The Peoples Climate Train demonstrated a coast to coast climate concern as it rolled into New York City’s Penn Station around 9:30 pm last night marking the end of its epic journey from California. It already had 170 activists on board in Chicago and continued building along the way. I met riders from as far off as Alaska and Venezuela onboard. Delays - often due to freight and oil tankers clogging the tracks - had the odyssey pull in a full three hours late, but that didn’t dampen the spirits of the activists. We entered Penn Station chanting in unison “The People United - Will Never Be Defeated” and singing songs that had been learned and practiced en-route. The California crew had printed the lyrics to a Coast-to-Coast Climate Action song on illustration board held high, so everyone could join in.
I was honored to be included in the Peoples Climate Train closing ceremonies. Several of the spiritual, logistical and inspirational leaders of the group offered a bit of wisdom and bonding rites that traveled one after the other through all three train cars. People held on to each other and shared experiences, hopes and feelings in turn. Waters were sprinkled, Buddhist bells chimed, Indigenous words spoke out and a collective Om - the sound of the universe -sounded out. I was asked to provide a meditative Mbira line through my trusty Pig Nose amp where appropriate. That ceremony, the bonding and rousing display in Penn Station that brought tears to my eyes are the highlights of this adventure, so far.
On another note, writing and researching for my “InClimate Blog” at times leaves me depressed. Especially when I realize many people still don’t even care about what is probably the most important single issue facing our species. Not that they are uncaring, often simply too busy trying to make ends meet. Walking from the rally at Penn Station it was nice to be reminded we are not alone. The Climate Convergence begins today and builds around a Climate March on Sunday where I will see many more allies. I have high hopes we can eventually reach the system change that mitigates climate change.
http://globalclimateconvergence.org/
http://convergeforclimate.org/
Submitted from GreenPoint Brooklyn, NY