High Cost of Death Row

Published: September 28, 2009
States waste millions of dollars on verdicts, security and maintenance in pursuit of the death penalty. Abolishing it makes economic, not just moral, sense.

High Cost of Death Row

Join Us at the 10th Continental Bioregional Congress

A growing number of people are recognizing that in order to secure the clean air, water and food that we need to survive, we have to become guardians of the places where we live. People are joining with neighbors to discuss ways we can work together to learn what our special local resources are; plan how to best protect and use those natural and cultural resources; exchange our time and energy to best meet our daily and long-term needs; and enrich our children’s local and planetary knowledge.

Bioregionalism – and the Bioregional movement – embodies the effort to preserve, restore, and enhance life. It represents a comprehensive way of defining and understanding the places where we live, and of living there sustainably and respectfully through ecological design.  For nearly 30 years bioregionalists have been gathering in congresses to envision and develop a realistic, restorative way of life in the bioregions of the Americas. People working to create a sustainable and just human culture are invited to participate as delegates in this year’s Congress, representing bioregions across North America.

Formats will include an intergenerational village, consensus based forum, group discussions, activities, world cafe, youth programs, workshops, ceremonies, music, and celcbration…the focus will be on sustainability, community organizing, right livelihood, transition towns, restoration, policy change, ecovillages, permaculture, education, arts and culture, and more. For more information visit www.Bioregional-Congress.org

In Memory of Karen Heikkala

P7065550 Karen at Bd Mtg 07_2Karen Heikkala, Plenty Board member for the past ten years, and Board Co-Chair for the past three years, passed away peacefully Tuesday night after a long illness. Karen embodied the spirit of Plenty with her infinite compassion and concern for the less fortunate. Hers too was a courageous spirit that spoke truth to power and stood up for peace and justice. Karen was also a consummate organizer and was invaluable in helping to guide Plenty through many tough decisions and difficult moments. To say Karen will be missed is a profound understatement. We send out our love to Tomas and their children and grandchildren.
-Pete Schweitzer

Karen was always, always sweet and steady and sincere and truthful. She listened patiently and asked good questions. She tried hard to do the right thing and was a voice of compassion in Plenty, with her friends, and the other work she was involved in. She was one of those people that was always there, part of the scene. I can’t remember a time when Karen wasn’t around or when exactly she joined the board. After Kathryn died I remember being with her at the Plenty booth at Ragweed. It was just us. We looked at each other and I said “well it’s just you and me now!” and we laughed about that. And now here we are again.
Thanks and love Karen.
-Lisa Wartinger