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SEE THE TRUTH, KNOW THE CONSEQUENCES
As readers of this blog know, many of us worked on John Kerry's Blog, and were moderators on the Kerry-Edwards Blog as well. Since this is an educational, and not a partisan political blog, my comments here will be personal and from my heart. I trust it is no one's purpose here to stomp on my heart.
The Georgetown audience was excited. JK was greeted by a fairly heated standing ovation. He looked good--relaxed and focused.
I spotted Marvin across the floor. Marvin is JK's Chief of Stuff--his body man--Marvin waved hello. I said hello to some old friends and members of JK's entourage and it was reassuring to note how many of the people who truly love him were present.
The speech itself is available all over the internet, so I will not reprint it here. Most of you have received it via email anyway. I want to share my EXPERIENCE of what he said, and how he said it.
Note that I have spent the last few months as a fairly active member of the peace movement, and have thought long and hard about what I think should happen with Iraq. I also co-wrote a short theatre piece about torture and war called, "Fear Up". I have marched, reported, listened, wrestled, and cared deeply about the way our government has recklessly and seriously messed up the world our children will inherit. So it was with some trepidation that I approached today's speech. I wondered what he might say that could make a difference.
He began by telling a story--it is the story of his trip back from Mosul. At the end, he delivered the first line that garnered applause--the one about "speaking truth to power." We've all heard it; he reminded us that he has lived it.
He had me at this line: "At a time when many worry that we have become a society of moral relativists, too few worry that we have a government of factual relativists."
Some will say, but did he apologize for his vote on the IWR? He did not say that, exactly. Instead, he leaned forward, and looked us right in the eyes and said "I accept my share of the responsibility."
I felt that was a moment, for me, when a lot of the anguish of the past year settled down. He focused on the future--what we have to do from this moment on. I came to realize, as I listened, that what I have been missing is that simple taking of responsibility for bad judgments, and the totally adult focus on how we fix it.
And the fix is not simple; it unfurled before us in a dizzying array of steps, actions, coalitions, and rewards and consequences.
John Kerry is a thorough-minded and tough thinking guy. It is not in his nature to pat us on the back and tell us he has all the answers. He went over his proposals as a teacher would, making sure we could follow the logic behind his plan as well as the specifics of the plan itself.
The gist of it that we need both " a political settlement AND the withdrawal of American combat forces linked to specific, responsible benchmarks."
First to be removed from danger: the combat forces. I want to remind us here that he WAS a military officer, and was responsible for his men in the Viet Nam War. Those men were with him throughout his campaign, and one of them, at least, told us that, even though that war was horrifying, terrifying, and he was scared every single day of his tour, if John Kerry called him up and told him they had to go back to hell, he would be there.
That kind of loyalty comes from someone who is fortunate enough to follow the man who listens, who takes responsibility, who makes tough decisions based on understanding fully the tough choices at hand.
So the plan is thought-out, and the moment that garnered much applause and intent focus was this one:
"While Special Operations must continue to to pursue specific intelligence leads, the vast majority of our own troops should be in rear guard, garrisoned status for security backup. We do not need to send young Americans on search-and-destroy missions that invite alienation and deepen the risks they face. Iraqis should police Iraqis. Iraqis should search Iraqi homes. Iraqis should stand up for Iraqis."
Leadership. Thought. Listening. Good things. Wish we had them in the right places.
The question-and-answer session was for the students to ask questions. It was quite a seminar today. Senator Kerry livened up, kidding around with the students, asking them questions. He revealed that he has spent the last few weeks in many discussions with military leaders, with others, really thinking through his proposals for what needs to happen. "They are all thinking along similar lines," he said.
One young woman, from Columbus, Ohio, asked about the coffins the grief of the families. "Should we see them?", she asked. "It's news and it's real", he responded. "And it's more important than Nick and Jessica's breakup."
The most important concept in democracy, he went on to say, is that of CITIZEN. We all have work to do; this war will not end, this government will not change its policies without our speaking up.
Afterwards, I went up to hug Teresa; she asked how our work was going and I told her. "GREAT!" I was talking with Marvin, who was, as usual, trying to get Senator Kerry back to the Senate so he could vote, and the crowd was carrying him ever further away--when suddenly, there he was--Senator Kerry--right above me on the stage. He spotted me and got down to give me a hug and kiss--and then he was gone again.
I like to think of him as my president. I like to think about what it would have been like. I like to consider how he, and Teresa, and John Edwards, and Elizabeth would have overseen this country, this wrong-headed war, this mess of an economy, this lack of stewardship of the environment. Today I saw it. It would be very, very wonderful. Hard, really hard, but noble, and honest, and straight-up, and...
and then again:
And now I am off to help run the vigil at the White House. Peace to all of us, and love, especially, to those willing to SEE THE TRUTH and KNOW THE CONSEQUENCES.
Karen,
Thanks so much for being there to listen and relay to us on a personal level what will be brushed over if mentioned at all in the MSM.
Sending you energy and stay-warm vibes!
Karen,
Thank you for this and thank you for the wonderful job DCP is doing (for all those involved in this).
Karen,
I like that he "accepted his share of the responsibility."
That is so much more meaningful than a "apology" which can be insincere and untrue.
Someone who accepts responsibility will also try to fix the problem as best they can.
Someone who refuses to accept responsibility, like this neoCON administration, will continually find itself repeating more lies and more of the same illegal and unethical actions.
I think it took courage for JK to go up there and speak. Frankly, I think it takes courage to show up in Congress each day when I'm sure he has an inkling that his real house should have been in the White House this year!
Teresa and John, if either one of you reads this blog, I would like to say that both of you have risen above the state of politics as usual. You tried to be a candle leading us through the darkness of these evil times. You both carried the flame of hope in 04 and I know you have many more years of tending the flickering flame, but we will be by your side helping you.
We won't give up just like we know you didn't give up.
Karen,
If only..........
Thanks for keeping us informed.
Peaceful vigil, everyone.
Dear Mr. Kerry...
Is it true that somehow shrapnel somehow lodged itself in your body and you never even bled one drop?
That has got to be the WORST TALKING POINTS EVER
Was that dole that said that?
Karen,
thanks for keeping us updated!
Karen -
Sadly, we can't change the past. We can only work & hope for the future...now. Thank you for showing us what's in your heart & mind.
Namaste.
Karen:
Great report. Thanks again.
It IS the present we need to focus on now. And everything WE are doing increases in energy and value. Meaning being forces of good in our communities, as we are today, as John and Teresa and JRE and Elizabeth are in their worlds.
It will take more than anger at the past or present to get us through this time. It will take a deep breath and hope for the future.
Reflecting on what Rosa Parks has said--vision and hope for the future--that's the real lesson we take with us now while the country is facing its own political hurricane...let's remember that as we face this week.
Karen, thanks for the post. I love the line about spotting Marvin across the room because an ant could spot Marvin across a room at an NBA convention. Makes me feel like I'm there!
I am so glad JK spoke and took responsibility and wants to move forward and pull troops out of Iraq. Feingold is really looking for support on his S. Res. 171 to establish a timetable and he should get it.
I blogged about JK this morning not knowing about his speech. His courage in 1971 over Viet Nam should be a model for all people in the Iraq War.
Vigils all over N. Illinois tonight and Sox fever.
I have to believe that if Bush had come clean about the leakers in his Administration, and had not taken part in the cover-up, that information alone would have changed enough votes that Kerry would have won the Presidency.
Hence, once these indictments come down, I say that the legitimacy of the Bush Administration is brought into question.
Interesting take on Miers' chances. There are real Republicans & there are pugs. The pugs are not just the neocons...
The Money Weapon
Before anyone writes the obituary of the Miers nomination, consider the administration’s bargaining chip: lists of deep-pocketed donors who bankrolled Bush’s two presidential campaigns.
http://msnbc.msn.com/id/9829802/site/newsweek/
Karen,
That was beautiful, I'm glad you go to go. I read the text of the speech and really appreciated it. I think it was something we needed to hear as well as something he needed to say. And I'm glad you got to see and hug him! (Was that difficult with him being so tall?) Anyway, sending you warm Texas weather thoughts...
Yall know how I feel about what happened last Nov. so I won't bother to lament on it, but I just realized there IS something I have never said in here about it all but I should have said it a long time ago.
To those who were on the Kerry team, yall ran one hell of a campaign. And I for one appreciated what yall did.
When I saw what was happening after 911 I reached out in desperation to try to involve myself. I knew something wicked had come upon us. It was not until I found yall on Kerrys blog that I even felt like something COULD be done.
Kerry said all the yaya but it was yall who built his stage and gave it light. If he was ever on his own blog I did not know it. He was not why I came back.
I have always been a political person, but never politically active other than voting. I have a passion problem that would not work well in city hall meetings. And perhaps some of you secretly fear it was you who turned me into a full blown revolutionary.
Your fears are well founded, because you did do exactly that. Wether you know it or not, you started a revolution in my life. Nothing will ever be the same for me again. I suspect many of us here feel that way.
As a group of patriots I have never met people more worth fighting for. And I know, I saw, yall fought like hell. We all believed in that fight.
We still do.
I cast my vote for Kerry but honestly, it was what I had found in his camp that got my vote. People unwilling to abide tyranny, and courageous enough to confront it at every turn.
I know very well that I am sometimes almost purposefully... distracting. I also am well aware that some of you even dislike me deeply.In the end though it really does not ever get in the way and we are still engaged in the same exact fight that brought us together as allies.
Already we have changed the world by staying together.
I say when they come to swiftboat next time, we take thier boats by force, turn them around, and use their own boats to harrass and antagonize those who would abide war profiteers to commit treason against our own people.
Damn the anchors and RUN THIS BITCH AGROUND!!! History itself is just up ahead, and waiting.
History belongs to those who write it.
People like we right here will be the ones left standing to tell our tale. The ones who brought us together for these times, will go down for all times both favored and honored.
First star to the right. And onward to morning.
We will never forget.
And to clarify my earlier attempt at snarkyness....
i mean thats the dumbest shit ive ever heard hes got shrapnel in him but he never bled
I knew something wicked had come upon us. It was not until I found yall on Kerrys blog that I even felt like something COULD be done.
Kerry said all the yaya but it was yall who built his stage and gave it light. If he was ever on his own blog I did not know it. He was not why I came back.
Posted by: Christy at October 26, 2005 06:02 PM
Amen, Christy! That was what was beautiful about the campaign. And is how it should be. Kerry was the strong leader who came forth and energized us. Then, it was really in OUR HANDS, more than his, to get the message out and win the election.
Christy:
Using the Kerry blog response structure of old, I respond to your post:
"I have a passion problem that would not work well in city hall meetings."
But its exactly that passion that is needed. Politics is fire and dirt and lovey, you are fire.
"And perhaps some of you secretly fear it was you who turned me into a full blown revolutionary."
I wouldn't have it any other way.
"As a group of patriots I have never met people more worth fighting for. And I know, I saw, yall fought like hell. We all believed in that fight.
We still do."
"...it was what I had found in his camp that got my vote. People unwilling to abide tyranny, and courageous enough to confront it at every turn."
Christy: The biggest reason WHY the Bush neocon administration has been successful is that people were isolated, alone and afraid. Its because we have COMMUNITY as you described above, that we give each other information so that we don't have to be afraid, and empower each other to act.
"Already we have changed the world by staying together."
AMEN, my sister.
so that we don't have to be afraid, and empower each other to act.
Posted by: Fe
Amen indeed.
Tears, Karen. What might have been, who he is, and what I've gained by being with all of you.
Sorry I've had to be away for so long, but I'll be back. Pray for Alan's surgery Monday. We Jews don't do it very well.
Christy, don't stop your passion for a nanosecond. Maybe a little off my mark sometimes, but I am no judge, and no one should.
Aw Karen, that is the sweetest story. Undoubtedly a very special moment for a very special person. Just wanted to add a little hug for you.
CHECK OUT THIS LINK:
http://www.first-draft.com/
Excerpt)
But they never were our leaders. They told us to be afraid, and they turned us on each other, and they gave away our money to their friends and killed our sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers, husbands and wives. They sniped and they snarled, but they never did lead us. They never brought us an inch above ourselves, or a milimeter closer together.
For all their blithering about restoring honor and dignity, for all the lofty words that come from their speechwriters’ offices, they are small men, and their vision only extends to power, not poetry. They don’t understand what service to your country means; look at their service records. They don’t understand what respect that should entail; look what they did to Max Cleland, to John Kerry. They don’t understand anything except how to step hardest on somebody’s fingers on their way up the stairs.
They got to the top, and had no idea where they were, or why. And the mountain’s crashing down on them now, so I say again, what exactly did you think was going to happen?
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Karen and Dick for all the hours they have put in- to the endeavor to save our nation. I would like to thank each one of you as well, for I am a better person today because of my past 15 months as part of this learning and acting community.
Do you sometimes wonder if your posts are being read? If you have indeed made a difference?
I was a wingnut 18 months ago, pacing the floor because I knew what I was seeing in the main stream media wasn't what I was seeing in people's lives all around me. I knew our economy and healthcare weren't as rosey as I was being told it was, and I knew deep down that Bush had rushed to war with Iraq.
I came here after seeing the purple band-aids at the convention, and met people who also had seen through the lies.
You do make a difference, my friends. It is the spirit of this community that has seen each of us through the fun and fast moving days of the campaign, the deep despair of loss, the hours of worry about our country's future and direction, the long hours sharing our hearts and souls and hopes and dreams and disappointments on this blog, and the many, many, hours of teaching we give and receive at this site.
With help from you, I have found my voice. I know my direction. I am armed with knowledge from my year of reading and studying. I will never forget my first rally!!!
Thank you all. I don't even have the words to express all the gratitude I have for each of you.
I can honestly say I have gleaned something positive and worthwhile from each and every one of you.
http://blog.thedemocraticdaily.com/?p=952
text of speech
my favorite part was: "We don’t know yet whether this will prove to be an indictable offense in a court of law, but for it, and for misleading a nation into war, they will be indicted in the high court of history."
Posted by: Truth Shall Prevail at October 26, 2005 07:18 PM
Yes truth, all of us learned. But we keep learning.
And like Casey pointed out the other day...we live in times when the unbelievable IS happening and it's so hard to believe it's like we're in the middle of a science fiction novel.
From Karen: Update from vigil in front of the White House. There’s about 400-500 people.
Dick and Karen are there watching and bearing witness. About 15 people there are opposing Cindy Sheehan and are very vocal, loud and strident and even hateful. The police have been great.
At this moment in time Cindy is speaking. She’s telling people what’s going to happen, that there’s a choice for people to lie down in a “die – in” in front of the White House. There will be 3 warnings for those who lie down. Those who want to get arrested should remain lying down.
Hear lots of yelling in the background. People are lying down now. People who want to be arrested will remain in the middle. Several people they know do plan on getting arrested including 2 people from the “World Can’t Wait” and some of the Code Pink women will also accompany Cindy in this.
There’s a real solemnity. People are lying quietly.
[Karen just hung up quickly saying she'd call right back after yelling erupted right next to her. I'll post more when I hear from her.]
More update from Karen at the White House vigil:
One of the Gold Star moms for Peace was standing next to Karen and she broke down in tears when one of the very loud, strident opposition people came up and was yelling right in front of her. Karen broke off so that she could step in between and provide a hug.
The police are now in the process of arresting people who chose to stay in the "die-in". Everyone's singing Down by the Riverside. Mark Brisky is there too and called out hello to everyone here.
Karen -
Thanks sooo much for your coverage of the speech. I had no idea there was a Q&A session afterwards. He loves doing live, unscripted Q&A doesn't he? Unlike some certain bogus cowpoke we know......
Dick was laying down at the protest too.
It's very loud and we're getting updates as quickly as possible.
Maybe there is hope for this nation after all..
LOOK AT THESE POLL RESULTS
BOSTON (Reuters) - Seventy-three percent of Americans lack confidence in their leaders and a majority believe the country would be better off with more women in power, a survey showed on Tuesday.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20051026/pl_nm/poll_dc
Posted by: Christy at October 26, 2005 08:06 PM
Christy,
I just heard the other day that a significant amount of people would not vote for a woman as president.
People who are being arrested are sitting up waiting to be processed.
I can hear our people singing "God Bless America" and "This Land is Your Land."
20-50 people are getting arrested! Ann Wright is getting arrested RIGHT NOW and people are cheering Ann on.
The counter protestors are strident and hatefilled but our side is yelling back, "Why don't you go to Iraq."
Cindy is arrested officially.
She is in the wagon already.
One counter protestor is yelling, "Give war a chance!"
So it's an orderly arresting procedure.
nobody is listening......
nobody cares.......
haha
the scent of troll
many are listening.
Obviously you are too.
Whats wrong baby come here to whaaaaa
whaaa
rove whaa libby whaaa frist delay...cheney bush.. whhaaaa
They are ALL going down
ahhh demafag, apparently YOU care enough to write. Bless your little right wingnut heart. Your shrub is about to burn and the world will rejoice.
demafag:
All of us here at DCP DO care and I am sorry that you don't seem to care about our country. All of us at the DCP do our best to put out information in an easy-to-understand format so average Americans can make informed decisions without having to be news hounds.
Please be aware - America IS listening, and very soon, our voice will be heard. And America will see the raw and unadulterated truth.
Ok...it looks like eveyone is leaving rally now. The vigil is finished and the protestors have been processed.
If there are any more tales to tell, Karen and Dick will post it when they return.
In the meantime, I hear the sound of Bush's pResidency crumbling!
Shhhh....
Listen..........
you hear it too?
It's the sound of s**t hitting the fan.
Maybe Clinton ate his baby
ahhhhh, the sound of Demafag hitting the fan. Like coffee in the morning isn't it?
Have very quick access to net... family is safe... neighborhood took direct hit from Wilma, the biatch. Pictures to come soon, unbelievable.
No timeframe on power being restored.
Will check in again as able.
take care... we love you
Good to see you Monkey.
Hell Yes.
Hurry back when you can
Posted by: monkey at October 26, 2005 08:36 PM
YEEEEAAAA! Monkey! We're so happy to hear from you!
Glad you and the family are safe. Tell people near you not to worry too much. I know one driver with ice heading on his way down there right now.
Love ya...Take care!
Great to hear y'all are safe!
nothing will change.
a bunch of idiots with nothing better to do get a ticket for trespassing, WOW !!!!
democrats are definetly going to take the house and senate now that Cindy Sheehan got a ticket for j-walking!!!
grow up.
great entertainment though, watching you all pat each other on the back.
haha
simple minds are easily amused
demafrog has no idea how fortunate IT is that I cant smack IT around for a bit as I'd like to.
Lucky Devil
Cindy Sheehan gave her son for this nation.
What have you done for us lately?
demafag:
A LOT is going to change Real soon. Your friends in this administration that are now in power are now shaking like a dog sh**ting razor blades. Be prepared for the fallout of this administration and its cronies. A new dawn is on the horizon and folks such as yourself will have to develop a soul (and a backbone).
Welcome to the future, demafag.
Oh and change.. That is coming too. That is why your here. Because you feel it coming and it scares you.
You are so afraid you have been wrong all this time you would rather attack other Americans while adding NOTHING. You know like you were taught to do.
You think we see spite. All we see in your presence is fear.
Its actually quite pathetic really.
ga fam ed...or gaf am ed...whatever you are...Here's a song in honor of your corrupt, incompetent pResident in thief: (I bet they could have sung it at the vigil.)
Walls Come Tumbling Down
by Style Council
You don't have to take this crap
You don't have to sit back and relax
You can actually try to change it
I know we've always been taught to rely
Upon those in authority
But you never know until you try
How things just might be
If we come together so strongly
Are you gonna make this work
Or spend your days down in the dirt
You see things can change
YES an' walls can come tumbling down!
Government's crack and systems fall
'Cause unity is powerful
Lights go out- walls come tumbling down!
Yes they do yes they do
Yes they do yes they do
The competition is a colour TV
We're on still pause on the video machine
They keep you slaves to the H.P.
Until the unity is threatened by
Those who have and who have not
Those who are with and those who are without
And dangle jobs like the donkey's carrot
Until you don't know where you are
Are you gonna get to realise
The class war's real and not mythologised
And like Jericho- Yes walls can come tumbling down!
Government's crack and systems fall
'Cause unity is powerful
Lights go out- walls come tumbling
Down we're be to weak to fight it
Down not if we're united
Down when you're united
Are you gonna be threatened by
The public enemy No. 10
Those who play the power game
They take the profits -you take the blame
When they tell you there's no rise in pay
Are you gonna try an' make this work
Or spend your days down in the dirt
You see things CAN change
Walls can come tumbling down!
Government's crack and systems fall
'Cause unity is powerful
Lights go out- walls come tumbling down!
Posted by: demafag at October 26, 2005 08:40 PM
Yet another child who has been left behind.
Monkey,
Glad you are all safe.
Love and prayers.
Hug each other. You've got what truly matters.
Take care Monkey-- good to hear you're OK
Posted by: demafag at October 26, 2005 08:40 PM
Boy, did you tell us.
But there is still much more you can do!
Enlist, and volunteer for Iraq.
It's okay. That person will wake up very suprised one morning next November...
Hey demacoward,
You should go crawl back in your troll hole. That way you don't have to see the light, and you can keep pretending the light doesn't even exist. Hmmmm....the vision of you hiding from the truth in a hole - kind of reminds me of another guy we found hiding in a hole a year or so ago. Two of a kind, perhaps?
Go home. The future and the truth are ours.
Posted by: monkey at October 26, 2005 08:36 PM
Thank God.
Good to hear from you. Let us know how we can help.
Just when you thought all the crazies were in/around the neo-conservative movement...from tomorrow's Times.
October 27, 2005
Iran's New President Says Israel 'Must Be Wiped Off the Map'
By NAZILA FATHI
TEHRAN, Oct. 26 - Iran's new president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, told a group of students at an anti-Israel event on Wednesday that Israel "must be wiped off the map" and that attacks by Palestinians would destroy it, the ISNA news agency reported.
He was speaking to about 4,000 students at a program called "The World Without Zionism," in preparation for an annual anti-Israel demonstration held on the last Friday of the holy month of Ramadan.
His tone was reminiscent of that of the early days of Iran's Islamic revolution in 1979. Iran and Israel have been bitter enemies since then, and anti-Israel slogans have been common at rallies.
Senior officials had avoided provocative language in the last decade, but Mr. Ahmadinejad appears to be taking a more confrontational tone than have recent Iranian leaders.
He said on Wednesday that the issue of a Palestinian state would be resolved only when Palestinians took control of all their lands.
"The establishment of a Zionist regime was a move by the world oppressor against the Islamic world," the news agency reported him as saying. "The skirmishes in the occupied land are part of the war of destiny. The outcome of hundreds of years of war will be defined in Palestinian land."
Referring to comments by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the leader of the Islamic revolution, Mr. Ahmadinejad said, "As the imam said, Israel must be wiped off the map."
Mr. Ahmadinejad's predecessor, Mohammad Khatami, in contrast, had proposed a dialogue among civilizations and pursued a policy of détente.
At the funeral of Pope John Paul II in April, Mr. Khatami was seated close to the Israeli president, Moshe Katsav, who said he shook hands and chatted briefly with Mr. Khatami. Mr. Katsav was born in the Iranian city of Yazd, which is Mr. Khatami's hometown.
But despite media photos that showed the two men standing next to each other, Mr. Khatami denied the account after he returned to Iran.
In response to Mr. Ahmadinejad's remarks, Mark Regev, a spokesman for Israel's Foreign Ministry, said, "Unfortunately, this is not the first time we've seen such extreme statements from senior Iranian leaders," adding, "We see today that there is a growing understanding in the international community that the extremist regime in Tehran is not just Israel's problem, but rather an issue that the entire international community must grapple with."
Israel contends that Iran finances a number of Palestinian armed factions that carry out attacks against Israel, including Islamic Jihad, which claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing that killed at least five people on Wednesday in the Israeli coastal town of Hadera.
In Washington, a State Department spokesman, Sean McCormack, said that the remarks reconfirmed "what we have been saying about this particular regime in Iran."
"I think that it only serves to underscore our concern, as well as the international community's concern, about Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons," he added.
Mr. Ahmadinejad on Wednesday also called Israel's withdrawal from the Gaza Strip a trick, and said that Gaza was part of Palestinian territories and that the withdrawal was aimed at persuading Islamic nations to acknowledge Israel.
"Anybody who recognizes Israel will burn in the fire of the Islamic nation's fury," he said. He added that any Islamic leader "who recognizes the Zionist regime means he is acknowledging the surrender and defeat of the Islamic world."
Greg Myre contributed reporting from Jerusalem for this article.
Lawrence O'Donnell on Scarborough says that if Matt Cooper and Judas Miller hadn't fought testifying in front of the grand jury, these coming indictments might have happened before the 2004 election.
Oh God, does he WANT to be bombed?
So here is the rest of the story about why I suddenly hung up on dwahzon earlier:
Go here first:
http://www.democracycellproject.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=261&view=findpost&p=3244
Gilda is the woman I ran into tonight who was standing in front of one of the vilest people I have ever run into. She was shrieking at Gilda about her son, who was killed in Iraq, but she is OK about it because he volunteered and knew what he was getting into.
Nothing wrong with believing your son died for a good cause, but she was yelling at Gilda for grieving for her own son.
Gilda had moved away from her, and was starting to tear up, so I put my arms around her and told her that the woman was not worth listening to.
She began to sob, and she said, "There are so many more like her out there." I pointed across the street, at the good people lying on the sidewalk, many of them intending to be arrrested for the truth. I hoped to get her to see that there are many of us working hard every day to bring our children home, many more than there are people who feel compelled to scream at people at a peaceful protest.
She shook her head, I stepped away for a minute and she was gone.
So to all you good people, let's make sure that Gilda's pain is not replicated over and over. Leave her a message on that thread in the forum, or here, and show her how many of us do care, and are doing whatever we can.
Demagag
How does it feel having all your power you and yours got by cheating, lying and breaking laws, slipping through your fingers? Please tell me. I want to hear your pain. Oh.....I know, I just heard it. It was that pitiful little squeak you let out when you raised your head out of the pile of sh#t that you have call the neoCon movement.
Just got a call from our friend Travis, over at the jail with Cindy and Ann Wright. Looks like they will be sprung soon...
Monkey,
How are the coconuts and bananas?
Glad to hear you are O.K.
Gilda would have the good feeling of the people of Seattle.
I could hardly work today - I intercepted a copy of John Kerry's speech, printed it out, & read it between clients. I thought about the last two elections, both of which I still believe were stolen. I realized that the same ethics which allowed that were also responsible for the lies that led us to needless, irrelevant and dangerous war. & it did hurt my concentration.
On the way home, I heard John Kerry interviewed on NPR, then Richard C. Clarke. I headed to Green Lake to one of several Seattle vigils. People with signs and candles stretched as far as I could see in either direction. The names of the dead were read in order, with Buddhists ringing a gong for each. There were babies, children, groups of teens, young parents, people like me the age to have sons in Iraq, and older people. I saw men crying openly.
& at lunchtime today, I headed to the cafeteria, passing 3 newspaper stands. The Seattle PI had letters about 5 inches high that said simply
"2000" in about the boldest print I've ever seen. The Seattle Times had photos of soldiers, also front page highlighted. I also noticed Channel 4 there tonight, and in 2 days is the all-school student walkout.
We are with Gilda and the others. She should also realize that most of the world's people are with her.
Just now I heard that Anne Garrels of NPR will be spending Ramadan in Iraq with a Muslim family, something Condileezza Rice couldn't accomplish in a million years.
DiAnne,
Thanks for the report. I know you are there, on the job.
Coast to Coast our message is resonating. We have become the majority. But exactly what does that mean? Are we a single party? No, we are not. We are Americans who know America can be better. Just as Truth and Christy posted above, we are simply Americans who know that there are millions others like us. What is our message? Our message is one that speaks to truth. We have not yet become the mainsteam media, but as we utilize the power of the internet and sites like DCP to spread the truth, we will continue to gain momentum. The truth will win. It always does.
Don't know how many of you are watching the World Series, but Daddy Bush & Barbara are sitting straight behind home plate. I assume the BushCo is shying away from photo ops of shrub having fun
Twas the night before Fitzmas, and in the White House
Every one was scared shitless, and Bush was quite soused
The indictments were hanging like Damoceles’ sword
As verminous oxen prepared to be gored
The perps were all sleepless, curled fetal in bed
While visions of prison cells loomed in each head
And Dick in his jammies, and George in his lap
Were sweating and swearing and looking like crap
When out on the web there arose such a clatter
The blogs and the forums were buzzing with chatter
Away to the PC Rove ran like a flash
He booted his browser and cleared out his cache
The rumors that flew through the cold autumn air
Made Dubya shiver with angry despair
When what to his horror-filled eyes did he spy?
A bespectacled man with a brown suit and tie!
With an impartial manner that gave Bush the shits
He knew in a moment it must be St. Fitz!
With unwavering voice, his indictments they came
He cleared out his throat and he called them by name:
Now Scooter, Now Libby,
Now Blossoming Turd,
Now Cheney, dear Cheney,
Yes, you are the third
To the bench of the court
Up the steps, down the hall
Now come along, come along,
Come along, all!
He then became silent, and went right to work
He filed the indictments and turned with a jerk
And pointing his finger at justice’s scale
Said, “The people be served, and let fairness prevail.”
He then left the room, to his team gave a nod
And the sound could be heard of a crumbling facade
And we all did exclaim, as he faded from sight
“Merry Fitzmas to all, and to all a good night!”
- © Daryl W. Permission granted to repost. Please include this attribution.
White Sox----World Champs!
Congrats, oncall--a full day for you!
Now--to bed!
On Call
Also, most of the people of the entire world are with us. I think that's what's the most important. We are all in this together.
In Seattle we do have American flags, but often flying in distress, or the corporate version. We tend to like the planet earth flag, the peace flag, the UN flag, the rainbow flag or no flag at all, just love and compassion.
Thanks to all who came and posted such warm thoughts on this thread. It is indeed heartening to see old friends and new (and a troll, to boot!). One thing I will say for JK, he attracted the best people!
Christy--I read your piece tonight, just for George W. Bush. Several others sat in for him...
CNN reporting...Hariett Miers withdraws from supreme court nomination...
Gilda,
I wish there were words to make you feel better.
The only thing I can tell you is that there are many, many people who support you.
And I believe there are many people who would feel only revulsion at the way that man was shouting at you.
But you and Cindy and MFSP ARE doing the right thing. I feel that deep in my heart. I know many others who also feel the same way.
That man was a bully. Though other military families who suffered the same loss may feel the same way as he does, there are probably just as many who don't. But that man was a schoolyard bully. And he doesn't care about anyone but him...just like a schoolyard bully. It makes him feel powerful to beat up people but that's exactly why you and all of us are fighting together. Bullies unanswered become bigger bullies. Evil people don't get the evil around them and just soak up the evil and personify it even more. That's what that man did.
Try to not give him that power over you because many people honor your committment and are so grateful for what you are doing. And as Dianne said above, the whole WORLD supports you! When you look at it in that context it makes those bullies even smaller and more evil.
I envelope you in a cyber hug, as I'm sure the rest of the world would if they could.
Karen,
You are really doing amazing work in Washington. I think the most refreshing part about your work is that you are able to live there, and yet not be absorbed at all by the bubble. You manage to somehow stay inside and look inside at the same time.
I am both proud and humbled to work with you.
C.
Gilda,
There are far more people in this country that want this war ended now. Even many more than that understand the pain of a mother who has lost her child to a war entered into under false pretences. The polls are showing that people like you and us are swiftly becoming a strong majority.
If you can, pay no attention to the hatefilled chants of a few. I wouldn't be a bit surprised if they were payed to be there in the first place.
(Plays better in the press, you know.)
We're proud of you and each one who cares enough to step forward and make a declaration with their presence!