Less than 60 seconds to weeping

Whether you are anti-war, or support the troops, or both, this tiny film by Hillman Curtis is universal in its message.

Click Soldier to view the movie.

What's up in the Jewish Progressive DC Community?

You're progressive . . . you're interested in things Middle East and Jewish . . . what to do for a thought-provoking, theatrical experience? Hear former DC Avodah director and current Theater J board member Minna Scherlinder Morse talk about a new play (that I HOPE has nonviolence as a theme), Pangs of the Messiah, and a roving Peace Cafe. Check out Theater J's blog for more information.

Organizing for POLITICAL change or organizing for POCKET change?

Monday's Washington Post has a very interesting piece about a split in the pro-life movement. Seems the alliance between evangelicals and Catholics is divided on whether or not to consider the Supreme Court's ruling on partial birth abortion a victory. The article describes the split between those who feel victories will come as small wins versus those who feel that celebrating the ruling is really misleading pro-life supporters. This second group turns their ire towards Focus on the Family, claiming they've used this particular Supreme Court battle as a fund raising tool rather than pointing out that the ruling upholds a restriction on a procedure, and doesn't put an end to late term abortions what so ever. In the meantime, Planned Parenthood has had a bit of fund raising success itself. The ruling seemed to galvanize pro-choice supporters into getting serious.

The question is not so much pro-life, pro-choice here. The question goes to the core of a coalition sharing objectives and vision. Rifts such as these, particularly when public, weaken coalitions. So how is it that seemingly like-minded organizations may not be the best collaborators? Coalition partners need to have a critical eye towards the gap between actions and mission. But of course a savvy organization will use issues as a platform for fund raising. Ironically, wins can mean a drop in resources, and losses can mean a boom.