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Tara Simms
Senior Member
since 1999-08-12
Posts 1244
Honea Path, SC USA

0 posted 2000-02-29 10:57 PM



This is a crazy idea rattling around in my head.  In light of the recent school shooting, many of us are wondering how much worse it will get before it gets better.  What can we do to end the violence?  To protect our children?

I've always believed that power lies within each of us.  We all have the ability to make a positive change in this world.  Imagine how powerful our voices would be if we joined together?

Here's what I'm thinking: What if poets the world over (from here in Passions and everywhere else we can find them) banded together to raise money to lobby for stricter gun laws?  Or to donate to an existing organization who does that?  If we could find a publisher who would be willing to donate the expense of publishing an anthology (or if we all pitched in to self publish), we could donate all proceeds to a worthy cause, one we all support: saving our children. An anthology with poems that speak out against the tragedies that are occurring all too frequently. The victims and the perpetrators keep getting younger and younger.

Today alone, many poems have been posted about the shooting in Michigan.  Ruth has posted a poem previously (14 children, which she reposted today) about the same topic.  I'm sure many poets have works that cover this topic.

I know many of our poets are also members of other poetry communities.  If we spread the word, imagine how many poets could be involved in this.  To help cover costs of publication, contributing poets could pay a fee.

I have no idea how to go about doing this.  All I have is the idea that something NEEDS to be done.  And a half baked idea on how to do it.  The actual details are mysteries to me.  

Does this sound like something we (Passions poets, poets in general, etc) could do?  Does anyone know how to get started?  

© Copyright 2000 Tara Simms - All Rights Reserved
Isis
Member Ascendant
since 1999-09-06
Posts 6296
Sunny Queensland
1 posted 2000-02-29 11:53 PM


Tara good idea glad to see someone is trying to do something about this!!
In Australia (where I live) we had a gun lobby.  WHich basically means no guns unless you are a professional shooter for a living, sport, or are a farmer or bushman etc.
A lot of people went spastic for quite a while having to hand in their guns etc.  But for now it seems to have done the trick.
Of course none of us are niave enough to think it will stop gun crimes, criminals will always get guns.  But it makes it a lot harder for everyday Joes and more importantly children to get their hands on them.
I don't know about raising money, it wasn't needed here.  People pertitioned the government and the changes were made.
If you want to talk more about this email me anytime.
Isis

 May the world hug you today,
With it's warmth and love.
I pray it whispers a joyful tune in your heart,
That tell you there is a friend sitting in another corner of the world,
Wishing you well and
wishing you love......
~Isis~
(Goddess - Sovereign of the Spirit)



hoot_owl_rn
Member Patricius
since 1999-07-05
Posts 10750
Glen Hope, PA USA
2 posted 2000-03-01 11:07 AM


I for one have at least three poems on the subject Tara...now to find a publisher willing to do it...good luck  
Tara Simms
Senior Member
since 1999-08-12
Posts 1244
Honea Path, SC USA
3 posted 2000-03-01 11:12 AM


What is a chapbook?  I've heard the phrase used quite a bit but I have no idea what it is.  How is it different from a regular book?  Is it cheaper to publish?  Easier?  Does anyone know how much it costs to publish an anthology?
blueyz75
Member
since 1999-12-28
Posts 138
IL
4 posted 2000-03-01 06:05 PM


I would be in for one...especially as a future teacher.  I not only want my kids to feel safe in the classroom I want to feel safe!

Kelly


 I love the male body, it's better designed than the male mind.---Andrea Newman


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