What is it, to be Rainbow?
I'm not anywhere near an 'elder', but I have gone to gatherings since 1985.
And many, many times I have heard someone say to someone else, "You're not
Rainbow!" But I've never agreed with that statement, because it was used so
flippantly. People will say someone is not rainbow because they have a
different opinion, have an objectionable job, shit differently, have
different attitudes about cleanliness, etc.
Well, in my experience, there is only one common denominator, and that is
non-violence. Those folks begging for dope, traders on the main trail,
partiers blowing their horns at night, folks spreading the word about
donating organs-- they may all piss someone off, but they're all 100%
Rainbow and I'll be happy to hold their hand in the circle. We gather to
pray for peace.
Some folks say the Krishnas or Christians or this group or that group
shouldn't be allowed at gatherings. Me, I welcome all non-violent groups.
There is only one color that is unwelcome in my home, and that is the color
of violence.
We all need healing, and maybe the people who believe that violence is a
strength and not a sickness need it most of all. However, just one person
with that kind of spirit can quickly and easily shatter and shred the spirit
of peace at the gathering that so many hundreds have worked so hard to
build. And thousands more who come to heal and be healed will leave more
scarred than when they came. There is not one of us whose life has not been
touched by violence. Can anyone honestly say that violence did more good
than harm? I have seen a person at a gathering physically attack another,
but it was in the heat of the moment and they regretted it afterwards,
apologized, promised to try harder to refrain from such things. I would be
watchful of that person, but I would still welcome them into a gathering and
feed them if I had food. But as for people who believe that violence is OK,
I do not welcome them to a gathering.