Morning in Minnesota

Dick and I discussed the Sinclair Lewis novel, It Can't Happen Here. Obviously, it CAN. Here is a little description about the book that Joe Brady, the director of Fear Up, put together for us to think about:

"In the 1930s, when fascism had arisen in Italy and Germany, and people were saying “It can’t happen here in the United States”, Lewis wrote a novel to show how it could happen. The main character is a newspaper editor, Doremus Jessup. Toward the end of the novel, when he’s in jail, he says, “The tyranny of this dictatorship isn’t primarily the fault of big business, nor of the demagogues who do their dirty work. It’s the fault of Doremus Jessup, of all the conscientious, respectable, lazy-minded Doremus Jessups who have let the demagogues wriggle in without fierce enough protest”.

Ira, from the previous thread:

karen I would like to know if the dcp has any marketing type plans, free or otherwise, to try and spread the existence of our site to attract new members. Perhaps if we could get Ed Schultz or Al franken or others to put in a plug for us. I recall calling into the Ed Schultz show and before ending my call was asked if I had anything else to ad when I stated that listeners should log into our site. Hoping others here my do that same type of free marketing. Or perhaps an invitation we could create here to join us that each of us could email to our friends in our contact lists.

Posted by: Ira at July 22, 2006 09:11 AM

Ira,

ALL good ideas. I know Suz has called into talk shows as well, and obviously, that works well. Whenever we have had mention in other media. our traffic increases.

What we need to be doing is engaging with new folks and opening up to discussions anew.

* POLLY SIGH RELEASED FROM CAPTIVITY *

Greetings, dear readers!

It has been some time since I've written, but now finally I am a free woman again. On Friday night, at midnight by the light of a full moon, I escaped from the bowels of the White House tunnel complex, where I have been held for several months by the shapeless, fanged minions of Dick Cheney and Donald Rumsfeld.

I've missed you all, fellow patriots. Knowing that you carried on the fight for liberty in my absence inspired me in my darkest days.

But lastnight, with the aid of my trusty sidekick, "X," I made my escape back to Andersonia. By sheer coincidence, the brave members of the DCP are meeting in my beloved home town this weekend, and I am delighted to see them all.

Today, we will devote ourselves to planning where we go from here. How we change the destructive course of this lady America. There is much to be done, but I also know that we are making progress every day.

Would they have captured me if they were not afraid of the work we do?

Thankfully, later in the day this effort will involve cocktails. Like many of the world's greatest minds, I do my best thinking while consuming some kind of liquor.

I look forward very much to our call later today, so I can hear your voices and feel your pain over the telephone wire.

For now, I will forego the details of my trevails these last months. But I will, as therapy permits, be posting this information in the weeks to come.

There is something to be learned in exposure to the agents of the anti-Renaissance, and I have much to share with you.

Until we talk later on, remember that I love you all.

Your friend,
Polly

Karen and Ira,

There is nothing like a personal invite that helps accomplish a lot of things. I've noticed when I am talking to people locally, I have been able to connect people to organizations locally and have discovered more organizations that I didn't know existed.

So one suggestion I have is to talk to your neighbors and talk to people in stores, gas stations, churches, temples, etc because you'd be surprised how many people are not aware of the local groups available and are happy to hear that there are options.

The other thing I've done is given them information to their local candidates and shared the link to http://www.opensecrets.org as well as shared our our link. I know many people who are now hooked up with a campaign or an issue just because of a little conversation.

I also want to add that I've started carrying voter registrations with me. I'm beginning to work on trying to help college students understand how to register and/or vote absentee. I believe that college students are facing the most difficult time voting and understanding where and/or how to vote. We need to simplify this process and help them make the adjustments now...before the high stress of college classes happens.

The other issue near and dear to my heart is trying to work on getting more women involved in the voting process. There is of cour se Main Street Moms out there also working on this issue; but it's one where I feel progressives should be able to lead the way.

Here in this lovely home in St. Paul, after 3 cups of coffee, I finally feel my brain coming back online, so I can throw in a couple of comments. A lot of my energy right now is focused on doing outreach to the religious Left. I'm the organizer for the Michigan chapter of Catholic Democrats, an organization that highlights the ways in which the values of the Democratic Party mesh with Catholic values and also works to convey Catholic concerns to the Democratic Party -- improving communication in both directions, in other words. I have a lot of conversations with lay Catholics who are alienated and worried by the religious Right; these are solid, churchgoing Catholics, people who are very serious about their faith and about Catholic teachings about social justice. I think there's a lot to be done to engage people of faith so that faith-based values are not defined narrowly as merely anti-abortion or anti-gay, and so that the Right does not convince people that being a faithful Christian necessarily entails supporting the Republican Party. Anyway, that's a project that I'm focused on right now.

I wish I could be there. I WOULD be there if I'd known just a little earlier and could have worked at camp a different week. I would have needed to visit my mom also so it couldn't just be a long weekend. I normally can stay a few days in Minneapolis/St. Paul where I used to live & know alot of people, but then I need to take a short hop flight to see my mom in North Dakota. I wish my friend Bert could have met you guys. It happened to be the weekend when he's in Chicago photographing laryngectomees. (We have a blog called Silenced Majority).

I think I'd like to listen to some ideas before submitting more, as regards DCP. I've always felt that I could try to participate in some of the activities locally, try to keep abreast of at least most of them even if I can't attend. That includes frankly political events such as politician visits, fundraising, grassroots door-to-door stuff. That also includes more issue-oriented and nonpartisan events and activities such as demonstrations, political art, peace activism. Always I try to document and disseminate. I'm working on a campaign too right now. I'll just say I'd love to Keep Washington Blue.

I've always tried to make it a two-way street to I bring ideas I get from DCP & readers/participants back to my community & also disseminate via email lists, of which I'm on many. I belong to the electronic music community also, which is international. That is a whole different ball of wax but much more political than many would imagine, as its whole existence is pretty much contrapuntal to the Bush status quo.

Here's a snapshot of some things happening locally, and I'm as involved as time allowed (since I work full-time and commute). The info is abridged from SNOW, a peace group which I've been involved with for 6 years. It was Erin Watada who inspired me to fast and I plan to do so again (on a 3 day weekend). The Hiroshima Day peace event I've done for 12 years, as it helped me "heal" after my father died (he was in WW2). I've been active in Vets for Peace (though not a Vet) because of him and because my good friend Bert is involved (& is a Vietnam Vet) in Mpls & b/c of all the Kerry Vets & their inspiring work.

From SNOW: (Many of these people supported Kucinich to the end - they are brave, idealistic, hard-working. Some have held vigil for peace weekly since 2001, in all
weather!!! I myself range on the continuum from pure pacifism to the plug-your-nose vote & I have never liked that but will say it started even before I was old enough to vote!

The news from the Middle East is grim: reports that 6,000 Iraqi civilians were killed in the past two months and escalation of violence in Lebanon, Israel, and Gaza. Consider what you might do about Iraq: join the Code Pink "Troops Home Fast", help support Eyes Wide Open, support Lt Ehren Watada, write a letter to the editor. Be creative, be faithful, take action.

You can also add your voice to a call for peace in Lebanon/Israel. I just received information that Congressman Dennis Kucinich, D-Ohio, will introduce a resolution Wednesday that calls on President Bush to appeal to all sides for a cessation of hostilities in the Israeli-Lebanon conflict and to commit the United States to multi-party negotiations. Support Congressman Dennis Kucinich's Resolution (H Con Res 450) demanding that Bush call for a cease-fire.
http://www.capwiz.com/pdamerica/issues/alert/?alertid=8919726&type=CO
For a copy of the resolution see: http://www.truthdig.com/images/reportuploads/KUCINI_090_xml.pdf
This Resolution already has 20 Co-Sponsors. We ask you today to write your Representative to strongly urge that he/she sign on as a cosponsor to this Resolution.

Abridged list:

Event ˆ Friday, 7/21 ˆ PROTEST ATTACKS ON GAZA
Event ˆ Tuesday, 7/25 ˆ SEATTLE TROOPS HOME FAST
Event ˆ Sunday, 7/30 ˆ ARAB AMERICAN COMMUNITY COALITION PICNIC
8/02-8/04 ˆ EYES WIDE OPEN
8/06 ˆ FROM HIROSHIMA TO HOPE
8/10-8/13 ˆ VETERANS FOR PEACE NATIONAL CONVENTION
Ongoing ˆ VIGILS IN SEVERAL NEIGHBORHOODS AROUND THE SOUND**Ongoing PEACEMOBILE - RESOURCE FOR ACTIVISTS

TUESDAY, 7/25: SEATTLE TROOPS HOME FAST
11 AM to 6 PM at the Federal Building (2nd and Marion, in downtown Seattle). Join Code Pink and others in their "Troops Come Home" presence/fast at the Federal Building anytime between 11 am and 6 pm. The presence there will also provide for folks who want to do outreach for supporting Lt. Ehren Watada (the first enlisted officer to refuse deployment to Iraq, who, along with his mom, has joined the Code Pink fast) and support the Military Families Speak Out (MFSO) "Operation House Call" (there will be the MFSO postcards to hand out). See: http://www.operationhousecall.org

You guys are the future. You look like the people in the hallways at Yearly Kos, blogging away!!

I knew the world was changing about 20 years ago when I went with someone to look for an apartment. They were looking for student digs. We came upon a group house and nine people lived there. They had all moved their computers into the living room and had them all lined up. Computers were big in those days too, but they already each had one!

Well, I'm forever stuck in election reform mode, with non-binding City Council resolutions that may or may not offend our corporatist Mayor Bloomberg. We're insisting on paper ballots and public testing, more than kicking the tires and blinking lights. End to end testing before we spend $100 million. Our mayor likes computer gizmos with no oversight. Arrogant autocrat with better PR than he used to have as Bloomberg Communications.

We sit on the precipice of getting DREs, despite everyone knowing better. They are being sold as more convenient. Just ask the GOP commissioner from Illinois, whose touchscreen DRE blew up like an M80, exposing no votes, lost votes, which couldn't be reconstructed. Not really more convenient when something goes wrong.

As Suz suggested, we need to register voters, and I'm on a kick to get better poll workers. One of the reasons the Boards of Elections are so ready to privatize and turn a blind eye to faulty results is the managment of elections, and how genuinely tough it is. Though they are definitely of the 'poor me' crowd, claiming to be misunderstood and that they do work really, really hard, they have a point. We must participate. Use it or lose it, of muscles of any kind, the brain, or a stronger and more muscular Democracy.

A film trying to get distribution is By The People, an inside look into an election. The message is for people to get involved.
www.bythepeople-themovie.com

The rest of the time I spend anguished over the mideast, and all the misguided power to extend the conflict, forever. Anyone feel as I do that the US helped time Israel's reaction to our elections and the neo-cons sagging poll numbers. Distract from Iraq, the source of so much of this, and split the Democrats, causing destruction along the way.

Nothing to do with Israel's right to defend, my Israel, but I find it an unsmart overreaction with no end game. Very Rove-Cheney-Rummie to me.

I will try to call in, but a friend has his art showing in Red Hook.

Fasting still, as I watched Alan eat his meal at a restaurant last night. Wish I could say that I look frail, from suffering for the cause, but the menopausal weight is not coming off.

Here I am in St. Paul listening to people who really know what they are doing, a perfect example of what the DCP is all about - educating and empowering. When I visit and contribute my simple thoughts, it is from the perspective of a suburban father of three. Certainly most of you are much more active than I am when it comes to contributing to their time and efforts to the cause. What can I do? I can listen and learn. I can inform people in my community that there is an alternative to the disaster that is our government. I can go beyond that and give examples of what can be done to make a change for the better. We are lucky to have such a dedicated group of individuals leading by example and sacrificing many of life's pleasures for the rest of us.

My batteries are recharged.

Oh, if I can't call in, I think Fear-Up needs to be on the road. Maybe in a fashion that is more portable, less staged. I will be interested in the reception in New York, if we can get noticed with so much else offered, and during vacations.

A fasting tip. Just discovered Vita Zest, of vitamins, filtered water and no calories or sugar. Replaced Witamin Water, with its loads of sugar. Each day has its own enlightenment.

DiAnne, not long ago we had computers that needed large floppies to even turn them on.

Oncall, you are also a healer, and a good man.

better poll workers, what does that mean? i see a need for aggressive poll workers in Ohio b/c Blackwell has given poll workers the right to challenge Naturalized citizens. Qustion, how do we start educating voters this summer about potential problems, being forced into provisional ballots by voting in the correct precinct,presenting citizenship papers etc that I have uncovered may be required in Ohio, w/o unintentionally discouraging/supressing our own voters who may just throw up there hands and say my vote won't count anyway so why bother. I think info plus a message that we will be protecting your right to vote and have your vote count will need to be spread.

Marjorie
It's better with the sugar because then you get carbohydrates for energy. That's not really hard-core fasting (60 calories per serving) but I think it makes sense, if you aren't eating anything else. I think you said you were having a protein drink, so may not matter, but without that, the little bit of sugar might allow alot more energy. When I was in labor, a Jamaican nurse snuck me a sugar packet & I was able to triple my energy. If you want to burn fat, keep the protein & skip the sugar, but drink gallons of water. But if you do, maybe better take minerals or they'll deplete, especially in the heat.

Hi,

I've had some coffee. I'm ready to think great thoughts though none have occurred to me yet this morning. Karen is noodging every one to post.

When I think of something profound, I'll come back and post. I'm looking forward today.

Good morning,

Love the energy and discussions going on.

It may be Saturday, but I am working, so count me out of the conference call, but I definitely would like to pick up on the key points and the ways we can implement them.

Plugging DCP in during calls to Al Franken and Ed Schultz (and other progressive talk show hosts) sounds great! I'm also spreading the word whenever I can.

I hope everyone at Vic's place is having a great time today!

even Republican activist here in Texas realize that their new congressional map is nothing more than posturing to try an rid us of our shining star Lloyd Doggett. The idea that Austin the last Progressive city in Texas being reprsented by 3 Republican Congresspeople would be the equivalent of Madison or San Francisco doing the same. Only difference is that there would be more outrage there.

Houston Chronicle

"I'm disappointed that the Republicans are using this as a cocktail party joke opportunity rather than to submit real evidence before real judges who are going to determine the future of our state," GOP consultant Royal Masset said. "The Republican plan makes no sense. It's not responsive to anything. It's like a political statement."

"Democrats wrote that the state's proposal should be called, "The Roadrunner That Ate Travis County," referring to the new 23rd District drawn in the Texas Hill Country for Bonilla."

"The bird's tail is Kerr County; its claws grip northern Bexar; and you already know what happens to Travis," Democrats wrote.

But Republicans say the Legislature split Travis County three ways when it passed its original plan, so their redrawing of the county is in keeping with legislative wishes.

Trying to remove Doggett from Austin undermines the Republican argument for drawing fair districts, Masset said.

"All we did is draw a goofy map laughing at Lloyd Doggett," the Republican consultant said. "I don't know what they are accomplishing by this idiocy. There's no way in God's creation that the judges are going to approve a Republican map that doesn't have any Democratic congressmen in Travis County."

apparently the fight over ReDistricting here in Texas continues. What can we do locally in blue states to encourage blue state legislators to ReDistrict with Progressive Districts, something the Supreme Ct. stupidly egged on last month?
its ugly politics but apparently necessary.

IF anyone wants to go off-topic for a read when they have a lapse, here are a couple of suggestions. I'm in the middle of "discussion" with some "geriatric ravers" including from UK, Australia, Germany.

I sent this out:
THE US IS NOW A MILITARY TARGET
http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2006/7/22/91453/0933
FROM A THINK TANK WITHOUT WALLS
http://fpif.org/fpiftxt/3380

It's amazing Americans are even talking about the topic of Israel
vis a vis the middle east now.
Now we can finally see the neocon philosophy for what it is, if
people will open their eyes.
"Rebuilding the Middle East" in a democratic way - but whose
idea of democracy? & how many must be killed for peace?!
It's unbelievably Orwellian.
& we're paying for it (financially, & by being a terrorist target)

Hey if you get time, don't miss the Walker Art Gallery.
It's world class.

Please call in in six minutes

Ira, with electronic voting, no one can help understand what is happening in the machine, or if problems occur. If we get paper ballots/optical scanners, then there is process that could use better, smarter and younger, more able to adapt to change. We have mostly 80 plus as patronage jobs.

There is more aggressive help needed on all levels. Our thugs equal to their thugs at poll sites might help, as they try to disenfranchise.

Still, we need to bubble up from the bottom that there is a need to take our country back at the ballot box, even a black box.

Apt. "Wriggle in without fierce enough protest."

Call going on now

On the conference call now - multi-tasking

This is tonight! Green Lake, Seattle

Candlelight Peace Vigil
to Demand an Immediate Ceasefire
end the killing of civilians

How many more will die?
500,000.00 People Lost Their Homes in Lebanon
1000,000.00 people under seige in Gaza

Human tragedy and destruction are unfolding each day
in Lebanon and Palestine with hundreds of innocent
civilians killed and thousands more injured as
Israelis warplanes continue to bomb Lebanon.

http://www.statelocalgov.net/50states-secretary-state.cfm

Need a bunker buster? The Pentagon is holding a garage sale.

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2006/7/22/134357/334

good, productive meeting.

Is the call over, or still in progress?

Truth,

Call is over but we have notes coming. Thanks to everyone who called in!

It is very exciting to be thinking proactively and we will have a serious and energized plan in two weeks to share with all.

Hi,

We've all arrived at the reception and I have wifi reception. The guests are starting to arrive.

We had a really good conference call. It was really neat to hear the voices of some of the people whose names and views I know so well.

More later.

Sorry I missed the call. Will look for the notes.

Here's a great diary that pretty much expresses my sentiments these days...I've chosen just a few paragraphs but it's worth reading the entire thing.

What Did You Expect, America?
Would you hire a babysitter who hates children and thinks they should be eliminated? Or who declares for years in your hearing that children are irritants who should be starved to be small, unseen and mute?

Would you hire cops who think laws are stupid and useless and should be abolished?

Would you hire a conductor for your orchestra who believes music itself an abomination?

Then why would you hire - and you did hire them, America; they are your employees, after all, not your rulers, despite their grandiose pretensions - members of a political party who think government is useless, ineffective, bloated and untrustworthy?
--snip--
If you put people in charge of running a project they are ideologically committed to proving a failure, it will fail.
--snip--
Here's a thought - just a thought, mind you, beloved America: Perhaps it's time to return to government the party that has an ideological stake in making it ... you know ... succeed. Maybe, just maybe, it's time to raise our sights a wee bit and elect people who think public service is more than an opportunity for the "Biggest! Fire Sale! Ever!" for their friends and loved ones. Perhaps it's time to insist on greater - if not great - expectations from the employees we decide to hire or fire every two years to carry out our will under the constitution.

As one-party Republican rule has clearly shown, when you expect incompetence, corruption and deceit from your government, you get exactly what you vote for. In spades.
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2006/7/22/181659/434

Check out new thread (heeheehee)

I am disappointed--having reviewed all the wonderful photos, the one I was looking for is NOT posted: Where is Violet with the Mac? That one needs to be up!