This is a collection of words, links, and reflections, contributed by BSEC Members and collected from other sources, relating to the turbulent times our nation, and thus the world, has entered into. We hope it will help people sort through their thoughts and feelings as we see the world change before us. This page will be updated periodically as time permits. E-mail here with comments.

The current situation is way too crazy and complex to summarize in just a few words, if it can be summarized at all, but here are three issues that are of overwhelming concern to all citizens of America and the world during this time of troubles:

• the question of if and when war is ever justified
• the political situation that gave rise to this war
• the human cost of war

More on these below.
First, statements from the Ethical Culture leadership:

• a statement from the BSEC board of Trustees
• a statement from the AEU Board and Leaders' Council

NEW: Patriot Raid

Peace Site Platform, Sunday April 27
Brooklyn Parents for Peace
Brookyn Heights Peace Action

Simplicity, Patience, Compassion
Ancient wisdom that speaks to us today.

a small, and by no means exhaustive, collection of links - a starting point for those who wich to learn more, or get involved...

War and/or Peace
For those who have been completely (or even mostly) opposed to the war, or are troubled by the potential effects of war and possible future American military undertakings, and wish to take action, there are many resources on the web available.

• United for Peace & Justice
  Good source for up-to-date information on how to get involved in the peace effort across the country, with news of recent events, both at home and overseas.
• Brooklyn Parents for Peace
  A network of Brooklyn residents dedicated to educating people about issues of war and peace, through community meetings, study groups, rallies, and other activities. The group helps organize trips to other locations for assemblies, demonstrations, and other events. Learn more about them at our Peace Site Platform on April 27.

Democracy, National Security, and the Media
This conflict may turn out to be more pivotal in the course of human events than 9/11. The United States has adopted a pre-emptive military strategy for the first time in its history. It didn't have to happen this way. How did this come about? And where did our civil liberties go in the meantime? Do we live in a democracy or what?

• Patriot Raid: a personal account of the erosion of civil liberties in New York City in the name of national security, by Jason Halperin of Doctors Withour Borders.
• Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting
  FAIR offers well-documented criticism of media bias and censorship, and seeks to invigorate the First Amendment by advocating greater diversity of viewpoints in the press, and structural reform of the dominant media conglomerates. To see through the fog of war reporting, go here for sharp analysis, and calls for action.
• MediaChannel
  An organization concerned with the political, cultural, and social impacts of the media, large and small. Resources on their website include breaking news, criticism, thematic reports, action toolkits, and the single largest online media-issues database. MediaChannel founder and executive editor Danny Schechter will be our special guest at the screening of his documentary film, Counting on Democracy, on May 17.
• NOW with Bill Moyers
  Friday nights at 9pm on Channel 13. A valuable resource if you watch no other TV news all week; an even more valuable resource if you do. Visit the website for transcripts, video excerpts and more, from one of the clearest voices in broadcasting.
• American Civil Liberties Union
  Defending the Bill of Rights, working to keep America safe AND free. See their website for the latest information on the state of our freedoms, and how to join in the fight to preserve them.

The Human Face of War
Regardless of your position on the war, the human cost of any war is undeniable. The greatest cost is always inflicted on the innocent civilians of the land where the figthing takes place. And for the people fighting the war, and lucky enough to get out alive, the conflict takes a different kind of toll. And do not underestimate the effect of war on people miles away from the battlefield, especially when so much seems to be at stake throughout the world. Well organized, direct action overseas can do much, but so can thoughtful, compassionate dialogue with people of all backgrounds and opinions here at home.

• Oxfam America
  Fighting the war against hunger, Oxfam is dedicated to creating lasting solutions to poverty, hunger, and social injustice all over the world. Go to their website to learn more, and to make a donation to their effort to help the feed people of Iraq during the war and its aftermath.
• Human Rights Watch
  A neutral, objective organization dedicated to the careful documentation of violations of international humanitarian laws, and agressive advocacy to enforce compliance. Go here to learn how to contribute to their emergency efforts in Iraq.
• The Dialogue Project
  They've been talking since March 2001,and they're going to keep on talking. Palestinians, Jews, Israelis, and Supportive Others all across New York come together in circles of discussion, in a search of non-violent alternatives to conflict, committed to the idea that "people make peace, governments make policy."

You can't think of or act on one of these issues without thinking of or acting on the others, and any number of other issues that come into play at this time. Our mission is to find the balance, by seeking to fulfill the ethical ideal of always acting so as to elicit, to the best of our abilities, the best in others, and through work with others, to amplify this effort from interpersonal relationships, to the local community, to the global stage. There are many people throughout the world working toward the same aim, and together, anything is possible.

Programs Home