Global Wisdom MV seen from Percival Landing, at dusk, Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Global Wisdom; that's an interesting name for an ocean going vessel. It begs me to question the wisdom of shipping logs, the carcasses of clear-cut trees, to overseas markets. Is clearcutting sound ecological practice? Does clearcutting harm wilderness? Does the practice of clearcutting fit in with sustainability? Does clearcutting constitute correct stewardship practices?

More recent photos from around Olympia below:

I attended a three day nonviolence training retreat over the weekend. It was an intensive, informative, and educational experience. So if you care to please, imagine with me.

Imagine a world where people don't dominate each other (without consent.)

Imagine a world without destructive competition over resources.

Imagine a world where people cooperate to distribute resources equitably.

Imagine a world without oppression; a world without exploitation.

Imagine a world of love, light, prosperity, and consent, where some of the defining ideals of success are health, and to live responsibly and serve life.

Imagine a world where people seek power in community - power with each other - rather than power over each other.

Imagine a world where people care deeply for the well being of all other people, near and far, past present and future.

Imagine a world without unnecessary destructive, and harmful, economic activities.

Imagine a world where all people are treated equally (even Dick Cheney.)

Just imagine: a world where people tolerate personal differences, a world where people don't judge each other based on personal difference. ...ahhhhhh...

The retreat was sponsored by, and held at, St. Michael's Church. Thanks to the St. Michael's. Thanks to the facilitators for their hard work, and skilled leadership. Thanks to those who prepared food. And thanks to everyone who participated. The retreat was a profound experience for me, and deeply informative.

I am now driven to ask more about the nature of my own spirituality, and my own religious inclinations. I am driven to ask: what roles does religion play in oppression, inequality and injustice? How can religion liberate people from oppressive roles in society? Does religion oppress or confine people, and if so, how? How can people of different faiths and beliefs reconcile differences, and learn to appreciate our common humanity, regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, socio-economic background, sexual orientation, or whatever personal differences that exist between us?

Here are some photos of wise sayings, which were posted around the main room during the retreat:

I came across this today and wanted to post it. Hope you enjoy!

large version posted below the fold:

It's prime caiman habitat. Yes, those shady smoking lizards know it well. The fetid lake of doom. There is a front page article in today's Olympian about it. The headline for the article reads "Capitol Lake gets people's vote." According to the article, maybe only as few as about 61 people actually got a chance to register their opinion during this most recent informal meeting.

Lake to Estuary: to convert, or not to convert. Lake versus Estuary. It's a major issue, and an important topic. People argue on both sides. There is even an alternative plan, which would include constructing a barrier in the middle of the basin in order to do half lake / half estuary. That sounds incredible.

The basic truth of the matter is that the Puget Sound is in bad shape. It's polluted, and many species are endangered. Restoring the estuary would be a step in the right direction. Restoring the estuary would be a step toward a remedy for the problem of environmental degradation.

Is Global Trade Sustainable? If so, how much? And for whom? Should some people be allowed to trade freely, and not others?

Global economic trade has some positives, and some negatives. Do some people benefit more than other people? If so, who benefits more?

Are there any groups of people that are harmed by global trade? If so, who are they and how are they harmed?

Does global trade cause environmental degradation? If, so, what kind, and where does it show up?

Are some types of environmental degradation (e.g. global warming, extinction of species, or water/earth/air pollution) acceptable, while others are not? Who decides?

What role do we (both in terms of you and I, and as a society) play in enabling harmful/destructive economic activities? What role do we, or can we, play in working against harmful/destructive economic activities?

What does "progress" mean to you? (How do you define "progress"? Progress being a somewhat nebulous term: moving forward {whether it is socially, economically, politically, or etc.} can take on multiple different meanings.)

Do you have a vision of progress for Olympia? If so, what is it?

I ask these questions in the hope that people will want to, (and will feel comfortable to,) share their vision(s). In that spirit, I ask for people to refrain from engaging in criticism of each others' visions. The idea is for everyone to feel comfortable expressing their self without worry over being attacked.

Additionally, maybe we can inspire each other into thinking about creating, and forging, a common vision.

What does progress mean to you? Do you have a vision of progress for Olympia?

The Real News Network sits down with Retired Auto Workers to discuss the state of the economy and fiscal policy. 4 part video series:

Part 1:

Part 2:

Part 3:

Part 4:

Capital City Pride, Olympia, Washington, by Laura Killian

There are other photos too. For example, Brian has some: here.

Pride festival today. I ended up walking in the parade so I didn't do a lot of photography. Here are three.

City Council Member Joe Hyer said, "I want to be on OlyBlog!" Here you go Joe!

Joe Hyer with Pride

Shannon Showing Pride

Capital City Pride Flowers

15 recent photos from around town:

Percival Landing

Wow, what awesome weather yesterday. A little bit of everything. Overcast, rainy, misty, then mostly sunny and breezy with great big puffy clouds. Loving it!