international reputation. Its economy is totally dependent on “Made in China” exports that we all buy, and it is keen to make the Olympics in Beijing this summer a celebration of a new China that is a respected world power.

President Hu needs to hear that ‘Brand China’ and the Olympics can succeed only if he makes the right choice. But it will take an avalanche of global people power to get his attention. Click below to join me and sign a petition to President Hu calling for restraint in Tibet and dialogue with the Dalai Lama — and tell absolutely everyone you can right away. The petition is organized by Avaaz, and they are urgently aiming to reach 1 million signatures to deliver directly to Chinese officials:

I don’t always sign those things. This is one worth taking the 37 seconds. However, what I also hope you do is think this one through.
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There is also a lot of good information on the web to help you think more about it:
Here is one sight which lists other resources
http://buddhism.about.com/b/2008/03/18/can-a-dalai-lama-resign.htm

The lady who writes that blogsite was criticized because her blog was seen political not buddhist. Three cheers to her response:

I’ve received some emails from people complaining that the Tibet crisis is a political, not a Buddhist, issue. But the two cannot be separated. Part of China’s program for assimilating Tibetans into Chinese culture has been to crush Buddhism in Tibet. At least 6,000 religious sites — monasteries, temples, and shrines — have been destroyed, along with unique and priceless documents and artifacts. Monks have been harassed, imprisoned and tortured. The head of Tibetan Buddhism, the Dalai Lama, has been exiled for 49 years.Several accounts I have read of the recent violence in Lhasa say it was touched off when Chinese police attacked and brutalized some monks, and crowds of laypeople reacted to defend the monks. I’m sure the Chinese have a different story, of course.

We’re seeing in Tibet, in Myanmar, and in other Asian countries that Buddhist monks are in the forefront of political resistance to repressive regimes. Even where they are not official parts of government, Buddhist institutions have played a leadership role in many parts of Asia for centuries. Thus the practice and future of Buddhism in Asia is very much tied into politics.

Honk For Peace

Today marks the day the U.S. went to war. Whether or not you are for the war–people are dying. Most people who support the war will not look you in the eye and say, “I’m happy people are dying.”

Well, that’s a common ground we share then. I’m not happy people are dying or that our soldiers are experiencing some awful situations. As a matter of fact, I’m not happy anyone is suffering. And there is a lot of suffering in this world that I just wish I could help make better. I can write about it and show you what I find.

Oh, I bet another common ground that conservatives/liberals share is dismay about all the taxpayer money being spent. Unless of course, you are one of those getting rich off the war..

Now, being PRO-PEACE, I would much rather see soldiers come home, Iraqi civilians safe, and almost 3 billion taxpayer dollars shifted towards more savory ventures. Like education, health care, art, environmental research, legal aid, housing…..

There are many points I could make here, but its late and the most important realization I have is that it’s not bad to go and demonstrate that you want our country to be a better place. You know right now I’ve got a few sponsorship requests out in the field and I think to myself, “Maybe this isn’t good footage to put up right now.” Yep, that actually crossed my mind. Thing is, there isn’t anything happening in this video that should disgust someone. And if they are, well, I can’t not be me. Just thinking about this stuff is why I hesitated in seeking sponsorships last year. I’ve kinda got a rough situation here-Matua has secured a ton of sponsors talking about kindness and compassion, which is at the root of building a Peaceful world. Meanwhile, I’m traveling 20,000 miles to explore how individuals and communities define Peace. It shouldn’t be a shame to talk about making Peace and in the process discussing the horrible travesties of war. But, it gets some dirty reactions. That my friends, means it must be worthwhile……..

And as far as worrying about this being a sensitive subject, I say, Assume the best about somebody if you want to see them do their best.

Enjoy the video:

Stop Funding the War from Alix Bryan on Vimeo.

Value Life

Value Life. Not an unwarranted statement as we stop, on this 5th anniversary, to assess the lives lost in this war. Whether you are for the war or not, the first and foremost thing to consider is death. Loss of life. Our soldiers, bless them, have agreed to risk theirs for our country. Perhaps our country should stop to consider this dire predicament, as well as contemplate how many Iraqi lives are lost-civilians and soldiers alike.

I hope you know these are just my opinions, they come from my heart. I’m not an expert and I welcome your feedback.

*video by Beachblogger*

Often I communicate to people that this is a PRO-PEACE website. In effect, being for Peace means I do not support war as a way to solve conflict and rebuild nations. To take it a step further, being PRO-PEACE means that I believe as humans, we are capable of valuing all life in such a way that we do not allow for murder. I do believe in accountability, sometimes complicated questions arise that can be uncomfortable.

We, the people of the U.S. are capable of spearheading practical, non violent solutions to domestic and international conflict. We are, at this juncture in our civilization, ready to apply our history lessons. We are, at this juncture, ready to comprehend the struggle and deaths of other humans in other countries. We are ready to extend our borders, not just physically, because in many ways, those borders have been extended-but to extend them mentally and emotionally.

I believe many institutions utilize an outdated approach to conflict resolution. Times have changed; at home, in the community, in business, government and around our globe. Strategies of power must calibrate as well. To be PRO-PEACE is to understand that murder is murder. No agenda justifies murder. The best policy is one that holds up through a spectrum of situations. If my child fights on the playground, as children will, I do not teach my child that is wrong behavior by beating the crap out of them. If my child lies, I teach him that is wrong.

Perhaps we need to select better leaders-ones who are role models. Ones who do not lie, do not hire prostitutes, do not smoke crack, embezzle money and generally piss on the honor of public office. We need statesmen and perhaps more of us should run for office. To be PRO-PEACE is to work towards resolution of the indifferences that create wars in the first place. To eradicate the conditions that generate prejudice and hostility. Peace can not be created, nor discovered until it is known. This means that we will resist or remain indifferent to Peace until we know what it means. I pray that Americans take better care of their own, love their neighbors, their land, and seek representation in local/state/federal government. PRO PEACE consists of something I call T.A.C.T.-Thinking, Action, Co-Creating and Teaching. T.A.C.T will not just keep us from wars in the future, it will help us create a kinder, more compassionate world that functions better because we appreciate cultural differences.

To be PRO-PEACE is to understand, value and appreciate that millions of activists rally and protest government policy. Voices around the world are chanting loudly. Voices in the U.S. are chanting loudly. To work for peace, in all the numerous ways, is hard work. A critical mass for Peace is only realized when various groups overcome fragmentation, mission differences, and philosophical nuances to utilize all the available resources. Solidarity is a difficult achievement; those working for Peace have different means and credos. The strongest movement will be one that understands the overlap and vision between all groups and utilizes the interdependence.

Today marks the day when, 5 years ago the President declared war. The U.S. too often responds to terr-oist actions, which wrongfully murders people, by in return murdering even more people. In both situations, civilians are harmed, the environment flooded with toxins and billions of dollars drained from the economy. Which could have been used to stimulate economies and distribute wealth so that the basic needs of everyone where met.

Today, whether you support the war or not-ask yourself-do you support murder? Of our own soldiers, Iraqi soldiers and civilians. We are not loosing innocent civilians, the Iraqi state is.

Through a PRO-PEACE perspective:

  1. We went to war to protect U.S. soil from more terro-ist attacks from an extremist fundamentalist.
  2. We have now lost close to 4,000 U.S. soldiers-not counting civilian contractors caught in the crossfire.
  3. Iraqi deaths, civilians alone, nears 90,000. Civilians. Like you and me. The death toll is close to one million, all counted.
  4. The U.S. has weakened ties with our allies to surge forward with our power play.
  5. We have spent trillions of dollars. Tax payer money. Your money. My money. Money for the starving children. Money for education, health care, parks, art, transit, shelters, Hurricane Katrina relief-American infrastructure.

In fact, if this war is just a response to the uber extremist terro-ists who attacked us….then could we those terro-ist faction inadvertently won already…by creating even more violence????

It is time to try a new approach, STRENGTH THROUGH PEACE.

My City Council says, “Yea, Peace”

No shamrocks about it, my City Council agreed to hold a vote for the Department of Peace. It is now on the agenda and the vote is set for April 7, 2008. If you are a local, show up, the support always helps.

And, shucks, no shamrocks about it, instead of chugging a Guinness at the local pub, I attended my first City Council meeting. There’s always time later for a creamy Irish stout, but these meetings get started early. Apparently, they can be a lot of fun; people were in full peace gear, with buttons and signs. The best part about the evening was that a group of high school kids got together to introduce the legislation! One councilman spoke first and held the stance that City Councils should not be involved in federal proposals-a bunch of hogwash.

As the Peace Alliance’s website says, here are the PRECISE reasons why City Council action is SO important. (And it’s my favorite-doing it from the bottom up)

There are many reasons for enrolling your local governing body in adopting a resolution to support legislation for a U.S. Department of Peace:

  1. It helps show broad public support for the Department of Peace
  2. It educates the public about the Department of Peace
  3. I generates free publicity that comes with open and televised City Council meetings, plus follow-up electronic and print media coverage.
  4. It gives you something to send to your Members of Congress to assist you in continuing to positively influence them.

The Peace Alliance caught my attention last year and this year I considered donating monies raised from P.E.A.C.E SCOOT 08 to their organization. However, they seem very well funded so for now I’m just going to spread the word far and wide.

Their page says:

“There is currently a bill before the U.S. House of Representatives to establish a United States Department of Peace. This historic measure will augment our current problem-solving options, providing practical, nonviolent solutions to the problems of domestic and international conflict.

The legislation will pass from bill to law under one condition: that a wave of citizen interest rise up from the American people and make itself heard in the halls of Congress.”

A DEPARTMENT OF PEACE WILL WORK TO:

–Provide much-needed assistance to efforts by city, county, and state governments in coordinating existing programs; as well as develop new programs based on best practices nationally

— Teach violence prevention and mediation to America’s school children

— Effectively treat and dismantle gang psychology

— Rehabilitate the prison population

— Build peace-making efforts among conflicting cultures both here and abroad

— Support our military with complementary approaches to peace-building.

— Create and administer a U.S. Peace Academy, acting as a sister organization to the U.S. Military Academy.

Hopefully, that’s a good introduction, but don’t stop there. Check out their impressively informative website:
www.peacealliance.com

There are representatives in most every state, making it easy to join a local campaign. Click on their map to find yours.

Dept of Peace

Times have been busy and I haven’t held up on the blogging end. This will change as I get a lot of legwork for the long ride out of the way-by the way-exciting news coming in on that front.
However, it is a busy week, in D.C. and around the world, as we go into our 5th anniversary in the Iraq war. I’ve been enjoying a fair amount of local action and meeting community members working hard for Peace and Justice. I just don’t have time to go and protest in D.C. but I respect those voices taking to the streets to utilize our constitutional rights.
One huge action that I should have posted about earlier was Winter Soldier, brought to you by Iraq Veterans Against the War.

One pertinent point for those who believe that the only way to support our troops is to be for the war is that many Vets and Soldiers are speaking out against this war. Very important thing to consider- and all respect for those fighting and who have fought. Please, in honor of our soldiers, make a point to check out this website:
http://ivaw.org
Due to high traffic, I believe those broadcasts will be brought back. Their servers were actually shut down from the traffic, so keep your eyes out for Winter Soldier. The feedback I have heard is that the accounts from our soldier is quite shocking. I wish I could find a way to hack these broadcasts into public TV! At least we can give thanks that we live in a time of information where we can sidestep (slightly)corporate control of the airwaves. But only if you know where to go look!

A customer of mine commented that he’s been a bit of an insomniac lately…after we ruled out the 8 shots of espresso he drinks daily…he supposed it was the terrible times we live in today….saying, “Maybe we are on the verge of an apocalypse.” I hadn’t even had my coffee yet, but I said,

“Are you sure you weren’t restless because of all the action taking place to better our world? Maybe we are on the verge of a deep shift…and that’s got you humming.”

Because I tell you, I spend day in and day out researching groups working for Peace and it amazes me the amount of awareness and commitment that groups around our country have. Thank You.

SCOOT-A-LISM

I concur

I have been traveling about a week and a half now. Those first few days seem really distant in my mind, with the geography and culture of the landscape changing so rapidly. I am getting used to most of the quirks one experiences traveling by scooter.
First, there is the gear, and the packing/unloading of it every night-as well as stopping for gasoline. The best attitude to have is one of acceptance-no need getting frustrated-regardless of grappling with stuff in 90 degree heat. I can strap my gear up blindfolded at this point and I enjoy the moments of fiddling to get everything just right and balanced. If the weight of your gear isn’t balanced, you will be able to tell instantly. The other day I forgot to clip the saddlebags straps to the frame and was weaving a bit on the road. My muscles are also adjusting to the full body involvement of scootering.
Second, there is a tempo to traveling back roads. Finding the right pace that allows you to stop and explore whimsically, while still setting an ETA- and not running out gas. Most maps are misleading and I was constantly feeling lost at first. I thought maybe it was just my map, but I looked into some others and they weren’t much better. It seems the most detailed cartography lies in individual states maps, which would require too much pack space and use up too much paper-in my eyes. I haven’t actually been lost, but back road travel is different than point A to point B interstate travel, where there is a constant reminder of how far ahead your destination is. I have become more comfortable reading the sparse signs one is give discern their location. And I really hate when a road suddenly becomes a highway-it’s a startling wake up.
Third, I am attempting to get an overall good rhythm going. There are many things to distract me though-like cool roadside shops, photo ops, museums, contacting press (no replies so far) uploading pics, blogging, doing interviews. I am a bit of a night owl also, so I haven’t been hitting the road very early. My opinion-it’s better to get an early start-although its fun either way. But early morning travel means less smog to huff, less traffic, less heat. Also, in the South afternoon thunderstorms are common and then there are the tons of bugs splatters on the visor at night that interfere with visibility. And a lot of these rural roads just aren’t lit, covering the many creatures running about for their night’s hunt.
All said though, I am feeling right at home on Audre and the open roads, be them one, two, or four lane routes.

My head was swimming as I left Selma today. The past five days have been spent studying the inspirational, yet bloody, history of the Civil Rights Movement. It was a blessing to put what previous knowledge I had into a geographical context. This morning I headed down for a continental breakfast, as they call it, but for me it’s more a process of discerning what crap I actually want to eat. I had gone down to the lobby in my swim trunks and tank top-and suddenly became aware of my attire. Everyone other patron was in their Sunday best for church. I was considering going to a church service-only because the church played such a prominent role in the Civil Rights Movement. Pastors did not have to answer to anyone (like a white boss) so the facilities were safe for blacks to meet. But, noticing how nicely everyone was dressed, I realized my dirty road clothes would make me stick out even more. So I scrapped the plans to attend church and instead scrounged up some change for laundry. With fresh, warm clothes packed up, I headed over to the Edmund Pettus bridge. March 7, 1965 was the day that 300 marchers tried to cross the Edmund Pettus bridge, but cops and the KKK were waiting to beat them severly and push them back. I made the walk across the bridge slowly, imagining the bravery it took to walk into a mob of angry men brandishing weapons. Marching

I took two pictures, one from each side and looked for some people to interview-but none were found. From there I took a peek into the closed Voting Rights Museum; they charge too much though-I wouldn’t have gone in were it open. I then jumped on Audrey and scooted down the Historic Trail, following markers over to the Brown A.M.E Church, which was the starting point of the infamous march. The marchers were finally given protection to march all the way to Montgomery. Third time is a charm, I guess. The final march started with 3,500 people and swelled to 25,000 upon arrival in Montgomery. Once I arrived at the church I called my mom and asked what she was doing March 7, 1965. She couldn’t recall. After our conversation, I sat in the midday scorching sun and did some contemplating. The other day in ATL I picked up a postcard that listed Six Principles of Non Violence.

I decided to send it to the President and question what similar injustice might be right in front of our eyes, that parallels the Civil Rights Movement-that too will seem unbelievable in 42 years. That momement on the stoop of the Civil Rights Movement Head Quarters felt perfect for filling it out and the words came naturally. Non violence tactics were utilized by both Ghandi and King, who was a student of Ghandi’s work-and the mentality was injected into the Civil Rights Movement. In many situations, non violence has proven to be the most effective way of communicating-I have seen it first hand in many protests.

After filling out the postcard and taking some photos, I was ready to leave, but I needed to use the bathroom and was hopeful somone might be in the church. Well, it turned out the pastor was still inside and he unlocked the door for me. We got into a discussion about human nature and compassion. He was heavily involved in the Movement and I enjoyed hearing his perspectives. I told him about my project and asked to interview him for the documentary. His answer was very appropriate for a pastor-very beautiful-and I appreciate his offering. He told me that a lot of interesting characters come through that church, and I was definitely interesting! I am glad he thought so, instead of being irritated that I caught him on his way home. With that done, I felt it was time to put some road behind me.
The route was very pleasant and easy to navigate, mainly a straight shot; a two lane road into a four lane road. I made great time, arriving in Mobile right after the sun had set and full moon was rising. There were combinations of ramshackled homes, antebellum homes, deserted businesses, totalled cars, ponies, goats and long rural stretches of green hill. Train tracks ran parallel to the road most of the way. At one point the blaring of the trains whistle was so excessively loud I almost fell off the bike. I was in my own world and suddenly it sounded like a train was bearing down on me, but it was to my left, hidden behind a grove of trees.
Most of the thermometers I saw today registered anywhere from 93-101.
The good thing about intense heat like this is knowing it can’t get that much hotter. Heat and humidity are tolerable to me though, having grown up in the South. I have begun pouring water over my head during fueling breaks, and am being especially attentive to hydration-even though I feel bad about all the water bottles I have used up. A blissful wind hit about halfway through the trip, carrying the promise of rain with it. I looked over to the east to see heavy dark clouds sweeping in, so I spent the next hour scooting ahead of precipitation. The weather was actually better than predicted today, my rain gear was packed on top, and that always seems to hold storms at bay. Despite the heat, I stopped for a late lunch of yummy fried okra. I could smell Church’s fried chicken wafting through many of the little towns, bringing back memories of visiting my pops here in Alabama as a youth. My second break was to take advantage of free wi-fi. I realized the other day that if a hotel sign says “high speed internet,” they don’t usually require a password. In general, hotels can be utilized whether or not you are a paying guest-free wi-fi, bathrooms and often-maps. Around 6:30 pm I started getting really drowsy, probably a combination of hot sun and heavy fried okra. I stopped for a reprieve off of Route 43, about 50 miles outside Mobile AL. It was time to sit in the late afternoon sun, rest the eyes and enjoy the perks of having a travel French Press. I did some writing and fielded numerous questions about the scooter and my purpose for “being in these parts.” I was also attacked by ravenous gnats, but enjoyed the break none the less. I hit the road again, blasting Sound Tribe Sector 9, a live NYC show from last year.
The next 50 miles flew by and then Route 43 dumped right into a Highway 65, to my chagrin-the speed limit was 70. I pulled off as soon as I could-about two miles down the Hwy. A very nice, angelic couple led me from a gas station to a cheap, safe hotel via confusing backroads. Tomorrow I will get an early start for New Orleans, since I don’ t yet know where I am staying-but I have some numbers to call. I really hope to do some volunteer work but I hear they don’t take people for less than a week.

I will do some more backlog posting on ATL-that was a real wild, fun part of the trip. I was roped into visiting ATL’s notorious strip club, the Clermont-the most surreal and cool nightclub I have ever been too. Now I know why 10 different people told me to visit it. Also, Bill of Twist and Scoot offered an oil change, put on my permanent plates, and send me off with two air filters. Thanks for being part of the Pit Crew, Bill. His shop is really sharp, you can tell he knows what he is doing-and has a nice rapport with customers. He also seems to enjoy fun and cool collectibles of various persuasions. I was invited to attend the Wednesday night scoot gathering with them over at the Thinking Man. On my way over there, however, a torrential thunderstorm left me soaked within a minute. I was carrying around all my electronics so I turned back to my friends place. By the time the storm passed, I figured everyone was gone. Sorry, guys, I would have loved to have met you all.

The moon has fully risen, ripe and luminous overhead. It really has been a birthday I won’t ever forget and I am thankful that so many friends took the time to drop me a note or call. Also, thanks Mom. I was going to stay with a relative in Mobile, until I found out that he lives about an hour in the opposite direction of New Orleans-so Mom offered a hotel as a birthday present! As far as gifts go, the family has been really nice to me and so has the Universe…
LuckY DaY
Groundscore!

Yesterday, I found $40 on the ground.

Pondering

When I was in ATL the other day I picked up a book from the MLK Jr. Center for Non Violence and Social Justice. The first sentence in the book , The Measure of Man, questions, “What is man?” What follows below is an excerpt:

“Some years ago a group of chemists who had a flair for statistics decided to work out the worth of man’s body in terms of the market values for that day. They got together and did a lot of work, and finally they came to this conclusion: The average man has enough fat in him to make about seven bars of soap, enough iron to make a medium-sized nail, enough sugar to fill a shaker, enough lime to whitewash a chicken coop, enough phosphorus for about 2, 220 match tips, and enough magnesium for a dose of magnesia. When all of this was added up in terms of the market values of that day it came to about ninety-eight cents. Now, I guess, since the standards of living are a little higher today, you could get about a dollar ninety-eight for the average man. (and now days that would be about 3.98)”

This is interesting. Think about it. Man’s bodily stuff is worth only 3.98. But can we explain the whole of man in terms of $3.98? Can we explain the artistic genius of Michelangelo or Alex Grey in terms of $3.98? Can we explain the spiritual genius of Martin Luther King, Jr. in $3.98? Can we explain the mystery of the human soul in terms of $3.98? There is something within man that cannot be explained in terms of dollars and cents.

And I’m looking for it. Here’s something priceless from my day:
Baton Rouge say "Peace"

Post office, shower curtain, and peace flag

A few things on the TO DO list. My friend, baker at the Mudhouse, Eliza, has made me a peace flag for the trip. I am zooming out to grab it and have some pizza at Dr. Ho’s thats been planned for awhile now. Otherwise, this is it, the excitement is swelling to a massive level. I leave for the Peace Tour in the afternoon tomorrow (Thursday)-after a swim in the river with the pup and a yoga class. Looking forward to meeting good people and talking about Peace all summer! The White House kick off put me in touch with Denise-a very cool lady-who bought me a cup of joe and offered a reprieve from heavy scooting. She’s another Buddy owner for Peace!
Two Buddy owners for Peace

Peace! Alix

Putting Peace on the Map

Hey Lookers!

This summer Peace will be put on the map.

Yep, literally. I will drive a route that creates a Peace sign around the U.S.

The route starts at the White House and ends in Crawford, TX.
What’s in Crawford, TX?
Well, that’s George W. Bush’s other home.

The way I see it, don’t exclude. Include. He’s a world leader and he’s also a citizen. First off, this ain’t an anti-war demonstration. It’s a pro-active Peace Demonstration. I am asking all Americans to define Peace with me this summer, Mr. President included. It’s important that our world leaders have a working definition of Peace, and help us to achieve it. You know that quote, “Be the change you want to see in world?”

Well, I think change occurs when we have a working definition of what we want. And accountability to incorporate the changes. So, the focus this summer is INCLUSION. And diversity. I bet there are a lot of responses to the question, “How do you define Peace?”

Regardless, let’s not define what we are by what we are not. Let’s transcend.

Sure, its hard to rise above lies, suffering, injustice, but that’s what I am trying to do. This summer, let’s point TWO fingers, not one. (that makes a peace sign)

The trip is estimated to be 9,000+miles and will take over 2 months.
It is a creative campaign to hasten Peace in our country, in our world and works with these themes:

  • The seeds of our beliefs. What does Peace mean to you?
  • Environmentally friendlier forms of travel!
  • Community: demonstrating our interconnectivity!
  • And yes. I want to see this war end.

I am asking the public to offer me your definition of Peace. I will be filming the dialog I have with people, and other events also.

I have a memorial planned to honor dead U.S. soldiers when my odometer marks that number. (unfortunately)

Peace isn’t just a revelation reserved for hippies, anti-war protesters, and the “left.”
It’s how we take care of our bodies, our children, our communities, our neighbors-global and local, and our environment.

Everyone of us has a future and is responsible for the co-creation of it with others.

What does it look like to you?

Remember: Point two fingers, not one!

 

“Mankind must put an end to war, or war will put an end to mankind…War will exist until that distant day when the conscientious objector enjoys the same reputation and prestige that the warrior does today.”
— John F. Kennedy

Trip Blip

A P.E.A.C.E. SCOOTER

A Patriot’s Exhibition Advancing Community and Environmentalism, on a Scooter

Peace, what is it?
Do you think we have enough of it? What is your vision?
I don’t settle for the world I live in these days. Actually, were any of us really taught to settle?
It’s a culture where we always envision more, right? More technology, more toys, more security, more education, more cleverness, more coffee, more success, more polar bears, more competition, more…
I envision MORE PEACE.

I envision decisions that prevent conflict and create relationships. Decisions that create community, a global community, not just a global market. Is it really that difficult to co-create this vision?

Sure, until you know what your definition of peace is. Then you have a way to measure results…

C’mon, what do you really think about the state of affairs…
We are still at war -a war based on lies.
Republicans and Democrats are still tusslin’. The Environment is in a whoppin’ mess.
Peace may be the opposite of war, but it also describes a type of relationship, to oneself and their environment. And here we are, Americans, global leaders and visionaries, pointing fingers at one another, making little progress…
It’s really a simple thing I want you to do.
Just define Peace for me.
While I’m out here cruising around our vast, beautiful country, think about Peace with me. When I pull into your town, tell me what you came up with.
And don’t point one finger, POINT TWO.