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Fristibuster Concluding Thoughts
The Fristibuster ended yesterday, in a gentle rain, with inspiring words from Rep. Rush Holt, Sen. Jon Corzine, Rep. Frank Pallone, Ralph Neas from People for the American Way, and finally, from Peter Turner, one of the Princeton students.
Peter had the job of summing up the how and why of the event. He said that when they started, they had no idea how long the filibuster would go on. They hoped it would last a couple of hours.
They had a point to make about the value of the filibuster. They could not have imagined how much they would come to understand about the filibuster idea itself.
Peter pointed out that the Princeton students were not activists prior to the filibuster. They had voted for Kerry, for Bush, for Nader. Some were independents, some were Green Party. In order to keep the filibuster going, and to let the event build organically, they had to do something that lead them to understand more deeply WHY we need the filibuster option.
They had to LISTEN to each other, and to find common ground.
Back in the day when I was young enough to participate in this same kind of action--agaist the Vietnam War then--we were often hijacked by "special interests"--the socialists, or the Young Communists, or the whatevers. We always suspected they were infiltrators, but in our desire to be inclusive, too often we allowed them to take away our own messages and agenda. Not so these kids. They maintained their focus on the task at hand, they worked in concert with each other, and they did not get into petty ideological arguments.
They agreed to utilize every message, whether it be a message of Jeffersonian ideals, states' rights, freedom of choice, minority rights, Constitutional law, creative anarchy, etc etc. The goal was clear and simple: preserve the freedoms provided for in the Constitution.
I am hoping to have a conference call with some of the organizers to follow up on what Peter said in his final remarks, to ask them what they did that worked, what didn't, and what they would recommend to citizens as follow-up to their efforts.
But in the meantime, Peter and I did have a brief conversation about the nature of political theatre (why the already-marginalized students can carry it off better than their parents), how the idea began (a very modest and brilliant post-graduate student, in a discussion with other students about what they COULD do), and how they were able to recognize that they had an idea with some legs on it.
As I watched the effort over the two days they were here, I observed the role delineations they had evolved, the consideration they showed for each other's divergent perspectives, and the quiet intelligence they utilized when counter-demonstrators showed up, yelling "UP OR DOWN" in unison, drowning out Rush Holt.
They were problem-SOLVERS. And that, they came to understand, is why the filibuster is so critically important to this democracy. It is only through proactive dialogue that all voices can be heard and the true pathway be revealed. It's not about winning, it's not even about being right. It's about listening, considering, and keeping the flow of democracy alive and vital.
So, from the DCP to the Princeton students who took time from their academic lives to teach us all, even as they learned themselves: Thank You.
And especially to Josh Weitz, who quietly paced the "back of the house", overseeing the flow of ideas and acting as the visionary director of a hit play--you have a stunning future. Heed the call, man.
Preserve the Freedoms Enumerated in the Constitution...
What a Great sight to behold, America's next leaders out in front defending the Constitution and what it stands for.
Fight the Good Fight.
Karen,
Your reporting on this story has been amazing. It's been truthful, touching, and incredibly up-to-the-minute considering the changing nature of events. I am glad that the DCP could support their democracy cell and help it grow.
Oftentimes,the closer you get to the sources of power in politics, the more tempting it becomes to abandon your heart in order to keep it from getting broken.
That's why in the beginning when we all sat around talking about what we wanted the DCP to be, we talked about politics from the heart. These students are an example of both democracy cells and what you can accomplish when yourwork on politics from the heart.
Your coverage and heartfelt reporting of this story, your combination of factual event developments and information with the touching human insight of who these students are as people and what motivates them has been both moving and brilliant. Come time for the Koufax award next year, I am nominating you for your work on this story.
*standing up in front of computer*
*applause* *applause* *applause*
I know it sound ridiculously sentimental, but I am really very proud and honored to work with you.
The Truth About Housing
May 13, 2005
Today President Bush is speaking before the National Association of Realtors in Washington, D.C. He will no doubt tout his housing record, citing record growth of homeownership under his tenure. President Bush will state that this is an example of his "ownership society." But what he won't tell you is that under this administration, "ownership society" means you own less of your own home and banks own more than ever before. Americans are being forced to borrow in historic amounts against their homes to deal with stagnating wages and skyrocketing costs in health care and education. Families used to borrow against their homes so they could make improvements to them. Now they have to borrow against their homes just to pay their bills.
Under Bush, growth in homeownership actually declined. The numbers don't lie - from 1995 to 2000 America's homeownership rate grew by 2.27 percent. In the last four years, the homeownership rate grew by just 1.6 percent - a decline of 30 percent. And while the president talks about record homeownership among people of color, this is actually where the sharpest declines occur. From 1995-2000, the African-American homeownership rate grew each quarter by an annual rate of 3.27 percentage points. In the past four years, it grew by just 1.9 percentage points, or more than 40 percent slower. Among Hispanics, the rate of increase dropped by almost half from 3.4 percentage points to 1.8 percentage points. From 1995-2000, the African-American homeownership rate grew by 3.7 percent. In the past four years, it grew by just 1.9 percent.
Americans own less of their homes today. At the end of 2004, the average middle-class family owned 56 percent of their homes, down from 60 percent in the 1990s. The growing middle-class squeeze is forcing Americans to borrow more and more against the value of their homes to make ends meet. The result is a growth in "bank ownership."
The Bush administration attacks those most in need of housing help. The administration is pushing legislation in Congress that will allow local housing authorities to raise the rent on low-income families. In addition, the administration's cuts in Section 8 public housing funds are hurting low-income communities across the country and making it harder for many Americans to make the move from renting to homeownership.
Daily Talking Points is a product of the American Progress Action Fund.
Karen,
Imagine people working together for a common goal; ignoring the noise that wants to stop them; concentrating on the end but concerened about everyones wishes and ideas; concerned about future events and processes.
They show the best of what Democrats and society in general have to offer.
Karen --
Great job on reporting the Filibuster... touching, hopeful, gutsy... I hope these students know how incredibly proud of them we are.
I hope that their love of democracy continues. Maybe some will go into politics. Business. Law. Medicine. Technology. Some will be parents... But all of them will be outstanding citizens in whatever community they choose to inhabit.
Great job to the Princeton folks, and the other students from various colleges and universities...
See you in the trenches:)
REPORT FROM THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE FOR MEDIA REFORM:
Marianne Wood is representing DCP in St Louis at the Freepress National Conference for Media Reform. She’s just reported in after the opening session.
There’s a lot of energy and a lot of people here. The theme of the opening session was:
People get ready, there’s a train a-coming. We are here to celebrate successes and gather the momentum.
Other interesting notes from the opening session:
St Louis is the home of Joseph Pulitzer… he would be horrified at what the media has become.
There are 2500 people registered to attend the conference… they had to close off registration. All 50 states and DC and 8-10 countries are represented.
Robert McChesney – head of Free Press spoke… opened with a Chinese proverb about crisis and there is both danger and opportunity in crisis. Said we have to recognize the danger and the spectacular opportunity. …Had a Freepress Media Reform conference 18 months ago. This conference has doubled in size. Plan to have another one in another 18 months. ...We have to make media reform an issue that people talk about it… have to take it to the public.
Amy Goodman spoke; she gave a history of grassroots movements. …Said we have extreme media today, not mainstream media. …We need to address the question: how do we un-embed the media? Embedded media as we have today is co-opted and we have pundits who know so little about so much. …We need less reality TV and more of the reality of war. Injured soldiers brought home at night so they don’t draw attention. That’s how we’ll stop the war.
Marianne reported that she connected with the Champaign-Urbana IndyMedia group and they’ve invited DCP to visit them. They did a local campaign… raised $75k and purchased a local empty post office building and are using that as their center now.
Pictures and more reporting from the Freepress Media Reform conference in St Louis to come.
More info on conference: http://www.freepress.net/conference/
How nice to come back here and see the nice kudos and the report from Marianne! Casey and I are going to be at the Personal Democracy Forum this coming Monday, representing the DCP as well.
It is always special to see united and concerted efforts to take back our country from the forces that have hijacked it. It is equally important to share what is learned with those who cannot attend.
There really is only one way through this needed change, and that is to walk through it together.
Damn Howard Dean!!!
I was getting excited to go see Dean this coming Wednesday in Austin and filing a report...
BUT...
As the invitation failed to mention until you click for tickets...
Tickets will be $100, $200 or $1000!!!
Is this reaching out to people? Is this being an open and transparent leader?
HELL NO!
Oh well...I never liked Dean anyway...now I like him even less.
51 House members call on Gonzales to appoint special counsel on alleged U.S. 'war crimes'
Congressman John Conyers will be issuing a letter cosigned by roughly 50 House members calling for a special prosecutor to investigate claims that the U.S. has violated the War Crimes Act at secret detention facilities in Iraq, Afghanistan and Guantanamo Bay, RAW STORY has learned.
(content of letter follows)
~snip~
http://rawstory.com/exclusives/byrne/conyers_war_crimes_513
Posted by: Indy at May 13, 2005 03:13 PM
Hmmm... Dean was free here not too long ago. I think you were invited to a fundraiser rather than just an appearance. Take it this way: you appear to be very successful or you would not have received the invite!
Yay Josh Weitz!! And thanks Karen for highlighting the hopeful and well focused efforts of the people involved in the Fristibuster. We need to emphasize action. The time for endless debate about ideology is not now! Maybe it was yesterday, if might be tomorrow, but today is a time for action.
Thanks Karen, Thanks Josh, Thanks Princeton filibuster-ers, for showing us your spirit, and showing us the way.
A truly impressive and inspirational undertaking!
Bravo!
Indy: I suspect Amy is right- that you were invited to a fundraiser instead of just a speaking event. Part of Dean's job is to raise money for the party, after all. I wish him only success in that job- we'll need all the money we can get next year to counter the Republican lies that are already beginning to take shape out there.
Our local Naval Air Station here in P'cola took a big hit today from BRAC, only proving that Bush isn't even loyal to his own supporters. We'll be losing about 1500 jobs- they won't be eliminated, only "realigned," which means that all those families will be uprooted if they want to keep their employment. Our Rep. Jeff Miller likes to say how close and loyal he is to the President- I wonder what he'll be saying on the local news tonight. I can't wait to see what spin he tries to put on this thing. I'm not happy that all those families lives will be disrupted, but, since our area voted Republican by about 70-75% last November, I suspect that a lot of them fully believed that Georgy was Northwest Florida's friend. Hmmmm- guess they were wrong.
Wouldn't it be interesting if Barabara Boxer intiated a filibuster of Bolton on the Senate floor and then turned to Frist and said ready to deal. You can have your ridiculous unqualified UN ambassador if you formally an permanently stop this nuclear threat with judges. It won't happen but Barbara Boxer is truly my hero right now.
Hi, this is Laura Boyce. I'm one of the organizers of the Princeton filibuster, and was the first to hear from Karen. I'd just like to express all of our thanks to Karen and the rest of DCP for your support and coverage of our protest. Karen was incredibly helpful, bringing us some delicious food she'd gotten donated and offering any help we needed both before and during the event, and she did it all behind the scenes, not taking any credit for her help. It's been really amazing to see how much can be accomplished when a diverse group of people come together with a common goal, and we're glad the DCP was part of that group.
Keep fighting for democracy,
Laura
It's too bad that none of the mainstream reporters bothered to come down and see what a real filibuster looks like. I only spent a few hours at the filibuster, but I think that Karen's piece captures the quiet spirit of determination that was almost palpable.
The site looked like every protest encampment you've seen, the sleeping bags, the water bottles, pizza boxes, discarded signs, and here and there, an exhausted body or two. Even the smell was the same.
It made me long for the good old days of real Senate filibusters, when the hallways of the Senate chamber were filled with the most excruciatingly uncomfortable cots I'd ever seen. The Princeton students, by opting to speak around the clock, allied themselves with this historic tradition, checkered though the politics of some of those filibusters may have been. Now we'll have to wait and see whether the Democrats really have the stomach for the kind of all-out war against the spirit of the Declaration, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights that George Bush and his cronies have been waging relentlessly since Bush's usurpation of power.
I will add to Dick's comment how beautifully the students CLEANED UP the area before ending the filibuster! Congrats to ALL their MOMS! Good job!
Hey Laura,
GREAT WORK!
We were glad to help...Thanks to oncall, DiAnne, ABQ John, madamedefarge, dwahzon, Fe, Karina, MaryfromManhattan, Casey, Gretchen, and all the other DCPers who provided support for this effort. And a special shout out to Andy Shallal who donated the food.
Laura,
It was our honor and pleasure to help. This kind of helping one another goes to the very heart of the DCP Mission: When democracy cells get together, we can multiply our power exponentially.
Since we have DCP core members in 20 cities across the US, please don't hesitate to mention us to other groups who are organizing for political action and need some help or resource information.
Congratulations Laura (et al.)on a great event.
I look forward to continuing to follow your fight for justice. Go filibusterers!!
After work commentary:
This morning on way to work I heard on NPR about another DC protest.
Tom DeLay had a huge fundraiser & there were protesters outside it (NPR played audio of them) who pretended to be carnival barkers - very funny - & they also gave bars of soap to all the people going into the event, in case they were sullied by the association with DeLay style ethics.
NPR named some of the people & organizations represented at the fundraising dinner - National Rifle Association, Christian Research Council (I think that's what it was called) & on & on. They started to play audio from DeLay himself and I had to switch stations.
BBC had a story that the "Culture of Life" is too hypocritical to do anything about, because they don't really care about human life. As most know, there is a horrific AIDS epidemic in much of Africa & many children are orphaned. The extended family is still prevalent in Africa but some fall for traffickers who promise to take the orphaned children to places like England for a better life. Last year the torso of a small African boy was found in the River Thames. Every school in London was searched for missing 4-7 year old boys and in a two-year period, more than 300 have gone missing. Social workers hear reports in the community, but people don't want to be on record or go to court, as they're terrified of the traffickers. What they report is that the missing children, if too young for prostitution and forced labor, are used in human sacrifice and snuff movies.
Here is a link about the story: http://www.guardian.co.uk/child/story/0,7369,1483935,00.html
The "culture of life" does nor cares nothing about this, or about the increase in autism suspected due to toxins, or about the children of the many people in prison due to drug addiction which grows out of increasing poverty, or about shaken babies (I saw one today - at age 6 she has no speech). The hypocrisy is mind-blowing.
On another topic, it's amazing to see the foreign press treat the issue of the Foreign Relations Committee not automatically endorsing Bolton. It's shocking to hear McClellan talk about "UN Reform" & Bolton being the right man for the job. There is one reason this administration wants change in the UN - they want to be free to go after any country they want.
& here is my cousin's comment on closing of military bases by Rumsfeld:
Overall, Rumsfeld has said his plan would save $48.8 billion over 20 years while making the military more mobile and better suited for the global effort against terrorism.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2005-05-13-base-closings_x.htm?csp=24&RM_Exclude=Juno
Rummy says he is saving 5 billion a year. Why doesn't he just add that amount to one of his biennial 87 billion supplemental appropriations and keep them open. Now he closes bases and hurts local economies. He projects his savings over 20 years to make his "savings" look substantial. What a joke. He claims he is saving money, yet he has spent over 500 billion on this stupid war. Let's project the cost of that war over 20 years and see how that effects our economy.
Karen, thanks for the fantastic reports and support of the Princeton students while they were in your neck of the woods.
Laura, a BIG thank you to you and the rest of the filibusterers! You guys put on the best, most effective display of student activism seen in many years. I'm just a townie but you guys have made it even more of an honor to share your name. Everyone is very proud of you guys.
Karen is awesome isn't she. Many of the other DCPers are incredible people as well.