S.S.D.D.

I had a blog post written and ready for today's posting on Thursday evening. Since then, the news cycle has exploded with more sh*t. Therefore, I feel compelled to save the piece entitled Sh*t Happens for another, more appropriate time...

I am absolutely sickened that we live in this era of oppression and brutality. And as the details of each incident (near and far) unfold, we learn that not only are the authorities OK with the status quo, but they are standing firm on coercively inhumane policies and tactics. 

To be clear - this scenario isn't only happening in more populated and ethnically diverse places or even foreign countries. It is happening right here, in the NoCo, too.

The playbook has not changed throughout history. When authoritarians feel threatened, they double down on harmful practices. Intimidation, threats, harassment, and violence are all tools of the trade.

We see it everywhere, and I hear about it daily from kids and their families who reach out to me for help. It is utterly heartbreaking and exhausting. 

I obviously don't have the answers to our massive list of societal ills; nonetheless, I know that coercion, persecution, punishment, and outright brutality are not what we need more of. 

In the end, I guess, I can only go into battle in my little corner of the world each day, fully prepared to snuff out inequity with radical inclusion, threats with unconditional support, and intimidation with my own brand of fiery kindness. 

Weekly Creative Meditation

DRC News

The kiddos at both Centers were fully engaged - creating, playing, and building community. However, as you can see, only the DRC East staff in Massena managed to document all the coolness. (Thanks, Karen G.) The Canton staff will try to do better this coming week.

This third DRC - True Story is more about a general life learning experience than the actual quote.

B asked to go to the post office to get a package when we went to the library to pick up some books on hold. After some of us went to the library and came back out, B was not outside waiting for us. I went into the Post Office to see what was taking them so long. They had provided the tracking number, and the post office employee was looking for the package. Come to find out, it was misaddressed and ended up at SUNY Canton. Long story - short - B navigated all of the twists and turns of the saga on their own (I was only there to provide transportation) and successfully collected their package that held the all-important paws that completed their cat costume.