A crowd was assembled around St. Paul’s Chapel on Broadway. Behind the chapel one block west, the tenth anniversary ceremony to honor the victims of 9-11 was taking place; its sound system spreading indistinct reverberations through the blocks. Only the 9-11 families and government dignitaries, including Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush, were admitted to ground zero. The rest of the public milled around the perimeter at St. Paul’s to be nearby the epicenter of remembrance.

An enormous protest sign dominated across the street from the chapel. The terse block letters read: “THE BUSH REGIME ENGINEERED 9-11.” The “Truthers” were to be expected. Conspiracy dies hard. Years of professional inquiry shows gaps in the intelligence flow, but no bombing by means other than planes hijacked by Al Qaeda.

The lovely interior of St. Paul’s Chapel was filled with shrines of memorabilia: photos, letters, notes, pleas for the missing –and soft murmurings of those present. Several intimate rows of chairs began to fill with amblers in. A memorial service began.

A few survivors gave accounts of their experiences in the Chapel on that September day, 2001. They described how a bastion of profound calm, between these walls, had consoled them during a storm of horrific violence just outside the door. They came back to express their gratitude. Several pastors spoke simple words. A woman with powerful presence led harmonic songs that seemed to expand, and open us beyond any one tradition.

As the music cascaded and fell, the service was ending in prayer. A wave of impressions began to inhabit the silence: the families and their losses, a changed America, an altered world, tragic mistakes, beauty and blessings. Here we sat now, in this cozy elegant hall, erected in 1766, walls that welcomed George Washington on his Inauguration Day; survived the New York City Fire of 1777; held steady through September 11th without so much as a broken window. Heart rending and poignant.

Now breaking, was the silence. A rumbling sound emerged from outside of the chapel, taking the shape of voices in unison. It became louder, and louder, growing to a fevered pitch. The angry roar of the protesters took aim at George W. Bush, traveling far enough on the air to disrupt the events at ground zero, a block away. A thunderous boom enveloped our chapel sanctuary, so overwhelming that the foundation seemed to shake.

The interference was undesirable: a crashing incursion of sound, shattering our congregation’s intention to witness and to pause for healing. The raucous expression of the protesters felt ill-timed, and its message off the mark. Notwithstanding the betrayals of public trust in the prelude and aftermath of 9-11, their bluster seemed indulgent .

But then, taking a step back from the collision, the picture began to shift. I began to perceive the larger meaning in the stew conflicting expression: it was all being tested, freely and openly, nonviolently, in the marketplace of consciousness. The unwelcome sound became a tolerable, even beautiful, testament to freedom.

See Multimedia Content for more on the day’s events:

Multimedia Content PHOTOS: intimate moments at 9-11 memorial service VIDEOS of 9-11 memorial coverage

Check out this Action Opportunities link for more image of the memorial site:

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The engine of globalization is a remarkable phenomenon. Enormous talent is being unleashed across the developing nations. But in its wake, a spectacular number of people are being left behind. They have little or no access to healthcare, education or public debate on issues affecting their lives. Ever wonder how the future will look if the gap between the world’s rich and poor continues to widen? The vision is grim, if we acknowledge that poverty is a significant cause of social unrest, ill health and armed conflict. Consider this: as of now, a billion people on the planet are unable to read or write. Three billion live on less than $2.50 per day: a number equaling almost half the world. As we look at how billions of dollars in aid often pass into corruption or environmental ruin, the picture looks even more dire. The Acumen Fund, however, has done far more than glance at this growing disparity.

Since 2001, Acumen Fund has integrated the strength of venture capital with the heart of philanthropy. The group invests in local entrepreneurs who know their communities from the inside. They innovate, selling products and services in healthcare, housing, clean water and alternative energy at prices their communities can afford. They view and engage with citizens as their customers, not passive recipients of aid. These communities slowly, gradually, lift themselves into strength and independence, maintaining their dignity. The small businesses begin to network, and spread toward scale.

Acumen Fund calls their investments “patient capital.” Investors expect “…below market returns but with out-sized social impact,” in the words of founder Jacqueline Novogratz. A large number of investors today are choosing “impact investing” to directly relieve social problems. As traditional charity often creates a cycle of dependency and waste, this new model just makes sense. Not for ethical reasons alone, but indeed, for our own security.

See Multimedia Content below to WATCH two dynamic TED TALKS: by Ms. Novogratz, Founder of Acumen Fund, and Sasha Dichter, Director of Development. They discuss their methods, challenges and remarkable successes helping to change the tide of poverty in India, Pakistan and East Africa:

Multimedia Content TED TALKS by Jacqueline Novogratz and Sasha Dichter Acumen Fund Website

Check out this Action Opportunities link to Acumen Fund’s mission:

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The towers of fear, erected upon six decades of dictatorship, were cracked and giving way on Tahrir Square in Cairo, Egypt.

Over eighteen days, glued to our electronic gadgetry, we watched a huge diversity of Egyptians pour onto the square in unity, to protest corruption of the Hosni Mubarak regime, and to sing. An eruption of freedom was bursting along the fissure of universal human desire.

Day after day we witnessed protesters being abused and arrested by security forces, censored and brutalized by thugs, gripped by fear and uncertainty, patronized by Mubarak, and recharged by growing resistance across the land. Despite periodic clashes, the collective expression was mostly a ballet in motion: the high art of demanding justice through the sheer force of peace. The protesters’ dance of determination enthralled the world. Their injuries invaded our conscience, reminding us that liberty is not free: that the bondage of others is, in truth, the burden of all.

In a flurry of updates with Egyptian friends–some on the ground in Cairo–I was privileged on Facebook to share with them the exhilarating roller coaster moving at full speed. The spirit of the protesters was at close range, and indelible.

Our voices engaged in a lively debate: from the virtues and dangers of American involvement, to the affects of media bias, to the psychological soundness of Mubarak, to what exact break-throughs the opposition must staunchly await before relinquishing the square. In dialog with these young, intellectually lively Egyptians, I felt deeply grateful for our American founders, but also collective guilt for the reality of our country’s participation in their oppression. Many young Egyptians embrace Americans, but feel understandably burned by the contradictory nature of our government’s policies. They are full of purpose and self-determination. U.S. interests can only benefit by helping them shift toward the justice they seek.

Amidst the serious discussion, the Egyptian sense of humor was palpable. After Mubarak’s thugs had ridden into the square to attack protesters with clubs, one Facebook participant ribbed the regime for sending their citizens back into time: from mobiles, to landlines, to horses and camels, to stones. “Cavemen will follow soon, if we don’t continue,” she joked. In face of unrelenting opposition, Mubarak’s assertion of his continued rule on Thursday, February 10th, seemed a kind of walled-off insanity. In response, another Egyptian participant suggested Mubarak must seek “communication skills 101, asap.” Mubarak’s words and demeanor seemed oddly humorous, but also ominous. I feared a crackdown and scrambled to First Lady Obama’s Facebook wall to write my anxiety away. There were many moments of intensity, crisis and humor among us throughout the days of the ordeal.

The NPR Brian Lehrer Show and It’s a Free Country called a meeting at its Manhattan Greene Space Friday morning, February 11th. Educators, journalists and activists seasoned in the dynamics of revolution met in shared support of the opposition.

Mubarak’s departure occurred during the live event: this was emotional news, especially for the Egyptians present. The dreams came rushing in: genuine democracy in Egypt; reform in the region; two state solution; withdrawal from oil dependency–the last days of terrorism burning into historical ash…!

But amidst the elation came sober warnings that the story of reform has only started, and its denouement will take months, even years, to unfold. Despite the military’s restraint during the crisis, its entrenched power over many decades remains a wild card in Egypt’s destiny. Has the Middle East reached a tipping point, entering a new democratic dynamism? Or, are the new players simply the old oppressors, in disguise temporarily?

See Multimedia Content below to hear an amazing NPR recording that articulates the passion of Egypt’s democratic quest, as well as the country’s obstacles ahead:

Multimedia Content NPR: Brian Lehrer Show The LA Times: Egypt’s Power Players

Check out this Action Opportunities link to the Egyptian Association for Change: a group operating in America to help support genuine democratic reform in Egypt.

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The year’s end brings reflection on the power of great creative work. This December, I spoke with Egyptian-American filmmaker Jehan Harney about her film “Dream of America,” which documents Iraqi men who fled to America after risking their lives in defiance of Saddam Hussein. The men’s story literally made Washington Post headlines earlier in 2010. The resulting publicity garnered welcome support for the film’s main subject, a father of four, whose fidelity to the U.S. led him into serious and continuing personal struggles.

In this Gateways To Action PODCAST, hear the award winning filmmaker’s perspective on moderate Islam, radical Islam, and her concern for the 50,000 Iraqi allies living among us, often below the radar to protect family members who remain overseas. Harney’s middle eastern background is brought to bear as she handles the subject of intercultural tension with sensitivity. She shares with us her motivation, hopes and creative process.

See Multimedia Content to listen to the interview:

Multimedia Content GATEWAYS ACTION PODCAST: Dream of America

Jehan’s other film projects: “Colors of the Veil,” “Beyond Faith,” “Mahmood’s Eye,” “Soul Mechanic,” “Emilie,” and “Sterile Dreams.” Visit Jehan’s Web site to read her bio and view trailers for these films:

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Loss and creative power seem to be inextricably connected. This month of October marks the 9th year of concerts performed globally in memory of Daniel Pearl, a journalist (and musician) who was brutally murdered by terrorists in Karachi, Pakistan, in early 2002.

As the story of Daniel’s life and death has spread to many corners of the world, the bravery demonstrated in face of terrorist actions has touched many hearts.

After the murder, which sent shock-waves through many countries, family and friends created a foundation to promote cross-cultural understanding through journalism, music and innovative communications. Daniel Pearl World Music Days was created by the slain journalist’s musician friends in 2002 to honor “Danny’s” message of tolerance and hope for a more enlightened humanity. The variety of music performed aroung the world reflects Daniel’s own eclectic love of music, ranging from classical and jazz to folk and bluegrass. The annual event has grown to include over 6,000 performances in 105 countries.

Journalist Mariane Pearl, widow of Daniel Pearl, documented the events surrounding Daniel’s death in her book, “A Mighty Heart,” which later became a film by the same title. Through her writing and speaking, Mariane points to the investigation period of the crisis in Pakistan, during which a wide swath of officials, men and women from many backgrounds (Jew, Buddhist, Hindu, Christian), worked together in solidarity to locate the perpetrators and try to save Daniel’s life. Mrs. Pearl has stated that this cross-cultural experience provided her with a ray of hope for a better world and a key to her own emotional survival through the loss of her husband.

Through the foundation’s activities, the unimaginable loss endured by Daniel’s family and friends has been channeled creatively into messages of tolerance and love: the truest weapons against hatred.

Follow this link to see a timeline of events surrounding Daniel Pearl’s Life.

In Multimedia Content below, see a VIDEO (below) of Mariane Pearl speaking about her mission in journalism: *NOTE: Click the YouTube icon to access all five segments of the video.* See also a VIDEO of a memorial lecture by Christopher Hitchens, tracing the pernicious history of anti-Semitism and our need to ensure its defeat for a more peaceful world:

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The high octane debate over Park 51, the proposed Islamic community center of lower Manhattan, rages on. The Americans I know have only compassion in their hearts for the devastating losses of September 11. In fact, one Muslim-American friend of mine, born in Cairo, was especially grief-stricken on that day, due to her love of America and the provence of those terrorist acts. I recall her voice on the phone soon after the twin towers fell, disconsolate and tearful. Neither of us experienced direct familial losses. But like all decent Americans, we were bonded in shock and empathy. My friend was in equal, if not more, distress.

This is the same woman, a filmmaker, whose work has since been exploring East-West connections for further understanding between cultures. This is the woman who Sean Hannity of Fox News likes to invite onto his programs only to stack the deck against her, throw names, and barely allow her to form a sentence. “You are a Jihadi!,” they screech at her during such “discussions.”

The Imam of the proposed Islamic community center, Feisal Abdul Rauf, is a moderate who has worked in Manhattan for over 25 years. He is known for his dedication to interfaith work: the kind of work that heals. I had blogged about Imam Rauf last year. It’s sad to learn that he and his family are facing such opposition.

Detractors of the center argue that the degree of our religious freedom should be limited by the degree of Saudi Arabia’s religious suppression. What? According to this logic, I would be allowed to keep stolen money if offered some, because Bernie Madoff hasn’t sufficiently seen the light! Detractors also say the Imam should build a YMCA instead. Because as planned, they say, the terrorists will claim a victory. What? Since when would the terrorist propaganda mill refrain from spinning either outcome to favor its agenda?!

Do supporters of the Islamic center regard 9-11 with any less solemnity than they do earlier crimes of history perpetrated by aberrant religious forms: like the crusades, for example? I think not.

Speaking of history, I suggest we follow its lessons by putting tolerance in the lead. In the VIDEO below, Keith Olbermann takes us right to the core of the discussion. September 11 was an exceptional crime. But it yields no excuse. For anyone wavering “just this once” toward denial of religious expression in America, Olbermann’s commentary will cause you to think twice. America’s founding principles scaled new heights of freedom unparalleled in the world: for reasons as vital today as they were then. Those towers must stand. Watch the VIDEOS in Multimedia Content below for important historical perspectives, and some comic relief with the Daily Show, too!:

Multimedia Content VIDEO: Keith Olbermann commentary VIDEO: The Daily Show

Check out this Action Opportunities link to the American Society for Muslim Advancement, an organization on the front lines of religious pluralism and interfaith action, founded in 1997 by Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf:

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The public is wary of the financial industry’s political power in Washington. But is it wary enough? The Baseline Scenario is an engaging blog that breaks down the complexities of the financial disaster for math-challenged readers like me. Begun in 2008, the blog is now being regularly cited by a plethora of major magazines and newspapers. The co-authors’ new book, “13 Bankers, The Wall Street Takeover and the Next Financial Meltdown,” is one we should all be reading.

Multimedia Content VIDEO: Bill Moyers Interview VIDEO: Bill Maher Roundtable

Simon Johnson and James Kwak of The Baseline Scenario are leading the charge for financial reform. Their book expresses our public outrage. The disease of Wall Street fraud, spreading hardship and pain worldwide, has so far earned little more than a slap on the wrist. Could it be that the banks are even more powerful than before the disaster hit?! This replay of the early 1930s ain’t over yet. Public figures like Nobel Laureates Paul Krugman and Joseph Stiglitz are calling on government to break up and regulate the big banks, but the undertow is formidable. See Multimedia Content for VIDEOS: Bill Moyer’s eye-opening interview with the authors, and an entertaining Bill Maher roundtable with guests Simon Johnson of Baseline Scenario, Laura Flanders of Grit T.V. and David Remnick of the New York Times.

The book:

Visit this link, and let your voice be heard:

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Shiza Shahid, a 20-year-old Stanford student, took Taliban denial of girls’ education into her own hands last year after the violent insurgents shut down all girls schools in the Swat Valley, Pakistan, only 100 miles away from where she grew up. Shahid’s anger drove her to mobilize assistance to 26 girls, who joined her last summer in Islamabad for workshops and emotional relief. Waves of violence in the Swat Valley had left schools burned, family members abducted and in some cases, murdered. The project, Shajar-e-llm, or Tree of Knowledge, was kept quiet in order to protect the girls from further threat.

Multimedia Content VIDEO: Tree of Life Program VIDEO: A Schoolgirl’s Odessey in Swat

As the din of controversy continues to rage on the question of U.S. troops in Afghanistan and drone operations in the border with Pakistan, we often miss the realities of what families there on the ground actually contend with. See Multimedia Content here for “A Schoolgirl’s Oddessey,” the New York Times VIDEO featuring a young girl torn from her school in Swat, and forced to journey away from all that she loves.

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President Obama is edging closer to a decision on whether to reinforce the 68,000 U.S. troops who will be fighting in Afghanistan by year’s end. Since routing out Al Qaeda and their Taliban hosts in Afghanistan after 9-11, the Taliban has made a steady comeback, fueled by failures of the Bush administration, profits from the opium trade and corruption under the country’s president, Hamid Karzai. Amid accusations of fraud during the August 20th presidential election and a deteriorating internal security situation, the country seems poised on foundations so tenuous that our leaders are in conflict about what to do.

Multimedia Content Artist SLIDESHOW: Recent Tour in Afghanistan Artist SLIDESHOW: Medics on the Front Line

General Stanley McChrystal is calling for 30,000 or more additional US troops. While Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates, Admiral Mike Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham are in support of the proposal, President Obama seems unconvinced that sending more troops is warrented, and a credible future exit strategy appears elusive at best, given the circumstances.

Author Gordon Goldstein talks with the German news source, Spiegel Online, about the lessons of Viet Nam, in which he sees historical parallels to the current Afghanistan predicament. President Obama asked his security advisors to read Goldstein’s book, “Lessons in Disaster: McGeorge Bundy and the Path to War in Vietnam,” which traces the events that mired the U.S. in a tragic situation. See the INTERVIEW here.

The BBC is posting some remarkable images by artists who have documented the scene in Afghanistan (and elsewhere.) Check out Multimedia Content below to see a few samples in this poignant Slideshow series.

For artists and others:
The BBC features some wonderful interactive programming online. Weigh in on Afghanistan or other cutting edge topics by submitting your work:

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Not a day passes without world news that demonstrates the need for powerful words, like those of Hindu leader Mahatma Gandhi of India: “An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.” The Charter for Compassion (and Ted Talks) recently assembled a diverse group of contemporary leaders to convey a core message of peace between all major faiths. Imam Faisal Abdul Rauf of New York City has been working to guide the Christian and Muslim worlds toward their shared humanity and moral values. See the VIDEO below, where the Imam imparts teachings and stories from the Qur’an, Rumi, Muhammad and Jesus to illustrate the common call for unity from each of the major traditions. He suggests that the doors opening beyond ego are accessible to all.

More VIDEOS:

Multimedia Content Robert Wright VIDEO on scientific aspects of compassion See the Charter for Compassion Project

Bio: (Charter for Compassion):
In 2003, Imam Feisel Abdul Rauf founded the Cordoba Initiative, a non-partisan and international organization that works to provide innovative solutions to conflict between Muslim and Western communities. In 1997, he started the American Society for Muslim Advancement (ASMA), a group that brings American Muslims and non-Muslims together through programs in policy, current affairs and culture. Imam Rauf regularly attends the Council on Foreign Relations and the World Economic Forum (both Davos and Dead Sea) and has written three books: Islam: A Search for Meaning; Islam: A Sacred Law; and What’s Right With Islam: A New Vision for Muslims and the West. He continues to balance his mission of creating peace with his regular duties as Imam of Masjid al-Farah, a mosque twelve blocks from Ground Zero in New York City, that he has led for 25 years.

If universal compassion seems like a castle in the sky, author and specialist in evolutionary biology, Robert Wright, takes a glance at compassion through the lens of science. His is a fascinating, earthbound perspective that supports the notion that we are hard-wired for reciprocal altruism. See Multimedia Content to watch the VIDEO.

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