Bill of Rights

In these difficult times, we each wonder how do we stand against the dismantling of the independence of our government agencies, our media, our cultural art institutions?  How do we stand up for all that we have valued as a citizen of the United States?  How do we make clear that retribution and violence is not the way we want our government to stand for?  We can picket, march with others, make calls to our Representatives and Senators.  We can write Creation Exercises.  We each must find a way to stand for what we value in government.  

The 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence is in 2026. How are its phrases being lived in today’s government?  

What we didn’t expect was that all our complaints about King George would be lived in the actions of Trump. 

What are you going to do to make sure that the initial values of the United States are being lived today in our government and in our actions?  Read the Declaration of Independence in entirety.  Not just the thrilling first paragraphs but also the list of complaints that were made against King George.  What is occurring today that was condemned then?

In the Institute we have been unpacking the Declaration of Independence for a past few months.  You could do the same so as to anchor those phrases in your heart and soul.  

Starting in October, we will start unpacking each of the 15 Amendments of the Bill of Rights.  Join us in writing together and individually as we discuss and recommit to these Rights – ones that our fathers, and grandfathers fought to protect and that our immigrant ancestors committed to live here in the United states.

Indeed, We are not just the descendants of our ancestors, we are the saviors of our descendants, and the earth. It falls to us to take a stand for future generations, for the earth and for all the Beings that call this planet home.

Do you believe in the power of the greater whole of humanity when we act as one?  Do you believe that ‘we the people’ means this nation includes in its care everyone: those who have few financial resources, those who have differing physical and mental capabilities; those who just arrived on our shores; those of different races and those of different gender orientations, those who are young and old? 

How will choose to act in these times?  How will each of us stand for the best of our country?  Make your choice and act.