SUPPORT THE TROOPS FOR REAL: PROTEST THE WAR TO BRING THEM HOME ALIVE --- PART II

Per this article:
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/1031-29.htm
I agree only partially with the article above because I think it wise to parse the “ideal” from the “real.” Ideally, in principle, Democrats who voted for the war would apologize for their misguided vote and demand the troops be brought home immediately. But that is a very idealistic outcome to expect and because it is idealistic it is asking just a wee-bit too much, too soon. Besides, ultimately an apology is irrelevant to bringing the troops home as I will explain. To demand ideal action in exchange for one’s support and is frankly, extreme. We have to understand that change comes slowly and we have to be willing to demonstrate encouragement and support when even the smallest steps forward are made. Let me give you an example. What if I said to an infant just learning to walk, “Baby, begin running now because if you don’t, I will not support you learning to walk anymore.” Well then, folks, the poor toddler would probably never learn walk!! But if with every step, I encourage that baby, show that toddler love and applaud their incremental progress, that child will eventually learn to walk. Similarly, this is also how progress works. (I should know since my brother Robert and I taught our baby brother, Greg, how to walk when he was like 2-3 or so, however, we also taught him all the major cuss words which was hilarious when he blurted them out over the dinner table but not so funny when my Grandma tanned our hide for it with her wooden spoon after dinner….hey, boys will be boys). The same is true when dealing with change in politics. We cannot say give me exactly the world I want or I will not support you because that is a flawed way of thinking about how change and progress occurs, it is extreme, irresponsible and it is exceptionally anal. Furthermore, it is not the job of politicians to bring about your vision of the perfect world, that is your job. If your vision of the perfect world is a view shared only by you and a few lone others, that vision SHOULD NOT become the vision that everyone else has to live by but if you work hard over time and build consensus so that a MAJORITY of your fellow citizens agree with you, then will the politicians eventually act to bring about that change after you kick them in the kisser a few times. After you have assembled a majority consensus of opinion then you must use the politicians as a soccer-ball and kick them around a little bit, while also encouraging them, until they bring about the actualization of whatever idea built upon majority consensus. Although we, as activist-leaders have a vision of the future in mind, we cannot simply say to politicians, produce my whole vision now or I will not support you because that puts the onus of responsibility on those who protect the status quo, or who follow at snail’s pace, for a task that only you as an activist can lead over time, by taking baby steps, and demonstrating love and encouragement each painfully slow step of the way. Be patient first, build consensus second and use the carrot-and-the-stick third. We must show our love by patience not our frustration by inflexibility. That does not mean we cannot demand the troops be brought home now, we should definitely continue to demand such a goal which helps us keep our ultimate vision intact. It just means that we must be willing to demonstrate our support as a means of positive reinforcement when progress is made just as we are willing to demonstrate our disapproval, by the withholding of our support, as a means of discipline. I do not hold politicians to the same standard I hold to myself as an activist because they are followers by design and we, as activists, are leaders by design and I hold leaders to a higher standard. I expect more from leaders than from followers, more from activists than from politicians. All I am asking, from Democrats, is do what counts now, that is, that they simply begin calling for withdrawal. If, Mr. Bush, got up on stage and said like, ‘I will not apologize’ but I will bring the troops home, then I would support Mr. Bush because I want my men home alive and now. If your principle goal is to enforce total accountability for politicians past actions, fine, good luck, keep demanding an apology but my principle goal is to bring the troops home and therefore my principle concern is less about the mistakes of past and more about the actions being taken now to bring the troops home. Demanding apologies from the Democrats completely misses the point, which is, good troops and Iraqi civilians are STILL NOW DYING for nothing. Get them out of there. Frankly, it really doesn’t matter to me what people have done in their past, what mistakes they have made, what really matters and what serves to redeem a person, any person, including currently-elected officials is what they do now. As my Farfar, (Swedish for grandfather, father’s side) used to say, “A person who has never made a mistake has never done anything.” If interested in trying to change things as they are, you must be willing to give something for it, your time, your mind, your thoughts, your devotion or in this case, your flexibility. Ok, so some Democrats who voted for the war should not have. Fine, whatever, I don’t really care so much about that. What I care about is are they willing, courageous, moral and strong enough to do the right thing by America now? Do they have courage now?

Encourage the Democrats when they do right, and discipline them when they do wrong. Reality is that the Democrats need us and we need the Democrats; we need them to help us bring the troops home and in this way we are united with them in symbiosis.
ATTN DEMOCRATS: I SAY DON’T FEEL OBLIGATED TO APOLOGIZE, BUT DO FEEL OBLIGATED TO END THE WAR AND BRING THE TROOPS HOME Per this next quotation, think of the Democratic Party in Washington as a block of granite.

“The block of granite, which was an obstacle in the path of the weak, becomes a stepping stone in the path of the strong.”
---Thomas Carlyle
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Carlyle

The carrot:
THIS TOOK REAL COURAGE, I HIGHLY COMMEND BOTH SENATOR JAY ROCKEFELLER AND JOHN EDWARDS, THESE MEN HAVE THE MORAL COURAGE TO ADMIT WHEN THEY MADE A MISTAKE AND TO LEAD AMERICA IN A NEW DIRECTION. I SALUTE YOU BOTH. I THINK YOU HAVE DONE RIGHT AND ARE DOING RIGHT BY AMERICA NOW!!!
http://dailykos.com/storyonly/2005/11/6/113438/846
JOHN EDWARDS ADMITS HIS MISTAKE AND TACKLES POVERTY: KUDOS!!
http://www.thenation.com/doc/20051128/moser/3
Finally, some Democrats are finding their voice:
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines05/1029-02.htm
Good job Democrats! Keep getting press!! Get loud and draw lots of attention.
http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/1103/p01s02-uspo.html
http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1512734/20051101/index.jhtml?headlines=true
http://www.thenation.com/doc/20051114/nichols
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9886959/
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines05/1102-10.htm
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/110205B.shtml
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/110305Z.shtml
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/1153AP_Democrats_Iraq.html
http://www.thestate.com/mld/thestate/13095332.htm
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/11/07/AR2005110701546_pf.html
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20051110/ap_on_go_co/congress_defense;_ylt=AikOinaLSkZzb0hkJsh.2I2s0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTA3OXIzMDMzBHNlYwM3MDM-
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/111005Q.shtml
http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/newswatch/story/5BBA51BD2483E5EF862570B7006C1B69?OpenDocument&highlight=2%2C%22durbin%22
ATTN BUSH AND THE GOP: WE’RE COMING!!! YOU’RE GOING!!! DON’T LET THE DOOR HIT YOU IN THE ASS ON THE WAY OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
http://today.reuters.com/news/NewsArticle.aspx?type=topNews&storyID=uri:2005-11-09T143410Z_01_SCH909697_RTRUKOC_0_US-ELECTION-USA.xml&pageNumber=1&summit=
The DIA warned the administration before the war on Iraq the unreliable information it was getting from a terrorist co-leader (who is not a military trainer but a terrorist) and this shows how we were lied to. Iraq has nothing to do with the struggle to curtail terrorism.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20051107/ap_on_go_co/senate_iraq;_ylt=Ao2M9VQn.8kxnzvEUqZe2LKs0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTA3OXIzMDMzBHNlYwM3MDM-
But the DIA also shafted Lt. Colonel Anthony Shaffer of ABLE DANGER
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20051110/ts_nm/security_attacks_pentagon_dc
You’ve got it now Democrats, the war-issue will not go away until our troops are home.
http://whateveralready.blogspot.com/2005/11/exclusive-senate-democrats-consider.html
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/110305I.shtml
Give ‘em hell, Senator Reid, give ‘em hell!!!!!!!!!!!
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines05/1102-10.htm
Be tough. Be fearless. Be bold. Be loud. Say what you mean and mean what you say!!
And if some people say its childish, the hell those bastards, DO WHAT IS EFFECTIVE!!
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/110105Q.shtml
Like my Grandma used to say, “The best way to deal with these Republicans is to rhetorically rip-off their goddamn arms and beat ‘em with the bloody friggin’ stubs!!!!”
---Avis Payne Callman, my Grandma, bless her memory
(I don’t agree with everything my Grandma said because I think if Republicans represent our views then I think it is ok to support them, that’s because I believe more in principle than in partisanship, but I’m just sharing with you how she opposed with fiery spunk)

MAJOR KUDOS TO SENATOR JOHN KERRY FOR HIS MORAL COURAGE, LEADERSHIP AND DEMONSTRATED ABILITY TO DO WHAT IS RIGHT, NOW!!
Although I wrote in my last posting that I most liked Senator Feingold, with John Kerry coming out so strongly against the occupation and calling for the withdrawal of U.S. troops, up to 20,000 by the end of this year, I am now unsure, again, as to who to would make the next best president of the United States in 2008. Certainly, I think Senator Feingold has demonstrated courage from the beginning which is important, but I always weigh my decisions up until the final hour that I make them, and Senator John Kerry is back in the running in my view with such a bold proposal. NOW LEAD IT SENATOR!!
I’m glad to see John Kerry returning to his roots insofar that he has now begun to demonstrate the same meaningful, worthy courage as when he returned from Vietnam.
http://www.johnkerry.com/pressroom/speeches/spc_2005_10_26.html
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines05/1027-02.htm
http://www.cnn.com/2005/POLITICS/10/26/iraq.kerry.ap/index.html
http://www.johnkerry.com/action/20000/index.php?source=8004
Russell Feingold:
http://www.lacrossetribune.com/articles/2005/10/29/news/z01feingold.txt
Also, KUDOS to Senator Patrick Leahy for doing the right thing by America too:
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/102505A.shtml
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/1027-28.htm
Representative Jim McGovern (D-MA) gets a round of applause:
http://www.commondreams.org/news2005/1025-17.htm
Rep. Dennis Kucinich:
http://www.commondreams.org/news2005/1028-03.htm
Thank you Representative Dan Manzullo of the Republican Party for doing the right thing and courageously coming out against the Occupation of Iraq:
http://www.rrstar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051030/NEWS0107/110300026
Paul Krugman tells it like it is: Thank you, Paul.
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/103105O.shtml
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/110705O.shtml
In my last piece I mentioned that the “center” is not a static condition; it is something you first reclaim then re-define. The “center” is most often a product of effective activist leadership over the long-term. Did anyone notice, given some prominent Democrats coming out against the Occupation with plans to begin a phased withdrawal, that the “center” just recently shifted? It is critically important to note this because it demonstrates that change, however slowly, is occurring and that is the result of both facts coming to light coupled with effective activism. The “center” used to be “we support the occupation but not the handling of the war.” That position is now no longer the “center.” This notable shift is the product of effective, sustained activism. Remember this occurrence when you ask yourself, “Is what we are doing having any effect; is it changing anything?” Yes, indeed it is. Due to activism, change is now upon us. Are we where we want to be? Not yet, the troops are not yet home, but change comes slowly so give it time and during that time keep aggressively waging peace. Keep demanding that the troops be brought home now. Don’t let those in power ever convince you that you cannot because the reality is that you can. And don’t let those in power who begin to champion the cause you champion weaken your resolve to continue speaking out for what you believe. Let their voices be added to your own, not replace your voice. Remember that you are the leader and they are the follower. Only by maintaining your active voice will enough pressure be brought to bear to continue pressuring those in power to continue speaking out. If you go silent, so will they. Remember, it is your voice that leads them to speak in favor of your cause. You lead, they follow. So remember, above all, to keep speaking out because the world is depending on you to do so. You can change the world if you set your mind to it. Speak out and share in the hope of tomorrow because I can tell you with complete confidence that where there is a will, there is a way.

"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."
---Martin Luther King, Jr.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Luther_King%2C_Jr.


And the stick:
I ask those Democrats who have refused to come out against the occupation or failed to call to bring the troops home, as in you SENATOR HILLARY CLINTON:
WHY ARE YOU ACTING LIKE SUCH A COWARD? WHY ARE YOU SO AFRAID? WHY ARE YOU NOT WILLING TO DO WHAT IS MORALLY RIGHT BY AMERICA AND MORALLY RIGHT BY THE TROOPS? ARE YOU SO WEAK IN MORAL COURAGE AND OF HEART? WHY DO YOU LACK THE BASIC PRINCIPLE, DECENCY, AND MORAL COURAGE TO COME OUT AGAINST THE OCCUPATION AND DEMAND THE TROOPS BE BROUGHT HOME NOW? WHY?
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/103105R.shtml
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/1104-31.htm
UNTIL YOU COME OUT AGAINST THE OCCUPATION AND CALL TO BRING THE TROOPS HOME, I PROMISE YOU THAT IT WILL BE A CAMPAIGN ISSUE, BECAUSE I, FOR ONE, AND MANY OTHERS WILL CONTINUE TO HOUND YOU UNTIL YOU SPEAK IN FAVOR OF BRINGING THE TROOPS HOME!! WE WILL NOT SUPPORT A CONTINUED OCCUPATION OF IRAQ. CAN YOU HEAR US NOW SENATOR HILLARY CLINTON? YOU ARE A TARGET OF CRITICISM.
Let me put it to you differently Mrs. Clinton. Many on the Right already despise you simply because of your association with Bill Clinton, so unless you start getting support from those of us in the Progressive movement rather soon, you’re basically screwed. You will have no chance whatsoever of getting elected President without our support. So I don’t know who’s telling who what but obviously they are idiots giving horrible advice.
http://www.thenation.com/doc/20051128/editors
And if, Democrats, you don’t like the fact that we in the grassroots are going to force Iraq as a major campaign issue, if you don’t like that, WELL PISS ON YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I MIGHT BE A SON-OF-A-BITCH, BUT I’M YOUR SON-OF-A-BITCH!!!!!!!!!!!!

“LEAD ME, FOLLOW ME OR GET THE HELL OUT OF MY WAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
---General George S. Patton

You betcha, paraphrased by The Nation:
If not now, when? If not you, who?
---Hillel

If Senator Clinton cannot represent the views of her human constituents, then throw her out on her ear. That the Senator believes in her own votes is irrelevant, the question is do her constituents believe that her votes represent their view, because this is a democracy and a politicians’ job is to represent their human constituents, the voters.

GET HER, CINDY, GO FOR IT…………..YOU GO, GIRL!!!!!!!!!!
http://villagevoice.com/news/0544,lombardi,69553,6.html
LET’S MAKE IT OUR GOAL TO EJECT HILLARY FROM OFFICE UNLESS SHE COMES OUT AGAINST THE OCCUPATION AND CALLS TO BRING THE TROOPS HOME…OUST HILLARY IN 2006….BLOCK HER PRESIDENTIAL AMBITION UNTIL SHE BEGINS TO DO HER JOB AND REPRESENT!!!!!!!!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cindy_sheehan

This is my advice: If in 2006 you are in a district with a pro-war Republican and pro-war Democrat who both refuse to call to bring the troops home, THEN VOTE REPUBLICAN. VOTE FOR THE REAL THING, OR VOTE GREEN OR STAY AT HOME. IF DEMOCRATS REFUSE TO REPRESENT, THROW THE BUMS OUT!!!!!
In doing so, we will DRIVE HOME A WEDGE between the DLC and the Republicans.

On courage:
Activism really does change things, folks: Activists set the agenda
http://www.tompaine.com/articles/20051027/the_wages_of_victory.php
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/1027-22.htm
To those who say, “the more things change, the more things stay the same,” I say, tell that tall tale to African Americans or gay folks or gay African Americans from a hundred years ago to those today (like my best friend, Karl, who is gay and black and a big ‘ol queen, mmmk?). While there is still a long way to go, I think we as a nation have also come a long way. So I say, while the process is painfully slow, society does change. Perseverance, hope, passion, substance, timing & political will makes all the difference.
Courage is key to revitalizing the party:
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/1028-29.htm
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/103005G.shtml

“One person with courage makes a majority.”
---Andrew Jackson, President and co-founder of the Democratic Party
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_jackson


“Something which we think is impossible now is not impossible in another decade.”
---Constance Baker Motley
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constance_Baker_Motley



“It is from numberless diverse acts of courage and belief that human history is shaped. Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring, those ripples build a current that can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance.”
---Robert F. Kennedy
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_F._Kennedy


On torture:
Captain Ian Fishback, American hero:
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/110205Y.shtml
“The United States must stand without exception for the principle of human decency and against the use of torture. Torture does not yield useable intelligence; it further endangers our troops and undermines America's moral authority in the global campaign against terrorism.”
---Bethany L. Blackwell, Act Against Torture Campaign Coordinator, Epic-USA
Ensure that the McCain amendment is retained in its original form by the House.
YOU GO SENATOR MCCAIN, GIVE ‘EM HELL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/nation/3441035
More applause for the Senate:
http://fairuse.1accesshost.com/news3/latimes156.html
And more applause for Senator Chuck Hagel:
http://www.sacbee.com/24hour/politics/story/2873737p-11536540c.html

And a round of condemnation to both Senator Pat Roberts of Kansas and Orrin Hatch of Utah for demonstrating no principles, no idea about decent American values, and no idea about how the policy of torture soils America’s noble, global reputation. It makes me sick as you place party politics and partisanship over and above basic American decency.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20051112/ap_on_go_pr_wh/carter_bush;_ylt=AifqzXpITkTyANvKbdJzbA.s0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTA3OXIzMDMzBHNlYwM3MDM-

It’s the establishment and maintenance of torture prisons, not disclosure of them that damages American credibility, national security and national moral prestige. I find it odd that the GOP does NOT want to investigate disclosures of undercover CIA officers’s names but does wish to investigate the disclosure of policies that hurt American national security yet not investigate the policy itself. It is a testament to their lack of values.
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/110805Q.shtml
The wankers at the Post do it again:
http://www.democracynow.org/article.pl?sid=05/11/08/1516241
http://www.thenation.com/blogs/edcut?bid=7&pid=34031

“It is error only, not the truth, that shrinks from inquiry.”
---Thomas Paine
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Paine


“The things that will destroy us are: politics without principle; pleasure without conscience; wealth without work; knowledge without character; business without morality; science without humanity; and worship without sacrifice.”
---Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948)



http://www.epic-usa.org
http://www.commondreams.org/news2005/1025-17.htm
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/1103-31.htm
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/1103-31.htm
I sure wish Senator McCain would call for the troops to come home, then we would have a four way race in 2008, Feingold, Kerry, Hagel and McCain…that’d be a tough decision.

While I think that intelligence produced by the CIA, when not influenced by policy-makers, is top notch intelligence, I do not and will not support torture as national policy no matter who conducts it. The CIA should be uniformly denied the license to torture.
http://www.commondreams.org/news2005/1025-17.htm
http://www.hrw.org/backgrounder/usa/us1004/
American Concentration camps:
http://www.boston.com/news/globe/editorial_opinion/editorials/articles/2005/11/04/american_gulag/
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2089-1859288,00.html
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/110605C.shtml
THIS IS IMMORAL AND DOES AMERICA GREAT HARM: SHUT IT DOWN!!!!
Torture has long been proven as an extremely unreliable tool for obtaining accurate data.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9890829/
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines05/1102-07.htm
I CALL ON CONGRESS TO BEGIN OPEN TESTIMONY ABOUT THE CONDITIONS CAPTIVES ARE HELD IN CIA DETENTION FACILITIES.
FURTHERMORE, ALL CIA DETENTION FACILITIES SHOULD BE BROUGHT UNDER U.S. COURT JURISDICTION TO ENFORCE LEGAL OVERSIGHT.
Sure I would work as an Intelligence Analyst but not at the expense of my principles.
While we are it, let’s shut down the School of the America’s too:
http://www.commondreams.org/news2005/1103-02.htm
http://www.soaw.org/new/

CIA Director Porter Goss’s support of torture policy demonstrates his own moral bankruptcy to decent American values. I suggest he un-stick his lips from Cheney’s ass.
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/1111-23.htm
http://www.alternet.org/rights/27771/
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/110205E.shtml
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/110905Y.shtml
http://hrw.org/english/docs/2005/10/26/usdom11922.htm
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/11/02/AR2005110202988_pf.html
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines05/1103-01.htm
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-torture9nov09,1,5249031.story?coll=la-headlines-nation&ctrack=1&cset=true
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/1109-23.htm
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines05/1104-01.htm
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/110505A.shtml
http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/archives/individual/2005_11/007504.php
http://www.commondreams.org/news2005/1104-07.htm
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/11/06/AR2005110601281_pf.html
http://www.buzzflash.com/contributors/05/11/con05419.html
http://bordc.org/threats/antitorture-signon.pdf
http://www.newyorker.com/fact/content/articles/051114fa_fact
http://www.antiwar.com/lobe/?articleid=7948
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/110705I.shtml
http://fairuse.1accesshost.com/news5/nyt30.htm
http://telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2005/11/09/wchen09.xml&sSheet=/news/2005/11/09/ixworld.html
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/110905B.shtml
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines05/1110-01.htm
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/1110-24.htm
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/1110-29.htm
http://www.alternet.org/blogs/themix/#28135
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/1112-22.htm
http://hartfordadvocate.com/gbase/News/content?oid=oid:133437
All I can say, Mr. Bush, is if a leader allowed me and my family to be tortured and that leader’s citizenry allowed it to happen, well heck, I’d probably want to board an airplane and fly it into their buildings too!! You see, Mr. Bush, it’s that kind of immoral policy that creates terrorists, aids terrorism and does much to damage our national credibility.
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/1110-20.htm
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines05/1111-08.htm
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/1112-30.htm
I don’t recall Congress or the people of this nation giving you this power, Rumsfeld:
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines05/1110-05.htm
You are the problem, Rumsfeld and your boss: IMPEACH THE SONS-OF-BITCHES!!!
http://impeachpac.org/
Just as a reminder, all government power is ultimately derived from the will of the people. You take orders from us, we do not take orders from you so OBEY FEDS!!!
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/111005B.shtml
http://fairuse.1accesshost.com/news2/salon69.html
This is what is known as a “SMOKESCREEN” press release from the Pentagon:
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/110905E.shtml
ATTN: VP DICK CHENEY: Although I write these op-ed pieces to bring my fellow soldiers home and do it openly to reduce the fear factor in the country by liberating others from their own fear, I would like you to know that every time I post one of these pieces I am thinking of you, sir and how much these postings must mean to you if you read them.

I think the treaty outlawing torture does extend beyond U.S. soil. Bush is wrong.
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines05/1029-03.htm
Gitmo:
http://jurist.law.pitt.edu/forumy/2005/11/why-americans-dont-care-about-gtmo-and.php
Or station a team or Red Cross reps there and bring Gitmo under U.S. court jurisdiction.
The question must be asked: What happens if our government makes a mistake by arresting and deporting an innocent person to Gitmo? Where is the judicial oversight?
Shouldn’t we, as a precautionary measure, take every meaningful step to ensure the rights of the innocent are protected? Isn’t this an underlying concept of our judicial system?
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/1106-25.htm
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/11/11/AR2005111101645_pf.html
I swear, Joe Lieberman is such a Republican, after we eject Hillary, let’s eject Joe:
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines05/1112-05.htm
John Yoo, traitor:
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/1101-29.htm
http://www.antiwar.com/engelhardt/?articleid=7870
If legislation disallowing torture is not passed, it should be attached as an amendment to every bill that sails through congress until it does pass!!!!! Support John McCain to make it so. TORTURE IS A WAR CRIME!!!!
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/1104-33.htm


ALLOWING TORTURE OPENS U.S. SOLDIERS TO BEING THE POSSIBILITY OF BEING TORTURED THEMSELVES; THIS IS HOW BUSH SPITS IN THE FACES OF OUR TROOPS. MR. BUSH AND THE POWERS-THAT-BE DON’T SUPPORT OUR TROOPS, THEY BETRAY THEM, THEY DO WRONG BY THE TROOPS.
Bring our national policy in line with the spirit and the technical parameters of the Geneva Convention. For pursuing torture as a national policy, Mr. Bush, the only credit you deserve is to be extradited to the Hague for prosecution as a war-criminal
WHAT ARE WE NAZIS? I AM AN AMERICAN AND I PROUD OF IT.
http://rawstory.com/news/2005/Zogby_Americans_support_consideration_of_impeachment_1104.html
TORTURE IS BETRAYAL OF AMERICAN VALUES, AN AFFRONT TO DECENCY
I’m glad lessons have been learned, and glad about the creation of ethics training at the WH because those in power now most need it. Maybe they can be rehabilitated? I mean it’s a more viable option than languishing in a prison cell for one’s entire life, right? Did you know it costs more to execute a prisoner than to imprison them for life? Ironic, no?
http://www.tomdispatch.com/index.mhtml?pid=35043
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/bush_ap_poll;_ylt=AqLUhWxxQA8U9ka4AVquySus0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTA2Z2szazkxBHNlYwN0bQ--


On Rosa Parks:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosa_parks
Rosa Parks did not give birth to a movement; a movement gave birth to Rosa Parks.
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/103005F.shtml
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/1030-27.htm
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20051031/ap_on_re_us/rosa_parks;_ylt=Aug_uj6sGCNJ4ZBqQF6mx9Ws0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTA2Z2szazkxBHNlYwN0bQ--
Rosa Parks tried to change a nation; as I do and as you can too; don’t like it? Too bad!!!
I can relate to Rosa Parks...I do some of my best work on my ass too, writing and writing.
I agree with most of John Conyers statements about her but not all his statements. A good activist draws attention to themselves, they must, otherwise no one would pay attention. Good activism is 60% good marketing and 40% good action. As far as never seeking the limelight, the day she refused her seat, she intentionally walked right into the limelight. About her being soft-spoken, well, fine, to each their own, but I believe in speaking out, speaking often, speaking fearlessly, truthfully, speaking loud and proud.
http://www.thenation.com/blogs/thebeat?bid=1&pid=32919
THIS IS A MUST READ:
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/10/31/opinion/31williams.html
THIS IS ANOTHER MUST READ:
http://www.motherjones.com/commentary/columns/2005/10/rosa_parks.html
Do you know what made Rosa Parks good? Only her courage and her activism, which I remind you, preceded her courage to refuse to give up her seat on the bus. (and when I say activism all I mean is her willingness to get involved), that is, the same courage and willingness that is inside you and inside me just waiting to be actualized. I often hear Rosa Parks described as a woman “who started a movement” but I don’t think that is entirely true because it puts the cart before the horse so to speak; I happen to think that a movement started Rosa Parks. She simply crystallized the sentiment of a slowly emerging civil-rights movement at a critical time, a time born out of two world wars in the American context and a growing rebellion against African colonialism in the global context insofar that returning black soldiers, having served their country abroad to fight fascism, realized the total injustice and I would say elementary fascist features of the South in the era preceding the civil rights movement. That is, the movement emerged from the realization that they were sent to fight fascism abroad only to return to a semblance of it at home in the segregated South and the total injustice of this utter contradiction and betrayal of their valor and service to their country. When one weighs that developing realization against other developing forces in history of that time such as the revolution against colonialism, particularly in Africa, the emergence of Pan-Africanism and black nationalism as a concept coupled with the writings of such authors as Marcus Garvey, Frantz Fanon, W.E.B. Du Bois, Malcolm X and perhaps even Ralph Ellison to some degree, and the writings of an earlier time, for example, Booker T. Washington, it becomes readily apparent that, shall we say, “a revolution of the mind” gave birth to a multitude of civil-rights actions working in tandem under a wider, loosely organized umbrella known as the American Civil-Rights Movement. It should not be lost on anyone, however, that her act of courage inspired hope in millions and bestowed upon many others the courage to defy injustice and the willingness to righteously persevere.
For example, from the action of Rosa Parks on the bus that day, did Martin Luther King, Jr. arise as leader of the 1955 Montgomery Bus Boycott. It is critical to remember Rosa Parks not as a saint but as an ordinary human being just like you and just like me. I ask you, how empowering is that?
THIS IS A MUST READ:
http://www.workingforchange.com/article.cfm?itemid=19834
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marcus_Garvey
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Franz_Fanon
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/W._E._B._Du_Bois
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malcolm_x
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ralph_Ellison
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Booker_T._Washington
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Luther_King%2C_Jr.

This is a fabulous article but don’t turn your computer off completely, just use it to stay informed, then go outside to enjoy the sun, rain, day, night or whatever you like to do out.
http://villagevoice.com/news/0544,tate,69522,6.html
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/1104-30.htm

“Wake up with a smile and go after life…...live it, enjoy it, taste it, smell it, feel it.”
---Joe Knapp


“A morning glow at my window satisfies me more than the metaphysics of books.”
---Walt Whitman
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walt_whitman

Another good article about Rosa Park below: Yeah, definitely, remember Barbara Lee who voted against the war. The anti-war movement is about no one person, folks, this is a TEAM EFFORT. I do my thing in the hopes that you are doing you’re thing. I need you to help me bring the troops home. I cannot do it without you and I beg for your help. Rosa Parks didn’t start a movement and her death didn’t end it, she like anyone can step up to the plate and her story is only one chapter, one page, in the constantly unfolding book of history. I am Rosa Parks; You are Rosa Parks; Anyone can be Rosa Parks.
BE ROSA PARKS!!!! BE THE COURAGE!!!! BE THE CHANGE!!!
http://www.alternet.org/rights/27687/
(besides, honey, I would look faboo in black drag, mmmmk?)
(Actually, I don’t do drag as most queers don’t; that’s just another myth popularized by the media, I’m the kind of queer who gets into playing rugby, ice-hockey, racquetball, skiing crazily fast, kayaking, playing chess or jumping out of planes, the kind of queer who doesn’t take any shit from any homophobes, who is out, who speaks out and screw you if you don’t like it, but, if I did do drag I would look fabulous, okkkk?) You wage peace your way, I will wage peace my way, whatever, just keep waging peace. (that some Americans are tired of “gotcha culture” and “nailing ‘em,” which I read in the Post recently is just too bad, that is how I wage peace, by truth-telling in an attack dog way, if you don’t approve I suggest you not read my postings, because I think it works, it is effective). I wage peace my way, if you don’t like the way I do it, too bad, that’s not my problem. I am proud to be an American, I am proud to be for peace, I am proud to be a human being and I am proud to be a principled patriot. If my pride in these things hideously offends some people, screw them. I am what I am. You wage peace your way, I will wage peace my way, whatever, just keep waging peace. No regrets, no apologies.

"I love my country too much to be a nationalist."
---Albert Camus, writer, philosopher, Nobel laureate
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albert_Camus


I think it is very important to remember that Rosa Parks was no greater than you or I, she was merely a human being as we are all human beings, she simply chose to actualize courage as any of us can choose to do. There is a Rosa Parks, a Martin Luther King, Jr., a Malcolm X, a Gandhi, a Thich Nhat Hanh, a Cindy Sheehan, an Eric Johansson, an YOUR NAME HERE, a person with courage and willingness inside each of us just waiting to be actualized. There really are no “great” people, folks, because everyone has the potential to be great. The choice is yours. Can you step forward and demonstrate courage and willingness? I know you can. So I ask you, what on earth are you waiting for? Be the change!!! Be the courage!!! Be the future!! Be the one who gets involved!!
You CAN do it.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thich_Nhat_Hanh
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gandhi
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malcolm_x

“Everyone needs to be valued. Everyone has the potential to give something back.”
---Princess Diana
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Princess_Diana


“You can do what you have to do, and sometimes you can do it better than you think you can.”
---Jimmy Carter, President
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimmy_carter


“Do not wait for leaders, do it alone, person to person.”
---Mother Teresa
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mother_Teresa


“I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.”
---Nelson Mandela
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nelson_Mandela

I’ve quoted Nelson Mandela’s quote below three or four times consecutively because I must tell you that it is one of my favorite quotations of all time, I love this quote:

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that
we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most
frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not
serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't
feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."
---Nelson Mandela

“You are the child who danced in the sunshine, the young person who dreamed of changing the world, the admirer of beauty all around you, a spirit who cannot be tied down.”
---Ralph Marston


“There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or to be the mirror that reflects it.”
---Edith Wharton
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edith_Wharton


I think Hurricane Katrina brought the important issue of economic injustice to the forefront of American thought and that problem should not be forgotten. I think it important to remember history like the history of the civil rights movement but in context of our pursuit of justice today and tomorrow. Remember also what Mr. Bush said versus what he is failing to do. He didn’t just fail to respond to the disaster in New Orleans, he continues to fail to respond. But that is because Mr. Bush is an incompetent President.
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/1031-23.htm
http://www.motherjones.com/commentary/columns/2005/11/congress_and_katrina_oversight.html
http://www.motherjones.com/news/special_reports/2005/11/after_katrina.html
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines05/1107-05.htm
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines05/1107-08.htm
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/1109-25.htm
http://www.motherjones.com/mojoblog/archives/2005/11/louisianas_post.html
http://www.motherjones.com/mojoblog/archives/2005/11/louisianas_post_1.html
Applause for Republican Representative Tom Davis in his rightful quest for subpoenas:
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/111205Y.shtml


"When will our consciences grow so tender that we will act to prevent human misery rather than avenge it?"
---Eleanor Roosevelt
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eleanor_Roosevelt



“You can’t separate peace from freedom because no one can be at peace unless he has freedom.”
---Malcolm X
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malcolm_x



On global warming: THE TIME FOR ACTION IS NOW
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines05/1105-03.htm
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines05/1104-02.htm
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines05/1031-08.htm
http://www.commondreams.org/news2005/1103-16.htm
http://www.commondreams.org/news2005/1104-02.htm
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines05/1107-03.htm
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines05/1107-07.htm
http://www.commondreams.org/news2005/1107-01.htm
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines05/1108-06.htm
http://www.commondreams.org/news2005/1109-07.htm
http://www.commondreams.org/news2005/1109-16.htm
http://www.commondreams.org/news2005/1109-17.htm
http://www.commondreams.org/news2005/1110-10.htm
http://www.commondreams.org/news2005/1110-09.htm
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/111105C.shtml
http://www.commondreams.org/news2005/1111-02.htm
On peak oil and energy independence, as much as it pains me to link to a group of citizens that I generally despise and do my best to isolate, the neo-cons and the Christian Right, I do support their growing efforts to ignite consumer-driven energy independence.
http://www.alternet.org/envirohealth/28011/
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/1110-31.htm
AN ABSOLUTELY, ESSENTIAL MUST READ:
LEAD IT MR. GORE, WAGE IT RELENTLESSLY!!! TAKE NO PRISONERS!!!
http://www.salon.com/src/pass/gateway/demo2.html?http://www.salon.com/opinion/feature/2005/11/04/gore/index_np.html
Quotation from the article:
“…we have everything we need to face this urgent challenge. All it takes is political will. And in our democracy, political will is a renewable resource.”

Eili Eili (O God! O God!)
Eili, Eili, I pray that these things never end:
the sand and the sea, the rush of the waters
the crash of the heavens, the prayer of the heart
the sand and the sea, the rush of the waters
the crash of the heavens, the prayer of the heart
---Chanah Senesh


Good for you Lil, you are setting an excellent example for others to follow:
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines05/1031-02.htm
YOU GO GIRLS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! PERSEVERE!!!!!!
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/1106-28.htm
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20051108/ts_alt_afp/uspoliticsbreasts

The road ahead and some of the issues before us:
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/110605G.shtml


On Cindy Sheehan
I think her actions to bring the troops home bestows great honor upon all those killed and especially upon her own son, Casey. BRING THEM HOME NOW!!!
http://www.villagevoice.com/news/0543,lombardiqa,69280,2.html
http://www.lewrockwell.com/sheehan/sheehan22.html
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/102705I.shtml
http://www.commondreams.org/news2005/1028-15.htm
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines05/1030-05.htm
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/1101-24.htm
http://www.thestate.com/mld/thestate/13129885.htm
Another brave and patriotic activist:
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines05/1029-06.htm
Kathy Kelly:
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/1026-21.htm
Ann Wright:
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/111105D.shtml
Indeed Ms. Engelbert, indeed:
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/102905G.shtml



“Intelligent Design” my ass, it should be called Masquerading Proselytization or maybe Scientific Subterfuge or My beliefs not your facts or your tax-dollars to enforce my view.
If they want balance in teaching the creation of the world, be sure to include the Jewish view, the Muslim view, the Hindu view, the Buddhist view, and every view of every religion so that it will be “fair and balanced.” It’s an attempt to proselytize, nothing more.
Science is based on evidence & method. Religion is based on what you choose to believe.
The separation of church and state is an integral part of our country and our Constitution.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/life/feature/story/0,13026,1559743,00.html
http://interventionmag.com/Primary/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=9
http://www.interventionmag.com/cms/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=1148
http://interventionmag.com/Primary/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=47
http://interventionmag.com/Primary/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=46
Thank you, Mr. Foxman of the Anti-Defamation League:
http://www.workingforchange.com/article.cfm?itemid=19835
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/1107-23.htm
http://www.commondreams.org/news2005/1108-03.htm
http://www.commondreams.org/news2005/1108-10.htm
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines05/1109-03.htm
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/111105O.shtml
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/111105N.shtml
The Christian-Right acts as if evolution is in conflict with creation, but if you think about it, it is not. In fact, they are reconcilable. Did you ever think that God’s day is exponentially longer than the human day? I mean c’mon, think about it, the length of our day is determined by the spinning of the earth revolving upon its axis and the length of our year is determined by our gravitational orbit around the sun as we revolve around it. Even our very conception of time, a single day, is not perfectly constant since the length of the day varies, though very slightly, according to rotational velocity. So our conception of time is not perfectly constant even though it is functionally constant. The point is, we understand time based on celestial forces particular to our planet within a single solar system alone, within a single galaxy alone. Now, if God made the universe, then obviously, the celestial forces of that magnitude would logically redefine the nature and length of how time is defined, days would presumably be much longer since the universe is much larger than our planet in our single solar system within our single galaxy. In other words, one revolution around town, the universe-town, might take like several hundred million years. I mean, hello McFly, the universe is a very big place. And because the universe is exponentially larger than our solar system alone, it only stands to reason that the concept of time for God is also defined differently. So if God created the world in 7 days, and each day for God is equal to say hundreds of millions of our years, well then could 7 days date all the way back to the Big-Bang? Perhaps. And if, as it says in Torah in Bereshit (Genesis), God created humans on the sixth day and rested on the seventh day, then humans were God’s final creation, which makes sense since in the wider scope of linear time humans are the most recent addition to the universe according to Torah and also a very recent development in the linear course of time, given the age of the universe. So I have a question for God that I would like to pose. God, are your days longer than ours; is each day for you hundreds of millions of our years long? Because to me, that seems logical. And understanding time in this way makes more sense since when we look to the stars, we are not seeing stars as they shine now, we see stars as how they shined thousands or perhaps millions of years ago since it took that length of time for the light to get here. When we look to the sky at night, we see more than stars, we see history, time and space. Therefore, logically speaking, if time is defined differently between God and humans, creationism and evolution are completely and totally reconcilable. That is, if there is a God at all, who knows maybe randomness does define the universe. Who am I to say one way or the other? But, personally, I believe in a cosmic interconnectedness that binds us all together and that every word we utter, that we write and every action we take causes a ripple no matter how small that affects everyone else. I believe that inside each of us lies an essence, a soul, a spark of holiness, a desire for compassion and tolerance and that all we have to do is ignite the fire within. All we have to do is step forward, take action, and speak out which gives life meaning and ignites the fire to do good by our fellow man that lies in each and every human heart.

"Political freedom cannot exist in any land where religion controls the state, and religious freedom cannot exist in any land where the state controls religion."
-- Samuel James Ervin Jr.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samuel_James_Ervin_Jr.


“People who want to share their religious views with you almost never want you to share yours with them.”
---Dave Barry
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dave_Barry


“I distrust those people who know so well what God wants them to do because I notice it always coincides with their own desires.”
---Susan B Anthony, reformer and suffragist
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Susan_B._Anthony



"As I stood before the gates I realized that I never want to be as certain about anything as were the people who built this place."
- Rabbi Sheila Peltz, on her visit to Auschwitz


"Independence is my happiness, and I view things as they are, without regard to place or person; my country is the world, and my religion is to do good."
---Thomas Paine, "The Rights of Man, Part II." (1792)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Paine


I mostly don’t like them but some things Christian conservatives do are good:
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/110605X.shtml
On God’s second, third or fourth day of creation? Who knows?
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9993914/


Democrats must vigorously oppose the Alito nomination:
http://www.savethecourt.org/site/apps/nl/content2.asp?c=mwK0JbNTJrF&b=865791&ct=1552291
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/1102-22.htm
http://www.workingforchange.com/article.cfm?itemid=19835
http://www.commondreams.org/news2005/1101-14.htm
http://www.commondreams.org/news2005/1101-04.htm
http://www.gay.com/news/article.html?2005/11/03/2
http://www.commondreams.org/news2005/1031-01.htm
http://www.commondreams.org/news2005/1031-15.htm
http://www.commondreams.org/news2005/1031-10.htm
http://www.commondreams.org/news2005/1104-03.htm
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/111005D.shtml
Does anyone in Congress, any Democrats, have the balls to ask these questions? Do it!!!
Anything less is unimpressive. Ask the tough questions. Demand honest answers.
http://www.thenation.com/doc/20051114/mintz
You’ll know which Democrats to run left-candidates against thus dividing the vote on the Left and ejecting them from office, because they will be the ones supporting the Alito nomination. Make sure to eject them from office with the full force of the Left. Remember, when a Democrat acts like a Republican, just vote for the real thing.

Good question for some Democrats:
http://www.tompaine.com/articles/20051107/the_walmart_22.php

On Colorado College where I graduated in 1996:
http://www.gazette.com/display_search.php?id=1311658&table=story_archive&sec=1
After a brief exchange with the Dean of the College, Susan Ashley, I am happy to report that Camp Casey – Colorado Springs will NOT BE shut down. After sending the President and Dean of the College a letter protesting the shut-down of Camp Casey, the College has convinced the Toons store to get a city permit so that everything is good and legal. I don’t if my letter had any impact, I don’t that it didn’t. The important thing is that Camp Casey – Colorado Springs will remain open. Use your First Amendment rights, folks, use them a lot; it is your civic duty to speak out for your country.

“The world is in your hands, now use it.”
---Phil Collins
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phil_Collins



On courage, an Iraq war vet protests the war and is badly mistreated:
http://www.campusantiwar.net/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=117&Itemid=2
If, when they knock you down, get up and protest louder and bolder, and if they knock you down again, get up again, and again, and again, and again. NEVER GIVE UP!!!

“The greatest glory in living lies not in never failing but in rising every time we fail.”
--Nelson Mandela

Honor Kevin Benderman:
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/1028-24.htm
Honor British soldiers who take principled stands too:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/military/story/0,11816,1602595,00.html?gusrc=rss
Chalk one up for British parliament:
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/110905Q.shtml
ATTN: POLITICAL LEADERS
This is the ultimate end result for those who undermine liberty with false promises of security, let me add, your undermining liberty only gives aid and comfort to terrorists.
http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/frontpage.cfm
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines05/1110-10.htm
http://www.lewrockwell.com/roberts/roberts131.html

And now for today’s comedic commentary:
http://news.tbo.com/news/MGBFPLLL7FE.html
Bush to America: Don’t worry about the ports-of-entry or the nuclear plants because we have the mermaids and the dinosaurs locked down and protected from terrorist assault. In doing so, we have made America safer, this is the cause our troops must continue to die for to make sure this mermaids and dinosaurs remain safe, free and liberated.
-- The Homeland Security Department is becoming a farce

On writing: I agree with David Swanson
http://www.buzzflash.com/contributors/05/10/con05407.html

On the fusion of art and politics:
http://www.calendarlive.com/movies/cl-ca-terror30oct30,0,2222327.story?track=widget
http://villagevoice.com/art/0545,saltz2,69731,13.html
Here is one that’s kinda interesting, informative, business-like, and artsy. Op-art..I like it.
http://www.tompaine.com/dickanddon.html
Here is a wonderful poem by an Army veteran, Jim Bush:
http://www.interventionmag.com/Primary/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=34


On the nature and true value of wealth:
“Financial bankruptcy is meaningless because a human being cannot be measured by numbers at all, rather, a human being is measured by the courage of their convictions, by the depth of their heart, by the firmness of their integrity, by their demonstrated ability to lead a moral existence, and by the strength and quality of their character. The richness of one’s virtues and ethics, not the mere sum of one’s material or monetary acquisitions, is the true measure of wealth in the life of a human being.”
---Eric Edward Johansson, sweet dawg!!! Got me own ‘ere, hey!!!!
Did I mention my Farmor’s (Swedish for grandmother, i.e., father’s mother) family emigrated from Sweden to Canada….maybe that’s why they all say “hey?” after everything they say. Know what I mean, hey? Kind of interesting, hey? Cool, hey?

Any person can create a great quote; now you go and create your own. I believe in your ability to think creatively. When activated, the human mind is a great wonder of creation.
Great people do not create great quotes because there are no great people, there is only you so go forth, step forward and create your own great quote. YOU CAN DO IT!!!!!!


ATTN: READER
Do you know why the POWERS-THAT-BE likely hate my guts beyond comprehension?
It is not only because I demonstrate courage and try to tell the truth as I see it but it is mainly because I am trying to share with you some methods to help erect a mass movement of colossal proportions over time. It is not the fact that I am helping build a movement in unison with others that irks them most, rather it is that I am giving away some of the secrets I have learned to you, freely, to show you how to help build a mass mainstream movement with others. Are they afraid that I might show people the path to self-liberty, to freedom, to think for themselves, to leadership, to become involved, well-informed and responsible citizens, to provide a glimpse of reality, how it affects citizens and show them how effective activism works and one way to build a movement? Oh indeed!! They are terrified of this prospect. GOOD!!!! Now it is your decision to step forward. I have shared with you one possible way to build a mass movement. Wage it!! Why do I share this knowledge with you? Because I cannot do it alone, I need you to get involved. I urge you to step forward with courage and determination. JOIN US!!!!!! They have a potent poison but you, folks, you are the cure….but only if you step forward. The fact that I do what I do openly really burns their britches because in doing what I do openly, I demonstrate courage and show to those who hate democracy, my middle finger.
Eat shit, fascists!! (this means you, Mr. Cheney) You have met your match. The Guardians are here to defend democracy. And by the way, your king is in check so move!
We promise to bring American democracy alive because American democracy is the best antidote to emerging fascism. I am happy to report that I am slowly seeing signs of democracy beginning to re-emerge. Remember, in a democracy we do only non-violence.
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/1107-24.htm
Will democracy in action have unintended consequences? Sure. But it is better that than not to take any action at all. Justice is moved forward by the actions of human beings.

Democracy is about the balance of power between the have’s and have-not’s and for the last few years the have’s have dominated the scene and this imbalance threatens our democracy. Now it is time to re-institute the balance that makes our democracy work.
TURN THE POWER BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!! POWER TO THE PEOPLE!!!!!!!!!!
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/1110-26.htm
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/1110-33.htm
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/1111-28.htm
http://news.yahoo.com/s/usatoday/20051111/cm_usatoday/neuharthcolumnshatterssilenceoniraqadministration

"The spirit of democracy cannot be imposed from without. It has to come from within."
---Mohandas K. Gandhi
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mohandas_Gandhi


WORD UP TO THE HAVE’S:
Did you know that I put my pants on the same way you do every morning?


"During times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act."
---George Orwell
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_orwell


“The most radical revolutionary will become a conservative the day after the revolution.”
---Hannah Arendt
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hannah_Arendt
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0156701537/qid=1131296624/sr=8-1/ref=pd_bbs_1/102-8496067-5454545?v=glance&s=books&n=507846


I hope you read my last two postings from Oct 23 and Oct 2 because they were both important postings that help reinforce democracy and openly subvert fascist dreams:
October 23, posting
Part I: http://www.indybay.org/print.php?id=1776996
Part II: http://www.indybay.org/print.php?id=1776995

October 2nd 2005 posting:
http://sf.indymedia.org/print.php?id=1720420

The have’s will almost always pursue the fascist state, it is your responsibility, average citizen, to speak out, make your voice heard, and incessantly pursue the democratic state. You, by staying informed and by staying involved, are the critical elements necessary to ensure that American democracy remains a viable system every day well into the future.
This is your country, so take it back, reclaim it, redefine it and act because you own it.
http://www.lewrockwell.com/orig6/nolan-m2.html

AMERICA:
LOVE IT OR CHANGE IT!! OR LIKE ME, CHANGE IT BECAUSE YOU LOVE IT!!!

VISIBILITY IS CRUCIAL, TIMING IS CRITICAL, SUBSTANCE IS VITAL, PASSION IS ESSENTIAL AND PERSEVERENCE IS KEY. NOW WAGE IT!!!!!



THE POWER OF THE PEN IS MIGHTIER THAN THE POWER OF THE SWORD!!!!
YES IT IS, YES IT IS, HALLELUJAH, YES IT IS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

SPEAK OUT!!!!!!!!!!!! SPEAK TRUTH TO POWER!!!!!!!!! FEAR NOTHING!!!!!!!!!

AND WAGE PEACE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Gesher Tsar Me’od
The entire world is a very narrow bridge
and the essential thing is to not succumb to fear
Reb Nachman of Bratslav


“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
---Margaret Meade



Sincerely,

Eric E. Johansson
Ex-US Army Paratrooper and Infantryman
San Francisco Veterans for Peace, Chapter 69
San Francisco, CA
http://www.veteransforpeace.org
http://honeste--djoftruth.blogspot.com/