Jeanette Wallis, veteran of the Seattle WTO protests, has been walking across America for 2 years collecting grievances from citizens to hand-deliver to George W. Bush in what she calls "a literal interpretation of the First Amendment right to petition the government for the redress of grievances".
3,500 miles. 13 states. Every kind of weather imaginable - all in the name of democracy.
What does "democracy" mean to you? Majority rule? Free trade? Mindless consumerism?
To me, democracy means citizens taking action in the decisions which affect their lives. My goal in this walk across America has been to inspire, empower, encourage, and most of all listen to the REAL concerns shared by citizens of this country. It's been an amazing two years, and now I find myself close to my goal of the White House.
I've had no organizational sponsorship or funding. This has been about as grassroots an effort as you will find. I have relied totally on the kindness of strangers, and I am happy to report that the people of America are ready to transcend the boundaries of party labels and dogma to create a real democracy - if only more courageous activists were willing to go out and give them the tools they need to organize! This will be my focus after the walk ends, and I'm looking for fearless pilgrims (or folks who want to be) willing to go out and walk the talk with me.
I invite anyone who would like to join me in my final miles to come on out to the C&O Towpath anywhere between Cumberland and D.C. Bring your camping gear, letter for Mr. Bush, and most of all your love! E-mail me at
grievancegirl-AT-riseup.net for additional info, or check out my website at
www.thewalkfordemocracy.org.
Wise up! Rise up! Resist!
Peace,
Jeanette & Sherpa
McHenry, Maryland