RISE AGAINST BUSH AND SHINE FOR A PEACEFUL TOMORROW ... Anti-War Actions in Washington DC on January 20th ... To Learn More Visit DAWN website:
http://www.dawndc.net/events/j20_05/

COUNTER-INAUGURAL 2005 ... Facilitating Protest Around The 2005 Presidential [dictatorship] Inauguration ... To Learn More Visit:
http://www.counter-inaugural.org/

JANUARY 6TH DC ... Take Action on Election Violations as Congress Meets to Certify the Vote! Also on January 6th, Protest in Washington DC and at your Senators Offices in your Communities ... Go to:
http://www.counter-inaugural.org

THE LATEST IN THE NEWS

PLAN FOR SOCIAL SECURITY RELIES ON AN IMMEDIATE, FAMILIAR BUSH STRATEGY
by Peter S. Canellos, Globe Staff
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/articles/2004/12/28/

DEAD SOLDIER'S DAD FINDS NO ENEMY IN IRAQ
by Rebecca Romani, Inter Press Service
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines04/1230-01.htm

BUSH FAILS A GLOBAL TEST
by John Nichols, The Nation
http://www.commondreams.org/views04/1230-12.htm

TSUNAMI DISASTER HIGHLIGHTS CORPORATE MEDIA HYPOCRISY
by Peter Phillips, Common Dreams Commentary
http://www.commondreams.org/views04/1230-15.htm

AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM ROBERT JERESKI [Ran for Congress in NYCs 14th Congressional District and was a volunteer/supporter of Kucinich 2004] ... HELP FOR VICTIMS OF THE TSUNAMI & EARTHQUAKE

As many of you know, I used to serve as the Executive Director of the International Forum for Aceh, a human rights organization, focused on a region of Indonesian, suffering for decades from a civil conflict. Today Aceh - the region closest to the epicenter of the force 9.0 earthquake which struck last weekend - has been devastated by the forces of nature and is in dire need of your help. My contacts on the ground there report that the government has only recently allowed aid to enter and that no needs assessments have yet been conducted by aid organizations. The U.N. has estimated that casualties in Indonesia are the worst of any country and that the death toll in Aceh may reach 80,000.

You have heard about some international aid organizations which are planning to provide humanitarian aid. But I would like to let you know about a coalition of local grassroots organizations which are staffed by dedicated, intelligent and experienced Acehnese humanitarian relief workers and which is doing relief work in Aceh. Please, if you haven't yet made a contribution to help victims of the recent tsunami and earthquake, consider supporting this coalition of local organizations. A dollar you give to them will go much farther than a dollar to major aid organizations, with their high administrative and (other) overhead costs. In peace and solidarity ... Robert Jereski [fmr. Executive Director of International Forum for Aceh]

P.S. Below is a statement regarding this new coalition of local organizations. Please forward to networks.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Friends,

Many of you will have heard about the terrible earthquake and tsunami which has devastated Aceh and Northern Sumatra in Indonesia. Indonesian NGOs including WALHI Friends of the Earth Indonesia have established the Indonesian Civil Society Coalition for the Victims of Earthquake and Tsunami to provide aid to the victims. We have set up crisis centers in Jakarta and Medan, North Sumatra.

SHATTERED COMMUNITIES NEED YOUR HELP! Hundreds of impoverished coastal communities have been destroyed, and a humanitarian disaster can only be averted through a generous international donation response. The Indonesian Civil Society Coalition for the Victims of Earthquake and Tsunami is appealing for donations from members of the public abroad, as well as within Indonesia. All funds received by WALHI for the Coalition appeal will be allocated for emergency response as well as the post-emergency phase of rebuilding and restoration of shattered livelihoods. Please note that we can only receive financial donations from abroad for logistical reasons.

The Medan and Jakarta Crisis Centers collect funds and enlist volunteers in coordination with local organizations. Funds and resources are mobilized by local organizations based in North Sumatera and Aceh. The latest information on our activities and needs, as well as developments on disaster spots will be provided in the form of daily updates in the English website of WALHI-Friends of the Earth Indonesia. Go to http://www.walhi.or.id and click English at top menu. Please send your donations to:

Name on Account : Wahana Lingkungan Hidup Indonesia
Account No. : 3-000026-173
Name of Bank : Citibank
Branch : Menara Citibank
Address : Jln. Metro Pondok Indah Kavling II/BA, No. 1, Jakarta, INDONESIA
Swift Code : CITI IDJX

For further information, please contact Ovi or Estee at:
WALHI-Friends of the Earth Indonesia
National Office/Crisis Center
Jl. Tegal Parang Utara No.14
Jakarta Selatan 12790
INDONESIA
HOTLINE : +62-21-794 1672
Daily updates available at: http://www.eng.walhi.or.id
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Indonesian Forum for Environment (WALHI - Friends of the Earth Indonesia) is the largest forum of environmental and social NGOs, community organisations, and student environment groups in Indonesia with 25 regional representations in 25 provinces and over 430 member organisations. www.walhi.or.id

QUOTE OF THE DAY ... When liberty is taken away by force it can be restored by force. When it is relinquished voluntarily by default, it can never be recovered. Dorothy Thompson

FROM FELLOW KUCITIZEN ... PETER C ... TSUNAMI ASSISTANCE DONATIONS INFORMATION ... The following aid agencies are accepting contributions for assistance that they or their affiliates will provide for those affected by Sunday's earthquake and tsunami.

AmeriCares
88 Hamilton Ave.
Stamford, CT 06902
800-486-4357
www.americares.org

American Friends Service Committee
1501 Cherry St.
Philadelphia, PA
215-241-7000
www.afsc.org

American Red Cross
P.O. Box 37243
Washington, DC 20013
800-HELP-NOW
www.redcross.org

CARE
1-800-521-CARE (2273)
www.care.org

Doctors Without Borders
1-888-392-0392

Oxfam America Asian Earthquake Fund
PO Box 1211
Albert Lea, MN 56007-1211
800-77-OXFAM
www.oxfamamerica.org

UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund)
http://www.unicef.org/

[DUCHESS NOTE ... The following statement was written in early December by my fellow Kucitizen Thomas Gallagher. An awesome, creative, energtic, inspiring fella and I very much value being acquainted. Read on..........]

286 - 252 electoral votes (red Ohio): bush won?
266 - 272 electoral votes (blue Ohio): bush lost.

Ohio is not the United States. Florida is not the United States. We want all our votes counted.
The truth is that at every juncture, at every opportunity, the republican party has attempted to rob American citizens of their right to vote. With republican officials (the Ohio chair of bush's campaign) certifying the vote in Ohio, with republican officials in charge of the distribution of voting machines in Ohio, with "republican" (conservative) justices ruling on whether or not cases concerning election irregularities and possible recounts can even be brought to court (evaluating each case based on if it could individually change the outcome of the election) - the republican party claims their 51% "mandate."

Less than 60% of those eligible to vote nationally actually voted on November 2 (according to the ongoing count). So the republicans' 51% (if that even was an accurate number) translates as around 30% of eligible voters choosing bush. The fact is, more eligible voters DID NOT VOTE AT ALL than voted for bush. THERE IS NO MANDATE. Just like there was no mandate in 2000 when Secretary of State Katherine Harris (then chair of bush's Florida campaign, now congresswoman Harris) over saw the removal of 90,000 voters from the rolls in Florida (she admitted this under oath when taken to court by the NAACP), all 90,000 of which continued to be off the voter rolls during the midterm election of 2002 (when Jeb Bush was "re-elected" and Harris got her congressional seat). They selected voters to remove based on lists of names of former felons. These lists were primarily comprised of common African American names, names of predominantly democratic voters. Florida law says that former felons, specifically those who were convicted in Florida (many of the names on the lists were compiled from other states), no longer have the right to vote. The vast majority of those who lost their vote (some 97%) had never committed felonies, but they unfortunately had the same name as someone who had. Some had misdemeanor offenses on their records (like George Bush) but were listed as felons. A similar strategy was used recently in Ohio to challenge the votes of democrats there. If you simply had the same name as someone who had already voted earlier, then you could be forced to vote by provisional ballot. John Smith may not have had any trouble, but John Williams may have experienced some.

Many democrats point to the Nader vote in Florida as the cause of their "loss." They are missing the point. Just like they are now in Ohio. Kerry said he would "fight for us" and conceded to bush the day after the election. Then in that concession speech he said "I would not give up this fight if there was a chance that we would prevail. But it is now clear that even when all the provisional ballots are counted, which they will be, there won't be enough outstanding votes for us to be able to win Ohio. And therefore, we can not win this election." Now that six defiant democratic congressman have taken action to get the General Accounting Office to do an investigation of voting irregularities, Kerry endorses the investigation saying: "I will fight for a national standard for federal elections that has both transparency and accountability in our voting system. It's unacceptable in the United States that people still don't have full confidence in the integrity of the voting process." Fight, fight, fight. Remember when Al Gore said he'd fight for us during the 2000 campaign? If the republicans had "lost" by an "unofficial" 136,000 votes (including those 4,258 votes for bush in a suburban Columbus precinct where only 638 people voted), they would have taken it to court or done something (can anyone remember the republican storming of the board of elections in Florida in 2000?). Why is the DNC so predictable? Why do they always back down after saying that they will fight?

The vote in Ohio will not be certified until December 6th. While every other state has already certified its vote, Secretary of State Kenneth Blackwell (republican, and chairman of bush's campaign in Ohio - sound familiar?) stalls the beginning of the recount (initiated by green party presidential candidate David Cobb) banking on the recount not being finished before Ohio electoral college reps cast their votes on December 13th. It is possible that the courts will not allow a re-count until after the 13th. At present the "unofficial" margin has slipped from the reported 136,000 votes to 119,000.

Now, after their "loss," the democratic party (the DNC) is talking about "values," and becoming MORE centrist, MORE moderate. When we were working on Dennis Kucinich's presidential campaign, one based solidly on REAL democratic values, the party was busy talking about "electability." When will we stop letting the republicans create the vocabulary by which we evaluate our choices? Karl Rove is NOT a genius. Jesus was NOT a republican. A civil union is not gay men coming to your church to get married. And it didn't win bush the election. Its a distraction. They don't create these issues to win. They create them so that when they steal the election they can claim that the issue was the reason for their sweeping victory, their "mandate." They are laughing at us as we scurry around trying to figure out where we went wrong, adopting their manufactured issues in a vain attempt to shore up support. It is up to us to see through these manufactured ideas and reject them in favor of our own personal values. Peace, Justice, Equality, Compassion - some of the amazing stuff that Jesus... and Martin and Mahatma didn't fight for. Unity through Empathy - NOTOBUSH

NOTOBUSH will be in Washington DC on Jan 20th ("coronation" day) to let people know that bush lost. Hope you will all be there to exercise your freedom as well. For more info go to the below link and click on the JAN 20 link.
http://www.notobush.com

"A LEAF" ... Poem by Bronislaw Maj
A leaf, one of the last, parts from a maple branch:
it is spinning in the transparent air of October, falls
on a heap of others, stops, fades. No one
admired its entrancing struggle with the wind,
followed its flight, no one will distinguish it now
as it lies among the other leaves, no one saw what I did.
I am the only one.


[Looking towards entrance to Greenwood Cemetery in Brooklyn]

[British actor Sean Bean (above photo) from LORD OF THE RINGS invites you to consider the power of human imagination in this sneak peak at SCI FI's upcoming movies, series and specials.] http://www.scifi.com/downloads/

A MESSAGE FROM ConEdison Solutions ... GREEN POWER FOR RESIDENTIAL & SMALL BUSINESS CUSTOMERS ... Check It Out Today & Help The Environment
http://www.conedsolutions.com/Residential/GreenPowerMain.htm

PRESS RELEASE FROM CONGRESSMAN DENNIS KUCINICH On December 21st
Kucinich Says Brazen Attacks in Iraq Defy Administration's Rhetoric Iraq Out of Control; January Elections Will Be a Sham

WASHINGTON -- December 21 -- Congressman Dennis J. Kucinich (D-OH) issued the following statement today on the escalating violence in Iraq ... "The brazen executions, captured on film for the world to see, shows Iraq out of control, despite Administration rhetoric. The US occupation has failed to provide security. It's time for the Administration to be honest with the American public: Free and fair elections cannot, and will not, happen under such conditions. The January election can only be a sham. "American troops and American taxpayers are footing the bill for a war that was never needed, and a war that is counterproductive to the security interests of our nation. No weapons of mass destruction have been found in Iraq and the 9/11 Commission has determined that Saddam Hussein had nothing to do with the September 11th attacks.

"This Administration is conducting a war with no end. Iraqi elections, while an important step, will not bring an end to the US occupation of Iraq, and will not bring our soldiers home. "The continued occupation of Iraq is draining our financial resources here at home, and is harming our military readiness worldwide. We cannot continue down this path. "Now is the time for a new direction in Iraq. We must end the occupation of Iraq. It is time for a new plan. It is time, to begin the process of getting the UN in and the US out."


[A peaceful walk through a snowy landscape, during the holidays, brings me joy and temporary peace of mind. May your holidays be joyful and we all pray that 2005 be a more peaceful place to live. Amen!]

(DUCHESS NOTE ... The good folk at TomPaine.com seldom run open letters. This past week, however, they are making an exception. In the days leading up to Christmas, many Christians around the country and the world celebrated the birth of Jesus—also known as the Prince of Peace. The backdrop to Christmas this year is the war in Iraq, which a majority of Americans now believe was and is a mistake. Cindy Sheehan's heartfelt rebuke to TIME magazine offers a perspective one hopes the nation will hear more of in 2005 as we contemplate the consequences of a corrupt administrations [regime] recklessness. Cindy Sheehan lives in California.)

Dear Time Editors:
My son, Spc. Casey Sheehan was killed in Iraq on 04/04/04. This has been an extraordinary couple of weeks of "slaps in the faces" to us families of fallen heroes.

First, the Secretary of Defense—Donald Rumsfeld—admits to the world something that we as military families already know: The United States was not prepared for nor had any plan for the assault on Iraq. Our children were sent to fight an ill-conceived and badly prosecuted war. Our troops were sent with the wrong type of training, bad equipment, inferior protection and thin supply lines. Our children have been killed and we have made the ultimate sacrifice for this fiasco of a war, then we find out this week that Rumsfeld doesn't even have the courtesy or compassion to sign the "death letters"—as they are so callously called. Besides the upcoming holidays and the fact we miss our children desperately, what else can go wrong this holiday season?

Well let's see. Oh yes. George W. Bush awards the Presidential Medal of Freedom to three more architects of the quagmire that is Iraq. Thousands of people are dead and Bremer, Tenet and Franks are given our country's highest civilian award. What's next? To top everything off—after it has been proven that Iraq had no weapons of mass destruction, there were no ties between Saddam and 9/11 and over 1,300 brave young people in this country are dead and Iraq lies in ruins— what does Time Magazine do? Names George W. Bush as its "Man of the Year." The person who betrayed this country into a needless war and whom I hold ultimately responsible for my son's death and who was questionably elected, again, to a second term, is honored this way by your magazine.

I hope we finally find peace in our world and that our troops who remain in Iraq are brought home speedily—after all, there was no reason for our troops to be there in the first place. No reason for my son and over 1,300 others to have been taken from their families. No reason for the infrastructure of Iraq to be demolished and thousands of Iraqis being killed. No reason for the notion of a "happy" holiday to be robbed from my family forever. I hope that our "leaders" don't invade any other countries which pose no serious threat to the United States. I hope there is no draft. I hope that the five people mentioned here (and many others) will finally be held responsible for the horrible mistake they got our country into. I hope that competence is finally rewarded and incompetence is appropriately punished. These are my wishes for 2005. This isn't the first time your magazine has selected a questionable man for this honor—but it's the first time it affected my family so personally and so sorrowfully. Cindy Sheehan

QUOTE OF THE WEEK ... If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything. Mark Twain

U.S. GOVERNMENT DOESN'T HAVE THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT -- Message From TrueMajority

Everybody is giving gifts. Big gifts. Little gifts. We give these gifts as tokens of our love. We're sending and receiving cards, cards that express our common yearning for peace on Earth, goodwill to all, tidings of kindness and joy. And so it is doubly disheartening at this time when the spirit of Christmas is in the air that we open the newspaper to find:

"U.S. Cutting Food Aid Aimed at Self-Sufficiency"
http://truemajority.kintera.org/food

It turns out that while the number of the world's people who go hungry is rising for the first time in years, the Bush administration can find no better way to reduce spending than to cut $600 million from global food aid programs aimed at helping millions of people climb out of poverty. That belt-tightening of $600 million doesn't make much of a dent in a federal discretionary budget of $965 BILLION (it's 0.0001 percent), but in the developing world it's emergency food to prevent the starvation of millions, and long-term agricultural development to help people feed even more people themselves. Or put another way, it's 1/60th of the $35 BILLION that remains in the budget to maintain America's Cold War nuclear weapons-equivalent to 150,000 of the bombs that destroyed Hiroshima.

This is so outrageous that there's now a BIPARTISAN effort in Congress led by Rep. Jo Ann Emerson (R-Missouri) to convince the administration that global food aid should not be cut. Let's make our voices really count this Christmas and give the most important gift we can, the gift of life for millions of our hungry brothers and sisters around the world. And we can make it happen. Forward this e-mail far and wide so that we flood Congress with faxes and so the world and our government will know that it's really Christmastime and that many of us are heeding Jesus' haunting words: "Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me."


[Abit of snowfall in a Brooklyn neighborhood]

A MESSAGE FROM IMPEACHBUSH.ORG THIS HOLIDAY SEASON -- "Impeach Bush" Will Ring Out At CounterInaugural Protests

George Bush was preparing to leave on his next extended vacation at Camp David and then to the big ranch in Crawford, when a massive explosion ripped through a mess tent during lunchtime yesterday at a large U.S. military base in northern Iraq. Twenty-four were killed, 57 wounded. More than 1,300 U.S. soldiers have been killed and the number evacuated from Iraq for serious injuries, both physical and mental, is now over 30,000. For the Iraqi people, the death toll and agony inflicted on society is almost beyond belief. Twenty-one months ago the Iraqi people were at work, at school, at home and from a legal point of view they were "at peace" when George Bush ordered the "shock and awe invasion" of their homeland. Not only have 100,000 Iraqi people died because of this invasion and occupation (The Lancet Medical Journal, October 29, 2004) but their society is being ripped to shreds.

Bush and those who ordered this criminal war will rest during the holiday season in comfort and privilege. It is the so-called "ordinary" people in the United States and Iraq who will suffer from the misery and loss imposed on them by an imperious President whose criminal conduct, if unchallenged, mocks the very concept of law and government accountability. On January 20, Bush's lawless administration will seek to achieve "legitimacy" through the Inaugural spectacle organized by the Bush/Cheney Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC). The PIC is generating $40 million from oil and energy corporations, big banks and military contractors. The national and world media will all be in Washington DC on January 20. So will the ImpeachBush
movement.

The ImpeachBush.org movement is gearing up to line Pennsylvania Avenue on January 20 with banners and signs calling for the Impeachment of Bush, Cheney, and Rumsfeld. Thousands of ImpeachBush/VoteToImpeach.org members have made it clear that they are coming to Washington DC to participate in these permitted demonstrations on Pennsylvania Avenue. We are printing signs, posters, banners, and leaflets for January 20. Members are organizing bus and car caravans to come to Washington DC from all over the country. Buses are coming to DC on January 20 from Chicago, Boston, New York, from cities throughout the southern states, and elsewhere. This is a tremendous sacrifice. The inauguration is on a Thursday. In order to line Pennsylvania Avenue, people will need to arrive by 9:00am. Many are taking time off from their jobs and coming early to help out as volunteers. Funds are needed to carry out the January 20 ImpeachBush mobilization. If you have contributed before we appeal to you to consider making another generous donation. If you have never contributed but support the work of the impeachment movement, this is a critical time to consider making that first step.

We want to be sure that Bush's parade route is lined with ImpeachBush signs so that everywhere Bush looks outside his limousine window he sees that message from people from the U.S. We will be printing signs by the thousands and Impeach Bush volunteers will be handing them out to those who are able to come to DC as they enter the parade route area. We need your help for this major printing and sign-making effort. Please make a contribution now using our secure server, where you can also get information to write a check:
http://www.pephost.org/site/R?i=Y0Fx3W93hHm72suC2Mm5YQ

For those of you who want to send this message everyday, don't forget to visit the ImpeachBush Resource Center and pick up the newest lawn sign rider - created at your request - "War Criminal":
http://www.pephost.org/site/R?i=tydz30TzDv-72suC2Mm5YQ

LOTS MORE NEWS AND JUST IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

DOWN AND OUT IN DISCOUNT AMERICA
Liza Featherstone, The Nation
To effectively battle corporate criminals like Wal-Mart, the public must be engaged as citizens, not merely as shoppers.
http://www.alternet.org/story/20808/

TAKE THE MONEY AND RUN OFFSHORE
Lucy Komisar, AlterNet
How insurance companies are aiding tax evasion by over-charging in America and shipping the money to offshore firms.
http://www.alternet.org/story/20788/

THE ULTIMATE INFORMATION FILTER
Liz Langley, AlterNet
The doom and gloom of daily news doesn't offer much good stimulation. One device takes the often inane chatter and adds a little buzz.
http://www.alternet.org/story/20813/

DON'T LOSE SIGHT OF THE REAL SCANDAL
Sean Gonsalves, AlterNet
A red-herring argument or fact is defined as "something that distracts attention from the real issue." Watch out for the oil-for-food red herring.
http://www.alternet.org/columnists/story/20811/

THE MAINSTREAM CRYING FOR ELECTION REFORM
Steven Hill, Rob Richie, AlterNet
When you have Tom Brokaw calling for election reform, it means that something is really wrong.
http://www.alternet.org/election04/20802/

BLOWBACK FROM IRAQ: GLOBAL AND GROWING
Ronald Bruce St. John, Foreign Policy in Focus
The U.S. occupation is creating a worldwide backlash that is likely to have far-reaching and bloody consequences.
http://www.alternet.org/waroniraq/20794/

ABIT OF NEWS TO GET THINGS ROLLING

DICONSTRUCTING ALBERTO
Geri L. Dreiling, AlterNet
Attorney General nominee Alberto Gonzales is taking some heat from progressives. But his mixed record shows why so few are trying to block the nomination.
http://www.alternet.org/rights/20789/

A TRUE SAFETY NET
Joan Entmacher, Nancy Duff Campbell, TomPaine.com
Social Security is the foundation of women's economic security in retirement -- without it, half of older women would be poor.
http://www.alternet.org/story/20791/

THINKING INSIDE THE BOX
Stephen M. Deusner, AlterNet
During the decade of Reagan and Thatcher, musicians found a way to rise above by going underground. A new box set gathers them together.
http://www.alternet.org/story/20797/

A JUST DESERTER
Matt Mernagh, NOW
Now appealing for asylum in Toronto, war resister and former soldier Jeremy Hinzman puts alleged U.S. war crimes on trial.
http://www.alternet.org/rights/20801/

THE WAR ON FOG
Rory O'Connor, MediaChannel.org
Why was a company with no media experience handed a no-bid contract to run the new Iraqi news networks?
http://www.alternet.org/mediaculture/20799/

FROM THE GOOD FOLK AT "NO STOLEN ELECTIONS" ... On January 6, 2005 ... Take Action on Election Violations as Congress Meets to Certify the Vote!
More than a month has passed since voters cast votes for the President and Vice-President of the United States -- but every day, more and more stories surface that call into question the election's integrity. Machines broke down, counted backwards, eliminated votes, and registered votes for the wrong candidate. Progressive and African-American neighborhoods experienced by far the longest lines on election day, the most vote spoilage, the most elimination of provisional ballots, and the most victimization by precinct manipulation. Four hundred thousand callers phoned voter protection hotlines, with complaints ranging from absentee ballots lost in the mail, to outright voter intimidation and disenfranchisement. And partisan election officials with conflicts of interest undermined voting rights in states from Ohio to Florida to New Mexico. Even progressive Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee have questioned the elections' legitimacy, in a series of rigorous, painstakingly detailed letters documenting the unprecedented extent and scope of vote suppression, available at:
http://www.house.gov/judiciary_democrats/

How can we have confidence in American democracy when so many questions about this election remain unanswered? In addition to the long standing issues subtly undermining democracy -- corporate domination of the two major parties, plurality elections, and corporate media bias -the recent election betrayed democratic principles overtly. Despite the efforts of a few valiant members of Congress, most of our Senators and Representatives have ignored our pleas for serious investigation into the "irregularities" that surrounded the 2004 election. But one more opportunity remains for these government officials to stand for democracy. URGE PROGRESSIVE SENATORS TO TAKE A STAND ON JAN. 6th, WHEN CONGRESS MEETS TO CERTIFY THE VOTE

On January 6, 2005, Congress will meet in joint session to certify the 2004 presidential election. On that day, if one member of the House and one member of the Senate object to the certification of the vote, then all members of Congress will finally discuss these issues. On January 6, 2001, not a single Senator would join with the Representatives who demanded an inquiry into the Florida recount. This year, let's make our Senators take a stand! The following seven Senators are some of the most progressive members of the Senate. Please call them immediately, and urge them to defend democracy on January 6.

SPREAD THE WORD TO PEOPLE YOU KNOW TO KEEP DOING THE SAME UNTIL JANUARY 6.

Senator Barbara Boxer
(202) 224-3553
senator@boxer.senate.gov

Senator Dick Durbin
(202) 224-2152
dick@durbin.senate.gov

Senator Russ Feingold
(202) 224-5323
russ_feingold@feingold.senate.gov

Senator Tom Harkin
(202) 224-3254
tom_harkin@harkin.senate.gov

Senator Jim Jeffords
(202) 224-5141
Vermont@jeffords.senate.gov

Senator Edward Kennedy
202/224-4543
senator@kennedy.senate.gov

Senator Patrick Leahy
(202) 224-4242
senator_leahy@leahy.senate.gov

ON JANUARY 6, PROTEST IN WASHINGTON, DC AND AT SENATORS' OFFICES IN YOUR OWN COMMUNITIES
While our Senators and Representatives are inside Congress, tallying the electoral college vote, We the People must have a presence outside, bringing attention to the disenfranchisement, suppression and fraud that pervaded the 2004 election- and demanding real reforms to extend and protect democracy in America. Please join us on January 6th in Washington, DC. Details on the DC protest TBA. Check:
http://www.Nov3.UShttp://www.counter-inaugural.org

SEASONS GREETINGS TO ALL FROM MY HOME TO YOURS ... MAY 2005 BRING US PEACE ON EARTH AND NO MORE WAR ... AMEN!!

QUOTE OF THE DAY ... A danger sign of the lapse from true skepticism in to dogmatism is an inability to respect those who disagree. Dr Leonard George

PERSONAL NEWS #43
Seasons Greetings to All! Lets all strive to make 2005 more peaceful at home and abroad. Come together in your communities, towns and cities to make this a better world for all. Be more active ... join organizations, groups or committees. Bring about Peace on Earth ... no more hate, violence, injustice and especially no more wars. Amen!

QUOTE OF THE DAY ... To compel a man to furnish funds for the propagation of ideas he disbelieves and abhors is sinful and tyrannical. Thomas Jefferson

A thousand and one apologies for delay in "personal news". This gal has been quite busy with many activities, holiday baking and work. Time to catch up, so sit down abit, rest your tired tootsies and let’s get started.

Weekend of November 24th thru 29th … Thanksgiving holiday highlights … Dad was home from the hospital after his triple-bypass surgery, my brother was visiting from Schenectady, helped Mom out with chores around the house, watched some cable tv [ie: James Bond movie marathon], decorated outside of the house, shopping for gifts, spoke with my cousin Christopher on the phone [he was stationed down in Mississippi at Army base in Shelby & has since been discharged] and socializing with relatives at Turkey Day feast. Being around the relatives, it felt like I was on the outside looking in, sort of surreal. They are mostly conservative, right wing Republicans and I guess you could say I’m the black sheep of the family with my left-wing, progressive Democrat views. They seem content with Bush Regime status quo and I want to help bring back truth, justice, peace and democracy. I know I’m not explaining this very well and I sincerely apologize for that.

Wednesday, December 1st, was the NYC Dept of Peace general meeting conference call. Those who were able to attend the call were Kevin, Ellen, Liz, Dawn, Kathleen, Vlad and I. Some of the interesting topics of discussion were … milestones, financial review, meeting with Lynn McMullen and mention of peace events/newsletters at http://www.haguepeace.org

Thursday, December 2nd, was the monthly Kucinich Meetup held at Bonobo's vegetarian restaurant at 6pm. [Excellent food, though abit pricey.] Those who were able to attend were Ellen, Nicholas, Paul, Anne, Nadine and I. Of the many heated topics we discussed at length … events leading up to conventions/election, Hillary Clinton 2008 (?), Progressive Democrats of America, Gore/Kerry comparisons, voting, economy, disenfranchisement, outreach to black/latino communities, Cornel West, Inauguration Day protests, possible locations for future meetups, Alexander Hamilton Exhibit, Amy Goodman [WBAI & Democracy Now] and city councilman Bill Perkins.

Started my holiday cookie baking the weekend of December 4th, along with mailing out Xmas parcels and cards.

On Sunday, December 5th, I attended a house party at fellow Kucitizen Linda's home in Brooklyn. Linda’s roommate Jamie joined us, as well as another Kucitizen [Cielito]. Over a meal of salad and pizza we concentrated on topics that currently "in the news". Also learned that Linda is a big “Lord of the Rings” fan just like me, her fav from the trilogy is Aragorn and mine is Boromir. After the meal we settled comfortably in the living room to watch two DVDs. The first one was “Weapons of Mass Deception” and the second was “Hijacked Conspiracy”. Both were brilliant documentaries and I highly recommend them to all. Very informative and further eye opener on the extremely corrupt Bush Regime. [These political and war criminals have no moral values.] Linda and Jamie drove me home [midnight].

Monday, December 6th, was E&Ys big holiday party held at The Plaza in the Grand Ballroom. Around 6:30pm I headed over to the Plaza, via subway, with a few of my co-workers [ie: Maureen, Angela & Christie]. The place was packed with many people I didn’t know, but occasionally I’d see a familiar face from the Broad Street office days and engage in conversation. Open bar [I drank white wine] and lots of good, yummy food [OMG! Shrimp heaven!] and desserts. Had a fun time and stayed only two hours. Would of stayed longer, but so tired from lack of sleep from night before, plus I had to get Angela/Maureen to Port Authority. [Which meant I missed hearing the live band. Darn!] Poor dears are abit clueless when it comes to NYC subway system.

Tuesday, December 7th, I joined other Kucitizens [ie: Jessica, Paul, Cielito, Hugh, Mary & Linda] and a member of the NYC Dept of Peace [ie: Kevin] in attending a brilliant advocacy forum at NY Society for Ethical Culture. What a fantastic evening and it was free! Got to see and hear Richard Clarke, Amy Goodman, Greg Palast and Esther Kaplan speak on topics that concern many of us progressives, liberals and democrats. The venue was packed and many folk had to be turned away. One of these days I’ll do a separate entry just on the commentary from these four fascinating people. For now I’ll scratch the surface on some of their comments during the Q&A segment.

1] Republicans used FEAR in campaign
2] Media promoted FEAR before Iraq invasion/occupation, when threat wasn’t even there
3] Kerry broke his promise on the Black votes
4] Clarke said “Bush is un-curious” in reply to a question from Palast on “whether Bush is crazy”.
5] 9/11 families did us a great service in pushing for a 9/11 commission
6] There is talk that Fox News and Clear Channel may be merging and top management of those organizations are close buddies of Bush

Afterwards Kevin and I passed out NYC Dept of Peace leftlets to those exiting the event. Then I joined Paul, Jessica, Hugh, Mary and Linda in dining at O’Neill’s down the street from event on upper Westside. Yep, another late night and not much sleep, but it was worth it. Brilliant event!!

December 7th & 8th … visited the chiropractor and physical therapist for treatment of lower back/pelvic area trauma … then back again on 13th and a follow up visit scheduled for 29th.

On Thursday, December 9th, Mom called to say that Dad was back in the hospital. This time early stages of bronchial/pneumonia. [As I type this today, Dad is still in the hospital, but doing much better & should be home before Xmas Eve.] That evening I attended the board meeting of NYC Dept of Peace [all members were in attendance at Coco/Vlads apartment] and afterwards we went out to celebrate the holiday season. [Great bar and restaurant on 6th Avenue near 13th Street.] Much was covered during the one hour meeting; such as lobbying constituents in each NY congressional district, the Dept of Peace bill will be re-introduced by Congressman Kucinich in January, UK planning a Ministry of Peace, talked about Amy Goodman event that was on December 1st. I also passed around “peace” related website info. http://pax.protest.net/ was one of the sites.

More holiday cookie baking and visit to post office the weekend of December 11th. Tis the season. . . . . .

Stay tuned ... more to follow!

EU Wants More Mandatory Emissions Cuts, US Opposed
Mary Milliken, Reuters

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina, Dec 16 (Reuters) - The European Union, the heavyweight in the fight against global warming, will push for mandatory cuts in emissions after the Kyoto protocol expires in 2012 despite fervent opposition from the United States. Kyoto goes into effect two months from Thursday, but negotiators at this week's U.N. climate change talks are firmly focused on a new regime for when it ends in 2012 and what can be done to get the United States, the Kyoto drop-out, involved. EU Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas told Reuters in an interview that the EU must stick to what it believes in -- legally binding emissions cuts -- despite calls from some corners this week for a less rigid stance.

"I think what we should do is try to get on everybody on board with mandatory reductions," said Dimas, a Greek lawyer who has held this post for less than a month. U.S. delegation head Paula Dobriansky ruled out mandatory caps and reiterated it is too soon to talk about post-2012. "Our policy is that we do not support mandatory targets or timetables," Dobriansky, Undersecretary for Global Affairs at the State Department, said in an interview. Under Kyoto, industrialized countries together must reduce man-made emissions by five percent by 2012 versus 1990 levels and some have deeper cuts than others. Most consider it a first, small step to stop global warming.

The United States, the biggest polluter in the world with 25 percent of heat-trapping greenhouse gas emissions, chafes at the idea of a mandatory caps, which it says thwart growth. That was the main reason President George W. Bush pulled out of Kyoto in 2001. While few of the 6,000 people at the convention expected the United States to change its mind on Kyoto, many were surprised at its hardline stance during the last 10 days. "See a few more summers in Texas where the roads are melting, or the drought wipes out the farmers and the ranchers ... then you might start to see some rethinking," said U.S. Rep. Dennis Kucinich, an Ohio democrat and supporter of Kyoto.

'FRUSTRATED, DISAPPOINTED'

Italy this week suggested that maybe it was time for negotiators to discuss voluntary targets for after 2012 as a way to entice the United States and fast-growing developing giants China and India, now among the top five polluters. But Dimas is doubtful of this approach, particularly for industrialized nations. "Voluntary reductions have not given results up to now. So we need mandatory reduction targets," he said. Dobriansky said she preferred a "bottom-up" commitment in which countries propose their own goals.

Bush has a 10-year domestic program anchored on research and technology to cut "greenhouse gas intensity" 18 percent by 2012. U.N. data show U.S. emissions are up 13 percent since 1990 and Dobriansky could not say when they would go below 1990 levels. Washington's stonewalling has many negotiators and activists worried the Buenos Aires conference may end on Friday without any progress in talks. They point to reports that show the world in the midst of some of its hottest weather and biggest natural disaster destruction. Host country Argentina and the EU are keen on some seminars for informal talks next year to keep climate change talks rolling.

QUOTE OF THE DAY ... Where books are burned, human beings are destined to be burned too. Heinrich Heine, a German-Jewish poet [19th Century]

DEBT NOW TO AVOID DEBT LATER ... As Always, "Daily KOS" Commentary Gives Us Some Insightful Facts ... Compared To The Lies & Deceit By Bush Regime
Thu Dec 16th, 2004
Here's the key fact about Bush's social security plan ... The president's Social Security proposals may cost $1 trillion to $2 trillion over 10 years, according to the Congressional Budget Office.
Bush's contention that spending $1 trillion to $2 trillion now to establish the accounts is better than dealing with a $10.4 trillion shortfall in the future is misleading, said Jason Furman, former economic policy director for Democratic Senator John Kerry's presidential campaign.

The $10.4 trillion is an estimate over the infinite life of Social Security, he said on a conference call with reporters earlier this week. A more realistic assessment of the system's deficit is $3.7 trillion over 75 years, the conventional time span for Social Security estimates, he said. Reducing the figure is a "manageable challenge," Furman said. Bush promised to cut the deficit in half during his second term. The reality will look much different. The budget deficit is forecast to be $348 billion in the current fiscal year ending Sept. 30 and probably will continue at an annual rate of about $300 billion or more for the balance of Bush's term ending 2008, according to the non-partisan CBO.

The CBO projects a deficit of $2.3 trillion over the next decade. That will grow to $3.6 trillion if Congress adopts other Bush proposals, such as extending tax cuts when most of them expire in 2010 and allowing middle-class families to avoid the alternative minimum tax, the CBO estimated. And those numbers don't include the hundreds of billions being sunk into the Iraq black hole.

[Duchess Note ... I'll have a long, updated version of "Personal News" sometime this week. Stay tuned. . . . . .]

NOT ONE DAMN DIME DAY [Finally, a boycott that'll hit them where it hurts! Please share this with others.]

It doesn't really matter that everyone will be out spending what they didn't the next day -- a point or two will have been made: Since our religious leaders will not speak out against the war in Iraq, since our political leaders don't have the moral courage to oppose it, Inauguration Day, Thursday, January 20th, 2005 is "Not One Damn Dime Day" in America. On "Not One Damn Dime Day" those who oppose what is happening in our name in Iraq can speak up with a 24-hour national boycott of all forms of consumer spending. During "Not One Damn Dime Day" please don't spend money. Not one damn dime for gasoline. Not one damn dime for necessities or for impulse purchases. Not one damn dime for anything for 24 hours.

On "Not One Damn Dime Day," please boycott Walmart, KMart and Target. Please don't go to the mall or the local convenience store. Please don't buy any fast food (or any groceries at all for that matter). For 24 hours, please do what you can to shut the retail economy down. The object is simple. Remind the people in power that the war in Iraq is immoral and illegal; that they are responsible for starting it and that it is their responsibility to stop it. "Not One Damn Dime Day" is to remind them, too, that they work for the people of the United States of America, not for the international corporations and K Street lobbyists who represent the corporations and funnel cash into American politics.

Not One Damn Dime Day" is about supporting the troops. The politicians put the troops in harm's way. Now 1,200+ brave young Americans and (some estimated) 100,000 Iraqis have died. The politicians owe our troops a plan -- a way to come home. There's no rally to attend. No marching to do. No left or right wing agenda to rant about. On "Not One Damn Dime Day" you take action by doing nothing. You open your mouth by keeping your wallet closed. For 24 hours, nothing gets spent, not one damn dime, to remind our religious leaders and our politicians of their moral responsibility to end the war in Iraq and give America back to the people.

PROPOSED WESTSIDE STADIUM HEARING
Date: Thursday, December 16th
Time: 4pm to 8pm
Place: Javits Center, Room 1E15
For more information, call Liz Krueger at 212-490-9535

FROM THE GOOD PEOPLE AT MOVEON.ORG ... Keep Sinclair's Bias Off The Local News
Before the election, we stopped Sinclair Broadcasting from airing ananti-Kerry hit piece. But Sinclair continues to interject partisan bias into local evening news reaching 1 in 4 homes. Every night, Sinclair vice president Mark Hyman broadcasts a conservative rant -- called "The Point"-- which most of Sinclair's 62 stations are required to air during theirlocal news. "The Point" predictably attacks Democrats and progressives while praising George Bush. No counterpoint is offered. This is an abuse of the public airwaves. Our friends at Media Matters for America are spearheading a campaign to demand balance on Sinclair's evening news by telling Sinclair's advertisers about the partisanship they're supporting. Can you contact Sinclair's local and national advertisers? Click link below and visit the new website, SinclairAction.com:
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=629

You can tell advertisers how Sinclair's "The Point" interjects partisan commentary into the evening news program they sponsor, reflecting poorly on their product. We are not suggesting a boycott of these advertisers. Rather, we are hoping these advertisers, as good corporate citizens, will persuade Sinclair to include a counterpoint. In the last month, "ThePoint" has included partisan commentary like:

1] "Religion, particularly Christianity, has been under attack by the left for several years." (11/18/04)
2] "[The Angry Left] ridicule what red-staters see as moral values and in their arrogant and superior way, the Angry Left substitute their own topicsthey claim to represent real moral values: unjust war, tax relief and indifference to the environment." (11/23/04)
3] "Mainstream America will not vote for a [Democratic] party run by Hollywood liberals, greedy trial lawyers and clueless academia."(11/15/04)
4] "The facts never have and never will matter to the Angry Left." (12/7/04)

Sinclair's partisan bias is not new. In April, Sinclair forbade its stations from airing an ABC "Nightline" special honoring the 700 American soldiers killed in Iraq. Explaining its decision, Sinclair declared: "We do not believe political statements should be disguised as news content." Sharing this sentiment, we're contacting Sinclair'sadvertisers to alert them to the partisan commentary Sinclair inserts into the local evening news. No company wants to be perceived as partisan. Withour letters and calls, we can enlist Sinclair's advertisers to pressure Sinclair to offer a counterpoint. To contact Sinclair's advertisers, click here:
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=629

Kucinich Requests House Judiciary Committee Hearing On Diebold’s Abuses Of Digital Millennium Copyright Act -- Sends Letter to Chairman Sensenbrenner and Ranking Member Conyers

Congressman Dennis J. Kucinich (D-OH), today, sent a letter to the Chairman and the Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee requesting that the Committee hold a hearing to investigate abuses of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) by Diebold Inc., one of the nation’s largest electronic voting machine manufacturers. Recently, Diebold has waged an intimidation campaign to repress circulation of employee e-mails that raise concerns about the security of its electronic voting machines. Since early October 2003, Diebold has sent more than a dozen cease-and-desist letters to Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and universities that host websites that either posted Diebold employee e-mails or merely hyperlinked to other websites with the e-mails.

Diebold invoked the DMCA to pressure many ISPs and universities into removing websites and hyperlinks. These cease-and-desist letters were inappropriate. Kucinich states in his letter, "There is a compelling argument that the fair use doctrine precludes copyright liability for posting the e-mails. The archive is predominantly factual and was reproduced to inform the national public debate on election reform, specifically, on the machines used to count our votes. The e-mails do not harm any market of Diebold’s, except in the sense that admitted problems may cause municipal and state purchasers to subject the machines to greater scrutiny. "Furthermore, numerous letters were sent to ISPs whose users only hyperlinked to other sites where the Diebold employee e-mails, were posted. Hyperlinks do not qualify for copyright protection, and their use does not incur copyright liability. In cases where ISPs complied with requests, they have often shut down entire websites for weeks at a time, instead of removing the alleged infringing activity. The safe-harbor driven 10-business-day takedown period can remove non-infringing websites during a critical interval of discussion.

"Diebold’s actions abuse the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, using copyright to suppress speech rather than fulfill the Constitution’s purpose for copyright, to "promote progress." These abuses raise a fundamental conflict with the First Amendment, diminishing the Internet’s tremendous value as a most free medium of expression. Diebold’s actions are representative of a growing body of abuses through which large and powerful parties unfairly intimidate ISPs to remove information those parties do not like. In other examples, the claims are not really about copyright, but about not showing the parties in a negative light, or not allowing consumers to compare prices, or quieting religious critics. Powerful parties should not be permitted to misuse copyright as a tool for limiting bad press and barring access to legitimate consumer information."

Yesterday, Kucinich unveiled a new section on his website at www.house.gov/kucinich to educate the public on the perils of the current electronic voting systems, and Diebold in particular. For a complete copy of the letter please contact Doug Gordon at (202) 225-5871.

QUOTE OF THE DAY ... Attorney General John Ashcroft has said about people who oppose his repressive policies - Senate Judiciary Committee on December 6, 2001 -- "To those who scare peace-loving people with phantoms of lost liberty, my message is this: Your tactics only aid terrorists, for they erode our national unity and diminish our resolve. They give ammunition to America's enemies, and pause to America's friends." That's almost straight out of the constitutional definition of treason, which is punishable by death. Howard Zinn [Terrorism & War, 2002]

NYC DEPT OF PEACE CONFERENCE CALL AND OTHER UPCOMING EVENTS
Conference Call
Wednesday 12/15/04 at 9pm
Phone: 413-200-7075 / Code: 091402
The group will:
1. Welcome newcomers to the call
2. Hear what local activists are doing
3. Review upcoming events
4. Remind everyone to contact their Reps during the Holidays to ask them to co-sponser the new DoP bill scheduled to be re-introduced January, 2005.
5. Report on the progress of our local Board development

Upcoming Events
Marianne Williamson speaking in NYC January 2005! She will be speaking on her new book … “The Gift of Change: Spiritual Principles for A Radically New Life” on Wednesday, January 5, 7:00 pm at Barnes and Noble in Union Square [NYC]. On Sunday, January 23, 2:30 pm she’ll be at Interfaith Spiritual Fellowship, St. Bartholemew's Church, located at Park Avenue at 51st Street. Click for details:
http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=c8byszaab.0.figytzaab.cnzci6n6.11&p=http%3A%2F%2F

NYC DOP Meetups are on the 2nd Wednesday of every month at 7pm. Meet for coffee with Ellen Jaedicke, a local activist, and learn about the Department of Peace effort in NYC. To learn more about this monthly event:
http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=c8byszaab.0.gigytzaab.cnzci6n6.11&p=http%3A%2F%2Fnyc-dop.com%2Fevents%2Flocal.html

Nonviolent Communication meets on the first Monday of every month in Manhattan. Free Nonviolent Communication Intro Workshop hosted by NYC-CNVC (The New York Council for Nonviolent Communication). To learn more about these ongoing workshops:
http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=c8byszaab.0.higytzaab.cnzci6n6.11&p=http%3A%2F%2Fnycnvc.org%2Ffirstmondays.htm

Nonviolence Basic Training
April 1-3, 2005
Learn Basic Training in Nonviolence
The F.O.R. (Fellowship of Reconcilliation) will sponsor a multi-day workshop in April in Manhattan. It is a great opportunity to learn about nonviolent direct action and how to apply it in our ongoing work as activists. To make your reservations call or email: Heather Maxwell 845-358-4601 nv-intern@forusa.org

NYC-Dept of PeaceNew York, New York
peace@nyc-dop.com
http://nyc-dop.com

HERE NOW THE LATEST NEWS OF THE WEEK

KANSAS FOOLED, AGAIN
Robert L. Borosage, TomPaine.com
Immediately after the election, the Republican-led Congress convened in Washington, dropped their culture war, and passed a gigantic spending bill loaded with corporate pork.
http://alternetheadlines.c.topica.com/maacX8YabcwrUbmSAT1baeQBp9/

THE SINCLAIR PROPAGANDA MACHINE
Evan Derkacz, AlterNet
Owned by Bush-backers, an emboldened Sinclair Broadcasting is pushing forward with its right-wing agenda. It's time to push back.
http://alternetheadlines.c.topica.com/maacX8YabcwrMbmSAT1baeQBp9/

DISCOVERING DARFUR
Joanne Mariner, AlterNet
Sneaking into "liberated" Darfur, an American finds people dying of disease, hunger and international apathy.
http://alternetheadlines.c.topica.com/maacX8YabcwrObmSAT1baeQBp9/

GARY WEBB, R.I.P.
Robert Parry, Consortium News
The real tragedy of journalist Webb's historic gift an of his life cut short, is that because of the major news media’s cowardice, a dark chapter of the Reagan-Bush era remains largely unknown to the American people.
http://alternetheadlines.c.topica.com/maacX8YabcwrPbmSAT1baeQBp9/

PBS' FUTURE POST-MOYERS
Jeffrey Chester, AlterNet
As PBS lobbies for a billion-dollar trust fund, it's time to challenge the status quo.
http://alternetheadlines.c.topica.com/maacX8YabcwMkbmSAT1baeQBp9/

FROM DYLAN TO THE BLACKLIST
Mike Miliard, Boston Phoenix
Al Aronowitz says the 1960's wouldn't have been the same without him. Now the Blacklisted Journalist who's found an outlet on the Internet looks back from his cluttered New Jersey apartment.
http://alternetheadlines.c.topica.com/maacX8YabcwrRbmSAT1baeQBp9/

A DAUGHTER SULLIES HER FATHER'S LEGACY
Earl Ofari Hutchinson, AlterNet
While Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. may have praised his daughter for having the courage and conviction to march for her anti-gay beliefs, bigotry is still bigotry.
http://alternetheadlines.c.topica.com/maacX8YabcwrTbmSAT1baeQBp9/

QUOTE OF THE DAY ... The best way of avenging thyself is not to become like the wrong-doer. Marcus Aurelius Antoninus

TGIF! AND DO I HAVE SOME NEWS TO SEND YOU OFF ON YOUR WEEKEND

THE P.U.-LITZER PRIZES FOR 2004
Norman Solomon, AlterNet
There are media awards of all kinds, but none so foul and smelly as these.
http://www.alternet.org/mediaculture/20714/

U.S. MEDIA STILL HIDING BAD NEWS FROM AMERICANS
Antonia Zerbisias, Toronto Star
http://www.commondreams.org/views04/1209-24.htm

THE FIRE THIS TIME
Kelly Hearn, AlterNet
A new report saying Latinos bear the brunt of environmental health threats in the U.S. prompts soul-searching among green groups and adds new fuel to the Latino environmental justice movement.
http://www.alternet.org/envirohealth/20708/

GUARANTEE THE RIGHT TO VOTE
John Nichols, The Nation
http://www.commondreams.org/views04/1209-25.htm

PUBLIC ACCESS, PRIVATE PROFIT
Amy Goodman, Democracy Now!
A debate on who can better provide high-speed Internet access to American homes and local government or the telephone and cable companies.
http://www.alternet.org/mediaculture/20713/

TOM BROKAW: NOT THE GREATEST WITNESS TO HISTORY
Sharleen Leahey Commentary
http://www.commondreams.org/views04/1209-31.htm

TARGETING TEHRAN
Mariah Blake, Columbia Journalism Review
By beaming dissent into Iran, much of it aimed at improving the lot of women, expat broadcasters are weakening the cleric’s chokehold on news.
http://www.alternet.org/mediaculture/20707/

OUR DEBT TO BILL MOYERS
"The Nation" Editorial
http://www.commondreams.org/views04/1210-27.htm

RUMSFELD SAYS THE DARNDEST THINGS
Christy Harvey, Judd Legum, Jonathan Baskin, Center for American Progress
The response of the Secretary of Defense to questions from National Guardsmen reveals the callousness of the Bush administration.
http://www.alternet.org/waroniraq/20711/

NOBEL WINNER MAATHAI SOUNDS ALARM OVER PLANET
Inger Sethov, Reuters
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines04/1210-03.htm

BUSH'S POSSE ROUNDUP
James Bovard, AlterNet
In its first term, the Bush administration flouted laws that prevent the military from being involved in our domestic affairs. Is that a G.I. knocking at your door?
http://www.alternet.org/rights/20712/

FALLUJA ATROCITIES EXPOSE TRUE FACE OF US WAR
Joseph Nevins Commentary
http://www.commondreams.org/views04/1210-23.htm

BLOCKING MR. TORTURE
James Schamus, In These Times
If the Senate confirms Alberto Gonzales as attorney general it will confirm that America is a country that supports and engages in torture of prisoners.
http://www.alternet.org/rights/20704/

“THE IRAQIS WILL NOT BE HANDED FREEDOM BASED ON LIES"
December 9th Press Release from Congressman Dennis J. Kucinich (D-OH)

Co-Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, gave the following speech today on the House floor ... “Nearly thirteen hundred brave American men and women have sacrificed their lives in Iraq. Yet the central reasons for the US invasion have fallen apart. Iraq had nothing to do with 9/11. Iraq had no weapons of mass destruction. No proof that Iraq was instrumental with Al Queda’s role in 9/11. Iraq was not trying to get nuclear materials from Niger. This Administration misled the Congress, misled the American people, violated international law, directed the bombings of populated areas, the disruption of water, sewer and electrical service, ordered house to house fighting, and now the civilian toll, by one account, is over 100,000 Iraqi civilians perished. Why? “Freedom, if it is to be obtained anywhere, must be advanced under the standard of truth. The Iraqis will not be handed freedom based on lies. Nor will our own nation preserve our own freedoms if we continue to accept the basis for our continued occupation of Iraq. “This Administration must be held accountable under our constitution and under international law for the disaster it has visited upon Iraq. Only the truth can clean the stain on our nation’s conscience.”
http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/oh10_kucinich/12_6iraq.html

THE FUTURE OF THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY
by Howard Dean, Truthout/Perspective
http://www.truthout.org/docs_04/120704U.shtml

THE US ADMINISTRATION AND THE ICC
Commentary by Congressman Dennis Kucinich
http://www.commondreams.org/views04/1209-20.htm

[Duchess Note: Nice interview with British actor Sean Bean on "Virgin Radio" from Wednesday, September 8th. Talking about his career, new movie "National Treasure", etc. Love the sound of his Yorkshire voice and such a sexy laugh.] If you wish to listen to the short interview, go to this link: http://annieseclecticattic.com/beans/audio/SeanBeanVirginRadio.mp3


[British actor Sean Bean with Nicholas Cage at Los Angeles premiere of NATIONAL TREASURE]

QUOTE OF THE DAY ... I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it. Voltaire

STOP THE WAR ON OUR CIVIL LIBERTIES FROM THE GOOD FOLK AT "HUMAN RIGHTS" &"Care2"
In the name of fighting terrorism, the Bush Administration has pursued policies that have eroded many of the freedoms Americans hold dear. Principles that made the United States the envy of the world, such as the right to privacy for law-abiding citizens, are under threat like never before. As the Bush Administration develops its second term agenda and members of Congress are asked to consider a new crop of political appointees, we urge you to take the "I Refuse to Surrender My Freedom"pledge:
http://www.care2.com/go/z/19214

Remind our elected officials that, as a patriotic American, you strongly believe in:

1] The right to voice dissent

2] A woman's right to choose

3] A clear separation of church and state

4] The extension of equal rights to all people, including lesbians and gays

5] An amended Patriot Act that enhances US security while safeguarding our privacy

In cooperation with the American Civil Liberties Union, our goal is to recruit 100,000 citizens by Inauguration Day [January 20, 2005] to take this simple pledge: "I pledge to join with over 400,000 ACLU members and supporters to help ensure that the President, his administration, and our leaders in Congress fulfill their duty to preserve, protect, and defend our Constitution." Take the pledge now and stand strong in support of freedom: http://www.care2.com/go/z/19214

TELL BUSH -- DON'T TAKE AWAY OUR HEALTH CARE -- FROM POLITICAL ALERTS

There are 45 million uninsured people in America. And in the one minute it takes to read this paragraph, five more people will lose their health insurance in the U.S. You can help end the health care crisis today, as well as act to protect first responders, support emergency contraception, and protect Roe v. Wade. All in a day's work for an online activist -thanks for receiving Political Alerts from Care2 and ThePetitionSite! In this issue:

1. Tell President Bush: Don't Take Away Our Health Care

2. Protect First Responders: Fix the Radios Now

3. Are You Red or Blue? Either Way, You Can Protect Choice

1. Tell President Bush ... Don't Take Away Our Health Care Petition: http://www.care2.com/go/z/19390

According to a recent article in the Washington Post, one of the first orders of business President Bush is considering for his second term is simplifying the tax code by cutting taxes for large corporations. His advisers are quoted saying that he will pay for it by "scrapping the business tax deduction for employer-provided health insurance." More and more businesses are finding it difficult to afford the cost of coverage for their employees, yet Bush's proposal would reward companies that don't provide health care and punish those that do. This could result in more companies dropping the health care that their employees depend on. Ask President Bush not to mess with the tax code by taking away our healthcare: http://www.care2.com/go/z/19390

And let President Bush know that something must be done to fix the healthcare crisis. Instead of proposing ways to cut health care, he should be working on a plan that will ensure that every man, woman and child in this country has access to health care. Please act today!

THINGS TO DO BEFORE THE JANUARY 20TH INAUGURAL
1. Get that abortion you've always wanted.
2. Drink a nice clean glass of water.
3. Cash your social security check.
4. See a doctor of your own choosing.
5. Spend quality time with your draft age child/grandchild.
6. Visit Syria, or any foreign country for that matter.
7. Get that gas mask you've been putting off buying.
8. Hoard gasoline.
10. Borrow books from library before they're banned - Constitutional law books, Catcher in the Rye, Harry Potter, Tropic of Cancer, etc.
11. If you have an idea for an art piece involving a crucifix - do it now.
12. Come out - then go back in - HURRY!
13. Jam in all the Alzheimer's stem cell research you can.
14. Stay out late before the curfews start.
16. Go see Bruce Springsteen before he has his "accident".
17. Go see Mount Rushmore before the Reagan addition.
18. Use the phrase - "you can't do that - this is America".
19. If you're white - marry a black person, if you're black - marry a white person.
21. Take a walk in Yosemite, without being hit by a snowmobile or a base-jumper.
22. Enroll your kid in an accelerated art or music class.
23. Start your school day without a prayer.
24. Pass on the secrets of evolution to future generations.
26. Learn French.
28. Attend a commitment ceremony with your gay friends.
29. Take a factory tour anywhere in the US.
30. Try to take photographs of animals on the endangered species list.
31. Visit Florida before the polar ice caps melt.
32. Visit Nevada before it becomes radioactive.
33. Visit Alaska before "The Big Spill".
34. Visit Massachusetts while it is still a State.

THE NEWS IS COMING ... THE NEWS IS COMING

FIGHT FOX!
Fox News portrays itself as a "fair and balanced" news source. But in truth, it is constantly repeating, often verbatim, the messages from the Bush administration. Make a contribution now to help us hold Fox's feet to the fire. And support AlterNet's hard-hitting independent journalism so people have other news options to learn the truth. A contribution of $40 or more will get you a free DVD of the Outfoxed documentary on Fox News. Donate Now!
https://www.alternet.org/donate/fightfox/

ACTIVISTS HOLD FORUM SPOTLIGHTING VOTING ISSUES IN PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION [The same day Bush's Ohio votes are certified, sponsors say much still needs to be improved]
by Nick Anderson, Los Angeles Times
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines04/1208-02.htm

IS LIBERALISM DEAD?
Lakshmi Chaudhry, AlterNet
Adam Werbach argues that the moral and intellectual framework underpinning Democratic politics has become irrelevant. It's time to craft a new progressive vision of fulfillment.
http://www.alternet.org/election04/20689/

HYPING TERROR FOR FUN, PROFIT AND POWER
by Thom Hartmann
http://www.commondreams.org/views04/1207-26.htm

WAL-MAO
Harold Meyerson, The American Prospect
Finally Wal-Mart has a union. One small catch, though, you have to move to China.
http://www.alternet.org/rights/20683/

PROGRESSIVES, IT'S TIME TO PUT OUR MONEY WHERE OUR PROTEST SIGNS ARE [Lets truly shop our values this holiday and beyond]
by Carol Norris, Commentary
http://www.commondreams.org/views04/1207-29.htm

THE JOY OF SEXOLOGY
Christina Larson, Washington Monthly Does it matter that Alfred Kinsey enjoyed his work more than>he let on?
http://www.alternet.org/movies/20692/

A LEAF TO COVER NEW EMPIRE'S VANITY
by Pierre Tristam, Daytona Beach News-Journal
http://www.commondreams.org/views04/1207-23.htm

FACES OF DEATH
Dan Kennedy, Boston Phoenix
An apparent war crime is caught on video and why hasn't it stuck with the American public?
http://www.alternet.org/mediaculture/20690/

BUSH'S EMBARRESSING CANADIAN VISIT
by Bill Gallagher, Niagra Falls Reporter
http://www.commondreams.org/views04/1207-24.htm

A MORAL MINIMUM WAGE
Peter Dreier, Kelly Candaele, The Nation
Engaging in a vigorous fight to raise our meager minimum wage is clearly the morally right thing to do. But it may also be the politically astute thing for Democrats to do.
http://www.alternet.org/election04/20688/

NOVEMBER 2004 MESSAGE FROM DOT MAVER AND MARIANNE WILLIAMSON IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE PEACE ALLIANCE GROUP

At this time of year when many cultures celebrate the possibility of peace on earth, we want to tell you about an unprecedented opportunity to work together to rekindle hope and ground nonviolence as an organizing principle for all life. As you may know, we had our Peace Is Possible Conference in Berkeley, CA, November 5th-7th, highlighting the lobbying effort to establish a U.S. Department of Peace. Several landmark announcements were made at the conference:

* We announced the launch of The Peace Alliance (formerly North American Peace Alliance) the newly formed 501(c)4 lobbying arm for the campaign to create a U.S. Department of Peace.
www.DoPcampaign.org
* In addition, we renamed the Global Renaissance Alliance. Henceforth it will be called The Peace Alliance Foundation (501c3), dedicated to the realization of a culture of peace with nonviolence and cooperation as the organizing principles; through education, training, research and collaborative partnerships.
www.peacealliancefound.org
* Dot Maver, former national campaign manager for Dennis Kucinich for President, was introduced as the newly hired Executive Director of both organizations.
* We set the stage for creating strong and powerful alliances in the peace community, forging initial collaborative partnerships with The Center for Nonviolent Communications, Be the Change (Challenge Day), The Foundation for Global Community and the Vermont Peace Academy. Hundreds of people from around the United States participated in this event, which featured the powerful inspiration of such speakers as Marianne Williamson, Congressman Dennis Kucinich, Congresswoman Barbara Lee, Marshall Rosenberg, Rabbi Michael Lerner, Michael Nagler and Van Jones. Separately and together these individuals addressed the need for each of us to:
* Remember that the recent election is only a moment in time and that for those of us who are dedicated to the realization of peace, our commitment to making this vision a reality is ever more urgent.
* We hold the vision that our energy is better spent creating a positive future rather than acquiescing to the proposition that we are doomed to be a violent, disconnected, and fearful species.
* It is our willingness and ability to offer our individual resources to this powerful vision that will make it a reality in our time. Some of us are able to offer our time, some our talents and many our financial support. All are needed and deeply appreciated as we share the responsibility to leave our children and grandchildren a world that offers sustainable opportunities for all to reach their highest potential - in a world of beauty, hope and love. We are confident that with the capable continued work of Matthew Albracht, Lynn McMullen, Debbie Urben and our many generous long-time volunteers, we will be able to maintain and expand a structure that will enable you to participate in a meaningful and effective way.

Please plan to join us at our next Peace and Democracy Conference in Washington DC in early spring 2005 - watch the website for details - and continue to participate in our monthly conference calls. Your input is invaluable as we move forward together to create a culture of peace. We invite you to consider your donation to either The Peace Alliance or The Peace Alliance Foundation your gift to the future of all life. Donations to:

The Peace Alliance
https://www.securedservers.net/renaiss/napadonation.html are not tax-deductible.

The Peace Alliance Foundation
https://www.securedservers.net/renaiss/membership.html
are tax-deductible to the maximum extent permitted by law. Please go to the website of your choice now to make your contribution or call Debbie Urben at 586-754-8105 with your credit card information. Please invest financially in peace and a positive and sustainable future for all life by donating to this exciting Alliance. We cannot do it without you.

Would you Consider:
* Making a monthly or quarterly pledge? Many people are giving regular donations in support of our work. Some give smaller amounts like $10 or $15, others give much more. Regular giving of any amount helps us tremendously, as we can plan on this money when developing our projects and programs.
* A one-time donation would also be deeply appreciated: Every donation - large or small - makes a difference. The Peace Alliance and Foundation, PO Box 3259, Center Line, Michigan 48015 USA (586) 754-8105
imailto:info@DoPcampaign.org

QUOTE OF THE DAY ... The corporation is a true Frankenstein's monster, an artificial person run amok, responsible only to its own soulless self. William Dugger [management analyst]

BUSH IS THE FIRST AMERICAN PRESIDENT [OVER LAST 100 YEARS] WHO HAS NEVER ATTENDED A FUNERAL FOR A FALLEN SOLDIER ... A SOLDIER WHO FOUGHT IN IRAQ SO GREEDY RICH WHITE BASTARDS CAN STEAL OIL RESOURCES ... KERRY PAYS HIS RESPECTS AT A RECENT FUNERAL

Former U.S. presidential candidate, Senator John Kerry (D-MA) (standing, R) and Senator Ted Kennedy (D-MA) (Standing 2nd R) watch alongside family members of U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Dimitrios Gavriel during his military funeral at Arlington National Cemetery near Washington DC, December 2, 2004. Gavriel, from Haverhill, Massachusetts died November 19 while fighting in Al Anbar Province in Iraq and his funeral is the 99th 'Operation Iraqi Freedom' funeral at Arlington National Cemetery. REUTERS/Jason Reed

[Duchess Note ... Swing on over to "Friends of Friday Forum" [http://friendsoffridayforum.blogspot.com/] and read a terrific commentary on Bush's recent visit to Canada. It was penned by a good friend of mine and Pearl Jam pal from Ottawa.]

QUOTE OF THE DAY ... The enormous gap between what US leaders do in the world and what Americans THINK their leaders are doing is one of the great propaganda accomplishments of the dominant political mythology. Michael Parenti [political scientist & author]

INSIDE POLITICS
Sunday, November 28, 2004
by Sabrina Eaton, Plain Dealer/Cleveland News

Sage of the left ... Just because Dennis Kucinich's presidential campaign is shutting down doesn't mean the congressman from Cleveland will shut up, an e-mail from his campaign pledges. "Dennis will remain a leader in Congress and a leader in America," said the missive, which told supporters the campaign is officially debt-free four months after Kucinich ended his quixotic presidential bid. It said the campaign's "www.kucinich.us" Website would "relaunch shortly, to serve as a platform for education and organizing around issues with Dennis Kucinich as our spokesperson, teacher and leader." The presidential campaign is over, but Dennis is still just beginning," it promised. "Our work has never been more urgent, the unity of all never more important to celebrate, and the way we express our shared American values so critical."

AS WE ROLL INTO ANOTHER WEEKEND OF FUN ACTIVITIES - HERE IS ABIT OF WORLD NEWS

WOULD JESUS BAN THIS AD?
John Nichols, The Nation
The United Church of Christ wants to spread a message of respect and inclusion for all. But the mainstream media won't let them. Watch the ad that the networks found too "controversial" to air.
http://www.alternet.org/mediaculture/20652/

IS THIS AMERICAN?
Molly Ivins, AlterNet
One's first response to the report by the International Red Cross about torture at Guantanamo is denial.
http://www.alternet.org/columnists/story/20654/

NARRATING THROUGH THE NON-FICTION
Larry Beinhart, BuzzFlash
Narrative is one of the fundamental tools we use for organizing our lives. A trip to the grocery is organized as a narrative. So is a political campaign. So is a war.
http://www.alternet.org/election04/20655/

IT'S TIME TO LOOK TO THE CAMPUS
Ben Waxman, WireTap
"If progressives want to rebuild their political infrastructure, then nurturing a vibrant and organized progressive movement among students should be a major priority."
http://www.alternet.org/wiretap/20644/

PARTYING WITH MY PARENTS
Tony Newman, AlterNet
My parents' goal for their two kids was not to practice the unrealistic mission of abstinence, but to keep us safe. In this regard they were incredibly successful.
http://www.alternet.org/drugreporter/20626/

RU ASHAMED?
Claire Barnett, AlterNet
A physician who performs abortions finds that RU-486, the abortion pill, is safe. What is dangerous is the way society stigmatizes women who take it.
http://www.alternet.org/rights/20646/

HIGHWAYS, BYWAYS, AND 'SIDEWAYS'
Sean Axmaker, GreenCine
The creators of 'Sideways' discuss their writing partnership, the state of personal filmmaking in Hollywood today, and, of course, wine.
http://www.alternet.org/movies/20641/

FACING UP TO JUNIOR
John Akpata, Ottawa Xpress
http://www.ottawaxpress.ca/news/news.aspx?iIDArticle=4917

QUOTE OF THE DAY ... The more corrupt the state, the more numerous the laws. Cornelius Tacitus "Annals" [c. 116 A.D.]

THEY FIGHT AND DIE, BUT NOT FOR THEIR COUNTRY ... Why Soldiers Make The Ultimate Sacrifice
Ted Rall Commentary
http://www.commondreams.org/views04/1201-29.htm

RUMSFELD'S CANYON OF CRUELTY
Matthew Rothschild, The Progressive
http://www.commondreams.org/views04/1201-28.html

15,000 RALLY AND MARCH ON CANADIAN PARLIMENT AGAINST BUSH IN OTTAWA [Bravo!!]
Cheers to our wonderful northern comrades ... read all the stories & view photos of the events at the NO TO BUSH! website:
http://www.nowar-paix.ca/notobush/index.htm



ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT: CHALLENGES IN CANADA-US RELATIONS
CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/continentaldivide/index.html

THIS WEEKS HOT PICK: PEARL JAM'S "REARVIEWMIRROR": GREATEST HITS 1991 - 2003
by Gene Stout, Seattlepi
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/pop/199705_hotpick16.html



ANOTHER GREAT REVIEW ON PEARL JAM'S "REARVIEWMIRROR" GREATEST HITS CD SET
by Andrew Unterberger, Stylus Magazine
http://stylusmagazine.com/review.php?ID=2524

FOR THOSE IN THE NYC AREA ... Please Join Brooklyn Parents for Peace and Brooklyn Peace Action at a Community Meeting ... "Where Do We Go From Here?"

Thursday, December 2, 2004
Place: Brooklyn YWCA, 30 Third Avenue at Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn (travel directions below)
Website: http://www.brooklynpeace.org
Time: 7:30 to 9:30 pm
In the second term President Bush will try to expand his "war on terrorism" both at home and abroad. How can the peace movement capture the energy from this summer and fall to mount an effective resistance? Join us for an evening of discussion about new strategies as we develop plans for the future. For a chance to socialize informally, come at 7:00 pm for a pizza dinner. Telephone 718-624-5921 if you will be coming for dinner; $5 contribution requested)

PS. If you missed Howard Zinn speaking on "War and the Election" at our 20th Anniversary Celebration, you can get a VHS or DVD copy of the event by making a $30 or larger donation to BPFP. T-shirts with original art by our Brooklyn artists ("Say No To War" by Nancy Doniger, and "Brooklyn Peace Fair" by Sarah Sills) are also available. Check our website:
http://www.brooklynpeace.org

Travel directions to Brooklyn YWCA, 30 Third Avenue at Atlantic Avenue: By Subway: D, Q, 2, 3, 4, 5 to Atlantic Ave., B, M, N, R to Pacific Street, A, C, G to Hoyt Schermerhorn. By Bus: B37, B63, B65 to Third and Atlantic Avenues, or B41, B45, B67 to Flatbush and Atlantic Avenues.

QUOTE OF THE DAY ... We, the people, are the rightful masters of both congress and the courts, not to overthrow the constitution, but to overthrow men who pervert the constitution. Abe Lincoln

LIVE FROM NEW YORK CITY ... ITS ALL THE NEWS THATS FIT TO PRINT

SILENT NIGHT, DEADLY NIGHT
Mark Hertsgaard, Dragonfly Media
Twenty years later, the Dow/Union Carbide disaster in Bhopal continues to wreak havoc on the lives of thousands. And yet corporate officials have never answered for their actions.
http://www.alternet.org/envirohealth/20627/

SOMETHING'S FISHY IN OHIO
Jesse Jackson, Chicago Sun Times
In the Ukraine, citizens are in the streets protesting what they charge is a fixed election. U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell expresses this nation's concern about apparent voting irregularities. The media give the dispute around-the-clock coverage. But in the United States, massive and systemic voter irregularities go unreported and unnoticed. Ohio is this election year's Florida. The vote in Ohio decided the presidential race, but it was marred by intolerable, and often partisan, irregularities and discrepancies. U.S. citizens have as much reason as those in Kiev to be concerned that the fix was in.
http://www.commondreams.org/views04/1130-21.htm

THE SUPREMES DEBATE MEDICAL POT
Steven Wishnia, AlterNet
Two California women are asking the nation's highest court to prevent the federal government from interfering with their medical-marijuana use.
http://www.alternet.org/drugreporter/20625/

ONLY THE GRASSROOTS CAN SAVE THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY
Joe Trippi, Wall Street Journal
Mr. Kerry raised nearly half of his war chest over the Internet. He was so successful at this that he actually outspent the Bush campaign. But it was the outsider campaign of Howard Dean, reviled by most of the Democratic establishment, that pioneered the use of the Internet to raise millions in small contributions; Mr. Kerry was just the beneficiary as the party nominee. And it was the risk-taking Dean campaign that forced the risk-averse Kerry campaign to opt out of the public financing system. Had that decision not been forced on Mr. Kerry, he would have been badly outspent by George Bush; he would not have been competitive at all throughout the long summer of 2004.
http://www.commondreams.org/views04/1130-23.htm

THE SHOCK OF THE MODERN
Nora Lawrence, AlterNet
In a strange twist on modern architecture, the newly renovated Museum of Modern Art building takes a back seat to the art on its walls.
http://www.alternet.org/story/20629/

HE GOT SHAME
J. Douglas Allen-Taylor, AlterNet
In the full court press to place blame for the Pacers-Pistons brawl, Ron Artest is sacrificed. But who,>really, is at fault?
http://www.alternet.org/mediaculture/20628/

THE VANISHING MOTHERS OF AFRICA
Stephen Lewis, AlterNet
The gender-inequality struggle is the toughest struggle of all; and nowhere is it more keenly felt than in the battle against AIDS.
http://www.alternet.org/envirohealth/20614/

[Duchess Note: Despite what you may have heard on CNN, Fox News or MSNBC ... the Protest Rally & Candlelight Vigil yesterday in Ottawa drew in huge amounts of peaceful Canadians. Protesting the visit of the US puppet dictator ... the totally dumb ass, arrogant, miserable excuse for a human being ... Bush2. I say "bravo" to our northern friends ... Peace & Solidarity!]