Extraordinary

extraordinary:
1 Beyond what is ordinary or usual: extraordinary authority.
2 Highly exceptional; remarkable: an extraordinary achievement.

courage:
1 The state or quality of mind or spirit that enables one to face danger, fear, or vicissitudes with self-possession, confidence, and resolution; bravery.
2 A quality of spirit that enables you to face danger of pain without showing fear

fear:
1 A feeling of agitation and anxiety caused by the presence or imminence of danger.
2 A state or condition marked by this feeling: living in fear.

As Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki addressed a joint session of Congress in Washington DC on Wednesday, Medea Benjamin disrupted him to loud jeers and interspersed cheers. Her message was simple, "Iraqis want the troops to leave, bring them home now!" Which is true according to pretty much all polls taken of the Iraqi people since this war started.

This is a message that is all but ignored in America. Considering the harsh and brutal events that have unfolded from the destruction of Fallujah, to Abu Ghraib, to rapes and murders, the question is why would the Iraqis put their trust in America for its protection?

What is striking to me about Medea's action is thinking about her own personal commitment to undertake this act of civil disobedience. This is not an easy thing to do. The effect though is strong and it resonates. The action forces us to confront our own inaction and intimidation in the face of a great difficulty or problem.

There is a freedom in this type of action. I think because it also shows us that there is a great courage in the world, a great heart.

sculpture by Gaston Lachaise