Our purpose as the Greater Binghamton Labor-Religion Coalition is to create the conditions in which all who labor are blessed with dignity and respect as well as just compensation . For those without employment we seek opportunity and access to life’s essentials — and the prospect of worthwhile work appropriate to each one’s preparation and abilities. For all of us, working and retired, we seek participation in an inclusive, well-functioning and humane community, with opportunities for replenishment and renewal. We seek for everyone a “living wage” adequate to meeting the needs of families. At this site we welcome thoughtful opinions, news and information, that can help our community achieve these goals.
At an evening program on Wednesday, June 11, 2014, in Binghamton, Citizen Action granted Phoenix Awards to Fred R. Brooks, Jr., Marie McKenna, and Majeedah Razzaq. After each person received an award, the awardee was invited to offer a brief statement. Below are the comments offered that evening by Fred Brooks, co-chair of the Greater Binghamton Labor-Religion Coalition.
Comments by Fred R. Brooks, Jr. upon receiving the Phoenix Award
June 11, 2014
Good evening!
I am pleased to be with you! When Amy Fleming called me earlier this year to speak about the Phoenix Award, I thought that she might be joking, or that she was mistaken. I still wonder, of course, but at this moment I hope not.
Many people stand in the liberal, progressive traditions of humanity. I am pleased to be one of them. There could be any number of people, other than I, who could be honored with a Phoenix Award this evening. I thank the committee for its positive thoughts about me.
Beyond an annual public gathering in support of progressive causes, and the renewal of financial commitments to a vital organization, I am never certain of the full meaning and purpose of an event such as this. Of one thing I am quite certain, however, all of us here, I believe, are among friends.
In this world of twisted ideas and distorted values, we need all the friends we can assemble. At times, we need to be in one another’s presence, to see one another, and to understand one another’s concerns. And we need to offer our presence to those who cannot be here, or who would not feel comfortable among us. In large part, I believe this is what we are affirming and celebrating this evening.
Simply put, for one another, for those who need our support across the city and county, throughout the state and nation, and around the world, we need, over and over again, to show up, to stand up, and to speak out on issues that matter for the Common Good.
As I have often said, I am always pleased to be in the presence of people who are committed to supporting the highest ideals of democracy and to enriching the God-given dignity of each human being.
In our Christian tradition, we employ vivid images and symbols to convey vitality and power. Day by day, we acknowledge that we live by God’s grace and survive because of human love.
When I observe the world and its people today, torn apart by destructive values and nutty ideas, I am reminded of the powerful image of Jesus of Nazareth overlooking the city of Jerusalem in his final days centuries ago. It is recorded that, as he looked upon the city, Jesus wept. He wept not for himself, fearing what he was soon to endure. Jesus wept for the people in that place and time, people who were experiencing the menacing values and brutal behavior of the Roman Empire. Jesus wept for a people who did not understand the way to peace and wholeness.
His words may have insight for us today. You may recall what he said: If you, even you, had only recognized on this day the things that make for peace! (The Gospel According to Luke 19:42)
I recall a story about a boy who visited the United States Senate with his father. As they talked, he asked his father: “What does the Chaplain of Congress do?” His father responded: “He stands up, looks at the Congress, and then prays for the country.”
Is it any wonder? Even more today than ever!
Could it be that, today, members of the United States Congress, the people of our nation, and even we need the prayers of one another as we search for peace and justice in our time?
What is going on in this ‘great‘ and wealthy nation?
… there have been 74 incidents of gun violence in schools since the Newtown, Connecticut massacre!
… there continues to be a high level of food insecurity in our wealthy nation that in 2012 affected 15.9 million children across the country, including 927,150 children in New York State, and 9,060 children in our Broome County!
… with increasing levels of gun violence and human mental health needs, related in part to ten and more years of war, our governmental leaders, even our local officials, move to reduce our public mental health services to citizens in great need!
… our jail and prison populations continue to soar as these institutions house increased numbers of the mentally ill!
… with our eyes on momentary profits, motivated and blinded by greed, many are ready to trade our clean air and clear water for a few dollars!
… our nation continues to fund our military forces and weapons development at high levels while at the same time our schools scramble for funds to educate our young!
Where are our elected officials? Where are our political leaders?
H.G. Wells, noted novelist and popular historian of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, reminded us:
Human history becomes more and more a race between education and catastrophe.
I continue to have grave concerns about the outcome of this race. We are in the midst of a major struggle between human beings and the vast, brutal powers of the wealthy elite and of massive corporations. On one side, a government of, by, and for the people. On the other side, a government of, by, and for corporations and the wealthy few.
Do the words of the late Justice Louis Brandeis unsettle you as much as they do me? He wrote:
We can have a democracy, or we can have great wealth concentrated in the hands of the few. We cannot have both.
Tonight, I believe that I am among people who will not give up hope for the positive outcome of this important historical race. This hope may be one of the vital testimonies of this evening’s event.
Each of us holds a key in this crucial race to insure a successful outcome in the effort to enrich our democracy and to enhance civilization itself.
May our sisters and brothers in this area, around the state, and across the nation be awakened once again to take seriously the forces which confront us!
With deep appreciation and a grateful heart, I thank the Phoenix Award Committee, Citizen Action, and each of you for this celebratory evening.
May all of us continue to have the grace, strength, and courage to live in these demanding times!
Fred R. Brooks, Jr.