Growing/Ranting

Yesterday was the International Worker’s day after a short meeting about a project we’re developing for Las Madres I passed through La Plaza de Mayo with a friend.  After pausing several times and wishing we brought our cameras (touristy) a lady approached us.  She presented a candy and I assumed she wanted money for it.  She didn’t, and gave us the candies because of the celebration.  Then she began to chat with us about normal things.  Suddenly and unexpectedly she asked what are our dreams, I was really surprised and had to think for a moment but then shared with her a dream.  She then hugged each of us and then all of us hugged for several moments, the random human contact and emotion were refreshing and rewarding.

Today in AIDS class several nonprofits joined us to discuss their work with HIV-AIDS in Argentina.  Two ladies representing a group called AMMAR really demanded my attention.  They are fighting for the legalization of “sex labor” or prostitution, although there is undesirable stigma associated with that word.  But not only the legalization, also equal worker rights and benefits.  I was initially really turned off and opposed, but then I began to think why am I opposed to this?  They aren’t infringing on anybody else’s rights, they merely choose to do something that is arguably morally objectionable.  But homosexuality, marijuana, and drinking alcohol are also morally objectionable to some people.  If prostitution was legalized, although it might seem like society would be filled with impropriety but perhaps instead society would be improved because the state could regulate it.  What people do with their lives and bodies outside of not infringing on other’s rights is not my business.

When I was meeting with some Madres today to discuss a project proposal we began chatting about Bin Laden, original, I know.  But I am so fundamentally perplexed that people are celebrating the death of one man, celebrating the fact that he was systematically murdered.  I don’t see any justice in that nor does that make the world safer, yet alone better.  The Madres agree and trust me these ladies have a more than respectable perspective, considering their child(ren) was/were abducted, tortured, and murdered and they don’t even know how nor could they do anything to stop it.  Yet these women don’t scream for murder or vengeance but instead justice, even though it’s a slow process it’s the process that doesn’t violate people’s fundamental human rights.  Something you would think the recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize would be aware of.

You are my sunshine, my only sunshine.  You make me happy when skies are gray.  You’ll never know dear how much I love you.  Please don’t take my sunshine away.