New Hope woman cries ‘no hate’ with new pin

By: Sue Kramer
   Something happened Sept. 11, something that went beyond a militant group’s terrorist attacks on Washington, D.C., and New York City.
   That day, people found themselves enigmatically drawn together as a country, unified in grief, anger and horror as they witnessed the very symbols of the country’s values and freedom explode into flames and eventually crumble under the weight of fleeting oppression.
   Even as people cry out for justice, a voice in New Hope has cried, "no hate." It’s a message that is popping up across the region as more and more people join the campaign, sending a message that stands in the face of terrorism; a message that says, "I will not hate someone because of their race, religion or ethnicity."
   LisaBeth Weber is the voice behind the "no hate" campaign. An artist and musician, Ms. Weber, who has run her business, "Women From Mars," out of her home since 1989, adds social responsibility to her original line of whimsical and fun jewelry, T-shirt designs, magnets and music. In the past, she has created pins to raise money for AIDS, breast cancer and more.
   "I started making pins about 12 years ago," she said, "when I attended a huge rally in Washington, D.C. After the rally, I wanted to wear a pin to keep the momentum going and wasn’t able to locate any so I simply made one. That’s how it began."
   On Sept. 11, she created another pin — a pin that not only conveys a message of faith, remembrance and tolerance, but also raises funds for the Red Cross.
   "The theme of ‘no hate’ was the very first thought I had when it came to creating this pin," Ms. Weber said. "Hate is not the answer. I don’t know what the answer is, but it isn’t hate. If we respond with hatred, we’ll continue in an impossible circle and never arrive at peace. Hate will not make the situation any better, but it will surely make it worse."
   But with the other words on the pin, "I wanted to convey honor and respect to all those who were lost and all those who remain," Ms. Weber said.
   The 2-inch square pins have a central theme of "no hate," surrounded by the words, "Remember the victims. Keep the faith. September 11, 2001."
   Ms. Weber’s handmade and individually signed pins are quickly finding their way around the country.
   Musician Tao Rodriguez-Seeger wears his as a reminder "for all of us left to pick up the pieces and carry on in the face of hateful retaliation."
   Mr. Rodriguez-Seeger is the grandson of legendary musician Pete Seeger and a member of the musical group, The Mammals. Fellow group member Ruth Unger views the "no hate" message in another light.
   "Hate is, by definition, quite destructive," she said. "We’re stronger if we bring positive, collaborative energy to the table."
   Ms. Weber’s boyfriend, Michael Lawless, a New Hope woodworker and another member of The Mammals, said, "Nobody can think clearly when they think through hate."
   Supporting the rescue efforts by donating the proceeds of the pin sales to the Red Cross is the other facet of Ms. Weber’s pin. Her grandfather, who was a major influence in her life, was a Red Cross volunteer for 60 years. And when Hurricane Andrew hit in 1992, her grandparents were living in Homestead, Fla., in the direct path of the storm and what would become ground zero.
   Ms. Weber rallied then and created a pin that reflected the idea of rebuilding the ravaged communities from the ruins of the storm. She also donated the proceeds of those pin sales to the Red Cross as she is doing now.
   "The shock is unequaled," Ms. Weber said of Sept. 11. "The emotions go beyond recognition. The denial comes and goes. The reality is all too tangible, and the magnitude of what’s happened seems infinite. My heart goes out to all of you and as well as to the amazing efforts by all those taking part in the search and rescue efforts."
   The pins cost $10 and can be purchased by sending a check or money order to Ms. Weber at P.O. Box 308, New Hope, 18938. The cost should include a $2 handling fee and 6 percent sales tax for Pennsylvania residents. The shipping and handling charge for five or more pins is $5.
   The pins also are available at the Mercantile Coffee House in Lambertville, Farley’s Book Shop in New Hope, the Lumberville Store and Riverbank Arts in Stockton.
   Ms. Weber can be reached by e-mail at [email protected].