by Casey Burnett

“Are there real people under there?” asked a child passing today's vigil. Yes. Sometimes people seem surprised that we are not statues or manikins holding signs, especially youths. However standing with a bag over my head for two hours a day, I sometime wonder if this isn't a lens in to the collective conscience of the US of A. Set in habits and thinking patterns, adults respond to us differently seeing what they want to see of our vigil and of world around them. And the attitudes of denial (“isn't [Guantanamo] already closed”), anger (“that stuff is garbage”), and/or fear (“build it bigger for all the terrorist, or kill them on them on the battlefield”) seem to reveal a collective ignorance of the reality of Guantanamo Bay detainees (Bagaram, et al.) that YES there are REAL PEOPLE under those hoods. Other humans wearing orange jumpsuits being tossed around by US soldiers. If it is not ignorance than it is idolatry, which says we determine who is worthy to live or die.

What will prompt more people to connect to suffering of others? Is it any doubt that western addiction to logic has truncated compassionate empathy? What makes me come out and 'voice' a different perspective? Well the realization that my God teaches that all PEOPLE are lovable. No one is beyond transformation. I am instructed to care for others, especially the STRANGER of foreign lands. Sadly I know my motivation will not prime the fire of justice for others. I know that Jesus' teachings have been poisoned with their 1500+ adulterous years co-opted by political powers. Domination Empires not interested in people who are at bottom (as Jesus was) but prioritizing political power as the prize to pursue-- the oppressed be damn, no be a stepping stone. But faithfulness is what Jesus reveals is critical (“he who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is not fit for the kingdom”) and attachment to results. I pray may I be faithful with all my heart soul, mind, heart, and strength.