Episode 22 :: A Common Humanity

SOPA: 0, The Digital Commons: 1

Before we got into the body of the episode, we wanted to acknowledge the epic fail of SOPA/PIPA, and to recognize that the power of the Commons was summoned to stare down overzealous entertainment industry figures and their politicians-in-tow. (Don’t let the door hit you too hard on the way out, gentlemen.) Bravo! That means we get to keep on with our work since all the hosting companies we use (and all those that we don’t use) have the heat turned down.

Reach Out and Coff-Tea Someone

We also take a bit of time to recognize that JEM has had a digital heyday this last year and a half but we got a bit far from our in person presence, as we built up our digital media profile and as Lee worked on his book. In 2012 we’re looking forward to some in person engagements.

To that end, the two main things to discuss already have been the real casual but warmly received Jubilee Coff-Tea Time at Cafe Virtuoso and the presentation by this month’s featured guest. We reflect on what it’s like to be in the same place together, with a feeling of real community.

The Coff-Tea Time was anchored by past guests of this podcast, Harry Watkins and Steve Von Kolkow. We’re looking forward to more such events with different guests who would help paint the picture of how JEM-style alternative, One-Earth economics values are finding expression already.

Featured Guest: Lane Van Ham

Lane Van Ham is our featured guest for this episode. (Okay, you figured us out. He’s related to Lee just like Lauren from episode 16 is. We’re a small organization!) Apparent nepotism not withstanding (no one is geting paid, ahem!), Lane’s new book, A Common Humanity: Ritual, Religion and Immigrant Advocacy in Tucson, Arizona (University of Arizona Press) just came out and stands just fine on its own. Having done his graduate studies in the field of immigrant advocacy, this book emerged from that experience.

Here Lane’s focus is on a different aspect of the immigration debate. Rather than argue for or against or who is right, he helps us to know the human stories of those who make (or attempt) the perilous desert crossing from Mexico into the United States and those who offer humanitarian aid and advocacy on the US side of the border. Lane takes us past the right and wrong, polar thinking, and helps put a face on the who and why of this issue.

Lane not only came to do this podcast interview in early January, but he also addressed a crowd of two dozen or so at JEM’s San Diego office. You can watch the entire presentation and discussion on YouTube. It’s a bit long (over an hour) but it’s a must see accompaniment to this podcast. Please share it around to your friends who are interested in border issues.

Links

• Lee’s blog post following Coff-Tea and Lane’s presentation.
• Lane’s book presentation video.
• Slideshow tour with Steve and Laurie from Cafe Virtuoso.
• Episode 12 with Harry Watkins.
• Episode 18 with Steve Von Kolkow.
• San Diego local news about the Friendship Park and other border monuments being walled up.

A Common Humanity