Think Globally, Act Loco

I always find it crazy how some of those that fight for justice on global issues seem to get it wrong on things that are local to where they live. It is easy to fight against some far away injustice like the Iraq War, Darfur, or some human rights abuses in Myanmar. It's easy to rail against concepts like globalization, Empire, and climate change. But, what is harder is fighting the injustice of not loving your neighbor.
I love this quote from Kit Hodge from the site Neighbors Project; Kit introduces a conference her organization has been invited with the title: Foreign Policy on Your Block


Does the idea of pre-emptive force make you shake your fist? But do you blast your music late at night knowing full well that it pisses off your neighbors? Do you believe that thoughtful foreign diplomacy that aims to prevent war? But do you avoid your neighbors at all costs and complain directly to the landlord/condo board/police about them whenever they bother you? Do you want the U.S. to actually participate in the Kyoto Accord? But do you avoid invitations to join your block's clean and green team?

My belabored point is the old cliche, "think globally, act locally." It's great -- perhaps imperative -- to have an informed opinion about what's going on around the world. But it's also easy to be a hypocrite, complaining about a country's refusal to try diplomacy before war, while we default to calling the police on our neighbors for small irritations. Foreign policy isn't usually about altruism; it's a practical tool to ensure that the world is livable. Same with neighbor policy.

This is a long preamble to us plugging Worldview's Global Activism Expo in Chicago.

Let us practice foreign policy where we find ourselves and love our neighbors as we would love others across this world.

Driving Techniques- True Chicago Style

Any True Chicagoan knows that the best way to reach your destination fast, when running late, is to roll up into the right lane, pretend to turn and when the light changes, proceed to cut off all those stuck in traffic. The Chicago Pick and Roll.
Another technique: When driving through residential streets it is best to speed up, tap the brakes at the stop sign, and then roll right through. When navigating residential streets with speed bumps, it is best continue driving at top speed,and swerve to the right or left of the speed bump, where it is at it's lowest elevation, this way you can avoid damage to your car on your way toward your destination.
Lastly: A True Chicagoan knows that when the epressway is jammed it is best to take any street that does not follow the famous Chicago grid. Milwaukee Avenue, Elston Ave., and Nortwest Highway will get you to where you need to be in no time.