Stories of Democracy, Resistance and Hope with Amy Goodman

Amy Goodman is an investigative journalist, author of six books, and the executive producer and host for the award-winning news program Democracy Now! In 2012 she won the Gandhi Peace Award for instigating peace throughout the world and continues to show leadership and activism within communities on a global scale. Goodman believes in acting against pressing issues such as, climate change, the North Dakota Standing Rock access pipeline, independent media with regards to how each of us have a responsibility to fight for the rights of oppressed individuals, and lastly issues with Donald Trump.

 
On September 29, 2017 held at Knox United Church in Winnipeg, MB, Goodman spoke about ‘Stories of Democracy, Resistance and Hope’. The Friday night commenced with a blessing shared by an indigenous male who is very passionate about respecting our earth. He explained the true importance of appreciating all plants, animals and water systems. Furthermore, he noted that within our daily lives people tend to focus on their hardships and forget to “look up at the universe”. He repeatedly told the audience to cherish the beauty of all living things and that regardless of our personal struggles, we can find solidarity and happiness in what surrounds us. To finish, he preached the idea that at ‘our given time’, each person in the world will be called upon to stand up for injustice and oppression.

 
Following the blessing, Goodman took the stage with a grand applause and began discussing various topics such as the North Dakota Standing Rock access pipeline protest, climate change, issues with Donald Trump, and her personal experiences in her career as a journalist. Goodman spoke of understanding people through listening to their stories irrespective to your own opinion. She explained that it does not matter who or where you live, there is a greater meaning to the attempt of understanding and creating world peace through listening to someone else speak. As easy as it is to agree or disagree with someone, if the effort to understand their side is put forth we can move one step closer to creating peace and solving greater issues.

 
Additionally, Goodman focused on how Trump’s decision to drop a huge bomb on Afghanistan without valid reasoning was senseless. Politicians claimed, ‘there is finally a president in power’, but since when does presidency revolve around senseless, violent decisions? During their presidency, Obama and Bush decided not to drop the non-nuclear mother of all bombs (MOAB) and then Trump comes into power and uses this bomb stating it was, “another successful job.” (Starr and Browne). She also told the audience one should “never assume someone’s position (political, social, economic, or cultural stance) based on their (job) position”. This proves to be extremely important with regards to how society is very quick to judge throughout various situations. Overall, Goodman’s stories were quite inspiring to say the least. Following her stories, she opened the floor to answer questions, take pictures, and do book signings.

 
In general, I really enjoyed hearing the blessing at the beginning and listening to Goodman share her experiences with regards to journalism. Being an undergraduate aspiring journalist myself, I was eager to learn from her knowledge. There are three moments that caught my attention the most. The first being how she repeatedly advised each of us to stand up for human rights and the significance of independent media which allows the silenced to have a voice. This resonated with me greatly because in the future I plan to travel and listen to the stories of those who deserve to be heard. Goodman further explained the lack of attention towards climate change within the media. She stated that journalists typically steer away from addressing the issues about global warming and couldn’t figure out why this was happening. Nevertheless, it is a controversial subject especially with a president in power that believes it is a hoax introduced by the Chinese.

 
Secondly, Goodman emphasized the story of when she was in Indonesia held at gunpoint by armed Indonesian soldiers. At the time, Goodman and her fellow journalist Allan Nairn were reporting for the East Timor independence movement which aggressively became a mass killing now addressed as the Santa Cruz Massacre. They were hospitalized after being beaten by several weapons through the brutal questioning period. This story didn’t surprise me because I have heard many stories of this occurring before where journalists get attacked overseas reporting on various topics. Nonetheless, it is still horrible and these heartless acts of violence are one of the many reasons why we need to advocate for peace.

 
Furthermore, she talked about the Dakota access pipeline protests which she covered in September of 2016. Goodman was arrested for criminal trespass and for rioting, however both charges were dropped when she fought for her right ‘freedom of press’. Doing so, Goodman explained that many others protesting alongside her were charged so she raised awareness for the protests and violence occurring. This allowed other victims’ charges to be dropped as well. Goodman also stated that police dogs were unleashed to bite protesters, injuring many innocent people taking a stand for climate change and for the protection of their indigenous land. Her crew filmed a video which went viral on the internet ultimately bringing attention to the protest.

 
Lastly, Goodman finished the night of stories of democracy, resistance, and hope with a very powerful analogy introduced by a nurse at the Indonesian hospital. She explained that the government is like a sword in the way that they may attempt to dismantle the rights and freedoms of many people. In relation to this, people in developing countries view the western population as a shield meaning that regardless of the excruciating pain they might endure by fighting for their freedoms, they will continue to battle and protect others. To end the night, Goodman powerfully stated how “employed or unemployed, as people we can make the decision everyday whether we want to be the sword or the shield.” With that the entire crowd stood up with a loud applause. I was speechless in this moment and loved the entire show. These three ideas kept me captivated throughout the night and were the most substantial moments that resonated with me. Overall, Goodman advocates for improvement through her leadership, discussing issues of oppression, climate change, equality, justice, and the need to generate world peace. She is an outstanding global citizen and believes each human has a responsibility to stand against the pressing issues in the world.

 
Written by Tessa R. Adamski

 
References

 
iStockphoto LP. iStockphoto. 30 june 2013. 3 October 2017.

 
Starr, Barbara and Ryan Browne. First on CNN: US drops largest non-nuclear bomb in Afghanistan. 14 April 2017. 3 October 2017.