Phil's Travel Blog: Catonsville 9 and...

Books Worth a Look

Little Bee by Chris Cleave - This book is a must read. Better than anything else I've read, it takes you vividly into the life of a person in the 3rd world who has no choice but to escape. It is brilliantly written & works well as an audio book. Often I've sent info about the wonderful refugees I've met in Europe. We know only so much of their plight as it is painful for them to recall much less live through again by recounting it. But over time it is clear what they've lived through. This book is excellent as you discover the horrors of their world. Somewhat how to me, it is like being in Europe near a Concentration Camp. One has an obligation to visit it. 'Never to Forget.' In this case, to have our eyes opened.
Garbage King by Eliz Laird - The book is set on the streets on Addis Ababa, in Ethiopia and here lives Mamo and his sister Tiggist. When Mamo's "uncle" offers a job, he soon sets out on a bus to work. Little does he know that he is actually being sold into slavery...

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Catonsville 9 and...

Whatever your politics, this documentary is an interesting review of protests during the Vietnam War era.

I have questions about such protest tactics (damaging property) being used today for two reasons:

No one pays attention. I strongly believe the approach needed today is education. I do not think you educate by shocking people. Their natural response is to see you as some kind of quack.
Non-violence seems to question 'destruction' of any kind. That said, the Catonsville 9 (which took place at my Draft Board!) made a difference.

Check it out: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/934604446/hit-and-stay