Activist Ann Wright speaks at the Baker Institute.
Imagine shouting yourself hoarse at the President of the United States for committing “unjust acts.” Imagine getting arrested for stating your beliefs at Congressional meetings. Imagine convincing hundreds of people to support your acts of civil disobedience. Imagine doing all of this … while fasting. These passionate appeals for justice were all undertaken by Colonel Ann Wright, an influential political activist who visited Rice University recently. I used to think I was so strong for fasting during the 30 days during Ramadan, but I certainly didn’t accomplish such ambitious, world-changing tasks while doing so. What would inspire anyone to do this?
The Baker Institute Student Forum recently hosted Colonel Ann Wright at an event. Colonel Wright had most recently organized the passage of the Gaza Flotilla. Colonel Wright was a dedicated State Department diplomat and former Army officer who resigned following the U.S. invasion of Iraq, putting an end to her years of government service to champion her own principles.
At Rice, Colonel Wright discussed her opposition to the violence used by the Israeli Navy to seize the six ships of the Gaza Freedom Flotilla on May 31. She gave an explicit, first-hand account of her experience on board ‘The Challenger,’ a ship which was filled with journalists who attempted to document Israeli soldiers’ raids on the flotilla.
Passengers were attacked by Israeli soldiers who occupied the ship. She strove to give the audience an alternative view of the Israel-Palestine issue. In addition, Wright discussed some of her experiences protesting the U.S. government’s actions in Iraq, including protesting outside of Guantanamo Bay Naval Base.
Whether you agree with her positions or not, you cannot deny the impressive passion this woman has for her causes. Given that she’s worked in our federal government for 35 years, she knows the ins and outs of the system. She gave the diverse audience of more than 50 people important, valuable lessons about how ordinary civilians can facilitate positive change in the world. She emphasized over and over again how many rights we Americans possess but rarely use. You don’t have to just shake your head and accept policies with which you don’t agree. In our democratic country, you can contact your congressman or congresswoman, capture media attention and engage in non-violent protests to spread your message.
Prominent, local activists flocked to the event and gave students the invaluable opportunity to hear about their work. Houston’s Peace and Justice Committee whistled and cheered incessantly during Wright’s speech. Representatives from KPFT (Radio for Peace) News also made appearances. Students got the chance to network with these activists, and learn how they, too, could help create a peaceful, non-violent world. Perhaps most interestingly, students learned more about some of the potential outlets for change. Working inside government is not always the only solution. Sometimes, only by leaving government is it possible to change the way it works. As Wright said herself, the world is not a perfect place, and the American people must use their democratic rights to change that.
Shamsa Mangalj, a Rice University junior majoring in sociology, is a member of the Baker Institute Student Forum.