Yes, this is a matter of deep image change, pressing our root assumptions as we work on social and legal issues. The Wild West Cowboy imagery is strong here in Colorado. Amazing how short a time (30 years or so) that cattle were actually driven across the prairies. Guns to protect the cattle against animals and thieves.all very practical. But then wild west shows followed by western films immortalized the six gun, the gun-slingers, and quick-draw heroes on main street. So myth, legend and toy guns have vastly expanded the story way bigger than the actual history. Undoing our admiration for Davy Crocket, Gene Autry, and Clint Eastwood iconic persona is no small task. (And add you own sources of our beloved heroic killers - military, the mob, etc.) We even give Oscars to the murderers in the Godfather and fondly "remember the Alamo". We also have the not-so-far-fetched worry about foreign terrorism (post 9-11) and the practice of keep a gun in the home to defend our families against possible intruders. (I have several relatives in this group.) So where are the crucial points of dialogue that will change images in the hearts and minds of me, my relatives, my congregation, my community.so that new values drive our votes in elections and new leaders can change our laws? / Sherwood From: oe-bounces@lists.wedgeblade.net [mailto:oe-bounces@lists.wedgeblade.net] On Behalf Of coevolutionacademy@juno.com Sent: Saturday, December 15, 2012 10:13 AM To: oe@lists.wedgeblade.net Subject: Re: [Oe List ...] Start the conversation Obviously we need to change the gun laws but I'm asking myself, what is the depth spirit contradiction? I'm asking myself how do I need to change, go deeper, get quieter, listen, heal, love and from that kind of place, discern what I can do to help change the culture and along with it the symbols and stories. Focusing on the external is not going to make deep change - but of course it is needed. I'm ruminating. Feeling sorrow. Making a commitment to work more intensley on my self first and to listen deeply. Rose Anne ---------- Original Message ---------- From: Jack Gilles <jackcgilles@gmail.com> To: Order Ecumenical Community <oe@lists.wedgeblade.net> Subject: Re: [Oe List ...] Start the conversation Date: Fri, 14 Dec 2012 15:38:34 -0600 Lee, Thanks for starting this conversation. Lets see how much energy and movement there is by national officials and elected people. I fear that the NRA and others will again block any actions. It may not be one of those issues that can be dealt with head on although we all want to. Maybe we need to think of indirect approaches, especially at the symbolic level like silent vigals, wearing a symbol etc. We know about the power of symbol and story and maybe that is a way to respond. Peace, Jack Sent from my iPad On Dec 14, 2012, at 3:27 PM, Lee Early <lees.mail@comcast.net> wrote:

It is brainstorm time. What can we do to change the "gun culture" of our nation?

Nationally, state wide, locally and personally.

The social act of repentance might be a good place to start:

1. Become aware of injustice 2. Turn your back on it 3. Abolish within yourself 4. Lead society

BUT, this is a brainstorm. If the above is a helpful start, great. If not, feel free to come up with a different framework or, just share some ideas.

The conversation needs to happen now.

Lee

Lee Early 19230 Forest Park Dr. NE, A102 Lake Forest Park, WA 98155

Home: (206) 922-3182 Lee's mobile: (425) 212-7997

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