I do not find my own experience with the center reflected in the comments above and thus I am writing a post. I am a member who, rather than being driven away, stayed and was encouraged to engage in more regular participation by what seemed to me to be thoughtful dialogue regarding the praxis of strict pacifism bumping up against the praxis of diverse tactics. I appreciated then and still do the opportunity to learn about the ideas of pacifism and how those look in a diverse movement. The analysis I read in the New People regarding the Plowshares 8 actions actually being grounded in non-violence really gave me food for thought. I continued to offer financial support rather than leaving not in spite of the dialogue about pacifism but because of that dialogue.
I did not find the focus of the City Paper article nor quoted comments to be ones seeking to find blame nor scapegoating. Rather, I left my reading of the article with a sense of the diverse perspectives regarding the purpose and approaches of the center, and how those remain in flux. Pointing out that there are real differences of perspective and experience is a strength not a problem. The article gave me a sense of each person offering quotes as speaking from their own experience. Different perspectives on the current struggles were conveyed. I think that is a great dialogue to be having, not a problem nor an invitation to choose sides.
If we each speak from our own experience rather than making assumptions about others motivations we might, eventually, reach a point of balance with our diverse perspectives. A messy process for sure, but one that carries with it great potential. On the other hand, that point of balance may never be found and something(s) entirely new may emerge. At the very least, I am working hard to stay open to the various points of view and not make assumptions about what motivations were driving this person or that person. That doesn't mean I don't form an opinion nor comment if there are facts that I don't think are accurate,nor ideas I disagree with. It just means I am working hard to not make assumptions about others motivations.
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I did not find the focus of the City Paper article nor quoted comments to be ones seeking to find blame nor scapegoating. Rather, I left my reading of the article with a sense of the diverse perspectives regarding the purpose and approaches of the center, and how those remain in flux. Pointing out that there are real differences of perspective and experience is a strength not a problem. The article gave me a sense of each person offering quotes as speaking from their own experience. Different perspectives on the current struggles were conveyed. I think that is a great dialogue to be having, not a problem nor an invitation to choose sides.
If we each speak from our own experience rather than making assumptions about others motivations we might, eventually, reach a point of balance with our diverse perspectives. A messy process for sure, but one that carries with it great potential. On the other hand, that point of balance may never be found and something(s) entirely new may emerge. At the very least, I am working hard to stay open to the various points of view and not make assumptions about what motivations were driving this person or that person. That doesn't mean I don't form an opinion nor comment if there are facts that I don't think are accurate,nor ideas I disagree with. It just means I am working hard to not make assumptions about others motivations.