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POINT TWO FINGERS, NOT ONE

Posted on Apr 16th, 2008 by P.E.A.C.E Scooter : Integral Activist, Human Platypus P.E.A.C.E Scooter
Postcard_grid_front_final-l
Now that the 2008 postcards have arrived, I've realized the departure date is coming soon.
I'm excited that the plans are coming together. I will be fundrasing $1 per 1 mile. Take a look at the new postcards and please, leave your definition of peace on the website.
www.peacescooter.com


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A first video of P.E.A.C.E SCOOTER

Posted on Mar 23rd, 2008 by P.E.A.C.E Scooter : Integral Activist, Human Platypus P.E.A.C.E Scooter
My name is Alix Bryan and I am riding 20,000 miles on a 125cc scooter, my route creates a Peace sign on the U.S. map. Throughout the journey, I randomly interview people that I come across-asking "How do you define Peace?"

Last summer I completed 11,000 miles of the Peace sign, and will finish the remaining 9,000 miles summer. I hope you see this and are motivated to find share your answer on www.peacescooter.com.  My belief is that we have to know WHAT something MEANS before we can practice it in our daily life.
P.E.A.C.E Scooter


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Frozen hands, CLAW, Audre and Peace

Posted on Feb 28th, 2008 by P.E.A.C.E Scooter : Integral Activist, Human Platypus P.E.A.C.E Scooter

What is the common denominator between those things you ask? I just tucked Audre, the P.E.A.C.E SCOOT, away after a spontaneous winter night ride through Charlottesville. I'm shivering a bit, frozen ovaries I think, typing away while dressed clumsily in about 14 layers. CLAWI don't have the gloves on, which didn't work worth a damn anyhow in this weather, so any typos are my own sloppinesssss. The ride was nice, annoyed at first to pull Audre out-battery drained from winter weather, resisting the start. Nothing big happened my first two miles. Where was I headed? A CLAW meeting.

Charlottesville Ladies Arm Wrestling. That's right. No guns in the streets, schools, or Iraq-but at the pullin' table it's a whole other story!


IMG_1408

Originally uploaded by Well Wisher

About 6 weeks ago, sitting in my new hairdressers chair (who happens to share the same exact Leo birthday as mine), I hear tale of ladies arm wrestling. Not just for high camp and fierce sport, but to raise money for women initiated causes. Invited to give it a go, I attended the first shop meeting at the local diner, Blue Moon.

That went well and I picked a superhero name, "Peace-A-Mia." Two days before the big event went down, yours truly fell victim to the respiratory plague terrorizing Cville. The show went on, and as I can tell from the pictures, a grand event ensued. So, you've got it by now, right?

Recap: 8 wrastlin' ladies in costume, one referee, a hot nurse, two celebrity judges, a emcee deluxe and a loser's lounge to boot. $600 raised for the Fluvana Women's Voice Project. The audience cashes in real money for CLAW cash so that they can shamelessly bribe the judges and bet on the wrastlers, or pullers. Now this is just one of the few reasons I'm proud to live in Cville. CLAW is currently reminding me that for livin in a red state, we are some kinky blue progressives.

Tonight we gathered to discuss rules and regulations for those of us who were plagued last month, pick a new charity case, drink wine, and test out the wrastlin' table. P.E.A.C.E SCOOTER grabbed a piece of action up on the table, with Tragedy Ann and Sintaur. Tragedy Ann got lucky that her soft hands distracted me, while Sintaur left hoof marks all over me. Earlier in the night we discussed the recipient of March fundraising. Community Bikes was chosen for March and Roller Derby was chosen for May. Seeing a wheel theme emerging and recognizing my own need for funding, I mentioned P.E.A.C.E SCOOTER. I must say that felt really awkward for me, but it seemed well received, if not anticipated. Hey, even $200 bones gets me about 8,000 miles down the road for this cause. I did worry that they might be thinking, "hell no," but were too polite to say anything.

Meeting adjourned and I suited back up, tucking a sexy CLAW shirt into my pocket. Starting up the scoot I was already nostalgic for the cozy atmosphere and warm fire. Once I started riding though, there seemed no good reason to turn left onto Goodman street; so I proceeded forward. Being that I already had on the 14 layers, might as well. Riding through town, taking oh so tight curves and breaking speed laws, some thoughts smacked me in the head. And it had nothing to do with slowing down.....

I'm riding for Peace, yea, because if Peace doesn't matter today, how is tomorrow worth anything? I'm also riding in honor of really conscious, dedicated souls that came before me, and those who are now working fervently-those who recognize the worlds needed change and who guard our rights. I'm riding for Peace because I think most all souls possess the ability to make the world a better place, and the best place to start is your own life. And while most Americans aren't going to attend an anti-war protest, a freaky Carnival like Shentai, or even watch a progressive documentary-they still possess the much needed voices to demand change. Heck, last night I asked the Moms if she though there were any problems in America. Her loud chortle caught me off guard. Shoot, if my Moms knows there is something wrong with our country-you better starting Acting up!

I said, "Mom, tell me two things that are wrong."

"Well, people aren't treated fairly or equally, " she says. Hmm. I expected crime to be her first answer. Or something insurance related for that matter.

"And there is just too much lying." Whoah. That shocked me. Her thoughtful answers really surprised me and I was glad to have asked.

Basically, my Moms is reiterating the sentiments of most anti-war protestors-that Bush lied and has proceeded to manipulate our Constitution to the elite's advantage and the average's demise. Our citizen's rights have been unfairly whittled away. Now, my Moms is NEVER going to a protest and unfortunately, she probably voted for Bush. BUT we found a COMMON GROUND. Navigating the common ground and embracing diversity in opinion is the FIRST step to unify the people. Unifying the People is the ONLY thing that will change our political lot right now. It is PROVEN over and over in our history that social/political change ONLY comes from the people's movements-which in turn pressures our government into action. Non-violence, non-compliance, compassion, kindness, Peace-sure all that. Putting aside frustrations with the big fish to LISTEN to the other small fish.

This is not just about Peace; I'm also acknowledging there are systematic formulas in place, socially and politically, that distract most people from identifying exactly how important their own inner revolution is. Something happens out there on the road-when I play with people, when I mow their lawn, when I listen to them, when I say define Peace for me, or when they simply recognize that I'm doing nothing but trying to make the world a more just, fun, Peaceful place. The stories I heard last year were so precious-they are inspirational, they are unique. Those stories convince me that the world is NOT the one projected onto your TV screens. So what's my cause? Peace, inner and outer Peace baby. Generating T.A.C.T among the people: Thinking, Action, Co-Creating, Teaching. This isn't just about getting us out of Iraq-it's about us preventing more war in the future. And I realized it's worth asking for donations to complete the ride.

March 11th baby, Blue Moon Diner. Bring money, bring Band-aids, these ladies are cut. Come out to support good, sexy causes and to support the Community Bikes project. Which isn't as sexy as CLAW, but it's a damn good organization that teaches people how to work on their own bicycles. Which keeps bicycles on the streets, instead of gas guzzling cages.

Gnight!

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In the name of Love and Peace

Posted on Feb 14th, 2008 by P.E.A.C.E Scooter : Integral Activist, Human Platypus P.E.A.C.E Scooter
208426937_018a00b9f7_o


Heard of the Speak Your Peace project? There isn't a better day, with the country focused on thoughts of amor and kindness, to leave your definition of Peace. It doesn't have to be just a Hallmark Holiday. Us thoughtful Gaians can leave our own mark!

To SPEAK YOUR PEACE, VISIT: http://www.peacescooter.com/the-wall/
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Tagged with: Peace, social justice, art, love

Thank You to the zaadz community

Posted on Feb 3rd, 2008 by P.E.A.C.E Scooter : Integral Activist, Human Platypus P.E.A.C.E Scooter
Dear Zaadz community,

A warm bow for your presence here at zaadz, and your role,whether relative or direct, which contributes to my transformational journey. Back home after finishing a 12 week ride for Peace, I've had some time to heal, to reflect and to give thanks for the beauty I discovered and created in the world. Peope like those here at zaadz and other "hubs" have given me inspiration to delve deeply into my own pursuits and also to appreciate  the interconnectivity in our world. One can learn a lot from making a 11,000 mile epic ride, on a little scooter. For now, the most important thing to emphasize is the grace I felt always, each day, while witnessing the convergence of many teachings/beliefs and the reliance on them to surpass obstacles. It wasn't easy, and I think about that now that the miles are mostly behind me.

I've thought about the time I spent with all of you and how my life has been nourished by many strangers and the overall experience of P.E.A.C.E SCOOTER.  So many wonderful people came into my life and confirmed that we share a similar dream of liberation.


On one hand, it seems like time is inching past in comparison to my time on the road, but on the other hand it seems I have barely had time to catch my breath and maintain responsibilities at home/work. Before I know it, another month has passed without extending my gratitude to each of you.  I came to you empty-handed and left with my heart full of gratitude.

You offered me your homes, your scooter repair services, and your time. You gave me laughs, your advice, your blessings, and your donations. You shared with me cups of coffee, your definitions of Peace, and your vision for our future. In so many ways, you inspired and encouraged me to keep going. This month, as I compiled the statistics from P.E.A.C.E Scooter 2007, I was overwhelmed by how many blessings I received in 11,198 miles and 85 days.  I am especially thankful to Philip McCaleb and Genuine Scooter Company for fully supporting the ride, bringing me in touch with the scooter community and helping raise awareness about Peace.

I will ride again this summer to finish the "Missing Peace".  P.E.A.C.E Scooter 2008 will consist of a approximately 1,500 miles from Washington, DC to Fargo, ND, with more emphasis on video blogging- PeaceTV. The following passage, by MLK, represents the compass that leads me again into service, uniting with others in our nation, our global community, as we work together tirelessly for Peace. 
"During these days of human travail we must encourage creative dissenters...As they spread the propaganda of war, we must spread the propaganda of Peace...We must demonstrate, teach, and preach, until the very foundations of our nation are shaken...I have tried to be honest. To be honest is to confront the truth. However unpleasant and incovenient the truth may be, I believe we must expose and face it if we are to achieve a better quality of American life."

It is obvious there is a confluence of people
already embodying the change that is beginning to be demanded from those in power. There is no better time to continue working for peace (peacing) zealously, and I do hope you will work with me!

Thank you for the support you have given. Speak Your Peace has developed from the Peace ride, it is a social art project to host One Billion words of Peace through my website. Cruising through the magical terrain of Joshua Tree National Park, I realized that it was the words of John Lennon, "If a billion people were thinking about Peace, there would be Peace in our world," which first inspired the Peace Ride, so it seems only fitting to seek One Billion Peace Definitions. Crazy? Maybe, but the Iraq War budget nears One Trillion.

I'm determined to generate income through my art; it is a worth pursuit for everyone to experience an intersection between their passion and income. For now, I'm working hard, though enjoyably, as a barista back home in Charlottesville, VA. In my spare time I've been doing some video editing of last summer's footage and so I created a youtube account where you can not just view those entries, but ADD YOUR OWN. Perhaps your Peace definition video will make it into the documentary I am creating.


Please visit  http://www.peacescooter.com, to keep in touch and contribute your words of Peace, to pass them on, but most of all :  to envision Peace together. Everyday.


With Gratitude and Respect, and pointing TWO fingers, not one,
Alix "Peace Scootergirl" Bryan
Charlottesville, VA

"If you have come to help me, you are wasting your time. But if you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us walk together…" Australian Aboriginal Activist Group, 1970s

Speak Your Peace




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The Peace Movement is riddled with contradictions

Posted on Dec 26th, 2007 by P.E.A.C.E Scooter : Integral Activist, Human Platypus P.E.A.C.E Scooter
Now three months back from the 11,000 mile ride for Peace, I've been decompressing and processing the eye and heart opening experience. Today I came across the old daily heroes blog that had been running since April 2006. The last entry I made, before trip preparations took over my life, was Cindy Sheehan. I've avidly followed her for years, but what placed her on the heroes list was her Memorial day journal entry on dailykos. http://www.dailykos.com/story/2007/5/28/12530/1525

I had been planning P.E.A.C.E SCOOTER for just one week when she released the news to close Camp Casey in Crawford, TX. There were many reasons I had already chosen Crawford, TX as the final destination of the Peace ride. Her being one of them. I thought it was ironic that Camp Casey was closing, but in my optimism, especially after reading her journal entry, I felt we would have a chance to work together. I remember the inspiration of her words and my excitement that she seemed to be coming out of the beige fray of muddled political lines and anti-war activist egos. Her proclamation that, "... the issue of peace and people dying for no reason is not a matter of "right or left", but "right and wrong," had me on fire. Our insights about the prevalence of ego within the Peace movement seemed congruent. She writes, "It is hard to work for peace when the very movement that is named after it has so many divisions." My own previous experience had made me bypass a big rally in D.C. for the start of the Peace ride, feeling as though it was time to take it out of D.C. and instead to the people all across America.

June 05, 2007, I would have been more likely to welcome a comparison to Cindy Sheehan. However, by August my opinion changed. After feeble, if any, responses from her and major Peace organizations/affiliates like Not in Our Name, ANSWER, Veterans Against the Iraq War, CODE PINK, and United for Peace and Justice, I sadly realized that those who rage against the machine often mimic it.

I have been uncomfortable with the media's comparisons of me to Cindy Sheehan. The main reason is that at the root of the comparison is a classic, blatant media tactic that ultimately suppresses insights of the Peace movement. The media, acting as puppets to their corporate bosses instead of instruments of democracy, often paint Cindy Sheehan as a contentious woman. The general public, a rather large amount of people who need to be recruited into the Peace movement, know her as an angry woman. Of course, she has a global following, and these supporters both understand and appreciate her passion, insights and eloquence. At a mainstream level, this comparison to her implies that I, too, am angry or preaching the same message. However, the focus of my Peace tour was to ask one brief, yet important question and listen to the answer- without judgement, anger or preaching. As a result of this comparison, persons hearing of P.E.A.C.E SCOOTER are likely to feel as though they automatically understand my message. And likewise, to those "counter culture," supporters of Sheehan, I simply become dismissed as someone attempting to follow in her footsteps.

How frustrating, when I saw her as a hero, but our work and impetus were completely different. I still don't even know sometimes what to call P.E.A.C.E SCOOTER, because it had so many complex messages intertwined into it. Without appropriate, thoughtful media coverage, these messages can be easily lost. It was a direct action to demonstrate that we need to put Peace on the map, that our nation needs to move forward as leaders to implement viable solutions; policy created through principles of non-violence and compassion, not conquest, death and imperialism. P.E.A.C.E SCOOTER was a direct action that acknowledged our general public are the opposite of asleep-they are awake without the necessary framework to recognize their own important role as catalysts in creating peace in everyday life. This is why, based on John Lennon's quote, "If a billion people were thinking about Peace there would be Peace in our world," I recognized a need for their empowerment-which could happen if they summoned up their personal definition of Peace. This movement is an attempt to create inner revolutions, whereas I see Cindy in her political forum as someone handling an external revolution. Which makes us quite dependent on another-for how can people rise up and be the proponents of a lasting external revolution without knowing what they are working towards? Our human liberation is beautifully, but precariously intertwined.

This immediate gut response to CNN's (and other media sources) comparison to her was also heightened by Sheehan's and other's failure to respond to the numerous emails I sent asking for help in some fashion. She was pleasant and encouraging, but responded similarly to others like Not in Our Name-"that sounds awesome, have fun, love you." Clearly, these people don't understand that 11,000 miles is a LONG way even in a car, much less on 12 inch wheels. When I set out on the road, I was driven by our urgent need for Peace, driven by my heroes, driven by a belief that Peace makers would hear and reach out. I didn't need a congenial thumbs up, I needed support. How about accepting my request to endorse or publicize the Peace ride, so that the national/global Peace family could participate and have the ability to offer resources-much needed food, fuel, housing and media coverage? This would have made P.E.A.C.E SCOOTER much more visible to the public. It is my belief that the intent of our Peace forces across the world is to stand up, be counted and help expand the message. The list servers and databases of major anti-war groups swells because the people are ready for change-and group leaders have a social responsibility. If our own counter culture media can't jump to cover stories like mine and others, we won't have any readily available sources other than the corporate media mafia. We need our leaders in the Peace movement to view our paradigm change with the principles of abundance-there are enough resources to go around. We can take care of one another-the Civil Rights Movement swelled because of its community and steadfast commitment to manage and volunteer resources to the cause. The more we splinter as a movement, segregate, judge and cling fast to sparse light the media occasionally grants us, the faster we will sputter out.

Sixty days deep into my trip preparations, I heard news that Cindy was walking from Crawford, TX to NYC, on a Journey for Humanity. The day I left on the peace ride, someone excitedly told me that there was a cross country March for Peace happening, and one week later I heard from a few people biking for Peace. My initial excitement that we would somehow all surge forward, unified in purpose, waned throughout the trip, as no meaningful responses were made to my inquiries for solidarity amongst all the groups. Imagine the ruckus we could have all made were there a concerted effort to promote the nation wide mobilizations occurring in unison. A ball was dropped by many activists this summer. It was obviously meant to be a summer of action. Just think about how strong in number and volition we could have been. When I think about the sheer number of miles clocked between all the different activists-I get chills. It's almost like these anti-war groups support the conservative agenda by their failure to promote all the direct action that happened.

I ask Cindy Sheehan and the other organizers, "Where HAVE all the Giants gone?" Cindy, you were my heroine-I thought if anyone would show me what a Giant was it would be you.Ironically, right after my trip, Sheehan posted a bulletin calling for the solidarity of Peace organizations, commenting on the fragmented, protective nature of these organizations. A few weeks later she posted a bulletin in honor of John Lennon, in which she proclaimed the importance of defining Peace. I invite her, and you, to leave your definition over on www.peacescooter.com, seeing as I agree with her, and have been using the website to host 1 billion definitions of Peace. It will be up the rest of my life, but hopefully, there will be a unified movement long before some beautiful soul leaves that one billionth definition.

Thank you for reading. The song playing right now as I conclude this is off the 2007 compilation I just put together in time for the New Year.
"I ain't gonna study War no More, I'm gonna join hands, the whole world round...ain't gonna study War no More."
I am thinking that applies just as aptly to our fractured counter culture Peace movement as it does our war mongering empire.

Peace,
Alix

p.s. If you want a copy of that 2007 compilation-its coming soon, I'm fighting with tech gadgets to make this happen-or you can cover the shipping and I will send it to you!

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P.E.A.C.E SCOOTER

Posted on Oct 25th, 2007 by P.E.A.C.E Scooter : Integral Activist, Human Platypus P.E.A.C.E Scooter
Hey friends,

The journey into Crawford, TX , three months after departing the White House, was quite epic and unforgettable. Wonderful people were at the Crawford Peace House to greet me and my friends that drove down from Maine!  When I pulled up CNN was there rolling the cameras-much to my surprise.

I have many more thoughts to offer you about the experience, for now I am exporing the sanctuary of my home and playing with my much missed dog, Marco Polo. I just wanted to take a moment to honor those who housed and greeted me along the way, providing inspiration and love to keep me rolling on the 11,000 mile journey for Peace-a journey that is really just starting now!
Stay tuned....
Here is the CNN video footage:

http://edition.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/10/13/peace.activist/#cnnSTCVideo


Warmly bowing to this sacred community,
Alix
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Last 330 miles of P.E.A.C.E SCOOTER START TODAY. MUCH LOVE!

Posted on Oct 11th, 2007 by P.E.A.C.E Scooter : Integral Activist, Human Platypus P.E.A.C.E Scooter
Logo
Pro-Peace Rally in Crawford, TX, on October 13, 2007.
I am inviting you to join me at the “finish line,” of the Ride for Peace, at the Crawford Peace House, this Saturday, October 13, 2007. If you can not physically attend, please join me in a prayer that day for World Peace and please pass this email along to interested parties.

I am about to complete an 11,000 mile ride for Peace. Almost 3 months ago, I left from the White House, headed to Crawford, TX, on a  scooter. My route, with just 1,000 miles left, will create a Peace sign on the U.S. Map.   Throughout my travels I have experienced extreme changes, in both climate and culture.  The scenery and people have been spectacular and have opened my eyes. Many have offered personal stories, food, hugs, homes, and donations. I have ridden in temperatures from 105-40 degrees; ridden in the rain, hail, lightning, and wind.

Perhaps many of you have never ridden a scooter, but trust me, it's no simple task to ride 11,000 miles on 12 inch wheels going 55 mph.  Nor is it always easy to talk about Peace.

What I have discovered while traveling is a dangerous polarity concerning Peace - in the same vein as “you are for us, or against us.” That polarity can make dialog between strangers very daunting. I made deliberate efforts to leave politics and religion out of the conversations. Instead, I asked, “what is YOUR vision for our future?” and “how do YOU define Peace?”

Whether you are anti-war or pro-peace, you, too, are driven by the idea of change.
Please join me, at a pro-peace rally, October 13, 2007, in Crawford, TX.   Join me in demanding both an end to this war and accountability through the impeachment of an abusive President. Let's demonstrate that change is possible and that, collectively, we are acting up to design a better world.  For more details, and to follow the blog through these experiences, please go to www.peacescooter.com

Peace and Respect
Alix B

“In seeking Truth, you have to get both sides to a story.”
-Walter Kronkite

“I would rather us make history by creating Peace, than become history in its absence.”
-Alix B.
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Join me, Pro-Peace Rally, Raise Consciousness

Posted on Oct 8th, 2007 by P.E.A.C.E Scooter : Integral Activist, Human Platypus P.E.A.C.E Scooter
Logo
Pro-Peace Rally in Crawford, TX, on October 13, 2007.
I am inviting you to join me at the "finish line," of the Ride for Peace, at the Crawford Peace House, this Saturday, October 13, 2007. If you can not physically attend, please join me in a prayer that day for World Peace and please pass this email along to interested parties.

I am about to complete an 11,000 mile ride for Peace. Almost 3 months ago, I left from the White House, headed to Crawford, TX, on a  scooter. My route, with just 1,000 miles left, will create a Peace sign on the U.S. Map.   Throughout my travels I have experienced extreme changes, in both climate and culture.  The scenery and people have been spectacular and have opened my eyes. Many have offered personal stories, food, hugs, homes, and donations. I have ridden in temperatures from 105-40 degrees; ridden in the rain, hail, lightning, and wind.

Perhaps many of you have never ridden a scooter, but trust me, it's no simple task to ride 11,000 miles on 12 inch wheels going 55 mph.  Nor is it always easy to talk about Peace.

What I have discovered while traveling is a dangerous polarity concerning Peace - in the same vein as "you are for us, or against us." That polarity can make dialog between strangers very daunting. I made deliberate efforts to leave politics and religion out of the conversations. Instead, I asked, "what is YOUR vision for our future?" and "how do YOU define Peace?"

My goal is to generate dialog with everyone about Peace. Only an inclusive outreach will allow us to co-create change. I have visited communities with very conservative Bush supporters, as well as card- carrying liberals, but they have all taken the time to define Peace with me.  This is a vast country, and an even bigger world. For us to know Peace, we must celebrate our diversity, using it to strengthen the common ground we do share. I have traced a Peace sign onto the U.S. soil to remind us of our common ground; our interconnectivity.

I am opposed to this war and disgusted by this administration's blatant abuse of my rights.  Three months ago, I reached a point in my life where I could no longer settle for going about my daily life as I knew it. I was absolutely aghast by the level of apathy, fear, and anger that runs rampant in our country.  There will be no Peace in our world, until we all integrate Peace into both the personal and political spheres of our lives. 

I was driven to bring awareness to Peace and experiment with a new framework.  I say, "Don't point one finger, point TWO."   Point two for Peace. But also point two - as in one at yourself and one at the things you don't like. How can YOU improve the world? How can YOU make purchasing decisions that don't support the war - or that better benefit your community? How are YOU accountable for the injustices in our world? Because change, does, truly start with YOU.  There is no time to be apathetic, preoccupied, angry or judgmental. Other movements and revolutions have fizzled. If you want Peace in our world, work with me to embrace the idea of abundance. Change will come when we believe there is enough change to go around.

When I began this journey, I consciously set aside my political beliefs in order to listen more objectively.  At the end of a long journey, I still firmly believe that while we might always have conflict in our world, it will not be solved through war.  The bombing of nations and massacre of our soldiers and theirs has to stop.  My journey has taught me to find strength in differences, friends in strangers, and to envision viable solutions for our future. And to never stop imagining or working for more Peace.

Whether you are anti-war or pro-peace, you, too, are driven by the idea of change.
Please join me, at a pro-peace rally, October 13, 2007, in Crawford, TX.   Join me in demanding both an end to this war and accountability through the impeachment of an abusive President. Let's demonstrate that change is possible and that, collectively, we are acting up to design a better world.  For more details, and to follow the blog through these experiences, please go to www.peacescooter.com

Peace and Respect
Alix B

"In seeking Truth, you have to get both sides to a story."
-Walter Kronkite

"I would rather us make history by creating Peace, than become history in its absence."
-Alix B.
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11,000 mile Peace Ride

Posted on Oct 7th, 2007 by P.E.A.C.E Scooter : Integral Activist, Human Platypus P.E.A.C.E Scooter
1502303411_0174267b5e_m
I am about to complete an 11,000 mile ride for Peace. Almost 3 months ago, I left from the White House, headed to Crawford, TX, on a  scooter. My route, with just 1,500 miles left, will create a Peace sign on the U.S. Map.   Throughout my travels I have experienced extreme changes, in both climate and culture.  The scenery and people have been spectacular and have opened my eyes. Many have offered personal stories, food, hugs, homes, and donations. I have ridden in temperatures from 105-40 degrees; ridden in the rain, hail, lightning, and wind.

Perhaps many of you have never ridden a scooter, but trust me, it's no simple task to ride 11,000 miles on 12 inch wheels going 55 mph.  Nor is it always easy to talk about Peace.

What I have discovered while traveling is a dangerous polarity concerning Peace - in the same vein as "you are for us, or against us." That polarity can make dialog between strangers very daunting. I made deliberate efforts to leave politics and religion out of the conversations. Instead, I asked, "what is YOUR vision for our future?" and "how do YOU define Peace?"

My goal is to generate dialogue with everyone about Peace. Only an inclusive outreach will allow us to co-create change. I have visited communities with very conservative Bush supporters, as well as card- carrying liberals, but they have all taken the time to define Peace with me.  This is a vast country, and an even bigger world. For us to know Peace, we must celebrate our diversity, using it to strengthen the common ground we do share. I have traced a Peace sign onto the U.S. soil to remind us of our common ground; our interconnectivity.

I am opposed to this war and disgusted by this administration's blatant abuse of my rights.  Three months ago, I reached a point in my life where I could no longer settle for going about my daily life as I knew it. I was absolutely aghast by the level of apathy, fear, and anger that runs rampant in our country.  There will be no Peace in our world, until we all integrate Peace into both the personal and political spheres of our lives. 

I was driven to bring awareness to Peace and experiment with a new framework.  I say, "Don't point one finger, point TWO."   Point two for Peace. But also point two - as in one at yourself and one at the things you don't like. How can YOU improve the world? How can YOU make purchasing decisions that don't support the war - or that better benefit your community? How are YOU accountable for the injustices in our world? Because change, does, truly start with YOU.  There is no time to be apathetic, preoccupied, angry or judgmental. Other movements and revolutions have fizzled. If you want Peace in our world, work with me to embrace the idea of abundance. Change will come when we believe there is enough change to go around.

When I began this journey, I consciously set aside my political beliefs in order to listen more objectively.  At the end of a long journey, I still firmly believe that while we might always have conflict in our world, it will not be solved through war.  The bombing of nations and massacre of our soldiers and theirs has to stop.  My journey has taught me to find strength in differences, friends in strangers, and to envision viable solutions for our future. And to never stop imagining or working for more Peace.

Whether you are anti-war or pro-peace, you, too, are driven by the idea of change.
Please join me, at a pro-peace rally, October 13, 2007, in Crawford, TX.   Join me in demanding both an end to this war and accountability through the impeachment of an abusive President. Let's demonstrate that change is possible and that, collectively, we are acting up to design a better world. 

Peace,
Alix B

"In seeking Truth, you have to get both sides to a story."
-Walter Kronkite
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