3/16/2021

My Dear Friend & POTUS, JRB,

            So, you are off to Chester, PA, today to spread the news about the American Rescue Plan. Did you know that you will be deep in the heart of Wm Penn country? He wanted Chester to be the capital of the colony back in 1682. When he landed there, it was a small settlement of Swedish & Dutch folk living peacefully among the Okehocking Tribe who spent the summer fishing in the river.

When you arrive there, I encourage you to perform a land acknowledgement. I’m sure you’ve heard of this new tradition of beginning a gathering by recognizing that the land has been inhabited by people made to suffer by White supremacy. Be sure to note that “colonialism is a current ongoing process, and we need to build our mindfulness of our present participation.” Get one of your people to find out about history of government relations with the Indigenous people of Delaware County so that you “leave Indigenous people in a stronger, more empowered place because of this land acknowledgment.”

As you feel the vibes of the Okehocking & Quakers in Chester, you might also feel the presence of Wm Edmundson (WE) who stopped there in 1675. WE was known by Friends as a the “trumpet of the Lord” and “the son of thunder” who “made the drooping & heavy hearted rejoice.”

I was drawn to reading about WE this morning because he was a “sufferer” as he was incarcerated several times for refusing to tithe. I am sensitive to the Quaker idea of “suffering” because my Friend, JMH, & I are hosting a Meeting for the Sufferings of the people of Myanmar tonight. We weren’t sure we should use the term “sufferings” since it has a specific meaning to some Friends. As we start our meeting tonight, we will explain that we are gathered to hold all in Burma in the Light in the hope that they can be released from their torment soon. You are welcome to join us. Email me for the sign in info.

PBWY,