During this holiday season, we are thankful that we did not grow up in a country that deals daily with armed conflict on its own territory. We are glad that we have been sheltered from bombs, terror, and torture.

We also are thankful to be activists during an era when activism is growing around the world--activism aimed at ending economic inequality, social injustice, and costly and wasteful wars. We are grateful for the U.S. Bill of Rights and Constitution that protect our rights to activism and free speech.

We are thankful to be part of the 99% who are recognizing that we can have a voice, that we need to speak out against those members of the 1% who have gained so much control over the lives of ordinary peace-loving, justice-seeking people around the world.... Read more... 

By guest author Ross Caputi 

November 7th marked seven years since the U.S. began its 2nd siege on the Iraqi city of Fallujah. Since that fateful date the people of Fallujah have been expelled, killed, imprisoned, oppressed, humiliated, and poisoned.  

The siege itself lasted several weeks, claiming the lives of thousands of innocent civilians. In the years that followed, the rates of multiple types of cancers, birth defects, and infant mortality skyrocketed in Fallujah....Read more... 

Liberate THIS, Part 6

After reading the headline, "Crushed to death by a bulldozer," I thought about someone other than myself for the first time in quite a while.  Also for the first time in a while, I felt an emotion other than depression.  I felt anger.  

Among the most beautiful gifts you can give to children are the ability to read and the gift of knowledge. So why not buy your children a book related to peace?  

One of the books we recommend is  Planting the trees of kenya: The story of Wangari Maathai, by Claire A. Nivola.   

It tells the story of a young girl searching for peace in her natural environment. That girl grew up to found the Green Belt Movement and earn the Nobel Peace Prize in 2008! 

This beautifully illustrated book won one of the Jane Adams Children's Book Awards, awarded to books that encourage peace.