Catfish Volumes 31-35

by Andrew Bushard

As of late, there is, of course, tons of angry aggressive, vengeful, militant rhetoric spouted by the masses. Many Americans believe we not only have a moral right, but also a moral mandate to attack Afghanistan and also Iraq.

 

  As a peace activist who has been accused of not being real and true enough in my beliefs, I must respond to the empty rhetoric of other side.

 

  Many people are incensed and outraged about 9-11 and often respond to peace activists with knee jerk responses like "We can't sit back and do nothing. We must do something." They make it sound as if the peace activists are the apathetic inactive ones and they are the caring active ones.

 

  It's amazing how many people want war - yet how few are actually fighting the war. It's easy for insulated detached people, living in comfort, to demand war, but it sucks for the people actually fighting the war. We peace activists are deeply concerned about life, both ours and our "enemies". Many people really don't care who dies to teach the terrorists a lesson, just as long as it's not them. The privilege of these people separates them from the reality. Through intuition, reason, morality, us peace activists don't like the thought of anyone fighting war.

 

  There are droves of pro war ranting drunkards imbibing their worthless decadence of a beverage We must remember that the Taliban despite all its egregious faults, has had the insight to ban alcohol.

 

  We need some perspective. Although we are much freer than the Taliban's Afghanistan, the Taliban's Afghanistan did have some advantages to America and in some ways, were indeed freer than us. Banning alcohol was a wise move which liberated at least a part of Afghanistan's soul. Americans thinks that we are free because we have legalized alcohol, but we must realize that alcohol addiction never can be freedom. We and our not free, by any stretch of the imagination, press mindlessly spout rhetoric about us having great freedom, but alcoholic debauchery is the antithesis of freedom. The taverns by plastering a $4.99 flag decal from Wal-Mart on their windows, act like they really care about America If they really cared about America, they wouldn't pollute America with the miasma of alcohol.

 

  There are even sober pro war ranting folks. I believe anyone who wants a war, should be ready to fight it. Else these people really don't want a war. If you truly believe it is noble and virtuous to bomb the hell out of Afghanistan or Iraq, then you should have enlisted in the military. It is quite easy to call for war when others may die. It is easy to demand military aggression when someone else has to do the dirty work. Although, I am morally opposed to most military aggression, I admit, that those in the military at least have the guts to fight the war. So many call for war, yet only a small fraction is willing to fight it. If you want the war, you should fight it. If the masses who aren't in the military, got real with themselves, they should realize that war is ugly. If the non military enlisted, war mongers out there would be honest with themselves, they would realize that war is no game. If you want a war, you should be fighting it. Else, it's just empty rhetoric flowing from your mouth. If many people would actually have to fight the war, likely many people would have second thoughts about being a war hawk. Many fans of war would likely change their tune if they had to actually fight a war. Many people definitely want a war just as long as they are not the ones fighting it. Only a distorted sense of fantasy leads anyone to believe war is anything but ugly. If peace activists are not backing up their beliefs then the taverns and mainstream America sure aren't either.

  Dear Pointer:

  In regards to Christianity I see 3 main possibilities.

  One possibility is the bible is wrong, then of course we shouldn't follow it.

  Another possibility is that there is some good and some bad in the bible. If such is the case, we should be take some and leave some. In fact, many Christians do exactly this. Christianity to many is a cafeteria style religion. Many Christians justify their actions based on convenience. Convenience is not a noble motivation. Virtuous people are not motivated first and foremost by pragmatics and expediency. Virtuous people are motivated first and foremost by righteousness. I remember learning that "the Lord would spite out of his mouth the lukewarm". That would seem to be a condemnation of convenient cafeteria style Christianity.

  A third possibility is that the bible is completely true, right and wise. Then Christians should be following the bible. From my Christian upbringing I remember learning bible teachings like "Do not fight evil with evil" This would seem to not justify bombing Afghanistan. By bombing Afghanistan we have in a Pointer editorial writer's terms "been playing the Taliban's game" We should show our love and civilization and use a different tactic. An old saying comes to mind "Don't fight fire with fire, fight fire with water and chemicals" Of course there is also "Turn the other cheek". America and many Christians are bent on revenge. Another bible verse is "Love your enemies". Christian America led by God loving George W. Bush hate Bin Laden, the Taliban, some even hating Muslims in general, and worse yet, some hating Afghan people or Middle Eastern people in general. The quintessential teaching of Christianity is supposedly "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." Would we like our nation to be bombed? There are just a few of the many teachings in the bible which one who think would inspire Christians to oppose this unjust war.

  The most salient appeal is not a bible verse, but a Christian, especially Contemporary Christian outlook. A peace and justice loving friend of mine asked his Christian parents "What would Jesus do?" I think that question should be reflected on by Christians. Would Jesus bomb Afghanistan? Would Jesus invade Iraq? Would Jesus impose sanctions on Iraq? Would Jesus support a draconian war on terrorism?

  Christians, now is the time to stand up for justice. I am inspired by religious people whose faith motivate them to fight for justice and peace. Quakers and other peace loving Christians are helping make this world a better place. Christians should be at the anti war demonstrations. But most Christians are not. Christians you could be a great force in the anti war movement. We need you to show the love you profess to uphold. We need you to oppose this war. Christians, if indeed, there is noble love in your religion, this time of trial is the time to show it. You can make a great difference. Christians, you have the choice to either let injustice occur or stand up and refuse evil. Innocent people all around the word depend on you to stand up for the love and righteousness your religion professes to uphold.

  Long live justice. Long live peace.

  Folks, it is amazing.

  There are two ideas the status quo sternly disapproves of: protesting and peacenikism. Any one who embraces either of these ideas as valid is rewarded with criticism and bitter dislike. If you doubt these sentiments, just observe the reactions of the majority of the mainstream whenever someone takes a stand for peace or when someone protests in general.

  Thus one would imagine that anyone who exemplified these values

  would be a social outcast. One would think that anyone who is a peacenik or a protester, or worse yet, a peacenik protester would be an major foe of today's status quo.

  It would be ludicrous to think that a society would glorify as a hero, a person who supported two values it so utterly despises. But indeed this is the case. Every year America closes down schools and government buildings to honor someone who is one of the paradigm examples of peace advocacy and protesting. Every year, our society

  exalts the memory of a man who believed in ideals contrary to the status quo of his day and also of our day. To the masses, Protesting often seems right in hindsight, but rarely does it seem right in a contemporary circumstance. Many believe we evolve, unfortunately we fall in the same trap, have double standards and ignore or arrogantly refuse to learn the valuable lessons of history.

  It is very ironic that we have a holiday to celebrate the noble work of a person who believes in virtues, our society has
largely frowned upon. Sadly many people will hypocritically praise a man who embraces certain values, yet will become irate by contemporary examples of the same behavior. An inconsistency.

  Americans are very lucky to live our wealthy society. In many ways, we are very privileged and fortunate. Unfortunately, the affluence most of us experience, can make us forget that there are people in this country who regularly go without.

  Hunger and Homelessness are serious problems which deserve our attention. Hunger and homelessness are complex problems, but they are not unsolvable problems. If we learn about hunger and homelessness and we are determined, we can likely alleviate much of this problem's hurt.

 

  In order to promote better understanding about the social problems of Hunger and Homelessness, Federation Without Television is sponsoring the Public Forum: "The Sadness of Homelessness and Hunger" given by Danny Katz of the Wisconsin Public Interest and Research Group. The event will be held Thursday March 21st, 1:00 p.m. at the UW-Stevens Point University Center Room 205.

  The solution to any problem stems from understanding the problem. This program will help promote better understanding of a major national problem. Hopefully, one day these problems will be eliminated.

  Andrew Bushard, for Federation Without Television

  For Immediate Release: February 18th, 2002

  Ever since the end of world war two, the specter of nuclear war has petrified us. Due to the advancement of technology, the annihilation of all life is possible. The inventors of nuclear technology opened up a Pandora's box of epic proportions, that cannot be closed.

  In order, to preserve the sacredness of life, in the threat of a nuclear holocaust, many activists throughout the years have been diligently working to secure peace. After September 11th, Americans lost their decades old security. If the cards aren't played right, it can be a horrible circumstance for us all. But there is hope if we pursue justice and wisdom. The organization, Nukewatch, located in Luck, Wisconsin is striving to create a better world. Nukewatch believes a key to a better world can be accomplished if we are determined to oppose the insanity of nuclear weapons.

  On Wednesday March 20th, 5:00 p.m. in the UW-Stevens Point University Center Room 103, The UWSP organization, Federation Without Television is sponsoring the presentation, open to all and free of charge, by John LaForge of Nukewatch, "The Struggle to Eliminate Nukes", because some of us believe a better world can be achieved.

  Andrew Bushard

  For Federation Without Television

  For Immediate Release:

  The Youth are Our Future. The goal is to encourage youth to follow positive paths and models. Unfortunately, our society can often be full of decadent, corrupting influences. Illegal Drugs, alcohol, tobacco and other forms of hedonism are major obstacles to our youth becoming the best they can be.

  It is up to all of us to plant the glorious seeds of a better way. We have the great potential to lead youth right, or astray. Our actions and choices make all the different.

  In order to advance the most uplifting outcome for the very important youth, Federation Without Television is sponsoring the Positive Youth Conference on March 15th and 16th in the UW-Stevens Point University Room 103.

  Positive Youth Conference Schedule

  @ UW-Stevens Point University Center Room 103

  Friday March 15th

  11:10 A.M. Andrew Bushard Keynote Address "The Youth Are Our Future"

  12:00 Tim Russell from Log Cabin Republicans and Gays and Lesbians for Life

  1:40 Brenda Hansen from the Wausau Pregnancy Information Center "How to Keep Your Kid Out of the Pregnancy Information Center"

  4:30 Peggy Obrantz from Mothers Against Drunk Driving

  Saturday March 16th

  10:00 a.m. Workshop "The Benefits of Role Playing"

  12:00 p.m. Christine Jacobs from Mothers Against Drunk Driving

  1:30 p.m. Workshop " Resistance to Drugs"

  There is a great opportunity for adult mentors to further develop effective strategies to help steer youth towards a just, liberating, pure and sober way. Youth should also find the conference valuable as positive inspiration to live virtuously in an often impure world. Purity and innocence are beautiful, let's do our part to make them reign supreme.

  Andrew Bushard

  FWT

  For Immediate Release:

  East Timor has long been an area of contention and conflict. Many believe that the nation of East Timor has suffered a horrific plight and deserve liberation.

  The East Timor Action Network has been one of the most vocal and active groups of the East Timor issue. The East Timor Action Network has been working tirelessly to promote awareness about the unfortunate situation in East Timor. The East Timor Action Network hopes that one day the people in East Timor will have freedom.

  On Tuesday March 12th at 7:00 p.m. in the UW-Stevens Point University Center Room 113, Federation Without Television is sponsoring the presentation "Justice for East Timor", which will be given by Eric S. Piotrowski of the East Timor Action Network.

  This is an excellent opportunity to gain greater knowledge about an area of the world that deserves more attention. Come to further understand why justice for East Timor is right and necessary.

  Andrew Bushard

  Federation Without Television

  For Immediate Release: February 22nd, 2002

  In our society, Alcohol is an epidemic problem. It is a problem that pervades all of society's sectors. The damage of alcohol transcends all classes, races and both genders. The sad aspect is that many don't recognize the gravity of this severe problem.

  Taverns have contributed to the downfall of morality, health, intellectual culture and our spiritual life. It is time we take action. It is time that the conservatives embrace the glory of opposing an anti family, youth corrupting force. Also it is time that progressive thinkers look to the future, embracing a truly liberating vision.

  Because our society deserves better, we must oppose the decadence of alcohol culture. Thus on Friday March 8th starting at 10:00 p.m. until Saturday morning and Saturday March 9th at 10:00 p.m. until Sunday morning, there will be "Sleep out for the Prohibition of Alcohol" on the public sidewalk in front of Steven's Point Main Street Shopko to garner support for the neo-prohibitionist cause. We also seek to galvanize people to emancipate themselves from the shackles of alcohol.

  As neo-prohibitionists, we encourage the best approach, banning alcohol WITHOUT imprisoning people. We'd rather focus on eliminating alcohol from society, rather than waste time and energy imprisoning people. Besides, alcohol abuse is punishment enough.

  Partake in this activity organized by an informal connection of the interested, rather than by a formal organization. The future of America is on the line. Participate in the amazing activity of sacrifice to bring purity and innocence back to this nation. People are welcome to come and go as much as is needed. Any amount of time protesting or merely visiting the event will be helpful. Opposition to alcohol's destruction is the epitome of love and compassion. Come take the stand that you don't want any more lives destroyed by alcohol.

  Andrew Bushard

  abush230@uwsp.edu

  715-346-5835

  442 Pray Hall

  UWSP

  Stevens Point, WI

  54481

  At the suggestions of a cool fellow activist I decided to do a write up about a recent protesting experience I did attempting to encourage Christians to embrace our valuable cause. I would like to share my thoughts and insights about the experience.

  The idea struck me on the Sunday before. But last Sunday it was raining. I was slightly disappointed at myself for wussing out because of the rain and me needing a nap, so I vowed to do it on Wednesday which is generally the 2nd best night for Church attendance.

  I don't know exactly why but the spirit moved me to choose St. Paul Lutheran's Church. I have a little history wit
h this church. Since both meetings with the church were fairly long ago, it likely they forget who I was. First I got to talk to a pastor (I don't remember if it was Pastor Barnes or not) because of a project I was doing for a now defunct group called Alternative Art Forum. This project was hated by top AAFers, due to closed minded thinking of the AAF leadership. I felt it had virtue. The point of the project was to go to churches and have them interpret art. I was able to successfully hook up with the Quakers, and the my art interpretation session with them was inspiring and stimulating. At St. Paul's Lutheran Church, I got a Christian feeling of the mystical guise of the Lord working on me. Thankfully, I did not fall for the all seductive lure. The strings of Godliness pull, but us Secular Humanists like to avoid them for profound reasons. I even got to meet a churchperson who just got back from our ally Israel. The pastor sat down with me and discussed the project, but ending up deciding he didn't want to participate in our project.

  The second instance with this church was on May 6, 1998. This was the National Day of Prayer. This was suppose to be held downtown. But ironically, no amount of prayer could prevent it from raining. I was determined to go downtown despite the right and protest this unconstitutional state endorsement of religion, but when I got there I found out that the Day of Prayer was to be held at St. Paul Lutheran's Church instead. I was willing to stand out in the rain to hold my signs saying "Keep Church and State Separate Forever" and "Celebrate Action not Prayer". I was obviously more determined on this day to protest than I was on the last Sunday. My friend Tim convinced me to do this protest and he wanted us to get lots of people. In the end, it was me who was gung ho and Tim didn't come. The point of the protest was 1) to protest government endorsement of religion and 2) to encourage activist action instead of merely praying in the spirit of Robert Ingersoll's quote "The hands that help are better far than the lips that pray". I was also disappointed because I had to walk from downtown to St. Paul Lutheran's Church which isn't too short of a walk. I was missing valuable protesting time doing this walking. It sucked that since the event was inside the church, I could only reach the people entering and existing the building. I would have been more visible had it been inside. It should also demonstrate my determination the fact I was to protest such a strong foundational belief of our society, alone. I was just about throwing myself to the wolves. If the event would have been outside, I really would have been throwing myself at the wolves. It makes a person strong to do protests even if no one else comes.

  One guy told me "You need grace." I replied "I already have grace." He responded "If you did, you wouldn't be holding up that sign." One woman unaffiliated with the church came by and asked "Did you know that Jesus died for your sins?" Of course, I did, most people in the United States of America have heard about Jesus. I don't know if you could conceivably meet someone who has. This one woman tried to convince me that people can simultaneously exalt both action and prayer. This woman had some dialogue with me. I made the allegation that Christianity can often be ethnocentric. She said "I don't know what that word means, but it sounds like ethnicity. God loves all races and ethnicities." She even wanted to give me a hug. I declined. Not because I am a mean person, because 1) I did not know her, 2) I rarely give hugs even to people I know well 3) I didn't feel the necessary uplifting connection to give a hug. She invited me inside. But I declined. We did engage in some small talk.

  But on December 19, 2001, my mission was considerably different. I did not want to protest per se, but hope to galvanize Christians to join our noble peace movement. From the telephone book, I found out that St. Paul's Lutheran Church met at 5:30 for Wednesday Service. I knew that darkness sets in early at this time of year, but determination to do this was more important.

  Ironically not far from St. Paul's Lutheran Church was a church called Peace United Church. in the dark of night, I thought this was St. Paul's Lutheran Church. I mused that this church's definition of peace was a watered down version of ours. They had a pole having "May Peace Prevail on Earth" inscribed in different languages. Cool enough, the language I saw was Arabic.

  Since it was dark, visibility was a setback. But I promised myself I'd do, and promising oneself to do an activity then actually doing the activity is of paramount importance is my mind. I brought along a sign I have held for one or two of our peace marches, "Would Jesus Bomb Afghanistan" Sadly, people can twist the bible to anything they want, and is can be often affirmed when people take notice of the sign. It's nuts to see people driving by in their cards and nod their heads "yes" that Jesus would bomb Afghanistan.

  It was difficult to find a good location. People in fairly equal numbers came in from both the parking lot entrance and the front. This meant I had to ran back and forth. It was helpful since the evening was a bit cold. Most people didn't say anything. A few said "hello." I got 3 very positive responses to the sign. One guy said "Good point." Another guy said "I don't know. Probably not" A woman responded "Probably not". One women entered and asked me briefly to describe what I was doing, I gave her my spiel about thinking the bible should support peace and wanting to get people to think. She said "People are thinking". She came back out and few minutes later and told me "What about when God encouraged followers to eradicate the heathens from Israel." I made a point about Jesus not killing. She said that "God does use other people to kill sometimes." She made a remark about decisions being difficult in matters like these. I think she understood where I was coming from. Folks, I may have not struck gold, but I got a few specs on my dagger, enough to convince me that digging some more might be a good idea. Although I didn't talk to most of the people who went by, I didn't sense any "Bomb the fuckers" feelings.

  I was looking for my bag after I was done, but couldn't find it right way. Luckily I looked inside the window and saw that apparently someone had brought the bag in. It appeared to be a good spirited action. It could have caused me strife, because finding objects in the dark isn't always easy. I snagged my bag and was on my merry way.

  Folks, I have an intuition that if we can attract Christians to this cause, especially the mainstream moderate Christians, we can do much with the Peace Movement. If we can get conservative Christians to join us, likely, we can obtain the momentum to achieve wonderful justice. We don't even have to worry about the cool liberal Christians like the Quakers and the Unitarians because they are on our side already! If the Peace Movement can attract the Christian population of this country, we will further validate and empower our righteous cause. Although I am a Secular Humanist and loving it, I dig it when Christians are inspired by their faith to do good. That is indeed awesome. It appears as if neither Secular Humanists nor Christians innately posses just behavior, there appears to be a different variable operating. Christians are often the ones who do the reaching out, it might be a good idea to reach out to them by appealing to their professed values of justice and virtue. Hopefully I can motivate myself to do some more of this worthwhile work.

  Goodbye readers, come again.