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Man with the PLAN
There is alot going on in a city and it's easy to miss much of it! So it was that last week I, as a commuting worker with limited vacation time, managed to miss John Kerry, John Edwards and the launch of the Progressive Legislative Action Network (PLAN). The launch was co-sponsored by MoveOn, EIU, the United Steelworkers and progressive philanthropists.
David Sirota has been at the Center for American Progress for two years, has appeared twice weekly on the Al Franken show, and is working on a book about the middle class economic squeeze. He is also one of the co-chairs of PLAN, which launched last week in Seattle.
The rightwing has had its corporate-backed conservative action network called ALEC (American Legislative Exchange Council) for decades. Now progressives will have PLAN. Sirota says PLAN will work alongside other organizations but focus more on aggressive advocacy, working side-by-side with legislators and state-based grassroots organizations.
It is not unusual in American history for movements to start at the municipal and state "grassroots" and move upward. It is impossible for corporations to buy off fifty different political arenas at once. Local lawmakers are closer to their constituents than national politicians could ever be.
Sirota advocates getting outside of the "beltway." "The goal is to bring as diverse a coaliton together as possible so that our side has a cohesive agenda in the states," says Sirota. "For too long, conservatives have been able to use alot of money to push the most radical rightwing policies through state legislatures. I am commited to putting together the necessary resources and necessary coalitions of progressive legislators to stop this unchecked extremism and start passing legislation that makes state governments work for ordinary citizens, not just monied special interests.
While the task is daunting, it's time to start winning state-level victories and building a progressive movement.
Keep in touch with http://www.davidsirota.com and http://www.workingforchange.com
Dianne,
It sounds like Oncalls think tank.
DiANne,
This goes along with Matt Bai's piece in the NYTimes Magazine yesterday. I am not a big Matt Bai fan, but this sentence struck me:
"We are now confronting a period in which the power and the innovation in American politics will reside not in some party headquarters on Captiol Hill but in decentralized network of grassroots groups, all of whom seem to be increasingly entwined with each other." p. 12
The rest of his piece makes little sense to me, from where I sit anyway. But he's definitely noticing what I have been seeing lately--and living.
The piece is about the group America Coming Together. America did not come together in 2004. But the progressives are TRYING to come together. It won't be easy--we are an unruly and independent lot. But neither, apparently, will we be led by the parties. It is clear to me that we mean to recreate the parties, to run for office, to work together where we can agree on strategies and tactics, to listen and encourage and develop ideas, to keep in touch and to bring something much closer to true democracy than we have seen in this country for some time.
Starting with Iraq...
Edward's embraces the anti-war movement.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/chitribts/20050822/ts_chicagotrib/edwardssignalsshiftagainstwar
There is activism, concern, and some putting themselves to work. Just hope we become a very big tent, even if reality has to chip off a little idealism, or a closely held view. Hope springs eternal.
I, too, receive the Center's daily mails and find them invaluable for sanity, brevity and great, substantiating links.
Had to include what I knew was coming, but fun to see in our Conservative, under the radar giveaway published by the Chicago Tribune. Trying to turn New York to become Bush apologists:
Hunter’s Last Soiree
The Late Hunter S. Thompson’s ashes were blasted into the sky exactly as he wished on Saturday night. At a party attended by John Depp, Bill Murray, Lyle Lovett and SEN. JOHN KERRY, Thompson’s ashes were fired from a 15-story tower in the shape of his logo: a clenched fist holding a peyote button, rising from the hilt of a dagger. Depp paid for the $2.5 million soiree.
Posted by: karen at August 22, 2005 09:41 AM
================
I have been all over the PLAN stuff since Friday...
It's the path to success. I'm sure of it. It's in the states, baby.
More to come.
I was reading Arianna's comments about Trent Lott's appearance on Meet the Press which are interesting but the one that nailed me was the quote from the end of the show:
~snip~
The end of the show brought us a truly memorable exchange. It came during the interview with Reuel Marc Gerecht, former CIA Middle East specialist and author of The Islamic Paradox, discussing the development of democracy in Iraq.
GERECHT: I think it's important to remember that in the year 1900, for example, in the United States ... women did not have the right to vote. If Iraqis could develop a democracy that resembled America in the 1900s, I think we'd all be thrilled. I mean, women's social rights are not critical to the evolution of democracy. We hope they're there. I think they will be there. But I think we need to put this into perspective.
Gregory's response? "All right. We're going to have to leave it there."
Indeed.
~snip~
Women aren't necessary to the development of democracy????
Click below for the whole column...
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/arianna-huffington/russert-watch-were-goi_b_5999.html
I was asked to post this for someone who has a computer blocked by Boeing.
Thought this was interesting. I thought he was passing us propaganda, and he did admit it. Interesting.
"See, in my line of work you got to keep repeating things over and over and over again for the truth to sink in, to kind of catapult the
propaganda." George W Bush — Greece, N.Y., May 24, 2005
re: develop a democracy that resembled America in 1900 & women's social rights
Posted by: dwahzon at August 22, 2005 10:18 AM
Hey, why not? We're doing it right here at home.
Crappy Days Are Here Again
Hello All...
Back from Camp Casey II...though my body is in Austin...
My heart and soul are still in Crawford.
Great news to report...Cindy says her mom is getting better faster than expected...so as soon as she ties up some loose ends, she will be back to see Camp Casey II which is at the entry road to the Bush Family Ranch.
Cindy might be back as soon as this evening to Crawford!
More later...
I have so much to share.
Absolutely astounding.
Posted by: dwahzon at August 22, 2005 10:18 AM
Too many male chauvinist pigs out there... both in the Middle East and in the US.
aka patriarchs - & they have no use for gentle-men (civilized) or for minorities either
so men and women in progressive movement need to work as allies and need multicultural input
remember the name of Michael Moore's book - "Stupid White Men"
intelligent men should not associate themselves with neocon men or women
this transcends gender but gender is often a wedge issue and the female gender is in constant struggle
but men in general are not the enemy - it's more like a specific class of exploiters (which includes the women who support them)
My heart and soul are still in Crawford.
Posted by: Indy at August 22, 2005 11:23 AM
... and my half of our brain.
Cheney Days & Mondays Always Get Me Down
For those who follow Walmart and its policies, here's this story courtesy of Dr. X at the blog, Isengard.gov...
July 30, 2005
Interesting Episode of the Week
Wal-Mart decided this week it would not sell the [Pensacola] News Journal because of a piece by Mark O'Brien... They had originally tried to get the reporter fired.
Here is some inflammatory text from the story: "I like Wal-Mart prices the same as the next shopper, but there's a downside, too. Many Wal-Mart employees lack the fringe benefits and insurance that makes the difference between existence and a good quality of life. Yet, we customers pay a surcharge from a different pocket -- subsidizing health care for Wal-Mart employees who can't afford it."
To their credit, the management of the paper defended O'Brien, with his editor saying: "I might understand it if Wal-Mart said I ought to fire Mark because what he said wasn't accurate. But that isn't the case. Mark accurately reported that there are 10,000 children of Wal-Mart employees in a health-care program that is costing Georgia taxpayers nearly $10 million a year."
After determining that this move was not a positive brand-building exercise, Wal-Mart has now decided to sell the paper in their stores.
http://eisengeiste.blogspot.com/2005/07/interesting-episode-of-week.html
I love PLAN, and interesting Sirota came from the Center effort, where many tried to make an immediate sense, post-election, of where we are and where to go, clear-eyed. These internet efforts, like Working for Change, all of them, are the start of something we need to continue. But real grunt work, creating government, if these same people are willing to put in that effort, be inclusive, look out!
CNN QuickVote
Can President Bush rally support for the war in Iraq?
Yes 20% 16434 votes
No 80% 64772 votes
Total: 81206 votes
Puppies for Peace
My Great Dane Lokken is now officially the founding member of the Camp Casey Puppies for Peace.
Their Motto:
Got Bone?
(Backbone even)
WOOF!
American Research Group, Inc.
August 22, 2005
George W. Bush's Job Approval Ratings Drop
58% Disapproval Rating
George W. Bush's overall job approval ratings have dropped from a month ago even as Americans who approve of the way Bush is handling his job as president are turning more optimistic about their personal financial situations according to the latest survey from the American Research Group. Among all Americans, 36% approve of the way Bush is handling his job as president and 58% disapprove. When it comes to Bush's handling of the economy, 33% approve and 62% disapprove.
Among Americans registered to vote, 38% approve of the way Bush is handling his job as president and 56% disapprove, and 36% approve of the way Bush is handling the economy and 60% disapprove.
This is the second month in a row when improving economic ratings have not been matched by higher job approval ratings for Bush. A total of 24% of Americans now say their personal financial situations are getting better, up from 17% in July, and 27% say they believe that their personal financial situations will be better off a year from now, which is up from 21% in July.
The increases in the personal financial ratings, however, are coming mainly from those approving of the way Bush is handling his job. A total of 54% of those approving the way Bush is handling his job say their personal financial situations are getting better, compared to 5% of those saying they disapprove of the way Bush is handling his job, and 61% of those saying they approve of the way Bush is handling his job say they expect to be better off a year from now, compared to 6% of those saying they disapprove of the way Bush is handling his job.
The results presented here are based on 1,100 completed telephone interviews conducted among a nationwide random sample of adults 18 years and older. The interviews were completed August 18 through 21, 2005.
Overall, 36% of Americans say that they approve of the way George W. Bush is handling his job as president, 58% disapprove, and 6% are undecided.
http://americanresearchgroup.com/economy/
It sounds like Oncalls think tank.
Posted by: sparrow at August 22, 2005 09:40 AM
Sparrow,
Yes it does. I have contended many times what all politicians know, "All politics is local." That is why I posted my idea in the forum. However, there have not been any replies or suggestions regarding the idea. Ira did post before that think tanks are very expensive, something with which I can not disagree. However the current path our government is leading us down will cost us more dollars than any of us can imagine.
If anybody has ideas or refinements to my posting in the forum please post them (your outstanding successes subforum). If Cindy Sheehan can do it, so can we.
Puppies for Peace
More Mottos:
Make Peace not Poop!
One Nation Under Dog!
All you need is Love...and steak.
Greeting DCP'ers
I have a copy of JK's speech from Friday on the DemDaily for those interested in reading it - http://blog.thedemocraticdaily.com/?p=306
Also, I got an advance copy of an email JK is sending out with a petition to Bush on Iraq -
http://blog.thedemocraticdaily.com/?p=307
Posted by: Indy at August 22, 2005 12:10 PM
Puppies For Peace..
"We Can't Afford Another 28 Years of Bush"
I saw a great "hand-made" bumper sticker in my neck of the woods.....THE PEOPLE WILL LEAD THIS PRESIDENT" !!
MSM,(CNN) did a terrific job on "WAR GONE WRONG" on it's IN THE NEWS segment yesterday,taking into fact a time line of what went wrong where and when. IF you can get a transcript it's worth the effort. Conserves need to see that one!
Yes, we're spreading peace everywhere.....
From CNN...
War stress blamed for shootings by vets
Some question whether Army doing enough to help soldiers
Monday, August 22, 2005; Posted: 9:50 a.m. EDT
(AP) -- One was a skinny 20-year-old discharged from the Army who couldn't shake the piercing rat-a-tat-tat reminders of combat. The other, a decorated Marine family man whose job preparing bodies of U.S. soldiers for burial had caused clammy, restless nights.
Both home from duty in Iraq, they were on opposite ends of the country, but their stories have much in common.
In Las Vegas, Nevada, Matthew Sepi was on his way to get a beer, but he tucked an assault rifle inside his black trenchcoat just in case. In Lawrence, Massachusetts, Daniel Cotnoir brought out his 12-gauge shotgun. Both pulled the trigger. Now Sepi faces murder and attempted murder charges while Cotnoir is charged with attempted murder.
In the otherwise unrelated cases, family, friends and even law officers are looking to the influence of wartime horrors on the two veterans.
Flashbacks, nightmares, a struggle to reconnect to an old life -- these are all signs of post-traumatic stress disorder that many soldiers suffer from. The Army's surgeon general has said 30 percent of U.S. troops surveyed have developed stress-related mental health problems just months after returning home. A New England Journal of Medicine study found almost 1 in 6 soldiers showing symptoms of mental stress.
Sepi and Cotnoir both reportedly sought help. Some question whether the military is doing enough to aid soldiers.
more... http://www.cnn.com/2005/HEALTH/conditions/08/22/vets.trauma.trigger.ap/index.html
Typical Dem (progressives, whatever you want to label yourselves) Control Freaks:
Destroying good intentions one movement at a time.
The only thing that ruined this weekend at Camp Casey II were the "elitists" or "Tenurists" or as I just call them...ASSHOLES!
In Cindy's abscence, all the factions are vying for power, control, and direction fo the Camp Casey Protests.
From the Vets for Peace, to Code Pink (foxy ladies by the way...hubba hubba) to the Socialists who were attempting to recruit people all lead to the typical downfall of the Dem Party...Post Menopausal BIATCHES who scream at people for everything from how thier tent is pitched to waving peace signs at those Vigil-antis who drive by and film and photograph us constantly.
No Poop.
This one woman told me that if I insisted on antagonizing the Vigil-antis by engaging them (making a peace sign and smiling is now engaging) that I should pack my things and leave. I was bitched at for making a peace sign with my two fingers while being filmed from the road...I promptly used my middle finger to that old crazy bitch and told her this is America. On Sunday, it got worse.
Our Late night bonding sessions which include music and merry-making (singing, playing guitar and drinkin' beer) were called out...hey...we make beautiful music and bringing people together...the round table started with 8...then to ten...then to 15 then 17 then 20...building a community of people wanting and willing to come together...you can't force anyone to get along...there has to be mutual respect and consideration.
In Cindy's abscence, those in leadership roles have allowed it to go to their heads and they are on the verge of destroying this movement...at least in Crawford.
We were told no unscheduled music performances, no drinking at all, no dogs in the center of the tent (this is astounding because word got back to the Peace House about my Lokken and people made special trips from Camp Casey I and the Peace House just to meet her and play with her.
I was denied access to a non-denominational prayer service Sunday morning because of two women who were just released from prison for breaking into a Nuclear Power plant...after climbing the fences, they were attacked by guard dogs...and now have emotional scars from that incident, to which I replied:
They committed a felony, broke into private property (not to mention a NUCLEAR FACILITY) and were attacked by dogs trained to be vicious and you are denying me my civil right to participate in a religious service because someone is afraid of my dog?
I am NOT kidding.
I was then TOLD to move my car, which had been parked in the same spot for three days...laughed and said "I am disinclined to aquiesce to your request." and smiled. The girl walked away thanking me and looking confused.
Vets for Peace resident psycho Hal ran up on stage when people who had travelled thousands of miles to be there were telling their stories or singing songs. At one point he grabbed the microphone and basically took ownership of Cindy, Camp Casey II, the movement and stated no one but Vets were allowed on the stage.
Cindy's return is the only thing that will set it straight.
Since they are acting like rotten school children and not playing nice with others, all trying to promote their own agenda to the surface of the movement, I talked to Lynn, Cindy's best friend, who happens to be a school teacher, she said, "Well, I don't mess around when the kids misbehave and are out of control...I call Mama! And Mama Cindy was NOT pleased...not pleased at all!"
Cindy said, and I QUOTE:
"They did WHAT?!? What the F**K are we REPUBLICANS NOW?!?!?!"
Thank goodness Cindy will be returning soon.
Oncall, your idea of a Rural think tank would probably work better than a city or sub-urban one...people in the country are more accustomed to counting on each other for survival...and not slitting each others throats over cornflakes.
More to Come...
Karen...I got to meet Joan Baez...ain't I a stinker?!?!?!
ain't I a stinker?!?!?!
Posted by: Indy at August 22, 2005 12:55 PM
Eureka.
Great Ironies from Camp Casey
The 60 foot by 180 foot tent now standing at the road leading to the Bush Ranch was donated by an anonymous supporter...
And happens to be the very tent W visited for hos $2 million dollar fund raiser with one acception...
Our kitchen is bigger and the caterer is from Dallas so the food was excellent.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner!
Lots of "Checkbook Patriots" are filling the Crawford Peace House's bank accounts.
Saturday was James McMurtry followed by Steve Earl...and what song did good old Steve play for his final song?
The Revolution Starts Now.
Sunday was filled with surprises as Sean Mullens, pop-star and singer/songwriter appeard on his bike at Camp Casey II at about 3:00 in the afternoon. On of my new friends spyed him and asked what he was doing...he said just checking things out...Jesse said, "I have a guitar...want to get on stage?"
Sean said, "Sure." and played for about 30-45 minutes and thanked the crowd of over 1000 (yes 1000 at least) for the honor of playing.
There is a new song that is about to hit the airwaves from our core group of hard-core Cindy supporters and round-table activists...Jesse Dyne premiered his song to Cindy at 3:45 am Friday Night...by Saturday afternoon it was in the hands of Air America Producer Barry (Rhandi Rhodes producer) and next week will be put to video by Miramax films thanks to Scott from Truthout.org.
The magic of a movement happens when the people are allowed to be themselves and create...it soon dies when over produced and micro-managed.
Sunday continued with speeches from Liz Carpenter, Lady Bird Johnson's former Press Secretary...hillarious!
Next was Joan Baez...wonderful, warm, sincere and amazing as ever!
Joan was follwed by Austin great Guy Foresythe and then a one man play by Former Marine and activist Jeff Keys about his enlistment in the Marines, his tour of duty in Iraq and his personal turmoil of being a homosexual and a Marine and his devestation once he dicovered the truth about hte war...no WMD's...a war based upon lies.
More to come...
Indy, LOVED your tales as only you can tell them. Joan Baez! Now you know what it's like living in My Blue Heaven, trying to make lemonades out of lemons.
Many are so strung out on acidity. I couldn't tell if Karen, above, were giving in to the flow because it's better, or it's the only way.
That's where I'm at. Like any art process when it's becoming, needing to form, you can't stop, or edit, while its taking shape and flowing.
Having to learn new tricks, but as an observer, because my heart isn't into their old tricks, never-ending rants, the purism. But I need to see where this is going, steer if I can, contribute, help shape, hold on until there is real positive effort for change, real work, co-operatively.
Eureka.
Posted by: monkey at August 22, 2005 01:10 PM
One of the only luxurys not afforded those at Camp Casey II...showers.
But those of us camping were well prepared and toughed it out...
Much tolerance was granted for lack of personl hygene over the weekend...on Saturday it was over 102 degrees.
Indy,
My label and I think all of us here as well label ourselves, American. I hate labels just as much as you do. If Bushco Propaganda picks up on what you are saying about the infighting at Camp Casey, it will make our efforts doubly difficult. However, we need to be aware of these things in order to prevent falling into an abyss and watching our message get diluted, and confused.
As regards to the think tank idea, thanks for the comments. I don't envision my idea as being successful in an urban environment initially, but if successful in a rural environment it could be transplanted to a urban setting.
Joan Baez.........not fair for those of us who don't live in Texas.
.........not fair for those of us who don't live in Texas.
Posted by: oncall at August 22, 2005 01:42 PM
Now you WANT to live in Texas? ROFLMAO!
You have been invited...have the means...and Uncle Indy will take care of you should you choose to arrive.
As usual, I am the rock in the center of the pond and my objection to being treated like a child at summer camp instead of a living breathing sentient American has effected some of the necessary change required to get things back on track...even if it rquired having Lynn call Cindy...
"MOM! The nasty libs just kicked my dog!!!"
One couple was threatened that is they did not leave with their dog "Bones" cute little boxer and hyper lil' cuss that the police would be called. THAT was promply met by "Indy In Your Face Productions" under the heading of "Who died and made you Hitler?"
Needless to say, Bones and Lokken were allowed to continue their Puppies for Peace movement...
I am slated to read the Memoriam written for Cindy on stage at Camp Casey II next weekend.
Amen!
Posted by: Marjorie G at August 22, 2005 01:34 PM
Exactly Marjorie...
Message to Camp Casey I, II and the Peace House...
GO WITH THE FLOW!!!
By special request...
Let It Grow
by Eric Clapton
I’m standin’ at the crossroads
Tryin’ to read the signs
To tell me which way I should
Go to find the answer
And all the time I know
Let your love and let it grow.
Let it grow, let it grow,
Let it blossom, let it flow.
In the sun and in the snow
Love is lovely, let it grow.
Lookin’ for a reason
To check out on my mind.
It’s so hard to find a
Friend that I can count on.
There’s nothin’ left to show,
Plant your love and let it grow.
Let it grow...
Time is gettin’ shorter
And there’s much for you to do,
Only ask’n you will get what you are needin’,
The rest is up to you.
Plant your love and let it grow.
Let it grow...
Ah, indeed this is all music to our ears.
Posted by: Indy at August 22, 2005 01:50 PM
Indy,
Don't put words in my mouth. I don't want to live in Texas. I am happy where I am thank-you. If I want to stay alive I wont be able to make it to Camp Casey II. Asking today would be the kiss of death. It is my 23 wedding anniversary.
It is my 23 wedding anniversary.
Posted by: oncall at August 22, 2005 02:18 PM
CONGRATULATIONS ONCALL!!!
Happy Anniversary!
So would getting her drunk on the plane, changing flights and heading to Camp Casey II call for beheading as well?
Maybe just some irons?
FORE!!!
And for the inside Scoop as to Camp Casey and letting the love grow...
There will be a wedding held in the Camp Casey II tent next weekend. =]
You heard it here first and NO ONE has that scoop!
Camp Casey Memorial
Plans are in the works (as funding has been so graciously provided by many checkbook patriots) to erect a permanent Camp Casey Memorial in Crawford, Texas.
There will be a wedding held in the Camp Casey II tent next weekend. =]
Posted by: Indy at August 22, 2005 02:23 PM
Where are you registered? Where should we send you your wedding gifts?
;)
P.S. Happy Anniversary to oncall & his beautiful boss, ms. oncall. And I'm with you...livin' in Texas ain't livin' for us Yankees... (Sorry, Indy, but I've done my time there.)
Indy,
You decided to take the plunge! How cool is that? I guess love is in the air at Camp Casey.
Posted by: not my president at August 22, 2005 11:42 AM
Good point made, NMP, but remember - some minorities are NOT our friends, but neocon puppets. I see that EVERY DAY here in Los Angeles.
Ira, Oncall, and anyone else who was involved in the discussion the other day about Ohio Gov. Taft,
I found this article in the Portsmouth Daily Times about possible impeachment. I don't think anything will come of it but at least they are looking into it.
Impeachment info requested
COLUMBUS
By MATT LEINGANG, Associated Press
House Democrats have asked the Legislature’s legal research arm to outline the process of impeachment against Republican Gov. Bob Taft, who was convicted last week of four ethics law violations.
When the Democrats meet Tuesday to discuss their response to Taft’s conviction for failing to report golf outings and other gifts, they want to understand the impeachment process, but no decision about whether to pursue Taft’s ouster is expected, said Rep. Chris Redfern, the top Democrat in the House.
“Impeachment is such a serious thing, and it’s not something to be careless about,� Redfern, of Port Clinton, said Sunday. “But we would all do well as members of the House to understand what the process is.�
The House Democrats will consider other alternatives for what their response should be, including whether to ask Taft to resign, said Redfern.
Taft, who says he will not resign, is the first governor charged with a crime. A judge found him guilty after he pleaded no contest last week. Taft was fined $4,000.
Redfern requested a memo explaining the impeachment process from the Ohio Legislative Service Commission, a nonpartisan agency that helps elected officials research proposed legislation and reviews constitutional law.
An article of impeachment would have to be approved by a majority of the 99-member House, something the Democrats — who hold 39 seats — couldn’t achieve without the votes of at least 11 Republicans. If passed, an impeachment trial would be held in the GOP-controlled Senate.
Redfern said he has not discussed impeachment with Senate leaders of either party.
Senate President Bill Harris said Sunday that talk of impeachment is unwarranted.
“Unless some other types of charges develop, I don’t think there will be an attempt to impeach the governor,� said Harris, an Ashland Republican. “I think he’ll continue to do his best and continue to work hard.�
House Speaker Jon Husted, a suburban Dayton Republican, said he had no problem with Democrats researching the impeachment process.
“They’re trying to understand the process, that’s not objectionable,� Husted said. “I think they’ll find that this is not an easy matter.�
Taft press secretary Mark Rickel repeated Sunday that the governor will not step down. He declined to address the prospect of impeachment.
A message seeking comment was left Sunday for Sen. C.J. Prentiss of Cleveland, the Senate’s Democratic leader.
Democrats for the most part have held off calling for Taft’s resignation, preferring to use his woes and state investment scandals in next year’s election. But on Friday, Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman, who is seeking the Democratic nomination, became the first to publicly ask Taft to step down.
Story created Monday, August 22, 2005.
I apologize if this has been posted already.
A letter from Cindy on Kos.
"Go Home and Take Care of Your Kids"
by CindySheehan
Mon Aug 22nd, 2005 at 09:28:51 PDT
Day 16
The Peaceful Occupation of Crawford
I have received dozens of emails with this heading: Go Home and Take Care of Your Kids. I think of all the name calling and unnecessary and untrue trashing of my character, this one offends me the most. What do the people who send me this message mean?
CindySheehan's diary :: ::
First of all, it offends me because it is so blatantly sexist. Would anyone think of emailing George Bush when he is out and about (now he is going on a vacation away from his vacation to make speeches in Idaho and Utah defending his killing policies), telling him to go and take care of his kids? Does anyone write to ANY man and tell him to go home and take care of his kids. I have news for all of these people, my children are adults and their dad is home to take care of them if they need any taking care of.
http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2005/8/22/122851/516
Posted by: madame defarge at August 22, 2005 02:32 PM
Indy,
You decided to take the plunge! How cool is that? I guess love is in the air at Camp Casey.
Posted by: oncall at August 22, 2005 02:37 PM
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Indy is NOT...repeat NOT BEING SHACKLED!!!
Or married even...
A Nice couple from Austin who are friends with Liz Carpenter are saying their vows in the Big Tent at Camp Casey.
No, Indy will not be presiding as Reverend but will be on hand for all available brides maids as needed.
It is my civic duty after all. =]
Indy--you and me both, now. I met Joan Baez almost exactly 36 years ago. It was the Mariposa Folk Festival, she had closed the show, immediately following my then-boyfriend and his skittle band. The band had brought down the house with "How Come You Do Me Like You Do Do Do".
We got on the small boat to ride back to Toronto-proper, and had to scoot down the bench when very-pregnant Joan came onboard. We didn't want to breathe or speak. It was quiet.
As the boat pulled away from the dock and glided across the lake, someone said, "Sing something, Joanie."
She sang "Amazing Grace", full of sound and peace and Gabriel (her son, born several weeks later).
I thought about her when we sang "Amazing Grace" in front of the White House on Wednesday. Ironically, her rendition was the very first I had heard. How sweet that you got to meet her in Crawford.
Indy
Great to hear! Have to have a sense of humor around the "P C" elements. I accidentally dropped a tissue once and this guy walked behind me saying "excuse me .. excuse me .. you dropped something" until I picked it up. Why didn't he just do it himself?!
Yes - have to have a sense of humor also around the motley crewe of socialists, greens, libertarians, punks, bikers, stoners, apathetics and just curious kids who are also draft age that were our "consumers" at the "grassroots" booth at "Hempfest" these last 2 days.
But we did alot of education, stimulated alot of good discussion, & registered alot of voters. I also pictured some of the young people as having internal debates between things we exposed them to and things they may be told by military recruiters. For that, it's all worth it.
Posted by: karen at August 22, 2005 04:07 PM
She sang it just as you heard it...acapella...last night at Camp Casey II...
I was only a few feet away.
Awe inspiring.
Shiver me shivers!
My goose bumps had goose bumps!
Oncall,
Happy Anniversary to you and S...
I wish the best for both of you.
Indy-This is so cool, hearing your experience at Camp Casey. An historic moment for you! What a great experience and memory to have your entire life!
I just sent a plan (map) of Camp Casey II to Marianne if you all would like to post it.
It is in PDF format but can be easily converted to jpeg
Bush defends Iraq war policy to veterans group
Reaffirms plan to stay the course
Monday, August 22, 2005; Posted: 2:48 p.m. EDT
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- President Bush defended the war in Iraq on Monday in the face of growing skepticism, asserting that "a policy of retreat and isolation will not bring us safety" from terrorism.
With U.S. casualties rising and his approval rating falling, Bush urged Americans to stand united in the war in Iraq and against terrorists everywhere.
While the United States has not been attacked since September 11, 2001, Bush said, "We're not yet safe. Terrorists in foreign lands still hope to attack our country. We must confront threats before they fully materialize."
"The only way to defend to our citizens where we live is to go after the terrorists where they live," Bush said in a speech to the national convention of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Bush chose the national VFW convention in Republican-friendly Utah as the site for the first of two speeches this week, both to reaffirm his plan to stay the course despite the recent focus on problems in Iraq. The second comes Wednesday to a National Guard group in Idaho.
more...http://www.cnn.com/2005/POLITICS/08/22/bush.vfw.ap/index.html
Cheers to those exercising free speech in Salt Lake City today during Bush's appearance:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,1280,-5226330,00.html
Bush's approval plummets to Nixon's level.
http://americanresearchgroup.com/economy/
Posted by: Beth at August 22, 2005 04:13 PM
I have lots of ...click click...photography too...just have to get it downloaded and sent to DW and Doc.
Bush's approval plummets to Nixon's level.
Posted by: sparrow at August 22, 2005 04:41 PM
I are not a crook.
Me am not?
Puppies For Peace..
"We Can't Afford Another 28 Years of Bush"
Posted by: monkey at August 22, 2005 12:18 PM
Puppies for Peace
Save America...
Lift Your Leg on Bush!
Dubya's Piece: "Wag The God"
Dubya's Piece: "Wag The God"
Posted by: monkey at August 22, 2005 05:18 PM
Classic...
Posted by: Indy at August 22, 2005 04:13 PM
His wish is my command...
See Indy's map here ==>
http://www.democracycellproject.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=834&view=findpost&p=3277
OMG...I have now seen it all and it is way too much!
Robertson called for the assassination of Venezuela's president
Pat Robertson, host of Christian Broadcasting Network's The 700 Club and founder of the Christian Coalition of America, called for the assassination of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez.
http://mediamatters.org/items/200508220006
Posted by: sparrow at August 22, 2005 06:07 PM
Well isn't that just Down-Right-Christian of him?
The Bush Doctrine: Pass Judgement, Administer Justice... Just Like The Good Book Says... somewhere.
new thread!!
In general, I'm not too thrilled with David Sirota. He's too negative.
Thought this was interesting:
On "Face the Nation" David Allen reporting from Camp Casey said:
"...Right now it's PETA, hippies, Naderites. The
question is, if it becomes the Little League dads, Pop Warner moms, then the White House has a big problem."
Stereotypes about 'liberals' and Democrats abound.
MSM,(CNN) did a terrific job on "WAR GONE WRONG" on it's IN THE NEWS segment yesterday,taking into fact a time line of what went wrong where and when. IF you can get a transcript it's worth the effort. Conserves need to see that one!
Posted by: Patti Ferschke at August 22, 2005 12:22 PM
Darn, Patti, I missed that one. I am so excited to see CNN step on board a little bit.
I really think our emails to the networks and anchors is working. Perhaps the talking heads were "dumbed down" like the rest of America. I remember sending one letter out to networks that asked them if they value their paychecks above truth, reality, freedom, and democracy.
It might be just me, but I have noticed an excitement in some of the pundits as they embark on touching reality!
INDY!
I am so happy you got to experience Camp Casey II, and were able to be part of history being made. I await your reports with much interest.
Pat Robertson, host of Christian Broadcasting Network's The 700 Club and founder of the Christian Coalition of America, called for the assassination of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez.
http://mediamatters.org/items/200508220006
Posted by: sparrow at August 22, 2005 06:07 PM
WHAT?????? And, he said this on The 700 Club that was broadcast????