2023 - On Haitus - Cheers to another year.

 On haitus & moving forward on writing projects.

Happy New Year!

The Case of Julian Assange - Chilling Effect on Journalism JK Cosmos

 

Thinking about the journey of WikiLeaks Founder Julian Assange and the case against him, should lead to some thought about Journalists, Freedom of Speech and Protections of Free Speech.  The International Federation of Journalists, promulgates the following: “Promotes international action to defend press freedom and social justice through strong, free and independent trade unions of journalists.” 

What does this mean in terms of the Assange case?  There are numerous, reliable news outlets in support of Assange and in support of his release without further criminal prosecution. Whether or not someone is in favor or opposed to Assange’s position in the Criminal Justice System; this issue is only one component of the ongoing saga of one Journalist, in his attempt to uncover, enlighten and bring to bear corruption and wrong doing; through WikiLeaks publications.

We can think about and analyze his actions, the matter of confidentiality and the issues surrounding government documents with the public’s right to know.  The matter at hand, primarily, is the impact and chilling effect on journalism with this case – an individual vs one of the most powerful governments in the world.  Chilling effect doesn’t quite encompass the seriousness and immediacy of this singular case.

The why of it is how Freedom of Speech is defined, how is it practically and reasonably ‘managed’?  Who draws the line of acceptable and publishable or not acceptable and censured?  How can we, as a society, give over power to a few elitist ‘managers’ what is true? Can we?  How does this case impact the very real process of revealing the truth, most especially in the area of social justice? Who pulls the strings to authorize what?

All of this may remind us of the courageous Muckrakers of the past. The journalists, the writers, digging in, discovering, thinking critically and reporting the truth of the matter.

In solidarity with truth telling and those brave enough to write it – to report it and not to be afraid.

 

Ukraine & Russia - Global Crisis

 Russia & Ukraine - & Resources - Global Crisis

What could have - should have been diplomatic negotiations & discussions, presently is war.  How did we get to this crisis & how did failure to talk, failure to see each other - result in bombing of people; death and destruction?

The Russian people will suffer economic disaster and plummeting of their infrastructure. Ukrainian people are suffering devastation of their homes, neighborhoods and scattering of everyone to find safety.

What is it that people really want?  Average people want their families to flourish, education, homes and a secure life, including basic needs- clean water, food, housing and basics such as health care and retirement. It isn't a lot, is it?  I am flummoxed that leaders continue to fail to effectively lead and provide these needs to the people. How can we be in 2022 and still...yes, still be at war, violent and so very set in one opinion or another - excluding others and causing great sorrow.

Such tragedies - could be - should be - non-existent these days. And yet, we continue to fight, to destroy and to maneuver to the detriment of people.

I am saddened. I see social media comments and it doesn't help to be critical of this group or that- it is all very toxic, cruel and unnecessary.

Prayers- doing good deeds. How can a person contribute to the good, to peace?

And now, these days - crying more than not -for all this sad and senseless confilct.

Mission Accomplished - jk cosmos (excerpt- upcoming novel)

 

Mission Accomplished

 

Sitting in the back row of class, knitting to stay awake, she couldn't quite believe the long days and nights. Law School and the dense readings, monotone lecturers, droning on about the law and their heydays. Night school.  Why?  Because, tuition is only one part of the equation, there’s living...yup, rent and food and getting around. Filling the gas tank and keeping up insurance & car payments. So, why law?  Why not! 

            That’s the thread of the life of a girl, in the back row, knitting and listening and thinking that she will actually effectuate positive change.  It’s the glue for the belief, however, pollyanna, that she will make a difference.  The ticket is the law degree and passing the Bar.  Ahhh, passing the bar.  What can that do in the long run?  It’s too early to think too hard on that piece.

            She had a date with a Greek guy, that her father had fixed her up with. Again, that ethnic bit despite living in Cambridge, away from her folks.  She agreed, to please her dad, thinking as she put away her knitting and books in the various bags that perhaps she’d been too agreeable. She was a bit tired, crammed in with over fifty students in a hot room, above a retail space on Newbury Street, which was the good news, being in the city and not isolated in some suburban campus.

Memoir- Teaching - Taught - & Thinking about...in these harsh days of Global Pandemic!

 

Memoir Writing – Jeanne K. Cosmos, JD, MFA

What is Memoir?

How is Memoir different than Autobiography?

Where does one start?  At the beginning?  Somewhere that is a transformational moment?

Prompts and support in writing from memory to create an engaging narrative is an ongoing process.

 

Series One Writers’ Workshops

“Memoir – Writing with a Perspective that is Introspective & Engaging”

 

Memoir Workshops are designed for the development of a narrative of self that is meaningful and introspective.  The work also focusses on engagement with audience.

This work is practical, concrete, and definitively transformative.

Workshops are writing and reading intensive. Creating language and narrative with words that communicate in tone and purpose is a major component of the series.

All of this can be engaged at personal levels of development and commitment.

The workshop is individualized from beginners to expert writers; allowing for variance of experience among participants. It is your passion for and commitment to writing that is important

Experimental, collaborative, and collage writing will be explored and encouraged. So, bring it.

The peer editing piece is crucial to the process of writing, as is the writing prompts during the group meetings.

Instructor: Jeanne K. Cosmos

Juris Doctor, Masters in Fine Arts-Creative Writing

Course Dates/Time

 

 

Writing Prompt - & this is what I got...Time restricted...

 

February 24, 2005

Three Characters from your past – come to you & say they want you to write about them.  Who are they & why do they want you to write about them?

-In the 3^rd grade, the class of Mary Lyons Elementary School was tested for a new accelerated education Program, in the city of Boston.  Eddie Madden was in my class.  He had blond curly hair, blue eyes and a very engaging smile.  Everyone liked him.

He was one of the students chosen for the 25 selected to learn @ the accelerated pace.  He participated & kept up with the class from 4^th to 6^th grade.  The class went on through 8^th grade; but Eddie dropped out at 6^th.  He was a gentle, kind boy.  He asked m to write about him – his kindness and potential – his friendly & open demeanor – because I knew him, then.  I knew the boy.

Eddie asked me to write about him – as he sits in MCI-Walpole – now known as MCI Cedar Junction. He sits there- for the rest of his productive life & will remain incarcerated – with little hope of accomplishing the potential of the boy.  Eddie asked me to write about him; as a remembrance of lost innocence, of positive energy and of the people that had hopes for his success & for his happiness.

 

My maternal grandmother asked me to write about her – as she believed in a community; where both men and women could succeed & surpass the generation before them.  She wants me to write about her to honor her support of her son and daughters, grandchildren and great-grand-children, having none herself.

She encourages her children, to read, to excel at school and to do their best.

 

 

The Sixties at UMB

University of Boston was at end of this street before moving to Columbia Point. We’d study, discuss big ideas, write papers & get high in the library on Arlington street. City colleges include vibe of the city. It was dynamic it was marvelous. It was the sixties!

Between classes we’d lie on the grass at Boston Gardens-just up the street & think about the universe & our lives -making things better. It was 1968-so demonstrations on Boston Common were often & energizing. As a reporter for MassMedia news, I had an upfront view. Together w my photographer, we’d be on the frontline of everything. Just everything. Heady stuff. Optimism. Idealism. Hope.

I’m still looking for Jack Daly -lost him somehow on campus; he was a sweet disenchanted Vietnam Vet -home & causing a ruckus in his laid back way. I’ve always rooted for the underdog-then & now!  Namaste!

Memory - written on my IPhone - in traffic abutting the South End - my youth & crazy days!