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From the Desk of Collage

America- We're hurting

"Patriotism without activism is blind obedience," reads Circle of Life's new campaign ad running through the pages of Rolling Stone, Time Magazine, and Organic Style. The adage rings out a challenge to all those who claim to support their government, but do not participate in the democratic process. Founded by famed tree-sitter Julia Butterfly Hill, Circle of Life is one of the many non-profit organizations conducting intense voter registration and education drives this year. In advance of one of the century's most highly anticipated elections, a ripple ran through the American public. Not since 1968 has this nation felt such a surge of uncertainty and enflamed concern over the future of our government. It was as if America, like ol' Rip Van Winkle awoken from his extended slumber, had finally started to rub her eyes and take a look at what has happened.

Many Americans aren't happy with what they see. A lot has happened since the current administration was 'selected' four years ago. The invasion of Iraq and the deaths of thousands of American soldiers and Iraqi civilians; the atrocities at Abu Ghraib prison; homeland security and the erosion of our civil liberties; soaring health care costs coupled with record numbers of uninsured; a lagging economy and ensuing job loss; and roll-backs of our hard won environmental law like the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts.

The upcoming election has ignited passions in local communities and increased grassroots involvement in the political process. The current political situation has galvanized young people in particular. This issue of the online magazine explores some of the ways that grassroots youth groups are getting creative, getting active, and making a difference in their communities and across the country. Some are sponsoring road trips to register voters in swing states. Others are spitting rhymes and laying down tracks about issues that affect them, like poverty, the environment and HIV/AIDS. Others are lobbying cities to expand air pollution regulations and make schools 'Asthma-free' zones. Though the methods may differ, the motivation is the same. Record numbers of young people are realizing they stake they have in the policies of our government Ð and the power they have to do something about it.

We at Collage wholeheartedly support all of the dynamic political campaign and electoral work happening now across the country. Yet, we all need to be cautioned to remember the limits of these campaigns. Much of the damage of the past four years can not be undone. We can not return to grieving mothers Ð both American and Iraqi Ð their lost sons and daughters. We can not erase the humiliation and terror of Iraqi prison abuse victims or falsely accused Arab-Americans. We can not instantly replace old growth forests recently razed by lumber company road construction and logging. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. If four years ago, the majority of American were as civically active and engaged as they are today, many of these atrocities may have never come to pass.

Our electoral work needs to move beyond the election. Patriotism or citizenship is about more than just raising money for swing states elections. It's about looking inside yourself and evaluating how the choices you make. We don't just vote on November 2nd. We vote every single day Ð with the money we spend, the information we share, and the communities we build. We can't just rally in times of crisis. We need to rally day by day to do the hard work of building the kind of society we can believe in.

As one of the most privileged Ð some could say spoiled Ðgenerations in American history, let's use the momentum created by this upcoming election to do more than just put a different wealthy white man in the Oval Office. Let's use this opportunity to regain our integrity, our powerful voices and art forms, and our communal strength. Let's start educating each other and see how well we can reshape our name, our country, and our future.

"Patriotism without activism is blind overindulgence"

Indulge in something more tangible.

Our future.

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