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One, Two, Three, What Are We Fighting For?
Some of us are old enough to remember the anti-war protest song by Country Joe & The Fish featuring that famous refrain, a song that helped to define America’s Woodstock moment for an entire generation.
All of us are old enough to remember the scandalous election frauds -– excuse me, "irregularities" -– that helped to define America’s 2000 and 2004 presidential elections for an entire generation, too.
And we swore we would never let that happen again. In fact, the still-burning issue of election reform is one of the key hot-button issues that caused what's now known as the Democracy Cell Project to rise phoenix-like from the smoldering ashes of the 2004 presidential election campaign.
Well, here’s our chance to put our money where our mouth is, our mouth where our heart is, and our heart into an all-out push to support one of the boldest, most far-ranging efforts to change the way that America votes ever to come out of the moldy marbled halls of Washington, D.C.
Election reform is a big-buzz topic in the Capitol this year, of course. Several bills have already been introduced in the House and the Senate offering at least some limited form of palliative change to our obviously-flawed national electoral process. And most of them are visibly, obviously lame.
Republican Senators Kit Bond and Mitch McConnell have introduced what they've ingenuously titled "The Voter Protection Act Of 2005" -- legislation that would require voters to provide their drivers' license number, the last four digits of their social security number, or a photo ID to vote at a polling place or to get an absentee ballot. The Bond/McConnell bill would also require election officials to reject incomplete voter registration forms, and allow each individual state to make its own decisions regarding the viability of provisional ballots and other "electoral anomalies".
A rather less odious bill, introduced by Republican Senator John Ensign of Nevada, would focus on the most critical weakness in the system by requiring that electronic voting machines produce voter-verifiable paper records of the votes cast. The paper records would take precedence when there were inconsistencies. This at least would address the critical issue of 2004’s infamous paperless e-voting miscounts.
Those Republican-sponsored bills have a good chance of passing into law courtesy of our current Republican-dominated House and Senate.
Another, more comprehensive paper-trail bill has been introduced in the House by Democratic House Representative Rush Holt of New Jersey. Holt’s bill goes a bit farther than Ensign’s by also requiring an audit of some paper records as a spot-check for the electronic totals.
Also in the House, Rep. John Conyers has extended the effort at achieving true electoral reform by introducing the Voting Opportunity and Technology Enhancement Rights Act of 2005 that would ensure that provisional ballots cast in the wrong district or polling place are counted, require early voting and Election Day Registration, ease requirements for voter identification and registration, and mandate open source software for electronic voting machines.
But none of these tentative attempts at tweaking the vote-counting process to address the well-known irregularities of the 2000 and 2004 campaigns can even come close to the sweeping call for electoral reform proposed this week by Democratic Senators Hillary Clinton, John Kerry, Barbara Boxer, and Frank Lautenberg (along with companion legislation introduced in the House by Representative Stephanie Tubb Jones).
Their "Count Every Vote Act of 2005" would amend the existing "Help America Vote Act" to produce a paper trail of every vote cast while providing equal opportunities for verified voting to people with disabilities and language minorities. As a New York Times editorial so aptly summarized it this week, this comprehensive Democratic Senate bill:
“...is now the gold standard for election reform. It would require not only paper records, but recounts in 2 percent of all polling places or precincts, and restrictions on political activity by voting machine manufacturers.
"The bill would also take on lines at the polls -- which stretched up to 10 hours this year -- by requiring standards for the minimum number of voting machines per precinct. It would limit the states' ability to throw out voter registration forms and provisional ballots on technicalities, and prevent them from using onerous identification requirements to turn away eligible voters. And it would strike a blow against vote suppression by outlawing the use of deception -- like fliers giving the wrong date for an election -- to keep people from voting.
"Some important big-picture reforms would also be made by that Democratic Senate bill. It would make Election Day a holiday, freeing up people to vote and serve as poll workers, and it would require states to allow early voting. It would bar chief election officials, including secretaries of state, from engaging in partisan politics. And it would require states to restore the vote to felons who have paid their debts to society; many of them are now barred from voting.
"Election reform should not be a partisan issue. No member of Congress should be satisfied with a system in which voters are forced to wait in line for hours or to vote on unreliable machines. Americans from across the political spectrum were moved to see Iraqi voters going to the polls last month. Congress should take that idealism and direct it toward making our own election system the best it can be."
The New York Times piece is dead on the money. You don't have to be a Democrat to know democracy when you see it. This Senate bill really is "the gold standard for election reform" –- and it’s one that all of us can put every effort into making sure becomes the law of the land.
You know how important it is for us to get election reform right. So write your Representatives, contact your Congressmen (and women), send mail to all the media, call in to every talk show, and talk to every voter you know –- make your voice heard for the kind of comprehensive approach that Senators Clinton, Kerry, Boxer, and Lautenberg have put together. The principles in their bill are the principles we have been fighting for, regardless of what bill the Congress finally votes on.
Now's the time for real election reform. So let’s all wear out our keyboards and wear out our telephones and wear out our shoe leather --- and let’s fight, fight, fight to make real election reform happen while the opportunity is right here in front of us.
After all, our common goal and our shared mission with the Democracy Cell Project still comes down to the same simple motto: "Saving America, one vote at a time."
Great post, Rick!
It's time to promote in our own country the kind of democracy we seem to be promoting in other countries.
Hello, hello---
I love a Monday morning thread with lots of meat on it!!! I'm into calling, writing, walking my way to improved, fair and transparent elections. with that in mind, and knowing how hard the process will be, I would also like to suggest that we begin serious voter registration now, instead of waiting until the few months leading up to the mid term elections. We can demonstrate the seriousness, and the commitment that is out there by signing up new voters now.
I have printed out the count Every vote Act of 2005 proposal, and I am going to make sure that my representatives, and ones who aren't mine too, understand that this is the vesrion of vote reform that I support. I am fashioning exactly what I want to say, and it goes something like this......
"If I find that you support any other version of vote reform other than the proposal submitted by Boxer, Clinton, and Tubbs-Jones, I will take that as a signal that you are satisfied at being derelict in your duty to all citizens of this country. The right to vote, to a voice, to a say in the direction we travel as a country belongs to all of us. You can come out in favor of ALL the people, or you can announce that my vote, and the vote of millions of others has no value. A vote is not a partisan issue. Let us speak with our votes. No one has the right to keep even one voter from casting a ballot. I urge you to support this legislation as it stands."
I'd like to add 'OR ELSE" but that won't get me anywhere.
Thanks for the action thread, Rick. My morning is off to a revved up start!!!
Bob,
You might enjoy reading this article by the Guardian about democracy. DiAnne mailed it to me yesterday:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,1280,-4828884,00.html
From last thread. We saw Kid Rock's speech at the Oscars as well. it was absolutely hilarious, but true. The Gap/Banana Republic war was terrific.
Before we watched a documentary upon the film industry and the actors, and part of it was dedicated to those who got deeply involved in the campaign... That was so good to watch.
For those who care about environment. Today, 2 more bills were added in our Constitution:
- One about the new European Constitution
- The second called "Charte de l'Environnement", definitely making protection environment a right.
FYI, if you need to find out who your own representatives are in the House and Senate -- or, for that matter, if you need to find out virtually anything else about who's who, what's what and which is which at the national, state, and local levels -- be sure to visit http://www.firstgov.com as your first stop on the information highway. It's an amazingly in-depth website that can tell you everything you ever wanted to now about your government, but didn't know where to ask. And even more amazing, it's your tax dollars at work that made it happen.
who'd'a thunk it,
Otter
Chris Rock, not Kid.. bad for me!
Soaring temperature froze my brains...
Andree
We confuse Chris Rock & Kid Rock too, anyway I do.
This is a good thread header today - I sent it out to a whole bunch of Democrats & hope to see some comment here. I'd like that.
I wonder if it would be good to start a section in the Forum where people post Voter Reform legislation happening or proposed in their states? Or a section just collecting all the legislation?
Don't Blame Wal-Mart
By ROBERT B. REICH
Published: February 28, 2005
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/28/opinion/28reich.html?
interesting OPED.
Well, I have contacted my two senators, and their offices are of course not commenting as they have not really had time to investigate the ramifications of such a bill (Specter) or to compare the validity of this one bill to the others that are being proposed. (Santorum)I'd pretty much call that 'no comment.' But, I followed up my calls with e-mails, and I have also written an LTE to my newspaper.
It is my opinion that there is a lot of 'if we just ignore this, it will go away' attitude out there. It can't be ignored. It can't wait till we are backed up against yet another election where we are wondering just how the 'fix' is going to go down. This is being PROACTIVE and while it takes effort and energy, it does feel good once you get started.
What compassionate conservatism is really all about..
Bankruptcy Legislation Bad for Families
February 28, 2005
The credit card industry's assault on American families hits the Congress this week as the Senate considers bankruptcy legislation written by and for the credit card lobbyists. Instead of addressing the most significant causes of financial stress for families-loss of employment and huge medical costs-the industry and its political shills are more concerned with shielding credit card profits.
Congress should focus on helping struggling families rather than hugely profitable credit card companies. Credit card companies raked in $30 billion in profits last year and now they want to squeeze even more from Americans. The bankruptcy bill is an attempt to prevent people from filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy - which gives people a clean slate - and make them file under Chapter 13, which requires continued payments to the credit card companies. In order to qualify for Chapter 7, Americans would be forced to complete a costly and bureaucratic means test. Even after they complete the test their status could be challenged, forcing expensive litigation that most debtors can't afford.
Abuses by the credit card industry run rampant and unchecked. The surge in bankruptcies has been brought on, in no small part, by the credit industries own predatory lending practices. In 2001, credit card companies sent 5 billion solicitations for credit to American homes. Between 1993 and 2000 the industry increased credit extended to the public from $777 billion to almost $3 trillion. Once the consumer accepts, the companies are allowed to change their interest rates at any time for any reason. Many follow a practice of "universal default" which means any drop in your credit score - which can be triggered by missing a single payment on your electric bill - can lead to a significant rate increase.
This bill does nothing to address the underlying causes of bankruptcy-primarily, job losses and massive health care bills. Many Americans families are struggling because median income is stagnant, health care costs are skyrocketing, college tuition has exploded and child care costs are up. Nine out of ten bankruptcies occur because of health costs, loss of employment or divorce-not irresponsible personal behavior and poor financial planning as the industry maintains. Once families are hit with big medical bills or lose their job bankruptcy is often their only option. This bill does nothing to address these long term causes of financial stress.
Daily Talking Points is a product of the American Progress Action Fund
Very quick way to contact your legislators:
This week the Senate will again consider the same legislation that banks and credit card company campaign contributors have been pushing for 6 years. Some contend the increasing numbers of bankruptcy filings are the fault of "deadbeat" consumers. Critics say skyrocketing medical bills and predatory lending practices are forcing hard-working families into endless debt.
A number of amendments have been proposed, to exempt those suffering from medical hardship or extended military deployment from the restrictive means tests in the revived bill, to include provisions to hold corporate insiders accountable who steal from retirement pensions, and to raise the minimum wage so that all can have a living wage. Where do you stand on these questions? We have a new multiple option form where you can vote on all at once.
http://www.usalone.com/bankruptcy.htm
John Kerry:
Our Military Needs a Better Ally At Home
http://news.bostonherald.com/opinion/view.bg?articleid=70682
Tom Paine on Labor.
On the side bar are links to several other great articles.
http://www.tompaine.com/articles/labor_pains_eight_simple_rules.php
Another Congress Contact site...
http://www.visi.com/juan/congress/
Tonight at the Kennedy Library:
A Conversation with Senator John Kerry
Monday, February 28, 2005, 5:30-7:00 p.m.
Senator Kerry, the Democratic nominee for President of the United States will receive
the distinguished American Award from the Kennedy Library Foundation.
He will share his thoughts on U.S. policies both home and abroad with Pulitzer Prize winning
Boston Globe columnist Tom Oliphant.
DiAnne-
You confuse Chris Rock and Kid Rock? Ack!!!!! :)
Chris is definitely anti-Bush, and his career is in ascension whereas Kid Rock is yesterday's news in the music industry and a Bushite. Definitely a big difference.
Florida Dem
I don't watch tv so I don't hardly know who they are. It's more the names. I know which one looks like a moron & that he was going out with a bimbo. I know that I can't pick up a magazine without seeing Paris HIlton.
I also know that Bush got the worst actor award.
& now the Oscars are over and this has happened:
Another Bloodbath in Iraq
http://forum.truthout.org/blog/story/2005/2/28/101935/429
& Josh Marshall thinks Lieberman may turn traitor re Social Security:
http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/week_2005_02_27.php#004936
(also top story at Daily Kos)
& Josh Marshall thinks Lieberman may turn traitor re Social Security:
http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/week_2005_02_27.php#004936
(also top story at Daily Kos)
Posted by: DiAnne at February 28, 2005 01:46 PM
Lieberman has been a traitor he is our new Zell Miller, I dont trust him as far as I could throw him I never have, I was saddened when Gore chose him as a running mate.
The other thing is has anyone seen the specualtion on Hillary running in 2008 thats flying around fast and furious and the fact that everyone is so sure she is shoe-in if she does. I dont see her as a shoe-in on anything she has cast some votes recently that make me really leary of her despite the fact I have always liked her. She is definatly positioning herself for something and trying to appear more moderate the sad thing is, The Republicans no matter how much she kisses their rears are never going to allow a Hillary presidency period, talk about mud slinging, they will devour her and spit her back out. So the fact that she is trying to appear more modert only makes the base of the Democratic Party nervous, I see no shoe-in here. Anyone else have any thoughts on this. April
P.S. Not that I wouldnt love to see Bill back in the White House in any shape or form even as First Husband. I just dont see it happening with all that is currently going on.
On topic with the thread: I don't see the Republicans allowing any kind of major voting reform to go through the current system(or none system as the case is) is allowing them alot of victories. Our only hope is that groups like the DCP can make this such a large issue there is no way we can be ignored, but hell we can't even get the so called "Press" to cover the fact that our own election system is a mess. We need standardized election where every state is required to do the same thing, only then will we ever see fair and honest elections in this country! So much for spreading democracy around the world, how about we spread a little here at home!!
Posted by: April at February 28, 2005 02:19 PM
Hi April,
I don't think Hillary is qualiifed to be POTUS. She is a one-term Senator with only modest accomplishments. I don't think Obama is qualified either for the same reasons. At least, he was a legislature for several years in a large state.
IMHO, we need a candidate who was/is a governor, or a Congressperson with substantial legislative accomplishments, or a senior military leader like Wes Clark.
April-
I dont see Hillary as a shoe-in because I know a lot of Democrats, myself included, and people on this blog, who realize that if she were the nominee, she would lose to the repug. I will work hard to see that she DOESNT get the nomination, and I dont think she will- regardless of what polls say. I guess its too early to tell, though. But still- I think those polls may just be reflecting what many of us feel: we LIKE her, it would be great to have her as president, but she can never get elected.
I know ill support kerry if he were to run again, but I also think that Tom Vilsack (gov IA) would be very good.
Tonight at the Kennedy Library:
A Conversation with Senator John Kerry
Monday, February 28, 2005, 5:30-7:00 p.m.
Posted by: DiAnne at February 28, 2005 01:22 PM
Do we know if this is going to be on C-SPAN?
You know, I'm not too worried right now, about wondering if hillary is setting herself up to run in 2008. The big thing we have to worry about is 2006. If we get crushed then, it might to find anyone who wants to run in 2008. Candidates could be scarce as hens teeth. Just a thought........
good point tut, first things first! defeat Romney, Pataki, Santorum, etc. and get Democratic governors for Ohio and Florida!
Alarming! More Bush Propoganda, In Our Name:
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=worldNews&storyID=7763181
U.S. Plans to Expand TV Broadcasts to Iran
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Bush administration is planning to expand its Persian-language satellite-television broadcasts to Iran as part of an initiative to press for democratic reforms in the Islamic Republic, officials say.
As President Bush ponders incentives to encourage Tehran to abandon its nuclear ambitions, Voice of America plans to go from a 30-minute to a four-hour daily news and information broadcast to Iran within the next few months.
"Iran is an information-deprived society, much like the former Soviet Union," said Kenneth Tomlinson, chairman of the Broadcasting Board of Governors, the federal agency that oversees international civilian broadcasts including VOA.
"A large percentage (of Iranians) appear to be thirsting for information," he added. "What we propose to do is exactly what Radio Free Europe, Voice of America and Radio Liberty did in the Cold War, and that is provide a window on the world."
Andrew---
Any idea how we can hurry up and speak to those 'folks' in Iran, and say something that doesn't sound like "BOOM" before it's too late? Such as, "We are not all warmongers just looking for new wars." It's enough to turn your stomach, having someone so asinine trying to speaking for us, when we so VEHEMENTLY disagree.
NativeTexan4Kerry:
We also want to make sure to take back the Ohio Secretary of State's office. No more Ken Blackwells.
Don't know who the Dem candidate for governor will be. So far , Ken Coleman, the current mayor of Columbus, has said that he is interested. We are going to invite him to Richland County to speak at the Jefferson-Jackson dinner in April. We hope he will come so that we can hear more about his plan for the state.
"Iran is an information-deprived society, much like the former Soviet Union," said Kenneth Tomlinson, chairman of the Broadcasting Board of Governors, the federal agency that oversees international civilian broadcasts including VOA.
"A large percentage (of Iranians) appear to be thirsting for information," he added. "What we propose to do is exactly what Radio Free Europe, Voice of America and Radio Liberty did in the Cold War, and that is provide a window on the world."
Posted by: Andrew Podolsky at February 28, 2005 04:54 PM
Ok, two points of irony here.
One... Iran is starving for information, so "WE" are going to provide it them, in such a way only "WE" can (you fill in the blanks)
Two... at least 51% of Americans are NOT starving for information, as it is provided to them, in such a way only "WE" can provide it.
Pinocchio Rose is on the air.
Pelosi Calls for Investigation into New DeLayGate Allegations
28 February 2005
Tom DeLay is sinking deeper into the mire every day. On Friday, the National Journal spelled out Delay’s latest violation of House ethics rules.
Today, Nancy Pelosi called for an investigation into the latest allegations against Tom Delay…
More - http://www.lightupthedarkness.org/blog/default.asp?view=plink&id=439
I'm going to post my friend's Kos diary on here, because it's good.
Is there anything the bush admin hasn't attacked?by Zapata28
I become so utterly frustrated each day as I learn about the policies of the bush admin. It seems that everything that is GOOD about this country is under attack. I feel like we have been pummeled with buckshot daily. I am reaching a point of fatique. Everywhere you look, there is a major offensive against the people.
Is there any realm of life as we have known that that the bush administration has not attacked or destroyed or set the wheels turning to attack and destroy?
Cause I want to know if there is anything left in the country that is sacred and untouched by these madmen?
Soc Sec
bankruptcy protections
the environment
national parks and use of public lands
civilized society that shuns torture
rights and protection of women, gays, people of color
religious freedom
free speech
freedom to assemble
educational opportunity from head start to doctorates
effective and sane local law enforcement
secure first reponders
judicial temperance and accessibility to same for all
workplace safety
proper safety regulation of prescription drugs
medical care
protection for individual, family farmers
election confidence (the backbone of 'democracy')
dignity in dying
respect from other nations (their govts AND their people)
There are more, but the above is just an off the cuff list of the things that I believe have made this country great. Great not as in that it was perfect; great in that the cornerstones had been laid for a potential for creating a great society.
Is there anything that this cabal has not sought to destroy?
And for the republican sympathizers out there... what the HELL is it that you are trying to create here? If given an opportunity to really go for broke (as if you aren't going for broke), what does the end picture look like. Rapturists need not apply for this challenge. Let's assume no rapture -- that we have to live with the garden we plant for a long, long time.
Update: decided that adding a clip from an excellent article by Howard Zinn was appropriate here.
Changing Minds, One at a Time
by Howard Zinn
There was a hard core of people in this country who believed in the institution of slavery. Between the 1830s, when a tiny group of Abolitionists began their agitation, and the 1850s, when disobedience of the fugitive slave acts reached their height, the Northern public, at first ready to do violence to the agitators, now embraced their cause. What happened in those years? The reality of slavery, its cruelty, as well as the heroism of its resisters, was made evident to Americans through the speeches and writings of the Abolitionists, the testimony of escaped slaves, the presence of magnificent black witnesses like Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman.
http://www.progressive.org/march05/zinn0305.php
It seems to me that we need not engage in some fancy psychological experiment to learn the answer, but rather to look at ourselves and to talk to our friends. We then see, though it is unsettling, that we were not born critical of existing society. There was a moment in our lives (or a month, or a year) when certain facts appeared before us, startled us, and then caused us to question beliefs that were strongly fixed in our consciousness--embedded there by years of family prejudices, orthodox schooling, imbibing of newspapers, radio, and television.
This would seem to lead to a simple conclusion: that we all have an enormous responsibility to bring to the attention of others information they do not have, which has the potential of causing them to rethink long-held ideas. It is so simple a thought that it is easily overlooked as we search, desperate in the face of war and apparently immovable power in ruthless hands, for some magical formula, some secret strategy to bring peace and justice to the land and to the world.
"What can I do?" The question is thrust at me again and again as if I possessed some mysterious solution unknown to others. The odd thing is that the question may be posed by someone sitting in an audience of a thousand people, whose very presence there is an instance of information being imparted which, if passed on, could have dramatic consequences. The answer then is as obvious and profound as the Buddhist mantra that says: "Look for the truth exactly on the spot where you stand."
Iran: Just the Facts Ma'am...
Population: 69,018,924 (July 2004 est.)
Age structure:
0-14 years: 28% (male 9,935,527; female 9,411,647)
15-64 years: 67.2% (male 23,608,621; female 22,744,128)
65 years and over: 4.8% (male 1,645,246; female 1,673,755) (2004 est.)
Median age:
total: 23.5 years
male: 23.3 years
female: 23.7 years (2004 est.)
Population growth rate: 1.07% (2004 est.)
Birth rate: 17.1 births/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Death rate: 5.53 deaths/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Net migration rate: -0.84 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Sex ratio:
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.98 male(s)/female
total population: 1.04 male(s)/female (2004 est.)
Infant mortality rate: 43.01 deaths/1,000 live births (2000 est.)
Life expectancy at birth:
total population: 69.66 years
male: 68.31 years
female: 71.07 years (2004 est.)
Total fertility rate: 1.93 children born/woman (2004 est.)
Nationality:
noun: Iranian(s) -- adjective: Iranian
Ethnic groups: Persians 51%, Azeris 24%, Gilaki and Mazandarani 8%, Kurds 7%, Arabs 3%, Lur 2%, Baloch 2%, Turkmen 2%, other 1%
Religions: Shi'a Muslim 89%, Sunni Muslim 9%, Zoroastrian, Jewish, Christian, and Bahá'í 2%
Languages: Persian and Persian dialects (AKA Farsi) 58%, Turkic and Turkic dialects 26%, Kurdish 9%, Luri 2%, Balochi 1%, Arabic 1%, Turkish 1%, other 2%
Literacy:
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 79.4%
male: 85.6%
female: 73.0% (2003 est.)
Almost all illiteracy is among older people. For the generation under the age of 30 literacy rate is nearly 100% for both males and females.
70% of Iran's population is under 30 and most are college graduates.
On a Side Guilt Trip...
I wonder how American Christians who support W feel about killing, maming and bombing Chistian Iraqis and Christian Iranians?!?! I mean...they think of Muslims as their enemies, but they are all for killing their Christian Bretheren all because W says its okay...
They never seem to "get it" do they...
My God have mercy on their souls...
Or make them fry in hell if they believe in that sort of thing...
Sssssssssssssssssssssss...
Who Are the Criminals Here?
Oh...
Shoulda' Known...
THE TRUTH ABOUT HALLIBURTON AND GENERAL ELECTRIC
Dick Cheney was CEO of Halliburton and still has ties with the company…and a paycheck deferred compensation of about $150,000 a year.
General Electric owns NBC Broadcasting.
Sound fishy? Like a Cannery!
VW, Ericsson, Statoil Invest in Iran, Undeterred by Tensions
Aug. 22 (Bloomberg)
General Electric, the biggest maker of medical-imaging machines and power-generation equipment, is active in Iran through its Canadian subsidiary, while Halliburton, based in Houston, has an office in Iran opened in 2000 by a Cayman Islands subsidiary, Halliburton Products & Services Ltd.
``As we said in our proxy this year, U.S. law, regulation and policy contemplate that U.S. companies will do business in Iran and elsewhere through foreign subsidiaries and provide clear guidance on how those activities are to be conducted,'' said GE spokesman Gary Sheffer.
Some companies are reacting. In May, ThyssenKrupp AG, Germany's largest steelmaker, paid 406 million euros ($473 million) or three times the market price for shares in the company that were owned by Iran to avoid potential U.S. economic penalties. The move reduces Iran's stake in ThyssenKrupp to 4.4 percent from 7.79 percent.
http://quote.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=10000085&sid=aEwGuFdDPUVs&refer=europe
Actual letter from New York Comptroller William C. Thompson expressing concerns over General Electric, Halliburton and Conoco involvement in IRAN:
http://www.conflictsecurities.com/security/article.php?id=35&subarea=nyc
-----------------------snip---------------------------
“If we are trying to eradicate terrorism, we must ensure that companies in our portfolio are not using off-shore subsidiaries to legally evade United States sanctions against terrorist-sponsoring states,” Comptroller Thompson said. “This is an issue of paramount importance.”
“We believe their use of off-shore and United Kingdom subsidiaries to establish operations with countries that sponsor terrorism violates the spirit, if not the letter of the law,” he added. “These actions also expose the companies to the prospect of negative publicity, public protests, and a loss of consumer confidence, all of which can have a negative impact on shareholder value.”
Halliburton opened an office in Iran under the name Halliburton Products and Services Ltd., its Cayman Islands subsidiary, in February 2000. The resolution requests the following statement be put before shareholders for a vote at Halliburton's annual meeting on May 21: “The Iranian government has actively supported and funded terrorist operations against innocent civilians outside its own borders. These activities led to the imposition of government sanctions that provide that virtually all trade and investment activity with Iran by U.S. corporations is prohibited.”
That's funny - Iranians in & out of Iran are the most informed people I have ever met in my life. They can also get Al-Arabiya and Al-Jazeera by satellite & many are university-educated, even now!
If you have known many people from the Middle East you will know that they are the most committed and politically savvy people on earth, regardless of their political, religous or socioeconomic status - it's been through centuries of desperation.
We are only now finding out ourselves what it's like to live under propaganda and fear.
My friend from Iran never wore the veil, never went to a Mosque, was college-educated and moved to London then Seattle. Her family who are still there have had to keep a lower profile under Khomeini but there is no way that they don't know what is going on. That's probably the biggest joke I've ever heard in my life!
I had Iranian students 25 years ago and in my ESL classes since. I have Iraqi clients right now & work through an interpreter (language-delayed children). Regardless of where they are from or what their background is, they do know what is going on.
Bush acts like these people are savages. Do most Americans even know that Farsi is the language of Iran and that Persians are Iranians? Do they know they poetry and mathematics and architecture and alphabets originated in the Cradle of Civilization in Iraq? Do they know that Persians aren't Arabs? Do they know anything about North Africa?
But people in the middle east know all about Coca Cola - that's why now in Paris there are alternative brands such as Mecca Cola.
This xenophobia and ignorance makes me ashamed!
I have always wanted to go to Isfaham and Tehran once things simmer down and if Bush and/or an "ally" blows them to smithereens I swear I am leaving the country. That would be the last straw. I have had poetry written for me and clothing designed for me by Iranian sisters and I have danced and dined with them. I had guys in Turkey bring me a pillow to sit on & some tea when I was tired.
I met Muslims (in America) who were horrified when they heard someone here say, "That's his problem." That's against Islam - all are brothers & the fingers of the hand are all connected to the palm. It's not that individuality or looking out for oneself is wrong but coming from a tribal background it's damn selfish to consistently have that attitude. Alot of native Americans feel the same way!
I can't believe how ignorant this administration is. The US State Department used to employ anthropologists and linguists. Faux pas after faux pas. The psyops don't know what they're doing. Everything that has been done to "win hearts and minds" has been laughable.
I sat with Voice of America at the DNC convention. The reporters are from all over the world - I doubt Bush will get what he wants out of them. How would he even know - he doesn't have anyone who is fluent in Farsi.
God, I can't take this much longer! If we attack Iran I'm putting my house on the market.
I was glad to see that our busses here in Seattle have some advertising on the sides which says that the War in Iraq is killing civilians. I'm glad someone has a conscience.
I wonder how American Christians who support W feel about killing, maming and bombing Chistian Iraqis and Christian Iranians?!?! I mean...they think of Muslims as their enemies, but they are all for killing their Christian Bretheren all because W says its okay...
They never seem to "get it" do they...
Posted by: Indy at February 28, 2005 08:23 PM
The Irreverant Reverend is in the house!!!
For me, the thing these unenlightened Christian Conswervators don't seem to get is the term "brother" or "neighbor", and how it doesn't matter from a Christian perspective what color of skin, or what nationality, or even what religion they practice... in God's eyes, we are all neighbors, all brothers and should treat each other accordingly, even in the face of aggression. You are either a Believer, or you're not, and such warnings of Jesus to not just see the specks in your adversary’s eye, but also the log in your own, cannot and should not be ignored.
As Jim Wallis so aptly put it, "The Bush foreign policy has a different religious name than just freedom. In its prosecution of pre-emptive war, the equation of God’s purposes with U.S. interests, and the neglect of global economic justice, there are other words that come to mind - such as hypocrisy, pride, and even idolatry. And many opponents of the Bush administration’s war policies, here and abroad, will frame their dissent in the name of other religious values - words such as integrity, humility, and peacemaking".
Speaking of informed people - I just went to the new Seattle Public Library. All information is deleted after 4 days about who checked out a book (unless you have a fine). They do not keep your personal information and which books you have read. WE IGNORE THE PATRIOT ACT HERE -
The lower floor had many homeless people - they were quite clean, as they wanted to be able to stay (there are places around where they can shower & places to get clean clothing). Some were using computers to surf the web, others were reading. It's a homeless lawyer from the west coast (he can't practice law because of some problem he had) who is taking a case to the Supreme Court about separation of Church and State (& whether 10 Commandments can be posted in public places).
Only in America! This is why the Republican party, here & nationally, wants to more closely scrutinize the voter and require more identification. They want to harass the poor, homeless and minorities, some of whom are allowed to vote if proper information has been supplied. They go on about felons - certain felons can get paperwork in place to legally vote in this state.
The Voter Reform legislation on today's thread and that I've seen proposed locally which is authored by Republicans wants to make sure more affluent and fortunate Americans vote, not the rank & file & not the indigent or disenfranchised. They want to REFORM THE VOTER.
They don't care a bit about REFORMING THE VOTE, ie. making sure votes are counted.
I just got another solicitation from our Dem Chair and he claims that Rove is trying to pull a fast one with our Gubernatorial race, as has been done in some other close races. The Repubs are trying to RECALL our REPUBLICAN Secretary of State because he was fair! I am going to make the biggest donation I've made since 11/2/2004, the day of bloodless coup II.
Indy, thanks for the info on Iran - it's a public service. Iran is a beautiful culture and has wonderful people. We do not need to kill them for oil.
Hey ...It has happened this evening.
U.S. Military Deaths Top 1,500
http://www.washingtondispatch.com/spectrum/archives/000779.html
One Thousand, Five Hundred and Eight of our very best. God rest thier sould.
More on Iran:
Read the first section - it tells how Iran had a DEMOCRATICALLY ELECTED GOVERNMENT.
Read the second section - where the CIA CONVENIENTLY LEAVES THIS FACT OUT AS THOUGH IT NEVER HAPPENED!
SECTION ONE: (Future of Freedom Foundation)
When Iranians took U.S. officials hostage in the U.S. embassy in Tehran in 1979, Americans were mystified and angry, not being able to comprehend how Iranians could be so hateful toward U.S. officials, especially since the U.S. government had been so supportive of the shah of Iran for some 25 years. What the American people failed to realize is that the deep anger and hatred that the Iranian people had in 1979 against the U.S. government was rooted in a horrible, anti-democratic act that the U.S. government committed in 1953. That was the year the CIA secretly and surreptitiously ousted the DEMOCRATICALLY ELECTED prime minister of Iran, a man named Mohammad Mossadegh, from power, followed by the U.S. government’s ardent support of the shah of Iran’s dictatorship for the next 25 years. Today, very few Americans have ever heard of Mohammad Mossadegh, but that wasn’t the case in 1953. At that time, Mossadegh was one of the most famous figures in the world.
SECTION TWO - From the CIA World Factboook
Known as Persia until 1935, Iran became an Islamic republic in 1979 after the ruling monarchy was overthrown and the shah was forced into exile. Conservative clerical forces established a theocratic system of government with ultimate political authority nominally vested in a learned religious scholar. Iranian-US relations have been strained since a group of Iranian students seized the US Embassy in Tehran on 4 November 1979 and held it until 20 January 1981. During 1980-88, Iran fought a bloody, indecisive war with Iraq that eventually expanded into the Persian Gulf and led to clashes between US Navy and Iranian military forces between 1987-1988. Iran has been designated a state sponsor of terrorism for its activities in Lebanon and elsewhere in the world and remains subject to US economic sanctions and export controls because of its continued involvement. Following the elections of a reformist President and Majlis in the late 1990s, attempts to foster political reform in response to popular dissatisfaction have floundered as conservative politicians have prevented reform measures from being enacted, increased repressive measures, and consolidated their control over the government.
DO NOT BE FOOLED BY THIS REVISIONIST HISTORY.
We would not have to "spread" democracy if we did not overthrow it in the first place.
Women in Iran, Iraq and Afghanistan were more progressive and educated and free 30 years ago then they are now. We actually aided Bin Laden, Saddam early in their careers, when it was advantageous to our interests.
The US is: "...a nation of 200 million used-car salesmen with all the money we need to buy guns and no qualms about killing anybody else in the world who tries to make us uncomfortable."
-Hunter S. Thompson
Im sorry that link did not post correctly.
U.S. Military Deaths Top 1,500
http://www.washingtondispatch.com/spectrum/archives/000779.html
In an odd perversion of Country Joe and the Fish...the Office of Blogland Sarcasm and Comedy brings you...
I-Feel-Like-I'm-Fixin'-To-Die Rag
Gimme an I!
I!
Gimme an R!
R!
Gimme an A!
A!
Gimme an N!
N!
What's that spell ?
IRAN!
What's that spell ?
IRAN!
What's that spell ?
IRAN!
Yeah, come on all of you, big strong men,
Dubya Bush needs your help again.
He's got himself in a terrible jam
Way down yonder in old Iran
So put down your books and pick up a gun,
We're gonna have a whole lotta fun.
And it's one, two, three,
What are we fighting for ?
Don't ask me, I don't give a damn,
Next stop is old Iran;
And it's five, six, seven,
Open up the Persian gates,
Well there ain't no time to wonder why,
Whoopee! we're all gonna die.
Well, come on generals, let's move fast;
Your big chance has come at last.
Gotta go out and get those heads —
The only good Ayatollah is the one who's dead
And you know that peace can only be won
When we've blown 'em all to kingdom come.
And it's one, two, three,
What are we fighting for ?
Don't ask me, I don't give a damn,
Next stop is old Iran;
And it's five, six, seven,
Open up the Persian gates,
Well there ain't no time to wonder why
Whoopee! we're all gonna die.
Huh!
Well, come on Wall Street, don't move slow,
Why man, this is war au-go-go.
There's plenty good money to be made
By supplying the Army with the tools of the trade,
Just hope and pray that if they drop the bomb,
They don't drop it on your daughter or son.
And it's one, two, three,
What are we fighting for ?
Don't ask me, I don't give a damn,
Next stop is old Iran.
And it's five, six, seven,
Open up the Persian gates,
Well there ain't no time to wonder why
Whoopee! we're all gonna die.
Well, come on mothers throughout the land,
Pack your kids off to the burning sands.
Come on fathers, don't hesitate,
Send 'em off before it's too late.
Be the first one on your block
To have your kid come home in a box.
And it's one, two, three
What are we fighting for ?
Don't ask me, I don't give a damn,
Next stop is old Iran.
And it's five, six, seven,
Open up the Persian gates,
Well there ain't no time to wonder why,
Whoopee! we're all gonna die.
I thank DiAnne and Indy for the information on Iran. It seems even worse, thinking of making war on another country, given the information you both just posted. ran is much more than it's 'moolahs'
And, Christy, you will never weep alone. The number 1500 is an outrageous hallmark.
ran= Iran
sorry for the typo
Indy
When I was only 15 I was dating a guy who was 17. He joined the Marines to "get it over with" - he was oldest of 10 kids - not much money - from South Dakota. He said that the Marines sang that song all the way over to Vietnam. Those who didn't know it knew it by the time they got there! When he came back, he was a different person - for one thing, he became racist. He also lost all hearing in one ear after being kicked in the head by a drill seargant but never got any help for that.
My father (who had delayed stress syndrome himself) had to quit teaching because of his depression and take on a garbage route. He often brought home scrap lumber. One thing he brought home was a wooden box that a dead soldier (a guy in my school 2 years older) came home in. At one side of the box it said "head." I used to sleep in it sometimes, just to make sure I stayed aware.
TY Tut..
Actually I came here for that very reason.
So I won't feel alone.
And to try to tell as many as possible. Thats the only thing we have left now. Each other.
I hope we all can actually meet one day. A day when all this is just a bad memory.
BTW...Hello Brother Indy.
Hows it going Daddy-O?
Listen to the Zinn podcasts. I felt much less alone when i heard that voice...
http://www.democracycellproject.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=379
Hey Dianne,
We all realize war is hell...even those of us who have been fortunate enough to have never been...this is just the latest in a long line of Bushit.
I met the men who went to deliver a letter to Bush in Crawford, Texas with Senator Max Cleland...one was a retired General who's grandson was on his way to Iraq...we shared a toast in his grandson's honor...and though I cannot do the good General justice in the words he shared with me that night...my only hope is that great people such as the General can have their voices heard...I only wish I could share the wisdom, the horror for his grandson, and the fury of his quivering voice as tears welled up in his eyes when he said, "Only those who have never been in battle would promote this irresponsible war!"
I have been talking for a year about WHERE we were going next so it does not surprise me one bit the war profiteers have been filling their pockets from both sides in Iran...kids are coming home from Iraq and Afghanistan pretty screwed up too...which reminds me...I still have this...
Broken Promises: Bush Failed to Keep Campaign Promises to America’s Veterans:
• Bush Failed to Fully Fund Veterans Health Care
• Bush Administration Calls For Total Closure of Three Veterans Hospitals, Partial Closure of Eight Others.
• Spending on Prescription Drugs Has More than Doubled Over Five Years.
• Bush Cut Waiting List By Eliminating Veterans.
• Bush Tried to Impose New Costs on Middle-Income Vets.
• Bush Refused to Help Out Veterans with Rising Health Care Costs.
• Bush Opposed Fixing The Disabled Veterans Tax.
Future Vets Cuts Planned: Recently a leaked OMB memo showed that the Bush Administration plans to cut veterans funding after the election. The secret memo showed that the VA should expect $900 million in cuts in FY2006.
A prayer we here have previously offered to our brave men and women of the Armed Forces...may our blessings find them and find them well...
To our brave Brethren in Arms who so valiantly and willingly give their service knowing they may be called upon to give the ultimate sacrifice…their very lives…in the belief that WE as a Nation shall eternally carry the Torch of Liberty through the ages.
May we be blessed with the foresight to forever have the dignity to remember them...the clarity of thought to preserve their memory and the courage and wisdom to protect their heroism, for they have divinely honored us...the undeserving...by their selfless acts to secure our Freedom, even when unjustly sent to do battle with those who are not the enemies of our People by the desperate, dishonorable greed and lust for power and domination of the world and Her resources by the current and continuing Administration.
Amen.
John Kerry Receives Distinguished American Award
28 February 2005
Kennedy Library Foundation
"A Conversation With John Kerry"
Monday 2/28
Click Here for additional video, etc.
A report from PitA, a Massachusetts constituent & town committee chair
The evening was divided into two segments, the bestowing of the award and question/answer period with Tom Oliphant.
Greetings were extended by former DNC chair Paul Kirk, followed by laudatory remarks via telephone by scheduled guest Ted Kennedy, who left Boston early due to the winter's 5th blizzard for DC in order to be Tuesday morning floor manager for S.218 (bankruptcy). Kennedy waxed about his years of friendship with the Kerry, beginning when he sought out the Massachusetts contingent Winter Soldiers who were camped on the DC mall.
Kerry joked that when Boston is hit by five blizzards over one winter, they Dems will sweep the next election. He returned the reminiscence and lauded Kennedy for being his mentor and friend in the Senate for 21 years.
The second part of the evening was the interview by Thomas Oliphant, asking questions from the audience as well as his own.
http://www.lightupthedarkness.org/blog/default.asp?view=plink&id=442
Rights groups to sue Rumsfeld over abuse
Suit alleges detainees tortured, humiliated, sources say
Updated: 12:30 a.m. ET March 1, 2005
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7048754/
WASHINGTON - Human rights lawyers will file a lawsuit in federal court on Tuesday against Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld on behalf of eight men who say they were tortured by U.S. forces in custody in Iraq and Afghanistan, sources familiar with the case said.
The lawsuit charges that officials at the highest levels of the U.S. government shoulder ultimate responsibility for the physical and psychological injuries sustained by the men while in American custody.
It was the latest development in a scandal over ill-treatment of U.S. war prisoners that has drawn criticism from around the world.
Detainees were allegedly tortured
The case will be filed by the American Civil Liberties Union and Human Rights First in U.S. District Court. The two groups scheduled a news conference later on Tuesday to announce details.
The groups did not state who would be named in the lawsuit, but sources familiar with the case said it was Rumsfeld.
“The men represented in the lawsuit were incarcerated in U.S. detention facilities in Iraq and Afghanistan, where they were subjected to torture and other cruel and degrading treatment, including severe and repeated beatings, cutting with knives, sexual humiliation and assault, mock executions, death threats, and restraint in contorted and excruciating positions,” the two groups said in a statement.
None of the eight men was charged with a crime, the groups said.
Bill Lann Lee, an assistant U.S. attorney general for civil rights during the Clinton administration, and retired Rear Adm. John Hutson, former judge advocate general of the U.S. Navy, were due to participate in the news conference.
Previous case targeted top officials
This is not the first legal case over detainee abuse involving Rumsfeld.
U.S. human rights lawyers in November filed a criminal complaint with Germany’s federal prosecutor charging that Rumsfeld, former CIA Director George Tenet and other senior officials bore responsibility for detainee abuse at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq.
The case was filed in Germany because its laws permit prosecution of war crimes and human rights violations across national borders. German officials on Feb. 10 said they would take no action against Rumsfeld in the case.
An August 2004 report by a four-member panel appointed by Rumsfeld stated that he and other top Pentagon leaders contributed to an environment in which prisoners suffered sadistic abuse at Abu Ghraib.
The report said changes made by Rumsfeld in prisoner interrogation methods at the U.S. naval base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, contributed to uncertainty in the field as to what actions were allowed and what were not. Many detainees in the U.S. war against international terrorism are held at Guantanamo.
The mistreatment of prisoners became an international scandal after the appearance last year of pictures showing sexual abuse of men — naked and bound — at Abu Ghraib. The administration led by President George W. Bush says only a handful of low-ranking personnel were involved.
Dozens of other cases have been brought against soldiers for abusing detainees elsewhere in Iraq and in Afghanistan.