PEACE GARDEN

PEACE GARDEN that is what we named our Forum garden. It is really a very peaceful place surrounded by tall majestic eucalyptus trees, pines, and some shade trees with few chairs and benches scattered around. Whether alone or with Forum friends, we can sit here for hours looking at the rugged beauty of the place (Ron’s), and what we have created this year, musing about the experience we have gained this year of the place for a more successful garden from next year. Under the shade we hold our once a month work and fun party. The sunset is something to hang around for. Here are some pictures of the garden and one gathering.

the squash looked good (but animals got this one)

tomato bushes (no ripe one yet!)

this one Dave’s favorite patch: the corns, including native American corns

this one is Cathy’s favorite

Dave is always excited about spaghetti squash

Our garden-side get-togethers are getting Forum members favorite outings.  We do have good times, but we also discuss serious matters.  Health Care Reform was the topic for the July gathering.  Reynaldo spoke about the latest situation and addressed members concerns.  This was a lively discussion.  We were also visited by reporters from East County Newspapers.  Besides, we enjoyed some good foods (this is Armida’s passion!) and good company.  Here are some pictures from the July garden-side gathering.

Reynaldo speaking

Ron did not let us forget the real solution; unfortunately, the politics has pushed the measure backwards.

Sam is making point, about something!

the shadow is relaxing!

now, the food;  but that won’t stop Keith making his point!

Tetsuo joined us after few weeks.  Evelyn in the background.

intent listener, oblivious to food too!

Peace Garden is a big success. We all had a sense of accomplishment. We all enjoy the fruits of our labor, which we could have had more had we learned earlier to contain the animals better. Although we enjoyed the vegetables we produced, the squirrels, raccoons and rabbits enjoyed more than we did!

An earlier report of few weeks ago

Recently Forum members have been very active in publishing in The Sentinel. June 25, 2009 issue carried the commentary by Dante and June 18 issue carried the commentary by Dave Patterson, both on Healthcare Reform. The June 11 issue published a commentary by Ron. In case you missed those commentaries, we are publishing, on our website, all the three commentaries, along with a letter sent by a Forum member to Rep. Hunter. Click on the link for Postings: Members’ Essays section of the Posts. Please send your comments to our website and/or to the Sentinel.

I kept this report on so that you can compare our present day garden activity to that of few months ago.

Ramona Forum has made a big step forward towards our Peace Gardens. The garden has not only grown in size, it has become a focal point of our activities with enthusiastic participants. Members love to hang around the Garden!

We had a very pleasant work-and-Fun session on Saturday June 27, 2009. We are working on a report with the latest pictures of the Peace Garden, which will be posted in few days. In the mean time check out the old Report on Peace Garden.

We also had successful demonstration against War in Iraq and Afghanistan and a responsible resolution of the two wars for a just Peace. Forum members braved the rain and cold on the first Sunday (March 15). We also held a candle light vigil on the sixth anniversary of Iraq war (March 19) in remembrance of American and Iraqi dead, wounded and still recovering of their wounds.

Demonstration to Investigate Bush Administration:

Members of the Ramona Forum demonstrated this week to raise awareness towards the need for Investigating Bush Administration for their various extra-constitutional activities like torture, spying on Americans, signing statements to circumvent the law, falsifying intellligence report, lying to Americans to lead them into war and others, crimes against humanity and the planet, and war crimes. There were colorful posters. In fact the interest was so high on this Sunday’s (8 March) emphasis that a number of members gathered at Ron’s place on Friday before to work on the posters.

Ramona forum is in the process of making plans for the year 2009, namely the garden, one-theme-a-week Sunday demonstrations, partcipation in Farmers Market and organize a discussion group. Click on the Report.

RAMONA FORUM GARDEN IS NOW A REALITY! Here is a REPORT prepared by our President David Patterson.

President Obama has already taken steps to end the war in Iraq—one of our major issues—responsibly. We are very pleased for his Presidential Order to stop the Bush practice of torture and to close the GITMO. Order of his priorities—economy, energy, education, and healthcare—coincides with ours.

Yet, clouds of uncertainty are in the horizon—talks of military victory in Afghanistan, backing out from direct engagements with “adversaries” and condoning of violation of international laws and norms of “allies”, to mention a few. Checkout an interesting website, www.politifact.com. The site is not free from its bias, yet the table on the top right hand corner is interesting. It will also be interesting to watch how the effects of over reaching to non-progressives will work. It seems it is not working in Congress—both in the House and in the Senate. In coming months and years, we will watch his steps and will voice our support and concerns as well.

We trust President Obama. The election of Barack Obama as our President has made the Ramona Forum Family extremely happy. Issues and philosophies—social and political—that concern us, that are dear to us resonate with those of President Barack Obama.
Right now, we WILL HOPE AND BE VIGILANT.

Website updates as of June 20, 2009: (more updates are coming soon)

Peace Garden by Forum members: Both the reports—initial and second report—are under Reports: Peace Garden

New Member Essay by Ron Selkovitch on Small Flag and a response by Steve Bisbikis

New items in Members’ experiences from Dante

Now in Archives:Picture of Repeal Prop 8 demonstration on March 8 on the eve of California Supreme Court Hearing, Holiday Party, Season’s Greetings, Election (Victory) Party Report, ‘No on 8′ report, Forum Debate Watching Party

“When the people fear their government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty.”

– Thomas Jefferson

“Peace we want because there is another war to fight against poverty, disease and ignorance.”
– Indira Gandhi, 1966