SWAN is a non-partisan, non-profit human rights organization that works to improve the welfare of U.S. servicewomen and all women veterans. Ms. Bhagwati was a Captain in the US Marine Corps, is a veteran, and earned her Masters in Public Policy from the Kennedy School of Government. In 2010, Ms. Bhagwati became a Petra Foundation Fellow and was recently acknowledged by Van Jones for her contributions to the rights, autonomy and dignity of others (Nov. 22, 2010).
Ms. Eldridge served as a member of the New York City Council from 1989 to 2001 and hosts this series which focuses on the people, concerns, establishments and governance of New York City.
However, please realize that there are really, really great people, communities and organizations in Arizona– and beyond– that need to be buffered from boycott and backlash. My suggestion to you is to engage in the same conscious "eco-political tourism" and trade many of you may already do with Latin American or Africa or Asia. Now the task is to do it right here, right now in our very own country. Many of the surviving American Indian settlements need tourism to keep their communities afloat (e.g. not to leave anyone out but just to name a few– Hopiland, pueblo Acoma Sky City). Prescott is a darn nice town supporting green and sustainability initiatives (e.g. a desert CSA which is harder to do than it sounds) with the support of local businesses. American-Tibetans (I was horrified to find out some were questioned about their citizenship at the last Federal election, forced to show their "papers" and only allowed to vote with *provisional ballots*) are engaged in the ultimate recycling projects. Many of them have survived Chinese government labor camps, immigrated to the US, adopted areas no one wanted and set up communities and educational centers teaching peace. All of this is really good stuff and I for one would like to see it survive and thrive.
So, in addition to all the other good things you are doing, please keep supporting and highlighting (consider posting about it here at the Seminal from time to time) the good in Arizona– and wherever else it is found in these United States– so it stays with us now and into the future!
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