I’m in Fort Lauderdale through Monday attending General Assembly. I am also volunteering a few hours each day (registration is free if you volunteer), working at the registration table. It’s fun, and I’ve met plenty of nice people. I’m actualy using a registration computer to write this post. We’re not so busy today, and there’s no way I’m paying the $10 per day my hotel charges for Internet access.
I’ve been impressed with the compassion and kindness of the attendees. There was an issue in the runup to GA because the conference center is in a Homeland Security secure zone and IDs are required to enter the facility. That requirement excludes anyone who doesn’t have IDs from attending our events, including the public Sunday morning service. Attendance is down this year (about 3,000 people here as of now with a normal average of 4,000), and that controversy is one of the reasons. However, there have been reminders to treat the security employees well and a few reports of extra kindness to these people.
Here are a few of my favorite parts so far:
* The morning sermon today was given by Rev. Sarah Lammert, who spoke about being generous with our language. She discussed making room for people who disagree with us, not insisting on the banishment of God language if we’re ateists, etc. There was much applause when Rev. Lammert suggested that it’s far past time for us to get over such petty theological arguments.
* One man spoke about his advocacy on behalf of the workers who pick the tomatoes we eat at restaurants and buy at grocery stores. He was named by Rolling Stone the young activist of the year. He and his group have convinced Burger King and McDonald’s to pay 1.5 cents more per pound to help increase farm conditions. He said they’re still working on Subway, Chipotle and Wal-Mart. None of the three has yet agreed to pay a little more to improve conditions for impoverished workers.
* The annual report of President William Sinkford was fantastic. He read letters from new UUs who have come to UUism because of the association’s advertising in TIME. It feels to me like this growth campaign, the first national campaign since the 70s, is working, and he reinforced that feeling. As well, Sinkford stated clearly that although the UUA has opposed the war, we support our troops wholeheartedly. In fact, 13 new UU military chaplains are currently either in training or on duty. Six of them were at the service and received a standing ovation.
It’s hot as hell down here. I got a sunburn through sunscreen the first day. However, this is a nice city with a great beach. I’ll be exploring the beach during a lull in GA activity tomorrow. Peace!
Thanks for representin’ at GA. I hope you are having a good time.
Was the guy you heard from Immokalee Workers? They are far and away the best group of people I have met in my entire life. I was with them during the Taco Bell strike. I think everyone in this country should meet those people. They let me carry one bucket of tomatoes and I almost died. They do literally TONS a day.
Anyway I hope you are well and cool.
Thanks for the contact info on the speaker.
See you when you get back.
Yes, he was from Immokalee Workers. What an incredible group of people!! It must have been an amazing experience to have been with them.
Its as “Hot as Hel(l)” huh? Shes “county fair cute” for a mythologically half decomposed goddess that weilds fiery wepons of torture. If you want a mythological State fair “hottie” try Vrikshaka the Indian tree nymphs. Very nice!!! Plus it rolls of the tongue a little more easily when you state that its as “Hot as a Vrikshaka!” Enjoy your stay in Florida…a.k.a “Gods waiting room”.
P.S. While you are down there go to one of the many retirement/nursing centers and hear you favorite song “I’ll fly away” which is sang every hour on the hour by the residents.
P.S. 2. Beware of the elderly who lull you into old timey stories of Red Skelton and stuff your pockets with Werthers original candies and/or Jolly Ranchers.
Take care my friend.
It was great to be with the CIW. It was the most measurably successful thing with which I have been involved. Just 1 day after reaching YUM! brands, they made concessions. It was also the closest I ever came to being arrested at an action. Apparently, I was not allowed to not block the road and speak to Taco Bell customers who wanted to know from where their food comes. Well, lost the battle but won the “war.”
Since Hell is obviously not real – how can Florida be “as hot as” – one would then believe the climate of Florida is simply non-existent. BTW if you are in Florida you should be playing golf not going to some council thingy. Later RLR
Bill:
You are ill. Thank you for sharing your elder care expertise.
Richie:
Actually, I think you may be right about the climate of Florida. There seems to be no atmosphere there, and the rays of the sun hit earth and all life directly. I got third degree burns.