Somehow, I manage to hold the breathtaking enormity at the fringe of my awareness as I move through the details of my life. But threaten to take my children, and the mother tigress is unleashed. And if not my children, then some other mother's, in this country and in Iraq and Afghanistan and wherever else the Bush Doctrine leads us. 'We women of one country,' Julia Ward Howe said, 'Will be too tender to those of another country / To allow our sons to be trained to injure theirs.'

Horrified as I am at the prospect of the draft, this issue may be the tinder that ignites the next American Revolution. A revolution that calls forth all that is best and highest in our national character. A revolution that declares Code Pink (codepinkalert.org) for love and compassion, instead of codes red and orange for fear, greed, and manipulation. A revolution born out of the radical belief that love is stronger than fear. A revolution we can dance and sing to.

This mother tigress is waking up. And I am not alone.

Just a Reminder

Thousands of Americans, of all political stripes, are gathering across the country to talk about the state of our democracy. To find a conversation near you, go to www.letstalkamerica.org

Nina Utne's Speaking Schedule

Saturday, July 17th, 6:30 pm
Mama Gathering Conference
Minneapolis Convention Center
Minneapolis, Minnesota
www.mamagathering.org to register

<>Saturday, July 24th, 7:30 pm
Let's Talk America Discussion
Space Gallery
Sponsored by Casco Bay Books
Portland, Maine
www.letstalkamerica.org to register
www.cascobaybooks.com for more information

Saturday, September 11th, 6:30 pm
Women's Adventure Retreat
September 9-12
Livingston, Montana
www.northrock.org for information and to register