tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58209082464780548182024-03-05T21:57:36.785-08:00EVE BLOGThe ongoing conversation from "Conversations with EVE"Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09088313901428250990noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5820908246478054818.post-23143315621966901812014-03-18T09:43:00.001-07:002014-03-18T09:43:59.813-07:00AWESOME CHANGE IN MEN’S ATTITUDES<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvAQgnBpgAynMgv1gdtFbWqZINy225uG20le3bDXb001nx2ALkC5WJPCXkmKXOz7s4HPRQ1Atum2B02fF3mP6V7cEITVduA6OWo9EZqtJgMEry6lvNcdlsWNm2yScedqHsPCWQq-S8seI/s1600/VDAY.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvAQgnBpgAynMgv1gdtFbWqZINy225uG20le3bDXb001nx2ALkC5WJPCXkmKXOz7s4HPRQ1Atum2B02fF3mP6V7cEITVduA6OWo9EZqtJgMEry6lvNcdlsWNm2yScedqHsPCWQq-S8seI/s400/VDAY.jpg" /></a></div>This picture represents a wonderful and historic change in the attitudes of men worldwide when it comes to EVE. It was taken on March 7th in South Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo, when a group of 20 men gathered to formally launch V-Men Congo. This group of lawyers, teachers, doctors, athletes, and military and police men came together to publicly state their appreciation and support for EVE.<br />
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In their V-Men Congo statement they said, “We… understand that women are our most precious resource, pillar of the family, the basic cell of the Nation, and backbone of the economy. Today, in the twenty-first century, despite their daily struggle, determination and courage, some customs and cultural practices of our retrograde patriarchal societies keep them in an inferior status of second-class citizens and modern slaves.”<br />
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“Considering the fact that women are not only our mothers, our sisters, our wives and daughters, we know that all human beings are equal and therefore everyone should be able to make choices freely and without discrimination. The gap between the daily realities and the rights recognized in international conventions, the Constitution and the laws must be bridged…”<br />
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To read more of their statement and about other men’s groups around the world coming together to create a better life for all EVE and men, go to <a href="http://www.onebillionrising.org/12209/statement-v-men-congo-launch-movement-bukavu-bodega-7-march-2014/#english">http://www.onebillionrising.org/12209/statement-v-men-congo-launch-movement-bukavu-bodega-7-march-2014/#english</a>.<br />
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Now let’s work to make such sentiments and attitudes the foundation of all societies!!<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09088313901428250990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5820908246478054818.post-13413798395886267332014-02-18T07:30:00.000-08:002014-02-18T07:30:21.002-08:00DIGITAL “CONVERSATIONS” WITH EVE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBWA8ZEvXdRtv_GkRG2whkm9ut6B-kQXTRj9B2smL190BTzlQlJQUcfT3RQMhEl3MqeJgRDgV39cPWKA71Ptv9ExPmfg9aY-Wxwc-rFJoW9dtUjwpm1EnKUOHEFxQoCWsmeVturjasYaY/s1600/256px-EmmaGoldmanQuote2000.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBWA8ZEvXdRtv_GkRG2whkm9ut6B-kQXTRj9B2smL190BTzlQlJQUcfT3RQMhEl3MqeJgRDgV39cPWKA71Ptv9ExPmfg9aY-Wxwc-rFJoW9dtUjwpm1EnKUOHEFxQoCWsmeVturjasYaY/s320/256px-EmmaGoldmanQuote2000.JPG" /></a></div>One of the wonderful things about the internet is the power it offers for EVE to communicate, connect, and come together for self-affirmation and positive change. And the immense impact that this will have on the future of our world cannot be underestimated.<br />
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There are thousands (maybe tens of thousands) of websites, blogs, awareness campaigns, etc. where EVE from around the corner and around the world are talking to each other in ways and numbers that were unimaginable even a decade ago. Here are just a few examples of this power and potential:<br />
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** EVE in hundreds of countries around the world can “RISE” together on the same day in a coordinated demand/celebration for justice for EVE - <a href="www.onebillionrising.org/">www.onebillionrising.org/</a><br />
** Hundreds of thousands of EVE from all corners of the planet can inspire and support each other in seeking the true, peaceful center of their being - <a href="www.awakeningwomen.com/">www.awakeningwomen.com/</a><br />
** EVE of all ages and all situations can share their need for feminism and the changes it will bring to our societies - <a href="www.agirlsguidetotakingovertheworld.co.uk">www.agirlsguidetotakingovertheworld.co.uk</a>, and<br />
** EVE and men can come together to celebrate and learn from the amazing EVE who have made a difference in the world already - <a href="www.facebook.com/WomenWhoChangeTheWorld">www.facebook.com/WomenWhoChangeTheWorld</a><br />
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Whether it’s a face-to-face with EVE you know personally or a digital “conversation” with half the planet, keep speaking the truth and imaging a world of peace, justice, and pleasure – it ALL makes a huge difference!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09088313901428250990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5820908246478054818.post-33610064908118712922014-02-06T08:42:00.000-08:002014-02-06T08:42:08.206-08:00V-DAY – 1 BILLION RISING<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNbvXP0Y_joOqU7Ple4_Sdj6ALAcEn94qljgYmDF_tzQ7uotTudj47xikQORcJePs_td2pJyo8b39TOX0gncZTAjppZcU9enendd5VcU_O-yo9mqlqv4XlBich4_nSAqnYvVUyGSi-1yk/s1600/1blikes.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNbvXP0Y_joOqU7Ple4_Sdj6ALAcEn94qljgYmDF_tzQ7uotTudj47xikQORcJePs_td2pJyo8b39TOX0gncZTAjppZcU9enendd5VcU_O-yo9mqlqv4XlBich4_nSAqnYvVUyGSi-1yk/s320/1blikes.jpg" /></a><br />
February 14th is traditionally celebrated as Valentine’s Day and focuses on love, romance, and relationships. But since Valentine’s Day 1998 there has been another focus that takes place on that date – V-Day.<br />
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V-Day is a day of action and awareness for the 1 BILLION RISING FOR JUSTICE campaign created by Eve Ensler, author of “The Vagina Monologues” to create awareness and activism to end violence against women and girls worldwide. The website <a href="http://www.onebillionrising.org/">http://www.onebillionrising.org/</a> says:<br />
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ONE IN THREE WOMEN ON THE PLANET WILL BE RAPED OR BEATEN IN HER LIFETIME.<br />
THAT IS ONE BILLION WOMEN.<br />
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IN 2013, ONE BILLION WOMEN AND MEN SHOOK THE EARTH THROUGH DANCE TO END VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS.<br />
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THIS YEAR, ON 14 FEBRUARY 2014 WE ARE CALLING ON WOMEN AND MEN EVERYWHERE TO HARNESS THEIR POWER AND IMAGINATION TO RISE FOR JUSTICE.<br />
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IMAGINE, ONE BILLION WOMEN RELEASING THEIR STORIES, DANCING AND SPEAKING OUT AT THE PLACES WHERE THEY NEED JUSTICE, WHERE THEY NEED AN END TO VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS.<br />
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JOIN US!<br />
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RISE. RELEASE. DANCE!<br />
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Visit the website, Like the Facebook page, Find a Rising near you, and/or sing and dance in your own living room on V-Day to show your support for this marvelous campaign to end violence against women in our lifetime.<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09088313901428250990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5820908246478054818.post-78928491671659483032014-01-21T11:32:00.000-08:002014-01-21T11:32:09.929-08:00A NEW (EVE) WAY OF GETTING THINGS DONE IN CONGRESS <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicRTPvKGhgImFjNeQksF7xO2WX75DxmTdNiBXU-lkSdkprGPnH3noAtu5-gHbwC8TPt8eBHJ7G0rXBRYb_uHVrK1hNI3abGUMpfYe7SJuLE0yorxd6hV4x28yqvOtrKgR6EY4PBuEv_po/s1600/113thcongressEVE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicRTPvKGhgImFjNeQksF7xO2WX75DxmTdNiBXU-lkSdkprGPnH3noAtu5-gHbwC8TPt8eBHJ7G0rXBRYb_uHVrK1hNI3abGUMpfYe7SJuLE0yorxd6hV4x28yqvOtrKgR6EY4PBuEv_po/s320/113thcongressEVE.jpg" /></a></div>There’s a new, better way of doing business that’s building in Congress these days – creating trust, bipartisan cooperation, etc. “What,” you might ask, “OUR Congress?”<br />
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Yes, I know it’s hard to believe but there was a very encouraging article by Ed O’Keefe in the January 16th edition of the Washington Post (1). In his article, Mr. O’Keefe states that “while the country has been distracted by extended disagreements in Washington, led mostly by men, a cast of powerful female lawmakers has been amassing some notable victories.” He goes on to credit EVE Senators who now hold key leadership positions with being the creative and cooperative force behind the few legislative accomplishments in the 113th Congress.<br />
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1. The $1.1 trillion spending plan approved this week was the handiwork of Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Barbara A. Mikulski (D-MD) and her House counterpart, Harold Rogers (R-KY).<br />
2. In December, when lawmakers approved a budget deal with big majorities in both chambers, credit went to Senate Budget Committee Chairman Patty Murray (D-WA) and House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan (R-WI).<br />
3. Next month, when attention will turn to passing a farm bill, Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), who has spent three years working on the measure with House Agriculture Committee Chairman Frank D. Lucas (R-OK), will be at the center of the action.<br />
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In addition to crucial legislation, EVE in Congress are shaping and influencing debates that speak to some of our most fundamental freedoms.<br />
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* Last year, seven EVE on the Senate Armed Services Committee took the lead on writing a historic plan to revamp how the military handles cases of sexual assault and rape which was included in the annual Pentagon policy bill.<br />
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* In coming weeks, Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) will begin a debate about reforming the National Security Agency.<br />
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After the dismally unproductive session Congress had last year, there’s a feeling among many people that some things in Congress are starting to function better because of the power that EVE now hold. Mr. O’Keefe quotes two EVE Senators’ thinking on why this is happening.<br />
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Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) said, “It’s not surprising that every time I’ve passed a piece of legislation, I’ve had a strong Republican woman helping me across the aisle. Women are often very good at finding common ground and building bipartisan support.”<br />
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And Sen. Mikulski gave a more down to earth description when she said, “While we work on the macro issues, we also work on macaroni-and-cheese issues.”<br />
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There is great hope for our nation when EVE in the U.S. Congress can promote a culture of “people before power” and “caring more about getting results than taking credit” – two foundations of the (r)evolution to create a safer, happier, more productive world. <br />
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(1) http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/women-are-wielding-notable-influence-in-congress/2014/01/16/d1c00d76-7e04-11e3-95c6-0a7aa80874bc_print.html<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09088313901428250990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5820908246478054818.post-9285726866839846612014-01-14T12:12:00.000-08:002014-01-14T12:12:54.037-08:00EVE MAKING PROGRESS - EVEN IN AFGHANISTAN!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji3krZof2YsYG9p2Msv18n5IDLcfzht3JYXmgFRLIXBJuAYcxWScb5J3_UpvE4CkZCmRJv2Y8KUOLm2q99_xCIRv3uLUiUXdpmKer-49O9mUTh0Z8f_HEau0iVvuTq3xD-LMqIgdkeOIQ/s1600/256px-Womens_Day_in_Afghanistan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji3krZof2YsYG9p2Msv18n5IDLcfzht3JYXmgFRLIXBJuAYcxWScb5J3_UpvE4CkZCmRJv2Y8KUOLm2q99_xCIRv3uLUiUXdpmKer-49O9mUTh0Z8f_HEau0iVvuTq3xD-LMqIgdkeOIQ/s320/256px-Womens_Day_in_Afghanistan.jpg" /></a></div>THESE are extremely strong, courageous EVE! I say that because this picture was taken at a celebration of International Women’s Day in Afghanistan in March, 2012.<br />
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This is the second year that EVE in Afghanistan have been allowed to hold events to observe this day of honoring and celebrating EVE worldwide. And this time they had some things to celebrate.<br />
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On the right is Fatima. She is one of only five EVE members of the District Community Council (DCC) in Nahr-e-Saraj district. Theirs is one of the few districts with any EVE representation on the DCC, but all five EVE members are vocal and visible participants in meetings and subcommittees.<br />
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There were two events initiated and organized in the district by Afghan EVE that day, and each of the events was attended by hundreds of EVE and many, many children. They came together to give speeches, sing songs, recite poetry, and revel in this taste of respect and freedom. They also watched plays showing how EVE can use their influence to bring about even greater improvements in their society.<br />
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Both events were given a political “stamp of approval” when the District Governor attended and spoke. He acknowledged the injustices that Afghan EVE have suffered over the past 30 years and praised the participants for their courage. He also spoke to the need for active leadership by EVE and the education and training of EVE doctors, engineers, nurses, teachers, etc. to contribute to their culture’s future.<br />
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There is still a great deal of work needed in Afghanistan and many other countries to give EVE a fair chance at a safe, happy life. But the fact that these celebrations took place at all is definitely a sign of progress – and hope.<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09088313901428250990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5820908246478054818.post-31859859889028498842014-01-07T12:38:00.000-08:002014-01-07T12:38:20.378-08:00YOUNG EVE – UNDERSTANDING WHAT’S AT STAKEI just wrote a guest article for <b>Bombshell</b>, the EVE’s section of Blast Magazine – <b>“Equal, Beautiful, Smart, Female Journalism”</b> - http://blastbombshell.com. Blast is an online-only magazine for Gen-Y, those born between the late 70s and the mid-90s, and it definitely has attitude with a capital “A.” <br />
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This was a wonderful opportunity to introduce these Gen-Y EVE to the assertiveness and activism of <i>Conversations with EVE</i>. Their generation has grown up taking for granted that EVE are leading scientists, presidents of colleges, members of the U.S. Senate, etc., etc. They have been enjoying the expanded the freedoms and opportunities for EVE that were won during the women’s rights movements of the 60s.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHiGm4r6DswlssVYHCENJjdza13_cfhhvsVSL-DAB9NWECErUM5IMa2_weqGEii3SNNDzTHmj0l95Al55OTHJb4EM2WrWZuOsQ3Ai7BtYWVqUiqXjnCRKiXCxDMeu0vXgwogG7IkREXC0/s1600/256px-C-130_-_First_all_female_crew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHiGm4r6DswlssVYHCENJjdza13_cfhhvsVSL-DAB9NWECErUM5IMa2_weqGEii3SNNDzTHmj0l95Al55OTHJb4EM2WrWZuOsQ3Ai7BtYWVqUiqXjnCRKiXCxDMeu0vXgwogG7IkREXC0/s400/256px-C-130_-_First_all_female_crew.jpg" /></a></div>The young EVE in this photo are the <b>first all-female crew of a C-130</b> aircraft. I chose this photo because it’s their generation that has fought for opportunities in all parts of society – including the military. So maybe it will be the EVE of their generation who have seen war up close and too personal (from combat injuries to sexual assault by their fellow service personnel) who will <b>demand a peaceful world</b> in which to raise their grandchildren.<br />
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It will be their generation that defends and protects EVE’s rights as we go forward into the 21st century. So it’s critically important that EVE of this generation have a sense of how fragile our freedoms and opportunities are, especially in the face of the “war on women” being waged by so many American legislatures and courts. <br />
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Let’s continue to inform and empower young EVE to be proud of their heritage and fierce in defense of their rights. And let’s hope that by the time they are in their 60s they will have expanded EVE’s rights and protections even further to include the elimination of the rape and abuse culture, fair and equal pay for all, contraception that’s easy to get and easy to use, and more.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09088313901428250990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5820908246478054818.post-90696967894981942282013-12-22T08:00:00.000-08:002013-12-22T08:00:02.689-08:00A (R)EVOLUTION ABOUT PEACE? JUST MIGHT WORK.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWNOmOHXGEkS69YhpTD4W0NROr8xtpAW8yDtg1PXMG-MGmvlrYVNE9ZPAWWNF556esGAnCYwKyJ5rYbekCZZoZmebxg6OQVS7Zty5wZYlzTuBrbdPLBSvbTdOfz1u15SRCQe5mq9pYtSs/s1600/256px-Peace_dove.svg.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWNOmOHXGEkS69YhpTD4W0NROr8xtpAW8yDtg1PXMG-MGmvlrYVNE9ZPAWWNF556esGAnCYwKyJ5rYbekCZZoZmebxg6OQVS7Zty5wZYlzTuBrbdPLBSvbTdOfz1u15SRCQe5mq9pYtSs/s320/256px-Peace_dove.svg.png" /></a></div>You hear it so much this time of year - <b>“Peace on Earth.”</b> So many holiday cards say it, so many journalists and commentators talk about it, but it seems as elusive as ever at the start of the New Year. How can that be? I’ll bet if you asked every individual on Earth whether they preferred “War” or “Peace” there would be less than 5% that said “War.” So how is it that the other 95% of us who are sick and tired of war and conflict can’t seem to make the other 5% stop doing it? It’s because <b>we’re not connecting the dots</b>. We’re just coming to understand that the personal IS political and that we must have the exact same peaceful social values in our foreign policy as we are striving for in our general society. <br />
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American social values are trying mightily to move in the direction of greater acceptance and greater compassion in many ways. We’re taking new, more common sense looks at things like:<br />
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* the right to earn the same for a job regardless of your sex<br />
* the right to express your sexuality without being beaten up or fired<br />
* the right to work for a living wage<br />
* the right to utilize a natural herbal remedy in all sorts of beneficial ways<br />
* who really wins and who really loses when we wage war instead of peace to settle<br />
international disagreements<br />
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Our leaders though are still stuck in the military-industrial age of war for profit and pleasure (for a VERY few!) and governing via short term ego trips. So it’s the right time to make a pledge to demand from our “leaders” the kind of behavior we are more and more demanding from ourselves in our personal lives – open mindedness and fair, intelligent living.<br />
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<b>MERRY CHRISTMAS & PEACEFUL NEW YEAR!</b><br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09088313901428250990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5820908246478054818.post-24906115236678814722013-12-15T10:49:00.001-08:002013-12-15T10:49:48.774-08:00LAUGHTER & LOVE – REACHING FOR THE BEST!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHoDrmVqvVAYagpJgPui4msRW6sWHLEyznIBewMOEkll462L9qBdDhJfPSwsRjTCzjB_Jpbzf6tzrAttqQgANL1Gp0229wEvFp6vhBfs4FOzFlAW35S1v1mEvLqHVszU4eqqsLk4arPtw/s1600/256px-Children_dancing,_Geneva.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHoDrmVqvVAYagpJgPui4msRW6sWHLEyznIBewMOEkll462L9qBdDhJfPSwsRjTCzjB_Jpbzf6tzrAttqQgANL1Gp0229wEvFp6vhBfs4FOzFlAW35S1v1mEvLqHVszU4eqqsLk4arPtw/s320/256px-Children_dancing,_Geneva.jpg" /></a></div>We all start out with the potential to <b>laugh and love without barriers or blame</b>, regardless of where we’re born or the color of our skin. Then the social values of “winning and power” force people to dampen the laughter and diminish the love, but now we know it doesn’t have to be this way. Now we know that each of us holds the power to change those social values to bring out the very best in people!<br />
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That really is the basis of the (r)evolution I write about in <i>Conversations with EVE</i>. Average people using the power of their daily choices to create societies and cultures that <b>encourage, nurture, and reward all the wonderful aspects</b> of our human nature: kindness, tolerance, curiosity, compassion, fair play, cooperation, etc.<br />
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In order to accomplish this, we’ll need to make our choices on <b>new social assumptions</b>:<br />
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- Happiness is more essential and fulfilling than power<br />
- Team work is more productive and satisfying than beating somebody out<br />
- Every individual deserves the same respect and protections<br />
- Every individual deserves the chance to earn a decent standard of living<br />
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So, maybe our “giving” can have a much greater meaning this holiday season. Maybe our choices can “give” the world’s people and future generations the opportunity to live in homes and societies that value and support them. <b>Let’s choose laughter and love!</b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09088313901428250990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5820908246478054818.post-54575498629479104922013-12-08T08:42:00.000-08:002013-12-08T08:42:12.031-08:00EVE ARE CHANGING THE WORLD! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi46ojVUpPQreyDLysTPQZMqyZ_M5uAcp-1m0jrW8KmMw0vwjapPv2WpztFYM1NFaM07pv6ZXRmn25zFcdi5NYTeKt3Q5NV4CTBClG7VxSRnz3wKtREcEVLI3E62F3dmHxdItkMkhH2zAU/s1600/256px-Mass-Community_Health_Teaching.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi46ojVUpPQreyDLysTPQZMqyZ_M5uAcp-1m0jrW8KmMw0vwjapPv2WpztFYM1NFaM07pv6ZXRmn25zFcdi5NYTeKt3Q5NV4CTBClG7VxSRnz3wKtREcEVLI3E62F3dmHxdItkMkhH2zAU/s320/256px-Mass-Community_Health_Teaching.JPG" /></a></div>In the courts and in the courtyards around the world EVE are making a statement and a difference!<br />
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On the global scene, this photo by Lindsey Maya (1) shows EVE gathered in Nepal to discuss women’s health. They came together to “open a dialogue” about the practice of Chhaupadi which still <b>stigmatizes and traumatizes women and girls in Achham</b> because of their bodily functions.<br />
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In this society, menstruating EVE are still viewed as impure and confined in small, unventilated sheds during their monthly cycles. EVE are not only ostracized and shamed by this practice, there have been deaths during this confinement “due to snake bites, hypothermia, or oxygen deficiency.” These EVE are gathered to watch a skit to openly show how negative this treatment is and to talk about how they can change or eliminate it from their society. <b>This is the power of Conversation</b> – talking about social change with those who can most benefit!<br />
<br />
Then there is the story right here in America about an internet campaign to stop a grave injustice in our court system. This campaign by the activist group/site UltraViolet.org (2) focused on a travesty of justice in Montana. Judge Baugh sentenced the rapist of Cherice Moralez, a 14-year-old girl who committed suicide after she was raped by her teacher, to <b>30-days in jail</b> because he said the girl was "as much in control of the situation" as her 49-year-old rapist.<br />
<br />
This is a truly blatant example of the “blame the victim” strategy, but EVE aren’t taking this twisting of reality quietly anymore. Through internet activism UltraViolet collected <b>86,500 petition signatures demanding justice for Cherice</b> and Judge Baugh’s removal from the bench, and their voices have been heard. Prosecutors in Montana have filed an appeal to put Cherice’s rapist behind bars for 10 years, and Montana’s National Organization for Women has filed an official complaint to have Baugh removed from the bench.<br />
<br />
None of these changes would be happening if EVE had not joined their voices and their power to expose the cruel and unfair ways EVE are still treated every day in our Manplan world and demand change.<br />
<br />
<b>SPEAK UP & SPEAK OUT FOR ALL PEOPLE!</b><br />
<br />
(1) <a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mass-Community_Health_Teaching.JPG">http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mass-Community_Health_Teaching.JPG</a><br />
(2) <a href="http://Weareultraviolet.org">Weareultraviolet.org<br />
</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09088313901428250990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5820908246478054818.post-87510636368616076742013-12-03T14:35:00.000-08:002013-12-03T14:35:24.963-08:00A TRUE “COMMUNITY” CONVERSATIONI was honored and exhilarated to share the messages of Conversations with EVE as a panelist at an amazing event recently! Almost 100 people gathered at Florida Southern College<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-QjfX0CfWPwkKRIXtIwh8wIyHNU-7JUF8BQgd-f2Tfpuvv5rGoq1yQ3xymMfELvQ8H2SjwYa86feqgj7gRQz2Own7x0GD3k0K00uuRBysCd5c80M8d28gNFQwenTTL7MsInSrivAPaF8/s1600/LWVEVENT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-QjfX0CfWPwkKRIXtIwh8wIyHNU-7JUF8BQgd-f2Tfpuvv5rGoq1yQ3xymMfELvQ8H2SjwYa86feqgj7gRQz2Own7x0GD3k0K00uuRBysCd5c80M8d28gNFQwenTTL7MsInSrivAPaF8/s320/LWVEVENT.jpg" /></a></div>for the “Lois Cowles Harrison Symposium on Women: From Passion to Action.”<br />
<br />
I was especially honored because this event was created, organized, and presented by the League of Women Voters (LWV) of Polk County in direct response to my book and its messages of enlightenment and empowerment for EVE. The event was recorded by PGTV and will be broadcast in the near future on local cable channels.<br />
<br />
Even more exciting is a campaign by the local LWV chapter called “CONTINUING THE CONVERSATION.” This symposium was the kick-off for the campaign and a recording will be shared with all the LWV chapters in the country to encourage open, honest dialogue about the issues that EVE still face here in America and abroad.<br />
<br />
Also bringing their perspectives and expertise to the panel were Dr. Sharon Masters, recently retired professor of Women’s Studies programs at Florida Southern College and Doris Weatherford, renowned author of works on EVE’s history and adjunct professor at University of South Florida, Tampa.<br />
<br />
The more we talk about and advocate for the social changes that are needed to restore balance and sanity to our world, the more likely they will happen!!!<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09088313901428250990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5820908246478054818.post-82173451879510510882013-11-26T08:22:00.000-08:002013-11-26T08:22:33.496-08:00THANKS TO SO MANY EVEA quick thought before we get busy cooking, eating, laughing, and loving for Thanksgiving.<br />
<br />
(And just for fun, click on this link - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRVrUZXxi6g&list=PL8F050930AC77094E">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRVrUZXxi6g&list=PL8F050930AC77094E</a> - and listen to “Imperfection” by Saving Jane while you read.)<br />
<br />
I am SO THANKFUL! My list would fill pages, so let me just say I’m thankful for:<br />
<br />
1. <b>wonderful, strong EVE</b> in my life and my family who I can laugh, cry, and hope with,<br />
2. accomplished EVE like my mother who created a home and raised the kids,<br />
3. <b>independent EVE</b> like my Grandma Whidden who divorced a man way before it was “acceptable” because it was the right thing to do,<br />
4. talented EVE who are making their mark in entertainment so we can hear their voices, see their portrayals, and read their words of inspiration, <br />
5. <b>amazing EVE</b> in the U.S. Congress who are challenging the mess the men are making,<br />
6. indomitable EVE who campaigned tirelessly so I can use the power of my vote to change the world,<br />
7. <b>unapologetic EVE</b> who proved EVE’s “place” includes college and graduate school,<br />
8. courageous EVE like Ilana Hammerman, an Israeli widow, who started smuggling Palestinian EVE to the beach for a day to “befriend our brave Palestinian neighbors, and together with them, to be free women, if only for one day.” (1)<br />
9. <b>determined EVE around the world</b> who recognize their dignity and their value even if their societies are still fighting the inevitable,<br />
10. <b>ALL THE MEN who have, do and will love and support strong, smart, funny EVE!<br />
</b><br />
<b>HAPPY THANKSGIVING!<br />
</b><br />
(1) http://12160.info/m/blogpost?id=2649739%3ABlogPost%3A1339080<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09088313901428250990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5820908246478054818.post-54382682881556999042013-11-17T13:58:00.000-08:002013-11-17T13:58:51.943-08:00EVE TO EVE - CREATING THE CONVERSATIONS! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIvszlzn1N-pIzzbJFy7bHr6P0ti8VuKeBHfoPCbFakM-3atgstHSoucAtFlxXmY6TGrHEHrLZQeEL5Haqb-0XznLmcyKvP_CctwmWpI_phAAioPOcKEcKBOmqVBD_97CyelAC7ghqwrA/s1600/CWE1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIvszlzn1N-pIzzbJFy7bHr6P0ti8VuKeBHfoPCbFakM-3atgstHSoucAtFlxXmY6TGrHEHrLZQeEL5Haqb-0XznLmcyKvP_CctwmWpI_phAAioPOcKEcKBOmqVBD_97CyelAC7ghqwrA/s400/CWE1.jpg" /></a></div>This wonderful group (plus more not shown in this photo) was given the opportunity recently to laugh, learn, and share our successes and challenges as EVE.<br />
<br />
The gathering took place in Baltimore, Maryland, through the insight and energy of my cousin, Susan. She had read <i>Conversations with EVE</i> and wanted to share the wealth by hosting her own Conversation.<br />
<br />
Through her hospitality, EVE of different ages and backgrounds sat down together to talk, to learn from each other, and to encourage and motivate each other. Our attitudes on some things were quite different but <b>our belief that EVE deserve equality and respect was unanimous</b>.<br />
<br />
At the table that day we shared our frustrations, more of them from the older EVE than the younger. But we also shared how fortunate we were to have grown up in a society that was so changed and improved by the women’s movement. From the <b>72 years of hard work</b> it took to secure the vote for EVE in America to the <b>sit-ins for equal pay</b> and the <b>speak-outs against abuse</b> of the 1960s, we are all beneficiaries of EVE who refused to accept that they deserved less respect or opportunities than men.<br />
<br />
They were EVE who believed in their rights and their freedoms and never stopped speaking out about them. They were EVE who challenged the limitations put on them and <b>lived by their own conscience</b>, in spite of the fact that it often made them unpopular with their family, their church, their community, or their nation. And we all decided that <b>we are also those EVE</b>, that we want to continue to protect and expand dignity, opportunities, and happiness for EVE the worldwide with every choice we make.<br />
<br />
One more Conversation. Many more EVE feeling empowered to make an even bigger difference in our society and our world. How awesome! If you have a group that would like to get together with me for a Conversation, let me know at <a href="http://info@everyvaginaonearth.com">info@everyvaginaonearth.com</a>. I can’t wait. <br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09088313901428250990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5820908246478054818.post-53968983347890846262013-11-06T12:40:00.000-08:002013-11-06T12:40:52.777-08:00WERE EVE THE FIRST ARTISTS?Well, it looks like science is going to have to revise another theory of the role of EVE in prehistory, because those remarkable paleolithic cave paintings were most likely made by EVE artists.<br />
<br />
That’s the startling outcome of a new analysis of the handprints in several famous cave paintings by Dean Snow, Pennsylvania State University, as reported by Virginia Hughes, National Geographic. (1) Snow’s careful analysis of hand stencils found in eight cave sites in France and Spain show that three-quarters of the handprints were made by EVE, not men, but he wasn’t really surprised by this finding.<br />
<br />
As with so many “man the hunter” interpretations of archaeological remains, these amazing works of art were automatically assumed to have been made by men because they showcase game animals. However, Snow explained, “there has been a male bias in the literature for a long time. In most hunter-gatherer societies, it’s men that do the killing. But it’s often the women who haul the meat back to camp, and women are as concerned with the productivity of the hunt as men are.” A second theory that had credited the paintings to shamans rather than hunters still includes EVE as the artists, because what could be one of the oldest burials of a religious shaman yet discovered is the 12,000-year-old grave of a high ranking female in Israel.<br />
<br />
I'm not saying that EVE did everything in prehistoric society. I'm just saying that EVE did a great deal more than they've been given credit for (yet) by the male dominated sciences. Good to know that both male and female scientists are openly challenging these outdated theories to give us a truer sense of our cultural history.<br />
<br />
(1) http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2013/10/131008-women-handprints-oldest-neolithic-cave-art/Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09088313901428250990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5820908246478054818.post-70158565922494238842013-10-31T13:10:00.000-07:002013-10-31T13:10:37.285-07:00THE (R)EVOLUTIONARY POWER OF ADVERTISING ??Sometimes positive culture change can be advanced by the most unlikely influences.<br />
<br />
There is an article and link on Huffington Post (1) for a video of an advertisement from a jeweler in India. The reason this ad is newsworthy is because it <b>challenges the long standing taboos</b> that widowed and divorced EVE have suffered under in Indian culture.<br />
<br />
An article by V. Malik (2) offers a good description of the hardships of many widows in India. He writes, “The marriageable age was lowered further and girls were married at the age of 8, just before the time they attained puberty. Widow marriages were prohibited and sati (being burned on the husband’s funeral pyre, my note) became a common practice. Early marriage was naturally followed by early maternity, which increased the mortality among women between the ages of 14 and 22. Child brides got married to men twice their age, who died early due to disease or warfare leaving these brides as child widows who were not permitted to remarry. They had to lead a chaste life and could not look at another man their entire life. <b>They had to remain faithful to their husband, alive or dead, all their lives.”</b><br />
<br />
There have been attempts to change this terrible social situation for EVE in India. In fact, the British government passed a law in 1856 that legalized widow remarriage, but a law doesn’t necessarily change people’s minds or habits. Those who opposed the new law had three arguments against it, which basically sound exactly like every other argument for changing the Manplan and improving the lives of EVE(2):<br />
<br />
1. we’ve “always” done it this way so it must be right,<br />
2. if restrictions on women are relaxed, society will crash and burn, and<br />
3. <b>women are by nature deceitful, untrustworthy and prone to adultery</b>.<br />
<br />
“AdWeek reports that India has been ‘mesmerized’ by the ad. The trade outlet called the commercial ‘revolutionary’ and ‘crazy bold.’(1) So maybe a simple advertisement for jewelry can make Indian citizens rethink this demoralizing and harmful cultural taboo. We hope so! <br />
<br />
(1) http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/31/india-second-marriage-ad_n_4181192.html?1383239302&icid=maing-grid7|main5|dl2|sec1_lnk3%26pLid%3D399561<br />
<br />
(2) “Problems Of Widow Remarriage In India: A Study”, Varun Malik, Assistant Professor, Rayat College Of Law, Railmajra, India, Journal of Business Management & Social Sciences Research, Volume 2, No.2, February 2013.<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09088313901428250990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5820908246478054818.post-61447427552315786142013-10-03T13:39:00.000-07:002013-10-03T13:39:07.809-07:00MONSANTO & THE MANPLANThe issue of <b>GMO foods</b> and the greed and disregard for people and the planet shown by companies like Monsanto are living, fire-breathing examples of the Manplan at work in many ways:<br />
<br />
1. the arrogance of thinking that we can control, improve on nature without any thought for long term consequences on human health and the environment,<br />
2. total dishonesty about the true effects that these “products” are having on small farmers and their ability to grow safe, healthy food,<br />
3. utter disregard for the millions who will actually have less to eat in future years because of the damage to crop yields and the push for mono-agriculture, and<br />
4. blatant bribing of government entities (mostly in the U.S.) for special treatment that lets them get away with “murder” both in the fields and in the supermarkets.<br />
<br />
The <b>values of the Manplan and Monsanto’s campaign</b> for GMO’s are identical:<br />
<br />
<b>**</b> only interested in profit and power,<br />
<b>**</b> only focused on short-term personal triumphs not long-term social successes, and<br />
<b>**</b> perfectly comfortable with lying, cheating, and corrupting to win the “game” regardless of the harm done to others.<br />
<br />
BUT, just as <i>Conversations with EVE</i> shows how our personal advocacy can challenge and change the negative values of the Manplan, the activism of many anti-GMO, food safety advocates has exposed and derailed the “<b>Monsanto Protection Act</b>.”<br />
<br />
This provision, deceitfully labeled the Farmer Assurance Provision, was slipped into the Senate Continuing Resolution spending bill by Sen. Roy Blunt (R-Missouri) and signed into law last March, but the Monsanto attachment was only in effect until September 30th. And because of the protests, phone calls, and petitions of average people <b>it has expired!</b><br />
<br />
This is a victory for all those who think special interests shouldn’t get special deals,” Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) said. “This secret rider … instructed the Secretary of Agriculture to allow GMO crops to be cultivated and sold even when our courts had found they posed a potential risk to farmers of nearby crops, the environment, and human health.” (1)<br />
<br />
“This is a major victory for the food movement and all those who care about openness and transparency in their government,” Dave Murphy, the executive director of Food Democracy Now, said in a statement. “And a sign that <b>our voices can make the difference</b> when we are effectively organized.”(1)<br />
<br />
One small victory over the Manplan – let’s keep ‘em coming!!!<br />
<br />
(1) http://thehill.com/blogs/regwatch/legislation/324581<br />
(2) http://www.infowars.com<br />
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09088313901428250990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5820908246478054818.post-72598714975452843732013-09-27T11:35:00.000-07:002013-09-27T11:35:35.915-07:00EASY (R)EVOLUTIONARY #3Being an <b>EASY (R)EVOLUTIONARY</b> has never been easier! Just this morning I was reminded of this through a post on Facebook.<br />
<br />
A friend of mine posted a link to an interview with the chairman of a major food corporation. In this interview the executive made remarks about homosexual families and women’s place in the home, ending with “if gay customers don't like it, they can ‘eat another brand of pasta’."<br />
<br />
I will be doing just that. And after I re-posted the link another friend commented, “well they lost 2 consumers in our home, that's for sure!” This is a wonderful example of how we can all use our purchasing power to shape social policies. Whether you’re buying something from a street vendor or a multinational corporation, your choices keep them in business. So by spending our money with progressive minded companies and <b>NOT</b> spending it with companies still stuck in the <b>Manplan</b> we create a new kind of business world.<br />
<br />
And that’s just one way the power of choice that every individual holds works – by knowing that simple, every day decisions can move our world toward compassion, diversity, and peace.<br />
<br />
<b>MAKE A POSITIVE CHOICE – MAKE A DIFFERENCE!</b><br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09088313901428250990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5820908246478054818.post-31975155374427860422013-09-19T12:04:00.000-07:002013-09-19T12:04:10.111-07:00DETERMINATION - NOT RETALIATION!When I made a presentation recently to a businessmen’s club on the messages of <b>Conversations with EVE<i></i></b>, one man commented that it was important to look to the future rather than dwell on the past. I agree completely because the future is the only thing we can affect, and how we can do that is the whole point of the book.<br />
<br />
BUT at the same time, it’s almost impossible to make positive social changes without knowing where the values and beliefs came from that still drive our dysfunctional world. Then, once we understand what caused the problems we can begin to work on solutions.<br />
<br />
Too often when people want to know “what happened” they’re only goal is to assign blame and punishment for the problem, but that’s just retaliation not progress. As we talk about in <i>Conversations</i>, men may have been the big winners after the <b>Myth of Male Superiority</b> changed society and gave them social power over EVE, but they were also the big losers in many ways.<br />
<br />
<i>Conversations</i> is about letting people understand how our social system became and stays dysfunctional and cruel, not about hating or punishing those (men) who benefited from such a system. So it’s important to remember that the vision of our (r)evolution is not blame and shame for men.<br />
<br />
The vision is empowering people to change their lives and change the world by making their daily choices based on <b>EQUALITY AND RESPECT</b> for everyone, EVE and men both. It’s a positive social (r)evolution based on independent thinking, responsible choices, and the willpower to replace the negative values that shape and drive our world.<br />
<br />
Blaming EVE for society’s ills and problems has been a mainstay of the Myth and the Manplan for thousands for years. So our EVE (r)evolution won’t be repeating the same mistake. Besides, we won’t have time or energy for blaming or punishing men. We’ll be too busy respecting and supporting each other and relishing the camaraderie of whole men who are working with us to leave the Manplan behind.<br />
<br />
<b>Determination</b> to build a better society is what our movement is about, <b>not retaliation</b>. <br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09088313901428250990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5820908246478054818.post-84719917035735782482013-09-12T16:02:00.000-07:002013-09-12T16:02:28.411-07:009/11 WAS NEVER ABOUT RELIGIONAmericans observed a tragic remembrance yesterday. And because the 9/11 terrorists were avowed Muslims these anniversaries take on very religious tones. But it’s important to remember that the radical agenda of the jihadists leaders <b>didn’t really have anything to do with religion at all</b>. The attack on the World Trade Center was about power – pure and simple.<br />
<br />
Yes, the al-Qaeda leaders did manipulate the religious devotion of their Muslim followers. And, yes, the goal of striking at the power of the United States was clothed in religious rhetoric. But this campaign to hold onto or seize power is no different than many, many others in the past – this one just happens to be wearing the mask of Islam. The same type of social manipulation was used by the Catholic Church during the Inquisition and the Crusades, by the Stalinists after the Communist Revolution and by the Nazis during World War II. <b>It was even used by the Bush administration</b> when it channeled the anger of the American public to manufacture a war-for-profit in Iraq.<br />
<br />
<b>So it’s critically important to make this distinction, because how we label the problem defines our solution.</b><br />
<br />
As long as we label al-Qaeda and jihad terrorism as a “Muslim problem” we’re chasing the tail of religious intolerance and feeding the beast. But when we recognize it as the latest in a long history of Manplan campaigns by egotistical power mongers (regardless of what they call themselves) we can respond differently. We can pull the rug out from under their campaign of hatred by doing the opposite of what they expect, like:<br />
<br />
1. <b>Oppose violence</b> in any form as a response, because history should have taught us that violence begets violence and it always will,<br />
2. Promote respect and communication among <b>ALL the world’s religion</b>s, and<br />
3. Strive to <b>bring equality and justice</b> to every religion by doing away with the Manplan rules and attitudes that keep women out of religious authority and control.<br />
<br />
I’m totally in favor of any belief system that helps people deal with the struggles and complexities of life, as long as the teachings promote kindness, justice, and ethical behavior. But, as we talk about in <i>Conversations with EVE</i>, too much of religion today only pays lip service to compassion and equality while fiercely opposing any changes that might threaten the power and control of its male leaders.<br />
<br />
So, if you want to truly honor the memory of the Americans killed on 9/11, refocus your anger and energy. Use them to work for a world that operates on fairness rather than undeserved privilege and compassion rather than conflict.<br />
<br />
<b>Expect the best from your chosen faith, and don’t be taken in by the conspirators who prey on our need to pray!<br />
</b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09088313901428250990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5820908246478054818.post-9857888047186952962013-09-05T11:02:00.000-07:002013-09-05T11:02:47.263-07:00THE EASY (R)EVOLUTIONARY #2Let’s look at another simple way to change the world.<br />
<br />
<b>#2 RESPECT OTHERS AS YOU WANT TO BE RESPECTED</b><br />
<br />
It’s easy to demean and disrespect someone, especially if that someone is a member of a group – women, black, handicapped, etc. - that might have a hard time standing up for themselves, socially and otherwise. Besides, you’re only expressing the long-standing prejudices that are part and parcel of the culture around you. And sometimes you can score points or fit in better with coworkers or social peers by voicing such attitudes.<br />
<br />
<b>So why bother to take the social and moral higher ground?</b> Why make a conscious effort to deal with a person as an individual and not a ______ or a ______? The answer is pretty basic. Every time you treat another person with prejudice and disrespect you’re fueling our Manplan culture. A culture based on dividing people rather than bringing them together and keeping control in the hands of the most ruthless (be that politically or physically).<br />
<br />
But the opposite is also true. Each of us already holds the power to reach that higher ground every time we choose:<br />
<b>**</b> fairness instead of discrimination in dealing with others,<br />
<b>**</b> cooperation and compromise instead of conflict, and<br />
<b>**</b> thinking for ourselves instead of blindly accepting negative preconceptions.<br />
<br />
When we do these things we are building a different, better culture based on <b>good sense and fair play</b> – two positive values we see very little of in our 21st century world. We don’t see good sense because social groups too often require unquestioning loyalty to religious dogma or party philosophy. And we don’t see fair play because many of these belief systems make it perfectly acceptable to ignore, demean or even harm someone who doesn’t believe like we do.<br />
<br />
What we have is division and conflict. <b>What we need is community and collaboration.</b> So by actively demonstrating these social values at every opportunity we can have a positive and powerful influence on both the general culture and the individuals around us.<br />
<br />
We won’t truly know or love too many people in our lifetime, but we can strive to respect every human being we meet along the way. Some of them will prove worthy of that respect and some won’t, but giving that respect as a matter of habit benefits all of us - today and in the future.<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09088313901428250990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5820908246478054818.post-752885098147658902013-08-29T10:08:00.000-07:002013-08-29T10:08:50.885-07:00THE EASY (R)EVOLUTIONARYThis week’s blog will introduce “<b>The Easy (R)evolutionary</b>.” These postings will give short suggestions for simple actions that anyone and everyone can take to create a safer, healthier, happier world - starting in our own backyard. Each one may not change the world overnight, but together they have the potential to do just that.<br />
<br />
<b>#1 TALK TO SOMEONE OUTSIDE YOUR “COMFORT ZONE”</b><br />
<br />
Too often we stay well within our comfort zone by avoiding conversation or interaction with people who are “different” - a different color, a different age, a different nationality, a different religion, or a different way of dressing or speaking. And staying in this zone all the time causes us to miss out on many opportunities to expand our connections to people and our understanding of the way they see things. Because the walls of our comfort zone are sturdily built from the stereotypes the Manplan has taught us.<br />
<br />
But as an Easy (R)evolutionary you can look for everyday chances to open a door or a window in those walls. Whether it’s in your office, in your neighborhood, at a party or in a checkout line look for chances to speak with someone who doesn’t look like everyone you usually talk to. Even short, simple conversations have the power to break down a barrier or open someone’s eyes – maybe yours.<br />
<br />
<b>Communication breeds understanding.<br />
Understanding breeds acceptance.<br />
Acceptance breeds cooperation.<br />
And cooperation breeds peace.</b><br />
<br />
It’s as simple as that! <br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09088313901428250990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5820908246478054818.post-83818426531100204242013-08-22T08:26:00.000-07:002013-08-22T08:26:35.602-07:00FROM UNTOUCHABLE TO UNSTOPPABLE!!"Who is more intelligent—a woman or a rat?" "A rat," they would say, and they were talking about themselves.<br />
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This was how women of the Untouchable caste (now called Dalits) in India had been trained to see themselves, but some were being trained to see themselves very differently – as village healthcare workers. These women had been shunned since birth by those around them and never allowed to even pump water from the village well because their touch was “poison” to higher caste people. But now, when two of these transformed women, Sarubai Salve and Babai Sathe, move through their village, people gather around them. They are no longer poison. In fact, Sathe has been elected the leader—or sarpanch—of her village, Jawalke.<br />
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How could such an amazing social transformation take place? Through the support of a program that sees such women as a means to not only transform the crushing lives of these Dalit women but to transform rural health care in India. Salve and Sathe are not doctors or even nurses. They have very little equipment, but they are responsible for the health of Jawalke residents. They see pregnant women, deliver babies, and then check up on mother and infant. They visit old people, take blood pressure, and check on people cured of leprosy. Life is much better in Jawalke and that is because of women like Salve.<br />
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"When I started, the children all had scabies and there was filth everywhere," Salve says. Small kids used to die. Pregnant women died during and after delivery. Poor sanitation led to malaria and diarrheal diseases. Children went unvaccinated. Leprosy and tuberculosis were common. Today these problems are almost non-existent, but the turn-around has not been quick or easy.<br />
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Thirty-eight years after the Jamhhed program began training Dalit women as care givers there are 300 villages that benefit from their dedication. In villages that have these Dalit angels half as many infants die and, even though half of all Indian children under age three are malnourished, in Jamkhed villages there are not enough cases to record. But the truly amazing thing about this social (r)evolution is that the changes go way beyond health issues.<br />
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Many of the Dalit women who became care givers were illiterate and destitute. As Untouchables, they were non-persons, not even allowed to wear shoes because higher caste people could not step on their footprint, and never allowed to enter a building or home. Many had been married at ages ranging from two-and-a-half to ten and then abandoned by their husbands. So their first step was to transform themselves beginning with two weeks of training on Jamkhed’s campus that gave them pride and confidence in addition to basic technical knowledge. Another secret to their on-going success is the network of continuing support they receive from weekly contact with each other for discussion and new training.<br />
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All Jamhked villages now have clean water and many have pumps in every backyard, most villagers have small gardens to grow fresh fruits and vegetables, and in an area that was once treeless villagers have planted millions of new trees. Sathe and Salve have organized eight women’s groups to make these changes happen in Jawalke, and their latest project is toilets for every house.<br />
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Even magically placing a doctor in every village wouldn’t have created these remarkable social improvements because as Raj Arole, co-founder of the program, says, "Doctors promote medical care because that's where the money is. We promote health." Dalit women who are Jamhked workers teach their neighbors about breast-feeding and good nutrition and hygiene. They help villages create systems for clean water and sanitation. Most importantly, they are culture-changing, living proof against the superstition and stigma that discriminates against women and low-caste people.<br />
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"When I started, I had no support from anyone, no education, no money," said Sathe. "I was like a stone with no soul. When I came here they gave me shape, life. I learned courage and boldness. I became a human being." Through women who were once degraded and tormented as Untouchables all the women of these villages see there is a better life for them. And now they know they ALL have the power to demand it and create it. (1) <br />
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(1) See National Geographic Magazine, Tina Rosenberg, @ http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/print/2008/12/community-doctors/rosenberg-text<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09088313901428250990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5820908246478054818.post-75891432321906926432013-08-13T05:26:00.000-07:002013-08-13T05:26:32.365-07:00YOGA & CONGRESSIn the middle of a yoga stretch the other day I began thinking about the gridlock that is gripping the U.S. Congress (you’re supposed to block stuff out during yoga but it just popped right in). That may seem like an odd time to reflect on politics, but it occurred to me because yoga is all about balance - of the spirit and of the body.<br />
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So I started thinking about how the inability of Congress to work together for the good of all Americans is a perfect snapshot of the social ills I talk about in <i>Conversations with EVE</i>. When did civility and compromise become dirty words? When did treating others with fairness and respect become “just for shmucks?” When did winning become more important than anything else – regardless of how much harm is done to others in the process?<br />
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I’m sure some of those attitudes have always been part of human nature, but for tens of thousands of years they were generally disapproved of and usually held in check to maintain healthy, balanced societies. That all changed though after the Myth of Male Superiority did away with social balance and redefined manhood. No, things just haven’t been the same since the values of the Myth made “winning” the only measure of a man and declared that those who compromise and consider the welfare of others aren't “real” men.<br />
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Social focus shifted from balance to winning quite a while ago and has been making life miserable for a lot of people since then. But today you need look no further than certain elements of the <b>U.S. House of Representatives</b> for a living, breathing, totally dysfunctional example of these Myth values in action:<br />
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<b>**</b> there is no informed debate about how to reduce hunger in America or how to achieve a living wage for middle income workers, but they defeated a badly needed farm bill because it ONLY cut $20 billion from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP (better known as food stamps) and they want to cut <b>$100 billion</b>,<br />
<b>**</b> there is no meaningful discussion of other ways to provide all Americans with access to health care, but there have been <b>40</b> separate votes to repeal the Affordable Care Act without offering an alternative, and<br />
<b>**</b> there is no will to pass significant immigration reform even when the bill was proposed by a bipartisan group of Senators and covers all the issues they’ve been insisting on: increased border security, increased employer verification, and clear requirements for any pathway to citizenship. This despite the facts that Americans overwhelmingly support the bill and the reforms are projected to grow the U.S. economy, help reduce the deficit, and generate close to <b>a trillion dollars in revenue</b> for the U.S. by 2044.<br />
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You see this kind of “dig in your heels rather than give a little for the good of everyone” approach to life a lot in our competitive, combative society. But when it becomes the way that elected representatives do their job (<b>or don’t</b>) in this country it’s gotten way out of hand.<br />
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So the next time you get the opportunity to vote for a member of Congress, choose those who can put the health and well-being of all Americans above their own need to win.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09088313901428250990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5820908246478054818.post-34329224659570063322013-08-06T09:37:00.000-07:002013-08-06T09:37:58.777-07:00MAKING PROGRESS/LOSING GROUND #6We haven’t taken a snapshot of the “ups” and “downs” of EVE’s rights in a while. So let’s see what’s new.<br />
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<b>Where we’re making progress:</b><br />
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On July 12th a young girl celebrated her 16th birthday in a very public way. The birthday girl was <b>Malala Yousfzai</b> and her “party” was attended by 500 young people from 85 different countries at the United Nations headquarters in New York City. She was there to be honored on her birthday, the day the U.N. has designated as “Malala Day” in honor of both the ordeal she suffered and her commitment to speaking out for the education of all, especially girls.<br />
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You may remember that Malala was <b>shot point blank in the head</b> by a Taliban member in Pakistan in October, 2012 while traveling to school. Through heroic efforts both in Pakistan and England she recovered from her wound and became a symbol of what the Taliban seeks to destroy – the power of education, change, and equality. And she has demonstrated one of the true strengths of feminism as an outspoken but non-violent advocate for universal education. As she so eloquently stated at the U.N.:<br />
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"Malala Day is not my day. Today is the day of every woman, every boy, and every girl who have raised their voice for their rights." "…thousands of people have been killed by the terrorists and millions have been injured. I am just one of them. So here I stand. So here I stand, one girl, among many. I speak not for myself, but so those without a voice can be heard."<br />
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We weren’t making progress when Malala was shot for trying to go to school. But the world’s reaction to that attack IS progress: honoring her advocacy and promoting universal education for the <b>61 million children</b> who are still denied the right to basic education in the world today.<br />
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<b>Where we’re losing ground:</b><br />
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A “Clear” sign of how much some corporate owned media think of EVE was made plain recently by Clear Channel Communications, Inc. This mega-corporation, “with 243 million monthly listeners in the U.S. has the largest reach of any radio and television outlet in America.” So it was both disturbing and socially dangerous when three Clear Channel Stations in Wichita, Kansas pulled radio ads for <b>South Winds Women’s Center</b> recently.<br />
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The stations pulled the ads off the air because they found them “indecent” but had no problem running ads for the local “adult boutique.” Really - health care for EVE is indecent but kinky sex is not??<br />
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Let’s see what words were so offensive that the station pulled them:<br />
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“At South Wind Women’s Center, our physicians are committed to providing quality reproductive health care in Wichita. Each physician is board-certified in family medicine or obstetrics and gynecology. Between them, they have over 80 years of experience and dedication, ensuring women are able to receive the care they need when they need it.”<br />
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So, it obviously isn’t the words in the ad that are the problem. Clear Channel pulled the ads because South Wind will be offering abortion services along with obstetrics, gynecology, and adoption services. This refusal to air information is a slap in the face not only for EVE in Kansas who need to find a health care provider but for every EVE in America who think their health care is not “indecent.”<br />
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But what’s most frightening is the impact that this type of corporate media censorship can have on all information and reporting that affects EVE. Will media owners decide that they aren't going to run ads for EVE political candidates because they don't think EVE should be elected to office or suppress reports on the rapes and murders of EVE because they're "disturbing?"<br />
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Once corporations can get away with deciding what information is “decent” enough for us to hear just because they don’t agree with it we’re all in serious trouble – not just EVE!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09088313901428250990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5820908246478054818.post-84586496009585570552013-07-29T14:32:00.000-07:002013-07-29T14:32:44.250-07:00GIRLFRIEND TIME IS HEALTHY TIME!There’s an interesting email making the rounds that just screams <b>“GIRLFRIEND POWER!”</b> because it talks about the amazingly wonderful effects EVE can get just from spending time with each other.<br />
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The accurate parts of the email tell us the following:<br />
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“In an evening class at Stanford University the last lecture was on the mind-body connection - the relationship between stress and disease. The speaker said, among other things, that one of the best things that a man could do for his health is to be married to a woman whereas for a woman, one of the best things she could do for her health was to nurture her relationships with her girlfriends.<br />
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At first everyone laughed, but he was serious. Women connect with each other differently and provide support systems that help each other to deal with stress and difficult life experiences.”<br />
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Although the claims made in the rest of the email sound wonderful, there's no research to support them (http://www.personalsafetynets.org/stories/fact-fiction). But research does support the statement that spending time with your girlfriends can be as healthy as vitamins or exercise. This landmark study was conducted in 2007 by The Center on Stress and Health, directed by Dr. David Spiegel, Associate Chair and Professor, Stanford University’s School of Medicine Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (the “speaker” in the email) on how the social environment, mind, brain and body connections can influence health.<br />
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This study (http://rtips.cancer.gov/rtips/programDetails.do?programId=297250) <b>compared two groups of EVE</b> with advanced metastatic breast cancer. EVE in both groups received traditional medical care and were offered a self-directed educational intervention, as well as a 1-year membership to a consumer health library in their community. But the EVE in the intervention group also received weekly 90-minute sessions of supportive group therapy (GIRLFRIEND TIME). With the only difference being their support group time, these EVE not only experienced reduced anxiety, depression, and pain, but survived an average of eighteen months longer than EVE who did not take part in a support group. "These studies underscore the importance of treating people's psychosocial needs, not just their biological ones," Spiegel said.<br />
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Dr. Spiegel said that stress can actually elevate the chance of developing breast cancer, and that research has proven that creating and maintaining quality personal relationships with others is good for our physical health. So make sure that you get enough quality time with your girlfriends/sisters/mothers/etc.<br />
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Most of us already know how good this sharing/laughing/crying/complaining time is for us, but now there’s scientific proof to show that this kind of “psychosocial” EVE time is essential for both our mental and physical health. <b>Here’s a toast to all the EVE in my life who support and heal me!</b> And a huge wish that you each have EVE in your lives to do the same. <br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09088313901428250990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5820908246478054818.post-14932908947137081092013-07-21T09:29:00.000-07:002013-07-21T09:29:43.448-07:00LET ME TELL YOU A LITTLE SECRET ...Let me tell you a little secret—men have NOT always been in charge.<br />
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I’m not saying that in a flip kind of way, but in a totally serious way. Because understanding that “men have NOT always been in charge” is essential to solving the most pressing social, religious, and environmental issues facing the human race today. <b>ALL OF THEM!</b> But how could that be possible?<br />
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For the same reasons that you can’t read a newspaper or listen to the news these days without seeing a report about the latest controversy related to issues that affect EVE: rampant cases of sexual assault and domestic abuse, restricting access to contraception and abortion, less pay for the same job, and on and on. But what you don’t read or hear anything about is why EVE’s rights and freedoms are at issue in the first place:<br />
- why are we arguing about EVE’s rights when men’s rights are taken for granted?<br />
- where did the “traditional” belief that EVE are socially inferior and subservient to men come from?<br />
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The belief that EVE are inferior to men isn’t factual or logical, but it is deeply held and has unbelievable control over human society. But has that always been the case?<br />
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You may be surprised to know that the evidence tells us that it hasn’t and that human society operated very differently in the past. In fact, both EVE and men were valued and respected for 90 to 99% of the time we’ve been modern humans. Let me say that another way. <b>Men were not controlling EVE or society for almost all of human cultural history.</b> And that insight is crucial to understanding both the causes and the cures for crises like environmental destruction, overpopulation, and continual warfare. Why? Because those problems are directly caused by the same social values that declare men superior to EVE allow them to dominate and control women.<br />
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A perfect example of how these values play out in modern culture is the appalling level of sexual assault on women in the U.S. military. And the Air Force’s top general, Mark Welsh, recently pinpointed the attitude that drives this issue. He said, “We have a problem with respect for women.”<br />
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But there’s hope, because ordinary people hold extraordinary power to change those negative social values that are creating the problems. <b>Every individual in every culture</b> has the power to positively influence their society on a daily basis. This power lies in the trillions of routine choices that we all make, every day, everywhere. Because when we see “male superior” values for what they are (illogical and dysfunctional) we can start consciously making those trillions of choices based on the positive values that served humanity for millennia – respecting EVE and men as equal members of society, and maintaining a balance of power and authority between the sexes – and we can change the world.<br />
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Learn more about why EVE were honored and respected for tens of thousands of years and how the Myth of Male Superiority changed that, as well as easy actions you can do to bring that respect back in <i>Conversations with EVE</i>. <br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09088313901428250990noreply@blogger.com0