I am a poet, digital artist, editor of The BeZine (TheBeZine.com), co-publisher of Is a Rose Press (with gary lundy—IsARosePress.com), and educator. I am retired from the English Department at David Yellin Academic College of Education, Jerusalem, Israel. Finishing Line Press (FinishingLinePress.com) published my most recent poetry collection, Nothing Remembers (2019).
…Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient Causes; and accordingly all Experience hath shewn, that [Humankind] are more disposed to suffer, while Evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the Forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long Train of Abuses and Usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object, evinces a Design to reduce [the People] under absolute Despotism, it is their Right, it is their Duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future Security.…
2025 WHEN in the Course of Human Events, it becomes necessary for the People to dissolve the Political Government which has connected them as a People, and to Create a New Government in Opposition to the despotism, racism, fascism, and hate of the Old government, then People must raise their voices, sharpen all available non-violent tools, and Resist the old Government in all possible ways. It may and probably is the case that the People will need to create a new global movement dedicated to Establishing these self-evident Truths, that all People are created equal, with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.
As the world seems to be on the cusp of such a moment, with many governments failing their citizens through autocracy, with the former “leader of the free world,” The United States chief among these, The BeZine may need to rise up and promote a clarion call of non-violent literature and art to resist and establish new possibilities globally, to support the People whose Rights are trampled by the few oligarchs, autocrats, military chiefs, and dictators.
If you are interested in working on a revival of The BeZine, to bring it back— as editors, managers, public relations, and web-publishers, please email: editor@TheBeZiine.com. iIntroduce yourself, explain what you would like to do to help, and describe what your experience is (note: we use WordPress to publish).
Jamie Dedes, z”l. May her memory be for a blessing.
We received the note below November 8, 2020. We lost our beloved founding editor and editor-in-chief emerita on 06 November of this year. We all will miss her. She was a loving, caring, and creative person who gave everything to her art, to others, and to the causes of peace, social justice, and sustainability. Most of all, she loved her family and they loved her, caring for her gently to the very end.
— Michael Dickel, editor
Hello, everybody. I’m Richard, Jamie’s son. As you may know, Jamie entered hospice care on July 7. She wanted to be home for her remaining days. I honored this request and stayed with her and cared for her during this time. Though end of life is painful, she went through this period with characteristic resilience, thoughtfulness, and generosity. My being able to stay with her was just the latest gift in a lifetime of gifts she gave me. She passed at 10:00 PM Pacific last night (11/6). By grace, my wife Karen and I were at her side, holding her hands as she passed. Be comforted that it was an easy passing. I am only just starting to monitor her Facebook and email. Please be patient as I work through things. You will be hearing from me. Meanwhile, thank you again. She loved the Zine and the team. I have heard many great stories about you all and read many of your works. I like forward to connecting more soon. With love and gratitude to you all, Richard.
The BeZine 