I request a Clearness Committee meeting to consider the following:
I believe we have an entrenched oligarchy, and I support a peaceful uprising to replace it. We have lost our government, which is no longer “of the people, by the people, for the people.”
In my understanding, this belief is consistent with our traditional Quaker testimonies of peace, integrity, equality, environment, community and simplicity. God does not grant me the light to know the particular time and process by which such a “peaceful uprising” might occur, nor should it be my individual decision.
At this time I have no particular expectation of how I may be called or what I might be called to do, except that I do feel called to speak out about this. I do know that my models are Gandhi, King, Tolstoy, and last but not least the life and teachings of Jesus. My goal is for a government representative of all people, with liberty and justice for all.
(See third comment for the text of the Committee’s report.)
I recognize that the purpose of a Clearness Committee is to check on an individual’s personal clearness and is not an academic exercise. However some background information may be helpful, so here are links that relate to my initial two-sentence statement.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oligarchy
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iron_law_of_oligarchy
http://nvdatabase.swarthmore.edu/
(e.g., http://nvdatabase.swarthmore.edu/content/norwegians-overthrow-capitalist-rule-1931-35 )
http://campaignstops.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/09/27/the-unraveling-of-government/?nl=todaysheadlines&emc=edit_th_20120928
Comment by admin — October 11, 2012 @ 8:25 pm
Yesterday I had a two-and-a-half-hour meeting with my Quaker Clearness Committee. I had done much preparatory work, and I found the meeting to be both helpful and supportive. My committee members agreed that I was following a spiritual leading that was appropriate for me. There will be a written report addressing this further.
Comment by admin — October 14, 2012 @ 12:53 pm
Clearness Committee for Paul Sheldon
Saturday, October 13, 2012
Home of Dana Robinson:
Don Kidder, Dana Robinson and Jerry Sena were asked by Paul to help provide clearness in his progressive journey as a ”Quaker, Committed, Socialist, Pacifist Revolutionary.”
We opened at the noon hour with a period of silent worship.
Prior to this called meeting, Paul had provided the committee with a statement summarizing his perception of how our remarkable system of governance has lost its way and his disillusionment with the current political process
In Paul’s Words
“I believe we have an entrenched oligarchy, and I support a peaceful uprising (or rising-up) to replace it. We have lost our government which is no longer “of the people, by the people, for the people.”
“In my understanding, this belief is consistent with our traditional Quaker testimonies of peace, integrity, equality, environment, community and simplicity. God does not grant me the light to know the particular time and process by which such a ‘peaceful uprising’ might occur, nor should it be my individual decision.”
“At this time I have no particular expectation of how I may be called or what I might be called to do, except that I do feel called to speak out about this. I do know that my models are Gandhi, King, Tolstoy and last but not least the life and teachings of Jesus. My goal is for a government representative of all people with liberty and justice for all.”
The committee affirmed support for Paul’s leading to, through shared learning, continue in his efforts in working towards a “peaceful rising-up” as way may open for him. Paul asked that this ad hoc committee be available to him to assist in the process of continuing discernment. We agreed to remain available to him for this purpose.
We closed with a period of silent worship and expressions of gratitude for being called together that we might share in Paul’s learning and be supportive of his ministry.
Don Kidder, Recorder pro-tem
Comment by admin — October 18, 2012 @ 6:07 pm