there are a lot more than that----I'll attach an article on innocence I
wrote for a rebel public. out of College Station last month

susan lee solar
----- Original Message -----
From: Jeb Boyt <jeboyt@...>
To: <bpf-hillcountry@egroups.com>
Sent: Friday, June 30, 2000 9:50 AM
Subject: Re: [bpf-hillcountry] FWD: Execution Today


> Pamela,
>
> Thank you for keeping us aprised of this.  After reading the paper this
> morning, I am becoming encourage about the momentum that is developing on
> this issue.  Many have now known/suspected that Texas and other states
have
> been executing people who may have been innocent of the crimes for which
> they were convicted.  We now have a face and name, Gary Graham, of someone
> where  there are many doubts about his conviction and where many do not
see
> that justice was done.
>
> We you be interesting in submitting an op-ed piece on the death penaly to
> the Statesman on behalf of the BPF?  I would be glad to help you write it.
>
> Jeb
>
>
> ----Original Message Follows----
> From: "pamela overeynder" <pao@...>
> Reply-To: bpf-hillcountry@egroups.com
> To: <bpf-hillcountry@eGroups.com>
> Subject: [bpf-hillcountry] FWD: Execution Today
> Date: Thu, 29 Jun 2000 10:27:07 -0500
>
>
> Note from Pamela,
>
> I  won't be able to come to the vigil tonight Thursday, but encourage
anyone
> who can to be there.
>
> "What is most important is to find peace, and to share it with others."
> Thich Nhat Hanh  . Our peaceful presence makes a difference.
>
>
>    ---------- Original Message ----------------------------------
> From: Alan Cohen <alancohn@...>
> Reply-To: alancohn@...
> Date: Thu, 29 Jun 2000 07:55:54 -0500
>
> Friends,
>
> The execution of Jesse San Miguel is scheduled for 6 P.M. today.  As
> always, we will mark this killing with a silent vigil at the Governor's
> Mansion starting at 5:30.
>
> Mary Robinson provided this press release of todays other activities:
>
> FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - JUNE 29, 2000
>
> PRESS CONFERENCE 11:30 A.M. THURSDAY, JUNE 29,
> LAVACA STREET, ACROSS FROM THE GOVERNOR'S MANSION, AUSTIN
>
> EXECUTION PROTEST & VIGIL 5:30 TO 6:30 FOR JESSY CARLOS SAN MIGUEL
>
> ON THE TWENTY-EIGHTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FURMAN DECISION OF THE U.S.
> SUPREME COURT - A MORATORIUM ON EXECUTIONS
>
> MORATORIUM NOW!
>
> Jessy Carlos San Miguel is scheduled to be put to death on June 29,
> 2000, in Texas on the twenty-eighth anniversary of the Furman decision
> of the U.S. Supreme Court. His trial jury was impermissibly allowed and
> encouraged to consider race as a factor in sentencing Jessy Carlos San
> Miguel to death.
>
> In 1972 in the Furman v. Georgia decision, the U.S. Supreme Court found
> the death penalty to be applied in an arbitrary, capricious, and racist
> manner. At that time, more then 600 condemned inmates had their death
> sentences reduced to terms of life imprisonment, and all states were
> forced to rewrite their death penalty laws.
>
> In the wake of the recent United States Supreme Court action in the case
> of Victor Hugo Saldaño, Mr. San Miguel has filed a Petition in the
> District Court of Dallas County, Texas, asking the court to vacate his
> death sentence on the grounds that his death sentence was based in part
> of his Mexican heritage.
>
> He calls upon Governor  Bush and Attorney General Cornyn to confess
> error as they did in Mr. Saldaño's case, and agree to a new sentencing
> hearing free from racial bias. A petition for clemency is pending before
> the Governor and the Board of Pardons and Paroles.
>
>
>
> Texas Moratorium Now!
> http://www.texasmoratorium.org
> Campaign to End the Death Penalty
> http://www.nodeathpenalty.org/
>
> Furman anniversary actions planned at the Supreme Court:
> http://www.abolition.org/index.html
>
>
>
> ________________________________________________________________________
> Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com
>
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> Was the salesman clueless? Productopia has the answers.
> http://click.egroups.com/1/4633/14/_/122177/_/962383854/
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>

Pamela,

Thank you for keeping us aprised of this.  After reading the paper this
morning, I am becoming encourage about the momentum that is developing on
this issue.  Many have now known/suspected that Texas and other states have
been executing people who may have been innocent of the crimes for which
they were convicted.  We now have a face and name, Gary Graham, of someone
where  there are many doubts about his conviction and where many do not see
that justice was done.

We you be interesting in submitting an op-ed piece on the death penaly to
the Statesman on behalf of the BPF?  I would be glad to help you write it.

Jeb


----Original Message Follows----
From: "pamela overeynder" <pao@...>
Reply-To: bpf-hillcountry@egroups.com
To: <bpf-hillcountry@eGroups.com>
Subject: [bpf-hillcountry] FWD: Execution Today
Date: Thu, 29 Jun 2000 10:27:07 -0500


Note from Pamela,

I  won't be able to come to the vigil tonight Thursday, but encourage anyone
who can to be there.

"What is most important is to find peace, and to share it with others."
Thich Nhat Hanh  . Our peaceful presence makes a difference.


    ---------- Original Message ----------------------------------
From: Alan Cohen <alancohn@...>
Reply-To: alancohn@...
Date: Thu, 29 Jun 2000 07:55:54 -0500

Friends,

The execution of Jesse San Miguel is scheduled for 6 P.M. today.  As
always, we will mark this killing with a silent vigil at the Governor's
Mansion starting at 5:30.

Mary Robinson provided this press release of todays other activities:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - JUNE 29, 2000

PRESS CONFERENCE 11:30 A.M. THURSDAY, JUNE 29,
LAVACA STREET, ACROSS FROM THE GOVERNOR'S MANSION, AUSTIN

EXECUTION PROTEST & VIGIL 5:30 TO 6:30 FOR JESSY CARLOS SAN MIGUEL

ON THE TWENTY-EIGHTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FURMAN DECISION OF THE U.S.
SUPREME COURT - A MORATORIUM ON EXECUTIONS

MORATORIUM NOW!

Jessy Carlos San Miguel is scheduled to be put to death on June 29,
2000, in Texas on the twenty-eighth anniversary of the Furman decision
of the U.S. Supreme Court. His trial jury was impermissibly allowed and
encouraged to consider race as a factor in sentencing Jessy Carlos San
Miguel to death.

In 1972 in the Furman v. Georgia decision, the U.S. Supreme Court found
the death penalty to be applied in an arbitrary, capricious, and racist
manner. At that time, more then 600 condemned inmates had their death
sentences reduced to terms of life imprisonment, and all states were
forced to rewrite their death penalty laws.

In the wake of the recent United States Supreme Court action in the case
of Victor Hugo Saldaño, Mr. San Miguel has filed a Petition in the
District Court of Dallas County, Texas, asking the court to vacate his
death sentence on the grounds that his death sentence was based in part
of his Mexican heritage.

He calls upon Governor  Bush and Attorney General Cornyn to confess
error as they did in Mr. Saldaño's case, and agree to a new sentencing
hearing free from racial bias. A petition for clemency is pending before
the Governor and the Board of Pardons and Paroles.



Texas Moratorium Now!
http://www.texasmoratorium.org
Campaign to End the Death Penalty
http://www.nodeathpenalty.org/

Furman anniversary actions planned at the Supreme Court:
http://www.abolition.org/index.html



________________________________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com

Pamela,

I intend to show up. My two teenage children also want to come! One is a
mediator, and the other will join the group of people standing.
Both seem to take the issue very seriously.

John

pamela overeynder wrote:

> Note from Pamela,
>
> I  won't be able to come to the vigil tonight Thursday, but encourage anyone
who can to be there.
>
> "What is most important is to find peace, and to share it with others." Thich
Nhat Hanh  . Our peaceful presence makes a difference.
>
>   ---------- Original Message ----------------------------------
> From: Alan Cohen <alancohn@...>
> Reply-To: alancohn@...
> Date: Thu, 29 Jun 2000 07:55:54 -0500
>
> Friends,
>
> The execution of Jesse San Miguel is scheduled for 6 P.M. today.  As
> always, we will mark this killing with a silent vigil at the Governor's
> Mansion starting at 5:30.
>
> Mary Robinson provided this press release of todays other activities:
>
> FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - JUNE 29, 2000
>
> PRESS CONFERENCE 11:30 A.M. THURSDAY, JUNE 29,
> LAVACA STREET, ACROSS FROM THE GOVERNOR'S MANSION, AUSTIN
>
> EXECUTION PROTEST & VIGIL 5:30 TO 6:30 FOR JESSY CARLOS SAN MIGUEL
>
> ON THE TWENTY-EIGHTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FURMAN DECISION OF THE U.S.
> SUPREME COURT - A MORATORIUM ON EXECUTIONS
>
> MORATORIUM NOW!
>
> Jessy Carlos San Miguel is scheduled to be put to death on June 29,
> 2000, in Texas on the twenty-eighth anniversary of the Furman decision
> of the U.S. Supreme Court. His trial jury was impermissibly allowed and
> encouraged to consider race as a factor in sentencing Jessy Carlos San
> Miguel to death.
>
> In 1972 in the Furman v. Georgia decision, the U.S. Supreme Court found
> the death penalty to be applied in an arbitrary, capricious, and racist
> manner. At that time, more then 600 condemned inmates had their death
> sentences reduced to terms of life imprisonment, and all states were
> forced to rewrite their death penalty laws.
>
> In the wake of the recent United States Supreme Court action in the case
> of Victor Hugo Saldaño, Mr. San Miguel has filed a Petition in the
> District Court of Dallas County, Texas, asking the court to vacate his
> death sentence on the grounds that his death sentence was based in part
> of his Mexican heritage.
>
> He calls upon Governor  Bush and Attorney General Cornyn to confess
> error as they did in Mr. Saldaño's case, and agree to a new sentencing
> hearing free from racial bias. A petition for clemency is pending before
> the Governor and the Board of Pardons and Paroles.
>
> Texas Moratorium Now!
> http://www.texasmoratorium.org
> Campaign to End the Death Penalty
> http://www.nodeathpenalty.org/
>
> Furman anniversary actions planned at the Supreme Court:
> http://www.abolition.org/index.html
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> Was the salesman clueless? Productopia has the answers.
> http://click.egroups.com/1/4633/14/_/122177/_/962292268/
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Note from Pamela,

I  won't be able to come to the vigil tonight Thursday, but encourage anyone who
can to be there.

"What is most important is to find peace, and to share it with others." Thich
Nhat Hanh  . Our peaceful presence makes a difference.


   ---------- Original Message ----------------------------------
From: Alan Cohen <alancohn@...>
Reply-To: alancohn@...
Date: Thu, 29 Jun 2000 07:55:54 -0500

Friends,

The execution of Jesse San Miguel is scheduled for 6 P.M. today.  As
always, we will mark this killing with a silent vigil at the Governor's
Mansion starting at 5:30.

Mary Robinson provided this press release of todays other activities:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - JUNE 29, 2000

PRESS CONFERENCE 11:30 A.M. THURSDAY, JUNE 29,
LAVACA STREET, ACROSS FROM THE GOVERNOR'S MANSION, AUSTIN

EXECUTION PROTEST & VIGIL 5:30 TO 6:30 FOR JESSY CARLOS SAN MIGUEL

ON THE TWENTY-EIGHTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FURMAN DECISION OF THE U.S.
SUPREME COURT - A MORATORIUM ON EXECUTIONS

MORATORIUM NOW!

Jessy Carlos San Miguel is scheduled to be put to death on June 29,
2000, in Texas on the twenty-eighth anniversary of the Furman decision
of the U.S. Supreme Court. His trial jury was impermissibly allowed and
encouraged to consider race as a factor in sentencing Jessy Carlos San
Miguel to death.

In 1972 in the Furman v. Georgia decision, the U.S. Supreme Court found
the death penalty to be applied in an arbitrary, capricious, and racist
manner. At that time, more then 600 condemned inmates had their death
sentences reduced to terms of life imprisonment, and all states were
forced to rewrite their death penalty laws.

In the wake of the recent United States Supreme Court action in the case
of Victor Hugo Saldaño, Mr. San Miguel has filed a Petition in the
District Court of Dallas County, Texas, asking the court to vacate his
death sentence on the grounds that his death sentence was based in part
of his Mexican heritage.

He calls upon Governor  Bush and Attorney General Cornyn to confess
error as they did in Mr. Saldaño's case, and agree to a new sentencing
hearing free from racial bias. A petition for clemency is pending before
the Governor and the Board of Pardons and Paroles.



Texas Moratorium Now!
http://www.texasmoratorium.org
Campaign to End the Death Penalty
http://www.nodeathpenalty.org/

Furman anniversary actions planned at the Supreme Court:
http://www.abolition.org/index.html

Pamela,

This is the blurb I wanted to put on the BPF pages about the Death Penalty. Is
this acceptable, in particular that I put your contact
information?

Death Penalty Vigils

As part of the Abolish the Death Penalty Vigils sponsored by the Texas Coalition
to
Abolish the Death Penalty a group from BPF will join other meditators on each
day of a
scheduled execution for silent meditation, bearing witness from 5:30 to 6:30
p.m. on the
Lavaca side of the Governor's mansion in central Austin.

Bring something to sit on. Depending on weather you may want to bring water, a
hat,
and/or rain gear.

      Scheduled executions listed at by the Austin Campaign to End the Death
Penalty.
      Contact: Pamela at
           Email: pao@...
           Phone: 428-9921.

Thanks,
John

pamela overeynder wrote:

> Yes, dear friends, the execution is happening. Please bring water, a hat,
something to sit on and be prepared to sit through a storm.
>
> See you on the Lavaca st. side of the Governor's house at 5:30. \
>
> Pamela
>
> ---------- Original Message ----------------------------------
> From: Alan Cohen <alancohn@...>
> Reply-To: alancohn@...
> Date: Thu, 22 Jun 2000 01:38:22 -0500
>
> >Friends,
>
> Barring a last minute change of plans, it is very likely that Texas will
> kill an innocent man today.
>
> If you are not able to go to Huntsville, please be at the Governor's
> Mansion today at 5:30 to voice your feelings on this matter.  The whole
> world is watching.
>
> Alan Cohen
> Texas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty
> Austin, Texas
>
> "But for the moment our self-defense must be aimed at the state first
> and foremost.  Justice and expediency command the law to protect the
> individual against a State given over to the follies of sectarianism or
> of pride" -- Albert Camus
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> Get 6 months of FREE* MSN Internet access!
> http://click.egroups.com/1/5725/14/_/122177/_/961707903/
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Pamela,

Yes, I intended to print off a few extra copies for the meeting tomorrow. Do we
have a bit of time to discuss it?

John

pamela overeynder wrote:

> Dear John,
>
> Thank you for your beautiful mission and goals statement for bpf. It looks
really good. I will print out a copy and read more carefully and give some
feedback. Are you bringing some extra copies to the meeting tomorrow?
>
> Hope to see everyone saturday, 2-4 at Austin Zen Center.
>
> pamela
>
> ---------- Original Message ----------------------------------
> From: "Susan Lee Solar" <solarmuse@...>
> Reply-To: bpf-hillcountry@egroups.com
> Date: Mon, 19 Jun 2000 10:09:10 -0700
>
> >looks great
>
> susan
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: John Dinsmore <dinsy@...>
> To: <bpf-hillcountry@eGroups.com>
> Sent: Saturday, June 17, 2000 5:47 PM
> Subject: [bpf-hillcountry] BPF Purpose
>
> > BPF-ers,
> >
> > Pamela and I were talking yesterday about defining the goals of
> > BPF-Hillcountry more clearly. I've written a draft mission-statement
> > intended for our Web site, which I have attached here for comment,
> > feedback, suggestions and complaints. The idea is to hammer this into
> > something everybody agrees to. Please direct comments to this discussion
> > group (just press "reply").
> >
> > By the way, the Web site, what there is of it, is at
> > http://www.austinzencenter.org/bpf/. I am open to suggestions for new
> > content here as well.
> >
> > Thanks,
> > John
> >
> >
> > ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> > Free Conference Calling with Firetalk!
> > Host your next egroup meeting live on Firetalk.
> > Click here!
> > http://click.egroups.com/1/5478/2/_/122177/_/961289197/
> > ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> >
> >
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
> ----
>
> >
> >                                   [Image]
> >
> >                         Texas Hill Country Chapter
> >   ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> >
> >  Engaged Buddhism seeks to address the often overwhelming pain and
> >  suffering in the world through the processes of waking up and
> >  compassionate action. Waking up is central to Buddhism, which
> >  sees ignorance and delusion behind all suffering.
> >
> >       Waking Up    * Self-realization. Through meditation practice, of
> >                      getting to know the self, to become mindful one's
> >                      motivations, of one's thought processes, and of the
> >                      consequences of one's actions in the world. Through
> >                      the same process one develops the stength, compassion
> >                      and equanimity that enables engagement in the world.
> >                    * Not knowing. In waking up one learns not to get
> >                      caught up in fixed ideas. Free from ppreconceptions
> >                      and dogma, the mind can see beyond the alternative
> >                      viewpoints to a purer appreciation of what is really
> >                      important.
> >                    * Bearing witness. One of the most difficult elements
> >                      of waking up is that of facing the suffering of the
> >                      world as well as ones own suffering directly and
> >                      honestly. One must go beyond despair to open to the
> >                      pain and suffering of the world, both in one's own
> >                      contemplation and in raising public awareness.
> >                    * Interbeing. All things are intimately interdependent,
> >                      nothing exists or happens in isolation, everything
> >                      has complex conditions extending ever further. This
> >                      realization implies an appreciation for the depth of
> >                      the consequences of one's decisions and actions and
> >                      thereby a deep sense of universal responsibility.
> >                    * Learning. The world has become an excedingly complex
> >                      place with the development of human economic,
> >                      political and social institutions and their
> >                      interdependence with the larger environment. Coming
> >                      to understanding these structures is a lifelong
> >                      intellectual endeavor critical to much action in the
> >                      world.
> >  Out of seeing comes action. Compassionate action in the world takes many
> >  forms, including social service, teaching meditation, moving toward more
> >  responsible patterns of consumption, choosing a responsible livelihoon,
> >  bearing public witness to suffering possibly ignored by the press,
> >  evironmental activism and business with conscience, among many other
> >  things.
> >
> >    Compassionate   * Nonviolence. Action in the world comes from
> >           Action     compassion rather than anger.
> >                    * Nonduality. Compassion extends to the oppressor as
> >                      well as the oppressed. It sees a social problem as a
> >                      long tear in the social fabric whose cause does not
> >                      abide in a single person or group of people and whose
> >                      responsibility extends everywhere.
> >                    * Equanimity. Engaged Buddhism comes from a state of
> >                      equanimity and compassion. It is important to do what
> >                      one can without being attached to results.
> >  Waking up and compassionate action benefits from the support of a sangha.
> >  This is the function of the Buddhist Peace Fellowship - Hillcountry
> >  Chapter.
> >
> >  BPF-Hillcountry   * Sangha. BPF-Hillcountry serves as a nondenominational
> >            Goals     sangha that seeks particularly, but not exclusively,
> >                      to understand together the role of social engagement
> >                      in Buddhist practice and in the Buddhist precepts,
> >                    * Learning. BPF-Hillcountry promotes the understanding
> >                      of the environment, the economy and other social
> >                      institutions from the perspective of interbeing and
> >                      nonduality.
> >                    * Emotional Support. The BPF-Hillcountry community
> >                      provides mutual support for feelings of despair and
> >                      burnout often experienced in social service and
> >                      activism.
> >                    * Networking. BPF-Hillcountry promotes discourse and
> >                      mutual support among people working with similar
> >                      issues as they think about and develop avenues of
> >                      social engagement in their lives,
> >                    * Projects. BPF-Hillcountry provides information about
> >                      specific projects and events in social engagement of
> >                      interest to the Central Texas Buddhist community, and
> >                      provides a framework for initiating new projects,
> >
> >
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> Failed tests, classes skipped, forgotten locker combinations.
> Remember the good 'ol days
> http://click.egroups.com/1/5531/2/_/122177/_/961345739/
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> Life's too short to send boring email. Let SuperSig come to the rescue.
> http://click.egroups.com/1/5108/14/_/122177/_/961776442/
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear John,

Thank you for your beautiful mission and goals statement for bpf. It looks
really good. I will print out a copy and read more carefully and give some
feedback. Are you bringing some extra copies to the meeting tomorrow?

Hope to see everyone saturday, 2-4 at Austin Zen Center.

pamela

---------- Original Message ----------------------------------
From: "Susan Lee Solar" <solarmuse@...>
Reply-To: bpf-hillcountry@egroups.com
Date: Mon, 19 Jun 2000 10:09:10 -0700

>looks great


susan

----- Original Message -----
From: John Dinsmore <dinsy@...>
To: <bpf-hillcountry@eGroups.com>
Sent: Saturday, June 17, 2000 5:47 PM
Subject: [bpf-hillcountry] BPF Purpose


> BPF-ers,
>
> Pamela and I were talking yesterday about defining the goals of
> BPF-Hillcountry more clearly. I've written a draft mission-statement
> intended for our Web site, which I have attached here for comment,
> feedback, suggestions and complaints. The idea is to hammer this into
> something everybody agrees to. Please direct comments to this discussion
> group (just press "reply").
>
> By the way, the Web site, what there is of it, is at
> http://www.austinzencenter.org/bpf/. I am open to suggestions for new
> content here as well.
>
> Thanks,
> John
>
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> Free Conference Calling with Firetalk!
> Host your next egroup meeting live on Firetalk.
> Click here!
> http://click.egroups.com/1/5478/2/_/122177/_/961289197/
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>


----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----


>
>                                   [Image]
>
>                         Texas Hill Country Chapter
>   ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>  Engaged Buddhism seeks to address the often overwhelming pain and
>  suffering in the world through the processes of waking up and
>  compassionate action. Waking up is central to Buddhism, which
>  sees ignorance and delusion behind all suffering.
>
>       Waking Up    * Self-realization. Through meditation practice, of
>                      getting to know the self, to become mindful one's
>                      motivations, of one's thought processes, and of the
>                      consequences of one's actions in the world. Through
>                      the same process one develops the stength, compassion
>                      and equanimity that enables engagement in the world.
>                    * Not knowing. In waking up one learns not to get
>                      caught up in fixed ideas. Free from ppreconceptions
>                      and dogma, the mind can see beyond the alternative
>                      viewpoints to a purer appreciation of what is really
>                      important.
>                    * Bearing witness. One of the most difficult elements
>                      of waking up is that of facing the suffering of the
>                      world as well as ones own suffering directly and
>                      honestly. One must go beyond despair to open to the
>                      pain and suffering of the world, both in one's own
>                      contemplation and in raising public awareness.
>                    * Interbeing. All things are intimately interdependent,
>                      nothing exists or happens in isolation, everything
>                      has complex conditions extending ever further. This
>                      realization implies an appreciation for the depth of
>                      the consequences of one's decisions and actions and
>                      thereby a deep sense of universal responsibility.
>                    * Learning. The world has become an excedingly complex
>                      place with the development of human economic,
>                      political and social institutions and their
>                      interdependence with the larger environment. Coming
>                      to understanding these structures is a lifelong
>                      intellectual endeavor critical to much action in the
>                      world.
>  Out of seeing comes action. Compassionate action in the world takes many
>  forms, including social service, teaching meditation, moving toward more
>  responsible patterns of consumption, choosing a responsible livelihoon,
>  bearing public witness to suffering possibly ignored by the press,
>  evironmental activism and business with conscience, among many other
>  things.
>
>    Compassionate   * Nonviolence. Action in the world comes from
>           Action     compassion rather than anger.
>                    * Nonduality. Compassion extends to the oppressor as
>                      well as the oppressed. It sees a social problem as a
>                      long tear in the social fabric whose cause does not
>                      abide in a single person or group of people and whose
>                      responsibility extends everywhere.
>                    * Equanimity. Engaged Buddhism comes from a state of
>                      equanimity and compassion. It is important to do what
>                      one can without being attached to results.
>  Waking up and compassionate action benefits from the support of a sangha.
>  This is the function of the Buddhist Peace Fellowship - Hillcountry
>  Chapter.
>
>  BPF-Hillcountry   * Sangha. BPF-Hillcountry serves as a nondenominational
>            Goals     sangha that seeks particularly, but not exclusively,
>                      to understand together the role of social engagement
>                      in Buddhist practice and in the Buddhist precepts,
>                    * Learning. BPF-Hillcountry promotes the understanding
>                      of the environment, the economy and other social
>                      institutions from the perspective of interbeing and
>                      nonduality.
>                    * Emotional Support. The BPF-Hillcountry community
>                      provides mutual support for feelings of despair and
>                      burnout often experienced in social service and
>                      activism.
>                    * Networking. BPF-Hillcountry promotes discourse and
>                      mutual support among people working with similar
>                      issues as they think about and develop avenues of
>                      social engagement in their lives,
>                    * Projects. BPF-Hillcountry provides information about
>                      specific projects and events in social engagement of
>                      interest to the Central Texas Buddhist community, and
>                      provides a framework for initiating new projects,
>
>


------------------------------------------------------------------------
Failed tests, classes skipped, forgotten locker combinations.
Remember the good 'ol days
http://click.egroups.com/1/5531/2/_/122177/_/961345739/
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Pamela,

I'm sorry I couldn't get to this one either.  I hope there was a good turn-out.

John

pamela overeynder wrote:

> Yes, dear friends, the execution is happening. Please bring water, a hat,
something to sit on and be prepared to sit through a storm.
>
> See you on the Lavaca st. side of the Governor's house at 5:30. \
>
> Pamela
>
> ---------- Original Message ----------------------------------
> From: Alan Cohen <alancohn@...>
> Reply-To: alancohn@...
> Date: Thu, 22 Jun 2000 01:38:22 -0500
>
> >Friends,
>
> Barring a last minute change of plans, it is very likely that Texas will
> kill an innocent man today.
>
> If you are not able to go to Huntsville, please be at the Governor's
> Mansion today at 5:30 to voice your feelings on this matter.  The whole
> world is watching.
>
> Alan Cohen
> Texas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty
> Austin, Texas
>
> "But for the moment our self-defense must be aimed at the state first
> and foremost.  Justice and expediency command the law to protect the
> individual against a State given over to the follies of sectarianism or
> of pride" -- Albert Camus
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> Get 6 months of FREE* MSN Internet access!
> http://click.egroups.com/1/5725/14/_/122177/_/961707903/
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Yes, dear friends, the execution is happening. Please bring water, a hat,
something to sit on and be prepared to sit through a storm.

See you on the Lavaca st. side of the Governor's house at 5:30. \

Pamela

---------- Original Message ----------------------------------
From: Alan Cohen <alancohn@...>
Reply-To: alancohn@...
Date: Thu, 22 Jun 2000 01:38:22 -0500

>Friends,

Barring a last minute change of plans, it is very likely that Texas will
kill an innocent man today.

If you are not able to go to Huntsville, please be at the Governor's
Mansion today at 5:30 to voice your feelings on this matter.  The whole
world is watching.

Alan Cohen
Texas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty
Austin, Texas

"But for the moment our self-defense must be aimed at the state first
and foremost.  Justice and expediency command the law to protect the
individual against a State given over to the follies of sectarianism or
of pride" -- Albert Camus

---------- Original Message ----------------------------------
From: "Susan Lee Solar" <solarmuse@...>
Date: Sun, 18 Jun 2000 16:46:24 -0700

>
----- Original Message -----
From: Mary Robinson <mrobinson1@...>
Sent: Saturday, June 17, 2000 12:24 PM
Subject: [crimjust] Amnesty in Austin/press release


>
> For Immediate Release:   Contact: Karen Pomer at 713-523
> Friday, June 16, 2000    8448 x1901 or 310-463-7025 or
>       Wende Gozan at 202-544-0200 x302
>
> BIANCA JAGGER JOINS AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL FOR
> PRESS CONFERENCE IN SUPPORT OF GARY GRAHAM
> Rev. Jesse Jackson, Tim Robbins, Susan Sarandon, Other Political and
> Religious Leaders Express Support for Graham in Letter to Gov. Bush and
> Gerald Garrett
>
> (Washington, D.C.) ? Bianca Jagger will join Texas State Death Penalty
> Abolition Coordinator Rick Halperin and Budd Welch, father of an
> Oklahoma City bombing victim, at an Amnesty International press
> conference Monday, June 19 at 11:00 a.m. to oppose the execution of Gary
> Graham.  The press conference will take place immediately after the
> delegation attempts to deliver a letter to Governor George W. Bush,
> imploring the Governor and Gerald Garrett, Chairman of the Texas Board
> of Pardons & Paroles, to grant a pardon for Graham.  Graham is scheduled
> for lethal injection Thursday, June 22.
>
> The case of Gary Graham, also known as Shaka Sankofa, has received
> unprecedented media attention as officials, community leaders and
> members of the public learn of grave doubts about his guilt.  Convicted
> of killing Bobby Lambert in 1981, Graham was denied the right to
> adequate legal representation at his trial and was convicted on the
> basis of one highly disputed eyewitness account.  His original trial
> lawyer failed to present extensive exculpatory, forensic and ballistic
> evidence.  Tests by the Houston Police Department showed that the
> bullets that killed Lambert did not match the gun that police found on
> Graham.
>
> "Gary Grahamís execution looms at a time when the error-prone nature of
> death sentencing in the USA has become abundantly clear," said Dr.
> William F. Schulz, Executive Director of Amnesty International USA.
> "His is a textbook example of the fatal flaws that riddle the
> application of the death penalty in the U.S."
>
> In addition to questions of his guilt, Amnesty International is
> concerned about the execution of a juvenile offender.  Graham was only
> 17 years of age at the time of the crime, making capital punishment in
> this case a violation of international law. Since September 1997, there
> have been nine executions reported worldwide of people convicted of
> crimes committed when they were under the age of 18; seven of these
> occurred in the U.S.  Twenty-one of the 47 executions that have occurred
> in the U.S. this year took place in the state of Texas, which now
> accounts for 220 of the 645 prisoners put to death since the USA resumed
> judicial killing in 1976.
>
> WHO:  Bianca Jagger, Texas State Death Penalty Abolition Coordinator
> Rick Halperin, Bud Welch, father of an Oklahoma City bombing victim
>
> WHAT:  Press conference to oppose the execution of Gary Graham
>
> WHERE:  Capitol Building, Speakers Committee Room, 1100 San Jacinto
> Street, Austin
>
> WHEN:  Monday, June 19, 11:00 a.m.
> -30-
>
>
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> Win a trip to Vegas for you and 20 friends, $15,000 and a suite at
> Bellagio for New Year's, courtesy of Expedia.com. Or win 2 roundtrip
> tickets anywhere in the U.S. given away daily. Click for a chance to win.
> http://click.egroups.com/1/5293/2/_/592721/_/961270420/
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> To unsubscribe send an empty e-mail to crimjust-unsubscribe@egroups.com
>
> To subscribe send an empty e-mail to crimjust-subscribe@egroups.com
>
> Any questions regarding the list may be addressed to akwan@...
>

I will do my best to be at the rally today. And will be there on Thursday to sit
at the vigil.

deep peace,
pamela

---------- Original Message ----------------------------------
From: Alan Cohen <alancohn@...>
Reply-To: alancohn@...
Date: Mon, 19 Jun 2000 06:37:12 -0500

>Friends,

On Monday, June 19th several events are planned to protest the scheduled
execution of Shaka Sankofa, also known as Gary Graham.  Campaign to end
the death penalty will hold a protest march from the Capitol to the
Governor's Mansion.  In addition, there will be three Texas executions
over the next two weeks:

Thursday, June 22, Shaka Sankofa (Gary Graham)

Wednesday, June 28 Joe Guy

Thursday, June 29 Jessy San Miguel


In addition, there is a protest march planned for "June Teenth" to
protest the planned killing of Gary Graham.  Campaign to End the Death
Penalty is organizing this effort.  A copy of their press release is
shown below.

Alan Cohen




CAMPAIGN TO END THE DEATH PENALTY
Contact: Lily Hughes, 494-0667

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 			 June 15, 2000

Anti-Death Penalty Activists Plan "Juneteenth" March on Texas Governor's
Mansion for Gary Graham

Anti-death penalty activists plan to march to the Texas Governor's
Mansion (11th and Lavaca Streets, Austin) and to picket outside it on
Monday, June 19 to demand clemency for death-row inmate Gary Graham and
a moratorium on executions in Texas. The short march will begin at 5:30
p.m. from the south gate of the Capitol (11th and Congress) with the
rally taking place on the west (Lavaca Street) side of the Mansion.

Event organizers chose "Juneteenth" for the protest because June 19 is
the day celebrating the emancipation of slaves in Texas.

Graham, who has been on death row for nineteen years, is scheduled to be
executed on June 22. Graham was a juvenile when he was convicted of the
1981 murder of Bobby Lambert. The case against Graham relied upon
questionable eyewitness testimony contradicted by other witnesses who
were never called to testify. Graham's lawyers did not put up a defense
during his trial. Throughout the appeals process, Graham has maintained
his innocence and has won international support for his clemency appeal.

Since the moratorium on executions called in Illinois by Governor Ryan
in January, the claims of innocent death row inmates have captured
national attention. A recent series in the Chicago Tribune has exposed
serious flaws in the cases of more than 100 of the convicts executed
under George W. Bush's watch (see
www.chicagotribune.com/go/deathpenalty/). In addition, Time, Newsweek,
and The New York Times have run articles questioning the legal and
race-based flaws in the application of the death penalty.

On June 7, Bush granted an unprecedented reprieve to Ricky McGinn, in
order to consider new and possibly exculpatory DNA evidence. "George
Bush is feeling the heat," commented Kathleen Feyh, an organizer of
Monday's events. "Now is the time to hold his feet to the fire. He's
claimed there are no innocent people on death row. He's claimed that
there is no racism in our courts. But Graham's case puts the lie to
those claims. It's time for dramatic action."

The Campaign to End the Death Penalty, the organization behind the march
and picket, is demanding not only clemency for Graham but a moratorium
on executions in Texas similar to the Illinois moratorium. "We believe
activism is the key to keeping the pressure on Bush during this election
year," said organizer Lily Hughes.

For more information, contact the Campaign to End the Death Penalty:
Lily Hughes at 494-0667 or Carl Villareal at 474-4864.

looks great


susan

----- Original Message -----
From: John Dinsmore <dinsy@...>
To: <bpf-hillcountry@eGroups.com>
Sent: Saturday, June 17, 2000 5:47 PM
Subject: [bpf-hillcountry] BPF Purpose


> BPF-ers,
>
> Pamela and I were talking yesterday about defining the goals of
> BPF-Hillcountry more clearly. I've written a draft mission-statement
> intended for our Web site, which I have attached here for comment,
> feedback, suggestions and complaints. The idea is to hammer this into
> something everybody agrees to. Please direct comments to this discussion
> group (just press "reply").
>
> By the way, the Web site, what there is of it, is at
> http://www.austinzencenter.org/bpf/. I am open to suggestions for new
> content here as well.
>
> Thanks,
> John
>
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> Free Conference Calling with Firetalk!
> Host your next egroup meeting live on Firetalk.
> Click here!
> http://click.egroups.com/1/5478/2/_/122177/_/961289197/
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>


----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----


>
>                                   [Image]
>
>                         Texas Hill Country Chapter
>   ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>  Engaged Buddhism seeks to address the often overwhelming pain and
>  suffering in the world through the processes of waking up and
>  compassionate action. Waking up is central to Buddhism, which
>  sees ignorance and delusion behind all suffering.
>
>       Waking Up    * Self-realization. Through meditation practice, of
>                      getting to know the self, to become mindful one's
>                      motivations, of one's thought processes, and of the
>                      consequences of one's actions in the world. Through
>                      the same process one develops the stength, compassion
>                      and equanimity that enables engagement in the world.
>                    * Not knowing. In waking up one learns not to get
>                      caught up in fixed ideas. Free from ppreconceptions
>                      and dogma, the mind can see beyond the alternative
>                      viewpoints to a purer appreciation of what is really
>                      important.
>                    * Bearing witness. One of the most difficult elements
>                      of waking up is that of facing the suffering of the
>                      world as well as ones own suffering directly and
>                      honestly. One must go beyond despair to open to the
>                      pain and suffering of the world, both in one's own
>                      contemplation and in raising public awareness.
>                    * Interbeing. All things are intimately interdependent,
>                      nothing exists or happens in isolation, everything
>                      has complex conditions extending ever further. This
>                      realization implies an appreciation for the depth of
>                      the consequences of one's decisions and actions and
>                      thereby a deep sense of universal responsibility.
>                    * Learning. The world has become an excedingly complex
>                      place with the development of human economic,
>                      political and social institutions and their
>                      interdependence with the larger environment. Coming
>                      to understanding these structures is a lifelong
>                      intellectual endeavor critical to much action in the
>                      world.
>  Out of seeing comes action. Compassionate action in the world takes many
>  forms, including social service, teaching meditation, moving toward more
>  responsible patterns of consumption, choosing a responsible livelihoon,
>  bearing public witness to suffering possibly ignored by the press,
>  evironmental activism and business with conscience, among many other
>  things.
>
>    Compassionate   * Nonviolence. Action in the world comes from
>           Action     compassion rather than anger.
>                    * Nonduality. Compassion extends to the oppressor as
>                      well as the oppressed. It sees a social problem as a
>                      long tear in the social fabric whose cause does not
>                      abide in a single person or group of people and whose
>                      responsibility extends everywhere.
>                    * Equanimity. Engaged Buddhism comes from a state of
>                      equanimity and compassion. It is important to do what
>                      one can without being attached to results.
>  Waking up and compassionate action benefits from the support of a sangha.
>  This is the function of the Buddhist Peace Fellowship - Hillcountry
>  Chapter.
>
>  BPF-Hillcountry   * Sangha. BPF-Hillcountry serves as a nondenominational
>            Goals     sangha that seeks particularly, but not exclusively,
>                      to understand together the role of social engagement
>                      in Buddhist practice and in the Buddhist precepts,
>                    * Learning. BPF-Hillcountry promotes the understanding
>                      of the environment, the economy and other social
>                      institutions from the perspective of interbeing and
>                      nonduality.
>                    * Emotional Support. The BPF-Hillcountry community
>                      provides mutual support for feelings of despair and
>                      burnout often experienced in social service and
>                      activism.
>                    * Networking. BPF-Hillcountry promotes discourse and
>                      mutual support among people working with similar
>                      issues as they think about and develop avenues of
>                      social engagement in their lives,
>                    * Projects. BPF-Hillcountry provides information about
>                      specific projects and events in social engagement of
>                      interest to the Central Texas Buddhist community, and
>                      provides a framework for initiating new projects,
>
>

BPF-ers,

Pamela and I were talking yesterday about defining the goals of
BPF-Hillcountry more clearly. I've written a draft mission-statement
intended for our Web site, which I have attached here for comment,
feedback, suggestions and complaints. The idea is to hammer this into
something everybody agrees to. Please direct comments to this discussion
group (just press "reply").

By the way, the Web site, what there is of it, is at
http://www.austinzencenter.org/bpf/. I am open to suggestions for new
content here as well.

Thanks,
John

[Image]

                         Texas Hill Country Chapter
   ------------------------------------------------------------------------

  Engaged Buddhism seeks to address the often overwhelming pain and
  suffering in the world through the processes of waking up and
  compassionate action. Waking up is central to Buddhism, which
  sees ignorance and delusion behind all suffering.

       Waking Up    * Self-realization. Through meditation practice, of
                      getting to know the self, to become mindful one's
                      motivations, of one's thought processes, and of the
                      consequences of one's actions in the world. Through
                      the same process one develops the stength, compassion
                      and equanimity that enables engagement in the world.
                    * Not knowing. In waking up one learns not to get
                      caught up in fixed ideas. Free from ppreconceptions
                      and dogma, the mind can see beyond the alternative
                      viewpoints to a purer appreciation of what is really
                      important.
                    * Bearing witness. One of the most difficult elements
                      of waking up is that of facing the suffering of the
                      world as well as ones own suffering directly and
                      honestly. One must go beyond despair to open to the
                      pain and suffering of the world, both in one's own
                      contemplation and in raising public awareness.
                    * Interbeing. All things are intimately interdependent,
                      nothing exists or happens in isolation, everything
                      has complex conditions extending ever further. This
                      realization implies an appreciation for the depth of
                      the consequences of one's decisions and actions and
                      thereby a deep sense of universal responsibility.
                    * Learning. The world has become an excedingly complex
                      place with the development of human economic,
                      political and social institutions and their
                      interdependence with the larger environment. Coming
                      to understanding these structures is a lifelong
                      intellectual endeavor critical to much action in the
                      world.
  Out of seeing comes action. Compassionate action in the world takes many
  forms, including social service, teaching meditation, moving toward more
  responsible patterns of consumption, choosing a responsible livelihoon,
  bearing public witness to suffering possibly ignored by the press,
  evironmental activism and business with conscience, among many other
  things.

    Compassionate   * Nonviolence. Action in the world comes from
           Action     compassion rather than anger.
                    * Nonduality. Compassion extends to the oppressor as
                      well as the oppressed. It sees a social problem as a
                      long tear in the social fabric whose cause does not
                      abide in a single person or group of people and whose
                      responsibility extends everywhere.
                    * Equanimity. Engaged Buddhism comes from a state of
                      equanimity and compassion. It is important to do what
                      one can without being attached to results.
  Waking up and compassionate action benefits from the support of a sangha.
  This is the function of the Buddhist Peace Fellowship - Hillcountry
  Chapter.

  BPF-Hillcountry   * Sangha. BPF-Hillcountry serves as a nondenominational
            Goals     sangha that seeks particularly, but not exclusively,
                      to understand together the role of social engagement
                      in Buddhist practice and in the Buddhist precepts,
                    * Learning. BPF-Hillcountry promotes the understanding
                      of the environment, the economy and other social
                      institutions from the perspective of interbeing and
                      nonduality.
                    * Emotional Support. The BPF-Hillcountry community
                      provides mutual support for feelings of despair and
                      burnout often experienced in social service and
                      activism.
                    * Networking. BPF-Hillcountry promotes discourse and
                      mutual support among people working with similar
                      issues as they think about and develop avenues of
                      social engagement in their lives,
                    * Projects. BPF-Hillcountry provides information about
                      specific projects and events in social engagement of
                      interest to the Central Texas Buddhist community, and
                      provides a framework for initiating new projects,

Susan,

OK, I bought it. It cost 8.49, which is half priced. Is that OK? I'll bring it
to the meeting next Saturday if you will be there.

John

Susan Lee Solar wrote:

> I'll buy it from you.....that would be great...
>
> susan lee solar
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: John Dinsmore <dinsy@...>
> To: <bpf-hillcountry@eGroups.com>
> Sent: Friday, June 16, 2000 8:08 AM
> Subject: Re: [bpf-hillcountry] June BPF Meeting
>
> > Incidentally, If anyone would like to buy a cheap copy of "Engaged
> Buddhist Reader" there is one at Half-Priced Books in far NW Austin. I can
> pick it up, since I live near there, and bring it to the next meeting.
> >
> > John (dinay@...)
> >
> > pamela overeynder wrote:
> >
> > > Hello Everyone,
> > >
> > > We hope your summer is going well. The next meeting is
> > >
> > > June 24
> > > 2:00 - 4:00 pm
> > >
> > > Site: Austin Zen Center
> > > 1308 West Avenue
> > > Between 13 1/2 and 14th street on West
> > >
> > > Parking in the long driveway next to the house.
> > >
> > > We will have a half hour sitting followed by dharma discussion on
> article from Engaged Buddhist Reader (Parallax Press). The article is
> "Waking Everybody Up" by A.T. Ariyaratne. If you don't have a copy of the
> book, please call Karen P. at 928-2041 for and she will send you a copy (of
> the article).
> > >
> > > Several of us met yesterday in front of the Governor's mansion to do
> sitting during yesterday's execution. If you want to join us for future
> sittings, please email Pamela at pao@... and let me
> know. We will post a calendar of executions here.
> > >
> > > Momentum is gathering for a moratorium on the death penalty nationwide.
> This is a good time to join others in compassionate action.
> > >
> > > Deep peace,
> > >
> > > Pamela
> > >
> > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> > > Old school buds here:
> > > http://click.egroups.com/1/5536/2/_/122177/_/961089169/
> > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> >
> >
> > ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> > Failed tests, classes skipped, forgotten locker combinations.
> > Remember the good 'ol days
> > http://click.egroups.com/1/5531/2/_/122177/_/961168034/
> > ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> >
> >
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> Vegas, Baby!
> Great deals on airfare, hotels and
> car rentals from Expedia.com!
> http://click.egroups.com/1/5206/2/_/122177/_/961218679/
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

I'll buy it from you.....that would be great...

susan lee solar


----- Original Message -----
From: John Dinsmore <dinsy@...>
To: <bpf-hillcountry@eGroups.com>
Sent: Friday, June 16, 2000 8:08 AM
Subject: Re: [bpf-hillcountry] June BPF Meeting


> Incidentally, If anyone would like to buy a cheap copy of "Engaged
Buddhist Reader" there is one at Half-Priced Books in far NW Austin. I can
pick it up, since I live near there, and bring it to the next meeting.
>
> John (dinay@...)
>
> pamela overeynder wrote:
>
> > Hello Everyone,
> >
> > We hope your summer is going well. The next meeting is
> >
> > June 24
> > 2:00 - 4:00 pm
> >
> > Site: Austin Zen Center
> > 1308 West Avenue
> > Between 13 1/2 and 14th street on West
> >
> > Parking in the long driveway next to the house.
> >
> > We will have a half hour sitting followed by dharma discussion on
article from Engaged Buddhist Reader (Parallax Press). The article is
"Waking Everybody Up" by A.T. Ariyaratne. If you don't have a copy of the
book, please call Karen P. at 928-2041 for and she will send you a copy (of
the article).
> >
> > Several of us met yesterday in front of the Governor's mansion to do
sitting during yesterday's execution. If you want to join us for future
sittings, please email Pamela at pao@... and let me
know. We will post a calendar of executions here.
> >
> > Momentum is gathering for a moratorium on the death penalty nationwide.
This is a good time to join others in compassionate action.
> >
> > Deep peace,
> >
> > Pamela
> >
> > ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> > Old school buds here:
> > http://click.egroups.com/1/5536/2/_/122177/_/961089169/
> > ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> Failed tests, classes skipped, forgotten locker combinations.
> Remember the good 'ol days
> http://click.egroups.com/1/5531/2/_/122177/_/961168034/
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>

Incidentally, If anyone would like to buy a cheap copy of "Engaged Buddhist
Reader" there is one at Half-Priced Books in far NW Austin. I can pick it up,
since I live near there, and bring it to the next meeting.

John (dinay@...)

pamela overeynder wrote:

> Hello Everyone,
>
> We hope your summer is going well. The next meeting is
>
> June 24
> 2:00 - 4:00 pm
>
> Site: Austin Zen Center
> 1308 West Avenue
> Between 13 1/2 and 14th street on West
>
> Parking in the long driveway next to the house.
>
> We will have a half hour sitting followed by dharma discussion on article from
Engaged Buddhist Reader (Parallax Press). The article is "Waking Everybody Up"
by A.T. Ariyaratne. If you don't have a copy of the book, please call Karen P.
at 928-2041 for and she will send you a copy (of the article).
>
> Several of us met yesterday in front of the Governor's mansion to do sitting
during yesterday's execution. If you want to join us for future sittings, please
email Pamela at pao@... and let me know. We will post a
calendar of executions here.
>
> Momentum is gathering for a moratorium on the death penalty nationwide. This
is a good time to join others in compassionate action.
>
> Deep peace,
>
> Pamela
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> Old school buds here:
> http://click.egroups.com/1/5536/2/_/122177/_/961089169/
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hello Everyone,

We hope your summer is going well. The next meeting is

June 24
2:00 - 4:00 pm

Site: Austin Zen Center
1308 West Avenue
Between 13 1/2 and 14th street on West

Parking in the long driveway next to the house.

We will have a half hour sitting followed by dharma discussion on article from
Engaged Buddhist Reader (Parallax Press). The article is "Waking Everybody Up"
by A.T. Ariyaratne. If you don't have a copy of the book, please call Karen P.
at 928-2041 for and she will send you a copy (of the article).

Several of us met yesterday in front of the Governor's mansion to do sitting
during yesterday's execution. If you want to join us for future sittings, please
email Pamela at pao@... and let me know. We will post a
calendar of executions here.

Momentum is gathering for a moratorium on the death penalty nationwide. This is
a good time to join others in compassionate action.

Deep peace,

Pamela

hi -- can someone ask Pamela to call me, SUsan Lee Solar, at 707-0405 and
leave a phone number -- I need to reach her about a refrigerator I loaned
her I may need back by the 1st..

Susan
----- Original Message -----
From: <dinsy@...>
To: <bpf-hillcountry@eGroups.com>
Sent: Tuesday, May 09, 2000 10:12 AM
Subject: [bpf-hillcountry] BPF Hillcountry Chapter


> Pamela Overeynder asked me to forward this message to bpf-hillcountry. -
John
>
> 5.10.00
>
> Dear Buddhist Peace Fellowship Friends,
>
> We have moved to Austin Zen Center. It is a beautiful and sacred space. We
missed you at last week's meeting. Karen P, Jeb B and Paméla O met and
enjoyed the space and had a good and inspiring talk with each other.
>
> We are writing to share some thoughts about bpf and to ask for your
support in creating a dynamic and passionate space to meet and share this
important part of our lives. We know each of us cares deeply about
engagement in the world and in fact, we are ALL deeply engaged already.
>
> Last month we began a new format. As a steering council our goal is to
provide a space to meditate together and have meaningful dharma discussion
about Engaged Buddhism. We are already practicing an engaged life. Our
discussions can help us practice more skillfully and expand our
understanding of an engaged life while supporting each other in that
commitment. It's very difficult and isolating to practice alone.
>
> The new format is simple. We begin with 30 minutes sitting, followed by
45-60 minutes of dharma discussion based on a reading from The Engaged
Buddhist Reader published by Parallax Press. Articles are available for
those who don't want to buy the book (available through Book People). We
then have announcements and  very brief updates on projects various members
are involved in. There is currently interest in three areas: prison work,
meditation during vigils for executions, and a group to study the female
bodhissatvas in various Buddhist traditions. So far only the prison work has
been officially recognized as a bpf project. This does not mean everyone in
bpf will be involved in that project. Only those people who want to
participate will. These announcements will be followed by a 10 minute
sitting and some socializing for those who can stay.
>
> A bit more about the dharma discussion//. It's an opportunity for us to
suspend our ideas, beliefs and knowledge in order to be penetrated by the
truth of the whole. For one hour we can take a break from doing something or
believing something and just be still together and share from our hearts.
The world's suffering is enormous and each of us feels it deeply and wishes
to end the suffering. Yet action without insight may be the wrong action.
The time for action comes for each of us. Let us be supported by each other
and guided by the tremendous wisdom mind of our sangha and our spiritual
ancestors. This wisdom mind is available to us as we come together to
meditate and to be available to the world.
>
> We would love to hear from each of you. What excites you and makes you
want to participate in bpf? What is it that keeps you away? How can we help
create a meaningful experience for you.
>
> If you received this letter via post and you have email,  please forward
it to us so we can stay in touch more directly. If you received this via
email, please let us know (via email) if you are interested in continuing to
be on the mailing list and confirm existing address, phone number, email.
For those who received this letter through the post, we will be calling you
soon to find out if you want to remain on the mailing list and to update
mailing and contact information.
>
> Please note on your calendar, due to scheduling conflicts there will NOT
be a May meeting. The next BPF meeting is June 24.
>
> Deep peace,
>
> Pamela, Karen, Travis
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> Accurate impartial advice on everything from laptops to table saws.
> http://click.egroups.com/1/3020/11/_/122177/_/957885125/
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>

thanks john,

i hope you and linda can come to the pbs/bpf pot luck tomorrow.7:00pm at 2502
Dip Cove. if you see anyone else who hasn't gotten a call but would like to
come, please encourage them to do so.

love,
pamela

---------- Original Message ----------------------------------
From: John Dinsmore <dinsy@...>
Reply-To: bpf-hillcountry@egroups.com
Date: Fri, 19 May 2000 12:50:48 -0500

>Terry,

I hope you will continue at least to subscribe to the e-mail group, which
you can do at a distance.

Everyone,

About the email group, I am hoping that if we reach a critical mass and if I
and a couple of others put a little more effort into starting some
conversation threads, that we can put a little more life into this group.
Pamela has also expressed interest in this.

By way of inspiration, the members of the Austin Zen Center have started an
email discussion group that has become very lively
(clearspringzendo@eGroups.com). We announce Austin events, report on visits
to retreats, get feedback on suggestions for making changes at the zendo
like adding additional hours for zazen, as well as practice-related issues
like dealing with pain while sitting and philosophical issues like is there
an intersection between the Christian idea of God and Buddha-nature or
suchness. We usually have 2 or 3 postings a day. Barbara Kohn, who is one of
many  teachers at the San Francisco Zen Center and will be moving to Austin
to teach at the Austin Zen Center, also participates almost daily in this
group.

It is unfortunate that our chapter meetings are so far apart and most people
miss some because of scheduling conflicts, because we have the makings of a
nice sangha. This email group could be used to sustain some level of
interaction on an ongoing basis, at least for those that have email.

I was just thinking about topics we might take up in the bpf-hillcountry
email group.  We should minimally put announcements of political events in
Austin as they come up. Remind people to sign the petition to get the Green
Party on the ballot, things like that. I would like to know more about what
kinds of activism people are involved it. On a more philosophical note, a
good topic might be "How do Buddhism and social engagement mix for you?"

Best,
John

Terry Masters wrote:

> I am so happy that you all are keeping bpf  alive.
> Since  it doesn't work for me to come in to Austin often, I am not able
> to attend bpf meetings.
> So: might as well take me off of your mailing lists.
>
> My heart applauds your wonderful efforts.
> terry masters
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> Make new friends, find the old at Classmates.com:
> http://click.egroups.com/1/4052/2/_/122177/_/958698493/
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------


------------------------------------------------------------------------
Save 75% on Products!
Find incredible deals on overstocked items with Free shipping!
http://click.egroups.com/1/4013/2/_/122177/_/958758582/
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Terry,

I hope you will continue at least to subscribe to the e-mail group, which
you can do at a distance.

Everyone,

About the email group, I am hoping that if we reach a critical mass and if I
and a couple of others put a little more effort into starting some
conversation threads, that we can put a little more life into this group.
Pamela has also expressed interest in this.

By way of inspiration, the members of the Austin Zen Center have started an
email discussion group that has become very lively
(clearspringzendo@eGroups.com). We announce Austin events, report on visits
to retreats, get feedback on suggestions for making changes at the zendo
like adding additional hours for zazen, as well as practice-related issues
like dealing with pain while sitting and philosophical issues like is there
an intersection between the Christian idea of God and Buddha-nature or
suchness. We usually have 2 or 3 postings a day. Barbara Kohn, who is one of
many  teachers at the San Francisco Zen Center and will be moving to Austin
to teach at the Austin Zen Center, also participates almost daily in this
group.

It is unfortunate that our chapter meetings are so far apart and most people
miss some because of scheduling conflicts, because we have the makings of a
nice sangha. This email group could be used to sustain some level of
interaction on an ongoing basis, at least for those that have email.

I was just thinking about topics we might take up in the bpf-hillcountry
email group.  We should minimally put announcements of political events in
Austin as they come up. Remind people to sign the petition to get the Green
Party on the ballot, things like that. I would like to know more about what
kinds of activism people are involved it. On a more philosophical note, a
good topic might be "How do Buddhism and social engagement mix for you?"

Best,
John

Terry Masters wrote:

> I am so happy that you all are keeping bpf  alive.
> Since  it doesn't work for me to come in to Austin often, I am not able
> to attend bpf meetings.
> So: might as well take me off of your mailing lists.
>
> My heart applauds your wonderful efforts.
> terry masters
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> Make new friends, find the old at Classmates.com:
> http://click.egroups.com/1/4052/2/_/122177/_/958698493/
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

I am so happy that you all are keeping bpf  alive.
Since  it doesn't work for me to come in to Austin often, I am not able
to attend bpf meetings.
So: might as well take me off of your mailing lists.

My heart applauds your wonderful efforts.
terry masters

Thanks John.  I hope to see you at the June meeting.

Jeb


----Original Message Follows----
From: dinsy@...
Reply-To: bpf-hillcountry@egroups.com
To: bpf-hillcountry@eGroups.com
Subject: [bpf-hillcountry] BPF Hillcountry Chapter
Date: Tue, 9 May 2000 10:12:42 -0500 (CDT)

Pamela Overeynder asked me to forward this message to bpf-hillcountry. -
John

5.10.00

Dear Buddhist Peace Fellowship Friends,

We have moved to Austin Zen Center. It is a beautiful and sacred space. We
missed you at last week's meeting. Karen P, Jeb B and Paméla O met and
enjoyed the space and had a good and inspiring talk with each other.

We are writing to share some thoughts about bpf and to ask for your support
in creating a dynamic and passionate space to meet and share this important
part of our lives. We know each of us cares deeply about engagement in the
world and in fact, we are ALL deeply engaged already.

Last month we began a new format. As a steering council our goal is to
provide a space to meditate together and have meaningful dharma discussion
about Engaged Buddhism. We are already practicing an engaged life. Our
discussions can help us practice more skillfully and expand our
understanding of an engaged life while supporting each other in that
commitment. It's very difficult and isolating to practice alone.

The new format is simple. We begin with 30 minutes sitting, followed by
45-60 minutes of dharma discussion based on a reading from The Engaged
Buddhist Reader published by Parallax Press. Articles are available for
those who don't want to buy the book (available through Book People). We
then have announcements and  very brief updates on projects various members
are involved in. There is currently interest in three areas: prison work,
meditation during vigils for executions, and a group to study the female
bodhissatvas in various Buddhist traditions. So far only the prison work has
been officially recognized as a bpf project. This does not mean everyone in
bpf will be involved in that project. Only those people who want to
participate will. These announcements will be followed by a 10 minute
sitting and some socializing for those who can stay.

A bit more about the dharma discussion//. It's an opportunity for us to
suspend our ideas, beliefs and knowledge in order to be penetrated by the
truth of the whole. For one hour we can take a break from doing something or
believing something and just be still together and share from our hearts.
The world's suffering is enormous and each of us feels it deeply and wishes
to end the suffering. Yet action without insight may be the wrong action.
The time for action comes for each of us. Let us be supported by each other
and guided by the tremendous wisdom mind of our sangha and our spiritual
ancestors. This wisdom mind is available to us as we come together to
meditate and to be available to the world.

We would love to hear from each of you. What excites you and makes you want
to participate in bpf? What is it that keeps you away? How can we help
create a meaningful experience for you.

If you received this letter via post and you have email,  please forward it
to us so we can stay in touch more directly. If you received this via email,
please let us know (via email) if you are interested in continuing to be on
the mailing list and confirm existing address, phone number, email. For
those who received this letter through the post, we will be calling you soon
to find out if you want to remain on the mailing list and to update mailing
and contact information.

Please note on your calendar, due to scheduling conflicts there will NOT be
a May meeting. The next BPF meeting is June 24.

Deep peace,

Pamela, Karen, Travis



------------------------------------------------------------------------
Accurate impartial advice on everything from laptops to table saws.
http://click.egroups.com/1/3020/11/_/122177/_/957885125/
------------------------------------------------------------------------



________________________________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com

Just to confirm all my current info is correct:

Scott Baltisberger
1616 Confederate St.
Austin, TX 78703
512-708-9436
SLBalt@...

Pamela Overeynder asked me to forward this message to bpf-hillcountry. - John

5.10.00

Dear Buddhist Peace Fellowship Friends,

We have moved to Austin Zen Center. It is a beautiful and sacred space. We
missed you at last week's meeting. Karen P, Jeb B and Paméla O met and enjoyed
the space and had a good and inspiring talk with each other.

We are writing to share some thoughts about bpf and to ask for your support in
creating a dynamic and passionate space to meet and share this important part of
our lives. We know each of us cares deeply about engagement in the world and in
fact, we are ALL deeply engaged already.

Last month we began a new format. As a steering council our goal is to provide a
space to meditate together and have meaningful dharma discussion about Engaged
Buddhism. We are already practicing an engaged life. Our discussions can help us
practice more skillfully and expand our understanding of an engaged life while
supporting each other in that commitment. It's very difficult and isolating to
practice alone.

The new format is simple. We begin with 30 minutes sitting, followed by 45-60
minutes of dharma discussion based on a reading from The Engaged Buddhist Reader
published by Parallax Press. Articles are available for those who don't want to
buy the book (available through Book People). We then have announcements and 
very brief updates on projects various members are involved in. There is
currently interest in three areas: prison work, meditation during vigils for
executions, and a group to study the female bodhissatvas in various Buddhist
traditions. So far only the prison work has been officially recognized as a bpf
project. This does not mean everyone in bpf will be involved in that project.
Only those people who want to participate will. These announcements will be
followed by a 10 minute sitting and some socializing for those who can stay.

A bit more about the dharma discussion//. It's an opportunity for us to suspend
our ideas, beliefs and knowledge in order to be penetrated by the truth of the
whole. For one hour we can take a break from doing something or believing
something and just be still together and share from our hearts. The world's
suffering is enormous and each of us feels it deeply and wishes to end the
suffering. Yet action without insight may be the wrong action. The time for
action comes for each of us. Let us be supported by each other and guided by the
tremendous wisdom mind of our sangha and our spiritual ancestors. This wisdom
mind is available to us as we come together to meditate and to be available to
the world.

We would love to hear from each of you. What excites you and makes you want to
participate in bpf? What is it that keeps you away? How can we help create a
meaningful experience for you.

If you received this letter via post and you have email,  please forward it to
us so we can stay in touch more directly. If you received this via email, please
let us know (via email) if you are interested in continuing to be on the mailing
list and confirm existing address, phone number, email. For those who received
this letter through the post, we will be calling you soon to find out if you
want to remain on the mailing list and to update mailing and contact
information.

Please note on your calendar, due to scheduling conflicts there will NOT be a
May meeting. The next BPF meeting is June 24.

Deep peace,

Pamela, Karen, Travis

This is just a test. If this had been an actual emergency ...

I will be in San Francisco for three weeks starting
Wednesday.  I am planning on getting together with
Tova while there.  Can anybody think of any chapter issues
that I might discuss with her? (I intend to talk with
her a lot about Right Livelihood, a big issue with me
personally right now.)

Thanks,
John

Patricia,

Thanks for the note.

> It looks like the reply goes to the whole
> group.
Maybe there is a difference between my mailer and yours.  Others, might want
to check who the note is going to when you press "reply."

> Anyway, I took a look at the Web page.  The logo is beautiful. The
> shadow behind the hand holding the flower really makes it stand out.
I stole the logo from the national BPF site.  I like it too.

> What
> I noticed is that it needs to be updated.  It's advertising the next
> meeting as being in early November.
I don't yet know the details of the December meeting.

John

> >This is a trial message to see that this discussion group is really working.
> >I even have an initial topic for discussion: What else to put on the
> >BPF Hillcountry Web site (http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Fuji/4024/bpf.html).
>
>

John, Glad you set this up.  It looks like the reply goes to the whole
group.  Anyway, I took a look at the Web page.  The logo is beautiful. The
shadow behind the hand holding the flower really makes it stand out.  What
I noticed is that it needs to be updated.  It's advertising the next
meeting as being in early November.
Patricia

>This is a trial message to see that this discussion group is really working.
>I even have an initial topic for discussion: What else to put on the
>BPF Hillcountry Web site (http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Fuji/4024/bpf.html).
>Is there any interest in posting relevant books?  (I just read one that I
>find very useful: "How to Make a Living While Making a Difference" by Melissa
>Everett).
>
>Notice that to post a message send to bpf-hillcountry@eGroups.com.  If you
>use the reply button, for instance, try to reply to this note, I think the
>note will just go to one person, in this case, me.  There is a site where
>messages are archived:
>
>   http://www.eGroups.com/group/bpf-hillcountry/
>
>Also, if you haven't subscribed already I recommend the discussion group for
>the national BPF.  Subscribe to:
>
>            bpf-subscribe@eGroups.com
>
>John
>
>------------------------------------------------------------------------
>eGroups.com Home: http://www.egroups.com/group/bpf-hillcountry/
>http://www.egroups.com - Simplifying group communications

This is a trial message to see that this discussion group is really working.
I even have an initial topic for discussion: What else to put on the
BPF Hillcountry Web site (http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Fuji/4024/bpf.html).
Is there any interest in posting relevant books?  (I just read one that I
find very useful: "How to Make a Living While Making a Difference" by Melissa
Everett).

Notice that to post a message send to bpf-hillcountry@eGroups.com.  If you
use the reply button, for instance, try to reply to this note, I think the
note will just go to one person, in this case, me.  There is a site where
messages are archived:

    http://www.eGroups.com/group/bpf-hillcountry/

Also, if you haven't subscribed already I recommend the discussion group for
the national BPF.  Subscribe to:

             bpf-subscribe@eGroups.com

John

Texas Hill Country chapter of the Buddhist Peace Fellowship

Group Manager: bpf-hillcountry-owner@egroups.com

To subscribe, send a message to bpf-hillcountry-subscribe@egroups.com or go to the e-groups's home page at http://www.egroups.com/group/bpf-hillcountry/