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Listening to the Voice of God:
Tax Cuts, Tax Cuts, Tax Cuts
Our friend Casey is lying abed recovering from surgery. But whatever drugs she is taking haven't slowed her mind down one bit. She's figured out what the Democrats should do.
But first a little story. A man's neighbor comes over and tells him that a terrible storm is coming, and that he should evacuate. The man says, No, God will take care of me. The neighbor offers a life preserver, but the man refuses. Sure enough, the rains fall, and the flood rises. A policeboat comes by, and offers to pick up the man, but again he refuses, saying that God will take care of me. The waters rise, and the man retreats to his roof. A helicopter comes by, but the man refuses to be rescued, shouting over the din that God will take care of him. An hour later, his house collapses, and he drowns in the flood.
Finding himself in Heaven, the man approaches God to ask what the hell he was doing there, when God was supposed to take care of him. An irritated God says, look, I tried to take care of you. I sent you a life preserver, and you turned it down, and then a boat, and then a helicopter.
If you want God to save you, you'd better be listening.
I'm sure you've all heard or seen the various ravings by fundamentalists about why God sent Katrina to destroy New Orleans. Isn't it funny how all God ever has to say when something terrible goes wrong fits nicely into the fundamentalist agenda?
But suppose God is playing tricks with the fundies, and that the real message God was sending is for our country's progressive forces. Are we prepared to listen to this voice of God? As the little parable above suggests, if you want God to save you, you need to be willing to act when God puts the means of salvation in your hands.
So what do the Democrats have in their hands right now? They've got a war that Bush lied to start, and has no plan to finish. They've got a hurricane that has almost totally destroyed one of America's great cities, a pathetically slow response from federal officials, exposing the great race and class divides that every institution in our country conspires to hide from our eyes during normal times; and to top it all off, we've got another huge hurricane right on the heels of the first threatening to kill more people and send our oil-dependent economy into even more of a tailspin.
So what's the message? Let's start by agreeing that Bush has made some serious mistakes in office, and it's time for him and the Congress to own up and raise the funds to correct those mistakes.
And there's only one way to raise enough money to make a dent in the deficits Bush and the Congress have run up: rescind the ruinous tax cuts. All of them. Roll them back to where they were when Bush took office.
That's the message: roll back the tax cuts.
No Democrat should talk about anything else.
Democrats want to rebuild too. But they should not yield an inch until the Republicans agree to pay for their follies. Roll back the tax cuts.
The Republicans would like nothing better than to lure the Democrats into the mire of HOW to do reconstruction, and WHO should get the money, and on and on. The public will tire quickly of such a debate.
Bush has managed to avoid taking responsibility for anything his entire life, from his failed businesses to his failing Presidency.
But if the Democrats can unite and stay focused on one message, roll back the tax cuts, they can seize the high moral ground. What George Bush and his cronies have done to this country is utterly immoral. They have pursued an immoral war, and the debt which they are saddling future generations with is immoral.
America can do better. But we can't do it without admitting that the tax cuts were a mistake--the Congress should never have passed them, and God has sent us as clear a message as we're ever going to get that we can't be a decent, God-fearing country, and keep those tax cuts.
Is anyone in the Democratic Party listening?
Yes, I really am amazed that the democrats haven't come out more on this issue. I can think of no better time to come out and shout to the media that the GOP wants to take away money from the treasury and give it to the heirs of the super rich by taking away the estate tax.
They should be writing editorial after editorial showing how the tax breaks to the wealthy aren't helping the poor.
They should be writing letters how to constituents explaining how the republican-led congress gave away our tax dollars to price-gouging, grossly profiting oil companies with the energy bill.
They should be bringing forth legislation to pay for veterans' benefits with our tax dollars that are curently ear-marked for Halliburton!
Beth! Call us tomorrow-can't wait to meet you!
Dear DCPers, those of you that are protesting in DC tomorrow, I hope you stay safe and make those connections that will inspire you for the fight ahead. Take good care, ~ cali
Thanks for the warm wishes Cali Dem!
I'm still in California for now, but later in the morning I'll be in the air, on the way to DC. I won't be marching, but I'll arrive, hopefully in time to catch Le Tigre at the Operation Ceasefire concerts at midnight. The very thought of it excites me, even though I don't know a thing about Le Tigre... yet.
I'll be busy as hell doing lobbying, and making connections with DCP, Code Pink, and other organizations. As Indy likes to say, Vive la Revolution.
And yes, tax cuts must be rolled back - for the very few who are making a killing out of the W presidency! It isn't truly "pro-business" until the eventual customers have enough money to spend on the businesses' products too!
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/rita
Rita's Strongest Winds Batter Gulf Coast
BEAUMONT, Texas - Hurricane Rita plowed into the Gulf Coast early Saturday, lashing Texas and Louisiana with driving rain, igniting the pre-dawn sky with exploding transformers and threatening to flood the low-lying region.
Rita made landfall at 3:38 a.m. EDT as a Category 3 storm just east of Sabine Pass, on the Texas-Louisiana line, bringing with it a 20-foot storm surge and up to 25 inches of rain, the National Hurricane Center said.
Its 12 mph speed spread worries it would dump nearly 2 feet of rain on flood-prone parts of Texas and Louisiana, spurring tornadoes as it churned north-northwest with winds topping 120 mph.
Texas officials breathed a sigh of relief that Rita spared two flood-prone cities a direct hit. "It looks like the Houston and Galveston area has really lucked out," said Max Mayfield, director of the center.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20050924/ap_on_re_us/rita_galveston_fires_hk1
Three Buildings in Galveston Catch Fire
GALVESTON, Texas - Three buildings caught fire in the historic Strand District as wind from Hurricane Rita whipped the flames and hampered firefighters.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20050924/ts_alt_afp/usweatherstormhoustonhomeless
Houston abandons its neediest ahead of Hurricane Rita
To those in Dc from those who can't be:
Know that for each of you htere is 10 or 100 or 1000 of us you are speaking for.When you speak or listen, know that you are doing it for all of us.
God speed and God bless.
Bush struggles to regain pre-hurricane swagger
Second mission on Rita trip: Restoring strength, confidence in presidency
ANALYSIS
By Jim VandeHei and Peter Baker
The Washington Post
Updated: 12:21 a.m. ET Sept. 24, 2005
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - President Bush flew here ahead of Hurricane Rita on Friday to show command of a federal disaster response effort that even supporters acknowledge he fumbled three weeks ago.
The president said he wanted to see the emergency response system from the ground floor at U.S. Northern Command headquarters. "I need to understand how it works better," he told reporters before leaving Washington. But Bush was also embarking on broader, and possibly more important, mission: restoring strength and confidence in his presidency.
A president who roamed across the national and world stages with an unshakable self-assurance that comforted Republicans and confounded critics since 2001 suddenly finds himself struggling to find his swagger. Bush's standing with the public — and within the Republican Party — has been battered by a failed Social Security campaign, violence in Iraq, and most recently Hurricane Katrina. His approval ratings, 42 percent in the most recent Washington Post-ABC poll, have never been lower.
A president who normally thrives on tough talk and self-assurance finds himself at what aides privately describe as a low point in office, one that is changing the psychic and political aura of the White House, as well as its distinctive political approach.
In small, sometimes subtle but unmistakable ways, the president and top aides sound less certain, more conciliatory and willing to do something they avoided in the first term: admit mistakes. After bulling through crisis after crisis with a "bring 'em on" brashness, a more solemn Bush now has twice taken responsibility for the much-criticized response to Hurricane Katrina.
Talk in private of failures
Aides who never betrayed self-doubt now talk in private of failures selling the American people on the Iraq war, the president's Social Security plan and his response to Hurricane Katrina. The president who once told the United Nations it would drift into irrelevancy if it did not back the invasion of Iraq last week praised the world body and said the world works better "when we act together." A White House team that operated on its terms since 2000 is reaching to outside experts for answers like never before.
"I think they are showing a greater willingness to look for new suggestions, new ideas, new approaches than at any time in the presidency," said former House speaker Newt Gingrich (R-Ga.). "I think they realize the larger system has failed: They are not where they want to be on Iraq; the first week after Katrina was an absolute failure."
David Gergen, who has advised Republican and Democratic presidents going back to the 1970s, said that "there is no question [Bush and his advisers] changed their tone. . . . That is a chastened White House talking."
more... http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9458693/
Good morning to all the people in DC and all those checking in to see what they're reporting. It's an exciting day... let's deliver the message wherever we are.
http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/afp/20050924/wl_mideast_afp/iraqeuropedemos
Tens of thousands to march in Europe against Iraq war
LONDON (AFP) - Tens of thousands of people were expected to march in cities around Europe calling for an end to the US-led war in Iraq and for the return of European troops from the country.
Protest rallies were planned in London as well as Rome, Paris, Copenhagen, Oslo and Helsinki, to coincide with a similar march in Washington.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Besides the above story, CBS & ABC each gave a mention of the peace rally at the top of the hour for their early news shows. Both networks came on early to cover Hurricane Rita. So, while virtually each half hour is one long continuous story about Rita, at least they mentioned the peace rally in DC with even a bit of background footage and Cindy Sheehan footage.....
Hope the weather is fantastic for y'all in DC... (pewter gray skies and a cool wind here, which means if we get rain, I'll be offline)....
Stop The Stupid War!!!
"Little Tin God"
by Don Henley
"A new age is dawning
On fewer than expected
Business as Usual"
That's how the headline read
Some shaky modern saviors
Have now been resurrected
In all this excitement
You may have been misled
People want a miracle
They say "Oh Lord, can't you see us?
We're tryin' to make a livin' down here
And keep the children fed"
But, from little dark motel rooms
To "Six Flags over Jesus"
"How are the mighty fallen"
So the Bible said
You don't have to pray to a little tin god
Step out of the way for a little tin god
You might fear the reaper, fear the rod
But you never have to get down on your knees
You don't have to holler, "please, please"
No, you never have to get down on your knees
For a little tin god
The cowboy's name was "Jingo"
And he heard that there was trouble
So in a blaze of glory
He rode out of the west
No one was ever certain
What it was that he was sayin'
But they loved it when he told them
They were better than the rest
But you don't have to pray to a little tin god
Step out of the way for a little tin god
You might hate the system, hate the job
But you never have to get down on your knees
You don't have to holler, "please, please"
No, you never have to get down on your knees
For a little tin god
Throw down a rope from heaven
And lead the flock to water
The man in the middle would have you think
That you have no other choice
But to wander in the wilderness
Of all the upturned faces
If you stop and listen long enough
You will hear your own small voice
But you don't have to pray to a little tin god
Step out of the way for a little tin god
You might fear the reaper, fear the rod
But you never have to get down on your knees
You don't have to holler, "please, please"
No, you never have to get down on your knees
Never have to holler, "please, please"
You never have to get down on your knees
You never have to holler, "please, please"
You never have to get down on your knees
For a little tin god
Trivia for a Saturday morning...and totally off topic, but slightly relevant...
Camille, the worst hurricane to hit the US mainland coincided with the greatest outdoor concert...Woodstock, complete with anti-war protests, anti-government advocates, and of course music. 500,000 young citizens were virtually left on their own and discovered the words Sharing, Helping, Consideration, and Respect to be very powerful. Thousands left the Woodstock event with a totally different outlook on life. It was the beginning of the end of the war...
Thankfully, it looks like Rita isn't quite as bad as they thought she would be.
And we know that the march in DC today & its events will be the beginning of the end of this war...
Hmmm. Looks like Frist has some 'splaining to do...
Frist Knew About Blind Trust Investments
WASHINGTON - Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn., was updated several times about his investments in blind trusts during 2002, the last time two weeks before he publicly denied any knowledge of what was in the accounts, documents show.
--snip--
Frist sold his HCA stock from several blind trusts this summer, at a time when insiders in the company also were selling off shares worth $112 million from January through June. Frist aides say he sold his stock to avoid any appearance of a conflict of interest.
Frist, asked in a television interview in January 2003 whether he should sell his HCA stock, responded: "Well, I think really for our viewers it should be understood that I put this into a blind trust. So as far as I know, I own no HCA stock"
Frist, referring to his trust and those of his family, also said in the interview, "I have no control. It is illegal right now for me to know what the composition of those trusts are. So I have no idea."
Documents filed with the Senate showed that just two weeks before those comments, the trustee of the senator's trust, M. Kirk Scobey Jr., wrote to Frist that HCA stock was contributed to the trust. It was valued at $15,000 and $50,000.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20050924/ap_on_go_co/frist_stock
For those of us who can't be there to listen to Cindy Sheehan's speech this afternoon on the mall, you can read it here ===>
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2005/9/24/85619/4714
Here's the opening...
Ahhhh, I love the smell of Patriotic Dissent in the afternoon!
As we stand here on the grounds of a monument that is dedicated to the Father of our Country, George Washington, we are reminded that he was well known for the apocryphal stories of never being able to tell a lie. I find it so ironic that there is another man here named George who stays in this town between vacations and he seems to never be able to tell the truth. It is tragic for us that our bookend presidents named George have two completely different relationships with honesty.
Another reminder...CSPAN is broadcasting interviews & events all day from DC regarding the pro-peace march.
Also, just saw that MSNBC did about a 3 minute live piece on it (with mention of the pro-war folks too, of course). At least MSNBC is there...
Rita says hello from North Louisiana.
I do believe the Bistineux Levee will hold so I think we are gonna be ok. Just don't say tornado.
The alligators however are pissed.
Stay safe Christy and let us know how you're doing if you can.
Posted by: Christy at September 24, 2005 09:58 AM
Stay away from the alligators.
Also, did you see that NYT picked up that article about prisoner abuse?!!!
http://tinyurl.com/8aupd link to NYT
Hey all,
Can anyone tell me if C. Span are televising the march today for you tomorrow for me, is there anywhere that I can watch it and wish I was there with you all
Here are a few of the pro-peace events around the US & the world...
Take Back Our Country -- Bring Back Our Troops
Saturday, September 24th 2005 5:00 p.m.
Missoula, MT USA
Pioneer Square, Portland Oregon - 12 Noon
Thousands march in London against Iraq war
Protest rallies were also planned in Rome, Paris, Madrid, Copenhagen, Oslo and Helsinki, to coincide with a similar march in Washington.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20050924/wl_uk_afp/iraqeuropedemosbritain
Thousands march in London against Iraq war
Are they televising the one in Washington MD
Posted by: rossiann at September 24, 2005 10:27 AM
Rossi -
Here's the link to streaming video. Events start at 11:30 a.m. EDT (GMT -5 hrs)
http://www.c-span.org/watch/index.asp?Cat=TV&Code=CS&ShowVidDays=30&ShowVidDesc=&ArchiveDays=30
Anti-war Protest Rally
The ANSWER Coalition will hold the largest anti-war protest since the beginning of the War in Iraq. The scheduled speakers include actress Jessica Lange; former U.S. Attorney General Ramsey Clark; Rep. Cynthia McKinney (D-GA); Cindy Sheehan, mother of soldier killed in Iraq; Rev. Jesse Jackson, and others.
Suz just called... the whole group that assembled at Karen & Dick's this morning is on their way to the train station now. The group includes Suz, Dick, Karen, Matt, Barry, Marietta, JR, Jimmy, Miso, Stephanie, Larry, Mike, Marcie and David. Suz and the documentary filmmaker, Miso, were out earlier today and talked with some people at the train station.
Suz met a group from the Unitarian Universalist church. They along with a Presbyterian church group put on a seminar this morning at 9 am on Stopping Torture and the Geneva Convention. Tomorrow the same group is going to be presenting a mock trial.
I found this notice on the web about it:
Sunday, Sept. 25: 1:30-6:30 p.m. A Citizens' Mock Trial of high-level U.S. officials responsible for the current U.S. torture practices (Holiday Inn on the Hill, 415 New Jersey Avenue NW--Red line to Union Station)
More later from Suz and the others.
From DiAnne who is currently in Paris...
The front page of Le Monde, France's main newspaper, has two leading stories:
- Ouragans et guerre en Irak : Bush en difficulté
Hurricanes & War in Iraq: Bush in trouble
- Cindy Sheehan est devenue l'icône du mouvement contre la guerre
Cindy Sheehan has become the icon for the movement against the war
http://www.lemonde.fr/
Those alligators dont scare me.
Do you know Rossi found 21 pages of complaints againts Reb Nation submitted to blogger..???
Guess what they are complaining about??
Art for boys, art for girls.
Oh and my headliner that says Save a Soldier Impeach A President.
21 pages.. I think thats funny as hell.
Phone call from Karen...
Just emerged from metro and have joined a teeming throng of people moving towards the ellipse. Just passed a group of aging Unitarians with canes who are standing up for Peace & Justice, actually hobbling for Peace & Justice with great spirit and smiles on their faces.
Every metro train is packed. We’re not sure we’re going to make it to the corner to meet our other DCP friends.
Names in the current group that DCP'ers will recognize... Mark Brisky, Matt Carnicelli, Barry Schwartz, Suz Krueger, Dick Bell, Karen Bradley, Mike Kahn. Going to connect up with DavefromPrincton, MarjorieG, EllenBeth, Carol and Veritas.
Dick and Karen got up early this morning and set up a table with a banner and lots of DCP materials. It’s located SW of the corner of Constitution and 17th Street, halfway between Constitution & Independence and fairly close to the 17th street side.
More later...
Thanks Heaps for that MD, I have to feel like I am there.
Call from Suz who is near the White House right now, lining up to march.
She said it's a sea of people, shoulder to shoulder on both sides of the sidewalk for blocks and they're starting to move into the streets (because there are so many people) to get to the starting point of the march.
Nothing but positive attitudes & non-violent people...except for the 5 pro-war people she has seen who were shouting "Repent! Don't worry about Iraq! Worry about your own souls!"
Behind her was a group from Iraq & Palestine who are against racism & genocide. Their sign:
Bush - sure you can hide but you must stop the genocide!
More later.
except for the 5 pro-war people she has seen who were shouting "Repent! Don't worry about Iraq! Worry about your own souls!"
Posted by: madame defarge at September 24, 2005 11:17 AM
Fundie's... can't live with 'em, can't live with 'em.
Posted by dickbell at September 23, 2005 09:57 PM
Great post, Dick.
That's our Casey!!! Even when recovering she zeros in on a very good talking point! Too bad we don't have some pain medications for our leaders in Washington D.C. (administration and congress).