Jan Kruse on C-U's Anti-War Anti-Racism Effort (AWARE)
April 20, 2007
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Hello, my name is Jan Kruse and I am a member of AWARE
the local anti-war anti-racism effort of Urbana
Champaign.
If you have seen the local newspaper recently you may
have read that some in the community think AWARE is some
kind of radical group of subversives out to over throw
the government. In a recent commentary I wrote for the
paper I voiced opposition to violence carried out with
US tax dollars and in our name. But it seems there is
just no way to convince the anti anti-war people about
who we are through the print media. So I decided to try
the WILL Public Square.
Actually, AWARE doesn’t mind all the exposure and
publicity we have recently received. It seems when you
are working hard for peace and justice (that is; the
alternative to war and racism) some folks may be fearful
of the results that may come forth and affect their
lives. Some people’s lives may be impacted by AWARE’s
efforts. Here is an example of the effect AWARE might
have on you and your life. With the help of our vast
network of influence AWARE was able to legally place
referenda on the annual township meeting agendas. And
because of this effort next February local township
residents in Champaign and Urbana will be able to cast
advisory votes on issues such as ending the funding for
war, voting to help fund assistance for the poorest
among us, voting to regain the basic rights of citizens,
and voting to keep war with Iran off the US agenda.
Giving citizens the opportunity to cast ballots…pretty
radical stuff.
I imagine the reason some folks are not too happy with
AWARE and its tactics might be due to our ability to
bring together the usual suspects. That would be your
neighbors. We are teachers, retirees, ordained
ministers, university folks, high school students,
medical staff, librarians, school administrators and
veterans.
Each time a letter to the editor appears and mentions
AWARE and gives credit to our humble group for so many
positive undertakings in the community we smile knowing
how impressive our reputation has grown! AWARE has come
out of the shadows and though some say AWARE is a
radical cult of blind followers there seems to be no
stopping AWARE as we continue to gather strength and
momentum.
Since AWARE meets publicly each Sunday at the local
Independent Media Center at the old post office in
Urbana it’s extremely difficult to keep our schemes of
working to end a war based on lies, working for peace &
justice and to oppose racism a secret. Especially since
all are welcome to attend and help plan the next venture
in global intrigue at the local-level.
There is no secret knock or password, just walk on in.
You may be surprised at our humble group. Although it’s
probably best to keep the actual member list “off the
record,” it is possible someone you know might be a
member of AWARE too and is working for peace and justice
in the community.
If you are brave, believe in free speech, have an
opinion, and may or may not work well with others, but
care about humanity and how we engage the world then you
might like to join us next Sunday at 5:00 PM at the IMC.
Come on in and join the effort. |
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